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cyandreamsinwords · 3 months

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Cut and Run — Pt 4 (BoaWT AU)

Again, none of this is cannon to the main fic, I just like to self indulge. (3.4k)

Link to the main fic here

Pt 1 Pt 2 Pt 3

"They're still looking for you," Remus said in a hushed voice, so he wouldn't disturb Lyra. I'd become a sensitive topic around her, the even mildest mention of Sirius leaving. She didn't understand what was going on, not in its full context, but she did know that the threat of them being separated again was real.

"I would assume as much, consider the accusations against me," Sirus said loftily. "I am a suspected mass murderer, after all."

“And kidnapper, don’t forget that bit.”

Sirius scoffed. “It’s not kidnapping, she’s my child.”

“They don’t see it that way. Oddly enough, it’s that cousin of yours leading the charge on getting her back out of your hands.”

“Who, Andromeda?”

“No, Narcissa. She’s been pulling a number of strings her and Lucius have to try and put emphasis on getting Lyra back during this manhunt. She's all over the papers, doing interviews begging for the public's help to deliver her home safely.”

A cool fury overtook him. “How thoughtful of her. What exactly has she been saying to the press? That I took her to raise her up as loyal supporter of You-Know-Who, because that’s more her style than mine. Does she think if Lyra is found she gets to keep her or something? She's not taking my child, not under any circumstance.”

Remus gave him a sharply pointed look as Lyra's head tilted toward the angry hissing. Sirius collected himself and gave her a reasuring smile, sticking his tounge out at her for good measure just to get a one of her sweet little giggles.

"I’m not suggesting you hand her over to Narcissa, Sirius, I’m just informing you about what's going on. For now, you seem to be safe here, but I'm not sure what sort of leads they have on you, and I think you should consider leaving at some point. England would be best, but here at the very least."

"I don't want to give our position away now by sticking my head out of the hole. What good would that do?"

Remus leaned in so he could whisper. Sirius' lips twitched as he fought a smile, having his worried face so close once more after years of not seeing it. He looked like he’d aged a decade, but it was still his Moony under all those lines. "This won't work in the long term," he insisted, that crease between his brows digging deeper. "Lyra's content right now, but she's going to grow tired of being confined inside all day."

"She's been fine so far."

"Yes, and that's concerning, Sirius. It is concerning a child her age is so okay with this situation. I know you are enjoying having her tied to your side after being apart for so long, but she should be begging to be going outside, to be able to run around and explore. We should be finding her somewhere she can live a relatively normal life."

The damn breaking, Sirius did finally smile. "We, huh? You plan on running away with us, Remus?"

Remus rolled his eyes, leaning away. "You know what I meant. I'm going to help you find somewhere the two of you can be safe until your name can be cleared. It's going to take time, so we have to figure out the long term plan."

“Sure thing, Moony.”

Lyra frowned as she overheard what her father had said, standing up. “I thought I was your moon?”

Sirius turned to her. “You are, Lyra, you are my Mini Moon. This here is Moony. He’s the big one.”

Seeing she was still not satisfied with this answer, Remus kindly told her, “I promise, you’re still his favorite moon.”

Lyra turned back to her father. “Do you promise?”

“Oh absolutely.”

Pleased with this answer, Lyra swayed happily, a big smile crossing her face. She ran over to him, pulling herself into her father's lap.

"Moony here was just saying we should look for some other living accommodations. Find a place that we can spread out a bit. What do you think? I’m thinking somewhere warm, tropical. Somewhere with a beach. Anything you'd like to add to the search requirements?"

Lyra thought hard, her little brows furrowed in thought as she leaned her head against her father’s shoulder. “…a dragon.”

The two men chuckled. “There’s no better defense system out there,” Remus agreed. "You'll have a fun time learning to train it."

“Alrighty, when the time is right, we’ll pack up here, and go find our beach home with a dragon. Just as soon as we pick up your god brother.”

And there fell Remus’ smile. “Sirius, no.”

“I can’t leave him, Moony. James wanted him with us if anything happened to him and Lily.”

“That was before you were a criminal on the run. He’s with family, he’s safe.”

“Have you checked in on him? Personally?” There was silence. “Yeah, I didn’t think so. Look, Lily didn’t talk about it often, but her and that sister of hers were about as close as my mother and I were.”

“You can’t kidnap a child that isn’t your own, especially not him. You weren't walking around after You-Know-Who was defeated, he was deemed the Boy Who Lived. There isn't a witch or wizard out there who doesn't know his name. The entirety of the Wizarding world will be in an uproar if they found out you took him.”

“It’s not kidnapping, it’s putting things right,” Sirius snapped. He could feel the grip of Lyra’s little fist in his shirt grow tight with anxiety. He rubbed a soothing hand up and down her back as he tried to smooth his ruffled feathers. “I cannot leave James’ son where he is unless I know for certain he is better off there.”

Remus chewed this over, looking incredibly conflicted. It was clear he didn’t think it was a good idea, but he knew Sirius well enough to know when he wasn’t winning an argument, as logical as it was.

“…fine, Pads. I will go check on Harry—”

“No, I will. I am going to see for myself.” He stood, handing Lyra over to Remus, only for her to immediately scramble out of his hold, arms raised to be picked up again.

“I must not bring this up enough, but you are a fugitive. A very well known one who already has his face plastered across ever wizarding and muggle street corner. You could be recognized!”

“You’ll stay here and watch Lyra for me won’t you?” Sirius smoothed down her hair as her arms flailed even more desperately. “It shouldn’t take more than a few days.”

“Is there a reason you’re wanting to go instead of me? Do you think I’ll lie to you about the conditions he’s in.”

Sirius said nothing, just stared at his friend with a cool, blank sort of stare that was meant to speak for him. And it did, as Remus’ face dropped, and a look of restrained shame came over him. He hadn't yet forgiven him for not looking in on Lyra, to know she wasn't where she was meant to be, for having done nothing to fix it.

“You’ll watch Lyra?” he repeated once he sure the message had come across.

“…yeah. I’ll stay and watch Lyra.”

Lyra let out a wail, the classical toddler sort, and Sirius at once swung her into his arms, laying kisses alongside her head. “Oh, my sweet little moon, what is the matter? I won't be gone long. You won’t miss me will you?” She cried, shoving her head into his shoulder. “Get yourself a break from your ol’ dad. You'll probably be glad I'm gone.” She let out a resounding NO, which died into a whimpering pout. “You might actually get yourself a good nights sleep for once, won’t have to listen to my snoring all night, like SHHZZZZZZZ—!!” Lyra began to giggle manically, her pouting from just a moment before masked by her amusement with her dad’s antics.

"You don't snore like that!" she laughed.

"No? Are you sure? Doesn't sound like this at all: SHHHHHHHHZZZZZZ!!!!"

She pulled away from his shoulder. "You're so silly!"

"I hope you never forget that." He pushed the hair out of her face so he could see it. “You and Remus will have a grand time without me. A pair of moons the two of you are. And he's a great cook, much better than me.”

"Does he cook gormee?"

"Better: he cooks edible." He pressed his forehead to hers. "You promise you'll be good for him?" She nodded. "Make at least one mess for him to clean up? A real big one, with a big impossible stain to remove?"

"Promise you're coming back?"

"Consider it an unbreakable vow."

"Now I want a promise of my own," Remus said. "Promise you'll think about what I've said, and that taking Harry is a last resort."

"As if I could rid myself of your dulcet tones, Moony."

⁂ ⁂ ⁂

Lyra wasn't quite sure about this man named Remus yet. When he’d first arrived all those days ago, she was sure he was there to take her father away. He’d been so angry, and he’d made her father angry, and she had wanted nothing more than for him to go away and never come back.

Instead, her father invited him inside, and they all ate dinner together—or, more like they watched Lyra eat her dinner and then awkwardly stirred their own—then her father put her in their bed, and they sat in silence until she’d convinced them she was asleep. Then they spoke in very quiet whispers on the other side of the room, in voices so low Lyra couldn’t make out the words and eventually just fell asleep. She had expected him to be gone in the morning, but they were both still there, neither looking like they had gotten any sleep. Her father took her nap with her that day.

The man Remus stayed for two more nights before he left, and that was the last she thought they’d see of him. But it wasn’t long before he was back, and this time with food, and lots of it. Her father had been excited, and the two of them spent the afternoon fixing up a shelf to store things on and organizing the cans and boxes.

He’d brought more food with him every time he left and came back, and Lyra was starting to think he might be around for a while. It seemed to make her father happy, but she still wasn’t quite sure she felt the same. He was a stranger, yet there was something oddly familiar about him.

That morning, after breakfast, her father kissed her on the forehead and promised he’d be back soon. Lyra would have gone and hid as soon as her father was gone, if there was somewhere in her new home for her to hide. All there was was the space under the bed, which the man Remus could see quite easily to where she lay under there.

Just to prove how easy it was to find her, he pulled up the dangling covers and got down onto his knees to look at her. "Are you pouting down there?" he asked.

Lyra shook her head, hiding her face in her crossed arms.

"Are you sure?" She nodded her head. "Well, if you're going to stay down there, would you like a little blanket to wrap yourself up in." She hesitated before nodding her head. He pulled the length of fabric she'd claimed as hers off the top of the bed and handed it over to her. "Would you like a pillow too? In case you get tired?" Another nod. "You're looking pretty set down there. Would you like some juice as well, any snacks? No? Okay, you let me know if you want any books or toys to keep you entertained."

Those were things she had now. Books and toys. She hadn’t had any when they first came to this new place, and she’d had to make do with her imagination and whatever makeshift thing her father could conjure up. They were some of the things this man Remus had brought when he'd brought them food. Her father sat with her before bed every night and read her a story that she got to pick, using the few stuffies she'd been gifted as props for the voices he used.

Her lip jutted out as she realized she wasn't getting a story tonight.

She was very careful not to let her sniffles be heard from her position under the bed, hiding them in her blanket. Father didn't seem to mind her cries, she'd learned it was fine when he heard them, but grandmother had been different. She would become very cross anytime she heard Lyra crying. She didn’t know about other people, she didn’t know about him and she didn’t want to test it.

She saw one of her new stuffies on the ground, just a bit away from the edge of the bed. It was a frog, with long legs, floppy webbed feet and a big head that usually tipped it over. She’d named him Jumper, because that was what frog did. Wanting it, she reached out from her hiding spot, straining to reach it.

From where he sat, the man Remus paused, then stood up and walked over. Her hand quickly retreated, afraid of getting caught.

He reached down, picking up the stuffed frog, and placing it just within Lyra’s reach. She didn’t reach out for it now, fearing it was a trick to get her out from her hiding spot. It fell onto its face and he took the time to set it back up into its seated position, holding a hand out to make sure it stayed, before, surprisingly, walking back to his early seat and resuming his activity.

She waited a full minute just to see if it were some sort of trick, before reaching out and grabbing it. He did nothing about it.

With a friend safely secured, Lyra now wiped her tears in its fur, and cried in silent misery, missing her father, until she fell asleep.

When she woke next, the sun had reached further across the floor. She could still see Remus’ feet across the room, standing now and chopping something up. Her stomach growled at the thought of food, and suddenly she realized just how hungry she really was.

“…can I have a snack?”

He paused his chopping for a moment. “Yeah, you can have a little snack,” he said easily. “I’m making lunch right now, so only a little one, to tide you over. You’ll have to come out though to get it.”

The thought of a snack was a bit more appealing than staying under the bed all day. With some reluctance, Lyra crawled out.

The man Remus smiled at her as she did. “Nice to finally see you, moon,” he said in a soft, kind voice. The scars across his face stretched, but in a nice sort of way, a familiar sort. “How about a bit of fruit? I’ve got apples I could cut up.”

Lyra nodded her approval and came to sit at the table, waiting for her food. She brought Jumper with her, sitting him in her lap.

“We’ve still got half a day left,” he said as he cooked and she nibbled on her apple. She watched him warily as she did so. “Is there anything you are wanting to do?”

She shook her head wordlessly, sitting further back in her chair.

He hummed thoughtfully. “Could you help me with something then?” Her head tilted in question. He picked up a cutting board with slices of bread on it, some butter and a dull knife and placed it in front of her. “I’m busy with the stew. Do you mind buttering some bread for the two of us? Something to go with our lunch. It’d be very helpful.”

That caught her interest. She didn’t think she’d ever really been helpful before. Her father was always able to handle everything for the two of them, and Kreature had never needed her for help, not ever.

She busied herself with buttering the bread, being sure that it got into every corner of the bread. When the man checked back in her work he nodded in approval. “Yes, this will do just nicely. You did a really good job, Lyra.”

Her heart soared at that despite her wariness of him. She couldn’t wait to tell her father that she’d done a good job when he got home, he’d be so happy to hear it.

A little bit later, lunch was ready, and they had their actual meal. He was a better cook than her father, that much was unfortunately for certain. Kreature had been a good cook as well, and she’d only just gotten used to what her father served.

“You can play with your toys while I clean up, Moon,” he said once they were finished.

He stood to clear away their dishes.

“...why did you try and take my father away?”

He was startled by the question. Lyra, having only just gathered up the courage to ask, sat on her hands and hoped he wouldn’t be too upset with her asking.

“I…I thought your dad did a very bad thing,” he explained cautiously. “The sort of thing someone has to go to jail for, so they can be punished.”

“Did he do a really bad thing?”

“No, there was a mistake. It just looked like he did.”

“Grandmother says he did something bad too.”

“A lot of people think so. That’s why there are people are after him right now, because not everyone knows the truth.” Remus leaned down onto his elbows so he could level their eyesights. “You did a very brave thing, coming out that day to help your dad. You helped to convince me to let him explain himself.” He smiled. “But please, don’t do that again. I’m very scared the next person won’t do the same and you could be hurt.”

She hadn’t thought so much that she was saving her father that day as much as she wanted to be sure, wherever he went, she went with him.

Remus reached out and took one of the frog’s little hands. “You know, this was my stuffie when I was your age. I took him everywhere with me, even when I got a bit old for toys like this, because I was a very lonely little boy. But after I met your dad, and our friend James, I found I didn’t need him so much.”

Lyra thought on that for a moment before holding the stuffie out. “Do you want him back?”

“No, sweet heart, I gave him to you. I think you’ll be a better friend to him than I will. Besides, I got my friend back. And maybe you and I can be friends too.”

“Because you’re a moon and I’m a moon too?”

Remus laughed softly. “Yeah, exactly.”

“But I’m still my dad’s favorite.”

He reached out and gave her nose a teasing pinch, making her giggle. “Braggart.”

⁂ ⁂ ⁂

Now no longer suspicious of the new figure in her and her father’s lives, Lyra decided she actually liked Remus quite a lot. He wasn’t as good at doing the voices as her father was while reading her stories, but he was very good at telling new ones, ones he didn’t even need a book for. He let her color his drawings and in turn let her help him make supper too. And right before bed, when she really started to miss her father, he made shadow puppets against the wall for her to watch as she fell asleep.

“Night, little moon.” He smoothed a hand over her hair.

“Night big moon.” She grabbed his hand, much larger than her own, and held that in one hand, her other arm wrapped around Jumper, just until she fell asleep.

Later that night, Lyra was woken first to the sound of heavy rain and thunder. She rubbed her eyes and turned toward the window where water pelted against the glass. There was a new sound, one that had Remus jerking upright in the chair he’d claimed as his bed, and grabbing his wand. He was silhouetted by the next flash of lighting, his entire frame ridgid.

“Lyra,” he hissed in a low voice. “Under the bed. Now—”

The door opened, and he pointed his wand towards it.

“Mind getting us a towel, Moony?” her father asked, setting down a little boy. “We’re dripping all over.”

#burning of a withered tree #fanfic #boawt au #fanfic aus #Cut and Run AU

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i-am-bitterly-jittery · 2 years

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Five Times Someone Mistook Roman And Remus (And One Time They Finally Met)

5. Janus and Patton

[1] [2] [3] [4] • [+1]

Word Count: 1361

Rating: Teen

Pairings: Dukexiety, pining Roceit, developing Logicality

Warnings: drunkenness, a fair amount of implied sexual context (the only character who actually has sex is sober), jealousy, did I mention drunkenness

~~~START~~~

“C’mon, Re, it’ll be fun!” Patton tried, poking the moping blanket burrito currently curled up on his couch.

“Nooooo!” The burrito whined.

“Virgil will be home tomorrow; it’s your birthday, let’s celebrate!”

The burrito didn’t react. Time for plan B.

“I need a wingman.”

“…fine.”

~~~

“Pleeeease, Logan?” Roman begged, pulling out the puppy dog eyes.

“Roman, I do not enjoy loud music or drunk people,” Logan waved him off, focusing instead on his tax forms or something — Roman wasn’t paying attention.

“You didn’t invite me to my own birthday party!”

“We sent Remy to find you, the fact that the man he brought back was not you is not my fault.”

“Gurl that’s why we’re going to the club!” Remy pointed out from where he was making himself a latte. “To make up for the party.”

“Besides,” Janus added, smirking. “Do you really trust us,” he motioned to himself, Remy, and Roman, “to go out unsupervised? Who knows what kind of trouble we might get into.”

“…you have a point. Fine, but you are all going with me to the opening of the planetarium next week.”

“Deal!”

“As long as they have coffee.”

“I suppose that’s fair.”

“Excellent, then we shall go to the club tonight.”

~~~

In the end, Patton hadn’t needed Remus’s help to find a cute guy, but the last time he’d seen his friend, he’d looked like he was having fun.

Patton was having fun too; he was a few drinks in — just enough to be a little tipsy — and talking to the most specs-tacular man he’d ever seen. Said man was certainly more than a few drinks in, but the way he was drunkenly babbling about space was the most endearing thing Patton had ever seen.

“–and the photos from the James Webb Space Telescope! Have you seen them?”

“I don’t think so,” Patton smiled, flagging down the bartender for another drink.

“Wait, I have them on my phone,” the man — Logan — fumbled around in his pocket. “Here.”

Patton looked as Logan thumbed through the photos for him.

“They’re really pretty!”

“They’re more than pretty,” Logan stressed. “They’re stunning! They’re gorgeous! They’re– they’re… words’re hard.”

Logan picked up his glass, then glared at it as he found it to be empty.

“Here.” Patton placed the water he’d ordered in front of the other man. “I think you’ve had enough alcohol.”

Logan stared at the glass, then at Patton, his face completely unreadable.

“You’re gorgeous,” he said eventually. “As humans, one possible objective is to copulate, therefore would you like to procreate– copulate? Proculate… copreate?”

“Oh, sweetie,” Patton giggled. “You’re drunk. Did you come here with anyone? Do you need me to call you a cab?”

“I’m not drunk,” Logan insisted. “You’re drunk. I’m sober perfectly.”

“Okay,” Patton smiled, grabbing a pen that had been discarded on the bar. “Here’s my number, you can call me tomorrow if you still want to copreate. Do you have someone to take you home, or should I call you a cab?”

“Janus can cab,” Logan answered unhelpfully, though he was pointing at someone across the room.

“Is that Janus?” Patton asked, trying to figure out who Logan was pointing to.

“Yes.”

“Okay, upsy daisy, let’s go find Janus.”

Patton had to support most of his weight as Drunk Logan proved to have little control over his long limbs. They made it halfway through the crowd before a man materialized in front of them.

“How much have you had to drink?” The man demanded of Logan, ignoring Patton for the time being.

“Only a little bit. Me and Patton were talking about stars,” Logan answered. This did not seem to satisfy the man — presumably Janus.

“Logan, you drove us here!”

“I shouldn’t drive,” Logan answered. “We should taxi. We should taxi to Patton’s!”

“No, sweetie,” Patton cut in. “You should go home; you can call me tomorrow if you want.”

Logan pouted. Janus and Patton exchanged a commiserative glance, and then Patton was transferring Logan’s weight on to Janus.

“Thank you,” Janus said.

Patton just nodded before turning around and pushing through the crowd once more. It was about time for him and Remus to get going too… he just needed to find Remus.

He’d just turned to look in a different direction when someone bumped into him, sending him stumbling and causing his glasses to fall off. He got down on the ground to look for them, but just before he could reach them, a stray foot accidentally stepped on them.

“Oh shit! I’m sorry dude!” The man who’d stepped on his glasses apologized.

“No worries,” Patton waved him off tiredly as he collected the broken pieces — the lenses seemed to be intact, but the frames were bent. He sighed and stuffed the pieces into his pocket, he still had to find Remus.

~~~

This night was not going how Janus had imagined it.

First, Remy peeled off after the first round of drinks (which was to be expected), then Logan left to get another round and never returned (unexpected, but perfect for what Janus had planned), but then Roman spotted a hot guy across the room and left before Janus could get to the confession part!

After that he might have had another drink, or two, or three.

Maybe four.

His friends had yet to resurface, but Janus was in his drinking phase where he hated and resented everyone, so he didn’t care much.

Of course, then he’d spotted a drunk Logan being supported by a stranger and Bitter Janus turned into Mom-Friend Janus in an instant as he moved to intervene.

The stranger, it seemed, was trying to send Logan home, so Janus accepted his friend from him and dragged him back to the table he’d been wallowing at. Logan was drunker than Janus had ever seen him — if the excessive use of contractions and incorrect grammar were anything to go off of — but he’d still need to find Roman and Remy before he could take him home.

He pulled out his phone to text them, and found two missed texts from Remy from over an hour ago.

Hey babes, went home 😏🍆🍑

And then twenty minutes later:

Home safe. Being safe 😎💦

Well, that was one less person to worry about, now he just had to find–

“Snakey!”

Roman draped himself over Janus’s back, wrapping his arms securely around his waist.

“Hello, Roman. I wasn’t just looking for you,” Janus replied, trying — unsuccessfully — to dislodge the other man from his person.

“You’re funny,” Roman declared, obviously also extremely inebriated. “You’re like… like Dr. Trick-le and Mr. Lies!”

Roman laughed at his own terrible nickname, and Janus rolled his eyes fondly.

“How much have you had to drink?”

“Soooo much,” Roman drawled, slowly transferring more and more weight onto Janus. “I gotta find him though.”

“Remy went home, Ro, you don’t need to find anyone. Can you walk on your own? I need to support Samuel Adams over here.”

“I gotta go home with–”

“I’m not letting you go home with someone while this drunk,” Janus cut him off quickly, fighting off the return of Bitter Janus. “I’m ordering an Uber and we’ll all go back to my place.”

Roman found this very funny for some reason, but Janus ignored his laughter and finally shook the man off. He grabbed Logan and began dragging him out of the club without looking back — though he knew Roman was following because he was still laughing.

He shoved Logan into the middle seat of the Uber once it arrived, and vehemently ignored the sharp pang he felt when he noticed that Roman was wearing a different shirt than he’d come in.

All he wanted to do was get home and sleep through the massive hangover he already knew he’d have, what Roman did and didn’t do with another man while they were at the club did not matter.

~~~

Remus was pretty drunk by the time Patton finally found him — a much harder task when he didn’t have his glasses — and he didn’t put up any fight as Patton dragged him out of the club and into a cab.

~~~END~~~

Virgil had to be removed from the situation, he’d see too much, he’d know

Janus: his shirt is different >:(

Also Janus: *doesn’t notice that all of his clothes are different and he has a mustache*

(They’ll kiss in the next part I swear)

Doppelgänger taglist:

@royalty-of-all-things-snuggly @pixelated-pineapple @knight-shives @misunderstood-shadowling @minamishipsit2

#sanders sides #ts sanders sides #roman sanders #remus sanders #logan sanders #patton sanders #janus sanders #remy sanders #virgil sanders #dukexiety #roceit #logicality #intruxiety #princeit #doppelgänger au #thursday writes #my writing #sanders sides fanfiction

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unravellingsilencehq · 1 year

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“Oh, Merlin, tell me, does THE WHITE KNIGHT get what he deserves?” He is in THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX & CLOSED to finding out.

name → james potter pronouns → he/him identification → cis male year of birth → september 1959 - september 1960 face claim → darren barnet blood status → pure-blood sexual orientation → up to applicant occupation → auror for the department of magical law enforcement at the ministry of magic future information → husband of lily evans, father of harry potter

— he is best described as ;

UNWAVERING LOYALTY. He is a FIRM HANDSHAKE after a game of or a PAT ON THE BACK in a time of SUPPORT. He is a BOYISH SMILE when no one is looking and the comforting scent of the EARTH after it RAINS or the taste of a BEER by the FIREPLACE on an AUTUMN evening with friends. He’s the first boy you write LOVE LETTERS to yourself about, wishing you knew more.

— his story starts with ;

tw: death, tw: blood

A legendary man; James Potter’s name rings around Wizarding London as loud as the toll of Big Ben. To most he is a beloved former school boy who grew into a respected auror, whilst others would speak of him in a less favourable light. Born to Fleamint and Euphima Potter, James was an only child and raised in a large and beautiful home. The Potters were an old family in the city and highly respected amongst high society, both for their name and their contribution to modern day wizarding cosmetics. Childhood was glittering parties and rubbing shoulders with Ministry Officials, models and designers that clutched bubbling drinks. Like any loving parents, the Potters filled their son’s head with dreams and each night he slept soundly knowing the world was his oyster, he only needed to go out and grasp it. Hogwarts presented an opportunity for James to fan his feathers in front of a larger audience and he wasted no time in doing so before the sorting hat touched his dark curls.

James spotted SIRIUS BLACK [best friend/housemate] upon entering the train and immediately became intrigued. He had seen Sirius in his parents circles, though he was aware the Black family preferred to cart out their nieces to public parties rather than their eldest son. They told the same jokes and both immediately rushed to the windows of their carriage when they saw a fight unfolding in the aisles. As soon as James saw PETER PETTIGREW [best friend/housemate] put away his wand and give LARKIN MULCIBER [adversary] a right hook to the jaw, James knew he had to be his friend. Sorted into Gryffindor, he was excited to be with like-minded people and was overjoyed to be seated with Peter and Sirius at the table. But there was someone else sitting there that would come to be just as prominent in his life. It didn’t take long for James to learn that wrapping Gryffindor around his little finger was incredibly easy, but others were not so easily persuaded. LILY EVANS [close friend/potential love interest] was one of them.

No matter how many outlandish displays of affection he threw her way, asking her to be his valentine by spelling her name into fireworks in The Great Hall, defending her honour when people dared to insult her, she was adamant she wanted nothing to do with him. Although his antics did not capture Lily’s attention they did capture those of the faculty, but James had cunning a plan to get around that. REMUS LUPIN [best friend/housemate] was a fellow Gryffindor who had the favour of a number of the teachers including ALBUS DUMBLEDORE [leader/former headmaster] and had future prefect written on his forehead. James made it his mission early on to befriend him, finding the task more difficult than he’d anticipated due to how aloof he was, despite being friendly and easy to speak to. Then in second year, with help from Peter and Sirius, they learned his closely guarded secret. Remus was a boy in need of love and acceptance. From that point onward they were inseparable. Peter was his joy, Sirius was his right hand and Remus was his conscience, which he often needed to spot the holes in his hairbrained schemes.

Remus had been the one to tell him that mercilessly bullying Lily’s gatekeeper SEVERUS SNAPE [adversary] was a bad idea. Or that dating her best friend MARLENE MCKINNON [close friend/former partner] to get her attention, would not get him the attention he was after. James didn’t really know how to win with her and was surprised when suddenly she began being kind to him, but by the time she had, he had more on his mind than winning her over. Just before final year, James had opened his front door to find Sirius sobbing in the street holding his bags. His family had finally severed all ties with him and their friendship meant more to Sirius now than it ever had before. Seventh year saw James a decorated Quidditch Captain and Head Boy, but when he looks back on that time he remembers how he tried to be there for his friends. Soothing their worries and providing a laugh when needed; and how all of the childishness that came before, of flirting with girls and bullying other boys felt meaningless in comparison.

Upon graduating, James moved to London with Remus, Sirius and James. Unlike his friends he had a clear vision of what he wanted to do and was eagerly accepted onto the Auror training programme where he excelled in his position. He was happy in his job, keeping the streets of the city safe at night and partying with his friends in the evening. It was all he’d ever wanted. But James remembered the day it all suddenly changed. Just past midnight he ran to Marlene, her dress soaked in blood, a look of horror on her face like she’d never seen before. BOOKER BAGNOLD [person of interest], was dead and one of his close friends had been uncomfortably close to the event. James threw everything he had into the case, working hard to find the person who had done it and fighting the twists and turns that came their way. He couldn’t have foreseen however, how connected it all was, until the day that Dumbledore extended an invitation to join The Order of The Phoenix. James had noticed the amount of missing person’s cases piling up on his desk and the deaths that went unsolved.

It was the musings, he thought of a tired auror that something larger was at play and then suddenly they had an answer. THE DARK LORD [adversary]. A mysterious figure who Dumbledore was adamant was the hand of death behind it all. To take his mind off things, James has been privately working the cold case of missing socialte ROSALIE FLINT [person of interest], who disappeared three years ago. Many disappearence and attacks including the death of Booker, were attributed to werewolves, prompting the Ministry to look more closely at the members of Wizarding London who may be hiding in plain sight. James has been doing his best to investigate crimes he believes might be related to werewolves, with the help of his mentor HESTIA JONES [close friend/mentor] at The Order’s HQ to ensure Remus’s job remains in tact and he stays out of the crosshairs of some diffiuclt cases which could be pinned on his best friend in panic. Something feels wrong to James about Rosaline’s disappearance and although to many she’s just a pure-blood socialte, he is certain a little research she could fit into a bigger picture no one has seen.

— he is a LEVEL 7 WIZARD & readied for war ;

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arielgobuss · 4 months

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The chapter 39th has been posted. Here is the preview

39. Something's wrong

Something's wrong with you, The walls you build around you now, Seem to fit you like a glove.

Am I too blind to see that there's something there behind your eyes and it's bringing me to my knees?*

On Friday morning during breakfast, Harry received a letter from Lupin. He wouldn't feel comfortable reading it at the staff table where all Hogwarts students ate their meals every day, so he stuffed it in his pocket and opened it only when he was alone in his dormitory.

For the first half of the letter, Remus only wrote about insignificant trivialities, asked Harry how his studies were going, whether he liked his lessons with Tonks, expressed his interest in the Quidditch matches and only mentioned in half-words that he was currently performing an important task for the Order, but for security reasons he cannot reveal anything more to him.

As for your questions, Harry... I know you're eager to know something, and I totally understand that. However, we have certain recommendations and rules. It's not known who could intercept this letter. That's why I can only tell you that our information shows that it's getting more and more dangerous. He seems to be in an unusually good mood lately, so we fear he may be planning something big and very dangerous. We have already lost many Aurors and we believe that number may increase in the near future. That's why I'm asking you not to leave Hogwarts anywhere and not to try to break the Headmaster's ban. It's for your safety, even if you think it limits your freedom. You need to understand, Harry, that you are his main target and we must protect you at all costs. Remember - don't trust anyone, not even your friends. You need to keep an eye out and if you notice anything suspicious, anything, report it to Dumbledore immediately.

I'm sorry for this didactic tone, but I only want your good. Now that Sirius is gone, it's up to me to take care of you and I'm very sorry that I can't be there to support you, but I'm trying my best to do it from a distance. I hope you understand this.

Greet Ron and Hermione from me.

Remus Lupin

Harry put the letter aside, gripping it a little too tightly. His hands were shaking slightly. It was nice that Remus was so concerned about him, but damn it, he wasn't a little kid anymore. He didn't want protection. He wanted information, anything!

Something twisted in his stomach at the mention of Sirius. For months, he had tried his best not to think about his godfather, but sometimes, when someone reminded him of him, something inside him snapped and his mind flooded with images from that night.

He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out the vision of Sirius falling through the veil and his own scream, multiplied by anger and guilt and returning to him with even greater force. He began to breathe deeply, trying to get rid of the weight pressing down on his heart. The problem was that he had had it inside him for so long that he almost never felt it, except when someone reminded him of its presence.

No, he won't think about that now. There will still be time for this. A time when he would point his wand at Bellatrix Lestrange, lying at his feet... and this time he won't hesitate.

He looked at Lupin's tiny handwriting again. Really, did they all have to treat him like this? 'We have to protect you, Harry', 'It's for your safety, Harry', and so on... He kept hearing it and it made him more and more frustrated. Everyone wanted to protect him... and what good will he get from this protection if one day he will have to fight Voldemort anyway? He won't defeat him with Protego alone. It's probably obvious that he would have a much better chance if he knew anything. But no, instead of preparing him, everyone just wanted to protect him. Even Severus...

Hold on. After all, Severus had promised that he would consider teaching him a few curses. Harry completely forgot about that conversation, and the man never mentioned it, but Harry will ask him about it today! Yesterday's meeting ended a bit strangely and they didn't manage to make an appointment at all, but he doesn't always have to come announced. It was true that he could ask him through the stone, but what if Severus refused? No, Harry had to know that today! He'll go to him tonight and... he'll get an answer from Snape!

***

Harry stopped in front of the door to Severus' office and looked at the Marauder's Map again. Yes, the man was still inside.

He took a deep breath, put the map back in his pocket, and touched the door, which immediately opened to him. He walked through the office, taking off his invisibility cloak, and he knocked on the wooden surface of the heavy gate leading to the Potions Master's private quarters.

There was silence for a moment as Harry waited, his heart beating loudly and getting faster with each second he waited.

The doorknob moved and the door opened slightly.

"Potter," Severus hissed, narrowing his eyes as his gaze fell on Harry. "What do you want? I don't remember that we had an appointment today."

"No, but..." Harry started, but couldn't finish because Snape interrupted him. His voice seemed to be carved from ice.

"I don't have time for you. I would be extremely grateful if you would get out of my sight now and come back tomorrow," he drawled.

Harry felt a strange trembling around his heart. Something was wrong. Severus was acting somehow... nervous? But this time he wouldn't let himself be dismissed so easily, because the cause he came with was too important to him.

"Then you have to find it," he replied cheekily and quickly slipped under Snape's arm. The man's chamber was in semi-darkness. "I just have one question and I'll be leaving," he said, scanning the room with an appraising look before Severus could turn around. "Do you remember our conversation about the Dark Arts? You promised that--" he stopped as suddenly as if he had swallowed his own tongue. With eyes wide with horror, he stared at the Death Eater's mask lying on the chair. It was bright, almost pearlescent, reflecting the firelight from the fireplace. There were a few small, dried drops of blood on it. Right next to it he saw a black robe, the sleeves of which were decorated with dark green images of a skull and a snake.

Harry felt his stomach drop to his feet and an icy fear grip his heart, but before he could recover enough to utter a word, Severus' hand grabbed him roughly by the arm and pulled him towards the door.

"I told you I'm busy, Potter," the man hissed, the anger in his voice seeming to sting. "But apparently you're too arrogant and insolent to respect it." Snape dragged him out the door and across the office, squeezing his arm so tightly that Harry was sure it would bruise. "Now get out. If you have any business with me, come tomorrow. And if you ignore my words again, it will end badly for you." The Potions Master pushed him out into the corridor and slammed the door, and the sound echoed far through the vast corridors of the deserted dungeons.

Harry turned around and leaned back against the wall as his legs gave out. He felt like his head was about to explode. For a moment he just breathed heavily, trying to calm his racing heart and the feeling as if something was about to tear him apart from the inside.

Snape was a Death Eater!

It wasn't that he didn't know it, but now... when he saw it with his own eyes, it became so... terrifyingly true.

He knew that Severus was a spy for the Order, and as a spy he had to be absolutely trusted by Voldemort and the other Death Eaters, and that's why he's forced to do whatever they tell him, but... Harry always tried not to think about it, to ignore it. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say. And now he saw it... he saw the bloody mask, the hated robe, and he felt as if what he had been trying to deny opened up above him and fell on him with incredible force.

He took a shaky breath, put on the invisibility cloak, and slowly made his way back to the dormitory.

Only now did certain facts begin to slip into his consciousness that he had not been able to, did not want, or was unable to admit before. He had never wondered before, not really, about this 'second' life of Severus... Somewhere out there, far from his dim chambers, far from the safety of Hogwarts, far from the long school corridors and the students running carelessly along them, far away from Harry... Among hatred, dread, screams of pain, howls of the dying ones, among envy, despair and mind-shattering laughter, devoid of all feelings and disinhibited...

Truth be told, Harry didn't think he could live like this. He suspected he would either go mad or become as unscrupulous a murderer as everyone else. A person, no matter how mentally strong and resistant, will after some time begin to 'permeate' the strong emotions present in the air, absorb them and perceive them as their own, no longer distinguishing them from each other.

But Severus was... Severus Snape. After all, he was someone who could do anything with his mind. At least that's what he said. Harry remembered that conversation.

#desiderium intimum #snarry #ariel gobuss #harry potter #severus snape #snarry fanfic #snape/harry #hp fic

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anywherebuthere · 3 years

Text

I had a dream about you last night || j.p.

James Potter x fem!reader

“Even when you’re gone, you are all that haunts my dreams.”

Wordcount: 1969

A/N: Happy (belated) birthday to the only man ever <33 I am illiterate, so I had a mental breakdown writing this <3 please enjoy!! special thanks to @anchoeritic and @gxtitobxby for supporting me via discord and for making fun of the time I got hit by a car :)) @skullsontess07 I finally posted it pls don’t hurt me <33

Warnings: alcohol, allusions to sex, death, bad writing, especially towards the end. barely proofread because I don’t believe in mistakes <3 /j

Please do not repost this!! I do not consent to this piece of fiction being published on any other site besides tumblr unless it by my doing.

The ticking of the grandfather clock thrummed in James’ ears as he tipped back the empty bottle, the smell of whiskey heavy in the air. He leaned his head against the cold surface of the white plaster wall, scanning the textured ceiling with misty eyes. His home, still half furnished, was riddled with traces of something better forgotten. Even with the weight of alcohol on his breath, his mind is running with memories and daydreams of her.

He closed his eyes, forcing the imagery away. In the distance, a train chugged on, its lone whistle echoing in the night, and James can’t help but be pulled into an uneasy slumber, memories still flashing through his mind like a broken film.

“Prongs, you git! We’re going to miss the train if you don’t hurry your fat arse.” Remus shouted, frustration seeping into his humoured voice.

“Relax Moony, we’ll be fine,” he replied, breath heaving slightly from sprinting across Platform 9¾, just narrowly having avoided knocking over an elderly witch.

As the four boys approached the entrance of the cart, the train’s departing whistle blared. They boarded quickly, though not without receiving a glare from a crew member.

Hurrying down the corridor, the boys glanced through every compartment window, though each appeared to be full of giggling sixth years. That is, with the exception of one.

Near the back end of the Hogwarts Express, was, at last, an empty compartment save for a singular figure slumped against the window. With no other choice of seating, the gaggle of boys slipped in silently, Sirius and Remus snagging the seats opposite to the slumbering girl, their pinkies linked as they whispered conspiratorially amongst themselves.

Peter, as adverse to the female race as ever, took the seat closest to the door, leaving James to be wedged between the mousy blonde and the stranger, careful not to bump her with his broad shoulders.

The train ride was filled with hushed whispers as the marauders discussed this year's prank for the welcoming feast, a customary tradition they held sacred, as to “start the year right.”

As they began going over the mechanisms of their plan, they felt the train begin to swerve as it approached a sharp turn. The compartment shook slightly and James suddenly felt a weight on his right side.

He stiffened, glancing over to see that the girl’s head had lulled over from the compartment wall and onto his shoulder. James recognized her as a student in their year. Y/N, who had tutored Regulus the same day that James had helped Sirius prank him as petty revenge for a now long-forgotten argument.

And well, perhaps James had wanted her to notice him for once. If so, it had been a successful endeavour as he remembered the way her face had contorted in anger, though her attention had remained just as elusive for the remainder of their fifth year. So… perhaps not so successful.

He flushed at the memory. She was now even prettier than the year prior.

“Oh? Is that a blush we see, Moony?” Sirius taunted, nudging Remus with his elbow as he snickered at James’ scowl.

“Bloody hell, piss off, will you? You’ll wake her–”

He felt her suddenly stir beside him, brows creasing as though on the cusp of consciousness.

James held his breath.

The moment passed as Y/N nudged her face further into the crook of his neck before settling back into a peaceful slumber.

Perhaps he wouldn’t need the prank to start the year right this time around.

It seemed that sixth year would be a good one for James.

In the early morning of a mid-March day, an unlikely scene unfolded between the shelves of Hogwarts’ library. There he sat beside a bleary Y/N, voice still drowsy with sleep as she read aloud a passage from the Herbology textbook perched between them.

Initially, James had detested the thought of having to wake up at such an ungodly hour for the sake of a project. No other time had fit, not with his Quidditch practices and her absurd number of tutoring sessions.

Though now, as the early rays of sunrise filtered through the library’s mullioned windows onto her skin, James thinks that there is nowhere else he would rather be.

He thinks this moment will be ingrained in his mind forever.

“–once a century, the Flutterby bush produces flowers able to attract the unwary.” she paused to yawn, eyebags evident as she turned to meet James’ gaze. She scrunched her nose and he swore he swooned at the very sight. “Are you even listening to me, Potter?”

“I’m always listening to you,” he replied, tilting his head. She grins in response and he notices just how beautiful it is.

She shifted her gaze back to the textbook lying in their laps, picking up where she had left off.

“Its scent adapts–”

James leaned forward suddenly, capturing her lips in his. The book fell closed between them.

Immediately, almost though by instinct, Y/N reciprocates, moving her lips gently against his as her hand cups his cheek. James finds himself gripping that hand as his other wraps around her waist, finding the small of her back and pulling her impossibly close against him.

She tasted of cherry chapstick and peppermint bubblegum, and though there was nothing particularly special about those flavours, on her, James swears that he could drown in his intoxication alone. Her perfume wafts through the air, the scent causing him to groan against her mouth.

When they separated at last, his head was swimming in euphoria, his expression dazed. Y/N blinked up at him, sleep wiped entirely from her expression.

“Its scent adapts itself during these times to attract said unwary.” she finishes, sounding breathless still, voice trailing off as James began to laugh hysterically.

She rolled her eyes, smiling sheepishly.

When James still couldn’t stop laughing, Y/N gripped his haphazardly tied red and gold tie, using it to pull his soft lips against hers once more and he was sure in his mind that there would no one else for him.

Beneath a great oak tree in the courtyard lay two figures. Under the tree’s twisting branches, they hid in its cool shade from the sweltering afternoon sun. Few places aside from the castle offered shelter from June’s blistering heat and as the semester approached its end, they finally allowed themselves to rest in the gentle breeze.

James was leaning against the thick trunk while Y/N’s head lay in his lap. His elbow was resting on her abdomen as she drew on his hand, doodling intricate flower designs alongside some… less desirable things.

He felt his heart swell with joy as her laughter filled the summer air and before he could catch himself, he blurted out the thought that had been weighing in the back of his mind since they had started dating.

“Do you ever think about your future?"

He felt the scratch of her muggle pen slow, as though pausing in thought.

"I want to grow old and die surrounded with people I love, knowing I lived a long and fulfilling life. You know, typical boring stuff," she replied after a moment's consideration. Her eyes twinkled with more, though Y/N never indulged in half-thought-out plans.

"What about you?" she questioned with the tip of her head. James didn’t need time to think about it. He had known his answer since that fateful September morning when she had slept on his shoulder throughout the entirety of the train ride.

"I don't care what my future is as long as you're there" he answers truthfully.

Y/N flushed, her ears heated. She looked away, the corners of her lips turning up in the barest hint of a smile.

James freed his hand from her loose grasp, hooking her chin to look back towards him before leaning in to kiss her.

Even after all these months, he relished in the taste of her lips. He doubts he’ll ever be able to get enough of the feeling.

He doubts he’ll ever be able to get enough of her.

The sun was setting in the west on a quiet evening, its golden rays shining on the slick skin of two lovers as they untangled themselves from the sheets, unable to hold in their laughter when one got his foot stuck in the knot of their crochet blanket.

The air hung heavy with the scent of sweat and endorphins as Y/N laid back, her body still bare, not bothering to cover it.

James propped his elbow beside her head, careful not to press on her spread-out hair, his face filled with ecstasy and pure bliss.

He will never get used to the sight of her in his bed, giggling as the sun reflected off her silky skin. The image of her underneath him is cemented in his mind, permanently lodged there as solid as concrete. He knows now with absolute certainty that there would be no one else for him.

James’ smile widened further as he nudged his nose into the crook of her neck, leaning in to place a kiss there when his vision blurred.

It was no longer sunset. Rather, the two of them were now enveloped in the dark of night and James is certain he hears the echo of a familiar spell ring off in the distance.

He pulls away from Y/N’s neck.

She was no longer shaking with laughter, but rather, writhing in pain. There were lacerations all across her torso and James felt something sticky underneath his hands.

They were laying in a pool of her blood.

Panic clawed at his throat and though he had never been averse to the sight of blood, yours was an exception. The taste of bile clung to his tongue.

“No... No no no no no,” he whispered in disbelief. Swivelling his head, outside the window, he spots a cloaked figure wearing a mask of silver disapparate.

“No!”

Grasping for the wand strapped to his side, he murmurs a healing spell, gasping for breath when the wounds remain open. His head was spiralling as Y/N shook her head almost imperceptibly, grabbing at his wrist with a shaking hand.

Carved into her arm was the word “MUDBLOOD” and James felt his vision turn red, suddenly hyper-aware of the blood pumping through his veins.

“James…” she rasped. He gripped her shaking hand.

“Why isn’t it working? Why?” he cried, tears streaming down his face, struggling to breathe.

“Whatever our souls are made of,” she gasped, blood spurting out of her mouth. Her beautiful mouth, the one that tasted of cherries and peppermint, was covered in thick, crimson blood. “you and I are connected.”

“No! Stop with this rubbish, you’re not going to die!” he sobbed, gripping her bloodied hand like a vice. She continued as though he hadn’t even spoken.

Perhaps she was too far gone to hear him.

“Wh-whatever is beyond this life,” violent ruby coated her mouth as she coughed, blood splattering onto her smooth skin. “Promise me, y-you’ll find me again.”

“I promise,” he cried, sobs racking through his body.

But she was already gone.

James woke with a start, gasping for breath with the taste of blood and “promise” still coating his tongue. He was alone in a house built for two.

In his fitful sleep, he had knocked over the empty bottle of whiskey beside him.

She had hated whiskey.

Had.

A fresh wave of misery washed over James, adding to the dull pain that never seemed to go away, throbbing through him as naturally as the blood in his veins. It wasn’t enough that she existed still within every corner of their shared home.

Even in his dreams, he is haunted by her memory.

ㄧ

@catching-the-train-to-hogwarts

#james potter x reader #james potter x y/n #james potter x you #james potter angst #james potter fluff #harry potter imagine #james potter fic #james potter x reader angst #james potter x reader fluff #james potter x muggleborn #james potter x muggleborn reader #caz's top notch fic recs

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professorsnape394 · 3 years

Text

The Engagement

Pairing: Severus Snape x Reader

Rating: 😠🥰

Request: @scrooge-87 Can I have number 24 on list 3 and number 18 on list 2 please😊

Kisses that get interrupted.

“You were so perfect, but you’ve moved on.”

A/N: Thank you so much for my first request from my prompt list. I really enjoyed taking inspiration from these prompts and coming up with something a little different from what I would usually write. I hope you like it :-)

Warnings: Angst, Swearing, Mentions of Cheating.

Word Count: 1.9k

Credits to Gif Creator.

As I neared the end of the cold, dank and dimly lit hallway of the Hogwarts Dungeons, I felt my nerves begin to shatter. Anxiously, I repeatedly spun the diamond ring sporadically around my finger, building up the courage to knock on the old familiar door. A kaleidoscope of butterflies had invaded my stomach bringing on yet another bout of nausea, but I knew it was too late for me to turn back and chicken out.

The moment I had been dreading most of all was finally here.

Of course, I was overjoyed by my recent proposal and the prospect of marrying a man as kind and intelligent as Remus Lupin would please any woman who possessed a nickel of sense. However, from the moment bent down on one knee, the only thought running through my head was that I would inevitably have to tell him.

Severus Snape, though I considered him one of my closest friends, had never been supportive of my choice of fiancé, as most would expect a best friend to be. Ever since Remus and I began to see each other, Severus had reverted back to the cold and reserved disposition he held when we first met all those years ago. It terrified me to think that this might be the wedge that would drive us apart for good, we already saw very little of each other, it pained me to imagine my life without him in it at all.

Finally biting the bullet, I quickly chapped Severus’ office door, praying he wouldn’t be in to answer.

“Enter.” His deep monotone voice called out almost immediately, sending a ripple of shivers down my spine.

In a last-minute panic to back out of my initial plan, I quickly spun my ring around, concealing the modest diamond in the palm of my hand.

Unfazed by the interruption, Severus didn’t even bother to look up from his desk where he sat hunched over, marking a huge stack of papers. This wasn’t an uncommon sight for when I occasionally came to visit him at the castle; the man always seemed to be working.

Slowly I sauntered my way into his office, the click of my heels filling the deafening silence that overwhelmed the office.

Gradually the professor turned to look, curious to see who his guest was, given that he had deduced it was not one of his many students.

“Hello Severus.” I grinned, discarding my slightly damp overcoat on one of the hooks behind his door. “Long time, no see.”

“And what brings you here today?” He questioned, raising a single eyebrow curiously, not showing any hint of emotion that he was pleased to see me.

“Do I need a reason to visit my dearest friend?” I replied defensively, resting myself down on the chair opposite his. Letting my uncomfortable stiletto hang off my ankle for a moments release, as I crossed my legs in a lady-like manner.

“You do not. Though do forgive me if I become suspicious of your sudden presence, given that you have not elected to visit me since… was it two years ago?” He hesitated to remember, his face showing little emotion besides his seemingly permanent scowl.

“A year and a half.” I correctly curtly, feeling my own mood dull significantly. “And I sent you out an invitation for my last birthday celebration. I don’t recall you attending.” I pointed out.

“I was busy.”

“Mmm, you always are.” I hummed, unimpressed by his response.

The room once again fell silent.

Dropping my gaze down to my lap, I became suddenly preoccupied with my hands, fumbling with my fingers, trying to distract from the obvious awkwardness of our reunion.

“Congratulations on the engagement.” Severus said vapidly, only looking up at me for a brief second before continuing with his marking, never daring to let our eyes meet.

“How did you know?” I asked bashfully, my cheeks instantly flushing with colour.

“The ring.” He responded blandly. “It isn’t exactly the most inconspicuous thing.”

“I didn’t think you’d notice.” I confessed, turning my attention back to my piece of jewellery.

Snape struggled to find a response. Instead, he let his eyes fall upon me, watching intently as I fidgeted uncomfortably.

“When’s the wedding?” He blurted, attempting to busy himself his work.

“We haven’t made any plans, he only proposed last week.” I told him. “I wanted to let you know before we made any big decisions”

“If you were planning on telling me this whole time, then why did you bother hiding your ring at all?” Snape enquired, sounding slightly exasperated with the whole interaction.

“I wasn’t planning on hiding it.” I admitted. “I just... I didn’t want just spring it on you like this. I wanted us to talk first, ease into it.”

“You know I don’t do small talk.”

“Of course, I know that, Severus.” I sighed. “I know you better than anyone does. Which is why I was so scared to tell you I was engaged in the first place. I know you don’t approve of Remus and I’m terrified I’ll lose you because of it. I just need to know you’ll accept him as my husband, or I’m not sure I can even go through with this at all.”

“Why does my opinion matter so much to you?” He sneered, finally setting down his quill to properly participate in our conversation.

“Because you’re my best friend.”

“That’s not why.” He pressured, desperate to make me confess to something I would only regret.

“It’s the truth, Severus.”

“Don’t lie to me.”

“I’m not about to do this. Not now, not here.” I declared, desperate to stay in denial, even to myself.

Looking around the office I tried to think of a way to escape this conversation. I came here for a reason, and I was not about to let Severus Snape mess that up.

“I just need to know you’ll be there when it counts. Will you come to my wedding?”

Once again, the room went quiet.

Severus stood from his desk, pacing slowly around the room, carefully contemplating his next response. He turning away from me, struggling to settle on a final response. I watched on nervously as he ran a hand through his thick black hair. Eventually he turned back around, his eyes meeting mine for the first time since my arrival.

“No.” He said simply.

Instantly, I felt an intense anger rise within me upon hearing his response. My hands were clammy and my heart was pounding, but suddenly my anxiety was no longer my biggest issue, the deep rage inside of me had already taken president.

“No?” I practically screamed, jumping from my chair. “That’s it? Don’t I even deserve an explanation?”

“I just can’t.” He elaborated pathetically in a low whispering tone. “I can’t.”

“Fuck you, Severus!” I said beginning to yell. “Fuck you. Don’t ever speak to me again.”

I couldn’t bare to even look at the man. The audacity he had to treat me like this, after all we had been through, repulsed me.

“Wait.” Snape demanded, blocking my exit to the door. “I cannot be at your wedding after what we went through, surely you must understand that.” He tried to explain.

“I have no idea what you mean. Nothing happened between us Severus, you made sure of that.”

“You were so perfect to me, but now you’ve moved on.” He confessed,

A single tear dropped from my eye, decades of confusion and frustration hitting me all at once. I felt his hand reach out to grab the tips of my fingers, willing me to take his in return.

“What are you talking about? Why are you saying this now?” I sobbed, pulling away from his touch.

“You can’t marry him. He doesn’t deserve you. Be with me instead.” Severus pleaded with me to reconsider, his eyes full of hurt and sadness. He knew he had fucked up in the past, and he was not about to let me go again so easily. He refused to lose me again. But I had been hurt and rejected by him too many times, his apology came a little too late for me. Remus was a good and kind man who loved me unconditionally. Snape had had his chance and blown it.

“Don’t you dare. Don’t you say that now.” I warned. “You don’t get to say that to me, Severus Snape. I wanted to be with you, but you pushed me away too many times, and it broke my heart.”

“I did that to protect you, not because I never loved you!” He blurted, his frustration proving too much for him to control.

I couldn’t believe my hears. Did he actually just say what I thought he said?

I froze on the spot. My heart simultaneously stopped completely and also pounded at a rapid pace, so much so that I felt it was about to explode out my chest. I had dreamed of this moment for years. All I ever wanted was to love Severus and be loved by him in return. But now my dream was a reality I had no idea how to react.

I stuttered over my words, struggling to figure out what I should say next. Fortunately, I didn’t have to make that decision as within a quarter of a second Severus had closed the gap between us.

I watched him consider for a second, unsure of what his next move should be. My breathing deepened, slowing almost to a complete halt, contrasting to the quickened pace of my heartbeat.

Gingerly Severus raised a hand to my face, holding my chin gently between two fingers. I parted my lips slightly, willing myself to say what was on the tip of my tongue. Severus knew to give me time, waiting patiently for me to gather the courage. Simply taking the time to take in my features, brushing a small strange of loose hair behind my ear.

“I love you, Severus. I always have.” I whispered, scared to finally admit it even to myself.

Snape didn’t leave time for a response, taking my face in his hand, capturing my mouth with his. The moment our lips connected, I felt myself instantly relax into his kiss. I softly rested a single hand on Snape’s neck, allowing my thumb to lightly rub over the slight stubble on his jaw.

Though it started off chaste, the moment I felt his hand rest on the back of my neck, while the other found its way to the small of my back, I lost myself in his touch, deepening the kiss.

Just as the pair of us started to become more passionate, our hands roaming over the other others body, desperate to take it further, a single knock echoed through the room.

Giving almost no time for either of us to react, the office door was flung open. Upon hearing the door collide with the hard stone wall, the two of us jumped apart.

“Remus!” I gasped, attempting to straighten myself out. “I... I can explain.” I stuttered, knowing full well the evidence spoke for itself.

“Don’t bother. I don’t think either of us would want to insult my intelligence.”

“I’m sorry.” I cried sincerely, knowing nothing else would make it better.

“Don’t be. From the moment we met, I knew you were in love him. I was foolish to think you could possibly love me too; I was even willing to accept even a fraction of that love. I stupidly assumed he would never be able to love you back.” He exhaled, shaking his head in despair.

I felt Severus reach a hand out to grab mine reassuringly, preparing me for whatever reaction Remus could have to his fiancé cheating on him.

“I hope he makes you happy.” Lupin stated sincerely. “The wedding’s off.”

Taglist: @ayamenimthiriel @lizlil @entirelymesmerising

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krethes · 2 years

Note

I am legit addicted to Did You Miss Me? I have had a very hard time staying focused on work this week! Is it okay to ask you a few questions?

How do we pronounce Sisi and Bebe?

I'm a little confused about Grimmauld Place vs. The Hall. Who owns what and where does everyone live, and where did everyone grow up?

How do you possibly manage to write a fic this length and this cohesive with a partner? Like what's your actual method for writing it? Do you alternate chapters? Do you each write certain characters? Did you plan the whole thing out and then execute it or did you keep each other guessing throughout? I'm so intrigued!

Also, I think you might just be the nicest person I've seen on Tumblr. You're so supportive of everyone's creations and I think it's just lovely.

Hi! Lovely seeing you here! You can always me questions, I love them!!

Sisi and Bebe rhyme, and they're long Es, so "See-see" and "Bee-bee".

Grimmauld Place is where Sirius and Bellatrix live. It's owned by the Black family, but most of them reside in the Hall. It's based off of the real Haddon Hall, but Arcturus rules the roost there and is where Regulus and Narcissa live and are privately educated. Think of it like: Grimmauld is the city house, while the Hall is the country estate and the seat of power. It's enormous!

As for the creation of the fic, it sort of just fell together. Fantismal and I have similar enough writing styles that we were able to mesh well, which IS NOT always the case, lol! (You can still usually tell which narrative bits are mine by the em dash abuse, run-on sentences, and alliteration.)

We started with the premise: how do they get each other's numbers? What compels them to keep communicating? What would be interesting to read?

We had broad ideas in mind: Remus loses his phone, Sirius finds it, they start texting. James comes into Remus's life after being separated from Sirius's. Remus and James become friends. Remus and Sirius meet (somehow), and the rest can be spoilers, lol.

Starting in June 2021, we wrote a lot over discord and then in a shared Google doc. We split up the characters to give a balance to conversations, and a lot of the actual smaller scenes in a chapter were off the cuff. We knew where we WANTED to get to for that chunk, but wouldn't plan out the minutiae of the conversations. This mostly bit us in the arse for Flo & Mary chats (absolute chaos) and me with Bellatrix, because no one tells Bellatrix Black what to do.

The narratives were written by the "owner" of the character, but the action beats and dialogue of other characters were done by their owners. So the Halloween scene, while in Lily's POV, had dialogue for James, Alice, Frank, Flo, and Sev written by Fanti.

I've never written something this large before, let alone with someone! We got stuck a few times with plot points and would rework them and do "what if?" scenarios that get dropped on the Discord Server (18+) every so often, until it felt right. It was an amazing journey, and we never thought it would take off this successfully or fast.

Thank you so much for these questions and for that really kind statement at the end! I really believe we should all support each other when we can, because fandom is a community, and I've never felt more at home in one than I have in the Wolfstar fandom. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

#dymm asks #asks for krethes #did you miss me?#dymm #wolfstar #remus lupin #sirius black #marauders #dymm?#james potter #lily evans #mary macdonald #flo lyons #alice fawley #frank longbottom #bellatrix black

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startanewdream · 3 years

Note

Hey can you write a Jily lives AU about the moment Hagrid comes carrying presumably dead Harry. Please include the views of James, Lily and Ginny. And maybe I am asking too much but also a Harry killing Voldemort.

Hi! Thanks for sending an idea!

This was like the most angst thing ever to write because it’s a hopeless moment for all of them, but here it is Jily view of the Final Battle (no Ginny, sorry, but she does appear in this and Hinny gets a little of love).

____________________________

Summary: When Harry opens the Snitch and finds the Resurrection Stone, James and Lily don’t show up.

Read on AO3 or below:

____________________________

One minute

The Cloak - his father’s gift for his eleventh birthday - allows Harry to walk by unnoticed, protecting him as always from prying eyes. He stops quietly at the Entrance Hall and glimpses inside the Great Hall.

It is full, but it’s easy to find his parents by his father’s messy hair and his mother’s auburn hair; they are talking quietly to each other.

They are grave, but when Harry looks at them, he sees beyond the dirty and the cuts on their faces and the marks of the battle; he even sees beyond the First War heroes that everyone else thinks of them. He sees his parents.

Mum and Dad.

Somehow, at the end of his journey, it is easy to remember all the good moments. He thinks about his father’s warm grin when he was patiently teaching Harry how to fly, encouraging him to go higher, to never give up, to enjoy some risks now and then; about James’ hazel eyes looking proud and exasperated at him, whenever Harry had been involved in one of his adventures over the years; and about the way James Potter never let him down, always providing comfort and help whenever Harry asked for it.

Looking at a face that is so like his own, Harry just wants his father to mess his hair one more time (‘Dad, come on’, he would complain, even though he always enjoyed how that made his hair look like his father’s), to tell him everything will be okay if he just never gives up, to listen to one of his father’s Marauder tales, because now he thinks of it, he always took him for granted. Even with the death threats and the war, he always thought of his father as invincible, always thought he would have one more moment with him.

He wonders what his father is whispering to his mother right now and knowing he will never hear his father’s calm reasonable words again almost break him.

Even at distance, even amongst chaos and destruction, Harry thinks he can see the way his mother’s eyes seem to shine with a determination that Voldemort could never take away. It’s the eyes Harry inherited and the eyes that made Snape give his life for. He wonders why his mother never talked about being once friends with Snape and he realizes now how many things he never thought of asking her. More about her life at Hogwarts; more about her sister; more about her work, her dreams. There is a world of Lily Potter that he never got to know.

Like with his father, he took his mother for granted too, thinking there would be time later to do all these things he never rushed to. He wishes he had hugged her more, had really shown how much he loves her and how much he is grateful for having her supporting him in every moment of his life.

And he wishes he had one more minute with her, to hear her amused laughter at something his father said, to see that sparkle of mischief in her eyes, to feel her loving arms around him protecting him more effective than any charm could.

But Harry knows he is lying to himself because one minute would not be enough. He could stay there forever watching them and it still would be too short to see his parents together.

Even now, when they are looking tired and worn from the battle, for once looking like their real age, he thinks they still shine together, James and Lily Potter, whose love cast a blood protection and saved Harry so many times before.

But this time, it’s Harry’s love for them that shall save them.

It’s fitting, he thinks, and it’s fair; he already had seventeen wonderful years with them. The only thing that hurts is knowing how much they will suffer when he is gone, how much they won’t understand that Harry did it for them. He is facing Voldemort this one last time because his mother taught him to never stand for bigotry and because his father taught him to always do the right thing.

Harry hopes they will eventually be happy and at peace.

And he knows they will see each other again someday.

They are in each other’s arms, his dad kissing his mum tenderly on the forehead, and Harry records in his mind this last image of his parents, using it as much as a Patronus to walk him through the dementors, to give him the final courage to face Voldemort and to sacrifice himself.

When Harry opens the Snitch and finds the Resurrection Stone, James and Lily don’t show up.

_______________________________

One minute.

Being at war the first time had taught James that sometimes, even in the middle of the chaos of the battle, you need one minute to stop and breath, one minute to let panic take over you until you are able to think straight again and focus on what needs to be done.

Lily is in his arms and he lets himself enjoy this one minute because when it’s over he knows there is work to be done. People need help - so many of them are hurt and there are so many corpses that need to be laid down. It's war and blood and his hearts burns with sorrow for all that has been lost and knowing there is still more loss to come. They haven't won yet.

But Lily is hugging him - he doesn’t know who is supporting who - and he lets her familiar scent fill him, calm him, take him to a place where he remembers why he is fighting for.

It’s for her - it’s always been for her - and it’s for Harry too. Their son.

He takes a deep breath and then his one minute is up. James places a soft kiss on her forehead, like he has done uncountable times before, and ignores his fear that this will be the last kiss he ever gives her.

Despair never helps. Hope is all he has and he will cling to it. Somehow, he knows, this will be over soon. One way or another.

But he concentrates only on one way now, believing that Harry has a plan. He hasn't seen his son since before Voldemort had called for that cease-fire, but he saw Ron and Hermione and if they are fine, Harry is fine too.

It's not easy to accept that so much lies on his seventeen-year-old son, but he trusts Harry. Whatever else James may have done in his life, his greatest achievement will always be how he and Lily raised their son - how he is a fine young man with his heart in the right place.

And when this is over, Harry will get to finally live at peace.

It's easier to think about the possibilities of the future than to think about how many young lives were lost that day, and how much destruction Voldemort has caused, but he vows they will rebuild everything. Their faith, Hogwarts, the belief in something good. They will make a better world.

James lays down a boy that looks young in death enough to be his son, and he tries not to think about how frail the boy seems and how easily it could be Harry.

No, no despair. Like he always tells Harry, good things can come if you just never give up. And while James is breathing, he will fight. He thinks of that Halloween night many years ago, when he thought he would die and was willing to just to give Harry and Lily more time - he would happily exchange his life for them if it meant they would be safe…

'Mr. Potter?', he hears a soft voice calling him, and when he turns, James sees the distressed face of Ginny Weasley. 'Professor McGonagall told me to call you, she needs assistance with reinforcing the barriers outside'.

James nods.

'I'll be right there. And it's James, Ginny'.

She looks at him, her brown eyes for once without any shadow of her usual joyfulness, and James thinks that, like Harry, she had to grow up too fast.

'I think I'll stick with Mr. Potter for a while longer', she says, and James suddenly understands. Ginny always called him formally, just to tease him. If she starts calling him James now, it would look too much like as if this is their last conversation.

They both need to believe there will be more time later.

'Fine, future Mrs. Potter', he says at least and that almost makes her smile.

When they leave the castle and are about to go separate ways in the grounds, she turns to him with a troubled face.

'Have you seen Harry?', Ginny asks, and he can hear a fear in her voice that makes him shiver.

'No, but he must be fine', he says, because he can't think of any other alternative.

'Hermione told me he had something to see', says Ginny, almost to herself. 'And that she thinks he went upstairs, but I could swear I felt…'

She stops herself, shaking her head, and looks in the direction of the forest.

'But?', James presses, even as his instincts tell him he doesn't want to know her feelings.

'Nothing', Ginny says, her tone making it clear that she also doesn't want to think of the worst. 'I am sure he is just planning the next move. Lily's son is actually very smart, you know?'

James accepts her teasing.

'I'll let you know half that smartness is mine'.

'I thought he took from you the part where he is always in trouble'.

'No, he took from me the part where he always gets out of trouble', James says and for a moment they exchange a soft smile.

Then Ginny blinks.

'Good luck with the charms', she says, and with a final nod, she leaves him.

James watches her go briefly and thinks that, when this is over, he and his son will need a serious conversation about ending very good relationships for stupid noble reasons.

For the next fifteen minutes, he works tirelessly, helping reinforce the castle magical barriers and rebuild the entrance door so they can better control the situation. Death Eaters have the numbers, he knows, but as Remus always says, numbers don't win battles. If they can focus the main battle in the Great Hall, then a limited number of Death Eaters will be able to enter and they will have a better chance against Voldemort himself if he fulfils his promise to come...

And then James can watch the last duel between his son and Voldemort, and the mere thought of it fills him with dread. He can't just watch. He has to be there for Harry, he has to be side by side with his son because he would never let Harry alone -

'Harry Potter is dead. He was killed as he ran away, trying to save himself while you lay down your lives for him. We bring you his body as proof that your hero is gone'.

He doesn't hear any more of what Voldemort is saying, because his mind is screaming in denial. No, no, no.

Voldemort is lying. Harry would never run away, would never die. Harry would never sacrifice himself so they could all get a chance -

Except his noble brave wonderful son would certainly do it.

One minute, he thinks madly. I will believe in it for one minute then I will see it's a lie.

When he sees Hagrid carrying him, that one minute never ends.

_______________________________

There are minutes that seem longer than others.

Sometimes this is good. Lily can remember a minute of pure laughter with Dorcas and Marlene in the girl's dormitory many years ago; the reason for the laughter is long forgotten, gone as her friends, but the memory of that happy silly moment stayed.

Or the first time she woke up next to James, with his arms still around her, his breath slow and soft, and she had seen his sleeping face and thought she really loved him - they had said that to each other the night before, but in that one minute of silence and peace (before James had woken and tickled her and made her giggle and kissed her), she had just basked in that feeling of loving.

Or that one minute she had stayed longer in the bathroom, looking at the pregnancy test that said that despite being unplanned, despite the horrible timing, she and James had created a life together - their love had made him, their son. She had looked at the test, her hand in her still flat belly, and for one minute it was her and her baby only before she left to share the news with James.

There are other bad minutes, but Lily tries not to think of them. She is optimistic, as much as she is realistic. Life is made of good and bad moments; she just chooses to focus more on the good ones than let herself despair with the bad ones.

So she focuses on her task ahead, handling potions as people ask for them, her mind always thinking what ingredients work better for the problems people are facing - cuts and burns and acromantula venom…

When there is a moment of tranquillity (that doesn't fool her - it's just the calm before the storm), Lily lets herself look around. James must be out in the grounds - he always felt better at open spaces -, but she still can't find Harry. He must be busy, her poor hard-working son. He will not rest until -

A shiver runs through her body, inexplicable and cold, and she thinks of that expression her mother used - like if someone walked in her grave.

It's silly, of course, it is probably only that fear and adrenaline before a battle, the one that James always tells her to use in her favour to sharpen her senses.

Except she is not fearing for herself. She thinks of Harry, her little happy baby whose eyes always seems to shine with pure amusement to the fact that he is alive. She thinks of seeing him growing up, coming of age as a beautiful brave man, and just like she used to do when he was a baby in his crib, she thinks she could watch him forever and it would not be enough.

He is her precious son. The one she would die for without hesitation because all she wants is for him to be safe. Harry must be fine.

And still that feeling lingers, threatening to crush her, as if a dementor - the thing she always feared the most - is right next to her, sucking all happiness and hope, and Lily thinks madly that she needs James right now, needs his arms evolving her to make her feel at home. His presence always has a soothing effect on her, with the way he kisses her forehead and he is so warm.

With James, she always feels everything will be ok. Not just for her, but for their family.

But she is alone now and she is cold and Lily swallows a cry that seems to come from her chest. There is no apparent reason for that unfathomable fear, there is nothing different. People are still waking around her, helping where they can or comforting the hurt ones or the people who lost someone or else just finding their loved ones -

Love.

And then, just as suddenly at it came, that feeling is gone as if taken by a light breeze. There is only a shadow of it on her heart, like a scar of a long-healed injury, but that uneasiness is gone, and Lily raises her eyes to the enchanted ceiling almost expecting the dawn to break.

It is still dark outside, but dawn cannot be too far. A new day brings new hope, her mother always said.

But then Lord Voldemort’s voice is ringing through the room and she hears his words, understands them, but she doesn’t believe him.

Harry can’t be dead. Voldemort didn’t kill him sixteen years ago, he won’t kill Harry now. Her love - her and James’ - protected him.

Except the protection ended when he came of age.

Lily walks outside feeling like she is gliding more like a ghost than walking like a human being, and there are people around her but she doesn’t notice them - maybe Molly is gripping her arms, maybe Neville (that amazing young man who would have made Frank and Alice so proud) is calling her name. She doesn’t know, she can’t do anything but oblige to that urge to go outside and see for herself that Voldemort is lying.

‘No!’, someone screams and she thinks it’s Professor McGonagall, who once wrote for her and James to tell them their son had been made the youngest seeker in the century, and they could read the pleasure and pride in her letter.

McGonagall had always favoured James and Lily, and Lily always thought that favouritism had also been extended to Harry, no matter how McGonagall would deny it.

That was a cry of despair. She never thought McGonagall could make such a sound, but Minerva must be mistaken, there is no other -

And then Ron and Hermione are crying too, and Lily thinks of how they are Harry’s family as much as she and James; she thinks how Harry always had loyal friends just as Sirius and Remus were always there for James. She trusts Ron and Hermione - trusts their love - to guide and protect Harry and to be by his side no matter what; Ron was always the heart and Hermione was always the mind and together she knows Harry had the best friends in the world that he could have.

No, not that he had. He has. Still has.

But Ginny is crying for Harry and he is not answering, and somehow that breaks into Lily, because Harry is so in love with that girl that of course he would answer her back. Lily thinks of how Harry’s eyes always shine when Ginny is around, how happy he seemed in those weeks they’ve been together, how worried he was for her while he was away (‘Promise me you will look after her, Mum’, Harry had asked the day before vanishing at Bill and Fleur’s wedding, ‘I can’t - if anything happens to her - please’).

And she knows her son and she knows that what Harry always saw with Ginny was the promise of a normal life - a life where he isn’t the Chosen One, but just a regular boy falling in love with a regular redhead, just as his father once did.

Except Hagrid is carrying him and Harry is limp and still and she thinks of holding that little baby in her arms for the first time, of how he was moving and crying but when he looked at her - with those bright green eyes that she had passed on to him - he seemed to calm.

He will awake, she thinks unreasonably, and she waits for him to jump and laugh, but Harry stays still in the one minute that takes for Voldemort to come closer, and that is the worst minute of her life.

___________________________

Spells and curses are flying around them, but James and Lily don’t take their eyes off Voldemort’s red ones.

It feels a lot like a deja vu, because they had already been there, facing him, standing up for him. Four times. They survived four times and in the fourth one, they managed to protect their son.

Maybe it’s too late for Harry now, but they both know Harry would never want them to give up. And if all they can do is get this final piece of justice, they will.

From the corner of his eyes, James sees Bellatrix Lestrange falling - and that gives him a sinister pleasure -, but then Voldemort is blasting he and Lily of the way, turning his attention to Molly Weasley instead.

‘Protego’, someone yells, casting a shielding charm between Molly and Voldemort, and Lily’s heart beats faster even before her mind registers to whom that voice belongs.

And then Harry is pulling off his Invisibility Cloak and James remembers Harry’s amazement when he gave him the cloak for his eleventh birthday, promising solemnly he would take care of the family’s inheritance. Harry’s eyes had sparkled with all the possibilities; as much responsible his son was, there was a Marauder inside Harry too.

They are circling each other, Voldemort and Harry, and though Lily wants to rush to her son’s side, somehow she knows this is not the moment. For the first time, she truly accepts this is Harry’s fate, this is Harry’s moment. She and James made everything they could - they raised Harry and they loved him and they taught all the things that really matter. Their son is a survivor.

Harry is talking about love (Snape, really?, James thinks) and wand lore and remorse and then Harry is casting the spell he likes most, the one that he defended when James told him he should be more aggressive (he just wants Harry to be safe, no matter what, but Harry refused to blast people out of the way). And then it’s over. Finally.

Dawn is breaking and somehow the first coherent thought in Lily’s mind is that her mother was right, a new day always brings new hope. Then she is screaming - or James is, she doesn’t know - and their arms are wrapping Harry, feeling his heart beating and he is alive. Their son is alive and all will be well. They stay in each other’s arms, the Potter family, for what seems forever - but it’s only a minute because Harry has other people to embrace and to celebrate and to love.

That minute begins a lifetime.

#Eyes glistening #Jily lives #Jily fanfiction #Hinny #James Potter #Lily Evans #Harry Potter #Angst #t: fanfiction

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brandstifter-sys · 2 years

Text

Under Pressure

Chapter 24: Balance (Ao3)

Word Count: 2061

Characters: All Sides

Relationships: Dukexiety, Royaliceit

Rating: T

Warnings: intrusive thoughts, mild gore, sex mention, villain!logan

----

Transfer complete

Logan leapt from his computer and detached the chips from Virgil and Janus. He immediately switched both helmets to resuscitate the sides and hurried back to his desk.

The potato apparatus was active. The single light was glowing blue. Perfect!

Logan inserted both chips and waited. The copies of Virgil and Janus' consciousnesses couldn't be corrupted and nonfunctional—they couldn't be. He was thrilled to see the light shift to white.

And then

"WE DID IT!" Patton cheered as he kicked the door open. Roman was right behind him, smug as he could be.

"Jeez, can you say that again? I don't think Australia heard you," Virgil grumbled and took off his helmet.

"I'm just really happy! I'm sorry Virge!" Patton squealed.

"How can you say that without rewarding your heroes?" Janus teased and stood. He removed his helmet and replaced it with his hat. He threw a wink at him and Roman just to drive his point home. He was still feeling rather...indulgent.

"Perhaps that can wait," Logan said and adjusted his glasses, "We all need to reset to our primary functions."

"How are you supposed to do that?" Roman huffed, "and then make it so I'm Creativity again?"

"Return to your rooms. Log a of n siphoned data from them to manage all of Thomas' functions," he answered flatly.

"That's obvious, except in your case, Logan," Janus frowned, "You spent plenty of time in your room and you still shifted."

"I have the results of my experiment and I am satisfied with them. I should return to my usual functions once I return to my room."

"Great. Let's go so I can get the panic attack over with," Virgil huffed and got up. He counted the number of sides and frowned. Did Remus already go to his room?

Remus' corpse, torn to shreds and covered in blood. A twisted grin.

No he probably didn't, not with that image coming to Virgil's mind.

"Where's Remus?" he asked hesitantly.

"He wished to stay behind for a moment to investigate something," Roman shrugged, "I don't plan on stopping him from finding that my contribution was—"

"Okay, so he's okay. Good. I'll get him after I get back to my old self," Virgil cut him off and trudged out the door with two goals.

Roman sputtered indignantly and hurried after him. No one dared cut him off when he was bragging!

"Let's make sure they don't get hurt, I would hate to see my king in such a compromising position!" Janus hummed and took Patton's hand. Patton flushed to his ears and followed him like a lost puppy. Logan saw no reason to remain there and left to revert to his old self.

----

Remus sat in the common area, perched on the couch after it reappeared. He pretty much saved the day, as Ingenuity. He could go to his room and go back to being his intrusive, creative self, or he could stay like this. He didn't dislike either option, but if he were like this before, none of this mess would have happened. He wouldn't have to be locked away.

He curled his knees to his chest and leaned on them, trying to think of something to make him feel like going back. Thomas would need to be ingenious and he would do so much better with the internet trolls with some quick wit. He would be so much better off without intrusive thoughts bursting into his head like a stripper bursting from a cake.

They'd all fare better with a pirate than a duke. Especially Roman. His brother needed guidance and patience, and support that didn't twist the world into something grotesque. He wanted to get along with his brother, but his brother hated him, hated the duke. He couldn't go back to that. And he couldn't bring himself to say anything, even when Roman entered the commons.

"Remus?" Roman asked quietly and sat next to him, "Are you alright? You're still—"

"I'm not going back. For the first time in years I was useful and I make a sexy pirate. Why would I want to be the duke when no one else wants to deal with that?"

"Remus, Thomas needs his Creativity, and I might have some sway over him, I don't have the resources to do it alone. And you, you bring the ideas to life, as the duke. I know I haven't been the best brother, and now that I know the truth, I cannot begin to atone for all I've said and done. I need the duke, Thomas needs him."

"I can still do that like this, Ro," Remus pouted. Sure he wouldn't be able to do it all with the same level of quality, but it would be done. Roman mirrored his expression and sighed.

"I love you, whether you're a Jerk Sparrow or a dukey," he huffed, "Either way, you're my brother and I am intent on making sure you know that I truly appreciate you and care."

"Liar, you don't want to care about me. And I don't care if you care." Remus huffed and rubbed his eye. He felt sick and vindicated when Janus appeared behind the couch with his brown-toned scales.

"Remus, he's telling the truth," Janus hummed and leaned on the couch, "You, however—" He trailed off and studied his gloves. Remus scowled.

"I'm not lying, I don't care if he cares. No one cares about the duke, no one but me. You all like this me better."

"I for one find this version of you rather dull. And I quite like the spark you bring. But you don't believe me, do you?"

"No, I believe you, but you might be the only one who likes that hyper man-puppy!" Remus said and hid his face in his arms. He wasn't in the mood to look anyone in the eye, and he didn't want to hear more from the two people who entered the room

"Remus, why haven't you—?"

"Shut up Frankenweenie!" Remus growled, "I'm not going back and I'm not getting locked up again because I have no self control or moral compass."

"But you do have them, both of them," Patton spoke up, "And I know I don't say this enough, but you're my kiddo and I love you. Yeah I might get spooked and grossed out by some of your antics, but you keep me honest."

"And I will not be resorting to such drastic measures in the future," Logan added, "I apologize for my actions."

"Sorry doesn't fix anything," Remus said and lifted his head to glare at Logan. So the teacher was back, just like daddy dearest, princey poops, and snake mom—that didn't mean he had to go back.

"Oh no, no it doesn't," Janus agreed and locked on to Logan. Even Pattinson was glaring at him with the disappointed dad stare.

"Remus, I support you no matter what you decide, but for now, I need to have a talk with Logan," Patton said matter of factly. Janus righted himself and approached Logic, in full agreement with Patton.

"You know it's bad when you have mom working with dad," Roman mused. He watched the pair lead Logan away to have a good long talk.

"I can't change your mind, can I?" Roman asked. Remus shook his head.

"You should probably get to work, Thomas has a lot of catching up to do," Remus shrugged. He was surprised to find Roman hugging him.

"You're helping me when you're ready. Duke or pirate, it doesn't matter," Roman said and pulled away. He sank out and left Remus to ponder. Remus stared at the spot where his brother was and wondered.

"You know, you still have to tell me about your crush," Virgil said after he appeared next to him on the couch. Remus jolted but smiled at him.

"You really want to know?" Remus jeered, "I kept getting fun ideas about you torturing me and I got all soft and squishy inside. So yeah, you're my crush and I won't push anything but now you know."

"I'm sorry," Virgil said and shook his head, "You're great, but I have feelings for the duke." Remus froze and stared at him like he was crazy.

"You said I unsettle you, you know that I knew you meant it differently, but you still said it."

"What's more unsettling than having a crush and not realizing it? All the gooey feelings bubbling up out of nowhere and not knowing why—" Virgil shrugged, "And all because of my oldest friend."

"He's not coming back. This me is better for Thomas."

"I don't think so, regular you does some important stuff that you can't do now."

"Do tell."

"You're the best alarm for when his anxiety is going overboard, you distract me from panicking with your random thoughts, and you keep pushing everyone into getting some catharsis. This version of you is great but the old version is just as good, and Thomas needs him more now."

"I might tackle-hug you and cling to you like a koala the second I'm back."

"Then don't change your shirt. The collar will get in my way," Virgil responded and ruffled Remus' hair. Remus giggled and retaliated by taking that hand and bringing it to his lips.

"I'll go as long as I have a boyfriend when I get back," Remus countered.

"You'll have me, if that's what you mean," Virgil said with a faint blush, "So maybe don't keep me waiting." Remus chuckled and kissed his hand again before sinking out.

Once he was gone, Virgil grabbed the nearest pillow and screamed into it. He had no idea how he stayed so calm and collected and he was reeling.

"I heard screaming—oh," Janus said as he rose up again.

"Shut up!" Virgil huffed into the pillow. Janus smirked and adjusted his cape.

"I suppose I don't have to tell you that we're starting Logic on a therapy regimen, or that Sunday is group therapy day," he mused wickedly.

"You just did, now fuck off," Virgil said flatly, not lifting his head. Janus shrugged and sank out without any fanfare. Which would have been nice.

Because Remus reappeared, dressed in sweats and a t-shirt rather than his usual outfit. He tapped Virgil's shoulder to get him into position, but someone wasn't having it.

"I thought I told you to fuck off."

"Why would you ever say that to your doting boytoy?" Remus giggled. Virgil sat up, just in time for the duke to pounce and hug him with his arms and legs. Virgil squawked and fell on his side, with Remus attached to him and giggling.

"A little warning next time?" Virgil huffed and resituated Remus to face him so he could hug him back.

"But you won't threaten to do horrible sexy things to me if I do that!" Remus laughed, "And I want you to follow through on them!"

"I don't have to make threats to do those things to you, but I'm pretty sure the anticipation would kill you. Maybe I should keep quiet."

"Nooooooo!" Remus whined, "Threaten me with a good time! It's so sexy!"

"How about I reward you for saving my ass and eat your tongue instead?" Virgil suggested. Remus perked up and stared at him expectantly, wiggling his mustache in thought.

Virgil leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. A dopey smile crossed Remus' face and he pressed their foreheads together.

"So about eating my tongue—can that wait until later? I kinda like being a baby bat and getting rewards and—and—" Remus fought a yawn and kissed Virgil's nose.

"And you want to take a nap and cuddle, right? I could go for a nap. But out here—Janus, Patton, and Roman are gonna be loud."

"They deserve it after all they dealt with—and you deserve to be snuggled by someone who deserves a nap and an axe to the skull!"

Virgil kissed him again and rolled on his back, dragging Remus on top of him.

"We're skipping the axe, Trash Bat," he said and got comfy.

"As long as you bring it up again later, Scare Bear, it's the best kind of foreplay," Remus mumbled and snuggled into his chest. His eyes fell shut and he conked out immediately.

"Sleep tight, Remus, you're my hero."

END

----

(Master Post)

10 notes · View notes

vintage-squid · 3 years

Text

Threading Our Future

Summary: When up-and-coming designer Virgil Psykhe lands an interview with his favourite fashion label, he has no idea that the attention he's drawn to himself is being taken away from someone very important: the Lady of the Summer Court. Scorned and furious, she sends her son to kill the insolent human.

But when Janus lays eyes on Virgil for the first time, his breath is stolen by the fluttering of his heart and he knows he won't be able to follow through with his mother's orders.

A modern fae re-telling of the Eros and Psyche myth!

Pairing: Virgil/Janus (background Logan/Patton) Characters: Virgil, Janus, Roman, Remy, Patton, Logan, Remus Rating: T Warnings: mild violence and blood mention, nonsexual nudity, literal sleeping together Word count: 10 363

-----

Virgil Psykhe groaned as he stood from his chair, bracing both hands against the small of his back and pressing until he felt a satisfying series of pops from his hips and up his spine. He should know better by now than to spend hours on end hunched over his projects without taking proper breaks, but he honestly couldn’t help it. Once he got focused, his whole world narrowed to sketch, cut, sew, trim. It was like he was possessed by some crazy spirit who deemed his sarcastic, introverted ass worthy enough to use as a vessel for creation. At least, that’s how he described the near-frenzy he would fall into when his worried fathers questioned after his health.

Was he getting enough sleep? (No.) When was the last time he’d had something to eat? (Did the granola bar he had earlier count?) Would he be willing to drink more water if Papa cut up some citrus to add? (Actually, that wasn’t a bad idea...)

He knew their fretting came from a place of love. As the youngest of three, he was the baby of the family. Both of his older sisters had married a few years ago, now living with their husbands in a couple of larger, nearby cities. They had told their parents the distant moves were for their husband’s jobs, but Virgil knew better. His sisters had never seemed to fit with the unique … energy of their small hometown.

Virgil, however, had yet to even move out, let alone find anyone who would want to spend the rest of their life with him. Thankfully, while his dads did want him to eventually find love, they were mostly just happy to support his dreams of becoming a famous designer.

Rolling his eyes, Virgil glanced around his cluttered studio. Like he would ever actually be a big name in the fashion industry. Yeah, sure, he wanted more than anything to get his designs out there for models of all backgrounds and appearances to showcase the beauty that was in every body type, but he didn’t want his first name attached to that kind of attention. Nope. No thanks. He would much rather people enjoy his work for what it was, not just because it came from him.

Maybe a pseudonym would work? Eh, he still had time to think about it anyway. It wasn’t like he was going to be traveling far from his studio in his dads’ basement any time soon after all. Picking up his phone, Virgil glanced at the time and cursed under his breath. Shit, he was late to meet up with Remy, and he had forgotten to plug his charger in. He groaned as he shoved his phone in his pocket anyway and grabbed his wallet, headphones, and house key. That drama queen was probably going to bitch and moan about being made to wait until Virgil finally agreed to pay for his drink. Not that Virgil really minded, but he had appearances to keep up.

With one last glance around to make sure he had everything, he dashed up the stairs to head out.

-----

Jogging down the street, Virgil turned past the Spirits’ Temple, where the town’s inhabitants left offerings to the spirits of the forest on the first of every month. Tradition claimed that each month was to be dedicated to one of the twelve local spirits who held dominion over different areas of day-to-day life, and that by honouring them, the town would prosper. At the height of the monthly festivals, there would be candles lining the marble steps, fake vines and string lights wrapped around the temple’s stone columns, and a wide spread of wine and honey-sweetened foods to be served. Some of this would be up for grabs on the buffet table, but a selection was always saved to be placed in one of the twelve bronze braziers, which one depended on the month, lining the sides of the temple. Each brazier was set in front of a stone statue carved with a symbol that denoted which spirit it belonged to.

At some point during the evening, everyone in town would take a moment to approach the massive fireplace along the back wall of the temple and toss in a part of their meal with a quietly murmured prayer for luck in some strange-sounding language. To this day, Virgil wasn’t sure what exactly he was saying, but his dad had taught him the correct pronunciation, and he was too superstitious not to follow through. Besides, it wasn’t like he could look too ridiculous doing it when literally everyone else was doing the same thing.

Approaching one of the two coffee shops in town, and the only one he ever frequented, Virgil shook his head to rid himself of thoughts of weird small-town rituals. Inside, it was easy to spot Remy sitting at their usual table with his sunglasses tucked into the front of his shirt and a drink already in hand. As he slid into his side of the booth, Virgil was surprised to see his favourite order (hot chocolate with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles, and a slice of banana bread) already waiting for him.

“I was gonna apologize for being late, but clearly I don’t have to,” he said, glancing up and narrowing his eyes. “What did you do?”

Remy threw both hands up in a gesture of innocence. “Hey now, why did I have to do something wrong in order to surprise my best friend with his favourite goodies?”

Virgil snorted and crossed his arms, giving his friend a Look.

“Fine, fine!” Remy blew out a sigh and dropped his hands onto the table. “So, maybe I did do something, and maybe you’re gonna be a little mad at me for it, but I promise it’s okay! It’s gonna pay off and you’re totally going to thank me for this one day!”

Virgil dropped his face into his hands with a groan and dug the heels of his palms against his eyelids. “Just spit it out, Remy. What the fuck did you do?”

“Remember that photoshoot we did a couple weeks back with the latest ‘famous-one-day’ designs you sewed up?” Virgil could hear the familiar sounds of Remy typing on his phone. “Well babe, you’ve been making ‘one days’ for too long! So I decided to make ‘one day’ into ‘today’! Ta-dah!”

Bracing himself, Virgil peeked out from the dark safety of his hands, blinking a few times to clear his blurry vision and focus on the phone screen wavering in front of him. Right there, staring back at him from within Remy’s well-manicured clutch, was an email addressed to Penelope with attached photos from their shoot.

“Please, please tell me you didn’t sen-”

“I sent our pics to your favourite fashion label! The one and only Penelope! Known for their breathtaking lines like ‘Faith’ and ‘Fidelity’ that reimagined what it meant to be fashionable! And the best part!” Remy paused for dramatic effect, all but wiggling in his seat. “They emailed me back! They want to do an interview with you next month on the first!”

There was a loud thud as Virgil’s head met the table. If they hadn’t been sitting in public, he definitely would have started screaming too. Instead, all that came out was a muttered, “I fucking hate you. Why would you do this to me? You know I suck at talking to people; they’re gonna hate me and then tell all of the other companies to never work with me and then I’ll definitely never make it.”

A hand settled on top of his head and began to run through his hair, gently scratching at his scalp at the same time. “Don’t be so dramatic, Virge. This is gonna be great for you, I promise. When have I ever led you astray?”

Virgil glared at his friend and opened his mouth, but Remy cut him off.

“Ahp-ahp! Rhetorical question, babes. You're going to thank me for this, I promise.”

When Virgil remained silent, the hand that had been petting his hair slid down to cup his cheek and lift his chin up.

“Hey,” his best friend murmured softly. “If you really, really don’t want to do this, I can email them back and cancel, but I think you should go for it, Virge. This could be your big break!” Remy’s thumb had begun running a soothingly back and forth over his cheek. Virgil didn’t even try to hide the way he relaxed into the comforting gesture, leaning more weight into his friend’s palm. “I’ll even come with you to the interview, okay? I’ll be right there the entire time - gotta make sure they meet your number one model after all,” he added with a playful wink.

Damn Remy and his extroverted influence. Virgil sighed and sat up fully, reluctantly pulling away from the comforting hold and silently relieved when Remy’s hand dropped to link their fingers instead. “I guess as long as you’re there too, then I won’t be the only one making a fool of myself.”

“That’s the spirit!” Remy cheered, ignoring the looks some of the other patrons shot their way at the noise.

Keeping their hands interlocked, Virgil picked up his hot chocolate and took a sip of the sweet ambrosia as he listened to his best friend ramble about his plans for their future.

-----

Somehow, the word got out. Everyone and their cousin’s dog knew about Virgil’s interview and had seen some of the photos that had been leaked. All of them wanted to get a glimpse of not only the representatives of the big fashion label (who may as well have been celebrities to the small community), but also the unobtrusive young man who had brought the attention onto their town.

Virgil clung to Remy’s hand as they approached the café where the interview was going to be taking place. It wasn’t their usual haunt, something Virgil was grateful for; if things went south, he didn’t want that memory attached to one of his favourite places. People were already gathering outside, gossiping amongst themselves or attempting to peer through the front windows. He longed to pull his hood up and hide his face, but Papa had spent all morning helping him make sure his hair and make-up (and everything else) looked interview ready. Not to mention he wasn’t even wearing his favourite hoodie to tuck himself away into.

At Remy’s insistence, he had donned one of the outfits he made last year. The top was made of a flowy material, tighter at the wrists and loose in the arms, wrapping comfortably around his chest to tie in the front above his navel. It was sewn from a high-quality plum linen with a black lace webbing over top. For the bottom, Virgil had pieced together different shades of grey and black fabrics until he had a pair of loose patchwork pants that sat at the hips and left a strip of his stomach visible. He had completed the look with a fresh pair of high-tops that tied the look together despite the discordant styles. With one last look to his best friend for reassurance, Virgil nodded and they waded through the crowd together, on their way to their future.

-----

Singing to herself, Roman stepped through the woods with all the ethereal grace granted to her by her station. As she made her way to the quaint little human town, Roman was accompanied by a pair of mourning doves. While one had alighted on her shoulder, the other fluttered about, and both were cooing in harmony with her otherworldly song.

Her body was draped in a sheer chiffon number, as blood-red as the wine she drank from each year at the celebration of her power and beauty. It was naught much more than a thin layer of fabric over one shoulder and wrapped about her shapely waist, exposing one breast and leaving little work for the imagination on the rest of her body. The finest embroidery coloured the lower hem with twisting rose vines, as if they had sprung from the ground she walked on and reached up for her attention. Her hair was left to tumble free, as wild and untamed as the waves she had been born from so long ago. The Lady of the Summer Court had arrived.

In no time at all, the temple the humans of the village had built for her and her compatriots so long ago came into view. Roman hurried her steps, eager to feast on the delightful offerings she knew would be awaiting her. She hoped one of them left pomegranate; it was her favourite. The plump fruit so easy to tear open to reveal the juicy flesh inside - and the crunchy seeds! Oh!

Grinning, Roman moved around the side of the temple, stepping between the columns to slip inside and make her way towards her ceremonial statue along the right with the other ruling gentry of the Seelie Court. However, when she got close enough to see into the massive dish, indignation began to boil in her blood. Before her, in her brazier, lay half as many offerings as were given to her in the years passed. She looked around, hoping to find something else had been set aside or misplaced, but there was nothing. Seething, she spun on her heel and stalked towards the front of the temple in search of answers.

Outside, two attendants were working to douse the remaining candles to be collected on the morrow after Roman had departed. Well, they were certainly going to be in for a surprise when they returned to find their pitiful offerings still there in the morning. Even with the great distance between them, as a fae, Roman’s sharp ears did not struggle to overhear the conversation between the two humans.

“-believe something like this could happen in our little town,” the one on the right was saying. “Especially from that quiet kid! What’d you say his name was again?”

“He’s the Psykhe’s youngest boy, Virgil.

“No kidding! Sam was telling me the kid showed up for the interview wearing this wild statement piece, like a full fashion runway. I bet his dads sure are proud. I heard half the town was outside Burnsen’s hoping to get a front-row seat. They certainly weren’t here, that’s for sure.”

“Damn shame,” the second human agreed. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a turn out this small for a Spirit’s Night. I just hope it doesn’t come back to bite us in the ass.”

The pair continued their gossip as they finished with the candles and moved onto tidying some of the other nonessential decorations. Roman wasn’t interested in listening any further; she had what she needed. Turning away from the pitiful little temple those putrid humans had so desecrated on her day of honour, the Lady of the Summer Court stormed back into the forest, seething vitriol.

“How dare these humans offer this worthless boy the worship and reverence meant for me! My status is all but set in the very stars and they do nothing more than drag it through the muddy earth!” She screeched, scaring away the doves who had been lingering nearby. “So much for me, the ancient mother of this forest who feeds and fosters the very nature of this place! If nothing lusts, then nothing reproduces! Did they ever consider that before they forced me to associate my status with a mere mortal child?”

As Roman cried out, the very trees parted for her, leaning their trunks away and raising their boughs out of the path of the furious fae. She paid them little heed as she marched down a trail long familiar. “Won’t this boy, whoever he is, be glad to know he has claimed the honours that are due to me by right? Not for much longer, this I swear by my very name! He will regret this beauty to which he has no claim!”

At the climax of her tirade, Roman stopped before the ivy-woven doors of her son’s lofty domain. She would teach this Virgil what happened when you scorned the fae.

-----

Across town, still wearing the outfit and makeup from earlier, though much disheveled, Virgil ran as if his life depended on it. At this point, though, his life may as well have been over, so what was the point in struggling on? Down the street and through the park, he sprinted until he could go no further and crumbled to the ground at the top of the large hill that overlooked the fish ponds. On his hands and knees, he clutched at the damp earth and panted heavily through his heaving sobs.

It was over. Penelope didn’t want to pick him up as a designer. Sure, they liked the selection that Remy had sent them, enough to come talk to him about it, but when the representatives had taken a look through the rest of his portfolio? They hadn’t said they hated it outright, but Virgil was certain his designs were too gothic, too dark, too risky for mainstream fashion. They were going to talk with some of the higher-ups back at the designer studio, but Virgil wasn’t going to be holding his breath. He’d seen their expressions clear as day while they flipped through his work.

Collapsing forward, Virgil buried his face into the crook of his elbow and curled his knees towards his chest, sobbing even harder. He had told Remy after the interview that he needed some space, but now that he was out here alone, he wanted nothing more than a hug from his best friend. Fuck, how was he going to tell his dads about this? It would break their heart!

Virgil shook his head free of the thought; he couldn’t handle any more right now. So he lay on the ground with his cheek pressed against the cool night grass, and cried until he passed out from exhaustion.

-----

In the twilight between wakefulness and sleep, Virgil stirred when he felt a pair of arms slide under his body and hoist him up into a strong hold. His head lolled to the side until his temple dropped against a firm body. Then, a kiss was pressed to his forehead, tickling his skin with...a mustache?

“Go back to sleep, little human,” a high, scratchy-sounding voice said. “Jay doesn’t want you to see anything just yet! We don’t want to ruin the surprise, eh?”

Virgil’s face scrunched in confusion, but before he could crack his eyes open to see who was carrying him, a warm breath blew across his face and carried him off to his dreams like a gentle breeze spiraling high into the air.

-----

When Virgil woke for the second time, it was with far more peace and tranquility than he usually felt when greeting the day. His bed was extra soft and luxurious beneath the swell of his hip and he was comfortably warm, though he couldn’t feel the usual weight of his blanket. Stretching his arms far above his head, Virgil suddenly snapped his eyes open when his fingertips were greeted not with the hard wall behind his headboard, but with a damp, spongy texture instead.

Scrambled to his feet, he looked around to discover he was at the edge of a clearing, carpeted with a thick moss that his feet sank slightly into and surrounded by trees who towered so far above him their canopies seemed lost secrets of the sky. To one side a stream babbled a song, its waters bright as day and clear as glass. Breathless, he turned a slow circle, feasting on the seemingly supernatural wonders with starving eyes. The sight that greeted Virgil as he turned full around, however, could have subsisted him for a lifetime.

At the very heart of the grove, sitting in its focal point, rose what he could only describe as a palace. The trees which made up its supporting columns were an ivory birch, though much wider than any Virgil had ever seen, with leaves seemingly grown from pure gold that glittered in the dappled sunlight they let through. Framed by these otherworldly goliaths, ivy vines had been woven together to form a grand door which opened of its own accord and bid Virgil to enter. Under a spell spun from his own awe and curiosity (and probably some of whatever magic this place had to be made of), Virgil strode forward.

Inside, the palace seemed to emulate its own light, reflecting off the vaulted ceiling and highlighting the polished stone walls decorated with endless silver reliefs of animals real and imagined. Virgil trailed his fingertips along the slithering spine of a snake as he passed, admiring the lifelike detail in each scale, but before he could venture much further, a voice spoke.

“Welcome.”

Virgil jumped, spinning around to search for the source of the voice, but no one was there. When they spoke again, it sounded like they were right over his shoulder.

“You have been invited into the home of the fae as a guest of honour, Virgil.” The man in question felt a strange twinge in his chest hearing his name from the voice. “If you follow the doors to your left, you will find a dining hall in which you may eat your fill; the foods are from your home world and you need not fear consuming them. To your right lay the bathing and bed chambers. Please, make yourself at home. You are safe here, my darling.”

“Who are you? How do you know my name?” Virgil called out into the empty room.

There was a small pause before the voice replied. “You may call me Janus for the time being. It matters not how I know your name, but you need not worry that I will give it to anyone else.”

“Not creepy at all,” Virgil murmured before raising his voice once more. “Where are you? Why can’t I see you?”

“Ahh, my darling, take care with your curiosity before it gets you into trouble. Fret not, I am here with you, though you cannot see me. I know it is hard, but you must trust in me, my love. I shall visit you this evening after the light of day has given way to the dark of night. So long as you promise not to look upon my face and let me remain shrouded in shadows, then I shall answer more of your questions then.”

“What? I’m supposed to trust you, but I’m not allowed to look at your face? What the fuck, dude?”

“I understand this may be a cause for alarm, but you must understand my perspective, dear one. If you were to gaze upon me uninhibited, I fear you would not fall in love with me in a manner which would be best for us both. Promise to me, Virgil.”

“Okay, okay, I promise. Why is this so important to you anyway?”

“Thank you. I wish to form a genuine bond with you, beloved, and I cannot do that if you are influenced by my appearance. That is not how I desire to court my future husband.”

“Husband? What do you mean future husband!?”

Virgil stood in place, waiting for any further response from the invisible person, but it seemed his host had vanished into the very air he spoke from. Blowing out a heavy sigh, Virgil looked from left to right and decided the faint grumbling in his abdomen was something he could ignore for the time being; he probably wouldn’t be able to stomach anything right now anyway. So, he made his way towards the baths, hoping a splash of cool water could wake him from this crazy dream.

Unfortunately, even after dunking his head under the cool water, Virgil was still stuck in the extravagant palace with an invisible host. He braced his hands on the sides of the stone bowl carved from the wall, staring blankly at the trickling waterfall that fed into the dish he had rinsed in. How the fuck did he get into this mess? The voice had mentioned something about this place belonging to the fae? What the fuck? There’s no way any of this could be real. Well, that Janus had said he would answer Virgil’s questions tonight, so there seemed little more he could do than wait.

The bedroom he had been given was grand, far larger than even his entire basement suite back home, and all of its drapings were more luxurious than Virgil had ever seen. He ran his fingers down the curtains that hung from the bedposts, marvelling at the quality and the depth of the colour. What he wouldn’t give to be able to create with fabrics of this pedigree. He fiddled with the tie of his shirt around his middle and settled onto one of the plush armchairs by the window. Now, to wait.

-----

Hours later, Virgil was startled awake from a light doze by the sound of footsteps approaching his door. He scrambled to his feet, keeping one hand braced on a bedpost to orient himself as he squinted through the darkness. It was so dark he couldn’t even make out the vague outlines of the furniture around the room.

The door opened.

Virgil tensed, gripping the bedpost tighter and raising his other arm in front of him defensively. From what he could see, backlit from the hall, the figure entering the room was about his height, maybe a little taller. It was difficult to make out in the dark, but the shadow he cast onto the floor seemed to be larger than his body mass would produce. The door closed, leaving the two of them alone in the dark.

“Janus?” Virgil asked nervously, hoping there wasn’t anyone else in the palace who would be coming into his room this late at night.

“Breathe, Virgil, it is only me.”

It was as if a spell of calm soothed over him, easing the tension from around his neck and within his chest. Virgil took a deep, relieving breath. Janus hadn’t come any further into the room, seemingly content to linger by the door.

“Um… hi?” Virgil winced at how awkward he sounded, but continued on regardless. “You said you would answer more of my questions, right?”

“That is correct, beloved. I will tell you as much as I am able to at this time.” There was the sound of shuffling in the dark. “May I join you on the bed? I think we will both be much more comfortable being seated for this conversation.”

Virgil bit his lip, looking between the bed and Janus despite not being able to see either. Eventually, he nodded, and then blushed when he realized what he’d done.

“Yeah… yeah, you can come sit over here, I guess.”

“Thank you, my darling.”

When the pair had gotten settled, Janus was seated at the foot of the bed, leaning up against the bedpost and seemingly unbothered by the strange situation. Virgil, on the other hand, had his back pressed against the headboard with his knees hugged to his chest. His feet were buried in the blankets and he was absently scrunching the soft material under his toes in a comforting, rhythmic motion. It was Janus who broke the silence first.

“What would you ask of me first, dearest?”

Virgil blew out a sigh. “Why did you bring me here? What are you going to do with me? Am I ever going to be allowed to go home? Will you-”

"Sh sh sh,” Janus crooned, “One at a time, beloved, all will be answered. In short, I do not know when you will be able to return to your home, or if you ever will, but it is for your own good!” Janus hurriedly added before Virgil could panic. “You see, there is someone very powerful who is very angry with you. Intentionally or not, you have caused her a great disrespect, and she will not rest until her dues have been met.”

“How do you know all of this?”

Janus sighed. “Because she is my mother, and she sent me to kill you.”

“What!?” Virgil screeched, throwing himself off the bed and slamming against the nearby wall. His nails scrabbled at the stone, desperate to clutch, claw, escape. No, no, no, he didn’t want to die! He snapped his head back and forth, searching for any sort of way out, but he was blinded by shadows and fear. A sharp cry escaped him when a hand suddenly wrapped around one of his own and he whimpered as it squeezed, expecting pain. Instead, a gentle crooning cut through the ringing in his ears.

“Breathe, Virgil, you are not in danger. You must calm down and listen.”

Janus’ voice was surprisingly tender for how powerfully it could be heard through Virgil’s panic. He was able to focus on it like a tether to pull himself into a more relaxed state of mind. At some point, he had begun to time his breathing with Janus’ as well, steady and even to a count known only to the fae holding him. When Virgil had relaxed enough to come back to himself, he tensed all over again, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“How can you say I’m safe, when you’re gonna kill me?”

“Because I have no intentions of killing you,” Janus replied, now cradling both of Virgil’s hands to his chest. Even this close, the darkness was so impenetrably thick that Virgil had no hope of glimpsing his face. He kept his eyes averted regardless. “I brought you here to remove you from my mother’s gaze and conceal you from her misplaced wrath.”

Virgil was silent, processing, as Janus gently tugged on his hands and guided him back onto the bed. There, the fae leaned against the headboard with his legs stretched out in front of him and carefully pulled Virgil to recline on his chest. Virgil resisted for only a moment before complying. Everything else about this was already way out of his depth to manage, he may as well allow himself to be comfortable wherever he could. Janus was either going to kill him or leave him alive, and there likely wasn’t anything Virgil could do to sway that decision at this point. So, Virgil settled himself against Janus’ chest with his body laying between Janus’ legs and stretching out until their legs tangled together. He was grateful now for the dark that hid a probably searing blush as his cheek pressed flush against the fae’s warm skin; Janus wasn’t wearing a shirt and his nude torso was warm to cuddle against.

“Now,” Janus murmured, shifting Virgil’s focus from his embarrassment to the situation at hand. His fingers ran over Virgil’s scalp and through his hair, carefully brushing out any tangles and soothing in the same motion. “If you will let me continue, I was going to say my mother had ordered for you to be killed, however, I do not agree with her decision. She is acting rashly over a slight you did not directly commit.”

“What did I even do to piss her off so bad?” Virgil murmured from where his face was tucked against Janus’ collar, resting more of his weight closer with each breath.

“I do not know the exact details, only that you were the cause for drawing her worshippers away from the temple on her day of adulation. The fae do not take kindly to being stolen from, especially not my mother.”

“The interview,” Virgil breathed in horror. Pushing himself upright, he clutched at Janus’ arm. “I swear, I didn’t mean for everyone to skip out on the Spirit’s Festival! If it had been up to me, none of them would have even been at the cafe! I didn’t want them there, you have to believe me!”

“Calm yourself, beloved. I believe that you did not intentionally act to anger her. However, you must understand that even a perceived slight is considered very real and serious to the fae. That is why you must remain here under my protection, until my mother’s ire cools or I can convince her to redirect her anger.”

As Janus fell silent, Virgil curled in again and pondered what he had been told, trying to remember anything he could about the fae. It wasn’t like there was one consistent guidebook he could follow, but some of the stories the older people used to tell his grade school classes at the library were starting to make a little more sense now. He had been told the forest couldn’t lie, so maybe that meant the fae were bound by the truth? A stretch, sure, but weren’t all myths rooted somehow in reality? They were also regularly told that the spirits of the forest loved beauty, especially in the form of attractive people, and could bestow gifts on those they enjoyed looking upon. Virgil had always felt so disheartened hearing that. He wasn’t anything special, just a plain-looking boy, so the forest would never favour him.

Why then had Janus?

“So,” Virgil broke into the quiet, “you supposedly brought me here to protect me from your mother, but that doesn’t explain why you called me your future husband earlier.”

Janus hummed. “When I set out to observe the human who had offended my mother, I was prepared to be faced with a disgusting example of your kind. What I found instead was the most beautiful face I had ever laid eyes on.” Virgil gasped when the hand that had been in his hair slipped down to cup his cheek and tilt his chin up. He felt a pair of lips brush so lightly against his forehead that he thought he imagined it. “You were sobbing so hard for a deeply rooted pain. I found myself desiring nothing more than to stop your tears and see how much your already breathtaking countenance would shine when lit by a smile.”

“I - you -”

Virgil was sure that he had been kissed before, because now he felt those lips curl into a smile.

“Is it so hard to believe you are so attractive?”

“Well, yeah,” Virgil huffed, his eyes closed as he leaned into Janus’ palm. “It’s not like I heard it all that often.”

“Mmm, I shall have to change that, then,” Janus whispered, resting his cheek on Virgil’s head, cradling him close once more. “Do you have any more questions, beloved? If not, it is time for you to rest, you’ve had a long day.”

The gentle petting and warm embrace were taking their toll on Virgil’s exhausted mind. He let himself rest heavily on Janus, nuzzling his face into the crook of his neck and wrapping an arm around the fae’s chest. “Jus’ one,” he murmured, voice already dipping into that sleepy slur. “Wanna make sure m’dads know ‘m safe…”

“I’ll see what I can do, my love. Rest now, Virgil.”

Like a spell had been cast over him, Virgil drifted off to a dreamless sleep.

-----

When Virgil had awoken, he was alone in the massive bed. He was surprised to feel a twinge of disappointment in his chest, having hoped Janus would stay despite the fae not wanting to show his face. Sighing, he slid out of bed and got himself ready for the day, slipping into some comfortable clothes he found in a set of drawers. When he came down for breakfast, his host’s invisible voice greeted him and informed him that his dads had been told of the situation and were relieved Virgil was alive and relatively safe.

The next few days played out much the same. Virgil was left to his own devices during the day, waited on by some sort of invisible staff as he explored the palace. He never saw another soul, but whenever he needed something, he learned to simply call out for it and it would be delivered to him by magic.

Each night, Janus would arrive in his bedroom once the sun had disappeared. He never asked for more than Virgil was willing to give, but Virgil found himself cuddled close every night without fail. They would speak for hours - about Virgil’s dreams, his dads, and Remy - nothing was too simple for Janus to inquire about. The fae was fascinated by every aspect of human life, and Virgil enjoyed discovering a sense of romantic joy over the little things he had experienced. There was something about Janus that soothed away the ever-present worries that were always yelling inside Virgil’s head.

There was one worry that couldn’t be silenced, however. No matter how much Virgil was coming to trust his protector, he could not ignore the fact that he had no idea what Janus even looked like. It was eating away at him not to know, and the longer he sat alone, the Janus in his head looked more and more like a monster waiting to prey upon him. This couldn’t go on. He had to know.

-----

During the day before he was going to enact his plan, Virgil spent his time in the massive library he had discovered on the second day, scanning the shelves and making a show of selecting a couple books. He made himself comfortable in one of the oversized cushions piled near the floor-to-ceiling window and pretended to read. Between absently scanning the pages, Virgil looked up and glanced around the room, as if his mind were wandering with the tale he was apparently focused on. In reality, he was scouring the room for ideas.

Countless candles were lit around the library, their wax melting at different stages, some newly pooling while others formed thick layers around the base of the candelabras. They were lit now, but there was no way for him to have an already burning flame in the bedroom when Janus arrived for the night. He would have to find some way to light one on his own. Maybe he could just -

“Excuse me?” He called into the air. “Could I please have more candles, and some matches for them? I want to go read in my room, but, um, the smell is really nice in here.”

Like always, the items he requested popped into existence on a low table nearby: three candles and a pair of matches. Huh, he hadn’t actually thought that was going to work.

“Thank you!”

Hugging both books to his chest, Virgil collected his new tools and jogged up to his room. There, he placed the candles onto the small table between the armchairs and lit them with a match. The second match, he carefully tucked inside the front knot of his shirt, pressing against his breast. Now prepared, he settled in to actually focus on the novel he had picked up. There was nothing but time to kill.

-----

By the time Janus arrived, Virgil had already blown out the candles and crawled into bed. He cuddled in as soon as Janus had laid down, laying his head on the fae’s chest and trying to keep his breathing steady as they fell into their usually nighttime conversation. Janus’ claws delicately traced the bumps of his spine the entire time they spoke.

Once Virgil was sure Janus had fallen asleep, he began the slow process of extracting himself from the fae’s embrace. Janus really was a cuddler, and loved to hold Virgil close while they slept, but thankfully he was also quite a deep sleeper. Virgil was able to carefully pull himself away and tuck a pillow into Janus’ arms. The fae squished it to his chest and curled onto his side, none the wiser.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Virgil went to work. He grabbed one of the candles and fished the match out from under his shirt, striking it against the table to light it. One hand held onto the base of the candle, while the other carefully cupped around the flame, protecting it as Virgil walked around to the other side of the bed where Janus lay. With a deep breath to steady himself, he pulled his hand away and gasped at the sight in front of him.

Janus never wore a shirt, which meant Virgil’s hands had felt the broad expanse of his naked back every night they had slept together. That didn’t explain why there were now a pair of gorgeous, tawny wings sprouting from between Janus’ shoulder blades. The feathers looked softer than anything Virgil could imagine and shined like spun gold in the candlelight. Virgil ached to caress the speckled feathers, to scrunch his fingers in the fluffy down near the wings’ base, but as he reached out, Janus rolled over and Virgil’s breath was punched from his lungs. The face of his protector was carved by the gods. Janus’ skin was a rich, dark brown, reflecting the candle light to accent his strong jaw and sharp cheekbones. Virgil could only imagine what colour his eyes could be behind his lids, framed by perfectly shaped brows and a shapely nose. Oh! Those lips! So plump and full! What would they feel like pressed against his own?

Enraptured, Virgil tried to get a better look, but as he leaned forward, some of the melted wax from the candle spilled over and landed on Janus’ cheek. The fae yelped, startling awake and clutching at his face as he threw himself upright. Virgil jumped back in shock, falling on his ass while somehow keeping the candle lit. The clatter drew Janus’ attention and his head snapped to the side to look at Virgil, who saw the moment Janus’ eyes widened with understanding and heartbreaking betrayal.

“You promised!” Janus hissed. “You promised me you wouldn’t look! Does your word mean so little to you!?”

“N-No - I, I just, I wanted-”

“What!? What was so important that you had to break your promise?”

“I wanted to, to make sure you weren’t some sort of … monster … who had kidnapped me to… to eat me,” Virgil muttered, suddenly feeling incredibly foolish. Why did he have to give in to his anxieties so easily? The next moment, his heart crumpled with Janus’ expression.

“Get out.”

“Wait, what?”

“I said. Get. Out.” Janus growled, spreading his wings high above his head as he leaned over the edge of the bed. “Get out of my sight, and out of my home! If you cannot hold to one simple promise, then I will not protect you! You can deal with my mother’s wrath on your own!”

About to protest, Virgil cried out in fear as Janus slashed out him, narrowly missing his face with those lethal claws. He didn’t waste any more time, dropping the candle and scrambling to his feet to run out of the bedroom. The empty halls echoed with his laboured breathing and the slap of his bare feet against the tiled floor as he sprinted through the palace and out the ivy-woven doors. The moment he was out, the doors slammed shut behind him.

Panting heavily, Virgil bent over with his hands on his knees, his entire body trembling from fear and exertion. He dropped to the ground and clutched his head in both hands, curling smaller and crying as silently as he could muster. It was a long time before his breathing evened out and he was able to drag himself back to his feet.

A glance around the clearing revealed what he had known upon his first arrival: he had no idea where in the forest he was, or which way led back home. So, he did the only thing he could and picked a direction to start walking. Through the night he stumbled over roots and around tangled shrubs, not stopping until he finally tripped over his own exhausted feet and fell into the shockingly cold waters of a stream. He spluttered and gasped, miserably dragging himself back up the bank. The sun was rising overhead, the forest waking up around him; he didn’t have the time to huddle here in a ball feeling sorry for himself.

-----

As the day progressed, Virgil noticed the trees beginning to thin and the gaps between the trunks growing wider. Suddenly, the canopy overhead parted to reveal a mountain, vast and tall, that should have been visible long before this moment. Placed at irregular intervals up the cliffside were six palaces woven of different plants woven together with even more grandeur than Janus’ home. Over the edge of the mountain, the tips and edges of presumably more palaces - these ones sculpted and shaped from various stones - were visible against the pale sky.

Virgil squinted, trying to get a better look at the strangely familiar shapes carved into the rock face near each palace. He gasped. The symbols matched those carved into the statues above the bronze dishes in the Spirit’s Temple, more specifically, the dishes meant for the spirits honoured in the spring and summer. That would mean - there! On the left! Beneath a palace of myrtle trees and rose vines, was the symbol belonging to the seventh spirit. That had to be the home of Janus’ mother, the spirit - or fae, rather - who was supposed to have been honoured at the start of this month.

Biting his lip, Virgil looked back the way he came then up at the palace once more. If what Janus said was true, and he wasn’t going to be offering protection anymore, then Virgil would have to face her on his own. It was either that, or cowering away until she tracked him down and killed him. Also not a desirable option, but Virgil would rather have some form of control over the end of his life. Beginning to climb, he just wished he would have been able to say goodbye to his dads first.

While there were worn deer trails to follow, the journey was not an easy one. Virgil had to cling to the rocks, heaving himself ever upwards, trying not to slice his bare feet or palms on the uneven shale. The summer sun climbed alongside him, growing hotter and hotter, sapping his energy and strength. Still, he pushed on until he stood before the lush gates shaking with exhaustion and dizzy from the heat.

Before he could gather his wits, the thorny vines that sealed the palace from the outside world began to withdraw. Where they parted, massive sanguine roses bloomed, as if to cushion a passerby from the sharp thorns. From within the depths of the palace strode out a figure so radiant and commanding, Virgil immediately felt subservient to her will. He quickly looked away, cheeks hot, as both of her breasts were exposed and only a lightweight wrap covered her lower body. His body recoiled when her piercing laugh broke the silence.

“Finally! The wretched beast comes crawling to its master, the Lady of the Summer Court. Had enough of playing at royalty, have you? Look at me when I’m talking to you, Virgil!”

Virgil immediately snapped his head back towards her, paling when his eyes met with her seething ire, but unable to drop his gaze any lower. He gripped the sides of his pants with white knuckles. “I - I’m so, so sorry! I n-never meant-”

“Look at this!” The fae cut in, causing Virgil to flinch again. “The pathetic mortal trying to inspire pity from me with your anxiety and melancholy! I will not be made a fool and relegated to some cheap handmaiden!”

With a shriek of rage, the Lady of Summer darted forward faster than Virgil’s eyes could track. The next moment, he was sprawled on the ground, ears ringing. He brought a shaky hand up to his stinging cheek and felt his stomach drop when his fingertips came away bloody. Rolling onto his back, he choked. The Lady was looming over him, one of her hands dripping with his blood as she pinned him down with a foot on his chest.

“It seems only fair to me, mortal, that I give you some chance to win back my good graces. Therefore, you shall complete a task for me, or else I will take your life as compensation for your disrespect.” The Lady of Summer announced with a wave of her hand. Virgil looked to the side, wincing as the cuts in his cheek dug into the gravel, and watched in surprise as a pile of mixed grains appeared nearby.

“You will sort this mass and disarray of seeds - wheat, barley, millet, poppy, chickpea, and lentil - into individual piles. I will know if a single grain lays with the wrong group. You have until this evening.” With that, the Lady of Summer kicked off his ribs and spun her skirts, vanishing into thin air with a flourish and leaving only the heady scent of roses as a sign of her presence.

Virgil lay on the ground in silence for a long time after she disappeared, barely daring to breathe. When he was finally able to bring himself to move, he slowly rolled onto his hands and knees, hissing at the pain in his ribs - definitely bruised. Crawling over to the pile of seeds, he reached a hand out but hesitated before he could touch the tiny grains. How the fuck was he supposed to sort these? He could hardly begin to tell them apart! Sitting back on his ass, Virgil dropped his face into his hands and burst into tears.

Then, he heard a high-pitched giggle.

Flitting to-and-fro above him were four - five - eight, no - seven? Seven little pixies were spinning, twirling, dancing through the air above him. Their bright, insect-like wings caught the sunlight and sent out flashes of colour like a rainbow in motion. One-by-one they drifted to the ground, settling in a half circle in front of Virgil and his miserable collection of seeds. They stood only several inches tall and were dressed in leaves and petals. A pair stepped forward in front of the rest; they were holding hands.

“Hello, hello!” The one on the right chirped, waving up with his free hand. He had gorgeous light blue butterfly wings that fluttered when he spoke. “We heard you crying and came to see, to see! What happened here, here?”

Virgil sniffled, wiping away his tears and snot on his sleeve. “Well, um,” he hiccupped and took a deep breath. “It’s the Lady of the Summer Court. She wants me to sort all of these seeds by type before tonight, but I have no idea how I’m going to do that so she’s definitely going to kill me!” He slapped a hand over his mouth to muffle a sob, tears running down his face.

“Easy now,” a new voice murmured as two little hands pressed against his knee. Virgil blinked his eyes open to see the second pixie - this one with veiny wings like a beetle’s - rubbing his leg soothingly. “You need to take slow, deep breaths to calm yourself.”

Virgil nodded and attempted to follow suit, counting to four on each inhale and exhale until the tears had slowed and he was able to relax somewhat to continue the conversation. “Th-thank you, um, what are your names?”

“You can call me Pat, Pat!” The first pixie announced twirling himself up into the air and drifting back down again.

“Ah, so you are quite new around here,” the second pixie mused, keeping his hands on Virgil’s leg. “You may call me Lo. Names have great power to the fae and it is imperative that you do not give yours away lightly, else someone may have complete control over your will.”

“But the Lady of the Summer Court already knows my name, and so did Jan- her son.”

“At any point did you give it to them, though?”

Virgil thought back over the last few weeks. “No… no, they both just, sorta, knew it somehow. Oh, uh, I guess you can call me Vee, then?”

Lo nodded. “Then it is likely they only heard your name somewhere, but they do not own it. Do you understand? They can exert some measure of power over you, but they cannot remove your free will entirely. Now then. Why is it the Lady wants you dead?” The pixie offered a small smile, nodding his head as Virgil explained how he got into this situation, that he knew Janus (though he referred to him as Jay), and why he wasn’t with the other fae anymore. When he finished, it was Pat who puffed up angrily.

“The Lady has gone too far, too far! You didn’t mean to make those people leave, leave! And it sounds like you didn’t actually make a binding promise, so Jay is acting a bit silly, bit silly. So, we’re gonna help you sort these seeds, and get everything cleared up, up!”

Logan nodded in agreement. “Indeed. Pat, you stay here with the others to aid Vee. I am going to go have a word with our feathered friend.” With that, Lo leaned in, kissed Pat’s cheek, and flew off down the mountainside.

Virgil watched the glint of Lo’s wings until he was out of sight, then turned back to the remaining pixies to watch as their quick, tiny hands got to work on the grains. “So… how do you know Jay?

Pat grinned widely up at him. “Jay is one of the Princes of Spring, Spring!” He works with love magic, and helped Lo and I get together decades ago in exchange for our help weaving that pretty gate in front of his palace, his palace!”

While they continued to converse, the pixies worked away at the seeds to form six unique piles, sorted from darkest to lightest. Before long, the entire jumbled mass had been reorganized without a single seed out of place. Once their job was complete, the five other pixies twittered their goodbyes and flew off up the mountain. Only Pat remained, sitting on his knee and chattering away as the sun set. Virgil shivered as a chill breeze licked at his exposed skin.

A sudden snap rent the night air, spooking Virgil, who lurched forward to cradle Pat in his hands protectively. Looking over his shoulder, he felt like vomiting when he saw the Lady of Summer standing over the grain piles with her arms crossed. He internally thanked any of the spirits who may be on his side that her chest was covered this time.

“This is not your work,” she hissed. “These were not organized by your hand, but by his!” She pointed an accusing finger at Pat, who had been peeking around Virgil’s arm but quickly hid back against his chest at the attention. “How dare you attempt to deceive me, you cretin!”

With a wordless shriek, the Lady lashed out with her vicious claws, aiming for the unmarked side of Virgil’s face. He scrambled back on his hands and heels, his ass dragging on the ground while Pat clung to the front of his shirt. Before she could take a second swipe, however, the dust and grit kicked up around them, obscuring their vision.

With his eyes covered, Virgil could only hear the flapping of large wings that cut off before there was the thud of a body dropping in front of him. Opening his eyes, he gasped. There, with his back to Virgil, stood Janus, with his great wings spread wide and his claws flexed at his sides. Lo, who had been holding onto the fae’s shoulder, now zipped down to the pair on the ground, holding Pat close and ensuring he was unharmed while the pixies huddled together on Virgil’s lap.

“You will not lay another hand on him,” Janus hissed, standing over Virgil protectively. Virgil felt Pat grip his thumb, but he couldn’t look away from the pair above them.

“What are you doing? Get out of the way, my son.”

“No. You wanted your revenge on him, and you got it. Look at him; he’s terrified, injured, and exhausted. The original disrespect against you was not even intentionally caused by him; it was the doing of numerous others. I do not fault you for your affront, but you are carrying on like a tantruming toddler!”

The Lady of Summer took a step back and clutched at her bosom. “You dare to speak to me like that?”

“I do, and so does the rest of the Seelie Court.” Virgil watched as Janus rolled his shoulders back and stood straighter. The Prince of Spring then reached into a bag tied at his hip and pulled out some sort of wooden charm dangling from a hemp rope. At the sight of it the Lady of Summer gasped and covered her mouth. “I have spoken before the Queen and her retinue, and she has decreed you will leave this mortal alone. In exchange, he will return to his town and gather a proper celebration for you by the end of this month.”

Virgil held his breath, not daring to twitch a muscle as he awaited his fate. The Lady of Summer let nothing show in her expression, but the hard lines of her face had softened attractively as Janus spoke. She shifted, looking over Janus shoulder and directly at Virgil. “You. You will do as this deal demands?”

Nodding rapidly, Virgil held up his hand in oath. “I will, I promise. I’ll go back home and speak with the curator of the Spirit’s Temple. We’ll host another festival and you’ll get the offerings you were supposed to be given at the start of the month.”

As if a switch had been flipped, the Lady of the Summer Court beamed a smile and grasped her hands over her heart. “Well then! That wasn’t so hard, was it! My dear, smart son, finding a way to set things right. I’m so proud of you, my little songbird.” Looking at her son, she cooed and cupped Janus’ cheek to tilt him up to kiss his forehead, smiling at his grumbling. “I won’t linger much longer, don’t you worry. I wouldn’t want to embarrass you in front of my future son-in-law after all! I’ll see you soon, Virgil, dear,” she called, a cool edge to her voice for a moment before she smiled brightly once more and waggled her fingers. With a dramatic wave of her hands, the Lady of Summer vanished once more.

A quiet settled over the remaining quartet, broken by a tinny clearing of a throat. Lo stood in Virgil’s lap, tugging Pat up next to him. “I believe it is time for us to depart as well. I am relieved we were able to arrive in time to prevent any harm coming to you, Vee.” The pixie looked from Janus to Virgil and smiled. “Let us know when you are in the woods, we would enjoy visiting under more ideal circumstances. Farewell, for now.”

“Goodbye, Vee, Vee!”

In a flash, the pair of pixies flew off into the night, their hands held tight together. They flew loops and circles over the others before darting off in the direction the other pixies had traveled hours ago.

On the ground, Janus helped Virgil to his feet. He cooed in sympathy, tenderly touching the tips of his fingers beneath the angry red cuts on Virgil’s cheek. “I am so sorry for what she has done to you, darling. And I am even more sorry that my own actions drove you from the safety of my side. I was meant to protect you from unearned rage, but instead I subjected you to further punishment and drove you towards your would-be killer. If I hadn’t gotten here in time-” Janus exhaled heavily, his wings sagging behind him. “I am so sorry, Virgil.”

“I mean, I’m not gonna say it’s okay, because none of this has been okay, but, I guess I can understand where you were coming from. If I were as attractive as you, I’d also be worried about people taking advantage of me.” Virgil blushed and dragged his big toe through the dirt. “So, yeah, I forgive you, or whatever.” He looked up with a fire in his eyes and jabbed his finger into the center of Janus’ chest. “But don’t you ever do that again, you hear me?”

Janus hands cupped around his own, cradling it close. “I swear, to the end of my days, I will treat you with the dignity and respect you deserve, my dearest.”

Despite the tenderness of the gesture, Virgil was unmoved. “I mean it, Janus. If you want us to work out, then I can’t be afraid that you’re going to banish me from your home every time you get upset. It’s not a relationship if you’re going to treat me like I’m disposable. I’m worth more than that. If you want more reassurance, or something, on my promises, then we can work something out, but what you put me through was terrifying, and I can’t go through it again. I won’t.”

Janus sighed, holding Virgil’s hands up to his lips and resting there a moment before slowly gathering Virgil into his arms. His embrace was loose enough to break, if Virgil wanted. “I understand, darling, and I will never be able to apologize enough for what I have done. However, it is not my words you want, but my actions, and I will do whatever you desire of me in order to make it up to you.” He cupped Virgil’s uninjured cheek. “I want us to work, too.”

There was a long pause as Virgil searched Janus’ golden eyes for any signs of deception. When he found only an earnest honesty, Virgil allowed himself to be held closer. He wasn’t sure which of them moved next, but they came together as one, lips pressing softly at first before quickly gaining heat. Then he was spun and dipped down, laughing hard as he clung to Janus’ shoulders, the fae’s wings held aloft to keep them balanced.

Maybe ‘future husband’ didn’t sound so bad after all.

#anxceit #healthy anxciet #virgil sanders #janus sanders #sanders sides #fae au #eros and psyche #squid scribbles

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embrassemoi · 3 years

Text

Surrounded by the Moon and Stars • 10

Pairings: Sirius Black x [F]Reader, Remus Lupin x [F]Reader Content: Language, possible errors, introducing more Marlene, unreliable narrative-ish Author’s notes: Ngl, I had to rush this one.

Masterlist: Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Chapter 9: One Hundred and Fifty Points

❉───────•~❉•᯽•❉~•───────❉

November rolled around signifying the start of the new Quidditch season. Inside the great hall was flooded with the smell of sausages and fried eggs along with the cheerful chatter of students looking forward to the first match.

Gryffindor and Slytherin were the first teams set to play and their relationship had never been so tense until now; even the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs who liked to join in on the playful raillery decided not to participate.

Whenever a Gryffindor was to pass by the Slytherin table to get to their respective seats or simply walk through the entrance, a hassle of insults and boos would follow and vice versa.

While both houses had their own tactics to mess with each other, the Slytherins had tactics that transpired off the pitch and were brought into daily life. It was a smart move, and some of the newer Gryffindor players allowed it to bother them even before stepping foot onto the field. The insults built over the past couple of years, largely because Gryffindor had yet to lose a single game since James joined the team a little over three years ago.

And since James was newly appointed captain, they were relentless.

In the days leading up to the match, whenever Y/N accompanied James through the halls, whispers of childish remarks like, “I bet Potty is going to go to the potty after Talkalot throws him off his broom,” and other insults follow him, varying from his abilities or his capability to lead his team to victory.

Despite the relentless jeers, James managed to take them in stride, constantly donning a bright smile. Not once had it wavered him or chilled his blood. If anything, he took it as a compliment and even bounced off of it with a witty response. A few times, he even repeated the insult, announcing it loud enough for everyone in the vicinity to hear before turning the joke on them.

But today, he finally cracked. Marlene, who joined the team last year as a chaser, was beyond ecstatic while James’ smile was non-existent. It was fairly evident to everyone who knew him that his smile and body language faked confidence in an attempt to mask nervousness.

As his first year as captain, James had an extreme burden on his shoulders. Stakes were at an all-time high to continue the three-year-long title holder of the Quidditch cup. He was under a constant microscope. Everyone was curious to see how James led his team. Not only did he have to prove his abilities as a leader but was also in jeopardy of staying captain for next year. His status depended on these games.

Additionally, the potential loss would be devastating. James was not the first pick as captain for this year. Charlie Bell, a seventh year, was supposed to take his place with James coaching the year after he left, but Bell stepped down, preferring to spend his time focusing on NEWT revisions. Although due to his time studying, Bell’s abilities were admittedly sloppy and began to worry James as he was not up to his standards.

Although in Y/N’s (biased) opinion, James had nothing to worry about.

He insisted on daily practices ever since try-outs were held in early September. It was even hard to catch Marlene who’d been James’ left-hand man of sorts. Today, the two players woke up bright and early in preparation for the first game. They woke up at six o’clock in the morning, to Marlene’s dismay, and went for a light jog and a quick exercise. The rest of the Gryffindor team was there and went over their ground plan again.

Y/N had seen a few of their practices to support them and bring any food incase they missed breakfast or dinner. James was absolutely merciful. Like any good captain, he listened and attended to the needs of his players, but he held Marlene’s opinion higher than the rest.

Rumours floated around the two and she was excited to see if they held true. Both players had become great partners and were almost unstoppable on the field. Because of this, it was highly anticipated that Gryffindor was going to win, especially with how gruelling James’ coaching methods were compared to former captains. Bets were placed ranging from Knuts, Sickles and Galleons.

Due to the overwhelming pressure, James was at a loss for words, for once. His anxiety spiked and the only person who could talk any sense into was Marlene; both sharing an odd, yet special bond.

Even in the days leading up, Mcgonagall, who she’d found out was very gifted and a huge fan of the sport, took notice of his unusual and quiet behaviour. McGonagall let loose, avoiding giving out homework for the week. She had even opted to avoid giving James any.

It was quite clear McGonagall had a soft spot for the marauders, often letting them do as they pleased while at harshest, taking away house points and sparingly handing them detentions. James, of course, had been using this to his advantage as he pleaded to give the entire Gryffindor team no homework using the famous ‘but we have practice!’ excuse.

When she arrived in the hall with Dorcas, the moment they walked through the entrance, the Slytherin table booed in their direction but was rivalled with a thunderous welcome from the Gryffindor table. Everyone in sight wore red and gold.

James had a vice-grip on Quidditch Through the Ages while in the other hand, tried but failed, to shovel potatoes in his mouth. Marlene sat on his left, reviewing several techniques they could use last minute that the Slytherins may not expect coming. They were already wearing their jerseys. Plastered on Marlene’s chest in bright yellow was the number 6 while James was 7. Their uniforms were identical aside from the pin on James’ shirt that caught everyone’s attention. A shiny new captain’s badge sitting proudly on his chest.

Both were talking to each other rapidly, barely registering their friends sitting down beside them.

“Don’t be thick,” said Marlene, “This is going to work. Stop second-guessing.”

“I’m mental. Abso-fucking-bloody-mental … What was I thinking?”

“Potter,” she scolds, “get it together. Now, in about an hour, we’re going to be walking on the pitch. We’ve practiced for hours — days even — much more than the Slytherins have. You were made captain for a reason and we have back-up plans. We’re beyond ready.”

He sighs, taking a deep inhale. “Okay… Okay.”

Within a few seconds, the air around him shifts and James' assertive and authoritative side takes over. “What were you suggesting earlier?”

“We have to go underneath and cut them off. Trust me, they won’t expect it.”

“Where do you want me?”

“What broom model do you have?”

“Nimbus 1984.”

Marlene scoffs, “Should’ve known, Mr. ‘Trust fund’ Potter. Anyway, yours is the fastest and newest — ought to be the first one to cut ‘em. Lead the way.”

James stops to ponder before bobbing his head in agreement, “Sounds good, but Bell?”

“— do you think he can do it?”

“Not sure. Maybe he will once the rush comes — no — we can use him as a decoy then.”

The sudden uproar of cheers and boos of both Gryffindors and Slytherins attempting to drown each other reached the table’s ears again, James looked down at his lap. Even Marlene’s leg started bouncing up and down.

Lily was about to make a harmless jab before Marlene’s eyes shot up to her, shaking her head warningly.

James was truly losing his shit inside and out.

“Mental,” he grumbles out. He barely registers his body move on its own accord. Marlene followed his lead, getting up with him before his attention was drawn back to everyone in front of him.

“You coming, right? Gotta see my moves,” James tries to joke, looking at Y/N.

“She better or I’ll drag her onto the field.” Marlene cuts in. Judging by the burning look in her eyes, Marlene was far from joking.

“Of course I will.” She then directs the next sentence mostly to James, “You’re going to crush them.”

A nod of approval comes from both players. Marlene’s chest puffs out from the praise, even going as far to dramatically flick her hair over her shoulder while James seems to relax considerably.

“Of course we are. You are talking to the King of Quidditch.”

“Hem hem — and queen!”

“My bad — and queen. We’re going to win.” It was nice seeing his arrogant side back.

“Pff— that’s not even a question,” Marlene says, “I’d rather fling my body off a tower if we lose this game.”

❉───────•~❉•᯽•❉~•───────❉

At eleven o’clock sharp, the entire school sat in the stands around the Quidditch pitch. From there, she could smell the fresh-cut grass, filling the air as cold steel filtered through her lungs. It was refreshing and tickled the inside of her nose. The seats were raised high, a warming charm placed on them, courtesy of Flitwick.

Flakes of dewey frost coated the field and stands. The wind howled as a few brooms whipped back and forth, checking to see if everything was in proper condition before the start of the game. Unfortunately for the players, stormy grey clouds were raised high and there was a high risk of rain or snow. It surely was going to make catching the Golden Snitch harder.

All the girls were there to support Marlene. Lily and Dorcas went all out and brought a huge poster. Streaks of red and gold were painted underneath their eyes as leftover gold tinsel from the Halloween party was woven into Lily’s hair. Many other students also held large signs, waving flags; even Y/N and Mary had binoculars secured around their necks.

A large lion was charmed onto the sign, moving back and forth before opening its mouth to roar. In bold letters, it read Gryffindor’s Weapon, McKinnon! Dorcas placed another charm on so the letters interchanged between red and gold, flashing similar to a new-maj diner sign.

Madam Hooch stood in the middle of the pitch. In a flash, the two teams came out, shouldering their brooms in a single file line from two hidden doors beneath the stands. At the front, the team’s respective captains led them to the middle. A deafening applause greeted them. Some players even waved back to the crowd for louder cheers.

A few rows down, sitting in the very front was Sirius and Peter, rapidly waving their arms around and cheering. Peter bent down, pulling up a sign that read Potter’s Preeminence . Even with the distance, Y/N could hear Sirius’ screaming. He wore a paper mache lion head while Peter wore the body of a lion.

‘YOU GOT THIS PRONGS! FUCKING CRUSH THEIR TINY LITTLE SNAKE BONES— LET’S GO GRYFFINDOR, LET’S GO WOOWOO!”

What caught her eye was Remus’ absence. She was under the impression that he and James were close friends, so surely he would have been there in support knowing that this game was immensely important to him.

Back on the field, the captains shook their hands. James’ head was held high, determined not to break eye contact first. However, the other captain simply smirked and leant in to whisper something in his ear before Hooch scolded her. When she pulled back, Y/N could hardly see James’ expression but she managed to catch a small glimpse.

He looked, well, she didn't know what his expression meant. Angry? Nervous? Annoyed?

This was her cue, “DON’T LET THEM GET TO YOU JAMES!” She shouted so loud that it managed to travel down to him. Sirius’ head whipped back, even looking appreciative at her encouragement.

James managed to hear and his head perked up. His head swivelled towards her, his frown wiped off as his confidence returned. Behind him, Marlene looked up to the stands and Y/N, along with the other girls, shot her a thumbs up.

Madam Hooch continued to give her speech. James looked determined, his head tilting towards Marlene as they nodded to each other in encouragement. Y/N was unfamiliar with the rest of the Gryffindor and Slytherin players, but surprisingly, Regulus Black was standing there. Unlike the other warm brown and golden brooms, Regulus’s broom was black, accented with silver metal. An odd mark was engraved on the widest part of the base.

Due to the distance, it was hard to make out what was engraved or what position he played before Madam Hooch grabbed her silver whistle, which was comically too big.

“Mount your brooms,” she said, the entire crowd hearing. She lifted the whistle to her mouth and gave a loud blast. The game began.

Fifteen brooms flew high into the air. The clouds covering a couple of players passing by.

The announcer’s voice fills the air. “Anddd we’re off! Gryffindor’s newest captain, James Potter, 7, has the Quaffle and— he passes it to Charlie Bell, 2. This is his last year on the team so everyone give him a loud cheer— he sends the Quaffle back to Potter— and he passes it over to Marlene McKinnon, 6, and— no— the Slytherins swiped the Quaffle! Captain Emma Vanity, 21, flies away and she dives— she passes it to Rhys Calwald, also a seventh year— McKinnon comes back and takes it! She’s— a Gryffindor is down! Bell was hit by a Bludger and— he’s back up, perfectly fine— Potter is by the goalpost and blocks off the Slytherins, speeding up. Above, Phoebe Dawson, 1, joined as the Gryffindors newest seeker. She’s high in the clouds, neck and neck with Regulus Black, 8, Slytherin’s seeker and— there’s a clear shot to search for the Snitch. The Quaffle is taken by Bell and— Slytherin’s chaser takes it! Chaser Lucinda Talkalot, 4— their beater bats it away from an incoming Bludger— Talkalot is rounding on Gryffindor’s goalpost— she’s close, Vanity is there— she dives— she shoots— and… and— SLYTHERIN SCORES!”

Gryffindors groan while Slytherin cheers and wave their signs higher. A roar of claps goes around.

Now Lily is screaming, her hands are stretched out, waving her large sign above her head, blocking the unlucky students sitting behind her. “THAT WAS ONLY TEN POINTS! GET THEM MARLS— YES! LOOK AT THAT DIVE!”

Down below, Peter and Sirius are mirroring Lily. "IS THAT ALL YOU GOT POTTER?! COME ON WE KNOW YOU CAN GET EM! YOU'RE DOING AMAZING! FUCKING CRUSH THEM!"

Y/N grabbed her binoculars, bringing them to her eyes. Marlene was high up, open for James who had the Quaffle tucked under his arm. He does not look over to her, but rather looks at Bell before he throws it to her, his eyes still trained on Bell. Marlene catches it and from the trick James pulled, she has an extra few seconds before the Slytherins catch her. Marlene speeds away as a Bludger is directed at her. Luckily, one of Gryffindor’s beaters already flung it away as Charlie came rushing close to Marlene’s side, warding off any Slytherins as best as he could.

The commentator cuts in again. “Gryffindor is back in possession of the Quaffle. McKinnon and Bell are flying closer to the goalpost—Slytherin's keeper is standing tall at their net, Ashworth, 3— they’re speeding towards— look! It’s the Snitch!”

The two seeker’s heads shot up. A low murmur spreads through the crowd as they caught sight of a flash of gold. Only for a second, they saw the little ball, its wings fluttering madly before it disappeared back into the clouds.

Slytherin directs a Bludger towards Phoebes before Gryffindor’s beater comes rushing up to swat it away.

Gryffindor still is under the possession of the Quaffle. Marlene and Charlie have been passing it back and forth while James comes back around. His body is pressed close to his broom. He does a funny hand movement, signalling to the rest of the chasers before they swoop down suddenly. Everyone is confused and Charlie is flying in the opposite direction, some of the Slytherins follow him before Marlene passes the Quaffle at James and shoots.

"— GRYFFINDOR SCORES!"

Another round of cheers echoes through Gryffindor’s side. Lily’s clapping slowed. She wanted to show support for Marlene, her house, but not for James. As the Quaffle is sent back up to the air, James and Marlene high-five each other discreetly before returning to their positions.

The Slytherins rush back towards Gryffindors goalpost; they're zigzagging through the air, violent swishes to avoid chasers from cutting them off again.

"Slytherin's in possession. Vanity is on Talkalot's right— passes it to her— shots— misses! Talkalot gets another rebound—

Y/N's attention is drawn back to the seekers. A beater is rapidly swatting away Bludgers as Phoebe is neck and neck with Regulus. Her eyes are stuck through the binoculars.

All of the sudden, a Bludger collided hard with James' broom, so strongly that Y/N swore a chip of wood was knocked off. His broom vibrates hard but his grip is still secured tightly to prevent bucking off. The Bludger was so close to his face that for a split second everyone thought it might've broken his nose. The crowd was cheering on intently while Sirius and Peter screamed.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT?"

"FOUL!" Madam Hooch yelled. Gryffindor gets a free score on Slytherins goalpost. Marlene is the one to score.

"NICE JOB MARLS!" Lily bellows. Her voice is high-pitched and cuts through the air loud enough that Marlene looks over and gives a thumbs up.

By now, Slytherin has scored eleven times while Gryffindor was merely in the lead by ten points. Slytherin was rapidly gaining on them. Vanity and Talkalot were great at their positions.

"Gryffindors in possession! Bell’s got the Quaff— a Bludger is coming towards Potter again—” The iron ball was barrelling towards him, again. A beater shouted, warning him before James zoomed across the field as fast as he could. A beater trailed after him and swatted it away, narrowly avoiding being hit.

James ducked as another Bludger was rocketed in his direction.

"— BLOCKED! YEAH, SCUMBAGS — Sorry McGonagall!— Bell is gaining on the Slytherins and aiming at Ashworth. McKinnon is seconds behind— the seekers spotted the Golden Snitch!"

There was an edge of panic that soared through everyone’s hearts as both of the seekers dived down so fast that the chasers and beaters had to move out of their way. It was neck and neck, both flattened to their broom and the crowd only saw the glimpse of golden sparkles. Both reached out their hands.

It was only then a Bludger hit the back of Phoebe's broom, similar to James, causing her to lunge forward and off her broom.

Both seekers were laid on the ground. Everyone peered at the crash worried about their safety before Regulus lifted his hand, waving it above his head.

"I got the Snitch!" Regulus pants out.

James came rushing down to his teammate's side to make sure they weren't badly injured. He screamed for Madam Hooch.

After careful deliberation, Hooch ultimately decided that Slytherin won, awarding them the extra one hundred and fifty points. Gryffindor lost by thirty points.

"That was an illegal Bludger attack!" Marlene says.

"What the fuck?! That's rubbish!" Sirius screamed. Mary, Lily, Dorcas and Y/N groaned with the rest of the Gryffindors. The Slytherins chanted, waving their banners around and screaming as the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws clapped.

“Bell shoulda been cap, what were they thinking, picking the so-called King of Quidditch!” The Slytherins sang.

James, while still upset at the ruling, was more upset at his team member’s pain. Nobody knew what happened, but James seemed to leave Phoebe's side once he knew she was okay and stormed off in the direction of Vanity. Marlene grabbed a hold of his uniform to pull him back.

“James, what the fuck do you think you’re doing?” She seethes into his ear, "Don’t start muggle duelling!"

“Are you fucking joking?” He bits back, “I’m not going to hit a woman!”

“Then calm down now.”

Whatever it was, James felt himself cool down considerably as he looked to Marlene. “Right, sorry. Just wanted to talk some sense into her.”

“Dreadful temper you’ve got there Potter.” Vanity spits out. She walks up to him, a pitiful smile on her.

“You need to keep your beaters in check,” he spits. Sparks fly from his nose as he marches back to Phoebe. By now, Madam Pomfrey has her laid back on a stretcher. James helps her, picking up the other end and walking back through the hidden doors. The team shuddered, trailing after them.

❉───────•~❉•᯽•❉~•───────❉

It was a devastating blow for Gryffindor. Everywhere Y/N looked, angry or disappointed faces would pop up. The team themselves were dejected while the Slytherins have begun planning a party.In the halls, students that made bets disappointedly slapped money it into the palms of students.

Nobody had seen James for hours. He’d left right after the game and all the marauders had disappeared, only reappearing for dinner. Only Sirius and Peter were at the table.

“— We were so close,” said Marlene numbly. “It must have accounted for something, using an illegal move like that.”

“You did amazing, it’s not your fault.” Lily cuts in, patting her on the shoulder.

“Now Potter is going to be ruthless for the next practices.”

A roar of laughter came from the Slytherins, a song chanting from their lips.

“Potter can hardly score a goal, he almost plummeted on the floor! He calls himself the King of Quidditch, well we call him the second option! Bell shoulda been cap, what were they thinking, picking the so-called King of Quidditch!”

“Shut it!” Sirius yelled, “You cheated! Bunch of gits.”

“Knock it off!” Followed Peter.

“Potter can hardly score a goal, he almost plummeted on the floor!"

Marlene cringes, watching the scene play out. Her grip on her fork tightens that for a moment Y/N thought she would have shattered the metal pieces. “They already won, what more do they want? A bunch of ugly toads...”

“Just ignore them,” Dorcas says. Marlene looked back at her, smiling reassuringly but with effort.

“He calls himself the king of Quidditch, well we call him the second option!”

“I don’t even like him,” Lily says dully, “But this… this is just mean.”

“Bell shoulda been cap, what were they thinking, picking the so-called King of Quidditch!”

No wonder James skipped dinner. Y/N turns her head to look at Sirius and Peter, both upset. A thought passes, perhaps it would be good to see how James was doing, but a small seed of doubt settled in her. If his best friends weren’t with him, then it probably would be better to leave him alone. But starving himself shouldn’t be the other option. As the Slytherins continued to sing, with teachers and prefects starting to get up to stop them, Y/N grabbed a nearby empty plate before piling on spaghetti and bread along with slipping a few utensils in her pockets. She excused herself, nodding to Marlene for comfort and slipping her way out effortlessly as teachers swamped the Slytherin table.

The common room was empty aside from James who was huddled up with his invisibility cloak, staring miserably out a window. Only his head was visible, the rest covering his body. It made her feel a bit queasy.

The fireplace crackled with every step she took. There were a few options Y/N could broach this situation,

She could walk around him like there were eggshells,

Or treat him normally.

She sat down beside him, a bit unsure, handing him his plate. His gaze moves to her, a quick smile flashes.

“Thanks.” He says, taking it from her. He ate in silence for a while, Y/N deciding to talk to fill the silence.

“I was thinking we should play exploding snaps-”

“Hey, look, “ he cuts off fast, nodding stiffly. His smile faded and a hard edge crept in his voice, “you don't have to try and cheer me up—”

“Relax, I’m not here to baby you. You’re doing that already.”

A small huff of amusement comes out, “Well then, mind if I play with you?”

“Of course!”

Whenever James won, and quite honestly he wasn’t the best, he’d make a small whooping sound. Even a few times she lost purposely so he would win.

That is until he spoke again, almost inaudible “You know… I care what people think of me- well certain people and I let them down today.”

“James, you didn’t.”

“I did —”

“Nobody is mad at you. If anything they’re mad at Madam Hooch.”

“Still,” he looked down embarrassed. “What are they saying about me down there?”

Her brain short-circuited for a moment; he would have to find out eventually. “They’re singing.”

“Great.” Although he didn’t look bothered, just annoyed. However, he gained a rush of enthusiasm with his next sentence, “Whatever, I’ll show them next year.”

A few games later, James left before the swarm of students came back to the common room. Again, he covered himself with the cloak and disappeared into the hallway. The spring in his step was noticeably lighter.

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jilytho · 3 years

Text

will you accept this rose?

ch1 of my new jily bachelor au

Read below or on AO3

James never intended to become The Bachelor.

Of course he was looking for love, and of course all the women on these shows were gorgeous and inspiring and amazing, but he liked the idea of old fashioned love. Love found from meet-cutes in restaurants or bars or grocery stores or university classes. Love like his parents, real and deep, fast and almost from first sight. They’d literally collided in the library during finals season at school, Fleamont dropped all of his research on polymers and Euphemia’s political science papers got all mixed in and they fell in love righting the papers.

He’d grown up with parents deeply committed to each other and deeply, sincerely in love. And they loved him just as much. He had grown up supported and adored and utterly spoiled. They supported him choosing to pursue a career in professional football over the much safer engineering degree he’d planned to pursue. They attended every single game he played in, waving banners with his face on them right alongside Sirius and Remus. They had set a standard for him that every relationship he’d had failed to meet.

But after months and months of blind dates and terrible tinder dates and people thinking he’s a catfish on tinder just because he used to be a somewhat famous football player, he’s nearly given up hope. He was researching rescue organizations to get a brother cat for Prongs (he was thinking of naming it Padfoot, had a nice ring) when Sirius walked in and spotted him. Sirius turned on his heel and walked out the instant he realized what he was doing and immediately submitted James to be the next Bachelor.

He got picked. At first he fought Sirius on it, nobody actually finds love on those shows. It's all just trashy reality TV but then Sirius got Euphemia involved and it was essentially settled right then and there.

The response had been overwhelming after the announcement. He’d gained three million Instagram followers within the week and was offered multiple sponsorship deals. His management team was thrilled. The show had reportedly received a record number of applicants from women, all hoping to end the season engaged to him or with a couple million followers and an influencer career all set up.

That first night, it all felt very surreal. He was standing there on the edge of a red carpet in a stiff tux and what felt like hundreds of cameras on him. Sweat pooling in his armpits, waiting for 35 women to appear by limo and introduce themselves and potentially become his wife.

Peter kept trying to tell them that there was no way any relationship with any of these women would last because obviously they wouldn’t be there for the ‘right reasons’. Peter felt that there was no right reason to go onto a reality tv show but he was outvoted as Remus insisted that if anyone was ever going to find love on a reality show, it'd be James.

Each one seemed more amazing and beautiful than the last. There were some he instantly knew he’d want to talk further with and some he knew he’d be fine never speaking with again.

First was Ariana, stunningly gorgeous and tall, olive toned skin perfectly complemented by the sage green dress she wore. She had served in the Air Force for two years before returning home to become a teacher and he felt instantly excited to speak with her and totally intimidated.

Ariana was followed by Layla. She was undoubtedly stunning but kept their conversation very surface level, shaking his hand and saying how excited she was and hoped he was excited as well, and then asked for a hug and tried to feel if he was excited to see her.

Violet showed up riding on a horse which at first felt cool until the lights all spooked the horse and she almost fell off which felt like a near death experience but she played it off casually and sweetly and told him about growing up around animals on her parents farm. She seemed funny and down to earth and had a smile that made his entire chest go numb.

Ava, a cardiologist, instantly made his mouth dry up when he saw her step out of the limo, stunning and confident, navy dress with a daring leg slit that was just enough for a glimpse of her perfect dark skin to peek out through. She brought him an anatomically correct plush heart and asked him to keep it as a representation of her own heart and keep it safe. It was one of the cutest introductions so far and he instantly knew he’d want to spend some time speaking with her tonight.

It felt ridiculously unreal and just bizarre. All completely beautiful and mostly genuine seeming, with careers ranging from actual Runway Models to YouTube vloggers to doctors and financial professionals. It really just felt… awkward and stilted. He was meeting the most engaging and impressive women in the world but the whole thing just felt so stale and staged.

Until, that is, Lily. The limo pulled up and instantly all he saw was red. Long milky leg peeking out from the leg slit of her deep red sparkly dress that clung to every single beautiful curve. Her head was tilted down as she got out and he watched as her heel twisted in her dress as she got out, causing her to instantly stumble and trip as she tried to stand.

“Ah fuck it all ,fucking hell” she swore as she tumbled out, grabbing the door for balance and nearly falling on her face.

He raced over to help her up, her long red hair swinging between them. She flipped her hair back and tucked in behind her ear as he reached down to take her hand and meet her eyes and oh my god her eyes were perfect her face was perfect she was perfect and now his mouth was dry.

“Hi! I’m Lily,” she smiled up at him, righting herself but not stepping back anymore, less than a few inches between their faces. Close enough he could smell her, something warm and vanilla, and completely perfect.

“James,” he choked out, the word croaking as he cleared his throat.

“Should we um… move over there?” She gestured to the carpeted foot of the stairs where he’d stood to greet every other guest.

“Oh, yeah probably.” He led them there at one, hands clasped together.

“So um, I’m Lily Evans, I guess you could say I’m falling for you?” she cringed as she said it, visibly flushing.

“It seems like you’d be used to falling.”

Her eyebrows shot up into her hairline, “are you saying I look clumsy?”

“No, erm I just mean like. You fell right then and also it seems like you uh fell from heaven?”

He could feel Sirius laughing at him already. Lily just smiled lightly, looking him up and down. “Well, I guess I’ll be going inside now. Very nice to meet you.”

“You too, Lily.” His hand instantly shot into his hair as he watched her walk away.

That was different.

#jily #jily fic #james potter #lily evans #jilytho

36 notes · View notes

thebadgerclan · 4 years

Text

Harry Potter Masterlist 1

** indicates smut

The Fourth Champion Masterlist

Harry Potter

Trapped-You’re trying to study, but Harry has other plans....

He Knows- You spend Christmas with Harry, but Sirius doesn’t know you’re dating...

His World- Harry doesn’t care that Snape’s your father....

Relax**- Harry’s stressed beyond belief....

A Few Firsts- Harry finally musters up the courage to ask you out....

A Lifetime Of Love- Harry’s never been told those 3 little words...

Can’t Hurt Us Anymore- Despite Voldemort’s death, Harry’s still afraid.

Character Kinks

Just Feel**- Dumbledore’s lessons are too much....

Dreams**- Harry had a dream....

Spin The Bottle**- A game of spin the bottle reveals some long dormant feelings..

Today’s About You**- It’s Harry’s birthday...

Fought and Won**-The war is over...

Nothing Can Keep Us Apart**- Harry comes to you after the final battle...

Better Than Your Dream**- You make his dream come true...

Halloween- Halloween is a difficult day for Harry...

Regret (TW: SUIDIDE)- He feels nothing but stinging regret...

No One Could Compete- Harry gets inside his head sometimes...

Control**- He needs to feel in control...

Tomorrow**- There’s 2 sides to Harry...

Sex w/ Harry HCs**

Beautiful**- Harry’s always thought you couldn’t be more beautiful... he was wrong

That Good**- Whatever’s making you this needy today, Harry’s not questioning it

Better Than A Dorm**- After the Yule Ball, you know exactly where to go for a little alone time with your love....

Eighth Year- Harry returns for his eighth year..

Need You Now**- You finally get the chance to have him....

I’m Not Like My Father- You knew your relationship couldn’t stay secret forever

So Much More- After the Department of Mysteries, Harry feels conflicted...

Don’t Be Quiet**- Your kids are with Ron and Hermione for the weekend...

Home To You**- After busting a cell of Death Eaters, Harry comes home...

Disrespect**- Punishments can end in pleasure...

Hermione Granger

Hermione Granger Smut HCs

James Potter

Broken Trust- James just couldn’t keep his mouth shut...

He’s Ready- After Voldemort attacks, James raises his son...

James Potter Smut HCs**

James As A Husband HCs

Lily Evans

Lily Evans Smut HCs**

Lily As A Wife HCs

Being Best Friends w/ Lily HCs

Fluffy/Random Lily HCs

Fred Weasley

Can’t Believe He’s Gone- Fred is there after your father’s death.

A Weasley In A Bookstore?- Fred sees the book you’ve wanted for weeks

Contradictions- Umbridge is just too much for Fred...

Redder Than His Hair- Y/N is shy, Fred is not

Amortentia’s Got Nothing On You- George’s usual teasings feel different on opening day.

Blame It On The Chocolate- Fred and Y/N and their late night O.W.L cramming

Now We Know**-Both you and Fred have wanted to try this for a while...

Intense**- Fred knows how to be intense..

Unattached**- You’re not a couple, that’s for sure.....

George Weasley

Quarantined w/ George HCs

May 2nd- On the anniversary of the battle, there’s a ceremony....

No One Can Know- Y/N Malfoy has to sneak around to see her boyfriend

You’re Mine and I’m Yours**- George needs to forget....

Welcome Distraction- Jealousy boils over at Bill and Fleur’s wedding...

I’m Yours?- Usually calm and collected, for once in his life, George is nervous...

Ron Weasley

Run Out Of Adjectives- After Slytherin defeats Gryffindor again, you remind Ron why you fell in love with him...

Edge**- Ron is desperate...

Charlie Weasley

Romanian Internship**- Charlie got his internship...

Be Mine- Charlie is all you have....

Why Is The Box Moving?- Charlie gives Y/N her birthday present.

Something He Loves More Than Dragons**- Your first time with Charlie...

Bill Weasley

Mrs. Weasley- He never loved her....

Lucius Malfoy

The Newest Malfoy- You meet Lucius after the war....

Resigned- You like Lucius, but he’ll never notice you...

Courtyard Brawl- Gone is the pureblood mania....

You’ve Changed Me- Lucius has changed since you first met.

I’d Take A Curse For You- While at the Manor, you and Lucius are ambushed.

Need You Now**- Lucius needs you now.....

Reliant**- Lucius’ surprise leaved you completely reliant on him.

Kind Of Sweet**- Lucius gets a bit carried away...

Draco Malfoy

Shaken Up- Draco gets very protective after Umbridge’s detention....

Making Up After A Fight HCs

I’d Rather Have The Snake- Y/N runs into her ex while out with Draco

Cuddling HCs

Nothing’s Working- Nothing Draco does is helping you feel better....

Always Take Care Of You- Draco is there when the world is too much

Flower**- You didn’t know what that flower did....

Newt Scamander

Loopy- This is why you don’t mess with an angry Thunderbird

Just Ask Her- Newt’s nervous to ask you something...

Alone In New York- Newt gets caught cheating

Angry Frank- Frank is angry and accidentally hurts Newt

The Demiguise Is Always Right- Dougal strikes again.....

Artemis Fido- The baby’s coming

Chaser- Ravenclaw vs Hufflepuff

New York Niffler- The niffler’s loose in NYC

Trust The Demiguise- Newt’s creatures have become strangely protective of you...

Queenie’s Birthday- It’s Queenie’s birthday, and Newt’s pretty shy

Sweet Girl- The niffler’s finally asleep...

Mine Forever- After 20 years, he’s here...

Your Happiness- All he wants is your happiness...

Cedric Diggory

People Die- You’re so afraid for Cedric....

Cedric As A Boyfriend HCs

Sleepy Ced- Y/N stays up studying in the common room

Owlet- Y/N is sick and Cedric takes are of her

Jealous HCs

Late Nights In The Library- Cedric is studying and Y/N is tired.

Stuck With Me- Cedric won’t stop until Y/N says she’ll go out with him

Neville Longbottom

The Cowardly Lion- Being stuck in the Room of Requirement isn’t so bad...

Never Thought You’d Notice**- He never thought you’d notice him...

This Moment**- Now just seems like the perfect time...

Dance Lessons- The best night of his life...

Cliche**- He wanted to wait...

Nymphadora Tonks

Bad Day- After a long, hard day, there’s no one you’d rather go home to...

Sirius Black

The Eagle and The Lion- Sirius tells you how he met your mom

Moments**- These moments are so rare

Then He Did- He won’t want you.......

Overprotective HCs

New Wardrobe- Cleaning the master suite comes with an unexpected surprise...

Judge Too Soon- Sirius’ first visit with your parents doesn’t go as smoothly as you’d hoped

Respect- You put Snape in his place....

Stay Away- Sirius would gladly date you, if only your mother would let you....

The Newest Black-Nothing could make him happier than he is right now...

Never Stopped-14 years may have passed, but you still love him..

Best Christmas Ever- Harry gets 2 big surprises this Christmas...

Belated- Sirius lands himself in detention on your anniversary....

Alive and Well- Sirius is home after 12 years...

One Second- One second was all it took....

Always Your Sister-James is emotional at your wedding...Keep reading

She’s Gotta Go- Walburga’s gotta go......

James’ Speech- James gives his best man speech at your wedding

Princess Sirius- Your daughter decided to turn your husband into a princess....

I Don’t Deserve This- Your first dance with your new husband

Angelic- Your number one fan is always there to support you.

Tease**- Sirius has had enough of your teasing

Harry Will Have A Friend- You share some good news after escaping Godric’s Hollow

Plaything- Severus doesn’t see your relationship with Sirius the way you do.....

Remember Who’s In Charge**- Cuddling takes a turn...

They’d Be Proud- Life before and after Voldemort’s attack

Silly Feuds- Sirius feels like an idiot....

5 Words- He doesn’t think he deserves you....

You’re Safe- You don’t want Sirius to go home....

Victory- Gryffindor wins the Quidditch cup, and Sirius is overjoyed..,

Complete- Your family’s growing.....

Finally A Family- Alexa’s first Christmas with her family all together...

She’ll Say Yes- Sirius is a nervous mess

All That She Needs- You have all that you need

Lovable Idiot- Sirius gets into another fight

Not A Disgrace- Sirius’ mother makes it plain how she feels

Too Dangerous- Sirius wants to meet his daughter

Part 2:Long Awaited- Sirius finally meets his daughter

First Time __ HCs

Guard Dog- James is a bit protective of his little sister.....

Family Name- Being a Malfoy casts an impression, and not a very good one

Not So Bad- Sirius meets your parents

He’s Alright- You haven’t heard from Sirius in weeks....

More Often**- Sirius and you switch things up

The Fifth Marauder-Why can’t he see?

Part 2: Someone Like Me- He finally sees what he’s been blind to.

Stick To Maroon- You’re tutoring a 2nd year...

On The Desk**-The meeting’s finally over...

Living With Sirius HCs

Nobody Else- He’s home...

10 Sickles- Bets were made...

Movie Night- James wants to watch a horror movie...

Space- You and Sirius don’t see eye to eye on this

New Relationships- Lily and James won’t admit they have chemistry....

Run Away- Sirius needs to see you

Whole Once More- Sirius never knew....

Second Chances- Your first date with Sirius doesn’t go as planned

Revenge- Y/N is hexed...

Strong- Nightmares haunt him

Lion in a Sea of Badgers- Gryffindor vs Hufflepuff

Sirius x Hufflepuff HCs

Secrets- Sirius learns some new things about his girlfriend

Whenever You’re Ready- We all have our bad days...

Leave-Sirius breaks out and finds you...

Nighttime Confessions- The night of Sirius’ discovery...

Nearly- After the Department of Mysteries

I Prefer Red- Y/N spends Christmas with the Blacks

Snitching- Y/N just wants to see Sirius smile

Cake At Midnight- You want cake, but it’s midnight

Twice Obliviated- Y/N sees her ex while out with Sirius

My Three Girls- And baby makes 4...

We’ll Be Alright- This was unexpected...

Mother’s Day- The Black’s first Mother’s Day

Care- Y/N gets sick at an Order meeting

She’s Perfect- James, Lily, and Remus come to meet your daughter

You’re Mine- Despite being your boyfriend, Sirius still flirts with other girls

This is Not A Date- Y/N and Sirius aren’t on a date, they’re 3rd and 4th wheeling.

Protecting His Girls- Your daughter’s had nightmares ever since she found a boggart in her closet.

Welcome To The Order- Y/N is finally inducted into the Order, and finds more than friendship.

Worth The Wait- Sirius finally gets what he’s waited 12 years for.

Night Off- While at a bar on her night off, Y/N meets a less than friendly man, and one that’s pretty okay.Keep reading

Lightning Muses- As a storm rages outside, Y/N reflects on memories with her lover and Harry

Revelations At The Order- Y/N finds more than she thought she would at an Order meeting.

Rage**- An Order meeting goes wrong....

Don’t Speak**- Sirius sent you a patronus with instructions, and you’re not about to question them

Take Care Of Me**- You need to let go for a while....

Forgive You**- Sirius and you have an argument...

Dirty Girl**- You tease Sirius at an Order meeting....

They’ll Be Alright- After Voldemort attacks, Rose is raised by Lily and James...

Time To Think- After a spat, you need time to think...

Yours Forever- Sirius always held onto hope...

Young Sirius Smut HCs**

The Best Day Of His Life- He’s always wanted kids, that hasn’t changed in 12 years....

Remus Lupin

Actually Bathe**- Remus looks so relaxed...

Boggart: Version 1**, Version 2**-You thought you could do it

Nothing Left- Everyone he loves is gone

Storm**- Rainy mornings are sometimes the best....

Overprotective Remus x Sister HCs

Remus Meeting Parents HCs

Proud- Remus is proud of how well you did on an assignment...

Student’s Favorite- Remus doesn’t believe that the Hogwarts students love him as much as they do....

Remus x Herbology Professor HCs

Learn To Knock- Harry apparently doesn’t know how to knock.....

Her Wolf- Much like a wolf, Remus won’t give up until he has you....

Too Easy- Sometimes, you’re able to forget about the war.....

Mystery Wolf- Remus won’t rest till he finds this mystery wolf....

Rough One- You care for Remus after the full moon..

Ruined Surprises- You open the package that came, unaware of what it was.

Remus x Pureblood Slytherin HCs

You Love Her Like A Sister, I Love Her Like A...- Even though James knows about your relationship, he still isn’t a fan of what he sees....

Took You Long Enough- Remus’ confession has been a long time coming....

Who Else?- Remus adores you, but Lily is very protective of you...

Moony and Puck- You never found your soulmate in Salem...

Unrepairable- Remus made an irreversible decision...

Lovesick Wolf- Remus us always so shy around you....

With A Little Help From Lily- Remus has liked you for 4 years, and finally acts on it...

Forgotten By Morning- After a few butterbeers, Remus lets something slip...

Her Muse- You’re hard at work on your latest creation

Admit It- Despite overwhelming evidence, Remus does not believe he cheats at games.....

Coffee and Chocolate-N.E.W.T week is here.....

Recovery- Remus’ recovery after the full moon

The Wolf Can Skate- Remus agrees to an ice skating date....

All Was Golden- Important moments seem to happen at sunset

Better- Remus makes a bad day better

So Much Easier- Remus discovers a way to make the full moon easier

Yearly Occurrence- It’s time for the Yule Ball again

Being Quarantined with Remus HCs

Gorgeous Girl- You’re late for a double date

The Order Can Wait**- Remus wants you now

Shut Up and Kiss Me- You need to study, Remus disagrees

Don’t Let Them Hear**- A little fun at the Order

Makes Me Sick- Y/N has to fake-date for a mission, Remus is not happy

Kindly Fuck Off- Tonks is getting a little too comfortable....

Not The First Time- Your brew amortentia with your best friend, what could go wrong?

I Think....- This can’t be a coincidence

No Music Needed- It’s been a long day..

I’m Home- Remus has been away for 2 weeks....

Head Girl- Sirius loves Y/N, so does Remus

The Perfect Moment- Remus is anxious at an Order meeting...

Her First Moon- It’s Y/N’s first full moon...

Please Understand- Remus never told Y/N about his “furry little problem”...

Lucky- When everything seems wrong, Remus makes it feel alright.

After The Full Moon- Y/N knows that each moon affects Remus differently, she’s there for him every time.

See The Goodness**- Remus doesn’t think he’s all you know him to be....

Scruff**-Remus decided to grow out his beard....

All The Work**-You teased Remus for the whole class...

Desperation**- You’re both desperate when Remus comes home...

Git- Severus Snape, you’ve decided, is a git.

Being Married To Remus/Remus As A Father HCs

Like His Mother- You help raise Teddy after the war....

Cure- Y/N is tired of seeing Remus suffer...

Possessive**- The full and pollen, what could go wrong?

Face Tomorrow- The future is so uncertain...

Pup- The newest Lupin....

Moony, Padfoot, and Prongs- Christmas with your family....

Feral**- The wolf in him comes out...

Before and After- Before and after the full..

Remus During Your Pregnancy HCs

Nowhere To Be- There’s nothing quite like cuddling during a storm...

Travelling The World w. Remus HCs

Young Remus Fluffy HCs

You Stop, I Stop**- What can he say? You turn him on...

The Wolf’s Wedding Night**- The full’s coming up, and Remus is needy...

His Favorite Time Of Day- Mornings are his favorite time of day...

Young Remus Smut HCs**

Luna- Remus has never been more in love...

Yours**- He won’t let them hurt you...

Alpha**- You need your alpha...

The Wolf and The Hound- Remus is so nervous....

Trust- Your trust is what makes your relationship strong, and what keeps the sex good...

How The Marauders + Lily react to you and Remus Having a Baby and Naming them after them HCs

Severus Snape

Damned First Years**- He’s had enough of those damned first years....

Sir**- You know you made a mistake, you you know you’ll pay for it....

Stress Relief**- Severus knows how stressed you’ve been...

Devoted- You prove Severus’ alliances...

She Won’t Last- Umbridge’s punishments are taking a toll....

Now I Have It- Christmas morning in the Snape house.....

Want You Close- Severus doesn't want to get up.....

Severus x Triwizard Champion HCs

What I See- Severus thinks you deserve better...

Welcome To The World- You go into labor while Severus is supervising detention....

Bets- A game of truth or dare....

Would Have Been An Unforgivable- Lockhart, ever the idiot, has once again gone too far....

I Won’t Let Him- Your ex is out of prison....

Lake Nights- You’re supposed to spend the night with Severus, but it’s such a nice night....

Part 2: Little Tease**-Severus has had enough of your teasing….

Potion Master’s Mistake- Even Severus makes mistakes....

Hidden Feelings- What exactly is the potions master feeling?

Part 2: Unforgettable**-Hidden feelings are finally revealed

I Will Be Here- After 16 years......

Another Year, Another Ball- You reflect on the year at the Yule Ball....

Call Me Severus- Potter’s payback.......

Never Stood A Chance- Severus is very protective of what’s his.

Professor In The Making- You hang out in Severus’ classroom after giving birth to your second child...

Snape’s What?- The students had no idea....

Time and Space- Severus wants to get to know you better....

Be Okay- Your mother has quite a bit to say

Almost Discovered- He almost found out....

Good Night’s Sleep- Madame Pomfrey has a rule that you detest....

Body Worship HCs

Married To A Whale- Your robes don’t fit like they used to...

Overworked- You’re overworked and Sevuers takes notice

Break- Everyone has a breaking point....

Forgive Me- Severus and you fight, and some words are said

Never Doubt It- You plan a picnic for Severus

My First Priority- When the crowd becomes too much, Severus is there

Won’t Let You Fall- You take Severus home for vacation....

My Good Girl**- Severus has been waiting for you....

One Sided- Your feelings aren’t as one sided as you thought..

Guilt**- Severus feels guilty for last night...

Perfection- Severus shows you how beautiful you really are.

If It Weren’t May- You’ve picked up crocheting during quarantine

Something Different**- Sev wants to try something new...

Bedrest Is Boring- You’re on bedrest, but you’re lonely

Lonely No Longer- Severus needs to meet his soulmate

Birthday Presents**- Severus gives you a birthday surprise

The Potion Master’s Soulmate- Snippets of your life as Severus’ soulmate

Free Period**- Severus wants to see you after class...

Another Love- Severus has never had pizza before...

Get This Right- Why does Severus know so much about creatures?

Movie Night- Y/N convinces Severus to watch The Notebook

The Afterlife Awaits- It’s time for Severus to go...

Any Worse- All you wanted was to get Severus some new vials...

Damaged Souls- Y/N still remembers, but has yet to tell Severus

Don’t Be Shy- Severus has never been caught pleasuring himself, until now

Part 2: Dreams Come True- Severus had a dream you are all to happy to make reality

Calming Stars- A stupid argument....

Anti-Venom- Of course the potions master lived, he could put a stopper in death after all...

Not Ideal- Y/N has feelings for Snape, but knows she can’t...

Christmas Surprise- You’ve changed....

Morning Discoveries- She’s not a Seer, but she can still read tea leaves...

Loss- Y/N’s kitten passes away...

Horrible People- You’ve had enough of the marauders

I Will Wait- Severus says something he will regret for the rest of his life

Sketches- Severus finds your hidden talent

Very Early- Severus notices some things...

The Reason- Severus meets his soulmate, he’s not happy

You?-You finally meet your soulmate..

You Can Do This- Your first day as Charms teacher isn’t going as planned...

Meeting The Dark Lord- You’re invited to a ball hosted by none other than the Dark Lord himself

Nighttime Confessions- The night of Sirius’ discovery...

Bland- Y/N meets the Order’s double agent

Thanks Seamus- Seamus’ habit of setting things on fire is actually helpful for once...

The Perfect Life- Your daughter is sick.....

“Detention”-Y/N is caught fighting....

For Him- Y/N will do what she must to protect Severus

Potions Master- It’s that time of the month

Do It For You-Mad-Eye is dead...

Finally-Y/N shared some good news...

Make Her Pay- Umbridge has gone too far...

Unexpected- Y/N is pregnant, and the students try to guess who’s it is

Unicorn Incidents- While teaching, Y/N gets hurt...

Marriage Material- Y/N’s first order meeting as Severus’ wife.

All That Matters- Y/N is ill, and Severus thinks he can help her

Imbeciles- One of the twins pranks doesn’t go as planned

Quiet- Y/N is shy, but she’s still got a lot to say

More Than She’ll Ever Know- After all these years, your mother still makes sure you know how she feels

I Am Alive- Y/N has horrific nightmares about the night she almost lost her husband

Give Me A Chance?- Y/N’s Liked Severus since 4th year

Can We Start Over?- Y/N’s on her way to Hogwarts from Ilvermorny, knowing who she’ll see when she arrives.

Ensnared By Her Voice- Y/N is a singer who returns to Hogwarts to perform, while there, she catches the eye of an old flame.

The Python’s Failure- After Nagini strikes, Snape manages to make it to Madame Pomfrey, much to the relief of Y/N

Realizations**- Severus waits a bit too long to act on his feelings…

I Expected More**- Severus decides to add something new to your dynamic...

But I Want You- Severus is the only one you want...

Always Be Right Here**- Sometimes, Severus needs to be taken care of...

What Would She Say?**- Severus has a little fun at dinner with your mother..

Exhaustion**- Severus has been brewing for over 12 hours...

Anything- After a long night, Severus takes care of you

He Knows**- You broke a rule...

Can’t Tell You Enough**-Severus finally tells you how he feels...

Dessert**- Severus’ birthday has never been a big affair...

Anniversary- Severus tries to cook dinner for your anniversary.......

Dunderhead- Your daughter says her first word, and it’s not what you expected...

A Little Threatened- Severus is jealous of your birthday present...

Mistake-Severus forgets that you’re still young..

Chasing A Comet- You thought his obsession with Lily was fading..

Independence Day- You invite Severus to visit you for the 4th of July..

That Type Of Day**- Severus has been wanting you all day..

By Your Side- When one of the twins’ pranks goes wrong, Severus is there

Every Word Is True- This is the first Valentine's Day Severus isn’t dreading

Firewhiskey- Severus finally makes his move

Mrs. Snape**- Severus’s wedding day...

Books and Potions- You’ve had enough of the Marauders...

Finally Home- You’ve been away for 3 months...

The Dark Lord’s Ball- Severus has kept you sheltered from The Dark Lord, he is not pleased with that....

Raise A Child- When Remus brings his newborn son to Hogwarts, it brings a revelation upon Severus...

Someone Better- Severus is worried you’ll find someone new on your travels...

Don’t Make A Sound**- You need to be quiet...

N.E.W.T Class- He’s always refrained from yelling at your best friend, until today, that is....

Be Yours- He knows it’s wrong, but he can’t help but be attracted to you...

Stressful Week**- Severus knows how to help you relax..

Severus Snape As A Father HCs

Not A Bit- Severus isn’t in pain anymore, this is news to you...

The Serpent and The Falcon- Severus reads your latest interview...

Potent**- After a Herbology incident, there’s only one person you need...

All She Wants**- After the duelling club, Severus is the only thing on your mind...

Want It Too- He knew his feelings weren’t one-sided...

Different Yet Alike- Though you are different, you are also like your mother....

Horror Movies- You don’t like horror movies, but you’ll watch them for Severus...

What Do You Need?**(TW: SEXUAL ASSULT MENTION)- Severus knows that this may be difficult for you...

First**- You want him, all of him..

Truly Be Yours- Even though it was a potion, he still felt the same...

Gone- You were the best thing to ever happen to him...

How Long I’ve Waited**- He’s waited for this for years....

Why Me?**- His feelings contradict one another...

Beloved**- Severus spoils you on your birthday....

Under The Desk**- You have a little fun with Severus...

My Perfect Man- You know exactly what he needs to hear...

Lay His Claim- Severus can finally take you out...

Won’t Be Gentle**- He can’t wait, he needs you now...

Cruel Misfortune- Though you want him, Eileen comes first...

Anything For You- You take care of Severus when he’s sick...

Five**- When Severus comes home tense, you know how to help him relax...

Sidetracked**- Severus was going to finish a potion, he really was...

No One I’d Rather Have- Neither of your dates were going well...

Show**- Severus wanted to spend the day with you, but you certainly made up for your absence...

His Angel Of Music- Hogwarts’ production of The Phantom Of The Opera...

Putting Him Back Together- Severus knows you’ll take care of him...

Assistant- Severus’ assistant helps him in more ways than one...

Defend- They won’t hurt him, not while you’re around...

Bringing Him Back- He’s never wanted to come back, not until now...

Internship- He’s going to miss you so much...

Part 2: Reunited- 7 months later...

Alps**- You needed this week away...

St. Mungos- The sole upside to being bitten by a python...

Silence**- Severus adores teasing, just not here...

Memories**- A walk down memory lane.

Nice and Slow**- Relaxation with your lover...

Bat- Severus didn’t know your Patronus changed...

Needless Worries- Severus loves you more than he could ever love her...

Little Game**- Severus decides to play a little game with you...

Wizard Flu- The Wizard Flu hits Hogwarts...

Wanted For A While**- Severus has wanted to try this...

Little Flower-Severus doesn’t sing, but he will for Iris...

First Time __ With Severus HCs

Retaliation- After becoming close with Severus, he won’t stand the Marauders’ bullying anymore...

Vigilant- Severus would never be unfaithful, not of his own free will...

Want You, Need You**- 5 months, and he hasn’t touched you...

Busy Day**- Your husband surprises you on your break...

Nothing To Forgive- Severus knows you’d never hurt him...

Beneficial**- Your period isn’t all that bad...

Severus Snape x reader x Harry Potter

Chastity**- While he loves his submissives dearly, sometimes, punishment is needed... Severus loves you more than he could ever love her...

Remus x Sirius x Reader

Join The Pack- They both want you...

Virgin Reader HCs**

My World**- Remus made Sirius wait...

Just Had To See Her**- Remus was helping an old friend into the castle...

Severus Snape x Lucius Malfoy x Reader

One Is Hard, Two Is Hell- Severus and Lucius are Called, and you can’t sleep...

How they react to a S/O who hasn’t had the best sexual experiences

How they deal with jealousy within their relationship

My Prince**- Severus is needy after a long day

Real Man**- Lucius is appalled that a man’s never make you come...

James Potter x Reader x Sirius Black

General HCs

Charm**- Flitwick’s newest charm can be used for multiple purposes...

Mrs. Potter-Black**- This is the happiest day of your life....

Sweet Tooth- They lost sight of you for 5 minutes...

Remus Lupin x Reader x James Potter

General HCs

My Mates**- You’ve never been with Remus this close to the full...

Marriage, Children, Etc. HCs

Cedric Diggory x Reader x Harry Potter

So Proud- Both of your boys made it out safe...

Little Lion Cub**- Harry needs him.....

Easter Holiday**- Cedric makes good on his promise...

Fred Weasley x Reader x Geroge Weasley

Anything For Our Girl**- The twins want to try something new with you...

Test Subjects**- Your boys bring home some new products.....

Draco Malfoy x reader x Harry Potter

New Pleasures**- Harry’s a little reluctant...

Ron Weasley x reader x Harry Potter

Promotions**- Ron celebrates Harry’s promotion...

James Potter x reader x Lily Evans

Show Me**- You may be inexperienced, but that’s not going to stop her, or James for that matter...

Spoiled- A day in Hogsmeade with your loves...

Happy Birthday To Me**- James’ birthday surprise...

Harry Potter x reader x Hermione Granger

For Now-It’s finally over....

James Potter x Lily Evans x reader x Remus Lupin

We’re Here Now- Remus is cared for after the full moon by his three loves..

Marriage, Sex, Children, Etc. Hcs

Urgent**- Thank Merlin for the Room of Requirement...

Relaxation**- After a long week, you loves know how to help you relax...

We’re Not Done Yet**- Your three lovers know exactly how to make you feel good...

Hour**- You each get an hour...

Build You Up- No matter what people say, Lily and James are always there...

How They Got Together HCs

We Want You**- It’s all you’ve thought about for days...

What Have We Here?**- Who said getting walked in on was a bad thing?

How They React To You and Lily Being Pregnant At The Same Time

Having Triplets HCs

Sending Their Kids To Hogwarts HCs

Honeymoon Smut HCs**

How Long’s It Been?**- What would you do without Sirius?

James Potter x Sirius Black x reader x Remus Lupin

Does She Know?- He just wanted to keep you safe...

Harry Potter x Severus Snape

Under No Circumstances- Harry knows how difficult it is...

Need To Let Go**- After a hard day, Harry needs to let go...

Lucius Malfoy x Severus Snape

Sweet Prince**- While he knows he is loved, he still worries his lover’s heart isn’t entirely his...

James Potter x Lily Evans

Gryffindor Wins**- After the Quidditch Cup....

First In A Few Ways**- He’s her first in a few ways...

Lily Evans x reader x Sirius Black

Back To Normal- After the full, Sirius is exhauted...

Other:

Marauders + Lily Assorted Favorites

#masterlist #the badger clan masterlist #half blood princess masterlist #the badger clan #thebadgerclan

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