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#next time i will draw middle part draco (real)
underwittingly · 9 months
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to the throat
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spxllcxstxr · 3 years
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Creature Teachers • R.L
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(GIF not mine)
Request: Hii, this probably sounds really weird but can I request like a (professor, if you’re okay with that) Remus Lupin x vampire reader? Where she really needs some blood so he lets her bite his neck to help her and it can be like cute and romantic or smutty, idk whatever you’re comfortable with. Yikes sorry I sound so weird 💗 — anon
Summary: You’re a vampire out of blood replenishing potions. Your husband offers you his.
Warnings: heavy blood mention, a spider makes a quick appearance, biting, drinking blood, normal vampire stuff, insecurities, all vampire things are a wee bit suggestive if you think about it
Word Count: 1.4k
A.N: I didn’t intend for this to become fic length. Obviously, I got carried away with the idea. This isn’t smutty and it isn’t really romantic? But it’s not angsty. I have no clue exactly what to categorize this as. Hope you enjoy it, because I loved writing it.
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When your eyes snap open in the middle of the night, you’re greeted by the pitch blackness of the room, and yet you’re still able to spot the spider weaving its web tantalizingly slow in the far corner.
You watch it dangle, seemingly in midair, but it’s thin and translucent web shines just enough for your eyes to catch it.
If you were alive, your heart would be racing and you’d probably be hyperventilating.
The rush of Remus’ blood flowing through his veins is ever present in your ears. His heart pounds evenly in his sleep, and you’re completely and painfully aware of his dorsalis pedis artery pulsating against your own foot.
Your limbs are screaming in pain, skin feeling paper thin.
Hunger.
Hunger is the one thing on your mind, and you groan. If you weren’t so weak, you would pounce on your husband and drain his entire body dry of blood. You’re thankful you’re so weak.
“Remus...” You rasp out, unmoving. “Please...”
You need him to wake up, to help you, so you continue to gasp out.
“(Y/n)?” He eventually mumbles tiredly.
The blanket shifts next to you and his foot ceases contact with your skin. You yearn for it once again, attempting to reach out and follow it, but your body won’t allow it.
“So hungry, Remus...” You whimper, fingers twitching, trying to reach out to him.
“I’ll grab your potions, m’love.” He mumbles, groaning as he gets up from the bed. Your ears pick up the creaking of his joints and the sporadic beating of his heart as he wakes up.
You squeeze your eyes shut, trying to calm yourself down.
His bare feet pad across the floorboards and glass vials clink together.
“They’re all empty!” Remus exclaims, going through drawers and looking between stacks of books.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” You whine out, roughly swallowing. Your flesh erupts in a fiery pain.
“I can run down to Snape—“
You hiss at the notion, hating his very suggestion. You didn’t need Snape meddling any more in your business than he already is. He was adamant about how the two of you were monsters, set loose around children. Snape delivered potions to you and your husband and yet he still couldn’t trust either of you. You didn’t want him involved to prove him right.
Remus sits on the bed, close to you.
“Bite me.”
His heart noticeably skips a beat due to anxiety.
Slowly, you turn your head to look at him, the whites of his eyes the brightest part of him even in the dead of night.
“What?” You choke, eyes widening at the thought of real human, or at least part human, blood being offered to you willingly.
It’s been so long.
It’s been too long.
“Just enough to get you through the night. Snape will drop off more blood replenishing potions in the morning.” He clarifies quickly.
His heart pounds rapidly which is understandable considering you haven’t had the need to feed from him since you were in school.
“Are you sure?” You ask, trying to restrain your eagerness. Desperately, you lick your chapped lips at the very thought.
Remus hooks his arms under your armpits, dragging you up to sit against the wooden headboard.
Feebly, you head rolls against the hardwood that’s digging into your scalp. A terrible change from your soft and delicate pillow.
“You’re in pain, (Y/n), of course I’m sure. Just not too much.” Remus reassures, pulling off his black shirt, leaving his chest bare and exposed.
Usually, you would use this time to ogle your husband, but instead your eyes latch onto his neck. It’s like every fiber of your being is calling out to his blood supply.
Your vision practically tunnels around his palpitating carotid artery, watching as it jumps in fright. Your gums ache as a fog takes over your mind.
However, you try to fight your instincts off. Using the carotid artery would surely kill him, and rationally, you don’t want to kill your husband. You’re particularly fond of him. It also might be hard to explain how the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor got drained by a vampire in the middle of the night.
You have to have control.
Your lips tremble as Remus drags his body closer to your own. If he’s talking, you can’t hear him. You’re too focused on making sure you don’t bleed him dry. It takes everything you have in you to keep your mind on track.
Abdomens are pressed together, your legs hooked around the small of his back, practically sitting in his lap.
You dip your head in the juncture between his neck and shoulder, burying your lips and your nose against his skin. Deeply inhaling, you can smell the coppery substance through his skin and you haven’t even punctured him yet. Your eyes almost roll back in your skull at the mere thought of real blood. Blood replenishing potions were fine, but they weren’t satisfying.
“You’re sure about this?” You practically have to force out through your lips.
A hand rests on the back of your head, fingers petting through your hair.
“I’m ok, love. Whenever you’re ready.” He shakily replies, swallowing roughly.
Your lips drop lower, away from the arteries and instead hover over the mess of veins nearby.
Before even biting down, you delicately place sloppy kisses on the area you’re about to ruin. You hear him try to calm his heartbeat with a deep inhale.
You draw back, teeth shifting to make room for your fangs, and you finally sink them past layers of skin. He yelps, grabbing onto your hair. He doesn’t try to pull you away from him, but it seems you’re his anchor.
A rush of blood fills your mouth, the coppery taste and scent overwhelming every one of your senses. There’s a sweetness hidden behind all that metal, and you quickly discover it dancing on your tongue. You greedily moan in desire.
You take great big gulps, your body strengthening after each one. You trail your fingers up to his hair, pulling at it to expose more of his neck to you.
Vaguely you’re aware that you’re getting too lost in the thick fog clouding your mind.
“Alright love, that’s enough.” Remus groans next to you.
You let out a low and pathetic whine, tightening your grasp on his hair, lapping at the wound you’ve given him. The flow hasn’t let up.
You hear his heart start to pick up speed at your defiance, like he’s panicking.
“(Y/n).” There’s a faint waver in his firm tone. “Enough!”
That’s enough for you snap out of whatever bloodthirsty trance you were stuck it.
You detach your fangs from his flesh, pulling back swiftly. Blood coats your lips and you dart your tongue out to capture the rest.
Quickly, you scramble away from him, untangling your limbs in favor of cowering on the mattress.
Blood pools where you bit him but you’re in the right headspace to be able to rip your gaze away from it. Your eyes focus on Remus, how pale he’s become, even though you didn’t take too much from him.
“Merlin, Remus.” You pick up his dark shirt and press it to his wound.
Somehow his eyes manage to find yours in the dark.
There’s a glimmer of pain lingering in his irises, and guilt pools in your stomach. A frown tugs at your lips.
You’re a monster, aren’t you?
Couldn’t even control yourself enough, so you had to force your own husband to keep you alive.
You could barely restrain yourself while feeding off of him—you almost killed him. You would’ve, if he didn’t speak up.
“I know what you’re thinking...” Remus murmurs, lazily placing a hand on yours, pressing the shirt firmer against his body.
You purse your lips. Of course he knows, he goes through the same thought process every full moon.
“I’m fine, love. We’ll just both have to take a potion in the morning.” He reassures, scooching back to lay his head in his pillow. “But right now, I’m tired.”
Delicately, he gets under the blankets, shivering slightly.
While you don’t need to sleep at night, to be honest you’re not even tired, but the way he stretches his arm across your cold torso has you cuddling up to his side.
You stay up listening to his heartbeat even out and his breathy snores, knowing that you’re both alright.
All Character Taglist: @aspiringsloth20 @amourtentiaa @cherie-draco
Remus Lupin Taglist: @lunalovecroft
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wlntrsldler · 4 years
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unrequited (draco malfoy/ cedric diggory series)
PROMPT: You and Cedric grew up together. After the tragedy of the Triwizard Tournament, you’re left feeling empty without your best friend. Draco Malfoy steps into the picture. Will the feelings be reciprocated? Or will it be unrequited?
WARNINGS: MAJOR CHARACTER DEATH, angst, fluff, sadness???
PAIRING: draco malfoy x reader and cedric diggory x reader; hufflepuff reader
WC: 2.1K+
UNREQUITED MASTERLIST
UNREQUITED PLAYLISTS (SEND ME SONGS!)
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PART 8
Much to your dismay, you and Draco went back to acting like you didn’t know each other after that night. He avoided you at all costs, even going as far as moving his seat in Potions. Snape caught on after a while, eyeing Draco from the other side of the room when he would try to subtly look at you. 
He stopped looking at you in the Great Hall, changing his seat so his back was facing you. You didn’t know what happened or what you did, but it bothered you. He closed himself off again, reverting back to the Draco you despised. Although he no longer made fun of you and your friends, it still hurt knowing that he acted like you didn’t exist.
You were in your dormitory, doing some last minute packing. Everyone else was already off on their way home for the holidays. The Weasleys, Hermione and Harry left for the Burrow some time ago, leaving you to yourself as you said you had to take care of something beforehand. You wanted to go somewhere before the holidays.
You placed the last sweater into your backpack, letting out a breath of relief that you were finally done with packing. You always hated packing, that’s why you pushed it off to the very last minute. You zipped up your backpack and placed it at the foot of your bed, mentally scolding yourself for working to fit everything in one bag. You knew your back was going to kill you. 
You tugged your coat on, double checking to see if you had everything. The golden bottle of cologne stood lonesome on your desk, reminding you that you had to pack it. You walked over, getting a hold of the bottle and spritizing some on. Chamomile and honey, just how you like it. 
“Y/N?” 
Startled, you dropped the bottle, the contents spilling out of the broken glass. You turned around, surprised that there were even still people in the castle. You saw Draco standing by the doorway, eyes apologetic when he saw the wet stain on the floor caused by your cologne. You scolded, “Merlin, Draco. Don’t sneak up on me like that.” 
“Sorry,” He apologized, awkwardly standing by the door.
You knelt down and picked up the large pieces, tossing them in the trash. You wiped up the cologne, cursing that you had to wait until you got back to pick up a new bottle. “What are you doing here?” 
“I just wanted to wish you a Happy Christmas.” Draco stated. “I know it’s been really weird between us and I just-” He took in a breath. “I just wanted to say have a Happy Christmas.”
“I wonder why it’s been weird.” You snapped, picking up your bag to make your way out of the dormitories. “Seriously, Draco. What the hell is wrong with you?”
He groaned, shutting the door behind him. He approached you, not wanting to startle you so he calmed himself down before he stopped in front of you. “I know, Y/N. I’ve been an arse. I just-”
“You what?” 
“Let me finish.” He huffed, crossing his arms over his chest like a child. “I just can’t talk about the Dark Lord and stuff like that. I get a squirmy.” 
“Squirmy?” 
“Yeah, you know like… I get weir-”
You cut him off again, “I know what it means, Draco. I’m asking, why?”
He groaned again, rubbing his eyes with his palms.”That’s- It’s complicated.”
“I hate that phrase.” 
He cocked an eyebrow, “Well, there’s no better way of saying it.” 
“I guess.”
“Y/N,” His voice was calmer now. He sounded more at ease than before. He stepped towards you, grabbing you by the shoulders to steady you. “It’s complicated, okay? I just can’t talk about it. Especially not with you.” 
You stared at his hands on your body. You couldn’t help but smile at how absurd you two must look right now. Draco Malfoy, the touch starved boy, holding onto you like a lifeline with the most worried look on his face that anyone has ever seen, in the middle of a Hufflepuff girl dormitory. His eyes were pleading, expensive shoes getting stained by the leftover cologne you didn’t wipe clean, and his fingers digging into your skin, but not to the point where it hurt. You don’t know how you got here, but you did. 
You chuckled, raising your hand to place it on top of his- less cold than you remembered. “Okay, Draco.”
He smiled, eyes darting down to where you touched him. “Okay.” 
You moved his hand to intertwine your fingers, an action that seemed so natural. You hummed in appreciation as he rubbed his thumb over the top of your hand. You traced the veins on his hand with your other hand, drawing figure-eights on his pale skin. He shivered under your feather light touch. You both looked up at the same time, eyes twinkling with something new. You didn’t know what it was but it was nice. Being with Draco, this Draco, was nice. 
You stood there for a while, just smiling at each other like fools. You tried to look away so many times but his smile was addicting. It was a crime that he didn’t do it more often. His smile was contagious. And when he let out a genuine laugh at how long you two held your stares, probably realizing how stupid you were both acting, you could’ve swore your heart fluttered in your chest. Draco Malfoy, you thought, who would’ve known?
“Well,” He started, backing away but his sheepish smile remained on his face. “Happy Christmas, Y/N. I’ll see you after the holidays. Enjoy your time with the Weasleys.” 
Your smile faltered a bit, not wanting him to go so soon, but it was progress. You’d take it over nothing. “Bye Draco. Enjoy your holiday, as well.” 
He gave you a courteous nod before walking out of your dormitory, shutting the door quietly behind him. The castle was quiet enough that you heard his footsteps receding down the hallway. You plopped down on your bed, unable to stop smiling and replaying the scene that happened in front of you. What the hell was going on? 
You left the castle an hour after your encounter with Draco. You made your way to the cemetery where Cedric was put to rest. It was your first time going since the funeral and a part of you felt guilty because of it. You knew you should’ve been there more often and visited him but you couldn’t bring yourself to do it. Seeing his name engraved in the stone made it too real and for a long time you weren’t ready to face a reality that didn’t have Cedric in it. 
You knew he would’ve wanted you to continue living. He always found the value of life, always telling you to look on the bright side of things. He was a glass half-full type of person, always was. He would joke around when you were younger that if he were to die early, he wanted you to keep him in the back of your mind, but never let his death keep you from being happy. He would’ve been disappointed in you, the first few months of his death, because you did exactly what he said not to do. But now, you tried to obey his wishes. 
You felt the snowfall as you walked towards the gates of the cemetery. You carried your backpack with your clothes on your back, unable to feel the pain as the lines of tombstones made you feel numb. You’d only been there once but it was like your feet knew exactly where to go. 
Nobody was around, which made sense. It was cold out and the snow kept falling with no hesitations. Everyone was indoors, snuggled up in blankets with their loved ones. You saw some indents of footsteps going in and out of the cemetery. You studied them for a moment. One set of footprints belonged to a child; you could tell because it was so small. It reminded you of yours when you first buried your mother in the Muggle cemetery, holding your aunt’s hand tightly as you cried into your shoulder. 
You saw a field of flowers by one tombstone and you knew it was Cedric’s. Your heart skipped when you saw how many people still thought of him. It made you feel like you weren’t alone, for once. Like you weren’t crazy for always thinking of him, dreaming of him, almost feeling his touch. Maybe nobody else missed him in the same way as you did, but it was comforting to know that other people missed him too. Was that horrible? 
You sat in front of the tombstone, Cedric’s name seemed to blind you. You felt tears prick your eyes as they danced over the fresh flowers people left on his grave. A few from some Hufflepuffs, a bouquet from Mr. Diggory, and one from the Trio and the twins. You smiled, knowing they stopped by before you did to pay their respects. You really did have the best of friends. 
“Hey Ced,” You greeted, unable to stop the tears from falling. “I’m sorry I haven’t been around lately. I couldn’t bring myself to see you. Selfish, right? You’re the one who died and I’m the one who’s acting like her life is over.” You chuckled, half expecting him to laugh with you. He always laughed at your pitiful jokes. 
“Um, a lot has changed, Ced. Christmas is a few days from now and I know you won’t be there to wake me up. I haven’t seen your dad in a while. It’s gonna be weird without his pancakes.” You bit your lip, uncontrollably shaking. “I’m spending it with the Weasley’s, though, Harry and Hermione, too. They help a lot. They help me a lot.” 
You cleared your throat, digging through your bag to pull out his journal. “I hope you don’t mind but I-I’ve been reading your journal. Your dad gave it to me for my birthday this year. It makes me feel like you’re still around. Like sometimes, I talk to myself, out loud, because I think you’re gonna reply and I look next to me and you’re not there. And I just-” You stopped for a second, trying to steady your voice. “And I just miss you, Ced. I don’t know life without you. You’re my best friend and you’re supposed to be here. You know? You arse. You’re supposed to be here and tell me everything’s gonna be okay and that you love me and this is just a bad dream.” 
You could almost hear his voice, calm and steady, telling you to take a deep breath. He always did that whenever you grew frustrated with him, which he hates to admit, happened a lot. You would be so close to throwing things at him when he pissed you off and he would wrap his arms around you, let you cry and ruin his clothes, while helping you match your breathing with his. Cedric was always so good with that. Always so good with you. 
But he wasn’t there now. And it was unfair of you, you know it was, but you couldn’t help it. You were mad. You were angry. You were hurt that he had to die and leave you to figure life out without him. You lost so many people and loved so hard only for love to spit in your face. You always thought Cedric would be the last person to go. 
Yes, you were selfish. Unfair. Cruel. But dammit, Cedric’s gone. And you were by yourself. 
Your voice grew louder, “You’re supposed to hold me and tell me I’m overreacting. That’s what we do, Ced! We don’t leave each other. You never left me before. Why did you have to go?” Your voice cracked, hands trembling. You noticed how loud you were when the birds flew away at the sound of your voice. You whispered, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell.”
You sniffled, wiping your nose on your coat. “Ced, I wish you were here. I wish it everyday. There’s nothing I wouldn’t give to have you back just for a day, even. An hour. A minute. Anything, Cedric Diggory. I just… I want more time with you. I didn’t get to say goodbye.” 
You placed your palm on his tombstone, like how you used to do on his chest to feel his heart beating under you. “I didn’t get to tell you that I love you back.”
-
A/N: sorry if i spam you guys with updates but i literally LOVE writing this fic. the minute i hit over 2K words and i like the way i ended the chapter, i publish it right away. so if there’s some errors im so sorry. im just too excited LOL. 
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doexoeyes · 3 years
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Of Finches & Firsts
In case you wanna read ahead:
Archive Of Our own link:
https://archiveofourown.org/works/26707513
Wattpad link:
https://my.w.tt/ZoUHpu1e59
Summary: “A Hufflepuff? Crushing on a Slytherin? Sounds like the start of a terrible joke to me, but ok.” You’ve harbored feelings for Draco Malfoy since your first year at Hogwarts. Secretly, of course, and very much from afar. But when you’re finally taken out of your role of being a background character in his life, will it be what you always wanted, or what you wish you never knew?
Chapters
Chapter 1 ♡ Chapter 2 ♡ Chapter 3  ♡ Chapter 4 ♡ Chapter 5
Chapter 4: Dirty Pants
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Your latest run in with Malfoy had consumed your head for the majority of that week, even, unfortunately, during the tournament.
You were, of course, over the moon at Cedric’s success at capturing the golden dragon egg (Harry’s too, however you would keep that to yourself for the time being until the tension between him and your house blew over), but you just couldn’t shake off the feeling of having had Draco be so close and how he decided to take something of your’s for himself.
It sent you through an overwhelming spiral of thoughts and confusion and you so desperately wanted a friend to talk to, but you knew that Mauve and the others would immediately disapprove.
Anything Draco did was a red flag to them.
Still, that did lead to your most important question; why did Draco do what he did? He couldn’t seriously have had any real interest in your ribbon. It just all seemed like he was...toying with you, but if so, why would he waste his time toying with you in the first place ?
All of these questions received no answers for days until you had finally deemed your endless hours anxiously dwelling on it enough and decided to find your own answers.
Thinking back to the first day you had interacted with Draco, you grabbed your sketch book and pencil pouch and headed to the astronomy tower after dinner, waiting to see if you would run into the Malfoy boy.
Thankfully the universe seemed to be in your favor, because you did.
“Finch,” he greeted upon seeing you, his infamous smirk on its proper place. “Been running into each other more lately. I think you’ve become a bit obsessed,” he teased as he made his way towards you with slow steps.
You clutched your sketchbook to your chest, silently pretending it was a shield of sorts to encourage you to hang onto what little courage you had.
You then took a breath and began.
“We need to talk,” you stated cautiously, not knowing how this would turn out. “I need you to be honest with me.”
Draco frowned, clearly not a fan of your words. “Talk? About what?”
“About what happened a couple days ago. About the umm...” you weren’t sure why, but the words you were looking for escaped you so you chose to point to the top of your head where your hair was done up in a ponytail once more.
Draco stared at you, confused, before giving out a scoff, eyes twinkling in amusement. “Oh, your ribbon? Why, want it back? Has no one taught you about sharing, Finch?” and you clutched your book tighter as he once again placed himself inches away from you.
He really wasn’t a fan of personal space, it seemed.
“Why would I have to share my ribbon with you?” you questioned, feeling silly and small in his presence.
“Because I wanted it. Simple as that,” he answered, eyes looking at you as if to challenge him in saying something else about the subject.
You had no plan to do so.
“Ok...” you said, disappointed that that was all he had to say on the matter.
This was definitely not going according to your plan. Then again, you weren’t even sure you had one in the first place.
His eyes then flickered to the sketchbook you were holding to your chest. “What’s that you’re always bringing up here with you?” he asked nosily and your cheeks immediately flushed.
“It’s, umm...it’s a sketchbook. I like to draw in my free time.”
“Oh really? Well then you’re going to have to share that with me,” he said, moving as if to grab the book but you immediately stepped back, shaking your head with wide eyes.
“Oh no, absolutely not,” you blurted out, taking Draco aback at your sudden outburst.
He frowned once again. “And why not?” A ghost of realization then hit his face and he smirked knowingly. “Oh, I get it. It’s filled with drawings of me. Am I your muse, Finch?” he taunted, lifting his brows.
You unfortunately couldn’t control a small laugh from escaping, nerves setting in as you knew now that you had to explain. “No, actually, I’m...quite terrible at drawing and I’m terrified of you looking at them because...well, they’re really bad,” you confessed, and placed a hand over your mouth to contain the rest of your nervous giggling.
Draco eyes you now like you were completely mad.
“So, you’re telling me you spend your time doing something you’re horrible at?”
You bit your bottom lip, trying to figure out a way to explain it to him best. “Well, yes. Have you never done something not because you’re good at it or you have to, but simply because you enjoy it?” you asked, and the very blonde boy remained starring at you oddly.
“No, actually, that sounds bloody ridiculous and like a terrible waste of time.”
You subconsciously pushed your bottom lip out, your expression resembling a small pout, as you stood there awkwardly, eyes avoiding his. Feeling the weight of the book on your chest, you looked at it for a moment before handing it towards him, wondering what was possessing you to do so.
He looked at your offering with furrowed brows, eyes asking you the same question.
“Just pass through it. No point in not letting you see it now that you know that I’m awful at it. You might find some amusement in it. Just, please, be prepared. I wasn’t being hard on myself, I really am crap at drawing.”
He snatched the book from your hand then, an action you thought was a bit too dramatic, and opened the book, eyes analyzing every page as he flipped through it.
You stood there, watching him pass through the book as you chewed on your bottom lip nervously. You were never usually this bold, letting someone (especially someone like Draco Malfoy) go through your sketchbook knowing very well how terrible your sketches were. Yet, you felt that the only way the tension between you two would dissipate was to be honest and open with him, like how you wanted him to be with you. Maybe then he’ll tell you the real reason why he took your ribbon...
How silly of you to still be hung up on such a little thing.
“Wow, you weren’t wrong. You really are shit at drawing,” he commented midway through his flipping.
You blushed, embarrassed, but also found his blunt honesty amusing, and couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle. “I know. It’s a good thing art isn’t part of our curriculum. I would absolutely fail, without a doubt,” and you felt your chest swell up at hearing him laugh along with you.
“Honestly,” he said, handing the book back to you once he finished. “You know, you’re very strange.”
“And you’re very judgmental,” you quickly threw back, causing Draco’s eyes to widen slightly, not expecting your response.
You raise a brow at him, lips forming into a soft smile. “You only think I’m strange because you don’t understand what I’m talking about,” you elaborated before leaning down to sit on the floor.
You patted the spot next to you, looking up at Draco as you did so, but the boy shook his head with a frown.
“Are you mad? I’m not sitting on the floor. I’ll get my pants all dirty,” he said in disgust.
You playfully rolled her eyes, looking up at him from your lashes. “They won’t be, but if they are, I promise I will clean them for you. Just...please sit with me?” you asked, eyes silently pleading with him.
He stood there stubbornly, arms crossed against his chest and you were sadly made aware of what his answer would be. Just as you were about to tell him to forget about it, however, he sat himself on the floor next to you with a huff.
“There. I’m sitting. Now what?” he asked begrudgingly and you had to keep yourself from grinning.
You opened up your sketchbook to an empty page before handing it over to him, along with a pencil. “Take this and just...go with the flow,” you instructed.
He looks at you like you told him the most insane thing possible.
“You want me to sit here and draw?” he questions in disbelief.
“Mhm,” you said, smiling sheepishly at him. “Just one drawing. It could be of anything you want. A bird. A flower. Even a stick person. I just want you try it out for yourself.”
“I’ve drawn before, you do know that right?” he scoffed, finding the task you had assigned him to be entirely ridiculous.
“Doodling while taking notes in class doesn’t count,” you pointed out.
With a heavy sigh and a roll of his eyes, Draco took the book and pencil from your hands and began to do as he was requested.
It was a funny sight, you admitted to yourself, seeing the boy draw with a frown etched on his face. He looked very unamused at first, but as he continued moving his pencil throughout the page, the frown on his face softened and a more concentrated look falls on his features. You smiled softly to yourself, trying to keep your eyes away from the page he was working on, wanting to see it only when he finished.
After a couple of minutes, Draco cleared his throat and handed the book back to you.
“Personally, I don’t think I did too bad,” he admitted, eyes on the page you were now able to see.
A snake graced the middle of the once empty page and you were surprised to find that it was a very well drawn one. Lips slightly parted in surprise, you noticed he had even shaded in the scales.
“Don’t think you did too bad?” you repeated, eyes taking in the details he was able to add from memory.
Draco immediately frowned once again, taking your tone the wrong way. “Well it’s at least loads better than your pitiful attempts,” he spat out.
At that, you immediately looked up at him, shaking your head. “No, I mean that in a good way. As in you did way better than just ‘not too bad’. You actually did a wonderful job,” you admitted sincerely.
You were aware of Draco’s infamous temper. The way he’d snap at the drop of a pin, especially if it was dropped in a way he didn’t like, had him labeled as a simple hot head by others. And although that could be true, you understood why he reacted in such a way; he was taught his whole life that people could be cruel, so he needed to be cruel first.
You knew all about the Malfoy family, namely Draco’s father, Lucius. You remember the day you went back home after your first year at Hogwarts, how you gushed to your father about your new school and your new friends and the new boy you really wanted to befriend.
You father had recognized the name ‘Malfoy’ immediately, and frowned as he looked at you in concern.
“You have to be careful with that boy. I can’t judge him, because I’ve never met him personally, but if he’s anything like his father, then he’s not someone you want to surround yourself with.”
You were snapped back to reality when Draco spoke once again.
“Really? That good?” he asked, looking his drawing over.
You nodded. “Yes. I guess you found something you’re naturally talented at.”
He looks up at you, expression unreadable. You feel your face warm up at the sudden intimacy you felt, realizing how close he sat next to you and how you could notice the different shades of gray in his eyes.
Clearing your throat, noticing how flustered you were becoming, you closed your sketchbook and put your pencil away. The sound of the pouch zipping fills the silence and you feel even more awkward until Draco finally speaks up.
“Are you going to go on the trip to Hogsmeade tomorrow?” he asked, causing you to turn your attention back to him.
“Oh, umm...yeah. I am,” you answered, attempting to play it cool despite your still blushing self.
“Perfect. You’ll join me then,” he said, standing up and dusting his pants off. Your eyes widened but Draco didn’t acknowledge it, simply stating “I’ll see you tomorrow, Finch,” before exiting the tower.
You remained staring at the spot Draco had been, processing the entirety of your latest exchange, feeling your heart race a little at the realization that he had just formally asked (well, demanded) to hangout tomorrow.
.....
What in Merlin’s beard just happened?
Tag list: @sadgirlnumber92899​​, @yea-that-potato, @avellanas-nutty-empire
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septembercfawkes · 4 years
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The Hero's Journey Explained: The Middle
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In my last post, I started talking about the Hero's Journey, its strengths and weaknesses, and how it differs from other popular story structures. I also broke down the elements of the beginning (Ordinary World, Call to Adventure, Refusal of the Call, and Meeting the Mentor) and decided to again use Spider-verse as one example, to help illustrate how it actually fits multiple story structures. You can see that post here. Today I would like to pick right back up, covering the middle.
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Crossing the First Threshold
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Armed with whatever magical thing she got from the mentor, the protagonist is now ready for adventure. This is another moment that I think can be a little confusing, so I want to pause and talk about a few things. Like I said last time, the magical thing may be real or figurative. It can be a magical pendant or it can be something like sage advice. The character may be armed with a magical thing without realizing it yet. Or the character might be armed with a magical thing he doesn't like or is reluctant to have.
In Crossing the First Threshold, the time arrives for the hero to officially depart from the Ordinary World and enter the Special World. Remember, the Ordinary World and the Special World are relative. This is the moment Buddy the Elf goes to New York. Or Elle Woods goes to Harvard in Legally Blonde. Or Bilbo leaves Hobbiton behind. Or Harry goes to Diagon Alley. Or Katniss leaves District 12. Or Lucy goes through the Wardrobe in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
But in some stories, the Special World is more a state of the character than an actual place. It might be when a dad dresses up as a nanny to see his kids, like in Mrs. Doubtfire. Or a Chinese girl dressing up to take her father's place in the war, like Mulan--it's a "special world," for the character. And of course, it might have nothing to do with the external. The character might need more personal growth, and the Special World can be him now striving to grow in that direction.
The main idea is that the character is leaving normalcy behind and is now truly entering a new, unfamiliar, or different situation. Some characters may be eager to go, while others may be forced. But the Special World has come, whether they want to embrace it or not.
Just before crossing the threshold, many characters may prepare, by packing, strategizing, or praying to their ancestors (Mulan). There also might be one more external or internal event or turning point that kicks them out into the quest for good, like a sudden death, a new threat, or a change of heart.
In Spider-verse
The facts that Brooklyn may be destroyed and that Peter Parker dies are external events that kick Miles out toward the Special World. He doesn't just have Spider-man powers, he needs to become Spider-man. Acting as Spider-man is the Special World. So what does he do? He prepares. He buys a Spider-man costume, wears a mask, tells himself everyone is counting on him. He crosses the threshold as he tries to jump and swing from buildings. He is now in the Special World.
Tests, Allies, Enemies
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Now in the Special World, the hero is going to be tested, make friends, and probably enemies. In order to survive the Special World, she will need to adapt, which includes facing difficulties (tests). She will probably need some help or guidance from someone (allies). And she will probably have to struggle against an antagonistic force (enemies).
Some of the allies and enemies may have been foreshadowed or introduced in the Ordinary World, but here their true natures are revealed.
In Harry Potter, Harry meets Draco Malfoy in Diagon Alley. On the train, he meets Ron and Hermione and Neville. And at school he meets even more allies and enemies. And he faces difficulties as he is tested (sometimes literally) by the Special World.
Bilbo faces trolls and spiders but also gains friends and allies. Katniss connects with Peeta, Haymitch, Effie, and Cinna, but makes enemies with Cato and some of the other tributes. She is literally tested before the Games, and then she faces more difficulties in the arena. Buddy, Elle, Lucy, and Mulan do the same thing.
The Special World also has new rules that the hero has to learn to deal with and probably live by.
In Spider-verse
Soon after trying to become Spider-man, Miles meets a Peter Parker from another dimension. And through the middle, he accumulates a bunch of other allies, like Gwen, Peni, Spider-ham, and Spider-Noir, even Aunt May. But he also gets more enemies, like Doc Ock and Kingpin's other henchmen. He faces difficulties: trying to repair the goober, trying to learn how to swing, trying to steal a computer from Alchemax, and is tested by the Special World--that of being Spider-man.
Approach the Inmost Cave
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Now more experienced, supported, and familiar with the Special World, the hero is ready to go deeper into the heart of it--where some of its greatest rewards are guarded by the hero's worst fears. Near this part of the story, the hero and allies may again make preparations or plans to snatch what they truly desire: riches, success, safety, a love interest. It's similar to glimpsing a cave and then preparing and approaching it. Within the cave lies their wants, along with their antagonistic forces.
This is not necessarily where the hero enters the cave, but where they draw closer to it and its promises. There may be people and obstacles in the way. And if they enter the cave, they won't yet succeed in getting what they want. They will have to face more tests and trials and challenges. They may have to learn even more about the Special World. They may have to cross another threshold within it.
The "Inmost Cave" is often the most dangerous feature of the Special World. Sometimes this is a literal place, like Smaug's lair for Bilbo. Or the Death Star for Luke. But other times it's more of a state of being--where the risks are high. If it isn't the most dangerous feature of the story, it is the second-most dangerous. Again, though, this isn't so much entering and conquering the Inmost Cave as it is glimpsing or preparing and approaching it.
So in Mulan, this is when the now-trained soldiers have to go face the Huns. In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, this is when Harry first encounters Fluffy, who is guarding the trapdoor in the forbidden corridor. However, I think you could also argue that this extends into the next chapter where Harry and Ron must face a troll that actually came from within the trapdoor--it's another glimpse of the Inmost Cave.
In Spider-verse
After getting the computer from Alchemax, Miles, Peter, and Gwen head to Aunt May's house, where they can prepare to defeat Kingpin, by making a goober as well as specific plans. There, they meet the other Spider people, and they all have a discussion about what to do and who does what. However, Miles is still not quite ready for the Inmost Cave, and there will be more tests and obstacles as they try to approach it.
The Ordeal
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The Ordeal encompasses what others may call the "all is lost" moment or plot point two. In the Hero's Journey, it may be said that this is what the story is really about. I find that kind of vague, so let me explain that some more. What the story is "really" about is the thematic statement, which is almost always illustrated through the protagonist's character arc. This is the crisis moment for the character arc. It's where you hit the protagonist hard with whatever inner demon or thematic challenge she needs to overcome to defeat the antagonist later.
The Ordeal is the biggest test so far for the hero, and it will make them hit rock bottom. They will face their biggest fear here, and have to confront it. This will lead to the most significant, personal growth.
In the Hero's Journey, this is a sort of death and rebirth. Sometimes this is literal--the hero may literally die and be revived. But it's often figurative--the old them dies and a new them is then reborn.
But of course, something needs to bring about that moment--a powerful obstacle or opponent. This is essentially the climax of the middle segment.
In Mulan, The Ordeal occurs after she is injured saving the soldiers from the Huns, when she is found to be a woman--one of her biggest fears. She is told that she will bring dishonor to her family, that she is a disgrace--her other biggest fear. This directly hits the theme topics of the film: honor and gender equality. She is sent away and at her lowest low.
But soon, she will be reborn as someone stronger.  
In Spider-verse
After discovering the Prowler is his uncle, Miles runs away back to Aunt May's house and is followed. This leads to a fight, where Prowler dies, and the other Spider people have to explain to Miles that he isn't ready yet to be Spider-Man. To make the moment even worse, he has become even more alienated from his dad. This is the lowest of the low. It's a crisis moment that hits on the theme topics: quitting and perseverance, choices, expectations, and faith. For Miles, all seems lost.
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w-ngs · 3 years
Text
jan21
hello 2021! you did not get off on a good start. let’s try and be a little better, okay?
i didn’t read much this month (and probably won’t be for a long while because of school), but it was a wild month. well, you’ll see.
***
crooked kingdom, leigh bardugo — oh my god???? i completely forgot that i read this before i left for school and almost didn’t include it in my monthly wrap-up????? how dare i forget this masterpiece.
it was great. i loved it. i think overall, i preferred 6oc because heist stories are my guilty pleasure. but romance-wise... let’s just say kaz and inej have made it to my top 10 ships. but also i read through this so fast because i had to finish it before i left that half the story is kinda just not in my brain lololol
the most intriguing part of the entire story was the anti-wraith. her character kind of came out of nowhere, and i’m not really sure she had much of a purpose than being someone who could physically match inej. i guess she was also anti in the sense that she had no respect, just ruthlessness, which is the opposite of inej and what she stands for. but i don’t know if the anti-wraith was significant enough of a character to really be considered a foil.
i don’t really give spoiler warnings because hardly anyone reads these other than myself lolol but big spoiler ahead. skip the next paragraph if you don’t want to know. cuz i accidentally spoiled it for myself before reading and i kinda ruined it for myself lmfao.
poor matthias. he was there, and then he was gone. i feel terrible for nina. they were finally on the same page, and then he had to act all saint-like and trigger some idiot into killing him. and matthias finally came to terms with what he’d been taught and what he was trying to teach himself (#charactergrowth), so he wrapped things up neatly for himself before the bye-bye. but nina, she finally got her guy on her side and they were supposed to change the world together. sigh.
and of course, we got kaz. he’s my favorite. how could he not be, with his trauma and desire to overcome it but not letting it define him and still maintaining that evil genius act he’s so good at. it definitely hit harder in this story, the extent of his trauma. it made him more real, too. both sides of him coexist, and one could not exist without the other. he’s crazy, in nearly all senses of the word. also crazy in love, the mfing idiot. ugh, i love vulnerable kaz. i love what inej brings out in him, how she knows just how hard to push without driving him over the edge. also i saw a tiktok (this app is gonna come up a lot more in the next few reviews fsjdsdfkjdf) with a photo of them kissing with a towel between their mouths because he can’t touch her but he desperately wants to and what a perfect solution is that their... bathroom scene had me holding my breath. or at least taking very shallow breaths. it was intense. so intimate, i felt like i shouldn’t even have been there. ugh, the cute little babies. uwuwuwuwuwu
one last note. leigh bardugo is a very good writer, plot and characters and all. everything flowed much more smoothly in this book, and once again i was impressed by the detail provided. you go girl. i can’t wait to see the tv series development.
a 10/10.
***
the shadows between us, tricia levenseller — literally what did i read lmaooo. this is my first tiktok book recommendation. and it. was. boring. boring characters that didn’t make much sense. boring plot. i skimmed it after the first 50 pages cause it was so boring. that’s it bye.
a 3/10.
***
manacled, senlinyu — um. wow. i literally......... even hours after finishing it my brain is still ridiculously scrambled. edit: it’s about a month later and sometimes random scenes and images still pop in my head for no reason and then i feel all twisted inside again. i love it.
so, this is not a published book but a dramione fanfiction on ao3. i don’t read fanfics that often anymore, mainly because i’d rather read other things, not because i don’t like them. but i found this one because a tiktok that showed the illustrations in the story and i was so blown away by the fact someone would illustrate an entire fanfic that i just had to read it. and i have no regrets. it’s kinda long and a biiit wordy for me at times but holy shit that hit like a mother trucker. and i haven’t read dramione in ages, not since... years. so this really hit different.
the illustrations are beautiful. they’re what dragged me into the story in the first place, so, of course they are. but i’d literally spend minutes looking at every detail in amazement at how perfectly the emotions were captured and the lighting casting the perfect shadows and just… everything. i know nothing about drawing but my eyes were truly blessed.
i think integrating the handmaid’s tale with the hp world was ingenious. i would never have expected that. and wow. the relationship between the two, it’s…….. i can barely put it in words in my mind, and it’s even harder to articulate on paper. complex, but at the same time not, simply the desire for the other to stay alive. timeless. destructive. their only defense from the harsh reality of their situation. desperation at its most desperate, their one and only survival method. depressing. it’s so depressing. i was so sad, the angst almost too much at times.
the flashbacks were insanely intense. and i thought the handmaid section was bad. it was awful to read. i could hardly bear it, it was so dark at times i didn’t know how either of them got through it all. i mean, they barely did. the near-death scares, the constant need to create a blank slate within yourself in order to not overwhelm yourself with crushing emotions… wartime sometimes has a tendency to sound romantic, but theirs wasn’t anything near romantic, and i appreciate that the author chose to be very real about it.
at the beginning, and in the middle when we went through the flashbacks, i was afraid the love would be toxic. and, well, it kind of was at some points. but in a time like that and a situation like theirs, it would be hard to not have a toxic relationship. i was glad that in the end theirs was a good love, the kind that sustained and kept them alive and got them through until the very end, because it was what they needed from each other. and, of course, my favorite part of it all was draco’s ceaseless possessiveness that only seemed to grow, never fade. i love simpy men.
they deserve each other. i was afraid at the end they wouldn’t, that one of them would die—that draco would die because hermione basically did once already for him, so he would have to “return the favor”—also she was pregnant so there was no way she’d be the one to die—idk many theories. but at the end i’m so glad they both ended up alive. after everything, they deserved it.
i did nothing for two days straight but read this book. except eat. and barely sleep. and i have no regrets.
a 9/10.
***
bloodlines, richelle mead — dang. i used to be obsessed with vampire academy when i was in middle school. i even watched the terrible movie that released because of it. and now i can’t believe i really thought that was peak literature lmfaooooo
i remember adrian being such a funny and interesting character that i picked up bloodlines to see if it was gonna be as good as i remembered it was. i was disappointed. it was just... well let’s just say there wasn’t enough to get me invested in the characters as i used to be. i think what it was is that adrian’s characterization was so weak. he wasn’t as ~quirky~ as i remembered him to be haha. the plot was also way too slow-paced, and a little too easy to guess. maybe if i was 12 again i’d be going crazy over it like i used to. but i’m not a pre-teen anymore and my brain craves stuff along the lines of manacled—destruction, death, angst that wants me to pull my own heart out to stop it from hurting.
a 5/10.
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bbyx · 4 years
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ripple effect - part three
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Summary: During her fourth year at Hogwarts, (y/n) Deauxville falls for none other than Cedric Diggory. But it's not easy when you have to deal with protecting your family's fortune, keeping your father's illness a secret and having two of your closest friends catch feelings for you.
Pairings : reader x cedric, reader x draco, reader x harry
With help from some of the Ministry's interns, your tent was finally up. It was lilac purple with a beautiful satin finish. Walking inside always took your breath away just because of the sheer size of the tent. It smelt brand new and didn't have that homey feeling like the Weasley's tent but it would do for a couple nights.
(y/n) plops down on the bed. She opens up and rereads the letter that Minister Fudge had sent her father two months ago. You had started reading your dad's mail and answering for him since he was no longer capable of doing it himself. Your father had a very formal way of writing so it had been easy enough to imitate his handwriting to answer the Minister's letter.
You open the creamy beige envelope and pull out a sturdy white letter with gold embellishments. It reads:
Dear (f/n),                                                                                                                  I hope this letter is finding you in good health. I've heard that you have recently been traveling Europe in search of new properties. Barty and myself were wondering if you would be so kind as to join us for a meeting during the Quidditch World cup. The time is nearing and we must finalize the deal.  Looking forward to seeing you,                                                                                                                                Cornelius
You tried remembering what you wrote in the answering letter. It went something like this.
Dear Cornelius,                                                                                                         I am currently in Romania for business and I unfortunately will not be back in time for the Quidditch World Cup. However i've left my daughter (y/n) in charge of my business affairs while I am away and she would be delighted to join you. Barty and yourself can finalize the deal with her.  Wishing you the best,                                                                                                                                             (f/n)
Your father had started a real estate company when he was twenty four and it had grown into one of the most successful businesses in the wizarding world and in Britain. You assumed that the Minister and Barty Crouch wanted to buy a property but you didn't know anything further. It was a very secretive affair and you had searched your father's files extensively but there was no mention of this mysterious deal anywhere. You were essentially going in blind.
The meeting was going to be over dinner in the Minister's box during the Quidditch Match. (y/n) had time to kill so she walked back to the Weasley's tent.
You arrive just in time to see the Weasley twins and Ludo Bagman betting on the games.
"Personally I have to agree with Mr.Bagman, my money is on Bulgaria winning" You tease and the twins shake their ginger heads.
You hear sirens that signal the stadium has opened. You head over with your friends. The inside of the Quidditch stadium is just as breathtakingly festive as the outside. Red and green coats everything, it is filled with headshots of various Quidditch players and drunken voices singing national anthems.
"Blimey how far up are we dad!" Rom complains.
"Well, put it this way, if it rains you'll be the first to know." You turn towards the familiar cold posh voice. Lucius Malfoy.
You had grown up with the Malfoy's and practically spent half your childhood at their house. Narcissa has become a second mother to you after your own mother's death. (y/n) had her suspicions that her parents and the Malfoy's were hoping their children would get married but (y/n) cringed at the idea. It wasn't that you didn't like Draco but your relationship was more like cousins. He was like that one favourite cousin everyone has that makes all family gatherings fun. But you couldn't stand the snobby facade Draco put on whenever he was around other people. Like now.
"Father and I are in the minister's box. A personal invitation from Cornelius Fudge himself."
"Don't boast, Draco" Lucius says while nudging him with his cane. " There is no need with these people."
You rolled your eyes so hard it felt like you could see the back of your skull.
"Ah miss Deauxville, I believe you'll be joining us in the Minister' box." Lucius says in a respectful tone.
You hated how he talked to your friends like they were lower than you. Lucius nudges Draco with his cane and Draco immediately offers you his arm. You look back at the trio and mouth help me as you take Draco's arm.
"Have fun" Hermione says sarcastically.
The Minister's box is filled with house elves carrying trays of little delicacies and wizards and witches dressed in overly formal clothing. You immediately felt underdressed in your sweater and tennis skirt. But to your delight you could see the sweat glistening off their skin, after all it was still mid August.
A curly haired blonde woman in a ridiculously tight plum dress and green glasses walks over to Mr. Malfoy.
" Ah Lucius, darling, I see Draco has brought his little girlfriend along." She sneers at you, clearly not recognizing you. However you knew exactly who this was, Rita Skeeter, a slimy idiotic gossip columnist with worms for a brain.           " Hope she enjoys this once in a lifetime opportunity to dine with such fine people."
You feel a hand on your shoulder.
"Miss Deauxville, so glad you could make it. The Minister would like to talk in his private room."
Rita Skeeter's face blanched when she realised you were a Deauxville and you follow Barty Crouch through a curtain into a smaller room with a round table and a huge window.
Seated at the table was Minister Fudge, you took a seat just as the team mascots stepped out on the field. The beautiful Bulgarian veelas danced on the field while the Irish leprechauns bounded with their gold, this angered the veelas who in turn transformed into demon-like bird creatures. The teams stepped out on the field, national anthems were played and the snitch was released.
"Well let's get this over with quickly so we have a chance to enjoy the game" You say.
Cornelius Fudge starts.
"Yes, yes well as I'm sure your father mentioned, the Ministry would like to lease a property for a couple months."
Just then Percy walks in holding a stack of papers.
"Here are the papers you asked for Mr.Crouch." He says importantly.
"Ah thank you Weatherby. You may go now."
You almost choke trying to stifle your laugh, earning a glare from Percy as he leaves. Mr Crouch hands you a stack of papers.
" The contract." He simply states. You're too distracted to notice the house elves bring the meal to the table.
You take your time to look it over for any loopholes. Normally your father would have his team of lawyers draw up his own contracts but this would do.
"You want to lease lot number 637? The two acres in the Black Forest, next to Hogwarts? You're sure?"
"Yes" The Minister replied looking uncomfortable.
"There are a few modifications we would like to do to this property." Barty Crouch cuts in.
"What kind of modifications?" You ask, eyeing him suspiciously.
"Well first we would like to cut most of the trees off"
You squawk.
"What! You realise that property will lose all value without the trees."
"Indeed but the ministry is prepared to compensate you for the trees and any fire damage." Mr.Fudge adds.
"Fire damage! What on earth are you planning on doing there!" You blurt out, you're voice rising several octaves.
" Miss Deauxville, we would tell you if we could, trust us it would make this so much easier, but unfortunately you are still a Hogwarts student and therefore we regretfully have to keep our lips sealed."
You decide to let it go. After all your father had done plenty of suspicious deals before he fell ill.
"How much are you offering?"
"370 000 galleons for eight weeks" Barty answers. You knew that property in the middle of the Black Forest was essentially worthless because of the aggressive centaurs that lived around it. They were offering a lot more money than expected so you quickly grabbed your pen and signed the contract. The two other men did the same. You got up to shake their hands and left the room.
(y/n) sat next to Draco and Lucius Malfoy for the remainder of the game. They made small talk but she couldn't focus on anything other than that property in the Black Forest.
Why the hell would the ministry be so eager to lease that dump? Why would there be fire damage? Why cut all the trees? Questions were swarming your mind like bees.
You look up when you hear the tremendous cheers coming from all the Irish fans. The game was over. You smile to yourself.
Those bloody Weasleys predicted it. Krum caught the snitch but Ireland won.
Both teams came up to the Minister's box to shake his hand. Everyone got up and clapped when the Irish team proudly walked in. The Bulgarian team stomped in with it's sulking seeker Victor Kum leading them. You started shaking hands with people you barely recognized just trying to get out of there as fast as possible. You shake Viktor Krum's hand and give him a warm smile, after all the guy had just lost the biggest game of the year, and he gave you a smile that never completely reached his eyes. Suddenly a bright flash blinds both of you. When you regain sight you see Rita Skeeter standing there with a camera.
"Beautiful photo" She says with the phoniest widest smile.
You finally join the Weasley clan and Cedric Diggory around a campfire later that night after the Malfoys had insisted that you have dinner with them.
"Where were you? I was getting worried. I mean. We. We were getting worried" Harry says quickly. The others give him strange looks.
"Stuck at a dinner with the Malfoy's." You sigh "If anyone mentions politics or the stock exchange one more time I will slit all your throats ok?" They all laugh and explain that they're playing truth or dare.
"Give me a dare! Give me a dare!" Ginny pleads.
"That's not how it works Ginny, you have to get picked." George explained.
"We've been playing for an hour and nobody's picked me !" She whines.
"Fine, eat this" Fred says, handing her a candy.
She pops it in her mouth and her tongue starts to swell enormously. She runs to find Mr.Weasley.
"She asked for it." Fred says, throwing his hands up.
They all keep playing, (y/n) not really paying attention. She was distracted by the Minister's words: "we would tell you if we could, trust us it would make this so much easier, but unfortunately you are still a Hogwarts student and therefore we regretfully have to keep our lips sealed."
"Cedric, truth or dare." George asks, smirking.
"Dare."
"Very well, your dare is to go ask one of those veelas on a date." He says pointing to a group of breathtaking creatures. You feel a pang of jealousy as Cedric gets up. Instead he comes and sits next to you.
" (y/n), how about a date?"
"Sure" You smile and turn red as George gets up, flailing his arms around..
"No no no. I said a Veela."
"George, are you a bloody idiot, everyone in Great Britain knows (y/n) is a quarter Veela." Hermione says.
Fred and George look at you puzzled.
"Really?" Asks Fred.
"Can you do that cool demon bird shit?" George looks at you suspiciously.
You laugh. "No! It would be kinda fun though if I could. But no, I can't turn into a bird or enchant men into falling hopelessly in love." You say making dramatic hand gestures.
" I don't know about that" Mumbles Harry. You shoot him puzzled looks.
As the night goes on the group keeps talking and playing various games. Your eyes start to feel heavy.
"I think I need to go to sleep." You mumble.
"You can always sleep with me." Fred purrs. Ron hits him with the back of his hand. Cedric's jaw stiffens as he glares at Fred. He looks like he's about to say something when Hermione cuts him off.
" I'll walk you back to your tent (y/n)"
You agree and say goodnight to everyone. As you're walking back you hear screams and see dark figures with masks levitating and torturing a muggle family. You and Hermione run towards the forest where you catch up with Ron and Harry. Ron trips. Lumos Hermione whispers and a bright glow appears on the tip of her wand.
You spot Draco leaning calmly against a tree close to you.
"Better go Hermione, unless you want to show everyone your underwear, if so stick around it would be tremendously funny" He sneers while gesturing to the levitating family.
How can he be so freaking calm when people are literally being tortured less than fifty feet away?
Harry and Ron start defending Hermione and question Draco about his parent’s whereabouts. Meanwhile, you're stuck in a trance watching the family of muggles being tortured and feeling helpless.
"Have it your way, Potter" Draco grins maliciously. "If you think they can't spot a mudblood, stay where you are"
Anger ripped through your body at the sound of those words and you were about to tear his vocal cords out and jinx him within an inch of his life when someone gently squeezes your hand.
"(y/n), let's go." Cedric says, his eyes pleading.
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em0uvante · 3 years
Text
Amaranthine
Chapter three
TRIGGER WARNING:
- MENTIONS OF DEATH
- VIOLENCE
I love you all, enjoy.
"remember the sorting hat ceremony bubba?" i ask draco, interrupting his boring lecture. he grunts, ending his sentence.
"asshole, but yeah, i do. what about it?" he mutters the beginning, gradually getting louder.
"i don't know, i just want to go back. i miss it." i huff, laying my head on draco's lap.
"but we still go to this school? what do you mean?" he pets my hair gently, making sure not to pull on it.
"i don't know. i guess i want to go back in time, before everything went in the gutter." my eyes well up with tears which i pat away with my palms.
draco lifts me off his lap into his arms, holding me tightly. i quickly wipe my tears on his clothed shoulder. i sit back up. draco takes my chin in between his index finger and thumb, staring into my eyes. his soft lips meet my cheek, cooling my nerves. i let out a prolonged sigh, eyes closing shut.
"it's over now annie, you're safe know. i'll never leave your side. promise." draco holds out his pinky finger, i take it in mine. our foreheads meet, resting against each other.
"sorry i got your shirt all wet." i sniffle waiting for draco to reply.
"i wasn't gonna say anything because you're sad, but yeah, pretty gross." we share a low chuckle, draco pokes at my side. i squirm myself off his lap, falling to the floor. draco only points his finger and laughs.
"you are so mean! ugh, why do i have to live with you?" i shout from the floor, draco holding out his hand to pick me up.
"well, i have to go to potions, and you need to get yourself to herbology. walking with me or not annie?" he slides his robes on, waiting for an answer.
"yeah, i'll walk with you. but only because you have no other friends." i stick my tongue out at him, face contorting in a confused manner.
"says you! i'm your only friend you prune," he remarks stubbornly. "and for your information, i have blaise, and- um..." draco trails off while i collect my belongings for class. i shake my head at him, chuckling to myself. i hear a subtle knock on the door. my eye rests against the peephole.
"hey mister popular, astoria greena- i mean uh astoria greengrass. she's behind the door, waiting for you."
"oh! i didn't know she was stopping by." he scrambles to ruffle out his hair. my eyes roll to the back of my head out of disgust. astoria greenass has draco wrapped around her finger.
the pair met when they were put together for a potions project last year. he was amazed by her beauty, and fell head over heels in love with her. this is what i assume, of course. they have been inseparable since. i'm not sure why, but i really really hate astoria.
"your hair looks fine bubba." i say, peeking my head out of the bathroom where i was hiding from the devil herself.
"don't call me bubba! astoria is here!" he whisper-shouts, opening the door for astoria. draco's pale complexion lights up when he sees astoria's. i feel a wave of heat flows down my spine. her presence ignites a strong fire inside of me.
astoria is wearing her robe, tie, and her long brown locks are tied with a emerald colored ribbon. i don't know why draco fancies astoria to such extent. although, her lack of personality and gorgeous genes are probably enough for him.
"pepperpup! i missed you so much!" draco engulfs her into a hug, astoria wrapping her arms around his shoulders.
"aw i missed you as well babe." she replies, kissing his cheek softly. i notice draco's face turn beet red when her lips touch his upper jaw bone.
"babe? i didn't know you guys were snogging! good thing draco got headgear when he did." i wittily interrupt. their heads whip around towards the couch, huffing at my comment.
"we're no-"
"indeed we are. we have been for a month today." she grins, pulling draco into her arms for the second time today. draco's face goes blank, his eyes glued to my hands. which were fiddling with the snake ring on my left middle finger.
"oh really? that's so cool! i'm thrilled for you both," i manage to mutter out, counting down from fifty in my head to control my growing rage. "anyway, i have to go to class. have a good day you two. i'll see you tomorrow for the quidditch game." i quickly gather my bag and sprint out the door, slamming it behind me.
(ONE HOUR AND FORTY-SEVEN MINUTES LATER)
"are you feeling alright darling? you look, sickly." my friend aera asks. her hand caresses mine in a soothing manner, snapping me back into reality.
"yeah! i'm good. wanna grab something to eat? i'm starving." aera's fingers stop and her face holds an unconvinced look. aera is far too intelligent to believe my lies.
"do you think i'm a bloody imbecile? i insist you tell me what dilemma you are facing this instance." she states, all whilst lacing her shoes to go to dinner.
"no i don't, but there is nothing wrong with me aera. really." she raises her eyebrow quizzically. her alluring eyes stare deeply into my soul, searching for the truth. aera's head slowly turns as the rest of her body goes still.
"fine! draco and astoria are dating but i hate her stupid brat face! ugh, i hate her so much!" i scream, allowing anyone in the common room to hear.
"divulge me in your problems. toni, why do you loathe her to such extent?"
"i literally have no idea. maybe because draco is obsessed with her, and is a dickhead to me when she is around. or because draco calls her pepperpup, god that's so stupid. pepperpup, like she's a fucking dog. i'm sorry, excuse my language, they just make me so angry!" my feelings pour out into the world while i scream my lungs out. aera just stays silent and nods her head, waiting for me to finish.
"thank you for sharing with me. let's head to dinner." she takes my hand in hers and leads me to the great hall, which is jam-packed full of ravenous students.
"can we eat in your dorm? i don't want to sit by him tonight." i ask, hiding my face in the beanie i'm wearing.
"i'm afraid not hun. besides, i have a date tonight. goodbye!" with that, aera is gone like the wind. just like that i'm standing by myself in the middle of the great hall.
i try my best to be discreet while getting my dinner plate. ham, carrots, a bun and some mash are what i grab to eat. after gathering my food, i eat it as fast as possible making sure not to draw attention to myself. i hear blaise call my name, meaning draco was near. i turn my head to the person next to me, pretending to be in a conversation.
as i'm trying to 'converse' with the girl next to me, i feel a harsh tap on my shoulder. i look up to find blaise zabini roughly tapping me, signaling for me to sit with them. them being blaise, pansy, astoria, and draco.
"nettie! come on and sit with us mate! draco won't stop asking for you." he mumbles the last part so only i could hear. i shrug, pick up my plate and walk over to the group. draco's glum expression lights up, his eyes filling with joy.
"nice to see you again antoinette! we were just chatting about the quidditch game tomorrow. ravenclaw versus slytherin! should be a good one." astoria states, her bright smile never dropping. i ball my fist when i hear my full name come out of her mouth.
"don't ever call me antoniette you dumb bitch!" i shout, standing up from my seat. my hand nearly collides with her face, but someone's hand stops it. draco's eyes bore into mine, telling me to calm down. i let my hand fall back to my side, the same angry expression plasters my face.
"i-i'm sorry, i didn't know! i swear!" astoria cries, pansy holding her tightly. the disappointed face on pansy grows.
"if you didn't know, maybe you could have fucking asked! did you not notice the fact that nobody around calls me fucking antoinette!?! jesus christ astoria, are you that fucking stupid!?!" i scream, tears spilling from astoria's eyes. i feel like i could punch a hole into the earth with my one fist.
"oh my god toni, take a rest. you sound fucking crazy." blaise says calmly, only fueling my fire more. i hate that word, hate it. draco knows that. i tilt my head to the side, thinking of all the ways i could kill everyone at this table. draco clears his throat, finally stepping in.
"annie, let's go to our room. i'm growing very sleepy. come on darling." he takes my hand in his, but i pull back from him.
"are you fucking joking? i will tie your brain stem to your shoe laces, you stupid fucking idiot. god, why are you friends with such brain dead morons? call me crazy again zabini, do it. i dare you. come on, little bitch, do it! i'll kill yo-" draco looks at me again, signaling that he needs me to leave with him.
"what, you can't take being called crazy? astoria didn't know any better! what, are you mental?"
"blaise, enough! i can't believe how fucking childish you're being right now. fucking prick." draco shouts at him, blaise flinching at his harsh words. i'm already halfway across the great hall, taking my plate with me. draco runs to catch up with me, not looking behind himself once.
(12 MINUTES LATER)
"annie, you okay in there? i'm sorry about what blaise said. it was out of hand." draco knocks on the door gently. three knocks. just like mum. i hate when he does that.
i'm crying when draco started knocking on the bathroom door. i quickly wipe my eyes and let myself out. i sit down on the satin green couch.
"i'm completely fine draco. it was my fault. i'm a horrible monster, just like mother said." i state calmly, grabbing my wand polish. draco shakes his head and sits down next to me.
"don't be like that annie. don't try to hide your feelings from me." he takes the wand polish from my hand. i give my attention to him, which i know is what he wanted.
"she didn't deserve that. i know she didn't mean any harm. she's a real sweetheart. i'm just an asshole." i admit, twirling a piece of hair between my fingers.
"you're not an asshole, annie. you can't control it. i know that, they don't."
"that's beside the point. i'm a bad person. that's the truth and it always fucking will be. astoria did nothing wrong." i get up, pacing around the room.
"she triggered you, whether she meant it or not." draco grumbles, pulling his hair loosely.
"it's fine. it's over now. i'm going back to my room." i get up and head out.
"annie, don't go. we need to talk." he mumbles, standing up from his spot on the couch.
"draco there's nothing to talk about. you and astoria are dating, you didn't tell me, and your friends are douches. goodnight." and with that, i'm out of the door, heading to my own room.
(14 MINUTES LATER)
after taking off my school clothes i run a bath for myself. i grab the bath salts i bought from hogsmeade and sprinkle some in. i let the lavender scented salts absorb me completely, taking in the fragrance.
after the water is warm enough, i gently slide into the tub. the water relaxing my tense muscles. a long sigh leaves my mouth as i lather soap onto my body. once i rinse it off, i submerge myself under the water, making my body feel still and peaceful.
peace. something i never get to feel. water is peaceful. so calm and tranquil. maybe if i drown myself, the water will let me be peaceful. that's a good idea. death will make me peaceful. i want it so fucking badly. but i will never will.
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Note
Reflections sounds great. I hope you do figure out how to edit it because I’d love to read it. Why does Padma leave Theo? Also, I’d lii ok ve some headcanons on the kids.
I might look into it this week and just post the whole thing on Ao3, we’ll see.
Also I have to keep some thing secret, it just makes the stories more fun!
Devansh “Devon” Theodore:
Born August 30, 2000
He pushes Padma and Theodore together
Padma moved in with Theodore when she was about halfway through her pregnancy
Devansh is a really clingy baby and Padma adores him, he is a complete Amma’s boy
Dean and Parvati are his godparents
He’s really upset when Padma and Theodore break up, he doesn’t like his parents fighting
When they get back together and he finds out about Anamika, he is so excited
He didn’t think he would get anymore younger siblings and he loves being an older brother
He’s really close to Hajari and also Anamika and Minali
They were all born before he went to Hogwarts
He’s sorted into Ravenclaw at Hogwarts and Padma is so proud
He feels a bit disjointed from his three younger siblings because he was at school when they were born, also because he’s so much older than them
He has a great relationship with his older cousin Naveen and his too younger cousins Sasha (same age as Hajari) and Anika (three years younger than Hajari)
The five of them get along really well and make time to hang out while at Hogwarts
Devansh is really worried when Anamika starts at Hogwarts, but he keeps an eye on her as Head Boy
He decided when he was fourteen that he wanted to be an Auror after Harry and Ron came to speak in his DADA class that year
Hajari “Jared” Raavi:
Born January 19, 2002
Padma and Theodore were barely talking when he was born, but it changed how the co-parented Devansh
He’s their troublemaker
Pansy and Gregory are his godparents and it honestly adds into his chaotic nature
They all kind of expected Sam and Hajari to get together, so it was a bit of a shock when it was Devansh and Sam
He is very easy going and part of that is growing up between homes for his first five years or so of life
His best friends are Sam and Sasha, they keep him from causing too much trouble
He loves being an older brother, especially to his baby sisters, he loves them soooo much
He’s sorted into Gryffindor and it’s a bit conflicting to Theodore, but he knows that Hajari will do well there
He starts up a rivalry between himself and Veronica Finnigan, though it’s sort of half rivalry/half friendship depending on how much they annoy each other
Seventh year they’re made Head Boy and Girl and they hook up quite a bit
Mutual attraction, stress of being heads and leaving that year, and the added family pressure
Hajari has always loved visiting St. Mungo’s, and having so many younger siblings becomes very familiar with the maternity ward
He becomes an OBGYN/Pediatrician Healer after graduating
He helps deliver Ernika!! His goddaughter!!
After a few years he sees Veronica in a pub and they drink and have some fun and hook up again
Veronica gets pregnant
With triplets
TRIPLETS!!!!
Hajari doesn’t even know what to do or say, and he just shuts down
Luckily he can’t be her Healer
He’s always known that he loved Veronica, but more in a friendship way, not in a really romantic way (denial at its finest)
They both mature though and Hajari realizes that she is what he wants in life
They get married when the triplets are four and their next daughter is two
They have one more baby, a little boy when the triplets are eleven and their daughter is nine (they are not happy about it, but grow to love him)
Anamika “Mia” Parvati:
Born July 29, 2007
The first Nott daughter to be born (and survive) in seven(?) generations
Theodore cries so much when he holds her for the first time, he never imagined that he would get to have a daughter
She looks just like Padma and Parvati when she’s older, she could pass off as their triplet if they were the same age, but she has Theodore’s green eyes
She’s exactly 22 days older than her best friend (and godsister) Lyla Zabini
Their godparents are Draco and Astoria
Because Anamika and Lyla are so close, they count Lyla as their second daughter and she is the first honorary Nott child
She is the oldest of the younger five and the one who always bridges the gap between the older brothers and the younger siblings
She and Lyla are sorted into Slytherin and share a dormitory room together
She’s very shy around new people and it makes most think that she’s standoffish or judge mental, but she’s really not
She starts writing for the health and beauty section of the the school paper her first year and is welcomed back the next year
Her seventh year, she and Louis Weasley are asked to be co-head Editors and it’s not what either wants, but they are a great team
They both have strengths the other doesn’t have
Anamika kisses him one night while their working and Louis is just shocked that she felt the same way he did
They get very close after that (they have “relations” on the Editor’s desk)
When they graduate, they move into a little cottage in the middle of nowhere by the water
Louis stays home and works on his art while Anamika works at the Prophet as an editor on the health and beauty section
They elope when their nineteen and have their first baby about a year later
They have three kids and then twins nine years after their youngest
Louis actually becomes quite successful after doing a few portraits of different Ministry officials, but landscapes are his real speciality
Anamika though, is always his favorite subject and he never tires of drawing or painting her
Minali “Ali” Theresa:
Born February 3, 2011
She is born nine months after Padma and Theodore get married
Millie is her godmother and she makes sure this kid is independent
All three of her older siblings couldn’t wait for her to be born!!
Devansh cried when he left for Hogwarts because he knew he would miss so many of her firsts
But Padma and Theodore take so many photos to send to him (and you know, to keep for themselves)
She an Appa’s girl, she loves Theodore and follows after him everywhere (and he loves it)
She is his first child to actually look like him (like it’s eerily similar, more than either of the boys) and he loves seeing himself reflected in someone
She grows up very independent, but she also loves and adores her family and falls on them when she needs too
She’s sorted into Slytherin and doesn’t take shit from anyone
When Anamika graduates and moves out, Minali takes Vee under her wing as Anamika did for her at school
She is Navya (Anamika and Louis’ first daughter) godmother
When she graduates, she goes to the Ministry and floats from department to department
She meets a man named Adrian Pucey at the Christmas Eve party and gets knocked up by him
He’s eleven years older than her, married, and wants her baby
She’s hounded by a lot of powerful men who tried to get her to give up her baby and Adrain decides to propose to her to get her under his control and Minali says no
She doesn’t want a life like that
She has her daughter in secret and moves to a cottage on the Nott family manor property
(They don’t live in the manor, in fact it’s rented out to visitors for weddings)
Minali takes over managing the property while raising her daughter and helping with the Society
It’s simple, but she feels like she has a purpose and Adrian can’t find her there
Vinanti “Vee” Padma:
Born May 1, 2013
The day after she’s born is the first time that Theodore goes back to Hogwarts after the war
He just wants to tell his sons about their new baby sister
It causes a lot of stress and anxiety for him, so he brings along Anamika and he feels a little better
Seeing his sons thrive does also
Daphne and Blaise are her godparents, and they’re very hands off with their own daughter so it’s the same with Vee
They show their love in weird ways and with over the top gifts
She’s very shy and loves the protection of her older siblings, especially Hajari and Anamika
Anamika is in her seventh year when Vee starts school and it reminds Anamika of when she was eleven and Devansh was seventeen
She’s sorted into Ravenclaw!
Her best friend going into school is Ellie Davies, Cho Chang and Rodger Davies only daughter
Vee can’t imagine havin her parents be her teachers (Cho teaches Charms and Rodger is the flying instructor) or her parents divorced
But she is there for Ellie through everything
The summer between her sixth and seventh year is very complicated, mostly as she realizes she might be gay (she is)
She has a long talk with her cousin Sasha (who is out) and comes to realize that she’s very attracted to girls, more than she could pretend to be to boys
She comes out to her family in stages, first to Minali who she’s closest too, then her younger siblings, then all of her three oldest siblings (she had been most scared of what Devansh and Anamika would think of her, not so much Hajari) and finally her parents (they knew)
It’s such a relief to finally admit this to herself
You know who has known that they were gay since they were thirteen and was in love with Vee?? Ellie Davies!
She’s not out to her parents, but Cho catches them snogging in a broom cupboard and Ellie cries while Vee comforts her
Cho makes sure that her daughter knows that she loves her, Rodger kicks her out of his life, so does her oldest brother Conrad, her other brother Mason showers her in love
Ellie gets signed on to play for the Tornadoes!! Her favorite team!! And Vee becomes a writer for Quidditch Weekly and follows the Tornadoes everywhere
Vee has both of their daughters (thanks to Mason) and they just live a happy little life
Tarika “Taylor” Millicent:
Born February 9, 2016
She is the older twin!!
Padma and Theodore were not prepared to have another baby let alone TWO
Her godfather is Marcus Flint and he teaches her how to lie and she runs after it
She is very close to her twin brother, even if she teases him all the time
She loves her older sisters and thinks they are all so glamorous and cool
She is really close to Hajari though, especially when he has the triplets, even if she’s at school for the first few months of their life
She’s sorted into Gryffindor just like Hajari and writes to him often about it
When she graduates, she gets a job writing about new/up and coming Quidditch players
It’s how she meets Ollie Jay
He’s the new Keeper for the Magpies and the attraction is instant
About five months into the relationship, Tarika decides that she wants a baby, and Ollie Jay is so for it
Exactly a year after they meet, they get married while Tarika is six months pregnant
They’re really happy together, despite both of their families concerns
And the bridge the Nott and Wood families, which means that their kids have soooo many cousins
Rishi “Ray” Terrance:
The younger twin!!
He is the absolute baby of the family and hates it!
Padma gets postpartum depression after having the twins and it takes a few months (and some therapy) to break out of it
She had been so happy to have them, but knowing that they were her last babies (after accepting that Vee would be her last baby) was really difficult for her to accept
Theodore is really supportive, but it’s not easy to care for the four youngest kids by himself
Rishi’s godfather is Cassius Warrington and he is so happy to even be considered let alone actually a godfather
Rishi struggles a little being the youngest and with such a big age difference between him and his brothers
Theodore sees this and they often go out just the pair of them, and it’s really good for both of them to not only get time together but also away from all the girls
He is so happy when Ernika is born because he thinks that makes him not the baby of the family, but it’s not how that works
He’s sorted into Hufflepuff at Hogwarts and he likes that he’s completely by himself and none of his siblings
When he’s fourteen, a new family moves into their building, and Rishi meets Eliza Russ
She’s a year younger than him and they start as friends, but they are so in love within hours of meeting each other
Padma and Theodore know that something is up within two days and they’re happy to meet Eliza
(It was not complaining when Tarika teased him about being the baby, the usual bait)
When he graduates, he starts his training at St. Mungo’s and it’s interesting working with his Appa and brother (at least in the same building)
He goes into Oncology (cancer treatment)
When Eliza graduates he proposes and they move in together
They get pregnant within a year with triplets
Eliza wasn’t very happy at her job at the Ministry and is just happy to be home with their kids
They adopt a little girl after struggling to get pregnant again, and a month later Eliza finds out she’s pregnant
They have three more kids
I just love Padma and Theodore and their big happy family!!
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runenc03 · 3 years
Text
HH - Kaycee’s first year (part 2)
Writing date: November 2018
Genre: Fluff? 
Warnings: Genuine childish innocence. Also, get ready for beta-ed (someone explain this conjugation to me) stuff in the next chapter :)
Word count: 9k lol
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Autumn
"Granger, Kaycee!"
The 11-year old hesitantly walked towards professor McGonagall, so the sorting hat could decide which house'd be best for her. She saw her sister give her a thumbs up from the corner of her eye, but it didn't help calming her nerves. The walk to the front of the Great Hall seemed to take ages, but in reality of was only about 40 seconds. Before she could really prepare herself for her sorting, the hat was already pulled over her head.
Kaycee closed her eyes, waiting for the sorting hat to say something. She knew what would be coming. Hermione and Sean had told her all about their conversation with the sorting hat.
Except, there was no such thing as a conversation right now. The sorting hat stayed completely silent.
Time seemed to stop, even though mere seconds seemed like hours in that gigantic room. Kaycee wanted to ignore everything around her and focus on the hat instead, but it was simply impossible. And it became even harder when the other students began whispering to eachother. She strained her ears, trying to hear what they were talking about. The word she seemed to hear the most was 'hatstall', but she absolutely didn't know what that was. Was it a wizarding term? If it was, Hermione surely hadn't told her about it.
Just when Kaycee was convinced that there had been some kind of cruel mistake and she wasn't a witch, the sorting hat surprisingly shook her out of her thoughts:
"You're quite the extroardinary lady, miss Granger. It's a very rare occurence that I have difficulties sorting a new student... I'm going to be very honest with you. It's going to be either Ravenclaw or Hufflepuf. You have this massive amount of loyalty in you and your kindness is one of your strongest traits, but I can't just ignore your uniqueness, your individuality, which could indicate that you're destined to be a Ravenclaw...what do you think, yourself?
Kaycee was silently thinking, eyes closed. If she was 100 % honest with herself, she had to admit that she felt like a Hufflepuf. She couldn't explain it, she just felt like she belonged there. However, there was also a part of her that screamed: 'You're a weirdo! Ravenclaw praises uniqueness! And Sean's in Ravenclaw..."
And she didn't know why, but she suddenly had to fight a heavy blush from coloring her cheeks. The sorting hat on her head was long forgotten.
"Okay, miss Granger. Your thoughts really helped me making a decision. You've sat here way too long, people are already talking about the fact that you're the first hatstall in years."
Kaycee wanted to ask what a hatstall was, but the sorting hat seemed eager to get this over with.
"You've got a unique personality, miss Granger, but your kindness outnumbers your uniqueness effortlessly. And now I know that you don't really have a preference, I am convinced that you're destined to be a...
"HUFFLEPUF!"
Finally, Kaycee opened her eyes. The first thing she saw were Hermione and Sean, simultaneously standing up from their respective housetables and urging on their housemates to join them in their standing ovation.
A smile crept on Kaycee's face.
And then she caught sight of the Hufflepuf table.
All her housemates were, without exception, beaming at her, applauding, beckoning her to come over and join them.
So she did.
She didn't doubt it anymore.
She was a real Hufflepuf.
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"Take your books on page 24. We're going to investigate the difference between monkswood and wolfsbane. Everyone is going to make an essayment about what you learned this lesson and hand it in by next one. The minimal length is..."
Kaycee couldn't help it. She tried to listen to professor Snape, but his voice was so monotone that she couldn't help but zone out. Her mind took her away from potions, and brought her to an evening during the summer holidays.
She'd been at home, it'd been pretty late. She'd been to Disney world with her parents, her siblings and Sean that day, which had resulted in her brain being way too active to go to sleep. There was only one thing that helped her when she couldn't sleep: dance. After tossing and turning for a few hours, she'd tiptoed downstairs, towards her dance room.
When Kaycee'd arrived there, she'd turned around, straining her ears to hear if she woke anyone up. The whole house had been silent, so she'd quickly opened the door and gone into het dance room...
She was dancing, moving her body to the music like she was water, so fluid. Her mind went blank, the only thing she felt was the immense happiness dancing brought her. When she was dancing, she could really let go of everything and just be herself.
She absolutely loved it.
The music stopped, and Kaycee hurriedly ran to her phone to pick another song. She was busy choosing one, when she heard a voice speaking, not that far away from her:
"That was really beautiful, Kaycee. Hermione told me you dance, but I didn't realise that you'd be this good..."
Kaycee turned around as fast as possible. She hadn't meant for someone to see her, and certainly not Sean. He stood there, leaning against the door frame, with an expression of wonder on his face.
She felt her cheeks turn crimson. How could she draw the attention away from herself?
And then Hermione's letter from a few weeks ago shot through her head: "Sometimes, he reminds me so much of you, it's unbelievable. And not just because you both dance..."
Kaycee got an idea. She smiled at Sean and said:
"Oh, well, thanks. But I'm not that good...anyway, Hermione told me you dance too! Care to show me something?"
She looked right into his eyes, and saw something flicker in them. It was kind of hard to say, but she thought she saw a mix between curiousness and passion in them. Dancing clearly meant as much to him as it meant for her.
He walked a few steps into the room, still hesitating. "Okay, then. But only if you dance with me."
Kaycee thought about that. It wasn't a bad idea. In fact, it'd be the perfect opportunity to get to know him...
"Deal!"
She turned around and let the music blast once again through the speakers. When she was done, she turned around and saw that Sean was beckoning her to come over to the middle of the room. When she was close enough to him, he gave her an encouraging smile, as if to say: let's do this together, and began dancing. Kaycee watched him move. At first, it was slow, but soon, he seemed completely in his own world, not even moving in time with the music, but owning it.
Kaycee felt herself move in sync with him. She didn't even try, it just felt so natural...they locked eyes again, and the world seemed to stop.
In the few days that Sean had been here, she'd gotten the impression that he was a nice boy, but she hadn't really gotten the chance to get to know him. She'd wondered why Hermione had seemed so convinced that they would get along so well.
She had her anwer now.
She had never felt so connected to someone in her entire life. She was dancing her heart out, pouring out so much emotions without feeling embarrassed that he was there to witness it. Without agreeing on it, they were already dancing like this was a duet and not just some improve. A wonderful feeling spread through Kaycee's entire body. She felt warm, safe, she'd even go as far as to say that she finally felt like she was ho-
"Miss Rice, do you care to explain why you are still sitting here? I thought I made it very clear that the class was dismissed, but apparently, you find yourself important enough to force me to repeat myself. You. Are. Dismissed."
With every word that Snape said, he came closer to Kaycee, who'd woken up from her daydream as soon as the scary teacher's voice had echoed through the dungeons. She looked around the class room: it was completely empty, except for herself and professor Snape. How had she managed to daydream for so long without noticing?
Her eyes landed on the greasy-haired man again, and she suddenly remembered what he said.
She collected her stuff as soon as possible and scurried out of the class room, all the while mumbling apologies.
She turned the corner and let out a deep sigh.
Leave it to Sean to get her into trouble when he isn't even physically there.
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Kaycee Granger sat on the grass, in a secluded spot near the Great Lake. This was by far her favorite place in Hogwarts. It was an afternoon in late octobre, but the sun shone brightly and it was surprisingly warm for the time of the year. The young girl tilted her head backwards, letting herself bask in the warmth of the sun. She loved this: the slight breeze that blew through her hair, the birds singing one last time, before they flew to warmer regions, the sun rays touching her skin. It was one of those perfect moments where you just want to stay in forever.
Kaycee was just contemplating whether she could procrastinate her homework for another hour or not, when she heard Sean's voice coming closer and closer to her.
"Unbelievable! The nerve of that boy! How dare he call you a mudblood!"
Kaycee turned her head now, wanting to know what was happening. Walking in her direction were an annoyed looking Sean, a strangely emotionless Harry, her sister who was seemingly very determined to figure out her thoughts and Ron....who was vomiting?
No-one seemed to notice her.
"Hey, Hermione, wait! What happened?"
All four of them now stopped in their tracks, looking at Kaycee. Sean didn't seem to mind that he had another person to spill his guts to, so he quickly turned around and sat down beside her. The rest followed suit.
"We came across Draco Malfoy", Sean began, still worked up from whatever had happened. "He found it necessary to call Hermione a 'filthy little mudblood'. I was angry, but apparently, Ron was much angrier, because he took out his wand and tried to jinx Malfoy. But the spell backfired and now he's stuck with vomiting slugs until the spell wears off."
Kaycee looked at Ron sympathetically. The poor boy couldn't say anything. Every time he opened his mouth, a handful of slugs came out. She really pitied him, he was a nice boy who was only trying to protect her sister. Kaycee considered him as a friend, after all the stories her sister had told her about him and the few times that she had spent time with the group of friends.
Her eyes shifted towards Sean, and she put up a sad but determined smile, addressing both Ron and Sean.
"Guys, I know Hermione means a lot to both of you, but you should really calm down about these kind of things. There'll always be people like Malfoy who go through life like this. He was raised this way, he can't really be blamed for the way he thinks now."
This time, Ron said something. Or at least, he tried to.
"K-urghhhh Kaycee! Are you seriou-uuuuuurhhg defending that ferret now?! You th-think it's okay-uuuurggghhh to, to call people mudbloods? Seriousl-uuuurggghhh"
Kaycee shook her head.
"No, I'm not saying it's okay to call people mudbloods, I'm simply stating some facts here. Malfoy shouldn't have done what he did, but let's be honest: his dad doesn't seem like a warm and caring father either. I'm saying I'm not surprised by how Draco acts, if you see in what kind of family he grew up."
At this, Hermione's head shot up, surprised by her sister's words.
"You saw Draco's father? When? Where? And where was I when at that moment?"
Sean had to admit that he too was surprised. He began feeling slightly sick to his stomach. First, Hermione being called a mudblood, and now Kaycee apparently knowing Malfoy's father. Both girls meant the world to him, and the last thing he wanted was to see them hurt. He asked himself the same as Hermione had asked Kaycee: where had he been when Kaycee saw Draco's father?
Sean felt a twinge in his chest. He should've been there when she had seen that man.
But Kaycee was quick to reassure her friends.
"Don't worry, guys, nothing serious happened. You were all busy with professor Lockhart's book signing. I was just looking through the shop when he passed me. The opening between the stacks was quite small, so he grunted that I should move for him. I did, but he still brushed against me. He didn't apologize to me, but it doesn't really matter. I'm okay now, aren't I?"
"If you say so...But if you see him again, or anyone else who makes you uncomfortable for that matter, please make sure that I'm around, okay?"
"Don't worry, Sean. I can handle those purebloods. I appreciate the fact that you want to protect me, but you have nothing to worry about."
Kaycee was sitting there beside him with a smile on her face, convincing him that she was okay.
But the sinking feeling in Sean's stomach didn't go away.
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Winter
About a month went by since the slug incident, and the temperature outside had dropped dramatically. Kaycee, however, had other things on her mind. It was approximately 5 in the afternoon, and she was walking with quick strides towards her destination: the ravenclaw tower, or more specifically: Sean Lew.
Originally, she'd intended to go to him to ask him about a specific chapter in her DADA book she didn't really understand, but now that she was walking, she didn't even remember her question anymore. Deep down, she knew she could've asked him when she saw him tomorrow, she just chose to go to him immediately.
While she was walking, her mind drifted towards Sean. She was sure he wouldn't mind her coming to him for her questions about her homework. In fact, she realised while a smile began forming on her lips, he didn't mind her asking him anything.
Maybe they could go to the abandoned classroom they always went to to dance together after he'd answered her questions.
She'd been so lost in thoughts, that she hadn't realised she already arrived at the ravenclaw common room.
And then it hit her: she didn't know how to enter. Moreover, she didn't know if she was allowed to enter altogether.
"Do you want to go in?"
An airy voice startled Kaycee out of her thoughts. Quickly, she looked in the direction the voice came from and saw a girl around her age, with long strawberry blond hair and a dreamy expression on her face. The Hufflepuf nodded, she hadn't found her ability to speak yet, still trying to recover from the shock of someone seemingly appearing out of nowhere.
"If it was my decision, I'd let you enter, you seem like a genuinely nice person. Unfortunately, only Ravenclaws are allowed to enter, and if I'm not mistaken, you're a huf-- wait a minute! You're Kaycee, aren't you? Sean Lew's friend? I saw him this morning, he was complaining about the fact that he couldn't just dance with you, instead of going to professor Snape's class. I guess you're here for him? I'll make an exception for you, and I'll show you how to enter, listen closely!"
The rambling girl smiled at her and began enthousiastically explaining to her how to enter. Kaycee couldn't contain her smile either.
"This eagle knocker asks a different riddle every day. If you answer the riddle correctly, you are allowed to enter. If not, you have to wait until someone solves it for you. It's as simple as that!"
Kaycee wanted to answer the girl, but the Eagle already cut her off:
What can travel around the world while staying in a corner?
Kaycee wracked her brain, trying to understand the riddle, but she didn't get it...someone behind a computer who talked to people around the world with the help of the internet? But a computer was a muggle object, surely the knocker wouldn't ask something like that, would it? She turned her head towards the other girl, who was watching her with a mild smile on her face. She wasn't laughing at Kaycee though, it was an encouraging kind of smile, and for that, she was the ravenclaw incredibly grateful.
"Can you help me please? I really don't know the answer...?"
The girl's smile became even brighter, and for some reason, she reminded Kaycee of herself. Her whole family always told her how her smile was her best characteristic, and it was the same with this girl.
"Of course! Anything for a friend! And the answer is a stamp."
The door opened, and the girl turned around to walk away, clearly just here to help the huffelpuf and not to enter herself."
"Wait- STOP!"
The blonde stopped in her tracks and shifted her attention towards Kaycee.
"I wanted to say thank you! And I don't know your name yet!"
"I'm Luna Lovegood. It was nice helping a new friend, Kaycee Rice. But now I really should get going. I promised the thestrals I'd visit them today. Bye!"
She didn't know who the thestrals were, come to think of it, she didn't even know if the thestrals were a group of who or what. But as she watched the quirky girl walk away, she realised that she was glad she made friends with someone like Luna. Someone who wouldn't only accept kaycee's weirdness, but also understand it.
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"SEAN CHARLES LEW, YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW ANGRY I AM AT YOU RIGHT NOW!!"
Sean was sitting in the library. It was the 26th of decembre, and Hermione had been brought to the hospital wing after her 'makeover' yesterday. Sean felt guilty. Even though he hadn't really been responsible for Hermione's semi-transformation into a cat, he had been participating in their plan to get Harry and Ron into the Slytherin common room. His guilt made him come to the library, even though teachers didn't give them tests anymore. He wanted to find something to cure Hermione faster. The young ravenclaw knew madame Pomfrey was already doing everything in her power to make Hermione better as soon as possible, but trying to find a better cure seemed to ease the guilt just a tiny bit.
Hermione had been incredibly embarrassed yesterday, not even wanting to show him her face. She'd made them swear not to tell a soul about the incident, about how she looked, and the boys had all promised to keep their mouth shut.
But apparently, Kaycee had discovered her sister's condition.
And judging by the volume of her voice, Sean Lew was about to face her wrath.
In a library.
He tried to say something that'd stop her from making a scene in such a silent room, but no words came out of his mouth.
With blazing eyes, she hissed: "come outside. I need to talk to you. Right now."
And with that, she turned around and marched out of the library. Sean wasn't stupid. He didn't even think of dissobeying her. The scared boy immediately scooped up all the books that were scattered on the table, and followed her outside. As soon as both of his feet were outside of the library, she began her tirade once again.
"I am so incredibly dissapointed in you. I never thought you'd be so stupid. I thought you were nice, God, I thought we were friends, but apparently, I was wrong."
Sean's eyes widened. She didn't want to be his friend anymore? He knew she'd be angry with him when she'd discover what had happened with her sister, but breaking their friendship? Malfoy wasn't worth such a high price.
He didn't like the blonde Slytherin, much less trusted him, but if she wanted him to leave the ferret alone, he would.
For her.
"K-kaycee, I am so sorry...I know it was stupid of us to make that potion, but I swear I only joined because Malfoy had insulted Hermione. I mean, I don't want that to happen to her again, and I certainly don't want it to happen to you. I just wanted to protect the two of you. It was stupid of us, and I-I just hope you can forgive me. W-we're still....friends, right?"
Sean looked with his hopeful eyes in her angry ones. She didn't seem to be any calmer than before his speech.
It scared him tremendously.
"Don't you get it Sean? I'm not angry that you made that stupid potion or tried to enter that common room, I'm angry because you didn't tell me! If I'd be even a tiny bit important to you, you would've told me what you guys were doing all that time, but no, you leave me out of everything you do!! Why? Because I'm a year younger than you guys are? Seriously, I'm not a baby anymore, you can tell me things!!"
Kaycee sighed.
"Why do I even care? You clearly don't care about me. I'm not talking to you anymore."
She turned around, but Sean was quicker, terrified that she'd leave him alone.
He laid an arm on her shoulder, which made her stop in her tracks and turn around.
Sean felt his heart sink. He could handle an angry Kaycee, but the intensity her eyes held only moments ago was gone. Now, he only saw hurt and immense pain in those beautiful, big brown eyes.
It made his heart break.
"Please Kaycee, I'm sorry. Don't go. Talk to me."
But while he was looking into her eyes, he already knew her answer.
"We'll see about our friendship when Hermione gets out of the hospital. You really hurt me, Sean."
With that, she walked away again, and this time, he let her.
But it broke his heart all over again.
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Spring
Sean Lew was absolutely desperate. Hermione had been in the hospital for weeks, and Kaycee had kept her word: she hadn't talked to him in 36 days and 14 hours.
And Sean was absolutely miserable without her.
It was still quite early in the morning, his roommates not bothering to get up anytime soon since it was a Sunday, but Sean had other plans. He'd visit Hermione today, just like the previous 37 days, but today, he'd also talk with his best friend about Kaycee. He needed Hermione's advice on this, he wanted to make it up to Kaycee, but had absolutely no idea how to begin with that.
Ignoring the cold that hit his body when he pulled te blanket off of him, he got out of his four poster bed and put some clothes on. After quickly brushing his teeth and putting on some shoes, he began walking towards the hospital wing.
His mind was filled with a million questions on his way there. How was Hermione doing? Would she be able to get out of the hospital wing soon? Would Kaycee talk to him after that, or still be stubborn? Would their friendship really end?
His mind was so busy with all those questions, that he almost walked right into the massive oak door of the hospital wing. Scolding himself for being so inobservant, he raised his hand to open the door, until a certain voice on the other side made him freeze.
"Come on, Kaycee. How long have you been avoiding him? Just admit to yourself that you are hurting because of this as well. It's pointless, Kayc. Why don't you just admit that you hate not being around him?"
Shit. Kaycee was visiting Hermione.
Some part of him wanted to get away from this situation as soon as possible, but another part of him was really curious about Kaycee's answer.
He stayed.
"I know, Hermione...I- I don't...He-"
Her voice clearly gave away her frustration.
"Can I tell you something really personal, Hermione?"
"Of course Kayc, I'm your sister, I'll always be there for you, and you know that."
"I never would've thought not talking to him would affect me so much. I thought it'd bother me a bit at first, but I'd get over it after a few days. But, really, I don't eat, I'm never hungry, and when I want to sleep, I constantly dream about him and wake up even more exhausted then when I went to bed...what do I do now, Hermione? I am getting desperate.."
Still wide-eyed from what Kaycee had told her sister, Sean tried to hear as much as he could from the conversation. He could hear a bit, but the thick wood of the door wasn't making it very easy.
Sean needed to hear more. He had missed her voice.
The 12 year old knew very well that it was a bad idea, but nonetheless, he opened the door only slightly, peeping through the crack he'd made.
He saw Hermione, who looked a lot healthier then she did a few weeks ago, sitting on her bed with her legs crossed. Then, his eyes shifted towards the other person in the room, and his breath hitched.
There she was, Kaycee Rice, long, curly hair hanging loosely around her shoulders, eyes big with worry, arms crossed over her body, as if to shield herself from the world.
"You solved your own problem, Kaycee, if you miss him so much, you have to talk to hi- Oh look who's there! Sean, come in! I think it's about time that you and my sister have a serious conversation!"
Shit. That didn't go as he'd planned.
Hesitantly, he made his way towards Hermione's hospital bed, looking at the ground, scared of making eyecontact with the 2 sisters.
"Hi, Sean"
It took only 2 words to change his mind. He looked up from the ground, and locked eyes with the girl he had missed more than anything he ever had in his entire life. Her eyes were big, and looked at him with more emotions swirling inside them than sean could count.
They didn't talk, didn't have to. The 2 of them just stared at eachother. They talked without words, their bond still strong enough to communicate by just looking at the other.
They understood effortlessly.
Sean saw the hurt in her eyes, but he also saw the hope. Hope, he realized, that they could fix whatever they'd broken a few weeks prior. Hope that their friendship would be as strong as before, if not stronger.
Hope that everything would finally be okay.
He prayed that she understood his eyes as well. That she understood how sorry he was, how much guilt he felt. How much he'd do to fix this.
And then suddenly, he saw something change in her eyes. It almost seemed like the last barrier, the last thing holding her back from forgiving him completely, crumbled.
And she did as well. Shaking, she put a few steps forward and fell into his arms, clinging to him. Her sobs made his sweater wet, and his teardrops landed on her hair.
They didn't care. All they felt was the other's presense, their warmth, the fact that the other was really there, was real.
They didn't know how long they stood there, just holding onto each other like their life depended on it. It could've been minutes, or hours, or days.
It didn't even matter.
"Ahem. I'm really happy that you guys, uh, talked, but if you don't want to get yelled at by madame Pomfrey, I'd make sure to get out of here. If she discovers I haven't had a chance to sleep in about 3 hours, she probably won't let me go tomorrow, and I don't want to lay in this bed a second longer than is necessary."
Sean had completely forgotten about Hermione, but something she'd said had caught his attention:
"You're allowed to leave tomorrow?"
Hermione gave him a bright smile and nodded.
"Yup. I can finally get back to class now!"
But that wasn't what Sean was concerned about. Sure, he was really happy for Hermione, she was his best friend after all, but he could only think about one thing: if Hermione was leaving the hospital tomorrow,  would Kaycee consider talking to him again?
He looked down at her, only to see that she was already looking up at him. She answered him verbally, knowing him well enough to understand what he was thinking.
"Of course I forgive you, Shamu. You still hurt me, but I talked with Hermione about it and I understand now that you didn't do it on purpose. So we'll continue our friendship from now on...if you still want to, that is..."
Her eyes grew worried towards the end of that sentence, and Sean didn't know if his heart was breaking or melting. He wanted to take away her doubts, worries, pain. And even though he really didn't know what he was feeling at this moment or what he was supposed to do in a situation like this, he just did what felt right.
He tightened his arms around her and gave her a light kiss on her forehead.
"Of course I still want to be friends with you, Ricebowl. I wouldn't want to trade our friendship for anything in this world."
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"Why are you packing your stuff already? We've only been in here for 2 hours!"
Kaycee was in the library with her sister. While her time in the library had been very productive - Hermione had made sure she was actually studying and not zoning out - she really wanted to get out of there and actually have some fun.
"Sean's almost coming. We agreed to watch the quidditch match between Hufflepuf and Gryffindor toge-"
"You ready Kayc?"
Both sisters turned their head and saw Sean. He had a bright smile on his face, clearly excited for the quidditch match, although Hermione secretly assumed it had something to do with the fact that he'd go somewhere with Kaycee.
Kaycee nodded her head, equally as excited, and stood up from her chair, ready to walk out of the library.
"Slow down guys, not so fast...Sean, where's the time you cheered for Gryffindor?"
Sean looked sheepishly at his best friend. He didn't really know what to say to that. Was she really that upset about him cheering for Hufflepuff? She didn't even like quidditch, or did she?
He didn't have to worry though, because Hermione giggled, and quickly reassured him that she was just making fun of him.
"I'm only kidding Sean, of course I'm not upset. Go have fun, I'll stay here and study a bit more. Maybe I'll come as well when I'm done here. But just so you know it, I'll cheer for my own house."
Sean and Kaycee both got a big smile on their face, glad that Hermione wasn't upset. They both knew very well that an angry Hermione was not so easy to deal with. And for some reason, it was so much more fun to do things when you knew your best friend or sister supported you.
So they waved goodbye to the Gryffindor, and off they went.
The walk to the quidditch pitch was filled with laughter. Kaycee realised that she really couldn't help but feel good whenever she was around Sean. He made her smile, made her a happier person, a better one.
Soon, the game began, and Kaycee couldn't have asked for a better afternoon. They both weren't that fierce about quidditch, but that wasn't really a problem. Whenever there wasn't a lot of action during the match, they'd both come up with crazy dancemoves they could try on a broom. Maybe they could even try a whole broom choreo in the future...
Time seemed to fly, and before they knew, the game had ended. The sun already began to set, and Sean and Kaycee decided it was time to go inside. The 2 students began walking towards the castle, and Sean grabbed her hand so they wouldn't lose each other in the mass of people. As soon as his fingers closed themselves around her palm, her palm heated up and weird sparks seemed to come off of it, but Kaycee shrugged it off, not really knowing what the feeling meant. Little did she know that these kind of things were something she would worry about a lot, a few years from now...
Even if she wanted to at 11, she didn't get the time to overthink those sparks, because professor McGonagall was standing in the middle of the still buzzing crowd, and she was coming their way.
Kaycee had an uneasy feeling that the grim expression on her face had nothing to do with the fact that the rest of the quidditch season had just been cancelled.
"Mr Lew, miss Granger, please come with me. I need to show you something very important."
She didn't say anything else, she just turned around and began making her way through the crowd.
Sean and Kaycee shared a worried glance. What was going on? What did professor McGonagall want to show them when they both weren't even in her house?
They entered the castle. Kaycee and Sean followed the professor blindly, staircase up, staircase off...until they arrived in the hospital wing.
Kaycee felt like an ice cold hand got a grip on her heart. All previous sparks Sean's hand had given her were gone, and they were replaced by shivers that went up her spine.
If professor McGonagall wanted both Sean and her to come with her to the hospital wing, it could only mean one thing: There was something going on with Hermione.
Nothing could've prepared Kaycee for what she saw when the curtains to Hermione's bed were opened.
There her sister laid, completely stiff, eyes wide open in terror, with a mirror laying in her still raised hand.
The cold fist around her heart tightened its grip, and she felt like she couldn't breathe.
Her sister had been petrified.
She heard Sean's sharp intake of breath beside her only slightly, much less registering his hand around her shoulder, trying to comfort her, or the soothing words he tried to reassure her with. The only thing Kaycee's mind could register at the moment was the rigid form of the sister she was closest to.
"Breathe, Kayc, you need to breathe. Come on, let's sit down, I don't want you to pass out."
Sean led her to the two seat beside the bed, gently made her sit down and then sat down beside her himself.
"Now I know that you're scared Kaycee, but everything will be fine. Hermione's really strong, and we both know that. She won't give up so easily. Besides, there's a cure for this, professor McGonagall just said it, but I don't think you were really listening...it doesn't matter, I listened for the 2 of us. Anyway, this might look really scary, but it'll be okay, I promise. Don't be scared, I'm with you. Just please breathe."
Kaycee forced her eyes to look away from Hermione, and took a glance at Sean. She didn't know what she did to deserve him. They'd known each other for what? 11 months? And she was already attached to him like her life depended on it. He was the only one who could calm het down, the only one who could make her breathe.
"But Sean, aren't you scared? Your best friend is in hospital. You shouldn't have to worry about me.."
She wanted to look away, being ashamed all of a sudden, but Sean was having none of it.
"Nonsense Kaycee. Here's the thing: I am worried about Hermione, I really am, but I can't do anything to make her better right now. I can, however, let you calm down. You both mean a lot to me, and if I can't help one of you, I can at least make sure that the other one is safe and well."
The hand around her heart loosened its grip just a little bit, and while she was still worried sick, the panic wasn't paralyzing her anymore.
Kaycee knew full well that this situation was nowhere near good, but Sean's comforting hand and soothing words were registering now, and they made the world at least a little bit better.
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Summer
Sean Lew felt like the past few hours of his life were a movie he had been sucked into.
It had all begun a few hours ago, when he was walking under the first few warm sunrays of this year, trying to clear his head. He was just strolling around the lake, when Harry and Ron came towards him, all the while calling his name.
They had told him that they figured out where the chamber of secrets was.
He'd raised his eyebrows at first, not really believing them, they had been searching for a whole year after all, but when the two Gryffindors explained it to him - Hagrid and his spiders, the girl who was killed in the bathroom and Hermione's clue about the basilisk- it suddenly made sense.
The 3 of them had made their way back to the castle, forced professor Lockhart to take them to moaning Myrtle's bathroom and upon arriving there, had had a hurried conversation with the latter.
After that, Harry had opened the chamber by speaking parseltongue, and they'd all crawled through the opening. They knew they didn't have much time left. The writing on the wall, "her skeleton will lie in the chamber forever", was still engraved in all of their minds.
But then, Lockhart had begun being a thorn in the flesh, threatening to wipe their memories, and Sean had been scared that their plan to save 'her' from the chamber would've been in vain. Fortunately, Lockhart's spell had backfired and Ron had proposed to stay behind, which permitted him and Harry to continue their way through the previously hidden dungeons.
They came across a set of doors, and Harry had to use his ability to speak parseltongue a second time that day.
They went through the door, and arrived in the chamber of secrets.
On the other end of the chamber was a gigantic statue of Salazar Slytherin, and right in front of that laid a seemingly lifeless body.
Kaycee Rice's body.
This whole time, Sean had felt as if he was in some kind of movie, everything had happened in a blur, but now, standing there in that gigantic chamber, looking at the laying form of the girl, he felt as if an ice cold bucket of water had been thrown over his head.
That girl there was kaycee, not some random person, but the girl he had fun with, trusted, subconciously already loved.
He didn't hesitate, didn't think about the consequences of running through a room that had been locked for over 50 years. He just did it.
When he was close enough to her for his liking, he let himself fall on knees. His hands automatically went to her shoulders, gently trying to shake her awake. "Kaycee, please, wake up, we've got to get out of here."
"Oh believe me, she won't wake up."
Sean quickly turned around. In front of him stood a pale boy, black hair, Dark eyes, emotionless expression on his face. Whoever this boy was, Sean immediately took a dislike to him.
But Harry apparently didn't.
"Tom! Please help us! We've got to get out of here with Kaycee, please!!"
As Harry came closer to him and the pale boy, realisation dawned upon Sean.
This was the mysterious Tom Riddle, owner of the diary Harry had told him all about.
Tom didn't seem that affected by Harry's entreaties, he merely scoffed.
"How could you have survived Voldemort's attack on you as a baby?"
And suddenly, all pieces clicked together in Sean's head. He understood. In a fright, he looked over at Harry, only to see his friend with a confused expression on his face.
Sean knew he couldn't start yelling, he couldn't do anything now to warn Harry that he was talking to you know who. He just had to keep calm and try to get harry and Kaycee out of here before Tom Riddle could cause even more harm.
A cold, vicious laugh echoed through the chamber, and made Sean wake up from his previous thoughts.
"You don't get it, do you? Okay, let me help you, Harry"
The pale boy took out his wand and began writing something in the air with red, glowing letters.
TOM MARVOLO RIDDLE
I AM LORD VOLDEMORT
Sean saw Harry's eyes widen, his head turning to him, looking at him with eyes full of terror. Sean tried to give Harry a look of reassurance, to tell him to stay calm non-verbally, but it just didn't work. As much as he loved Harry, they simply didn't have the same connection as he and Kaycee had.
There wasn't much time to communicate, however, because Tom Riddle began speaking again:
"You think I kept my filthy muggle father's name? No, I gave myself a new name, a name I knew people would fear once I became the greatest sorcerer of all time! "
It was at that moment that Sean's blood seriously began to boil. Not one muggle, or muggleborn for that matter, should be called filthy. Being a pureblood didn't make you a great wizard, muggleborns were just as good. And the fact that he had the nerve to call himself the greatest sorcerer of all time made Sean just forget his previous plan to keep his mouth shut.
"Albus Dumbledore is the greatest sorcerer of all time!"
Slowly, Tom Riddle tore his eyes away from Harry, and focused on the young Ravenclaw instead.
"And what gives you the right to talk to me? I don't think I've ever seen someone who looks like you in a book about pureblood families, which means that you're either a mudblood or a halfblood, and that means that I won't spend my precious time talking to you. Just go lay with your mudblood girlfriend or something."
Sean didn't think he had ever been this angry. He wanted to run to Tom, swing his fist in his face, spit at him, strangle him, but Harry took a hold of his arm before he had a chance to do anything. Tom Riddle, however, didn't pay much attention to the younger boy's sudden outburst. Instead, he simply turned his back towards them, and began speaking.
In parseltongue.
Harry turned, once again, to Sean, eyes even wider than a minute ago, if that was even possible, and this time, their communication went flawless.
Run.
But Sean didn't want to.
Harry seemed to have forgotten the curly-haired girl in all his fright, but Sean definitely hadn't. He had to keep her away from harm, at all cost.
And it wasn't even that he wasn't scared, 'cause he definitely was. He was terrified, frightened, panic-stricken, you name it, Sean felt it.
But loosing Kaycee would hurt so much more.
They should've known that there would follow something much worse than just the sissing sound of parseltongue, should've known that those kind of Dark things always led to other Dark things, but they weren't prepared for what came closer to them as a response on the parseltongue.
Out of nowhere came Salazar Slytherin's basilisk.
And the creature was ready to attack them.
Instinctively, Sean shuffled closer to Kaycee, trying to protect her. He was looking for something to defend himself with, but when he looked up, he saw that he shouldn't be scared for his own life.
He should be scared for Harry's.
The basilisk seemed to ignore him and Kaycee completely, diving to Harry as if he was the only one in the room.
"HARRY! COVER YOU EYES!!!"
His friend didn't turn around, but followed Sean's advice, thankfully.
Harry was blindly running now, seemingly not really caring where he was going, as long as it was out of the basilisk's eyesight. Just as Sean began to think about a plan to help the Gryffindor, he heard a long hoot.
He looked up. There, high up in the chamber, was Fawkes the Phoenix, with in his beak, the sorting hat.
Sean watched while the beautiful bird flew a few circles in the air, and then descended, letting the sorting hat fall near Harry's feet. He saw Harry looking at him from where he stood, a questional look in his eyes. Even though this wasn't the perfect moment to roll your eyes, Sean couldn't help it. Sometimes, when Hermione wasn't with them, Harry seemed to believe that Sean knew everything, just because he was a ravenclaw.
"I don't know! Pick it up! Maybe something's in there!"
Harry seemed to understand him, because he was already reaching for the hat, when an aggresive sounding hoot came from Fawkes. Harry, knowing that he couldn't look up if he didn't want to die, screamed at Sean:
"What's going on up there? You can look for me, he doesn't seem to notice you!"
Agreeing with the Gryffindor, Sean looked up, only to see the Phoenix dug his claws in what seemed to be the creature's eyes, or at least near them. He couldn't look directly in the basilisk's eyes, of course, but since the creature's back was turned to him, he didn't have to cover his eyes, which meant that he had a fairly good view on what was happening.
He was fascinated by the way Fawkes seemed to be absolutely livid. What made him come here? Maybe professor Dumbledore had sent h-
"SEAN! THERE'S A FREAKING SWORD IN THE HAT!"
Sean's eyes flew towards his friend, surprise probably quite noticeable in them. He figured that it wouldn't be a coincidence that Fawkes had taken the hat with him, but a sword? That was probably the best thing he  could've brought. He made a mental note to ask professor Dumbledore about all this later, when they came out of this chamber.
If they ever came out of it.
Trying to push down the anxiety that treatened to overtake him, he screamed back at Harry:
"GO ON! DEFEND YOURSELF! I'LL TRY TO GET KAYCEE OUT OF HERE!"
He saw his friend nodding, before taking the sword out of the hat and running towards the basilisk. Sean had to admire his bravery.
Quickly, he did as he had promised. He turned around to face the girl, ignored the pang in his chest when he noticed that she didn't look any healthier than she did a few minutes ago, and scooped her up, letting her rest on his shoulder. His arms were tightly wrapped around her legs, terrified he'd let her fall.
He stood up carefully, and began shuffling towards the other side of the room, crossing the distance he had run towards her once again. He made sure to stay close to the wall of the chamber, trying to be as unnoticeable as possible.
From the corner of his eyes, he saw Harry, mainly trying to dodge the basilisk's strikes.
The third time the creature tried to hit Harry, however, Sean saw something change in his friend's posture. Harry seemed more confident, more prepared. Sean stopped in his tracks, it felt like he forgot how to move his feet.
Something was going to happen.
He was right. Something did happen. It all happened so fast, Sean couldn't really follow anymore. He saw the basilisk move, saw Harry move, and the next thing he knew, the sword of Gryffindor was pierced into the basilisk's beak, while Harry was laying on the ground.
And to top all that, Tom Riddle seemed to appear next to Harry out of nowhere.
"You'll be reunited with your mudblood mother soon, Harry."
Something about Tom's voice seemed to trigger something inside of Sean, something outrageous, violent, dangerous.
He knew he had to help Harry. He would do the same for him.
Even though he was livid, he found enough gentleness to lay Kaycee down on the floor slowly, careful not to let any parts of her body fall harshly.
Then, he rushed to the middle of the room, where Harry and Tom Riddle were.
Only when he came closer did he see the reason why Harry was laying down: a large fang pierced his skin.
Tom Riddle didn't do anything to stop the boy from coming closer to his friend, probably thinking that a 12 year old without magical parents couldn't be a threat.
Well, Sean would learn him not to underestimate 'mudbloods'.
"This is going to hurt a bit, sorry Harry", Sean said, while walking straight up to the two, not even acknowledging Tom, and therefore not giving him any time to react to Sean's sudden move.
Before Riddle or Harry could comprehend what was happening, Sean had crouched down, gripped the fang, and ripped it out of Harry's arm.
The poor boy gripped his arm, rolling up into a ball, grunting in pain.
Originally, Sean had only planned on getting the fang out of Harry's arm and finding a way to get out of here before Riddle could get to them, but now that he stood there, he noticed the diary, laying on the floor.
And suddenly, everything became crystal clear.
He gripped the fang with both hands, took a deep breath, and burried the fang in the diary.
The boys were shook to their core when Riddle let out an absolutely terrifying scream. They both looked at the young form of you-know-who, who seemed to get burned from the inside out by a bright light. First, only his chest lit up, but after a while, his whole body was glowing, until he exploded into into more than a thousand little sparks.
Sean let out a breath he didn't know he was holding in.
Tom Riddle was gone.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sean found himself sitting on the side of a hospital bed for the umpteenth time that year. Only this time, it wasn't Hermione laying in it, but Kaycee. Sean thought back to what had happened a few hours ago. He felt a shiver run up his spine and shuffled closer to the curly haired girl, still needing to convince himself that she was here, alive.
When they had come out of the chamber a few hours ago, Madame Pomfrey had immediately taken Kaycee with her. Sean had followed, begging the nurse to tell him in how bad of a state Kaycee was. After inspecting her for a few minutes, she had turned around to the boy and had given him a smile. She had told him that Kaycee would be fine, as long as she would rest enough. Sean had thanked Madame Pomfrey and had quickly rushed to the bedside, taking a hold of Kaycee's soft, but cold, hand.
And that's where he still was, a few hours later.
There was one thing he'd learned from this whole adventure, he decided. He and Kaycee had a special connection. He didn't know what it was, or where it came from, but it was definitely there. He'd felt it for the first time when the basilisk came out of it's hiding place. The first thing that had flashed through his mind, was that he had to keep her safe. He didn't know why, but he seemed to want to be close to her, whether that was to protect her or something else he didn't understand either. She was definitely something special.
After quickly looking around to check that the curtains surrounding her bed were closed, he acted on that instinct, shuffling closer to her and, after a moment of slight hesitation, gently lifting her head and placing it in his lap, so he could run his hands through her soft curls.
He didn't know what the future would be like for them, didn't know where they would be 10 days from now, let alone ten years.
But all that wasn't important at the moment. Right now, she was in his arms, safe and well.
And that was all that mattered.
0 notes
slytherinserpentine · 5 years
Text
Break-up Ballet
SOME SMUT, SORT OF FLANGSTY I GUESS, POST WAR AU
Ballet Dancer!Draco
2k words
=========
Harry heaved an impatient sigh, glancing around the swamp that is his room. Clothes were strewn haphazardly throughout the place, draped along chairs and furniture that were barely visible through piles of laundry. What the hell is somebody supposed to wear to a ballet, anyway?
He snatched his Ever-Inking Quill™, courtesy of Cho’s newly opened stationary shop in Diagon Alley, and scratched a brief note to Hermione, which read:
What the hell is somebody supposed to wear to a ballet?
 - HP
“Take that to ‘Mione, please, Reggie.” He whispered to his new barn owl, clicking his teeth gently. He cooed lightly, taking the parchment in his beak. Harry gave his wing a light stroke, and sent him off.
It wasn’t long before he returned, parchment tucked gently in his talons, and Hermione’s neat print scrawled along in bold ink.
Wear that white collared shirt you have, with black trousers and a black tie. Nice shoes as well. Dress smartly, at least.
  - HG
“Thanks, Hermione,” He mumbled to himself. “And thank you Reggie, you handsome bird.” Reggie chirped appreciatively, pushing his beak against the ball of his palm. He smiled a little. Reg was a great owl, he really was, but Harry still missed Hedwig dearly. He only got a new bird out of necessity.
Harry finished getting ready, thanks to Hermione’s help, and stared at his mirror reflection. God, his friends were right. He did look like he needed a night off work.
The bags under his eyes were heavy, and prominent. His eyes looked sunken into his school. Even with all the extra product, his hair was a wild tangle of curls, grown out for far too long. His lips were chapped and cracked, and his shoulders looked heavy, slumped over and exhausted. He looked exhausted.
Ever since he and Draco split up- he winced at the thought- which was over a year ago, work has consumed him, in a way.
He walked out of his apartment with a determination to have one good night. At least one. It’s been too long.
The London air was chilly, and bit at his ears until they went numb. He walked along an old, damp sidewalk, riddled with weeds, and counted the cracks. He could smell stale cigarettes and perfume, and watched the ground for shadows cast by the sunset-colored street lights. The walk to the theatre wasn’t bad.
“Hey, mate, good to see you,” Ron grinned, clapping him on the bag on sight. His giddiness was contagious, and Harry found himself laughing a little.
“Harry! You look great,” Hermione wrapped him in a warm hug. For a second, the familiar scent of old books and apples confronted him. Hermione always did smell like home.
He hugged her back tightly, “Hey, guys.”
“So, let me give you a quick rundown on this event,” She said with business-like professionalism, and Harry felt himself melt into the familiarity of it. He was glad his friends never changed. “This company is world-famous. They’ve won several international competitions, and are known to be one of the most competitive and aggressive in the nation. So just, be respectful.”
“Yes, m’am.” Ron jokingly saluted her, wearing a teasing smile. She hit his shoulder, but laughed along anyway.
They quickly found their seats, and the ballet started shortly after. Harry wasn’t as bored as he expected to be. The dancers graced the stage in beautiful, synchronized movements that were beyond impressive. The group dances, however, were not nearly as interesting as the final event.
“And finally, a highly-anticipated solo from one of the UK’s most talented dancers: Draco Malfoy himself.”
A wave of applause overtook the crowd, just at his name. Harry blinked vacantly, and everyone around him suddenly became a blur of unfocused faces and far-away people. Draco Malfoy. He swallowed hard, and ignored Hermione and Ron’s concerned whispers.
Had he been smart, Harry would have left the theatre then and there. But echoes of memories played over in his head, uninterrupted by the heavy claps from either side of him. Slow dancing in the kitchen to Elvis. Kissing and grinding against each other, music blasting from the muggle speakers, almost loud enough to draw out their moans and whispers.
Their song. A muggle song, called “Old Money.” Lana Del Ray. Draco loved her voice.
Harry thought he was imagining it when that song started quietly through the speakers, but he wasn’t. Draco walked slowly across the stage, though ‘walked’ doesn’t feel like the right word. He might as well have been floating.
The words started, and Draco began. Harry took a harsh breath in. Draco’s body become fluid, powered only by rhythm and momentum. His muscles rippled under his skin, and a forlorn sort of longing crossed his features. He leapt and spun slowly across the stage, and every audience member held their breath. He moved like a flame: pure heat, flickering carelessly, but carefully at the same time. It was stunning.
The lights reflected in the paleness of his skin, and he became a shining pool of moonlight, and Harry felt a mask of warm tears welling in his eyes. Anger and jealousy seized him, because how dare this audience sit here. They don’t deserve to see him in all this beauty- when Harry knew him. Knew what this song was to him. Knew that this was not acting- that wistfulness that he embodied in his dancing- that was real.
The song came to an end and Harry had barely noticed the tears rolling in silent sobs down his face.
“Harry- Harry, are you okay?” Hermione was shaking his shoulder gently, but Harry didn’t bring himself to move. Couldn’t bring himself to move. Same thing.
“Did you know?” He whispered. “That it was him.”
“No, Harry, of course not.”
“Really? Really? You had no idea? It was just- just some happy fucking coincidence?” Harry whispered, a manic expression morphing his face.
“Harry, I’m so sorry,” Hermione said with a tight voice.
“Forget it.” He stood up abruptly, in the middle of a standing ovation, leaving the venue. Just one night. That was all he asked for.
Before he left, he threw one careless look back. Just before a bow, Draco’s eyes met his. The wind was knocked from his lungs as he lost himself in that gaze for the first time in a year. Draco froze, just for a second, and his winning smile was replaced with an open, parted expression. Harry turned and left.
-*-
He decided he didn’t want to go home. So he stayed outside, half-hoping that his friends would come looking for him, half-hoping they fuck off for a very long time. They never came.
He threw a half-hearted punch at the brick wall. Cold wind prickled against his skin. Everything fucking hurt. He leaned against the wall, silent cries shuddering through his lips.
“What the fuck am I supposed to do?” He whispered to an uncaring moon.
“Take a drag,” a voice suggested from behind him.
He did his best to wipe the pathetic tear tracks from his skin, but he knew it didn’t matter. He turned around, and Draco was holding out a cigarette, one already hanging from his teeth.
He opened his mouth to say something, but just took the cig wordlessly, instead. He held it between his teeth and let Draco light it. “Thanks.”
“Why’d you come tonight?” Draco whispered, not looking at him. Harry watched curls of smoke float into the night.
“Hermione invited me,” Harry whispered, taking the cigarette in his hand. “She thought I needed a night off from work.”
“You look like you need more than just one night off from work,” Draco muttered, sparing a sideways glance at him. “Jesus, look at the state of you.”
“You’re a real dick, you know that?” Harry said, half-angry and half just wanting to cry, before taking another long drag.
Draco didn’t protest that. He didn’t say anything for a long time, actually. Until Harry started walking away, with the intention to walk home. There was nothing left for him here. Just a ghost of what used to be home.
“Wait, Harry.” Draco called. Harry turned. “What, um, what did you think? Of the dance.”
Harry stared at him. He gave Draco a cruel look, the cruellest he could muster, and dropped the cigarette to the ground, stomping out the flame against damp pavement. “I thought it was fucking amazing. Brought me to tears, you piece of utter shit.”
“Wait, Harry.” Draco took his cig between his fingers. “Harry. Harry.”
“What?” Harry turned and snapped.
Before he knew it there were soft, hungry lips against his, and cold fingers pulling at his hair. Harry gasped, sliding his tongue against Draco’s, remembering and revelling in his smell. His mouth tasted like cigarettes but Harry couldn’t bother himself to care. The velvety feel of his flushed cheeks. God, he missed this.
Draco pulled away too soon. “I choreographed that bloody dance for you.”
“What?”
“It’s for you, Harry. All of it. I hate it, but I’m still so hopelessly fucking in love with you.” He choked on the words and fell into pieces right in that alleyway. “I can’t dance without thinking about you. I can’t do anything without thinking about you, Harry, and I resent you for that.”
Harry kissed him, and fluorescent light from the streetlamp clung to their silhouettes.
“I haven’t ever stopped loving you,” Harry whispered, pushing him against the brick wall, pinning him by his wrists Draco’s lips brushed lightly against the shell of Harry’s ear as he whispered, “Then prove it.”
Draco’s leather jacket was the first item of clothing to fall on the ground, and Harry’s mouth devoured the skin of his neck. Draco’s knees threatened to buckle and tiny whimpers blew into the wind at every touch. His trousers were next, as Harry pushed them to his ankles, then his pants.
His erection sprang free, all red and needy. Harry tenderly stroked the length of it, and Draco’s hips bucked against the brick with a heavy groan. Harry kissed him again, hard, with teeth clashing and hands grabbing.
“Please, oh god, Harry,” Draco breathed steadily. “God, please touch me.”
Harry sank to his knees, looking up at Draco through his eyelashes. Draco moaned loudly, “Get on with it, Potter.”
Harry’s tongue darted out to lick away a bead of precome, and Draco thrusted against his lips. Harry smiled, before licking a fat stripe along the shaft.
“Gods, yes, Harry,” Draco cried, hands burying themselves in Harry’s hair.
He took the whole of Draco’s length into his mouth at once, and bobbed his head to an invisible beat, his tongue twirling and working itself around the tip.
“Fuck,” Draco said.
Harry dug the heel of his palms into Draco’s thighs, and lapped away at his stiff, swollen cock. Draco yelled out, curling his hands into tight fists.
Harry took as much of Draco in as he could, and used his hands to tug at his balls teasingly. “Shit, I’m gonna- oh, fuck-”
He came in spurts, with a satisfied groan. “Oh, Harry.” He mumbled.
Harry cast a wordless cleaning charm and smiled.
“Come on,” He said. “We’re going home.”
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dramioneasks · 6 years
Text
HP FESTS: DramioneFanfictionWriters (Part 1)
Troping Thursdays 2018:
Making Sense by CourtingInsanity - E, one-shot - Hermione is brewing Amortentia for research...it doesn't smell exactly how she remembered it in Sixth Year. One-shot written for Troping Thursdays in Dramione Fanfiction Writers group on Facebook. Smut!
Strip by CourtingInsanity - M, one-shot - Hermione visits a strip show for Ginny's bachelorette party. While under the heavy influence of alcohol, she meets one of the entertainers...or should I say, becomes reacquainted with. Written for Troping Thursdays at Dramione Fanfiction Writers on Facebook!
By the Light of the Fire by CourtingInsanity - E, one-shot - Draco and Hermione are Head Boy and Head Girl, and decide it's time to take the next step in their relationship. Virgin!Hermione. Smut. Written for Troping Thursdays over at Dramione Fanfiction Writers on Facebook. Trope: virgin.
Promises by CourtingInsanity - T, one-shot - Marriage law one shot. Draco eagerly awaits his bride at the altar...but she isn't as happy as he is about the arrangement. Written for Dramione Fanfiction Writer's "Troping Thursdays" on Facebook.
The Lodinium by CourtingInsanity - M, one-shot - Draco and Hermione are on a mission to recover the elusive Lodinium, a special rock used to power weapons and spacecrafts. Sci-Fi AU! Drabble written for Troping Thursdays (19/04/18) in Dramione Fanfiction Writers on Facebook.
An Impossible Melody by CourtingInsanity - M, one-shot - Muggle AU! Draco has been in love with Hermione since the first time he met her; she's always looked down her nose at him. As adults, they work together at a law firm. Things are heating up during a screaming match in Hermione's office. One-shot, written for Dramione Fanfiction Writers' Troping Thursday on Facebook.
100 Days of Summer Comp 2018:
Coffee Kisses by Anonymous - M, one-shot - When Hermione’s forced to leave work for a month she ends up spending her time in France. Here she meets Draco, the new manager of her favourite coffee shop. Ever since their eyes locked, she can’t get the blonde out of her head.
Is It Hot in Here? by Anonymous - E, one-shot - It takes a heat wave in the middle of summer, a bet, and copious amounts of vodka for one of them to finally make a move.
Lucky by Anonymous - T, one-shot - Draco Malfoy was blinded by Voldemort during the last battle. He is unloved, unlucky, and spends his life alone. However, all of that changes with one stumble on a hot summer's day.Thank you to my beta 4vrSmoaked!!!This fic was written for the 100 days challenge. It was also written to bring awareness to the app that helps blind people called Be My Eyes! I did a lot of research with my friend (who is a trained specialist with the blind - as well as research with the app) to prep for this challenge and I'm really happy how it came out.
Sandcastles by Anonymous - T, one-shot - Draco lounges on the beach in the middle of paradise while Scorpius makes sandcastles. It's the perfect day—until his wife comes along and tells him they must leave their son behind. Dramione. Written for the 100 Days of Summer Comp.
The Mountains We Climb by Anonymous - M, one-shot - It's five years after the War, and Draco has all but left the Wizarding World to climb the tallest mountains in the world. Hermione Granger had left the Wizarding World too, taking off to the Rocky Mountains for University. When their two worlds collide, they must learn to navigate treacherous terrain, both on the mountain, and in their hearts.
Champagne Lace by Anonymous - M, one-shot - Hermione snatched her hand back, her brows lowering along with the corners of her lips. "Malfoy, have you even been listening?" "Yes, Granger, I have been. I know this tripe already. I know you're very knowledgeable and enjoy showing it off whenever you can. Now take my hand." "Why?" He pulled back, carding that hand through his fair locks as he muttered under his breath. She reached her own hand out, placed it on his arm, "Draco?" It wasn't often she called him by his Christian name. They'd used each other's surnames for so long they were merely ways to show their affection now, so it made him pause. Huffing out a sigh, he held his hand back out to her. "I'm trying to ask you to marry me, so take my damn hand."
My Song Knows by Anonymous - E, one-shot - School Reunion after 5 years. Destination: Salou. Music, food, sand and sea.  Much has changed, and this reunion brings two people together unplanned. But thoughts change and so do assumptions. What if this weekend is the beginning of something?Multiple pairings, focus on Dramione.Challenge by the Dramione FB Writers competition: 100 Days Of Summer.2 prompts: "As the unforgiving sun shone and the waves broke over her head stealing her last breath, he reached for her," and "He watched the droplet of sweat languidly ease its way between her enticing cleavage and licked his lips."
DFW Halloween Trope Fest 2018:
All Tears Taste of Salt by PartyLines - M, one-shot - Two sides of a blade meet at the tip to draw the same blood. Two lost souls can give back to the broken.
A Secret in the Glass Room by MykEsprit - E, one-shot - After placing a surveillance charm on the mirror in his study, Hermione watches Draco. He finds a scarf she left behind...and what he does next makes her squirm.
The Curse of Marriage by writerspassion18 - M, 3 chapters - Forced into a marriage by a law created long ago, Hermione gets more than she bargained for when she marries into a deadly family curse.
Hermione Got A Gun by xxcelientje - T, WIP - What happens when the two most wanted criminals take what Hermione and Draco love most? While they fight to get their little star back, Hermione thinks back to the time she met Draco.. A story of love, hate, family and cowboy hats.
Happy Ending by Felgia_Starr - M, 4 chapters - During a moment of desire, Hermione and Draco sneak out of Prosperfae University's annual Haunted Halloween Ball Party and go to the nearest deserted classroom, which just so happens to be a Potions classroom. Everything is going so smoothly—Hermione's top-half is bare, Draco is ready to take off his trousers, and they are having the most passionate of kisses—but then they hear something break. Written for DFW's Halloween Trope Fest.
On Hinges, On Haunches by zoomzoomzuppa - M one-shot - Draco is the alpha of his pack in a world forgotten by sleeping gods.
The Professor by chefke - not rated, 10 chapters - no summary
Five Times Ought to Do It by MrsRen - M, one-shot  Cast back in time to learn a lesson that neither of them understand, Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy are about to uncover more about the other than they ever imagined. Plus, there's the pesky detail of getting back to 1998.
Lost and Found by crochetaway - M, one-shot - Hermione feels loss and lost. She and Harry are both plagued by flashbacks to a life they never lived. When she meets Draco he seems to be the answer to every question she never knew she needed to ask.
Deus Ex Machina by ravenclaw_sass - T, 6 chapters - It has long been predicted that technology would mark the downfall of man, but no one ever expected that a single A.I. could possibly claim that sole responsibility by merging the powers of technology with magic. Hermione is instructed to keep an eye on Malfoy with the hope that his inside knowledge holds the key to Voldemort's destruction.
Out For Blood by CourtingInsanity - T, one-shot - The past finally catches up with Draco Malfoy, but he never expected it to take the form of Hermione Granger. He has a dark secret, and she's the last person he would want to witness one of his most vulnerable moments...Written for the Dramione Fanfiction Writer's Halloween Trope Fest 2018!
Black Cat Intruder by EdanaK  - T, one-shot - The Malfoy Halloween Party was meant to be one of celebration. Instead, there's a Black Cat intruder and the soon to be Mrs Malfoy is missing.
An Indecent Proposal by LadyKenz347 - not rated, one-shot -  Draco Malfoy shows up with an envelope of pictures and a simple request.
Couplage by msmerlin - E, 7 chapters - When the Ministry decreed all persons with Veela heritage must make the pilgrimage back to Les Champs D'accouplement for a mandatory two week stay to their most sacred grounds, Draco was far from happy. Little did he know his connection to the Veela Queen and just how upside down his world would turn after his short stay. PWP. Non-War AU.
Voices by Kyonomiko  - M, 3 chapters - Hermione has long accepted she might not make it through the war alive, but after years on the battlefield, she never expected to end up at the mercy of Draco Malfoy. Not untouched by his own experiences, his manic behavior leaves her living in constant fear of the unknown, suffering both affections and afflictions at his hands.
Extreme Adventure Blind Dating by In_Dreams - T, one-shot - On the market for someone willing to look beyond his past and his family name, Draco signs up for a literal blind date. But his day doesn't exactly turn out as he expected.
Haunting a Coffee Shop by mhcalamas - T, one-shot - Hermione is stuck in a dream loop, involving a coffee shop and Draco Malfoy...or is it a dream after all?
Common Ground by tofadeawayagain - G, one-shot - It’s the second time in her life that she finds herself attending Sir Nicholas de Mimsy Porpington’s Deathday Party. She’s listening to musical saws in an ice-cold dungeon and avoiding a table covered in rotting food while surrounded by the dead. At least she brought a peacoat and mittens this time, but its not much of a bright side.
Diamond Heart by artemisgirl - T, one-shot - When Hermione approaches Draco Malfoy proposing a fake relationship between the two of them as part of a scheme, he's eager enough to participate -- the potential benefits outweigh any costs on his time. But as it all progresses, Draco finds himself wondering what it would be like if what was 'fake' was real.
Triwizard Tournament Fest 2018:
The 13th Christmas by LittleSixx - T, one-shot - Hermione signs up for an anonymous dating service during eighth year, and when she asked her match for "twelve days of Christmas" something may have gotten lost in interpretation.
Twelve Days of Christmas War by Frumpologist, MykEsprit - T, one-shot - Pansy, Theo, and Blaise demand an end to Draco and Hermione’s incessant competition after they nearly ruin their monthly game night. When Hermione and Draco agree on one, final competition - winner takes all - the Twelve Days of Christmas War begins.
Unexpected Gifts, Plus More by RooOJoy, Rosella_Burgundy - T, one-shot - In attempt to make Hermione happy for Christmas, Draco follows Harry's advice to the letter and ends up surprising both Hermione and himself.
Felix Culpa by Felgia_Starr, nikknack - T, one-shot - Four times Draco ruins Christmas, and the one time he doesn't.
Gaining Her Favor by Disenchantedglow, msmerlin - T, one-shot - Eight years post war, Hermione finds herself surrounded by an unlikely group of friends after spending eight years in Healer training with Draco, Pansy and Theo. One night while at a pub, Hermione mentions that she wants to be given 'The 12 days of Christmas' like the famous muggle song. The two wizards take her request to heart and compete for her attention. Written for Dramione FanFiction Writer's Triwizard Tournament. Round #1.
Guess I'm Stuck With You by LittleSixx - T, one-shot - Draco and Hermione are stuck in a Ministry lift on New Year's Eve.
Clementia by RooOJoy, Rosella_Burgundy - T, one-shot - A cursed statue sends Hermione and Draco into an alternative reality where they have to work together in order to stay alive. A voyage through forgiveness and redemption.     
Something Bad by Disenchantedglow, msmerlin - E, one-shot - Auror Malfoy has been tracking a notorious drug lord know as Bală for over six months when intel leads him to a New Years party in an Italian Mansion. With only arresting the criminal in mind, imagine his shock when a familiar face peeks through the crowd.Hermione Granger is a hired hand, working to remove only the most wicked people from the world. When her next hit leads her on a chase to Italy, she never dared to hope she'd once again run into the man who's plagued her dreams since their weekend in Brazil so many months ago.Who will catch the Drug Lord first? Will sparks fly a second time between old foes? 
Belonging by Frumpologist, MykEsprit - T, one-shot - Draco is boarding the train to leave Hogwarts for the last time when a mysterious presence finds him alone in his compartment. It’s up to Hermione Granger to save his life — and, perhaps, his soul.
For Those Who Come To San Francisco by Felgia_Starr, frecklesandbroomsticks - M, one-shot - Hermione Granger is a gentle woman with plenty of flowers in her hair, wanting to change the world for the better. She hopes to find and befriend like-minded people. Draco Malfoy is a psychedelic artist who just wants to get away from his parents and see the beauty of the world for his own. He hopes to find peace and contentedness before he leaves for the war.What happens when they bump into each other one beautiful day in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco during the summer of love?
The Feast of Valentine by Frumpologist, MykEsprit - M, 3 chapters - The Feast of Valentine approaches, bringing with it a final opportunity to end High Priest Riddle’s reign of terror. Can Draco and Hermione stop him, or will Riddle and his cult rip their family apart?
A Year in Azkaban by LittleSixx - M, one-shot - Draco Malfoy has been sentenced to twenty years in Azkaban, and his only hope of survival is the shadowy figure in the corner of his cell.
Devil's Trill by Felgia_Starr, frecklesandbroomsticks - E, one-shot - When fate makes her plans, sometimes all you can do is buckle in and get ready for the ride.
Obsession by Disenchantedglow, msmerlin - M, one-shot - Months of love notes and gifts from a secret admirer have gone ignored until Draco is a no show for his valentine's dinner with Hermione.. When friends turn enemies, can Hermione find him before the night is done. Or will obsession win? #3 Entry for DFW's Triwizard Cup.
Finding The Light by RooOJoy, Rosella_Burgundy - M, one-shot - A journey through the years shows how Draco Malfoy pulled Hermione from the darkness that was drowning her. Hermione will have to overcome more than the self-loathing for her "condition". She will have to accept the guilt Draco buried.
This fest is ongoing.
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whimsicaldragonette · 6 years
Text
Romancing the Sorcerer’s Stone (Part 17 of 24)
Part 1~ Part 2~  Part 3~ Part 4~ Part 5~ Part 6~ Part 7~ Part 8~ Part 9~ Part 10~ Part 11~ Part 12~ Part 13~ Part 14~ Part 15~ Part 16~ Part 17~ Part 18~ Part 19~ Part 20~ Part 21~ Part 22~ Part 23~ Part 24~
June 2003 — London, England
The owl pecks at the window just as they’re sitting down to eat. Harry jumps up, eagerly anticipating the contents of the missive. And, yes, their international floo request has been approved and Malfoy has arranged their rooms. Everything is in order. Just in time, too, since they’ll be leaving the following morning.
Harry hums to himself all the way to the dinner table. He notices Ginny’s frown as he sinks back into his chair, and pauses. Surely he’s told her? Better to be sure, though.
“We’re leaving for Florence in the morning,” he says as he reaches for the peas. “We’ll be flooing out at nine.”
June 2003 — Florence, Italy
It had been Malfoy’s idea, born of a lot of very intense pacing and plotting that first night, to disguise themselves as journalists. Harry had vetoed the ridiculous fake mustaches, but the cover story had been a stroke of genius. Not that he’s ever going to tell Malfoy that.
They’d gotten nearly everything they needed from eager security guards and museum employees. They’d all seemed perfectly willing to discuss security and restoration methods with anyone who offered the chance to have their name in print.
Not that they’d actually be writing the article, he thought, but that doesn’t matter, really. Just the possibility of seeing their name in the papers had got people talking. It’s not long before they’ve worked out a plan of attack.
Two grown men huddled under the invisibility cloak would have been a hilarious sight — except they’re invisible. Conveniently, Harry thinks. Well, there is an inconvenient amount of hunching over and bumping hands and elbows jabbing ribs, but at least no one can see them.
Not that anyone is there to see them, seeing as it’s the middle of the night, long after the museum had closed for the day. They’d hidden, curled into a cramped nook behind what he thought was a rather hideous statue of a horse made of junk, carefully draped in the invisibility cloak as the last patrons had been herded out, as the employees had turned off the lights and locked the doors, as the security guard had shuffled past on his rounds.
Now, secure in their invisibility, they maneuver themselves to their feet and rub the cramps from their muscles.
It wouldn’t do to be discovered on camera, Harry thinks, stifling a chuckle as he thinks of the fright they would give the security guards, a disembodied hand or foot floating in an empty room.
“Ready?” he whispers, and Malfoy nods, casting another disillusionment over them. Together, they make their way to the main gallery, where the painting they need hangs. Only, it isn’t there. All of the planning and scheming, and it isn’t even there.
They stare, flabbergasted, at the blank frame, and the tiny sign that reads “This painting is currently being restored by Baldicotts to return it to its former glory. We apologize for any inconvenience.”
“Well, fuck me,” Malfoy says, after a moment. “Come on.”
“Er, where—“
Malfoy sighs, grabs Harry’s arm, and apparates them.
They land back in their hotel room, and Harry throws the cloak off. “Malfoy! What the fuck was that all about?”
Malfoy doesn’t answer, just turns toward the bathroom. As he walks through the door he says, over his shoulder, “Because that painting is being restored by Pansy bloody Parkinson, and we can hardly visit her in the middle of the night.”
Harry gapes at the door. Parkinson is restoring the painting?
Parkinson is restoring the painting.
How very… odd, Harry thinks, as she opens the door of Baldicotts: Restorers of Fine Art.
“Oh,” she says, tone thoroughly unimpressed, “it’s you. Tell me, what have I done to warrant this?” She addresses this last to the sky as if the clouds might answer.
“Pansy, you incomparable bitch,” Malfoy drawls, “you grow more beautiful and cruel every day. You wound me, truly.”
She laughs delightedly. “C’mere you,” she says, drawing Malfoy into a hug. She thrusts him to arm’s length and studies him for a moment, kisses his cheeks, and then nods at Harry, sleek black bob swinging.
She looks much as she had in school, only sharper. Like the years have worn off any softness and only hard, brilliant diamond remains.
“You look good darling,” she says, as she gestures them inside. “Life must be agreeing with you lately.”
Malfoy smiles. “As a matter of fact—“
“Not before tea, darling. You know I don’t discuss business without a strong cuppa and a good chocolate.”
“Never change, Pansy dear,” he says fondly. “How else would I know what to get you for Christmas?”
“As to that, Draco, you really must stop sending me green things.” She darts a glance at Harry, and he looks steadily back, confused.
She shrugs, turning back to Malfoy, who looks a tiny bit uncomfortable, but determined to ignore it.
They settle into stylish, yet surprisingly comfortable leather chairs in a small parlor off the main room. She snaps her fingers, and a house elf pops into view. “Mindy, tea for three, please. And some of those chocolates we just got in from Paris.”
Mindy nods and winks out, reappearing quickly with an elegant tea tray.
“So,” Parkinson asks, crossing her legs daintily, “what nefarious scheme has brought you to my place of business today?”
Malfoy leans forward, steepling his fingers. “You’re restoring the Carmichael portrait for Uffizzi’s.
She frowns, tapping her overly-pointed red nails against her cup. “Yes. That’s a statement of fact, not a request.”
Malfoy takes a deep breath, lets it out slowly. “We need it.”
She raises her eyebrow. “You need what?”
“The painting. It’s cursed you see. Carmichael was a distant relative of my grandmother, and his portrait was cursed back in Grindelwald’s day. We simply can’t allow it to continue making the muggles sick.” He leans forward, warming to his subject.
Both of her eyebrows shoot up, nearly disappearing under her close-cropped bangs.
Harry leans back in his chair and sips his tea, content to watch. Malfoy is a master at manipulation.
Parkinson, it seems, is unmoved by his charm.
“It would be against my ethical code, darling,” she says, sipping her tea calmly.
“Bullshit,” Malfoy says. “You don’t have an ethical code — never have. You forget I know you.”
She lifts a finger to silence him.
“It would be against my ethical code,” she continues implacably, “to do it myself. Which, honestly darling, you don’t want anyway. I may be a whiz at restoring paintings, but I leave the forgery in the much more capable hands of my assistant.”
Harry leans forward now, interested. “Where is this assistant?”
She waves a hand airily. “Who knows. She owled me earlier that she had met up with some old school acquaintances at lunch and was taking the rest of the day off to take them sightseeing.”
“Old school acquaintances?”
“Mmm. You might know them as your wife and fiancée.”
“Oh.” Malfoy looks nonplussed for a moment. “Who is this assistant, then?”
Pansy uncrosses her legs and recrosses them in the other direction. “Not to worry. Luna is the best forger I’ve ever encountered.”
Harry nearly inhales his tea. “I’m sorry, did you say Luna? As in Luna Lovegood?”
Pansy grins toothily. “Like I said. She’s the best.”
She pauses.
“Now, we come to the question of payment.”
“We can give you—“
She waves him off as if she were swatting a fly. “I don’t want your money, Draco.”
He frowns. “Then, what do you want?”
She considers for a moment, tapping idly at the side of her cup, and chewing the side of her lip, in what Harry assumes is a very un-Pansy-like way. Then she uncrosses her legs and leans forward like she’s about to tell them a secret.
“I want an invite to one of your dinners at the Burrow.”
Malfoy does choke on his tea. “You want — but— good god, woman. Why?” he splutters.
“Hey,” Harry says, shoving him good-naturedly. “That’s my family you’re knocking.”
“I know, but—“
“Malfoy,” Harry says, a note of warning in his voice to temper the humor. “You like those dinners.”
“Yes, but—“
Harry’s eyes narrow, and he looks past Malfoy to Parkinson’s amused face. “But, why do you want to be invited, is the question. What’s your game, Parkinson?”
She laughs lightly. “No game. Well, not entirely, anyway. I just want an in.”
“An in…” Malfoy’s eyes widen in horror. “Pansy, no.”
She quirks an eyebrow at him. “Pansy yes.”
He sighs heavily. “Which one? Which horrible ginger Weasley do you have your eye on this time, wench?”
She rolls her eyes and pats him on the head. “If you must know, it’s George.”
Malfoy stares, horrified. “No! Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes? Why on earth would you—“
“Have you looked at him lately, darling?” Pansy interrupts. “He’s definitely eye-candy now. And I find I enjoy his company. I just want a chance to get to know him better, that’s all. Surely you can afford that.”
Malfoy grumbles to himself, but Harry interrupts him by placing a quelling hand on his knee.
“I’m not entirely sure this is a good idea, mind, but if any of the Weasleys can handle you, it would be George. The next dinner is this coming Sunday. Can you make it?”
She grins. “Wouldn’t miss it.” She rubs her hands together, her manner entirely businesslike once more. “When do you need your painting?”
“As soon as possible,” Harry says. Malfoy still looks like he’s having trouble forming words.
She nods. “It will take a few weeks for Luna to complete the reproduction. We’ll need to restore the real painting first and then copy it. I’ll owl you when it’s ready.”
“If you’re going to be attending Weasley dinners, you may as well just tell me in person.”
“Hmm. True. Now,” she says, rising from her chair and ushering them out of her office, “I’m afraid I have to get back to work.”
She leads them back to the door, heels clicking smartly against the black and white tile floor.
It’s a lovely suite of offices, now Harry is paying attention. Elegant and refined, with the touch of whimsy that could only have come from Luna.
Luna and Parkinson. Now there is a match made in a special kind of hell. Harry shakes his head, hoping he knows what he’s doing, but he’s fairly certain George will be able to handle her.
Part 1~ Part 2~  Part 3~ Part 4~ Part 5~ Part 6~ Part 7~ Part 8~ Part 9~ Part 10~ Part 11~ Part 12~ Part 13~ Part 14~ Part 15~ Part 16~ Part 17~ Part 18~ Part 19~ Part 20~ Part 21~ Part 22~ Part 23~ Part 24~
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dracoandluna · 7 years
Text
Prompt: Auror AU. They did not attend Hogwarts and Voldemort does not exist in this universe.
Draco huffed indignantly, he hated waiting.
It was a usual London night: wet, cold, and miserable. He stood in an alleyway across from the club he and his partner were to infiltrate and find any members of a wizarding gang that was suspected of smuggling illegal magical contraband.
Of course, he could only investigate if his bloody partner would arrive!
Luna Lovegood was already 15 minutes late, and Draco began to feel worry as well as his simmering annoyance. Despite her dreamy appearances, Luna was very well aware of her surroundings (so well she saw things that didn't even exist, Draco thought dryly), and was almost never late, especially by such a large margin.
Shoving his hands into his muggle pants, Jeans they were called, Draco let himself stare off into space as he remembered the day he and Lovegood were assigned to each other as Auror partners.
*
Potter sat to his right, with Weasley on his left, and Granger next to Weasley. In front of him sat Longbottom with Lovegood seated to his right.
Today marked the end of their Auror training, and after the short commencement ceremony, they would finally be full-fledged Auror's. Draco was extremely smug, he was' graduating' at the top of his 'class'. He would have been the best trainee had Granger not scored a perfect on the bloody written exam- how was he to know that one of the questions purposefully had no right answer?!
That aside, Draco was still satisfied. He had escaped the fate of inheriting his father's company, which would have just bored him to tears. The future of his professional career would be filled with adventure, crime fighting, and the thrill of helping someone. Not that he would really say that last part aloud...he wasn't a bloody sap.
Dumbledore, Chief Auror, had finished his sentimental speech and all the soon-to-be Auror's stood up, ready to be given their badges. As they lined up in front of him in front of their families and loved ones, Dumbledore attached the badges to their robes, with Snape, the assistant chief, held the box holding the badges, trailing behind him with a bored expression on his face.
With the Auror badge resting proudly on his chest, Draco turned around to catch the eye of his parents; Mother gave him a large smile and a wave, while Father nodded, his expression not as severe as usual.
The ceremony was far from over, however. Perhaps what was more exciting than receiving the official Auror badge was finding out who your partner would be. It was a centuries old tradition in the Auror Department that each Auror was assigned a partner with whom they would tackle each and every case with. Despite considering him senile at times, Draco grudgingly admitted that Dumbledore wasn't completely off his rocker, and that he didn't have to feel worried about who he would be assigned to work with him for the rest of his Auror career.
"As fully-commissioned Auror's, I don't have to remind any of you the importance of loyalty, and the strength that comes from friendship," Dumbledore announced, a playful smile on his face. Draco only rolled his eyes.
"The Auror department upholds the integrity of interdependence, and it is with this understanding that true power comes from the compassion we hold for those nearest to us, we move on to announce you who your Auror partner will be. Your partner, ideally, should be for life. We have taken great consideration in deciding who would be fit with whom."
"Learn about your partner," Dumbledore instructed them, "Become your partner's sword and shield, and they your mirror, so you will always reflect before taking an action. Raise your wands together against the Dark Arts, and carry with valor the duty that has been placed upon you," Dumbledore finished, his eyes boring into all the new Auror's faces.
Draco was suddenly excited about who his partner would be. His top choice would be Potter and then Weasley- they were after all his best friends.
"Ronald Weasley and Harry Potter," Dumbledore read off his list. Draco blanched, there went his first two choices in the bloody first round! Potter and Weasley grinned and fist bumped each other. Though a bit annoyed, Draco reminded himself that Thomas, Finnigan, Zabini, Nott and Longbottom were all still available, and he was good friends with all of them.
All of them except Longbottom had gotten paired off with someone other than Draco. No matter, despite being a sniveling buffoon at times, Longbottom was more than bearable.
"Neville Longbottom and Lavender Brown," Dumbledore read next.
Salazar's snake! There went all of his choices! He looked around warily, reviewing what few Auror's were left that he could be paired up with. Suddenly, the worst case scenario played out in his mind: getting Granger as his partner.
No. No, this could not be! Draco schooled his expression into utter nonchalance while inside he despaired at the thought of working with Granger-he'd rather face a dragon wandless!
"Hermoine Granger and," Draco held his breath, "Cedric Diggory," Draco exhaled in deep relief, every muscle relaxing.. Potter elbowed him in the ribs, giving him a knowing a look. Weasley looked like he wanted to be offended, but ended up looking just understanding. In fact, now that Draco thought about, Weasley probably knew about Granger's know-it-all attitude better than anyone else. Poor chap.
"Draco Malfoy," the sound of Dumbledore's voice snapped him out of revere, and all his attention was focused on the old man in front of him. Every muscle tense once more, Draco unconsciously leaned forward as he waited to find out the identity of his partner, "And Luna Lovegood."
Draco whipped his head to face Lovegood so quickly he nearly strained a muscle in his neck. She was watching him with her large misty eyes, as if she been expecting this! She gave him a dreamy smile before turning her attention back towards Dumbledore.
Draco couldn't believe his rotten luck. Potter patted him sympathetically on the shoulder.
*
The signature pop sound associated with apparation snapped Draco out of his daydream, and every complaint he had for being forced to wait for her died on his tongue when he saw her.
Draco was not daft- he was very well aware that Luna was extremely attractive, perhaps more so than any other man, considering he usually spent around 12 hours with her on average. But he was usually able to ignore this for the most part because of her ludicrous outfit choices. It doesn't matter how beautiful the woman, any desire to shag is completely thrown out the window when said woman is wearing bloody radishes as earrings and going on about mythical creatures as if they were bloody real.
He was actually thankful that Luna was the way she was; their relationship was to be strictly professional, and the last thing he wanted was admitting to his parents he was fired because he was caught shagging his partner on his desk.
But the Luna that stood in front of him made him painfully aware of the great attraction he felt towards her, and Draco didn't know if he wanted to pull out his hair or just continue staring at her like an idiot with his jaw hanging open.
"I'm terribly sorry about the wait Draco," she apologized, her large eyes looking smaller and sexier in the smoky make up she had on, "But Hermione was...thorough, to say the least in getting me ready for the evening."
Granger! Of course she was to blame for his discomfort, she always was! Who bloody else would have thought putting Luna in a short, skin tight silver dress with a plunging neckline would be a good idea?!
"Let's just go," he snapped, his voice embarrassingly hoarse. He would die from mortification if Luna were to find out how he felt about her. Not that it was anything romantic! He was just a hot blooded bloke in the company of a good looking female...
He heard Luna's heels click against the pavement behind him and he briefly wondered if Luna was cold- she was showing an outrageous amount of skin after all. He turned to look at her and wished he hadn't, she was even prettier closer up. Her hair had been freed from all its waves (straightening, he believed the process was called), and her every feature was accentuated by skillfully done make up. Lose the raddish earrings and she suddenly looks like a bloody supermodel, Draco thought to himself moodily.
"Do you think the loud music will scare away or draw in Wrackspurts, Draco?"
Draco sighed, why were the beautiful ones always insane?
The bouncer let them in without checking their ID's and Draco's senses were immediately assaulted by the environment of the club. Probing lights hurt his eyes, the loud music made his ears throb, the smell of alcohol and sweat was disgustingly overwhelming, and to top it all off it was unbearably hot inside as well.
He glanced at Luna from the corner of his eye; she looked both in awe and in discomfort. Draco snorted, of course Luna had never been inside a nightclub before, she was too pure for such dirty places.
Placing a hand on the small of her back and ignoring the tingle of electricity he felt at contact, Draco maneuvered her through the dancing crowd towards the bar, where they luckily managed to grab to seats next to each other.
A portly looking middle-aged man who was the bartender approached them, "What can I get ye?"
"Just a beer for me," Draco had to shout over the sound of the blaring music for the man to hear. He turned to Luna and raised an eyebrow, silently asking what she wanted.
"Chocolate Milk, please," she asked in the most polite tone one could use while screaming. The bartender started at her incredulously.
Draco rolled his eyes, "Just a water for her."
Luna looked at him in great confusement, "They don't have Chocolate Milk?"
Ignoring her Draco leaned forward close enough that his lips touched her hair when he spoke, pushing down the thrill of proximity, "Just keep looking around as if you can't believe what's going on, but be on the lookout for a tattoo that's made up of a dagger and a twisted wand, that's what the alleged gang symbol is," he instructed.
Luna nodded and Draco took his beer from the bar table, nursing it as he too gazed out at the surrounding scene with a face of utter boredom. If you look disinterested, no one would be interested in you, which was crucial when undercover.
He couldn't for the life of him understand why Muggle's enjoyed such activities so much...they were borderline barbaric, he thought to himself, as he quickly moved his eyes away from yet another couple that was grinding. There was a lot of that going on. His traitorous mind kept tempting him with images of Luna grinding on him and he had to resolutely push them away. Perhaps he understood a bit better why Muggle's were such fans of establishments of this nature.
Despite a plethora of distractions in front of him, his gaze kept returning to his partner next to him. She was twirling her straw in her water, swinging her feet to the beat of whatever song was playing. To anyone else, Luna looked like she was in another world. Draco knew better.
Luna caught his eye and gave him a smile and Draco quickly turned his face, embarrassed that he been caught gawking at her like a foolish schoolboy. It wasn't his fault that Luna was nothing at all what he had imagined she was. It wasn't his fault she looked ridiculously good in the Muggle clothes Granger had dawned on her.
A movement towards them caught his eye, and in front of them stood a huge man, who looked more bear than man in build. Draco's hand slid under his sleeve where his wand was concealed, but it turned out the man wasn't interested in him.
"Would the beautiful lady like a dance?" he asked Luna, his words coated under a thick Italian accent. He was about to tell him to bugger off when Luna bloody giggled.
"I would love to," she responded, placing her tiny hand in the man's claw like one. By the time Draco found his voice, Luna was already in the middle of the dance floor- and she was surrounded by his equally as large friends!
Draco was suddenly consumed by a bright red rage at the sight of Luna surrounded by such vulgar looking men. His grip on his beer turned his knuckles bright white. Bitterly taking a gulp of the bad tasting alcohol, Draco glared daggers at Luna, how could she just abandon the mission to start partying?!
Enough was enough, he snarled to himself. Slamming his half drunk beer onto the counter, not caring about the scathing look the bartender sent his way for doing that, Draco roughly pushed and shoved his way through the crowd until he had reached Luna.
Her back was to him, and her dancing consisted of her standing in one spot and waving her hands wildly in the air. Grabbing one of her waving arms, he yanked her towards him until she was flush against his chest. Suddenly all he could smell was her homemade shampoo. He knew it was homemade because she had made him some too.
She looked up at him, her hair sliding across his chest from the action, "Oh!" was all she said when she recognized him.
"Fuck off!" Draco shouted at the man who had asked her to dance, though making it a point to look all his friends in the eye, "I don't want you anywhere near my girlfriend, got that you grizzly bear inbreeds?!"
One by one dark looks passed on their faces, their anger clear. Perhaps Draco should have thought out his actions a bit more....
"You think you can walk up to me, tell me what to do, insult me, and just walk away?!" the half man, half bear bellowed, lunging forward to grab Draco by the collar of his shirt.
Draco had just enough time to push Luna out of the way before jumping away himself. His odds were not good; he was outnumbered, he couldn't use magic, and there was no way to strategically retreat.
At least we were taught hand to hand combat, he thought to himself grimly as he ducked another blow before landing one himself in one of freak chimera's kidney. His victory was short lived, however, as he was grabbed by the arms from behind, lifted up into the air almost effortlessly by one of them. Draco squeezed his eyes shut as he watched the man cock his arm back in preparation for one hell of a right hook.
He was dropped to the ground the next second. All five men stood with a recognizable blank look in their eyes, and one look at Luna confirmed it- she had obliviated them! Not wasting anytime in grabbing her hand, Draco pulled her along with him quickly as they made their way to the exit. It was only once they were outside and the music from outside could only be felt in vibrations, the noise too muffled by brick, did Draco allow himself to breathe.
"Are you alright Lovegood?" he asked, surveying her for any injury. He had made sure she was safe during the quick scuffle, but something could have happened without him knowing.
"I'm fine Draco," she replied, her tone as calm as ever, but the look in her eyes was unreadable.
Suddenly, Draco remembered his embarrassing tantrum and felt his entire face growing hot, "I-"
His explanation was cut off by Luna, "I only agreed to dance with him because I saw what looked like half of the tattoo you described to me from where his collar was open."
Draco pinched his nose with his thumb and forefinger. He was a bloody idiot.
"I put a tracking charm on all of them, so you helped me out really," she continued, "I really didn't want to dance with them anymore, so you saved me from an awkward parting."
Draco's eyes snapped open to stare at her. She was smiling, but there was still a strange look in her eyes.
What if, a small voice whispered in his head, his attraction wasn't one-sided? What if Luna desired you just as you did her? What if...
"Luna," he said quietly, watching as the multi-colored lights danced on her body and the way her eyes opened in surprise; he never called anyone by their first name, "Would you be terribly offended if I did something terribly unprofessional?"
His leap of faith was rewarded when Luna licked her lips and Draco couldn't help but shudder with arousal. Taking a step towards him, she tilted her head in that Luna way of hers before giving him a shy smile, "It depends on what standard of unprofessional you're referring to."
Closing the distance between them in one stride, his hands automatically came up to hold her waist and pull her close to him, her presence threatening to overwhelm him. Dipping his head so that his nose touched her upturned one (it was almost funny how much taller he was than her), he said in a low voice, "The standard that specifically prohibits me from kissing you."
Luna let him know what she thought of that standard by going up on her tip toes and kissing him.
Maybe Granger's interference every now and then wouldn't be that bad.
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textsfromumbridge · 7 years
Text
Slytherin to your Chamber of Secrets (Rebecca x Nathaniel)
Or: five times Nathaniel was a gigantic Harry Potter nerd in front of Rebecca
AN: I’m a terrible person, but I’m into it. Sorry not sorry. I’ll drag you all into the trash with me. 
...
#1
How did she not realize before? Ever since the elevator, it had become so obvious to her. 
And she wasn’t talking about him being hot - that was definitely a before the elevator thing. 
She was talking about the myriad of Harry Potter related things she had discovered around and about her boss. And she hadn’t even been spying on him that much. Okay, not much for her was still a lot more than most people, but still. She hadn’t even followed him home - much. 
Yeah, she’d been a little bored since the engagement... since it ended. 
Dr. Akopian thought she’d been channeling her energy into something healthy. And it was healthy. For her. She was trying to draw out Nathaniel Plimpton’s humanity from underneath his robotic exterior. It was good for the firm, and it had nothing to do with her personal interest. 
Nothing at all. 
Which was what she’d tell Paula if she wasn’t so busy reconciling with Scott - which was super important, she understood that. She just missed the days when Paula was readily available to listen to all her issues. 
Heather wasn’t nearly as good of a listener. 
Wait, what was she thinking about? Right, Nathaniel Plimpton’s scarf. They were on their way to New York (damn Audra Levine), and since fall had made its approach everywhere but in California, warm clothes were necessary. 
But a green and silver-grey striped scarf? Obvious. To her, anyway. None of the other Muggles on their flight had made the connection. 
“Still evil,” she told him, with a pointed look. 
“Cunning and ambitious,” he corrected, before turning back to his files. 
She totally got points for noticing. She knew she did. 
#2
The office Halloween party was traditionally raucous - Darryl just really loved dressing up, and now that he and WhiJo could wear a nauseatingly cute couple’s costume, he was even more excited. 
The boss, however? Not so much. 
The party had to be held on a Friday, after working hours, because God forbid his employees were anything other than robot lawyers. 
And maybe her Hermione Granger costume wouldn’t exactly pass muster - McGonagall would surely give her detention for the amount of buttons she’d opened on her slightly too small blouse - she had the advantage of completely flustering Nathaniel. 
It wasn’t the entire reason why she chose the costume - but she could admit to herself that it was a part of the reason. A tiny small part that she was denying the second after admitting it. 
Because she could relate to Hermione. She was not the gorgeous one - she was the awkward one with the brains that most people didn’t know how to relate to. 
But Rebecca was a different person - she knew now that she could never be happy with Ron. 
The epilogue was bullshit anyway. She’s argued that point to everyone who would listen. No one ever seemed to agree. 
“Albus Severus?” she muttered angrily to herself as she went to grab herself another drink. “Now that’s worse than a Cruciatus.” 
There was a chuckle behind her, and she didn’t even have to turn around to know who was there. She knew that voice - had dreamt about that voice more than once, even after the damn wind went back to wherever it was supposed to be. 
“When a Weasley is better at naming children,” he started, and she knew this was going to be good. 
“You know Hermione picked the names,” she immediately interrupted. “Ron’s middle name is Bilius!” 
When Paula found her half an hour later, she was still extolling the ridiculousness of naming children after constellations. Seriously, Scorpius? 
Of course Nathaniel would defend the Slytherins on this. He was just so typical that she refused to tell him that she wrote Rose/Scorpius fanfic once upon a time. Someone had to fix canon. 
#3
They’d gotten more comfortable with each other since the Halloween... incident? What should she call a thirty minute conversation about wizarding naming conventions? 
Super unprofessional, probably. 
Now that she was completely free - except for her elaborate schemes to completely ruin Josh Chan’s life - Nathaniel was more overt about his interest. 
Obviously he still needed to get her out of his system. 
Which was completely fine with her, because she was in desperate need of some no strings loving. Just because she was busy making her ex-fiance’s life a living hell, didn’t mean that she couldn’t get off. 
A warm body was more to her tastes than something running on batteries, at least at this moment. 
She don’t need no man. 
Nathaniel was just super convenient, which was why she just rang his doorbell on a Sunday afternoon. 
It was the time he was most likely to be home alone - not with a random other girl. She wasn’t asking for a threesome here. 
“Rebecca?”’ he seemed startled when he opened the door. 
Nathaniel Plimpton, not in a suit for once. He wasn’t even wearing a shirt, just pants that were either pajama pants or for another one of his work-outs. He did seem to be a little bit sweaty. 
She was really trying to focus on the fact that he knows her name now, but he was also kind of ridiculously fine without a shirt. 
“Going to bed?” she was prepared for the occasion. “Mind if I Slytherin?” 
He groaned and let her walk right into his apartment. 
“Why does that work for me?” he asked himself. 
“Because you’re not a Muggle,” she kicked the door closed with her foot after kicking off her heels. 
In the heat of the moment, she might even have forgotten about her epic plans for revenge for just a second. 
But by the time she did her Walk of No Shame that evening, she was back in planning mode. Of course she was. 
#4
Nathaniel started being nicer to her after she slept with him. 
She could ignore it for a little while, but it didn’t last very long - it was just so boring. If she wanted to be around someone who was nice to her she would just sleep with Trent again. It wasn’t like he hadn’t offered - so many times. 
But she figured that Nathaniel would just go back to normal after he got her out of his system. She got him out of her system. 
Mostly, anyway. She wouldn’t be opposed to a repeat, but she was not exactly writing Mrs. Rebecca Plimpton in her journals either. Or Plimpton-Bunch. Hyphenating just sounded super classy. 
Wow, the random places her mind took her - maybe she should try talking to Dr. Akopian about that. 
After she finished with Josh Chan. 
“Rebecca?” Nathaniel actually asked instead of demanding these days. 
People were noticing - he was being nicer to everyone in the office, and she was just not sure if it was genuine. This was Nathaniel Plimpton, he didn’t have a nice bone in his body.
Okay well, he did have one particularly nice, large... 
Maybe they could just bone again, and he would go back to being an asshole and she would be able to focus on her plans without getting distracted by her libido again. 
But him being nice... It stopped doing anything for her after the wedding that didn’t happen. 
“Take off your clothes,” she told him. 
“I must have drunk some Felix Felicis,” he muttered, teasing smile on his face. “Because I’m about to get lucky.” 
Really, why was it that every single time he made a stupid reference she got more than a little gooey? 
Not something she wanted to think about, so she pulled him along by his loosened tie. 
#5
Fortunately, Nathaniel seemed to figure out that his temporary lapse into kindness didn’t do a damn thing for her. 
By the next time they slept together, he was back to being himself - rude comments at work when she had to take the stairs and got winded after half a floor, bossing everyone around because he was the boss of them, the whole deal. 
She almost forgot that Nathaniel being himself also included him being a giant freaking nerd. 
Office Secret Santa was a Darryl thing, and Nathaniel was forced to continue the tradition because of something he’d promised his work partner during his nice streak. 
Of course Nathaniel “randomly” picked her name from the metaphorical hat - judging from the gorgeous Time Turner necklace she wore around her neck all the time now. 
“For when you’re late to work” the note had said. 
Because even when he gave her a totally charming gift, he still had to be a dick and remind her that she was late to work too often. 
The real N. Plimpton was back! 
Sure, he was somehow still interested in sleeping with her, but that she did not mind so much. 
It was nice to have occasional moments of pillow talk about how the damn Time Travel play had been better when Team Starkid did it, and to hear him humming the Mysterious Ticking Noise in his shower. 
She was only slightly crazy into him, and he didn’t get overly nice so she’d sleep with him, not anymore. Sleeping together became a routine that she didn’t want to change. 
And why would they, really? They were both single, attractive, intelligent people with a love for the magical world created by JK Rowling. She’d slept with worse - a lot worse. 
She still got the goosebumps sometimes - especially when they were all alone in the office after hours and... well, letters to Penthouse had nothing on that. 
There was some role play - the Slytherin-Ravenclaw Restricted Section Hook-up was her favorite, while Nathaniel favored more Quidditch related scenarios. That was probably related to all the phallic objects and the opportunities for some truly awful jokes. 
Somehow, he was still hot even when he cracked jokes about polishing his broom. 
“What the devil is going on here?” It was like he knew that she’d been thinking about him. 
“Your Snape voice is actually getting better,” she tried really hard not to sound too surprised about that. “The Malfoy impression is still better, though.” 
He just had the snootiness down pat. And she’d been really into Draco Malfoy back in the day - and a little bit still. 
“You just like seeing me rolling around on the floor,” Nathaniel smirked. 
She shrugged - rolling around on the floor with him was pretty good, yes. 
“Are you ready to go?” he had his suitcase with him. “I promised to prove I don’t need Accio to make you come.” 
Her stuff was easily gathered, and she rushed off so eagerly that she forgot to even look at the clock. 
It was 4:43 PM on a Friday. He was wearing his Slytherin tie, she wore her Ravenclaw blue with pride. 
All was well. 
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nevillelongsbottom · 7 years
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4 with flintwood, jily, wolfstar, and Charlie/Draco (is this me being greedy) (yes it is)
It ain’t greedy if it’s got Charlie/Draco in there! And I like all these ships anyway. Problem is, Jily and Wolfstar are taking me a small eternity to do, so I’m just going to post the two I’ve done now since I feel like I’m making you wait forever and then post the other two as they get finished (if you want to send them again, that’s cool and I can answer it when they’re done)! I’m sorry it’s taking me a while, I just don’t want to disappoint so I’ve already trashed 2 Wolfstars (I’ll get there eventually!).
But here we are: Charlie/Draco and Flintwood (with a snowball fight)!
Charlie/Draco + In The Moment KissDraco develops a habit of drinking.
Charlie Weasley finds this out when, still a month or twoaway from when he’s expected to return to Romania, he starts volunteering aspart of the Ministry’s veterans support service; he works a night shift so thathe doesn’t have to hear George and Percy wake up screaming or get up in themiddle of the night to find Ron having gripped a mug of tea so hard he’sshattered it, and he sits just outside the special ward at St Mungo’s, in aplastic chair, waiting for people who need his help. His usual fare are peoplestill inconsolable with loss and grief, or people so depressed just being inthe same room as them drains his energy; he lucks out and avoids the drinkerson his shifts until Draco arrives one night, alive like a thunderstorm,Theodore Nott clinging uncomfortably to his arm.
He becomes a frequent visitor; Charlie files permission tomake house calls every now and then, and though he’s denied the right to dothem himself, the Ministry change their minds when three support workers arerebuffed, the doors slammed in their face and the wards around Malfoy Manorstrengthened each time. When Charlie arrives, Draco opens the door, looks himup and down, and steps aside before he even announces his business. 
“I haven’t had anything to drink, before you ask,” he sayssourly. A house-elf moves to make Charlie tea; he dismisses it lightly and doesit himself, manually, like a Muggle. Draco would scoff if he didn’t have to doit himself, something to keep him grounded and all there, no matter how simple. 
“I wasn’t going to accuse you,” Charlie answers, only usingmagic to pour the milk because he can only ever get it right that way. “I justcame to see how you were doing.”
“How do you think I’m doing?” he snaps. Charlie blows on histea and doesn’t answer, his gaze steady, inquisitive. “I should’ve shut thedoor on you, too. I’m upset, alright? Is that what you want to hear?
”“I just want you to tell me how you really feel,” Charliesays patiently. “Like shit. Don’t you?”
Charlie cracks a smile. “Every day.”
-
He visits sporadically during the week, trying to keepthings interesting, trying to catch Draco out, in a moment of weakness. Henever does. Nott had explained that he was a night drinker - the dark scaredDraco, a physical manifestation of his mental fears - but Charlie hadn’texpected it to be so rigidly true. 
He almost looks forward to their visits, sometimes.
He’s on a night shift again when it happens; he’s sitting inthat plastic chair of his and wondering if anyone would mind if he Transfiguredit into something nicer when Neville Longbottom arrives by Apparition, Dracofalling in beside him and trying to lunge at him once they’ve recovered fromtheir materialisation (Charlie wants to complement Neville on a well-done pieceof advanced magic under pressure). Charlie shoves himself in the way, pushingDraco back and barking at him like he’s a badly behaved dragon to stop fightingas Neville wipes some of the blood from his cheek.
“Did he pick a fight with you?” Charlie asks, having heardtoo many a story of Longbottom’s disasters and shyness to suspect anywrongdoing on his part. Neville nods. “Alright. You head on home; I’ll takecare of him.” Without even waiting to watch Neville go, Charlie spins around,seething. “What do you think you’re doing?”
He can tell that Draco isn’t even that drunk, and that’swhat makes him so angry as the Slytherin shrugs. “Fancied giving Longbottom arun for his money.”
Charlie pulls at his hair and groans, trying to keep himselftogether. It doesn’t work. “You can’t do that, Draco! You can’t ask for andwish for redemption and then beat up the real war heroes, because that’s asurefire way to show that you’re not sorry at all and reconfirm yourself asevil! Don’t pretend to me that you’ve had it worse, either, because your familyare all alive. I lost a brother, a precious brother, and I have to live in themess left behind every day and while I know your problems are different from mine,you can’t use them as excuses! Do you see George punching people because theother half of his soul is dead? Because I don’t! And you don’t get to do this!”He’s so angry he feels like he’s about to see spots when he hears Draco shiftand suddenly there’s a mouth enveloping his. 
He knows sensibly that he shouldn’t be doing this, butCharlie is hardly the poster boy for sensible, and he grips at Draco, pushinghard into the kiss, fierce like his dragons, channeling everything into thisone moment, this one crush of lips on lips and twisted tangle of tongues,strong and hot and everything and like the release of all of his frustrationsat once and he wonders if he might explode in this moment, fingers dug intoDraco’s shoulders and Draco’s hands making waves on Charlie’s back beneath hisshirt.
He’s still angry when he draws back the kiss, figuring thatDraco might never. “You’re not off the hook,” he says.
“Yeah,” nods Draco. “I know. I’m sorry.”
“Good. Then go home and get some sleep. I’ll be over tomorrow.” 
The taste of Charlie’s lips and of his frustration is stillthere on Draco’s lips when he steps out into the street, calling for the KnightBus. Maybe it wasn’t the best of ideas, to kiss a fuming Dragonologist, but asDraco reaches up to aimlessly touch his bottom lip, he thinks that he’d love tobe in that line of fire again. 
Flintwood + In The Moment Kiss“Okay, get on over to your next class. Don’t forget yourhomework – next Thursday, you’ve got more than a week, and unless you’re beingtreated by Madam Pomfrey for the next week there’s no excuse good enough.”Oliver watches the group of first years file out of the classroom and he yawns,snapping shut his personal copy of QuidditchThrough The Ages, the spine worn by many a reread. Though his FlyingLessons certainly never included actually studying Quidditch and the history offlight and the game, the curriculum has been updated since his first year, andhe’s certainly kept busy with all the new work.
“Mr Wood,” McGonagall says; he starts, not having even heardher enter. Though she should be calling him Oliver, as they’re now equals,breaking the habit proves difficult; he can still barely get past calling herMinerva. “We’ve hired an assistant for you – I have noted that it is ratherdifficult to keep an eye on an entire class of first years in the sky – and I’dlike you to meet him.”
Oliver remembers her mentioning this; he still thinks thatit’s a good idea.
Until Marcus Flint walks in.
Merlin’s hairy balls.Oliver hasn’t seen Marcus since seventh year, and really, he’d hoped to neversee Marcus again. He doesn’t have a vendetta, but Marcus had always caused anuncomfortable swell of feelings in his belly, and Oliver has never been one foraddressing his feelings. Marcus mighthave a vendetta, though, especially considering their track record together.“Wood,” he says, looking as predatory as ever.
“Flint,” Oliver says, quirking an eyebrow.
“I know your history, you two, and if there’s any whiff of you two fighting, you’ll be outof here like a flash – is that understood?” McGonagall says sharply; Olivernods. He hopes he can keep his patience – his Quidditch career had been endedearly by too many incidents of injuries causing irreparable damage, and helikes this job. He can’t imagine being anywhere else. “Good. I expect the bestfrom the two of you.”
She shuts the door behind her when she leaves. Marcusglares. “Didn’t think it would be you.”
“All the other Quidditch players are coaching or playing.I’m the only one with free time for this.” 
“How come?” Marcus asks, sitting on top of one of the desks. 
“Magic can’t fix everything,” Oliver shrugs. 
Marcus notices that, when Oliver strides between the deskslater that day to take in homework, he walks with a limp. He’s not a Quidditchcaptain anymore; he walks with that straightness, and still has the strength inhis arms, but he’s not the Keeper anymore.
Marcus finds him handsome anyway.
-
“Sir, I was in the infirmary all week because I took a bludgerto the head last Quidditch match.”
“Alright, okay, that’s a reasonable excuse. I’d like it insometime next week, though, yeah? And watch out for those bludgers. They hithard.” Oliver pats the student on the back and smiles. “Now hurry up, McGonagall’llkill me if you’re late and it’s my fault.”
“Thanks, Professor Wood!”
“No problem.” 
Marcus watches the flare of Gryffindor robes as the studentskips away to Transfiguration. He had been refereeing that match, a trial ofhis skill in refereeing, whilst Oliver had been sitting in the stands, watchingintently. It had been in the slightest way nerve-wracking, but he had enjoyedthe feeling of Oliver watching him, studying him, even though he hadn’t knownthat Oliver might’ve been studying him in a different way.
He’s a Slytherin, and the hearts of Slytherins never brokewhile he was at school, but his heart breaks sometimes when he sees Oliver flynow, so reserved, none of that daring he had in school. 
But he’s kind, tempered, a good Professor. Marcus would loveto be on the receiving end of those smiles, those pats on the backs, thosegrins and that praise. 
“Was he really?” Marcus asks. “Not the whole week,” Oliver replies, “but I reckon we canlet him off, just this once.”
-
Marcus can’t sleep for dreams of Oliver Wood on a goddamnbroom, and, thrilled by the novelty of actually being able to leave his room,goes to the Quidditch pitch, taking ten points from a wandering Ravenclawstudent on the way. 
It doesn’t surprise him much that Oliver is already there,balancing rather precariously as he sits inside one of the goalposts. It wouldbe normal to just stand or sit on the pitch, but of course, Oliver is a fuckingmaniac and has to be back at his post, even though it’s no longer his, and shit, Marcus thinks, he’s gorgeous.
He’s kind and he’s gorgeous and that smile of his is goingto kill somebody one day.
Marcus wants to make a move. Instead, he goes back inside.
-
He’s forgotten how much he enjoyed the winters at Hogwarts –it snows and it’s up to his calves and the building is always comfortablyheated so that when he comes in from helping Oliver with lessons it’s nice andhe doesn’t have to bury himself in layers of clothes. And he gets to watchsnowball fights out the window, cackling with glee as a Slytherin pelts aGryffindor in the face.
“Please stop laughing where the students can see you,Flint,” McGonagall advises as she passes him by, so he steps away from thewindow and ventures into his classroom; Oliver is marking essays, his cup ofcoffee stirring itself. 
“What’s taking you so long?” Marcus asks; Oliver hasseemingly been marking these for an eternity. 
“These students have terrible handwriting,” Oliver grumbles.
“Snowball fight.”
“What?”
“You can’t play Quidditch. We should have a snowball fight.It’s boring here.”
“That’s true.” Oliver gets up and takes a last-minute sip ofhis coffee, pulling a sweater on before his coat and scarf. “You know I’ll win,though.”
“In your dreams.” 
Many of the students stop to admire two of their teachers,absorbed completely in a brutal snowball fight, wands and all – they’re theyoungest on the team, and Oliver is popular, having a whole fanclub to himself,but neither of them care: they’re busy having a snowball fight, eager to beatthe other, years of rivalry still strong. Oliver loves it: his life withoutQuidditch has been horrible, and the idea that he can still have fun, stillcompete – it’s perfect.
And he’s beating Marcus Flint.
“Suck it, Flint!”he bellows, narrowly avoiding a snowball aimed at his head and flicking hiswand, sending three snowballs in a triangle, two of which hit their target. 
“You watch it, Wood!”A student starts betting on which one of them will win. A snowballhits Oliver in the face: hard, brick ice, Scottish snow. “You bastard! I’mgetting you for that!” He moves from behind the snow tower he’s created (he’sScottish; it pays off) and sprints for Marcus, snowball in hand, whacking himfull-force in the face, a beautiful coup d’état. Marcus glares at him, pawinghis glove into the snow for another go, when, still elated by his perceivedvictory, Oliver leans in and kisses him, wrapping his arms around Marcus’sgiant down jacket and pulling him in with that Keeper strength.
Marcus kisses back, unwavering; this has been what he’swanted long before he even left Hogwarts, and Oliver’s mouth is hot incomparison to the cold of the snow seeping through their gloves and layers,moving ferociously as if kissing were just the next stage in their eternalcompetition that Marcus is keen not to lose, pushing back, their mouths justbecoming a clattering of tongue and teeth until they fall from pushing eachother so hard into the snow, Oliver rolling over.
Marcus takes the opportunity to dump a snowball down theback of his neck. He does not earn a kiss for that move; instead, he makes arun across the grounds, Oliver following closely behind him, yelling about howhe’s definitely going to kill him for that, and thinks that this is probablythe best time he’s ever had. 
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