#diplomat!hermione

[jomiddlemarch]

While You Were Sleeping

Chapter 4

Some people, primarily Muggles, count sheep when they have trouble falling asleep.

Wizards preferred Puffskeins or occasionally crups. Molly Weasley had once admitted she counted crups in Weasley sweaters, after George had spiked her tea with something she made him pull from the store shelves.

(Hermione did not believe anyone who said they counted dragons other than Hagrid, who listed them off by their forenames.)

Hermione preferred facts.

Fact: the Eguzkiko continued to think she and Draco were a married couple.

Fact: Draco was fluent in at least five languages.

Fact: Draco wore a subtle cologne that smelled like Hermione imagined the Silk Road would, minus the camels.

(Unconfirmed fact: this was exactly what Amortentia now smelled like to Hermione, forget cut grass and parchment.)

Fact: Hermione’s facts were usually about statistics, geopolitical historical alliances, and characters in Dickens’ novels because her father had loved those dearly but since the start of this mission, her facts had increasingly, exclusively become All About Draco.

Fact: Hermione appeared to have Feelings for sodding brilliant, widely accomplished and knicker-incineratingly fit Draco Black Malfoy, Esq., Feelings she felt ill-equipped to express.

Fact: She felt no more drowsy now than when she’d extinguished the reading lamp and turned on her side to avoid trying to make out his profile or the exquisite line of his neck against the pillowcase.

Fac—THUMP.

“What was that?” she exclaimed.

“I don’t—” Draco began.

THUMP. Thump. thump.

“What the bloody fuck?!” Draco said, sitting bolt upright. There was a yelping quality to his cry, that couldn’t be denied, though his voice was still pitched low enough that no one would have called it a shriek. Also, being bolt upright showed his broad shoulders to notable advantage (who knew pyjamas could be so impeccably tailored?)

In any case, Hermione had that covered, the shriek-department that is. She did manage to keep it to one solitary shriek that she choked back at the end, right at the moment when Draco reached over and grabbed her upper arms. She only had a split second to evaluate the grabbing, but it was definitely from the making-sure-you’re-real and I’ve-got-you-don’t-worry categories, not the get-a-hold-of-yourself-witch or I’m-about-to-shake-you-silly-for-being-a-silly-bint. Also, his hands were big and warm and transiently made her feel very much cherished and she was glad she’d tied back her hair so he didn’t accidentally pull any of it, though the prospect of his hands gently running through her curls was dreadfully appealing.

When she wasn’t devoting her not inconsiderable brain-power towards the mental recitation of facts, she was capable of noticing quite a bit.

“Are you all right?” he asked. With the grabbing, he’d closed the distance between them and they were close enough she could see the hints of green and blue in his grey eyes, the faint shadow of his beard, a darker shade than his hair. There was a small scar near his left temple and she wondered at what curse had caught him there, how badly he’d been injured to leave such a mark impervious to the Healers at St. Mungo’s. “Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine, are you?” she said. Her heart was still beating very fast, but it had more to do with Draco than the earlier noise.

“Yes,” he said. He loosened his grasp on her and let his hands drop, but they still rested on her forearms, lightly enough she could shrug him off. She did not.

“What was that?” she said when the moment had started to grow too intense, the hollow at the base of his throat too tempting.

“I don’t know,” he said. “At home, I’d guess it might be an old house settling for the night or a storm brewing, but here—”

“Could it be something magic?” she said. She swallowed, then said what she’d first thought, when all she had felt was terror, when she’d wanted to call out his name. “Don’t laugh at me—”

“I won’t,” he said.

“A monster. Under the bed. I know it sounds foolish,” she said.

Hermione was absolutely certain that every single one of her acquaintances, with the sole exception of Luna Lovegood, would agree it sounded foolish. And even Luna was likely to give her reassuring smile and tell her that kidakomori were far fonder of people than people ever gave them credit for and Hermione would have to pretend that she was aware of kidakomori and their undeservedly dubious reputation.

“It doesn’t sound foolish. Not to me,” Draco said. 

“What?”

“I didn’t want to say it first, because I agree it makes me sound unhinged, but I also thought of a monster under the bed,” he replied.

“You were supposed to talk sense to me. To tell me I was overreacting,” Hermione said.

“Are you even capable of overreacting?” Draco countered. “I realize I am tacitly validating your prior assault on me—”

“We were children! And you were beastly,” Hermione said.

“And I deserved it,” he said.

“Well, no one deserves to be hit,” Hermione said.

“I understand the progressive Muggle approach to childhood discipline and in general, I don’t disagree but in that particular situation, I must say I did. And not only because I was making a point.” He smiled at her and she liked it far too much.

“Do you really think there’s a monster under our bed?” she said, trying not to whisper and failing. 

“You said our bed,” Draco replied.

“That’s what you’re choosing to focus on? Not the monster part? And the fact that we have no wands and even wandless magic is verboten in here, even assuming either of us knew what spell to cast for a monster under the bed,” she ranted. Her exposure to Parseltongue had been so negative (whose wasn’t?) she kept herself from hissing, but it was a close call. Draco moved his right hand from her forearm to her wrist and then laced his fingers through hers. It would have been the sexiest move she could remember any man making except for the possible monster beneath them.

“Inanis belua, but you have to put the emphasis on the bel and let the final a drift. Like leviosa,” Draco said.

“Inanis belua,” she repeated.

“Perfect,” he said. “You’ve always had an ear for incantation.”

“How did you learn it?” Hermione asked. It seemed he wasn’t going to make her face the implications of our bed. At least not at the moment.

“Narcissa,” Draco said, again referring to his mother by her first name. Hermione almost wished for another round of eerie thumps to distract them both from the ticking bomb that was his relationship with his mother. “She coddled me, as much as she could—the Malfoy heir was expected to be superior in all regards, but the Blacks tend to be high-strung, overly sensitive. It was a secret, that she taught me the spell. I wasn’t to tell my father.”

“I don’t think it’s coddling to make your little boy feel safe,” Hermione said, hoping she’d picked the least inflammatory aspect of what he’d shared. The less she said about Lucius Malfoy the better. Even after all these years, she wasn’t sure she could talk about him without venom and however Draco felt, the man was still his father, albeit immured in Azkaban .

“Perhaps,” Draco said.

“I suppose you think it’s horribly middle-class of me. Or Muggle,” she said.

“I think you were raised by kinder people than I was,” he said. Hermione thought of the estrangement that existed between her and her parents and also how it had been as the Grangers’ little girl, the plush calico kitten that had been tucked with her under her covers, the bedtime stories, the trips to the library with a trolley to bring home her latest acquisitions. When she thought of them, they were still Mum and Dad.

“It was Bellatrix who taught her the spell,” Draco said, watching her face. His own eyebrows were drawn together, a serious expression similar to one he wore when wrangling with a particularly thorny bit of medieval Eguzkikan legislation.

“I take it you’re of the confront your fear persuasion,” Hermione said. “Or is this some kind of weirdly roundabout apology Or a Pureblood thing? If it’s a Pureblood thing, you’ll have to give me some context, like whether it’s all the Sacred Twenty-Eight or just the Blacks. It doesn’t feel authentically Malfoy.”

“I’m not sure what it is,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck with his left hand, still hanging onto her right with his own. “I thought, we’re talking about monsters, from our past, we’ve never spoken about what happened with Bellatrix. We’re sleeping together every night, it seemed odd not to address it but perhaps that was better—"

“It wasn’t better. But this isn’t necessary,” she said.

“I think it is,” Draco replied. “Necessary, but not better. She’s so hard to talk about and no one wants to, beyond cursing her, and I understand, but to not talk about her, it’s as stupid to me as blasting Andromeda off the tapestry. And I’ve never told you how terribly sorry I am that I couldn’t figure out some other way to help you, when she was hurting you. I don’t know what I could have done but that’s not enough, Hermione. It never was and now—”

Draco broke off and Hermione found herself raising her left hand to cup his cheek, stroking her thumb across his cheekbone. It went on far to long for him to mistake is for only gentleness.

“D’you know, I think we’ve had enough of monsters,” she said. “Only I wonder—”

“What?” he said.

“There’s been no more noise. Might we have done wandless magic with that spell of yours, banished the bedframe’s resident horror to parts unknown? And if we did, will the Eguzkiko be deeply offended and break off diplomatic relations?” Hermione asked.

“I won’t tell,” Draco said. “Wandless is near-impossible to trace and tandem wandless hasn’t been recorded. Or regulated in any magical region. I think we’re safe.”

*

Fact: Draco’s eyes weren’t only grey.

Fact: Draco had been a little boy afraid of monsters.

Fact: Hermione wanted to fall asleep holding Draco Black Malfoy’s hand. And he let her.

#dramione #there was only one bed #fake marriage #rom-com #but with angst #hermione POV #hermione granger #draco malfoy #hermione x draco #post-hogwarts #epilogue what epilogue #sleepy time tropes #diplomat!hermione #lawyer!draco #getting into family stuff #the author repudiates JK Rowling

[petitemistletoe]

Grudges

Pairing: Regulus Black x Reader, Potter!Reader

Warnings: angst!

Word Count: 6.2K+

A/N: Alright listen I am a Lily Evans stan through and through but she does not come across the greatest in this fic

“Stop biting your nails,” Regulus nudged you lightly. 

“Sorry,” you said sheepishly, “I just hope the first term went well for Celeste. I’ve missed her so much.” You rested your head on Regulus’s shoulder. 

“Celeste sent us about a thousand owls with updates. She’s fine! Plus she’s had Milo with her.” Regulus made a good point. Your daughter, Celeste, had started her first year at Hogwarts at the same time as her cousin Milo.

“Where are Sirius and Remus anyway?” You asked, glancing at your watch, “The train is going to be in any minute now.”

As if on cue, you saw Sirius and Remus running through King’s Cross. Remus was carrying an empty carseat and Sirius was balancing a baby in his arms. They made their way over to your spot on the platform and were breathing heavily. 

“Someone,” Sirius panted, “take the baby so I can have a moment to collapse.”

“Give me my delicious little nephew,” you grinned, taking the baby from Sirius and giving his chubby cheek a little kiss, “how are you Teddy?”

Teddy gurgled in response and wrapped a chubby hand around a strand of your hair. 

“Why exactly are you two so late?” Regulus quirked an eyebrow at his brother. 

“You know how it is, baby stuff.” Remus explained, setting the carseat on the ground and taking Teddy back from you.

“Sirius take too long looking at himself in the mirror?” Regulus chuckled. 

“You laugh but it’s under the shroud of wicked jealousy,” Sirius deadpanned. 

“Can you believe that our kids are first years! It feels like we graduated just yesterday,” you reminisced, threading your arm through Sirius’ and resting your head on his shoulder. 

“They’ll be here any minute now!” Sirius grinned, looking at the wave of students getting off the train. 

“Sirius! It’s your turn, Teddy needs to be changed.” Remus was now holding Teddy at arms length, his nose wrinkled. 

“Oh no,” Sirius peaked at Teddy’s diaper, “Moony this is a two man job. You guys mind waiting for Milo while we fix this?”

“Go for it,” you waved the boys off. You and Regulus were making idle chit chat until a body slammed into you. You looked down and saw the nicely styled brown and black curls and knew it could only have been your nephew.

“Hi Milo,” you said, pressing a kiss to his head. 

“Hey Auntie! Have you seen my dads?” He asked, pulling away and hugging Regulus. 

“They’re in the bathroom changing Teddy. Have you seen my daughter?” You responded. 

“She’s coming. Her and Harry were saying goodbye to Ron and Hermione at the front of the platform.” Milo shrugged. Your blood ran cold. 

“Harry?” You asked. Before Milo could respond you saw Celeste skipping towards you.

“Mum! Dad!” Celeste gave you and Regulus a giant hug. 

“Celeste! I want to hear all about your term,” you said with a giant grin. 

“Sure Mum! I want you to meet one of the greatest friends I made. He’s actually one of Milo’s childhood friends.” Celeste stepped back and revealed Harry standing behind her. Even if you hadn’t recognized the name you would’ve know that Harry was James’s son. Harry was the spitting image of James, save for his eyes. His eyes were the same color as Lily’s. 

“Hi! I’m Harry Potter, it’s nice to meet you Mrs. Black, Mr. Black.” Harry extended his hand to you and Regulus. Regulus had the same gobsmacked expression that you did and he swallowed harshly before saying, 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Harry. I understand that you and Celeste have become fast friends.” 

“Yes! I’ve known Milo my entire life so he introduced Celeste and I. Milo’s fathers are actually my father’s two closest friends. You might know him, James Potter?” Harry asked. 

“Uh, yes. We were in school at the same time as your father.” Regulus said, diplomatically. 

“Really?” Harry asked. Before you could continue any further Sirius and Remus returned. 

“There’s my godson!” Sirius laughed, wrapping Harry in a tight hug. 

“He hugs Harry before he hugs his own son.” Milo rolled his eyes as he hugged Remus and gave his baby brother a kiss on the forehead. 

“There’s my boy.” Sirius lifted Milo of the ground in a grandiose show of affection. 

“Where are your parents, Harry?” Remus asked. 

“Around here somewhere I’m sure.” Harry scanned through the throng of people. He disappeared off and you felt like you could breathe again. 

“Alright, love, do you have all your things?” You asked Celeste, running a hand over your daughter’s head, “Regulus grab her trunk.”

“Did you make the Christmas fudge mum?” Celeste asked. 

“Three trays of it.” You grinned, pinching Celeste’s cheek. 

“Oh Auntie your fudge is the greatest! Dad can we go over to Celeste’s and have some?” Milo asked Remus. 

“Why not? You know I have a soft spot for chocolate.” Remus laughed as he tried to juggle both the car seat and Milo’s trunk. 

“Give me the baby and give the car seat to Sirius.” You said. Remus went to hand you Teddy but tutted, “Other side, Remus. My shoulder.” You swapped sides and then took Teddy from Remus’ arms and balanced him on your hip. 

You were making your way out of the train station when Harry was running back towards you all, a giant smile on his face.

“Alright Harry?” Celeste asked.

“Yeah, yeah. I wanted to introduce our parents. Mr. And Mrs. Black these are my parents James and Lily Potter.” Harry stepped back to reveal his parents. You felt like the wind had been knocked out of you. 

“James.” You said, cooly. 

“It’s been a while.” James’s tone was as icy as yours. 

“Well we should get going,” Lily said diplomatically. 

“Yes! Yes. Good to see you. Have a happy Christmas!” Regulus pushed Celeste away before the conversation could progress any further. 

Luckily for you all, Celeste forgot all about encounter by the time she got home, had a tin of fudge, and played with her little brother Atlas who had been in private lessons when you all were at the train station. Atlas and Celeste were sleeping peacefully, now, and you were thinking about James as you got in bed next to Regulus. 

“Love?” Regulus shook you from your thoughts. 

“Yes darling?” 

“I was saying that Narcissa called and wants to have tea tomorrow and get all the children together.” Regulus said. 

“Oh, sure Reg.” You nodded.

“Thinking about James?” 

“You know me so well,” you laughed softly, “it just caught me off-guard…seeing him again.” 

“I know. Are you alright?”

“It’s weird, right? Harry and Celeste being friends.” You asked, rubbing your shoulder. 

“Yeah, a good weird though. I think we should consider the possibility of telling them that they are related. They deserve to know and it’ll only be worse if they find it out on their own.” Regulus ran his thumb over your knuckles. 

“I know you’re right.” You went to bed that night with your thoughts spinning impossibly fast in your brain. 

✰

“Oh my God! How can a child so small poop so much?” Remus said in disgust. His entire chest was coated in what had previously been Teddy’s breakfast. Sirius had been walking over to check on Remus, but immediately turned and crept back down the hallway as quietly as he could. “Nice try, Pads! Get back here right now.” 

“How did you know I was in the hall?” Sirius asked with a groan, taking over the diaper change while Remus removed his shirt and scourgified it. 

“Werewolf hearing, obviously.” Remus rolled his eyes. 

“Dads! When are we going to Celeste’s?” Milo asked, peeking his head into the room. 

“We’re going to meet Celeste and Atlas at Aunt Narcissa’s house.” Remus responded. 

“Oh fuck do we have to go to Narcissa’s? It’s so creepy there.” Sirius complained. 

“Really? You aren’t even going to pretend to act like a parent in front of our kid?” Remus rolled his eyes. 

“Aunt Narcissa isn’t so bad,” Milo shrugged, “Draco’s kind of annoying though.”

“Of course he is. He’s the spawn of a Black and a Malfoy.” Sirius rolled his eyes at the thought. 

“Sirius!” Remus was unfortunately not surprised at his husband’s antics. 

“I have a different question.” Milo shook his head, “so you know how Celeste and Atlas are mine and Teddy’s cousins because Dad and Uncle Regulus are brothers?”

“Yeah?” Sirius and Remus weren’t exactly sure where things were going.  

“And you know how you two were best friends with Uncle James and Aunt Lily in school?”

“Yeah…” Now Sirius and Remus had an idea where things were going and they didn’t exactly love it. 

“Why was I never allowed to have Harry and Celeste over at the same time? And why were things so awkward between everyone at the train station when Celeste’s and Harry’s parents met?”

“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” Remus said quickly. 

“Yep, Milo, you’re crazy.” Sirius nodded.

“Wait a minute,” Milo’s brain was moving quickly now, “isn’t Auntie’s maiden name Potter? But she doesn’t have a brother…is Uncle James her cousin? Are they fighting? Have they been fighting since before any of us were born? But Auntie always talks about how important family is…did Uncle James do something to break their bond? They must’ve been close since they would have been just a year apart at Hogwarts. And you two are still very close with her and Uncle Reg…in fact Dad I remember you said that Auntie was the person that reunited you with Uncle Reg. So it had to be something really specific between Auntie and Uncle James. Aunt Lily’s face was almost as red as her hair and Uncle Regulus was glaring at Uncle James when we were at the train station so I bet it was something about Auntie marrying Uncle Regulus and Uncle James marrying Aunt Lily. But Uncle James and Aunt Lily got married first so it was probably a fight between Auntie and Uncle James about Aunt Lily!” Milo looked very pleased with himself.

“You’re way off, Milo, it wasn’t like that at all.” Remus said weakly.

“How did you do that?” Sirius was looking at his son now like he was dripping in radioactive waste. 

“I knew it!” 

“Okay, Milo, listen you can’t tell Celeste or Harry. This is not our information to share.” Remus was very serious. 

“Of course, Dad. The secret is safe with me!” Milo beamed. 

✰

“Oh my God Ron! How has it taken you this long to cast a communication spell? Fred and George showed it to us like four times before we left for holiday!” Celeste whispered. She was underneath her covers as it was past one in the morning but Milo had sent everyone an owl saying he had an urgent message and needed to talk face to face. 

“It was hard, Cel!” Ron tried to defend himself but Harry was laughing too hard to be heard for anyone else on the call to hear him. 

“Okay, okay. Milo what’s your news?” Hermione asked, shaking her head.

“I just discovered something big! Something about Celeste and Harry.” Milo said excitedly.

“Does it have something to do with how weird our parents were at the train station?” Harry asked. 

“Yes, indeed. Celeste’s mum and Harry’s dad are cousins!” Milo paused to allow the revelation to skin in. 

“No way! Why wouldn’t they tell us?” Celeste gasped. 

“Apparently they had a really bad falling out and I think it’s because Celeste’s mum and Harry’s mum hate each other!”

“Why would they hate each other?” Hermione asked. 

“No idea. But you two are going to have to find out.” Milo grinned. 

✰

“So mum,” Celeste asked after you all returned from the Malfoys, “I have a question for you.”

“Sure, love. Did you want any more fudge?” You asked, taking out a tray and cutting off a few pieces. 

“Thanks mum!” Celeste took the plate from you.

“Hey Atlas! Do you want any fudge?”

“Yes yes yes!” Your eight year old came running into the kitchen. Atlas looked just like Regulus, dark curls and bright green eyes. Celeste looked more like a potter…more like James, in fact: tanned skin, warm brown eyes, easy smile. Celeste and Harry had looked like twins at the train station. It filled you with an uncomfortable heartache.

“Giving the kids more sugar?” Regulus quipped, helping push Atlas’s chair closer to the table. 

“It’s Christmas.” You smiled, “there’s a fresh batch of egg nog in the fridge from this morning if you’d like to join me in a glass.”

“Read my mind, Mrs. Black.” Regulus poured you and him two glasses and you sat at the able with your kids. 

“So Celeste, you said you had a question for me?” You asked, leaning back so you were resting against Regulus’s shoulder. 

“Are you and Harry’s dad cousins?” Celeste asked. Your back went rigid as Regulus sputtered and choked on his eggnog.

“Why…where did you hear that?” You asked. 

“Milo.”

“I’m going to kill Sirius.” Regulus shook his head.

“The truth is, yes, James and I are cousins.” 

“Did you have a falling out because you hate Harry’s mum?” 

“Oh my god,” Regulus rubbed his temples.

“Who’s Harry?” Atlas asked.

“I do not hate Harry’s mum.” You sighed, “James and I are just not as close as we used to be.”

“You know what,” Regulus stood, “we’re going to Sirius and Remus’s. We can let them explain everything since they felt so strongly about sharing it in the first place.”

“Good idea.” You hoisted Atlas onto your hip, even though he was far too big for it now and apparated as Regulus grabbed firmly onto Celeste’s wrist to apparate them both. You were standing in Sirius and Remus’s living room and you set Atlas down as Sirius entered the room with a blanket and a bowl of popcorn. 

“Oh fuck,” Sirius tried to turn on his heel but you grabbed him by the back of the shirt. 

“You’ve got a big mouth, Black.” You shoved Sirius down on the couch. 

“Moony! Milo! Can you come in here please?” Sirius called as Regulus and Celeste apparated into the room. 

“What’s up, Pads?” Remus entered the room, Milo right behind him.

“Hey Auntie,” Milo said shyly, sitting between his fathers on the couch. 

“Milo, when we speak to you do you hear words or is it just the Charlie Brown whomp sound?” Remus said with a sigh.

“Sorry,” Milo shrugged. 

“We’ll deal with you later. Take your cousins up to your room while your aunt tears me a new asshole.” Sirius sent Milo, Atlas, and Celeste out and then cast a silencing spell over the living room for good measure. 

“What the hell is wrong with you!” You said, slapping Sirius on the chest and arms after each word for emphasis. 

“Milo guessed it! It was really only a manner of time considering your behavior at Kings Cross.” Remus said with a sigh.

“You’re right.” You flopped on the couch next to Remus and put your head in your hands. Regulus sat down next to you and rubbed your back. 

“Do you think it might be time for you and James to reconcile? It’s been ten years since you two last spoke.” Remus asked.

“I don’t know. I’ve been carrying this resentment so long I might feel lonely without it.” You said with a weak chuckle. There was a loud crack in the air and James, Lily, and Harry were standing in the living room. 

“Sirius!” James roared, “I’m going to kill you!”

“Milo has another parent! Why do target me?” Sirius threw his hands in the air. 

“Kids are upstairs, Harry. Why don’t you join them while we talk?” Remus sent Harry upstairs. 

“I think we should have a conversation about how we’d like to proceed. Celeste and Harry are closer than ever and I don’t think any of us have been very fair.” Regulus said with a deep sigh. 

✰

“James!” You said in a sing-song voice as you set your book down and settled down on the blanket that James had spread in front of the lake. James, Sirius, and Remus had been taking advantage of the nice day and were studying outside by the Black Lake. 

“What is it?” James was pretending to be exasperated but he couldn’t hide his smile. He always had a soft spot for his baby cousin. 

“I need your potions notes. We’re brewing liquid luck and Slughorn assigned me a terrible partner.” You said with a sigh. 

“Who’d he assign you?” Sirius asked. 

“Your little brother,” you said with an eyeroll.

“Come on,” Remus exhaled lazily, handing you a joint that he’d lit a few moments before, “as far as Slytherins go, Regulus is pretty good at potions.”

“Yeah, yeah he’s a potions wiz. I don’t need him mansplaining potions to me so I need to read up on liquid luck and show his ass up.” You said before taking a long drag of the joint, “This is really good, Remus.”

“Thanks, I did get an O in herbology.” Remus laughed. 

“Here,” James was forever organized and was able to locate his notes from last year rather quickly, “use them wisely.” 

“Hey Prongs did you tell the young Miss Potter your news?” Sirius asked, taking the joint from you.

“No! What’s your news, Jamie?” You poked James in the ribs playfully. 

“Now that Lily and I have been dating for a few months now, I’d like for you two to officially meet.” James said with a grin. Your stomach turned unpleasantly. You had only ever seen Lily in passing, considering you were in Slytherin and a year younger than the Marauders. You hadn’t liked how James had pined after Lily considering she did not make it a secret how she despised him. Sure, James was a bit immature sometimes but he had the biggest heart of anyone you knew. You swallowed all that down and grinned, 

“Can’t wait. When are we going to meet?”

“Why don’t you come to the Gryffindor common room tomorrow night?”

“Sounds like a plan.” You grinned. You had to leave the warm sun and your friends an hour later to meet with Regulus to start the potions work. You didn’t care for Regulus. Being a close friend of Sirius meant that Regulus was naturally more haughty towards you and you thought he could be unnecessarily cruel whenever he was around Barty Crouch Jr. To you had been less than pleased when Slughorn had paired you together would be an understatement. 

You found him sitting at a table in the corner of the library, bent over a book. 

“Hello Regulus,” you said, sitting down next to him. 

“Hi. I thought we could start with raiding the greenhouses to find some horseradish. The first step of brewing Felix Felicis is to mix ashwinder eggs and horseradish.” Regulus said. 

“I think it’d be better actually to substitute wasabi for horseradish. Apparently it makes the potion more potent.” You said, setting James’ notes out in front of you.

“These notes are brilliant,” Regulus snatched up the page and studied it. 

“Thanks, they’re my cousin’s.” You shrugged. You worked for a while with Regulus before walking together back to the Slytherin dorms. 

“You know…it’s funny.” Regulus said with a small shake of his curls. 

“What is?”

“You and I both have close family in Gryffindor. The Gryffindor/Slytherin mix isn’t super common.” Regulus said. 

“Yeah I guess you’re right.”

“We’re not so different are we?” 

“I’m nothing like you, Regulus. I’m not cruel.” You crossed your arms. You were at your door now and weren’t entirely sure why Regulus had walked you all the way up to the girls dorms. 

“The Felix Felicis takes six months to brew. I bet you’ll be under me by then.” Regulus said with a confident laugh.

“In your dreams, Black.” You said with an eyeroll. You entered your room and huffed but had to admit it was a bit hard to hide your smile. 

✰

You were nervous as you ascended the steps up to the Gryffindor common room. You didn’t know what it was exactly but you weren’t looking forward to meeting Lily. You shook the thoughts from your brain as Sirius let you into the common room. 

“Remus!” You said with a grin, jumping into Remus’s lap and accepting the joint from him. Lily was perched on James’ lap and she was grinding down on him as they made out like their lives depended on it. 

“Break it up, love birds, you have company.” Sirius said, slapping James upside the head on his way back to the couches. 

“Sorry,” James said, sheepishly, setting Lily down next to him. James introduced you two. 

“Lily, it’s great to finally meet you. The guys talk about you all the time.” You said with a smile.

“Ditto! James always says you’re one of the most important people in his life.” Lily grinned. 

“Yeah. James and I are both only children so we really felt more like siblings than cousins.”

“Are you the first Potter in Slytherin?” Lily asked. It was an innocent enough question, Lily could not have known that it had been a sore subject in your family. You were the first Potter in Slytherin. No Potter had been in a house that was not in Gryffindor for over one thousand years. It had been a shock to your family. 

“Uh, yes I am.” You tried to hide your discomfort over the question. 

“Oh. Good for you.”

“And you’re a muggle born, right?”

“Yes.” Lily’s eyes flashed dangerously. 

“Good for you.” You responded. The rest of the night passed rather quickly and then James walked you back to the Slytherin dorms. 

“So?” He asked excitedly.

“So what?” 

“So what did you think of Lily? She’s great, isn’t she?” James was beaming.

“She’s something.” You pursed your lips. 

“What do you mean?”

“I hate her.” You said with a head shake. James was shocked. He tried to get more out of you, but you told him you were tired and went to bed. James felt like his brain was in shambles as he made his way back to the Gryffindor common room. Only Lily was left, reading a book by the fire. 

“Hey love,” James sat down next to her and pressed a kiss to her forehead. 

“Hi James. Have a good walk?” She asked. 

“Yeah, yeah. You liked my cousin, right?”

“Your cousin?” Lily said nervously, “Yeah! She’s quite spirited.” 

“Oh my god you hate her, don’t you?” James’s heart felt like it had dropped into his ass.

“I do!” Lily groaned, “But honestly I barely know her. We’ll get together more and more and hopefully we’ll become good friends. It’s clear to me that we both care about you a lot and want the best for you.” Lily said. James could only shrug. 

✰

As Lily and James became closer and closer, you started spending less and less time in the Gryffindor common room. You also became closer to Regulus as you continued working on your potions project together. You were finally able to meet Regulus for your final potion check before you submit it as a final to Slughorn. As you made your way down you ran into James. 

“Hey! I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever. I miss you.” James said, slinging an arm over your shoulders. 

“I know! It’s just been so busy with classes and finals but I’m about to submit my potions final so that’ll be a huge weight off my shoulders.” You said with a grin. 

“We’re going to the Three Broomsticks tonight, why don’t you meet us there? Celebrate the end of potions for the year” James said, “We’ll get properly pissed.”

“That sounds great. Who all is going?” You asked. 

“The whole gang! Remus, Sirius, Mary, Marlene, Lily.”

“Lily?” You faltered. 

“I know you aren’t her biggest fan but I promise it’ll be fun.” James begged.

“Alright! I’ll see you later then. Have a butterbeer waiting for me.” You called as James reascended the steps. He sent you thumbs up before disappearing around the corner. You walked into the potions classroom and saw Slughorn was peering over your cauldron as Regulus explained away. 

“Ah Ms. Potter, nice of you to join us. I was just about to review your potion. I believe you and Mr. Black were assigned Felix Felicis.”

“Yes sir, we were.” You nodded. 

“As I was saying,” Regulus said with a quick nod in your direction, “we decided to add wasabi instead of horseradish to the potion in order to increase its potency. 

“Very smart.” Slughorn nodded. He mulled over the potion for a full two minutes before nodding. “Outstanding work you two. I knew great things would come from the two of you. Your reward is that you are able to keep the potion. I’m sure you both understand, however, that use of the potion during a Quidditch match is strictly illegal.” 

“We understand, professor.” Regulus nodded. Professor Slughorn stalked out of the room. You and Regulus hugged tightly. 

“We did it! Do you want the potion? I don’t have any use for it.” You said with a shrug.

“Yeah.” Regulus nodded. He uncorked the vial and swallowed it down.

“What are you doing?” You raised your eyebrow and looked at him.

“I needed it for what I’m about to do.” Regulus said. Before you could ask him what he was talking about, Regulus grabbed you by the waist and kissed you hard. You were surprised at first but then you wrapped your arms around his neck and kissed him back.

“Oh wow.” You said when you broke apart. 

“Will you go out with me?” Regulus asked, brushing his curls out of his face. 

“Yeah. Do you want to go to the Three Broomsticks with me?” You asked. 

“Yeah I do.” Regulus grinned. 

The two of you walked hand in hand to Hogsmeade. It seemed that the Gryffindors had started without you and the group was very, very drunk. Lily was perched in James’s lap again and you tried not to roll your eyes.

“What are you two doing here?” Sirius asked, slurring his words a bit, “I mean…what are you two doing here together?”

“We’re friends, Sirius.” You rolled your eyes. You and Regulus were able to catch up to the rest of the crowd quickly. 

“More than that.” Regulus laughed and slung his arm over your shoulders. 

“Really?” James narrowed his eyes. 

“Why not?” You snuggled yourself deeper into Regulus’s arms. 

“He’s a Slytherin. He’s dangerous.” James snapped at you.

“I’m a Slytherin.” You bit the inside of your cheek harshly. 

“So you finally made your way over to dark wizards? Guess you really are a Slytherin.” Lily giggled. 

“And you’ve proven that you can live up to the stereotype of annoying muggleborns.” You shot back. 

“Stop it.” James frowned but it was too late. The storm between you and Lily had been brewing for six months and there was no stopping it now.

“You know what James, I can’t do this anymore. It’s her or me.” Lily crossed her arms over her chest. 

“Oh come on! Like James is going to pick some girl he’s been dating for less than a year over his cousin.” You rolled your eyes.

“Don’t do this. You both are being unfair.” James said. 

“James didn’t tell you? After we graduate, we’re moving in together.” Lily spat at you.

“Make your choice James.” You said coldly. 

“No.” James shook his head.

“Fine,” you said, standing and grabbing Regulus’s hand, “I’ll make it for you. Goodbye.” And you stormed off. 

✰

There was quite a bit of electricity in the air during the Quidditch final. It was already charged, being a competition between Gryffindor and Slytherin. You and Regulus were both playing as chaser and seeker respectively. This was an important match for you, you were being scouted by four different professional Quidditch teams and the representatives were all in the stands. You still had a year of Hogwarts left after this one but the teams were ready to make an offer that would work around your school schedule. 

You couldn’t think about that right now, though. You wanted to stomp Gryffindor into the dirt. Your blood was pulsating in your ears as Madame Hooch blew the whistle to signify the start of the match.

The match was vicious, with you and James diving at each other and playing dirtier than you ever had to before. You were flying next to James and you shoulder checked him rougher than you should’ve. James nearly fell off his broom but he was able to swing all the way around and restabilize. 

“That was a cheap shot!” James spat at you.

“Guess I’m just a lousy Slytherin.” You spat back. “At least I’m not wrapped around the finger of a witch with a stick up her ass.”

That was too far, you knew it, but you were too upset to care. James yanked at the back of your broom just as a bludger rammed itself into your chest. You fell hard and Madame Hooch had been too enraptured in a squabble between the Sirius and the Slytherin beaters to notice what was happening until it was too late. You hit the ground hard and heard a sickening crunch sound as your arm was wrenched awkwardly behind your back. You groaned as Madame Hooch started running towards you and blowing her whistle wildly. Before she reached you, though, your broom did and it embedded itself in your shoulder. You were screaming so loud your throat was raw. You tried to grab at your broom with your other hand but realized that the broom had impaled the fleshy part of your shoulder and was anchoring you to the ground. 

“Oh my God,” Madame Hooch gasped as she made her way towards you. Madame Pomfrey was hot on her heels and she knelt down next to you. Regulus made his way down to you next. He dropped to his knees next to you and grabbed at your hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. Then Sirius landed. He took one look at you and promptly vomited into the grass. James was there next, his face paler than it had ever been. 

“Alright love, I’m going to move you over to the hospital wing where I’ll give you a sedative and assess the damage.” Madame Pomfrey said. You wished that Madame Pomfrey had given you the sedative before she moved you. You had never and would never again experience such pain. Not when you gave birth, not when you had been a victim of cruciatus  curse, not ever. Madame Pomfrey had to move you again to St. Mungos and a team of healers were put together to remove your broom from your shoulder and patch you up. 

When you were finally stable again, the doctor who had been presiding over your case made his way to your bedside. Your parents and Regulus had been by your side for the entire four day period. 

“It will take time for your shoulder to heal. It faced an unbelievable trauma and even after much physical therapy, rigorous potion taking, and rehabilitation your shoulder will never reach its full, working capacity.” 

“So I’ll never play Quidditch again.” You said bitterly.

“Oh darling let’s just be happy that you’re okay.” Your mother tried but you shook your head. 

“I’m so sorry, Ms. Potter, but no. Playing professionally will not be possible.” The doctor bowed his head. 

You refused James’s visits for the next two weeks until you were able to be discharged from the hospital. You were home, laying on your bed and staring at the ceiling. You wanted to rip down your Quidditch posters but you couldn’t extend your arm that far up yet. You were forced to just glare up at them. 

“Hey, can I come in?” James asked, knocking on your open door. You looked at him and turned back to stare at the ceiling. “You have no idea how sorry I am. I have never felt more terrible in my entire life. I thought you were going to die,” James had tears in his eyes, “and it would have been all my fault. All over something so stupid. But I’m glad that you’re alive. But I am so so sorry that I cost you your career. If I could go back and erase it, I would.” 

“I don’t ever want to see you again.” You said softly and stared at the ceiling until James left the room. 

✰

You and James did not speak for four years. He got married and you got married and it was bizarre. All of a sudden you were no longer speaking to your best friend. Good things came out of the situation, though. You and Regulus got married and had a baby. Regulus and Sirius repaired their relationship and Sirius and Remus married and had a baby as well. You and Reg had Sirius and Remus over often, watching the newly one year olds play together. 

“I still can’t believe that you named her Celeste.” Sirius shook his head. 

“Why? You don’t like the name?” You asked with a soft laugh.

“I just can’t believe you stuck with the celestial theme.” Sirius rolled his eyes. Regulus laughed too.

“It wasn’t even my idea,” Regulus laughed, “my darling bride thought of it. She wanted Celeste for a girl and Atlas for a boy.”

“You really are a Slytherin.” Sirius laughed and gave you a kiss on the cheek before scooping Milo up.

“We should get home and give Milo a bath before bed. I don’t know why people think that having babies is hard. Milo’s a dream.” Sirius shrugged. He apparated out. Remus was about to follow when he turned to you.

“What is it Remus?” Regulus asked. 

“I know you don’t want to hear it, but James and Lily are in a rough place. James might try to reach back out to you.” Remus said. 

“I’m not interested in that.” You said, looking down at your lap. 

“I know. Just thought I would give you a heads up.” Remus said with a smile before apparating out.

“Celeste still has so much energy. Should we let her play for a little longer before bed?” Regulus asked, settling into the couch. 

“Yeah, why not.” You shrugged. You and Regulus chatted idly for a bit longer before you heard a knock at the door. 

“Think that’s Sirius forgetting something?” Regulus asked. You stood up and headed for the door, 

“Doubt it. When has Sirius ever knocked?” You laughed. You opened the door and your jaw dropped in shock when you saw James at your doorstep, Harry on his hip.

“Hey.” James said softly.

“James. What are you doing here?” You asked. 

“Who is it?” Regulus called from the couch. 

“Uh, it’s James.” You responded. 

“I’m sorry,” Regulus walked up over to where you were, “I thought you said James but I must have mis-” Regulus went silent. 

“What are you doing here?” You asked. 

“I, uh, I wanted to see you. I wanted to talk about things.” James said, bouncing Harry on his hip a few times. 

“Why don’t you come in,” Regulus stepped back to let James in. He lead James into the sitting room where Celeste was sitting on the ground and playing with her toys. 

“Thanks, Regulus.” James said as he entered. 

“Why don’t you let Harry play with Celeste?” Regulus offered. James set Harry down next to Celeste. “I’ll go make some tea.” Regulus left you and James sitting on the couch in awkward silence. 

“Harry looks like you.” You said softly.

“Yeah, yeah he does. Celeste looks like you.”

“Seems like they were fast friends.” You said. Harry and Celeste were curled up, yawning and grabbing at each other’s feet. 

“That’s good. It’s good for cousins to be close.” James said. 

“I heard things between you and Lily are rough right now.” 

“It’s just a rough patch. But I’m sorry about the way things happened. I want Harry to have his cousin in his life. I want my cousin in my life.” James was nervous, you could tell. 

“I don’t know if it’s fair to set up Celeste for that kind of heartbreak. Wouldn’t want the kids to get close only to have Harry abandon Celeste for some girl and then nearly kill her.”

“That’s not fair,” Regulus said, setting down the tray with the tea.

“I don’t have to be fair. James cost me everything.” You said, your jaw set. 

“I want to start over. Please. I love you, I miss you.” James begged. 

“Then why did you choose Lily?” Emotion was cracking through your cold exterior. 

“I didn’t!” “You did! I’m your family! You never should’ve chosen her over me.” You said, rising from your seat. 

“You never should’ve made me choose!” James screamed back. 

“Maybe we should revisit this later when everyone has had a chance to calm down.” Regulus stood between you and James now.

“No. I think you’ve made it very clear. Sorry I tried.” James scooped up Harry and left, slamming the door shut behind him. 

✰

“No, we haven’t been fair.” You said, “But I’d like an apology.”

“I’m sorry! I’m so so sorry for everything I did to you.” James gushed, grabbing your hand. 

“Not from you,” you shook your head, “from Lily.”

#james potter #atyd marauders #marauders #sirius black #remus lupin #regulus black #regulus black angst #regulus black x reader #wolfstar

[pinktom]

why do so many tomarrymort shippers try to make harry suck?

as much as i dislike portrayals of tom riddle as a dominant, awesome figure—rather than the goofy camp psycho he actually is—there's really nothing worse than how some tomarrymort shippers try to bastardize harry's character.

important facts:

harry is:

uniquely resilient - a dandelion child - a child who can be stomped on, ruthlessly, and still get back up and fight

a jock - his love of quidditch is one of the most important details about his character, erasing this from him is like saying hermione doesn't like reading

masculine - yeah, i mean there is quite literally nothing effeminate about him whatsoever - he's competitive, he loves playing sports, he physically protects those around him, and his approach to conflict isn't to be gentle and diplomatic — it's to fight [note: i mean this in the traditional "personality" sense, there's nothing wrong with putting him in a cute pink dress or knocking him up with omega babies, i mean fuck it]

harry is not:

whiny / bratty - even against the most extreme adversity, he's quite chill and will clap back in a heartbeat

academic - he's very smart and does really well in school, but he shows very little interest in reading and learning as a hobby

weak - he is actually the strongest character, in spirit and mind, in the entire series, as demonstrated many times, like his ability to throw off voldemort's imperius curse (at the age of 14!) and his willingness to stand proudly and face death (age 17); how so many people get away with writing him like this spineless wimp, i'll never comprehend

if harry is your self-insert comfort character, just say so. don't annoy everyone by insisting he has traits he plainly doesn't have. it makes you look like you can't even read at the third grade level.

tom and harry are one in the same - headstrong, resilient, unyielding. they're both masculine and they're both tough. the heteronormative projections on this ship go so crazy.

#not tagged for a reason xD #just wanted to bitch

[iamdronegirl]

Purest Puzzle,

Don’t address me as Hermione, or must I actually curse you for my intentions to be clear?

Did you know that Tom means ‘innocence,’ or ‘purity’ in Hebrew? I find that delightfully ironic.

You seem keen on gaslighting me into thinking that you weren’t, in fact, hiding behind a bookshelf whilst staring at me. Perhaps you should grab a dictionary on your next impromptu trip to the library. On second thought, to save you the effort…and the next victim, “to pursue or approach stealthily,” is the definition you’re looking for.

It’s alright, I won’t tell anyone that you like stalking girls. You don’t have to talk your way out of it, but would it really hurt to put a bit of effort into the things you do?

Regarding the sweet offer from your letter, I wouldn’t dare lean on you, Head Boy, because you’ve got so much product in your hair that I’d probably slide right off.

You say I’m brash and yet you’ve already called me an abomination! I didn’t know strawberries were so aversive to you. I’ll have a chat with the house-elves and ask if they wouldn’t mind mixing tiny bits of fruit into your every meal.

Also, waffles distribute the syrup better. Pancakes are glorified sponges.

If you were my ‘cup of tea,’ I would be dead from poison intake. You are diplomatic in the way of a politician, I suppose. Clever, however? Still debating. Then again, you never claimed that you were those things, only that you preferred them in your company.

I’m thrilled to meet these impressive friends of yours after the holiday. Fingers crossed they’re the ones who might find my nature charming.

Don’t worry about speaking with Dippet regarding my OWLs, I wouldn’t want to take time out of your busy schedule of skulking about the castle. What were your exam scores? Whatever they were, I’m planning to surpass them. When we take the NEWTs, perhaps we can have a proper rivalry. A very distant, very unacquainted, lonesome rivalry, of course.

I asked you to leave me be, and yet I’m writing you another letter. I’m afraid that my pride won’t allow you to remain unchecked. As you said yourself, don’t write such a terrible letter to which I have no choice but to respond.

Happy Christmas Eve Eve! In two days, you can put the coal in your stocking to good use, rather than casting all those incessant warming charms on yourself.

With indifference,

HG

FF: “This is how you lose the time war” by @fleabagshair

AI-art by Your Journey , commissioned by me

#tomione #tom riddle #hermione granger #hp fanfic

[im-actually-a-certified-idiot]

They Should've Lived

"You ready, mate?"

Ron straightened his collar, and caught sight of Harry standing by his door in the reflection of his mirror. He turned, then wished he hadn't. Harry's eyes bored into him, like he was taking him apart layer by layer, analyzing him to the very core. It was unnerving, to say the least- Ron was pretty sure his best friend was hardly aware he even did that.

"Yeah," his voice cracked a little, and he cleared his throat. "Everyone else already downstairs?"

"Er- yeah, I think," said Harry. He hesitated. Ever since the war had ended, he'd been much more subdued and quieter. Tentative. Ron hated it. The war had taken enough from him; if he lost his best friend, he wasn't sure he'd be able to handle it. "I think... your mum's in George's room, trying to coax him out."

"He doesn't want to go?" Ron didn't even bother to hide the disbelief in his voice. It seemed absurd to him that George Weasley was refusing to attend his own twin's funeral.

Harry shuffled his feet, looking a bit alarmed by Ron's reaction. He had never liked conflict among the Weasleys, or to involve himself with it. "I mean, I suppose it's painful for him," he said amiably. Ron would've knocked him on the head if he wasn't his best friend. Bloody prat, always playing the diplomat.

"Ron? Harry?"

Hermione shuffled into view, her voice hesitant. Her eyes were swollen and puffy, like she'd fallen asleep crying. Ron supposed she must have- they'd just attended Remus Lupin's funeral last night.

One funeral after the other. A constant chain of grief. Ron would be glad when it was all over- he'd never been around so many dead bodies, never seen so much heartache and misery.

"It's almost time." Her voice wobbled a bit, and Ron was consumed with the strong desire to grab a jacket of his and tuck it over her shoulders. Which was stupid; she wouldn't appreciate the gesture anyway, it made her too much of a damsel in distress. "Mr. Weasley says we ought to start gathering in the backyard. Guests have already arrived."

George's funeral would be hosted in the Burrow's backyard; the Weasleys had all agreed it would be best to have him as close as possible. Ron thought Fred would've wanted that as well. It felt improper to bury him away from home, in some graveyard full of other dead bodies. The atmosphere would've been too dreary and disconsolate whenever they went to visit.

"Suppose we ought to leave, then?" Harry looked at Ron for confirmation. "Ron?"

Ron swallowed; he wasn't sure where the large lump in his throat had come from, or the sudden urge to follow George and barricade himself in his room. "I hate this," he found himself saying. "We shouldn't have to do this."

Harry's eyes, so scrutinizing before, turned soft. Hermione moved towards Ron; he wondered, for a brief absurd moment, if she would take him by his hand and drag him forcefully out. He wouldn't blame her if she did- he himself was frustrated at his sudden mopey words.

But when she took his hand, she did nothing but stroke his knuckles. A tingle shot up his spine. "You're right," she whispered. "He should've lived."

Harry clasped his hand onto Ron's shoulder. His grip was tight, but Ron was grateful for his touch. "They all should've lived," he agreed, and there was no question as to who he was talking about.

Lupin. Tonks. Sirius. Moody. Cedric. Colin. Hell, even Snape. The guy was the biggest prick Ron had ever met (not counting Malfoy) but even he had done his part in the end. Been a hero.

They'd all been heroes.

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

so this is basically my angsty post-deathly hallows fic lmao. i've always wondered how the golden trio had dealt with so many funerals.

#harry potter #hp fanfic #harry james potter #ron weasley #hermione granger #golden trio #fred's funeral #hp angst #post-deathly hallows fic #ron weasley fic #ron weasley centric fic #they're all traumatized children someone give them therapy

[sailtomarina]

Why are you naked?

There had to be a wizarding law against indecent exposure, just like there were for muggles, right? There was no way it was legal for Malfoy to strut around as naked as the day he was born from the showers to the sauna to the pools.

Forget the fact that the other witches and wizards were also naked, or that they were in Japan on a diplomatic trip, or that Hermione was clutching her towel around herself as if parting with it meant death.

Draco Malfoy was naked, and he was painfully, gloriously, beautiful.

Think white marble, a pensieve David, all toned muscle, broad shoulders, and narrow hips. The v at his waist pointed straight towards a treasure she absolutely refused to consider. All the gold in the Malfoy vaults and this man, her coworker, carried around the most priceless inheritance of them all in his pants.

“Hermione, aren’t you going to soak?” Emily Richards’ voice startled her from her panic. The older woman’s expression was equal parts concerned and amused.

“I…yes. I was just…absorbing.” Good Godric.

“It’s quite different from home, isn’t it?”

Taking a deep breath and steeling herself, Hermione nodded with far more confidence than she felt. “That’s why we’re here—bridging cultures, opening lines of communication.”

Emily moved towards the closest pool, towel held modestly flat against her front, leaving her backside completely bare. If she could do it, why couldn’t Hermione? 

Each step forward felt like a walk to the gallows, one with distinctly white-blonde hair whose magnetic gaze zeroed in on her and maintained eye contact. She stood at the edge, false bravado bleeding away as she gripped the terry cloth even tighter than before, and he raised a single brow.

The prat was goading her.

Two could play that game. She let the towel fall, stepping gingerly into the scalding water. Her curls were twisted up into a bun so they wouldn’t touch the water. Hermione might not feel comfortable walking naked around others, but she wasn’t ashamed of her body. Despite her long work hours and propensity towards sedentary hobbies, she maintained a daily regime of diet and exercise. 

The diet wasn’t anything dissatisfying, but rather a balancing of nutrients and flavors to maximize her pleasure for foods of all cultures. She was an unabashed foodie with a natural curiosity for the unknown. This appetite required a partner in physical activity. Hermione chose once more to indulge in a variety of options, including running, yoga, and bouldering.

She was strong and fit and now Draco Malfoy knew it if the way his eyes widened was any indication.

In the short moment it took her to fold her towel neatly, place it on the ledge behind her, and settle in next to Emily, she felt the first inklings of a brush against her consciousness. Hermione recognized the magical signature at once and relaxed her barrier.

“Why are you naked, Granger?”

“For the same reason that you’re naked, Malfoy. This is a co-ed public bathhouse, is it not?” 

“Can you at least try to stay submerged?”

That earned him a snorting laugh, and his brow furrowed even more when she disregarded his request and stood to wave over an attendant. 

“Bloody, hell, Granger, at least—”

“We’d like some sake to share between the two of us, and would you please also send a bottle to the gentlemen with my coworker over there?” The young woman taking her order startled at the sight of Draco’s reddening face. She bowed and hurried off.

“Did you know this is one of the few remaining bathhouses of its kind in all of Japan? They’ve been phasing out these co-ed style baths ever since WWII,” Emily said, as she sunk down to her chin in the water.

“I can’t imagine why they’d bring us here, then.” Despite the distance, Hermione knew Malfoy was listening in on their conversation.

“You know Draco—he always wants to experience what most others cannot. Once he heard about this place, he insisted they include it in the itinerary.”

“Is that so?” Now he definitely wasn’t looking at her, eyes glued on the, no doubt, fascinating conversation next to him.

“You have no one but yourself to blame, so thank you for this rare opportunity.”

Only a tightening around his mouth betrayed her legilimency hit the mark. The longer she soaked in the heat of the onsen, the more relaxed and confident Hermione felt. These baths were brilliant. Maybe she’d insist on finding some back home to go to with the girls.

“Do you think Pansy and Blaise might be willing to share their hot tub?”

She had to stifle a laugh at the horrified look he turned on her.

“Don’t you even think about it, Granger. If you even dare—”

“Dare to bare my very naked arse and boobies?”

“Granger!”

“What do you do to stay fit, Malfoy?”

Hermione let her eyes roam his bare chest. Would it turn as red as his face currently was? Her giggle caught Emily’s attention, and the woman cocked her head at her.

“Everything alright, dear?”

“I’m just remembering the red-arse monkeys that they told us like to use the northern pools in the winter.”

“Ah, the snow monkeys.”

Red arses, white fur. Maybe Malfoy was a monkey, not a ferret like everyone liked to joke.

The sake arrived, floating on a basket between the two ladies, and Hermione nodded over at the men who cheered at her gift. Her first sip of the clear beverage was clean and sharp, a delightful burn in her throat.

“Why don’t you meet with me tonight and find out?”

She choked on her second sip at Malfoy’s words.

“Hermione! Are you okay?”

Hermione’s eyes flickered over to him as she assured Emily that she had just gulped too quickly, and her throat seized at the way his lips curled behind the rim of his glass. A pulse between her legs reminded her that it had been far too long since mutual satisfaction. They were two consulting adults. Coworkers, yes, but there wasn’t any rule against that. Once she felt calm enough to continue to another glass she reached out once more.

“Dress code?”

“Nothing more or less than what you’ve got on right now.”

WC 1042 I realized partway through that I really didn’t like the direction I had taken this prompt, but I figured I might as well finish what I started. The whole Japan setting felt too forced and the onsen idea too farfetched given that konyoku (co-ed) onsen are a rarity these days. I had another idea come ‘too late’ of something like a mess and cleanup gone wrong…next time!

#dramione #dramione prompt #harry potter fanfiction #dhr fanfiction #draco malfoy x hermione granger #hermione granger #draco malfoy

[siriouslytired]

Feedback fest 2024 🌻

Well RIP to my bookmarks because I just noticed that so many of my favourite fics have been deleted or made anonymous/put in a collection. Thought it would be fun to do this anyway.

Also apparently I managed to post this when it wasn't done (can you tell technology doesn't like me?) And for some reason I couldn't edit the original post (and what's up with that??). So uh, if anyone had liked the first post I deleted it because I got annoyed.

All fics on the list can be found on AO3

A Year In Toussaint by astolat

The Witcher; Rated E; Geralt of Rivia/Emhyr var Emreis

"[...] - and found himself spilling the whole sob story of his success to Emhyr, who actually broke and laughed out loud when Geralt got to the racehorses."

One of my comfort fics, will read it for a multitude of reasons but mostly just because it's so well-written and engaging (which is just all of astolat's fics really)

Hunger and Appetite by thegoodbutter

Shadow & Bone; Rated E; Aleksander Morozova/Alina Starkov; Modern AU

I couldn't actually tell you how many times I've read this, it's just SO GOOD. And the food descriptions are just fantastic, makes me want to cook up a storm/start baking something even though I hate doing the dishes afterwards.

The Stars Don’t Shine, They Burn by Sarcasmismydefaultmode

Shadow & Bone/The Witcher; Rated E; Alina Starkov/Emhyr var Emreis; Second Best AU

Read it. Do it. It's so fucking good. I usually don't read crossovers anymore but I couldn’t resist this one and it was so worth it. It blends the two worlds so well while making sure that the edges are obvious enough that you can still tell which parts came from what canon.

Amazing Grace (series) by Druid Moon

Marvel Cinematic Universe; Darcy Lewis/Clint Barton; Many references to different forms of crafts

A relic from when I mostly read MCU fics that I return to again and again and again. Super cosy, slightly sad, incredibly well-written, one of those fics that just draws you in once you start reading it.

coronas of wolf-teeth and rivers by Dialux

A Song of Ice and Fire; Not Rated; Catelyn Stark/Ned Stark; AU; Robert dies at the Trident, Ned dies at the Tower of Joy, Catelyn becomes Queen of Westeros

I remember reading the summary and basically attacking my phone screen to open the fic. It ties itself together so neatly from the premise and the way Catelyn is written is just fantastic.

Diplomatic Relations by KrazzeeAJ1701

Star Trek; Rated M; James T Kirk/Sybok; AU, Female James T. Kirk

Listen, I had a phase where I mostly read gender swap and I found some real gems - this being one of them. I don't re-read it as often as I should but every time I do I remember how much I like it and how fantastic the writing is. The set-up just makes sense and the progression of the story makes you want to keep reading forever.

the ghosts won't matter because we'll hide in sin by soapboxblues

A Song of Ice and Fire; Jaime Lannister/Lyanna Stark; AU

A cute little AU where Lyanna survives the Tower of Joy and is subsequently turned into a political pawn etc etc. Incredibly well-written and the pieces just fit together so well.

The Debt of Time by ShayaLonnie

Harry Potter; Rated E; Sirius Black/Hermione Granger; AU, Time Travel, Soul Bond

I must have read this at least 15 times by now. It just works so well, you know?

For One Last Day by fideliant

The Hobbit; General Audience; Bilbo Baggins/Thorin Oakenshield; AU

"The things we don't do for love." It's so bittersweet and lovely and all those wonderful things that make me want to smile and cry at the same time. Sort of chances-not-taken and now we're old wrapped up in this little moment that fits so well into the canon of LOTR.

Eurybia by Annerb

Pirates of the Caribbean; Rated T; Elizabeth Swan/Will Turner; Jack Sparrow/Elizabeth Swan; AU

"A love story. Elizabeth Swan and the sea." Read it. Just do it. It's so so so good. And it's barely 1200 words so you can read it and then spend an hour contemplating what you just read and still have time to do other things.

#ifd2024 #international fanworks day

[ne-jamais-pur]

I think fic writers are sleeping on marylily raising Harry so here are some headcanons:

since both of the girls are muggleborn they take Harry to a muggle school up until hes old enough for Hogwarts

Mary drives him, Lily makes his lunches in the morning

They try to raise him as "wizardish" as possible but neither of them really know what pureblood childhoods look like so he has a very normal childhood, riding bikes and doing chores, etc

Theres a family portrait he made in school on the fridge. Lily framed it and never took it down, even as he got older and was more embarrassed of it

Mary uses magic very rarely because of the bad experiences she had with it in the war. Her most used spells are Reparo and Lumos, the latter of which she does for Harry as a nightlight whenever hes scared.

Lily insists on doing chores the muggle way instead of magicing them. She says it's to teach Harry responsibility but Mary knows that she also just likes to stress clean.

They also definitely instilled a sense of humility in him, but he gets all the combined sass of Lily and Mary

Mary's parents babysit sometimes :)

They also come round every holiday and they adore both Lily and Harry

a lot of people chill out with age so I'd like to think Lily and Petunia made amends enough to visit sometimes. At the very least Petunia would be less bitter toward the wizarding world because it didnt kill her sister.

Parent teacher conferences are very much both Mary and Lily grilling the teacher making sure Harry isnt being bullied about his scar

Neville comes round their house often, and sometimes the four of them go visit Alice and Frank together

Mary started having Luna over after Pandora passed, both to help Xenophilius with raising a child and to give Luna some positive experiences

After Lily met Hermiones parents, she started inviting them to go to Diagon Alley with them every year, since she knew how stressful it was to be out of your depth

Mary gave Hermione a list of magic hair care potions and told her how to use them for Black hair

Lily wrote extremely long letters to Harry, packed with homework help, but Mary's were short and sweet and were usually accompanied by brownies

McGonagall also kept in touch with Lily, letting her know how Harry was doing

When Harry was drafted into the Triwizard tournament, Lily wrote a Howler (the only one ever) to Barty Crouch Sr and Mary did a far more diplomatically (but still stern) letter to the whole board

They're also the first ones Hermione came to when she got her first period. They were closer and she was more comfortable talking about it with the two women than her strict parents

If Draco is "my father will hear about this" Harry is "my mums will hear about this" and he's completely right for it

They come to every single Quidditch match and scream their lungs out cheering

Mary does her very best to prevent Harry from joining the Order but Lily understands his sense of duty

However Mary does ask Emmeline to keep a close eye on him

most importantly Harry feels loved every day <3

#marauders era #marauders girls #lily evans #mary macdonald #harry potter #marylily #marylily raising harry #hp #marauders #a lot of these headcanons come from my own halfwritten Mary raising Harry

[justtosealmyfate1]

HP, the press and what is means to be a celebrity: meta

One of my favorite topics is the media and how that would play out in the Potters’ lives post-war. I touch upon this in the reaction to Albus and Scorpius getting together. There’s a media whirlwind after the photos of the two of them kissing are released. 

(this is about my fic, the fates, which is about when Albus and Scorpius’ relationship is found out.)

A lot of HP fics take the tone of “the media is so intrusive and ruining everyone’s life” which is fair to an extent, and also the precedent JKR set with Rita Skeeter’s character in the original books. She’s clearly a parody of British tabloid writers. Celebrity is also explored differently across fics. In the books, Harry is very famous, and a politically important figure. He’s always in the newspaper! The Minister of Magic is coming to his Christmas dinner to court him! This notoriety would only grow after he defeats Voldemort. I see Harry as (this sounds so dramatic for talking about a fictional character) an Obama, Nelson Mandela, Malala type of celebrity. A political figure, a hero, a survivor but also a mainstay in popular culture. Plus, he’s married to an attractive Quidditch player, and I’m sure they captivate the world with their Posh and Becks, Taylor and Travis type love. This is all to say that I think the Potters are megacelebrities, and Albus is a celebrity child who would reap the rewards and face the consequences of that. 

The American media landscape (while of course not without its flaws) is very different from the British media landscape, particularly the tabloids. British tabloids are crazy. It’s brutal. The Daily Mail is a disgrace to journalism. I think this culture would also bleed into Wizarding media. 

However!!...the relationship between celebrities and celebrity media is symbiotic. The “royal reporters” at the Daily Mail aren’t actually doing any journalistic work (even though they should be… like tell me what the fuck is going on with Kate Middleton), they’re being fed stories by the palace. This absolutely happens in the US too. Publicists will feed stories to friendlier publications, like People. When “a source close to Taylor Swift” is telling Entertainment Tonight exclusively that Taylor and Joe Alwyn broke up, it’s her publicist. 

What does this mean for the Potters? Well, they absolutely need a publicist, they need to be working with a PR team and they need a media strategy. It’s funny to think about that in the context of the books, but that dynamic was seen in the Order of the Phoenix. Harry’s “PR team” of Hermione and Luna got Rita Skeeter to write a story about Voldemort’s return. That’s political news, not celebrity gossip, but it shows that Harry knows how to use the media to get what he wants. While I don’t think as an adult he’d be doing the Wired Autocomplete interviews, he’d know how to navigate the press to further his agenda and protect his family’s image. 

I think the Potter children would be pretty protected from the press. Rita Skeeter wrote in her 2014 Quidditch World Cup article that the Potters are wizarding royalty, which informs my opinion of how the mechanisms of their celebrity would play out. I wrote in the fates that Harry and Ginny release curated photos of their children in exchange for not taking paparazzi photos of them, a la the royal family. While Harry is more of a statesman-like celebrity, who has a carefully crafted image and is more likely to be seen at charity events, diplomatic summits and ceremonies, Ginny is different. As a Quidditch player she’s more of a traditional celebrity. She’s canonically popular but a guarded person. She strikes me as the type of celebrity who masterfully makes you think you know her, but you actually know nothing at all. 

As for the kids, I think there would be a lot of media attention and interest in them. Would they lean into that, like North West, or shy away from it? I think they’d shy away from it, especially Albus. I think James would be more open to press attention. 

The three press stories I wrote for the fates all reflect different types of celebrity news. There’s the traditional, factual Daily Prophet article, the Daily Prophet opinion piece, and the Simmering Cauldron radio show. The Simmering Cauldron is entirely based on Wendy Williams. Don’t tell me she wouldn’t do something exactly like that! The DP article is expository, and then the opinion piece is meant to showcase the discourse surrounding their relationship. 

There’s a whole debate to be had about how celebrity children should be treated and the role of celebrities in our culture in general, and Albus and Scorpius are great vehicles to explore this.

#hp meta #Harry Potter meta #cursed child #cursed child meta #scorbus #albus potter #hpcc

[viridianphile]

7th yr., dramione, fluff, rivals, down bad Draco

Draco just wants to sleep in his quarters, skip his classes and dream and dream and dream.

He hates seeing his classmates, hates their mindless talk about who fancies who, and most of all hates having to see her in flesh.

As she shoots up a know-it-all hand, starts parting her plump lips to answer, her annoying voice reverberating around his skull, he might as well combust on the spot.

Especially if he has to deal with his problem. This particular problem, he figured, the only way to solve it is to sleep it all away.

Which he did, but to make matters worse, he sees her in his dreams, EVERY. SINGLE. FUCKING. TIME.

And things always end up the turn for the worse. Always the worse (for lack of better word). He gets to wake up with the lingering thought of her in his newly minted state of wakefulness and a raging hard-on.

It is a problem, yes indeed.

Which begs the question, why does Draco Lucius Malfoy want to sleep and sleep and sleep?

It is obvious really, he’s definitely infatuated with her, his subconscious unconsciously dreaming of her.

But quite literally, in vulgarized fashion; Draco Lucius Malfoy lusts for Hermione Jean Granger.

And he doesn’t want to admit it yet.

“Draco, fuck you, wake up,”

He groans in his sleep.

Theo slapped the supple cheek of his bare arse “Look at that fucking kinky arse! I bet you fell asleep touching yourself all day thinking of Granger. Is that why you didn’t go to class yesterday?”

Draco immediately springs up, head still groggy and confused. Theo mussed his already messy bed hair, “I understand mate, the snakes understand,” he tuts compassionately.

“Understand wha—?” Malfoy blinks, until everything dawned upon him.

“What the fuck are you doing here Not?!”

Theo raises his palms up defensively.

“Uh—your girl’s waiting for you, and I being your faithful wingman came to pick you up and tell her your undying love,” he then places a diplomatic hand over his heart solemnly.

“My girl? Which girl? What girl?” Draco aka “completely lost” Malfoy throws the dark haired boy a skeptical look,”Last time I checked I was single with an idiot henchman for a best friend”

“Merlin to Draco, it’s Granger, the love of your life? She literally confessed her love for you in front of the whole class under the influence of a veritaserum”

“You’ve got to be kidding”

“No. You missed the chance to witness the legendary confession of the swot to her equally swotty rival”

Malfoy must be dreaming, that couldn’t be real. Theo can’t be real, this must be another dream. Granger’s involved, *again*, so it has to be, right?

He was lost for words, staring into space. Until he slapped himself to reality.

*Holy shit that hurt*

“So then what?” excitement assaults his nerves but apprehension devoured the rest of it.

“Then fly away my little butterfly, spread your wings and chase for the nectar of your dreams! Go before she changes her mind!”Theo spreads his arms dramatically, he has the spunk for theater.

Draco hurriedly gathers himself to leave but reaches back towards his henchman, “Wait, fuck, give me your pants.”

Oh right, he forgot.

Draco swiftly accio’d Theo’s pants and quickly fastened himself to decency. Theo merely let him and pats a proud father’s hand on Draco.

“Go my little soldier, this is your war—“before Theo finishes, Draco already left the chambers to chase for Granger, his dearest rival and apparently…the love of his life?

***

“Granger!”

“Malfoy?”

Granger stops in her tracks while Draco collects himself until he’s back in proper circulation.

One huge gulp of air and he’s back on his knees, a look on Granger and he’s a pathetic flustering idiot. But backing down isn’t an option and so…

“You…you fractured me to my undoing. My soul cripples at the mere thought of you. You make me lose my mind, the greatest tragedy of mine. Granger…I think I might be also in love with you…”

Hermione blinked, eyes wide. What did she just hear? If this what they call…a confession?

But seriously, from Malfoy? Her rival? The bane of her existence? The annoying fly who pests her academic endeavors, everywhere she goes?

But a pretty handsome fly too though…

An unexpected blush creeps up to her cheeks, and wait a minute…what’s with this sudden burst of emotion? Why is he looking at her like he’s about to beg on his knees for her?

He’s absurd. His unnecessarily poetic monologue’s absurd…too sudden. And are those Theo’s dress pants he’s wearing?

“Malfoy…what…I…are you serious?”

This Hermione, the brightest witch of her age, suddenly lacked the sense to speak.

Draco stops, his heart taking a sudden lurch.

“But..Theo..”

Hermione’s pulse flutters.

“What about Theo, hmm?”

He just realized.

“I’m gonna kill that fucking bastard”

That jerk tricked him.

And surprisingly it worked.

(End)

#dhr drabble #dhr fanfiction #dramione #dramione prompts #dhrtwt #draco malfoy #draco x hermione #dramione fic #hermione granger #incorrect dramione #harrypotter #dramione fandom #dramione fanart #dramione one shot #draco fluff #dramione imagine

[jomiddlemarch]

While You Were Sleeping

Chapter 3

It had been an unseasonably chilly day according to their hosts, so the windows of the suite were closed tight, curtains drawn, all outside noise muffled. It was late, the staff all gone to their rooms, and they’d both finished their evening ablutions, the tap shut off. They lay next to each other in the bed, having mutually agreed to go to sleep. There was nothing but the darkness leavened with silvery blue moonlight and a soft, all-encompassing quiet. 

And then an unmistakable growl.

For a moment, neither of them said anything. But it was clearly a moment where they were both working out what to say, how to react, and in Hermione’s case, choking back a squawk of laughter which Draco would be sure to see as rudely mocking. Likely to, anyway.

“I beg—”

“You never beg,” Hermione interrupted, turning on her side so she could see him better. “You were going to ask for my pardon and you needn’t.”

“I didn’t mean to disturb you,” he said. He sounded embarrassed. To be fair, if such a sound had come from her body, she would have wanted to spontaneously combust or Apparate to the moon, preferably a one-way trip for the first intergalactic Apparition that was reliably documented (she didn’t count that report from Durmstrang—if anyone got there first, it would be one of the up-and-comers from Uagadou, probably that tall witch from Lagos who sang all her incantations like Maria Callas.)

“You didn’t. I was a little startled, but not especially surprised,” she said. It was easy to be more open in the shared bed, the quilted counterpane rendered silken with the moonlight, everything around them soft, intimate. Draco seemed like another person, a man she’d never met before, except that she recognized him better at night or at least she allowed herself to admit she liked what she discovered. Very much indeed.

“No?”

“I will say you’re quite a bit louder than Harry ever was,” Hermione said, a naughty part of her unable to resist teasing.

“My shame is complete. Depthless as the Lost Sea, countless as the stars,” Draco said wryly. He was regaining his equanimity, though an additional growl, possibly louder than the first one, made him pause and Hermione chuckle.

“Don’t feel bad about it,” she said. “You’re hungry, there’s no shame in it. No surprise, either. You missed lunch. And dinner.”

I missed you, she didn’t say but thought. Nothing tasted as good without you there, she didn’t add but heard her voice murmuring. 

“I got caught up with some of the regulatory issues, their legal system is sometimes completely orthogonal to ours. It’s both fascinating and infuriating,” he said. “Lost track of time, I suppose.”

“I understand. It happens to me too, I get immersed in whatever I’m researching and then I come out of it, it’s like I’m surfacing from swimming underwater and it’s hours later, leagues away. The Ravenclaws call it perdu-trouvée, I guess Flamel was known for it too,” she said.

His stomach growled again, somehow with even more volume. 

“I’ll go find something, there must be something in the kitchen,” he said.

“Don’t,” she said, reaching over to lay a hand on his shoulder. He grew very still. “I noticed you weren’t at lunch and dinner. I made…arrangements for us.”

“Arrangements?” he repeated. 

“I knew you missed both those meals and that you wouldn’t ask anyone to get you something to eat—”

“It’s ill-mannered. Here and at home, unless there’s a House-elf available and I know how you feel about them,” he interjected.

“I know. I knew you’d say all that, do all that. Or not do, as the case may be. So I did,” she said, dropping her hand from his shoulder. She could feel the warmth of him, the restraint, as if it had been branded like a rune into her palm. “I suppose I’m living down to all your Pureblood supremacist inculcated expectations of me, but I knew we’d end up here, with your stomach growling louder than a dyspeptic dragon grumbling over its hoard.”

“The only expectation I’ve ever truly had of you is that you’ll exceed whatever measure or possibility I could ever conceive of,” he said. “I admit that as a child, I expressed this very poorly.”

“As a child? You were a child in seventh year?” Hermione said.

“I was slow to mature,” he shrugged. “Unlike some. And I didn’t have access to a Time-turner to help me along.” 

“I got a hamper. For you,” Hermione said. Draco was starting to take the conversation into uncharted waters and if she was going to navigate them, she at least wanted to get some food into him first. “A basket from the kitchen, so you could have a midnight snack. A meal, actually. Like a picnic. I asked them to include a cloth, cutlery, proper stemware.”

“I know what a hamper is, Hermione,” he said.

“I wasn’t sure if the Wizarding aristocracy had picnics or only elegant teas held in plein air. Harry was raised with Muggles, the Weasleys just Levitated their kitchen table into the garden because of the gnomes, and Neville and his gran prefer walking tours with Thermoses filled with tea and a packet of cheese and pickle sandwiches. I was afraid to ask Luna,” Hermione said.

“They always say you’re the brightest witch of our age,” Draco replied, choosing not to comment on the Weasley gnomes, the Longbottom predilection for non-magical Thermoses and the questionable reality Luna Lovegood inhabited, in favor of praising her with nary a smirk to be seen.

“Of your age, her age, they say. Not our. Not like I’m the most brilliant witch of the current, post-Dumbledore era,” Hermione said, frowning. She’d had a plan for this midnight snack revelation, and he was derailing her and while her plan had some accommodations built in, they were all centered around the idea he’d reject picnics or eating late at night or find it all terribly plebian. Not that he’d offer compliments that she didn’t deserve with what sounded like utter sincerity. 

“That’s why they’re wrong and you’re the brightest witch of our age,” Draco said. “Though I also prefer most brilliant. More gravitas to it. But I believe I’m upsetting your plans. There’s a midnight snack to be consumed, picnic-style, if we want to keep from waking the whole building with my obstreperous digestive system.”

“You’ve managed to be both incorrigible and correct, so I’m just going to get the hamper and you’ll eat,” she said.

“We’ll eat,” he said. “Surely you don’t think I’m going to gorge myself in front of you while you don’t take even one bite.”

“Fine,” she said, getting out of the bed and going over to the wardrobe that held her clothes and right now, an oversized but magically lightened hamper she would have struggled to lift without the enchantment. As it was, she made it only halfway back to the bed before Draco came and took the basket out of her arms and carried it the remaining distance, allowing her quite the delicious view of his delicious arse in his pinstriped pyjama bottoms, not a sight she would ordinarily have imagined could be erotic.

“Do you want to open it or shall I?” he said, kneeling on his side of the bed and his side of the hamper. Hermione hiked up the hem of her nightdress so she could sit cross-legged on her side and gestured for him to go ahead. He lifted the lid and took out the cloth first, spreading it out between them, then began to narrate as he took out one item after another.

“Orange pippins, grapes, Double Gloucester—you had them source Double Gloucester for me? Carr’s water biscuits, those little spanakopita-like things they had the first night and they’re still warm, a jar of olives, some sort of savory pie—”

“Pork, with sage and a little thyme,” Hermione put in.

“There’s a tureen—”

“Potage parmentier,” she said, before he opened the lid and spilled any. “The tureen is charmed to stay at the perfect temperature for serving.”

“Brandy snaps, jam roly-poly and macarons?”

“Those are pistachio. It’s not an allusion to you being Slytherin,” Hermione said. “There ought to be a Chenin Blanc and a flask of Earl Grey tea to go with the meal and dessert.”

“This isn’t a snack, it’s a feast,” Draco said, settling back on his heels. Even in the moonlight, which etched everything in silverpoint, she could make out the flush in his cheeks. “And it’s all my favorites. Every single one."

“Yes. As I said, I thought you’d be hungry,” she replied.

“A sandwich would have been fine. Some bread and butter,” he said. “How did you know—"

“Brightest witch, as you said. I pay attention to details, they’re important,” she said, smiling, but meaning it. Harry and Ron would be taken in by just the smile. Draco wouldn’t. “I know you strive to require nothing from people now, but that’s not how I operate. And I’ve been hungry before, it’s not something I take lightly.” 

I want to see you satisfied, she didn’t add. It was enough to think it. This time…

“We didn’t eat all these things here,” Draco said.

“No, I did some research. Reached out to access primary sources,” she said.

“You contacted Narcissa?” he asked. Could a person be aghast and impressed in only three words? It seemed he was. It also seemed he called his mother by her first name, a fact she filed away for later consideration.

“Andromeda. We belong to the same book club. It wasn’t a message out of the blue,” Hermione said. “I remembered you ate all the brandy snaps when we were at Hogwarts, you glutton. It’s a wonder you had any teeth left in your head.”

“You must like brandy snaps too,” he said. “I assume that’s why you noticed me eating more than my fair share.”

“It was at first,” she said. When they were hunting Horcruxes, she’d thought about him, how he’d looked so eager taking some from the platter, how he’d closed his eyes with the first bite. How ordinary his delight was and how it changed his face to have a moment of simple happiness. There was less darkness around him now, which she attributed to being fifteen years out from being under the thumb of a megalomaniacal chimerical soul-shredded monster who was quite frankly rather boring when he wasn’t being utterly annihilating and then, of course, his pompous father had been relegated to the Endless level of Azkaban. She wanted to see Draco’s face when he ate a sweet now, what expression there would be in his grey eyes when he opened them and looked at her.

“Let’s start with them, then,” he said. He offered her a brandy snap, waiting for her to take it out of his hand. “You did agree I wouldn’t eat alone.”

“Do you often eat dessert first?” she said.

“May I make a confession?” he asked. She nodded, dimly aware she held a brandy snap in her wand hand and that Draco had glanced down at her mouth after he spoke. “Sometimes, it’s all I eat. Sometimes, all I want is to taste something sweet, Hermione.”

#dramione #one shot becomes multichapter #hermione granger #draco malfoy #hermione x draco #hermione POV #midnight snacks #fake married #post hogwarts #diplomat!hermione #lawyer!draco #slow burn #romance #world building galore #there was only one bed #so much food #fluffy

[practicecourts]

Do Lily and James have core aspects to their characterisations that you aim to demonstrate in all your writing?

Hi @athenasparrow, thanks for this really great ask. Just saw answers for this by @tiffanytoms and must say I can’t top those.

My head canon for these two is a little more hazy tbh. But I saw some overlap I think;-)

Cut for length, bc even if hazy, it got kind of long...

For James; he’s a happy go lucky guy, not lacking in self assurance; he’s sometimes reckless, takes chances, makes decisions, and is not afraid to make a mistake or do something stupid (he might not like it, might act a teenage prat if called out on this, but I think a part of him is that he’s daring and impulsive and sometimes probably regrets things he does after the fact.) I think he’s smart but also I see him as someone who needs physical activity to blow of steam 😏 I do not think he’s perfect. Sue me. 😘 😉

As far as backstory goes, he’s grown up single child, eldest (and youngest) in a loving family, i see his bond with his family as strong in most anything I’ve written so far and i don’t think that will change- i know that’s not a character trait but it’s a thing I have trouble with seeing differently.

I think he is the kind of guy to stand up for the persons and things he feels are right. He won’t be standing on the sideline watching something go down that he feels is wrong. Consequences be damned.

As for Lily, I imagine her to be smart, perhaps sometimes too smart for her own good, which leads to overthinking stuff. My Lily will always be less impulsive than James, less reckless maybe, or she just needs to be pushed further before she starts acting like that. In my head she’s less self assured than James. Like that 1D song “because you’re beatiful” Everyone else in the room can see it, everyone else but you…

as family dynamics go, she’s the youngest so will grow up being less “the responsible one” - the clown, the little kid who gets away with more- until she goes to Hogwarts and that all changes as she’s “on her own” in Gryffindor.

I see her as someone who finds it easier to stand up for others than for herself (her relationship with Petunia, and the whole Muggleborn thing) as i sometimes think she finds it harder to be as kind for herself. Girl needs to give herself grace (again, i don’t think she’s perfect ;-) She’s loyal, and has a hard time letting things go (both Severus and Petunia are relationships that probably cost more than give her, but she’s wired to keep trying - bc family, bc first ever Magical friend). I definitely see her as fun loving, having a sense of humour, being able to take herself less than serious and once she feels safe in a situation she is definitely no push-over.

But i don’t think she’s a Hermione (who would rather be right than happy, I think she Lily's more diplomatic).

Oh and she's a good kisser like James.

#jily #james potter #lily evans #thinking about what makes them them.

[bridenore]

HD Mostly set outside the UK fic recs - Others

Here are a few drarry recs that are mostly set in outside of the UK, North America or the EU. Listed in alphabetical order.

Aeternus Solem by @onbeinganangel  [36k]

On December 1st, Harry Potter gets sent halfway across the world to attempt to break a possibly fatal curse on an unnamed British Unspeakable — except said Unspeakable is not unnamed at all and Harry has been in love with him for over four years.

Ai by talkplaylove [18k]

Harry Potter wanders into a bar.

Call Me by Your Name (And I’ll Call You by Mine) by @acupforslytherin [35k]

My dearest Harry, because no matter how far we are, even two different worlds apart, I can never tell where you end and I start.

Draco never expected Potter to find his way back to his life, especially after seven years of no contact, but here he was. With Potter’s will in his hands, his own name written in that untidy scribble he recognized anywhere, Draco had to accept this was his time to reopen an old wound, revisit painful memories, and relearn everything he thought he knew about his past.

Connecting Lines, Connecting Crimes by sleepstxtic [15k]

Magic is going haywire after ley lines all over the world are mysteriously failing. A cross-border Task Force is set up by the League of Wixen Nations with Expert Cartologist Draco Malfoy and Ley Line Specialist Pansy Parkinson being called in from Britain to work with Magi-Geographers Harry Potter and Parvati Patil in India. But can they get to the root of the issue before it’s too late? Featuring: an excessive use of holograms, numerous references to food, and lots and lots (and lots!) of travel.

Forged through flowing water by @tedahfromtayla [40k]

When Hermione sets up a diplomatic mission to begin repairing the damage British colonisation did to Indian magical communities Harry isn’t going to pass on the opportunity to visit and help his family’s home country. Maybe he should have asked a few more questions about the personnel she had recruited for it before signing on because Malfoy surely has an ulterior motive to be there.

Or

Harry goes back to India to rediscover some of his lost roots. He meets Malfoy there. Hijinks ensue!

The Great Magic Sex Mushroom Fiasco by Magnolia822 [6k]

Lost in the Siberian wilderness without food, Aurors Potter and Malfoy are forced to improvise, with unexpected consequences …

Grounds for Divorce by Tepre [122k]

Malfoy finds a coin. Harry finds a letter.

A story about histories, a story about families. A story about a lemon tree somewhere in Upper Egypt.

Potential Gravity by @lol-zeitgeistic [32k]

Draco is not good at Cards Against Humanity, but Harry’s not good at being human, so it all works out. Except for the explosions. And Harry’s inability to live when Draco’s not around.

Sæglópur by @femmequixotic [34k]

After a difficult breakup, Draco finds himself dragged to the land of magic, law, and natural wonders where, of course, nothing goes as planned.

The Spider and the Moth by marguerite_26 [10k]

Young Auror Harry Potter is sent to Morocco to investigate a potion smuggling ring. He quickly realises he’s in over his head with both the assignment and the primary suspect.

Survival of the Species by @romaine2424 [46k]

Draco approaches Harry on the 9 ¾ platform, after their sons have boarded the Hogwarts Express, and invites him over for tea.  The discussion they have leads them on an adventure that neither could have expected. There be dragons! HPDH compliant.

Ticking Time by calrissian18 [5k]

Draco moves to Egypt to escape his past. Of course Potter has to come along and be a tangible representation of it.

Through Worlds by @rain-beee [42k]

Harry is looking for a new start, and he’s travelled the world to find it. Now in Japan, a chance encounter with someone from his past threatens to distract him from his goal, but when he runs into them again and again, he begins to wonder if maybe he’s found what he was searching for all along.

The Unspeakable by @the-sinking-ship [24k]

Healer Draco Malfoy took the job at the International Department of Mysteries for the paycheck and the prestige.

But what he got was Unspeakable Harry Potter and the most fascinating curse he’d ever seen.

I hope you enjoy these stories as much as I did!

#my recs #drarry #drarry recs #theme rec

[xalandrix]

For the ask game: elbow, confused, or plate

ooh ooh i got you a two-fer in Like A Broomstick for Giants:

"Oh yeah, remember Hermione's teeth?" Seamus is saying. "It worked out for her, but if it was my dick and it would wear off eventually… why chance it, right?" There is a vague murmur of agreement. Ending up with a smaller cock than you started out with just doesn't bear thinking about.

"Couldn't have happened to a better bloke, really," Ron says with fake sincerity. Seamus guffaws, and Ron drops the act, elbowing Harry gently. "Eh, Harry? A huge prick with a huge prick." Even Zabini chuckles a little at that.

Harry shudders violently. "I have to go," he croaks, not making eye contact as he gets up from the table and flees the Hall. The four of them exchange confused glances.

"Is Potter always that weird?" Zabini asks, looking almost concerned.

"Not usually, but I have seen worse," Seamus says.

"He certainly has his moments," Neville adds diplomatically.

Ron sighs and flaps a hand dismissively. "He's had a rough life. You learn to let the little stuff go."

https://archiveofourown.org/works/51975817/chapters/131434834

#drarry #hpdm #hp fanfic #harry potter

[softlystarstruck]

✩ softly reading april 11 - 30 ✩

backstreet’s back, baby. except only kind of, because im doing these monthly now! this one is just belatedly filling in the rest of april. welcome to softly reading, in which i list every single drarry fic i’ve read this month in hopes that you, dear reader, find a fic you like too!

✩ - a fave | 🔥 - hot | 🌼 - gentle read

longer reads

✩ Once More With Feeling by InnerLilith [E, 28k] 🔥

Draco is dosed with a consummation-compelling potion, with Harry Potter as his intended. It’s a cruel irony, because he’s wanted Potter for years. But not like this.

✩ Offer Up Our Hearts by @tackytigerfic [M, 23k]

Harry Potter has a very nice life, thank you very much. He's a top Curse-Breaker with a lucrative Ministry contract, and exciting prospects ahead. Sometimes he does wish that he had time to pursue something official with Draco Malfoy - they're half in love with each other, after all, and a great team (in and out of bed), though Draco is still one of the most infuriating people he knows. And when Draco asks Harry to accompany him on a diplomatic mission to the mysterious Sidhe fairies in Ireland, Harry agrees to lend his expertise. [HD Tropes Exchange Fest 2019] Recced to me by @the-starryknight

✩ The shape of my love by @orange-peony [E, 23k] 🏳️‍⚧️🔥🌼

Harry’s happy — happier than he’s ever been in his life, really. He loves living with Draco, studying with him and cooking together. Draco is still oddly mysterious about the potion he takes every day, even though Harry is a bloody Healer in training, and he still never changes in front of him, but that’s fine. Harry respects his boundaries, because he has his own too. And he is probably - or most likely - a little enamoured with the blond git, if he has to admit it to himself, but it’s fine. [HP Trans Fest 2022]

✩ all my love’s wrapped in shades of red by asininemind [T, 15k]

Ron and Hermione are moving out - so, naturally, Harry does the responsible adult-thing: Stalk Visit Draco Malfoy at his job at a costume store.

Strings Attached by daisymondays [E, 14k] 🔥

Draco Malfoy's never been interested in dating, and he'll be damned if that changes because of Harry Potter in joggers. [HP Joggers Fest]

✩ To Tame A Kitten (is to love) by @tsauergrass [G, 13k] 🌼

After the war, Harry finds solace in fostering orphaned kittens. One day, a kitten appears on his door step without explanation—and attacks him! Taking it in, he quickly finds that this kitten is nothing ordinary. [H/D Fan Fair 2019]

Kissed by @potteresque-ire [M, 12k]

Draco Malfoy was attacked by a rogue Dementor on the night of his Azkaban release. He self-exiled to Muggle London and opened a late-night chocolate shop called Kissed. [H/D Erised 2015]

short & sweet (< 10k)

hear me (with your whole body) by @teacup-tai [E, 9k]

It was a sexy idea, exploring other bodies with Draco, engaging in sex with other people to spice things up. Something inside of him was excited about the prospect, but the nagging fear, the feeling of abandonment that follows each image that pops in his head is throwing him off. He would give it a go. See what it was like. He could always say no, right? [H/D Hurt Fest 2020]

✩ Worth It by @april-thelightfury115 [T, 8.7k] 🏳️‍⚧️

After a friendly quidditch match, Harry's sure he's the only one left in the changing room. But then Malfoy—a naked Malfoy—stands before him, and Harry instantly knows two things. 1. He's fucked. 2. Malfoy knows he's trans. The only thing that might save him? Draco Malfoy is trans too. [HP Trans Fest 2022]

✩ Everything About You by @nv-md [E, 2.5k] 🔥🏳️‍⚧️

Draco's in love with his best friend, and he's resigned himself to being roommates and nothing more. Until he rescues Harry from a drunk arsehole and in a moment of weakness, confesses everything. [HP Trans Fest 2022]

✩ All the Time in the World (to stay just like this) by @stargazing-enby [E, 2.3k] 🏳️‍⚧️🌼🔥

Draco and Harry spend a lazy afternoon in Harry's dorm, and Draco seizes the opportunity to steal some of Harry's clothes. What starts off as a cuddle session soon turns into something more. [HP Trans Fest 2022]

art gallery

✩ Kintsugi Kisses by @amaisart [E] 🔥🏳️‍⚧️

Harry worships Draco, scars and all. [HP Trans Fest 2022]

✩ Mirror of Ytilaer by OkaySky [M] 🏳️‍⚧️🌼

"You're so beautiful," Harry murmured in Draco's ear. Draco suppressed a shiver; he could feel Harry's heavy-lidded gaze across his body just as tangibly as he could feel the gentle touch of his fingertips across his scars. "Shut it, Potter," Draco grumbled back. [HP Trans Fest 2022]

previous softly reading lists

#softly reading #softly reading april 2022 #drarry fic rec #drarry rec list

[dhr-ao3]

While You Were Sleeping

While You Were Sleeping https://ift.tt/Y8fagxv by middlemarch Hermione had faced down bloody Voldemort when she was eighteen. She could deal with...this. Where this equals Draco Malfoy, a critically important diplomatic mission, and only one bed. Words: 1586, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/M Characters: Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Ginny Weasley, Minerva McGonagall, Padma Patil, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley Relationships: Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy Additional Tags: Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Adult Hermione Granger, Adult Draco Malfoy, Post-Hogwarts, Harry Potter Epilogue What Epilogue | EWE, Magic, world-building, Lawyer Draco Malfoy, Diplomat Hermione Granger, Banter, Humor, could eventually get spicy who knows?, POV Hermione Granger via AO3 works tagged 'Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy' https://ift.tt/DU78laR January 10, 2024 at 02:45PM

#IFTTT #Dramione #Draco x Hermione