#I think we all know without a doubt that it would be Ravenclaw! ;)

[weasleyreidstyles]

Serendipity

chapter seventeen

summary: it was only meant to be a purely transactional relationship. he would help her strengthen her abilities in return for her getting his friends out of his father's nasty path. he didn't mean to fall for her, but loving her was the easiest thing in his dark world.

no use of y/n, but your general nickname is Meadow. all characters are aged up to be over 18.

pairings: mattheo riddle x fem!ravenclaw reader; platonic!slytherins x fem!reader; platonic!golden trio x fem!reader

warning(s): mentions of death (its a funeral), some fluff but it's mainly angst

series masterlist; previous part; next part

In the week following Dumbledore's death, the school had emptied out almost immediately – students were leaving via the Hogwarts Express almost daily and some parents would even apparate into Hogsmeade and meet their children at the gate to escort them home themselves.

No one trusted that Hogwarts was safe for their children anymore. Nowhere was truly safe. Not without the safety that Albus Dumbledore had always provided.

The hallways were desolate by the time two weeks had passed.

Your parents had met you and Hermione at the gates to the castle on they day of Dumbledore's funeral, pulling you both into tight hugs; unwilling to let you go. Molly Weasley had praised your efforts of saving her eldest son from Greyback, not taking into account how worried your parents would become upon not knowing if you were truly alright. Your father, a healer working at St Mungo's had demanded to know whether you should still be in the Hospital Wing recovering, but you'd assured him, and your mother, that you were only left with a few ugly scars.

Scars that you abhorred, but there was nothing you could do about the way they littered the skin of your abdomen. Mattheo had done his best to rid you of those insecurities, pressing lingering kisses to the marred skin whenever the opportunity arose. But the feelings still lingered when you examined the jagged silver lines in your bathroom mirror and in your nightmares where you don't save Bill, but end up worse off.

Hermione too, had assured your parents that she had come out of the battle virtually unscathed after they had turned to her with the same brutal enthusiasm for her safety. But the worry was still apparent in their eyes. You doubted that it would disappear any time soon. Not now that they are in the Order, and know just what you've been up to this year.

A few days after the battle, Hermione and Ron had found you while you sat in the library, enjoying a moment of solitude. They'd sat in the two seats opposite you and were looking at you with nervous expressions on their faces.

"Where's Harry?" you ask without looking up from your book. He was noticeably absent, probably grieving in his own way. Ron coughs awkwardly as Hermione shuffles in her seat.

"He doesn't know we're here, but we need your insight on something." she says and you finally look up at them, both as weathered by the battle as you are, dark circles stain their eyes just as badly as they do on your own face.

"What do you need?" You ask, voice quiet, so you don't draw any unnecessary attention. Ron reaches into his pocket and pulls out a crumpled piece of parchment, which looks old and worn.

"Can you read this, and tell us what you think?" he asks as he places it on the table infront of you.

Hesitantly, you unfold the intricate little thing which reveals the neatest scroll of penmanship you'd ever seen.

To the Dark Lord, I know I will be dead long before you read this, but I want you to know that it was I who discovered your secret. I have stolen the real Horcrux and intend to destroy it as soon as I can. I face death in the hope that when you meet your match, you will be mortal once more – R.A.B

"What the hell does this mean?" You ask, looking up at them with the same confusion mirrored in their eyes. You give Hermione a look and she nods imperceptibly, prompting you to see into her recent memories. You look at them with wide eyes. "The horcrux was a fake?"

"And whoever this R.A.B person is, has the real one." Hermione mumbles with a nod. Ron looks between the two of you before shaking his head and taking the note to examine it for the thousandth time.

You sit back in your seat, disbelief marring your features. Had Dumbledore died for nothing?

~∞~

The actual funeral service was a long, arduous process. But it was truly beautiful, despite the reason for such a large gathering.

The sun shined brightly, even as it began its slow descent in the sky, sending ripples of dazzling sunlight across the surface of the lake, and it was so warm. Warm enough that you had to wear a sundress that had been stuffed right at the bottom of your trunk since you'd returned to school after the Christmas holidays.

It was held on the school grounds, near the Whomping Willow, surrounded by the cascading violet of the wisteria trees that surrounded the banks of the Black Lake, resembling an almost life-like watercolour painting from where you were sat. It seemed that every entity on the grounds, from the people to the flora and fauna, had felt the impact of Dumbledore's death and mourned it on that balmy June evening. Some of the plants were dull where they used to be vibrant; even the birds weren't singing as joyfully.

The atmosphere surrounding the crowd was taut, ripe with with the whispers of conversations that drifted across the assortment of seating like a strange, lulling birdsong. The attendees varied from young students to old scholars, most of which you don't recognise. But you can see members of The Order dotted about the rows sporadically, eying certain rows and glancing conspiratorially between eachother; you understand why when you see Delores Umbridge (and Cornelius Fudge) waltz up the centre aisle into one of the rows near where other Ministry officials, including Rufus Scrimgeour sat, dressed in a vibrant fuchsia pink cloak, a 'grieving' expression painted on her ugly face. They're followed closely by Rita Skeeter, her enchanted pen and pad at hand. The Order members around their row are tense and alert.

You took a seat closer the back of the crowd, beside your parents, dressed in a deep green sundress with embroidered vines of the deepest sepia winding up the skirt in intricate patterns with little bluebells climbing up the stems, to combat the stifling heat of summer, and your wand is tucked into a thin, onyx holster on your waist.

Ron had clearly forgiven you to some extent, evident in the way he'd willingly sought you out in the library over a week ago, but he was still wary of the Slytherins you surrounded yourself with; Harry seemed content with bypassing your existence entirely. It was probably wise to sit further away from them, especially because it was obvious that Harry blamed your friends for Dumbledore's death. You can see the back of Ginny's head, where she's sat with the Golden Trio about five rows ahead of you. Even from where you are, you can see how she grips onto Harry's hand for dear life.

You can even feel Mattheo's eyes on you from his seat at the very back of the procession.

Can feel the way his magic calls to your's.

He's sat with Pansy to his left, Theo to his right and Enzo and Blaise are beside them.

Draco is nowhere to be seen.

The five of them have received a multitude of looks from those surrounding them, and you would be stupid not to see the amount of Aurors and Order members who had ended up seated near them.

Just thinking about the fact that they were surrounded as if they were a guild of threatening wizards, when they were still students at this very school, made your blood boil.

They still were not trusted, despite Remus vouching for them personally. Only a few members: the twins, Andromeda Tonks and her husband, Ted, seemed to acknowledge the risk that your friends were taking by just being at the school. Even your own parents were wary. Especially now. Voldemort was actively gathering more support and wreaking havoc across the country – wizard and muggle world alike.

Despite all the eyes on him, Mattheo appears to be surprisingly relaxed. But that's only because you are in his eye line. Dressed in a pretty sundress, with your hair cascading down your back and shoulders in delightful curls that he has the urge to tug on. Only you and his friends know just how tense he truly was, surrounded by people he didn't trust; people who didn't trust him.

You look lovely. You smile at the warmth in his voice, body thrumming with the heat of his gaze from a few rows behind you. Discreetly, so you don't attract your parents' attention, you turn to face Mattheo, who has a smirk widening on his face as he takes in the flush that dusts your cheeks, despite the tension that sits on his broad shoulders.

So do you. You reply, catching your bottom lip with your teeth instinctively as your eyes trail the length of his body. What you can see of it, at least.

He's dressed in a suit of all black – no ounce of colour aside from the singular indigo bluebell in the breast pocket of his suit jacket, one that he'd conjured when he noticed the patterns on your dress. His hair is unruly as always, blowing wildly in the soft breeze.

Stop looking at me like that, darling. It's inappropriate. His handsome smirk widens with his smugness.

I can't help it. Especially when you look at me like that.

He narrows his onyx eyes playfully at you and you turn around before anyone can notice your brief interaction, exhaling a breathy laugh as you shake your head. His own laughter reverberates through your mind like a gentle caress, igniting a spark in your core.

Strangely, you can feel his magic like its your very own, even two weeks after it had initially exploded around you.

Neither you or Mattheo have an answer for it. And neither of you are in a hurry to share the discovery, for it felt far too intimate to involve anyone else.

~∞~

As the service began the merfolk, who had gathered at the bank of the lake, had begun a sorrowful tune, their pallid skin glistening in the sun, wirey hair spreading about the murky waters. As they sang their song of loss and despair, Hagrid had started to walk down the central aisle, his face blotchy and red with tears that fell heavily from his eyes. He was cradling something in his arms, or rather someone, wrapped in velvet fabric of the deepest purple, spangled with glittering golden stars. A cloak that many students had deemed as Professor Dumbledore's personal favourite over the years, as it was his most frequently worn one.

It was becoming harder to swallow as a sob crawled its way up your throat at the sight. You gripped your father's hand in your's tightly and he squeezed back.

At that moment, it seemed like all the warmth from the sun was sucked from the atmosphere, as a cold shiver ran down your spine. You couldn't feel the powerful allure of his magical core anymore. His covered body looked so small and frail in Hagrid's arms and you finally let out a muffled sob as he makes his way past your row.

You feel a wave of love, sorrow and care caress your mind, which lets you know that, despite the indifference he holds towards his Headmaster, Mattheo was also feeling the devastation that their safety blanket; the one who was supposed to help defeat great evil, was gone.

When Hagrid was near the front, you could hardly see what was happening due to the amount of heads that obscured your view, but you can hear the distinct sound of hooves on stone as a herd of centaurs make their presence known, but they did not move from the trees and their shadows. They were stood preternaturally still as they observed with their bows and weapons laying limply at their sides.

Dumbledore's body had been gently placed onto a table of pure white quartzite, that made the colours of his cloak shine vibrantly in the steadily setting sun. The tune from the merfolk reached a slow end and from what you could make out, a small Ministry official, dressed in plain black robes stood beside the table, where a small stand had been erected.

From your seats, you and your parents could hardly hear what was said in Dumbledore's honour and when he stopped speaking and took his seat again, a palpable silence swept over the crowd when no one else got up to pay their respects. It was like a brutal finality had swept over the courtyard.

Albus Dumbledore was never coming back. You were on your own in this battle.

Suddenly, bright white flames errupted around the quartzite table and Dumbledore's body, growing higher and higher, spiralling in pretty patterns as a pheonix flew amongst the inferno joyfully as if rising from the ashes, before disappearing with an abrupt flash of golden light. The white fire, too, had vanished with the pheonix, leaving a white marble tomb in it's place.

More cries of shock are let out as a shower of arrows soared through the air, falling like dangerous silver-tipped raindrops into a clearing far away from the crowd. The centaurs turned and disappeared without a trace once they'd paid their tribute; the merfolk sunk below the surface of the Black Lake promptly after them.

~∞~

"Well...that was depressing." Theo's voice was low, sarcasm etched in his tone. Blaise and Enzo rolled their eyes as Pansy openly gaped at him as passers by gave him looks of disgust.

"Don't disrespect the dead, Teddy." You admonish with a scathing look, that he only bats away with shrug of his shoulders.

"Oh lighten up, tesoro. We all know he wouldn't have cared for all this seriousness." He says, bringing you into a side along hug, ruffling your carefully done hair with calloused hands. You bat them away with an irritated huff.

As soon as you were able to, you'd made a beeline for your friends, wrapping a sniffling Pansy into a hug, comforting eachother in silence as you sent words of affection mind to mind.

Now the six of you are stood off to the side, ostracised from where many of Dumbledore's Army are stood, sharing recollections of Dumbledore's life. Harry, Ron and Hermione are nowhere to be seen.

Mattheo is a silent, imposing wall of stoicism. He doesn't take part in you're friend's untimely banter, and hardly reacts to the scathing, untrustworthy looks that are sent his way.

You send a wave of your emotions to him, love pooling over the anxiety, which causes his stiff muscles to loosen as you reach over to take his hand in your's. Unashamedly you press kisses to his scarred knuckles, running a careful hand across his arm, and thread your fingers with his.

His onyx eyes are alight with gratitude, as the two of you listen to Theo and Enzo bicker.

Suddenly your isolation is cut off by a woman who looks exactly like the one who subjected you to the cruciatus curse a year ago. Her presence makes you startle on instinct, but that feeling is overcome with guilt as Andromeda Tonks, strong-willed, beautiful, stoic and regal; a good friend to your mother and Remus, stands before you with warm, russett eyes.

"Hello Meadow." She greets you, her voice soft and low, matching the slight hauty expression that matched Sirius' with haunting accuracy.

"Hi Andy." You reply, your brows crease in confusion when her husband is nowhere to be found. "Where's Ted?"

"Talking to your father and Remus, I believe." She says, a gentle look overtaking her features that makes her appear youthful and stress free, but that look is gone in a split second when her dark eyes trail to Mattheo's hand, still in your grasp and up to his carefully guarded face.

"You look scarily like your father." She says and you feel the way Mattheo imperceptibly flinches at her observation. The boys and Pansy stop their conversation to form a solid wall of mistrust behind the two of you, faces resigned and stony.

She must sense their growing hostility because she relaxes the harshness from her face, replacing it with apology.

"I mean no offfence." She says slowly, face twisting with regret. "We cannot help who are parents are, after all."

Mattheo doesn't relax, but he knows that you clearly trust her. Andromeda turns to face you instead, that soft look that painted her aristocratic face when she first saw you, appearing again.

"I've come to offer an olive branch of sorts." She tells you. "Remus vouched for the all of you and my nephew during a previous meeting and I'm inclined to agree with him."

"Nephew?" Blaise questions and you turn to see that they all look equally as confused.

"This is Andromeda Tonks, previously Andromeda Black." You introduce her formally with a light smile on your face, and the recognition lights up on your friends' faces when you do. "Draco's Aunt."

"I do wish I was meeting your friends under different circumstances, Meadow." She says.

"What's this olive branch you mentioned?" You ask curiously, steering the conversation back in the direction it had been going in before being sidetracked.

"I'm offering my home as a safe house for you all." Andromeda replies, casting her eyes on your Slytherin friends again.

"What's the catch?" Mattheo asks, his voice filled with suspicion, his grip on your hand tightening with his growing paranoia. You sooth him unconsciously with a stroke of your fingers against his knuckles. Andromeda's careful eyes catch the moment almost immediately.

"We know you're already inducted into your father's regime, unwillingly." She says quietly, wary of Mattheo untrusting stance. "With Severus gone, it is imperative that we know what we're dealing with."

"You need spies." Theo says with certainty, his face twisting with barely restrained contempt.

Andromeda only nods once.

Theo, Enzo and Mattheo seem to have a three way conversation mentally before they come to a decision and it's Enzo who speaks up first.

"Who else besides Professor Lupin, know about this?"

"Meadow's parents, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Alastor Moody."

You stare up at Mattheo with uncertainty. Would they really put their lives at risk for an organisation that barely trusts them?

"Are there any other conditions?" Mattheo asks, stepping towards Andromeda slightly, but not in any threatening way.

"Gather as much information as you can, as safely as you can. And get my nephew and my sister out of that Manor."

"What about after the war?" Pansy asks, having been silent throughout the whole exchange. "Like you said, they're already inducted. If the war goes in Potter's favour, will they be pardoned?"

Andromeda seems to still at that, as if she didn't know the answer and suddenly every single one of you are on edge as you consider the possibility that, if the boys help, they could be thrown right into Azkaban to rot, simply for carrying the burden of the Dark Mark.

"After the war," Andromeda whispers, "there will be justice. But I cannot predict the outcome, and we won't win without your help. I know how Voldemort's court works, for I was part of it for much of my youth before I got out. What you're doing already is proof enough that you are inherently good, even if most people don't see it."

"But what if-" Pansy replies but Andromeda holds out one of her slim, pale hands to gently silence her trail of thought.

"Thinking of that now will not help you during this. You mustn't for it will dull your hope for a better future. Take the offer, my house is in a quiet muggle town. No one will bother you there and it's delightfully warm this time of year."

You each exchange silent but definitive looks before Mattheo nods towards her once and immediately the six of you are given the image of a quaint cottage that sits on the edge of a seaside town, seemingly in the middle of nowhere.

"Ted and I will visit occasionally, to make sure our house is not in disarray. Remus or Alastor will deliver your assignments on a biweekly basis."

"Where will you stay, if we're taking up your space?" You ask and Andromeda offers you a friendly smile.

"With your parents in a safe house of our own. With them working high profile jobs in the Ministry and St Mungo's and being 'suspected' members of the Order, they can't be living somewhere anyone can find them."

You blink back your surprise emotions at the implications of her statement. It dawns on you then. The severity of everything happening around you.

Their need for an insider means that The Order weren't as prepared as they wanted people to believe.

They were willing to send your friends to the snake pit so they would have a chance to save themselves.

~∞~

The cottage stands at the end of a winding lane in Falmouth, Cornwall. It's all cobblestoned streets and thatch roofed houses, surrounded by idyllic fields and the most stunning views of beach for as far as the eye could see.

It was certainly out of the way – the nearest village was about a thirty minute walk away.

The perfect place to erect a safe house.

The six of you are stood infront of the picket fenced gate, bags in hand as your parents, Andromeda, Ted and Remus finish putting up the final protective enchantments.

It's been a week since the funeral. In that week, you spent every possible second with your parents, who seemed reluctant to let you stay here. All week, they'd been asking you to join them in their own safe house; one accidental peak in their minds told you all you needed to know for the reason why.

They didn't trust your friends. They especially didn't trust Mattheo.

Now, you stand beside him, tucked into his side as Remus gives you a debrief of instructions for the boys' first task.

"When is the next meeting?" He asks Mattheo, head tilting as you all stand in the cramped kitchen of the cottage, your parents and the Tonks couple nowhere to be seen.

Mattheo opens his mouth to answer, but grimaces as the Mark on his forearm burns in earnest, warning him...daring him to answer. You feel his pain in the very depths of your soul, scrunching your face at the feeling that brushes over you, even as you squeeze his hand in your's.

No one seems to notice other than Remus, who stares between you and Mattheo almost too quickly that you could have missed it.

"I see." He nods to himself as Mattheo runs his hand against his agitated forearm. "Does this happen whenever you try and disclose information."

"Only with the more top secret things." Enzo says from beside Pansy, who has already found where the mugs are as she sips on a steaming cup of tea.

Remus is silent for a moment, as if contemplating whether or not this would even work, before he speaks again.

"At the next meeting, try and gather as much information as possible. Even if it seems meaningless – but only if it doesn't pain you." He says gently. Remus knows pain, and he knows how detrimental it can be for a person.

He doesn't want to see this group of young adults go through what he did, but he knows it's futile, and hypocritical of him to wish, for he's the one sending them into the snake pit.

"How's 'meaningless' information going to help the Order?" Theo asks with skeptical eyes.

"We need to buy Harry time." Remus says, but he doesn't divulge any further.

"Why?" You ask from Mattheo's side and Remus' gaze turns to you.

"You know why, Meadow." He says and your face twists in confusion before realisation sets in.

"He's going to hunt horcruxes instead of returning to Hogwarts, isn't he." It's not a question and in the way that Remus tenses, you know you're right.

"Yes, Meadow. But I'm afraid what they found wasn't a real one."

This, you already knew of course.

"What do you mean, it wasn't real?" Mattheo sounds like he doesn't believe a word Remus says, and one look up at his face confirms the disbelief in his tone.

"It was a fake. Something transfigured into a replica of the Locket." Remus pulls out a polaroid photo from his pocket. In the centre of the blurred image, sits a locket with a similar insignia to the ring that Dumbledore had handed to you in the Hospital Wing at the start of the year.

"That's not possible." Mattheo snarls and you take it upon yourself to push him into one of the chairs at the dining table, lest he try and launch himself at your old Professor.

"It is very possible." Remus says without a blink. "You see, in the first war, we had a spy. Only few of us knew of his identity but he told us that he'd discovered something. He'd found out about horcruxes and was going to singlehandedly destroy them himself.

One day he was scheduled to come to a meeting, to discuss any progress with his discovery, and to also give us more information on who was on Voldemort's side, but he didn't show up.

Three days later, his house elf, Kreacher showed up in my flat. He didn't even get a funeral."

Remus' voice was soft and desolate as he told you this information, eyes foggy as he relives one of the most traumatic times of his life. Your eyes are alight with realisation almost as soon as he's finished speaking.

"Kreature? Isn't that-"

"Sirius' family house elf? Yeah he is." Remus replied, his eyes glassy.

"Sirius had a brother-" you whisper, your voice betraying your sadness at the thought of the eccentric man.

"Yes. His name was Regulus Black."

~∞~

omg she's finally posted!😱😱

a few things...first of all i have 1000 followers!?! wtf!! thankyou with my whole heart 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

secondly...i've been revamping the layout of my posts but theres an issue with a couple of them (cough...chapter 16....cough) and it wont let me edit those posts but thats fine😶😶😶😶

anyway hope you enjoyed this one....the cliffhanger wasn't planned but then i liked how it flowed to the start of chapter 18 so hehehehe

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[fierymiasma]

 ๑ Five Times....  ๑// Sebastian x f!MC (Part 3)

Summary: Five times Sebastian Sallow Was Jealous and One Time He Didn't Have to Be (Part 3)

Words: 2.7k

|| Masterlist || AO3 || Upcoming ||

Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 4 || Full Fic

Chapter 3: Imelda Reyes

Sebastian had hardly slept last night, plagued with thoughts of undeserving Gryffindor boys and pretty Ravenclaw girls wooing his new friend.  Sitting in the Great hall, Sebastian's head felt sluggish from the lack of sleep.  He stared at this breakfast in bleak silence, silently begging for his pastries to tell him the answers he desperately needed.

"What crawled up Sebastian's ass and died?" Imelda asked, cutting through the dark swirling thoughts in Sebastian's head. 

Ominis wished for the millionth time this week to have a quiet and peaceful breakfast in the Great Hall.  "Oh nothing, just Sebastian pining after his crush and not plucking up the courage to do anything about it."  He sighed quite dramatically.  "And yet, somehow, everyone around him must suffer."

Sebastian's head snapped up from its daze.  He glared at his best friend, who pointedly ignored him in favor of spreading more berry preserve on his toast.  "Ominis!  I'm not even interested in her!"  He denied.  "She's just a good friend." 

Imelda waved her hand dismissively.  "Don't worry, Sallow.  It's not like your massive crush on her is any news." She shoved the poor lower year student sitting next to Sebastian off the bench, making herself room at the table.  "You'd have to be blind to not see how whipped you are for her."  She cringed.  "Um…sorry, Ominis."

Ominis rolled his eyes.  Typical Imelda, as tactful as an elephant.  "She's right you know.  Practically everyone in Hogwarts knows you follow her around like a puppy.  If you don't claim what's yours fast, some bloke else would."

Under normal circumstances, Ominis's words would have set Sebastian off.  No one needed Ominis of all people to remind him of how "available" she was.  Merlin knows, she already spent an alarming amount of time alone with the other boy.   But now, with her recent date, Sebastian certainly had more on his plate to worry about.  He scoffed remembering Natty's words from the night before.   "And now, I have reason to worry about girls.  Rumors say that she might bat for both teams, and frankly, I have no idea if it's true."

"Does she now?" Imelda whispered.

Sebastian stared in horror as Imelda started grinning, her eyes gaining a predatory gleam.  How could he be so stupid to let something like that slip out?  He knew better.  Imelda played with girls' hearts like a she was a world class beater and their hearts were bludgers. 

Even without any divination, he could see exactly where this was going.  "Don't you dare."  Sebastian warned.  Never, in a million years, would Sebastian consider Imelda a friend.  But there was honor even amongst Slytherins a code. 

Surely, Imelda wouldn't cross the line and take what was rightfully Sebastian's?

Imelda's smile was toothy like a savage wolf eager for a meal.  "Oh, she would be perfect.  She's the only one amongst you sorry lot who comes anywhere close to my skills on a broom.  Yes, I think we shall make the most powerful couple in Hogwarts.  And after graduation, we'd make co-captains on whatever professional quidditch team we'd find ourselves.  Our manor would be decorated with our quidditch trophies right above the little ones' rooms.  Of course we'd have at least seven of them."

"Seven pets?" Sebastian asked weakly.

She scoffed.  "No children.  At least seven children: strong, and fast, and powerful like their mothers.  Enough to make a quidditch team.  We'd train them of course.  Together we would create a new quidditch dynasty that would rival the Pride of Portree, no doubt."

Sebastian was at a loss for words.  Imelda was loony.  He couldn't tell if Imelda was simply pulling at his leg or actually threating him.  "What makes you even think she would be interested in someone like you?  Merlin, your ego enough would scare anyone away."

Imelda sniffed, turning her nose up at Sebastian.  "It's simple, really.  Power.  The new girl is attracted to power.  She would be stupid to turn someone like me down."

Sebastian's stomach soured.  Did she think Sebastian was powerful enough to stand by her side?  "As if."

"What?  Scared of some competition, Sallow?  Afraid that the only bachelorette worth pursuing in Hogwarts will be attracted to the best flyer in Hogwarts?"  Sebastian spluttered in protest.  "Early Seeker catches the snitch.  One night with me on the quidditch field, and she'll be like a Kneazle purring in my lap."

His hands clenched into tight fists.  Of course, Imelda would be the one Slytherin evil enough to violate the House code.  How did he lose control of the situation so fast?  "You snake.  You wouldn't dare."

She raised one dark eyebrow, "Watch me, Sallow."  She whipped her tight ponytail around, eyes scanning the Great Hall.  "Oi!  New girl!"

Sebastian's head snapped up, frantically searching for his partner in crime.  Surely, she wasn't easy enough to fall for Imelda Reyes.

The poor victim in question was trying her best to enjoy a quiet breakfast.  She flinched at Imelda's shrill voice, ducking as if hoping the Slytherin quidditch captain wouldn't notice her.  Her eyes widening when the two girls accidentally locked eyes.  Imelda, with her nose in the air, took strong strides across the Grand Hall.  Arriving at her destination, the other students at the table suddenly grew deadly quiet, as if the flock of prey were suddenly alerted of a predator's presence.

She sighed into her porridge, "Reyes, is there something I can help you with-"

Imelda slammed her hand on the table next to the poor girl's goblet, causing all the silverware to jump to attention.  She leaned over, boxing Sebastian's best friend in with her long arms.  "Tonight.  7pm.  Meet me at the Quidditch fields.  Bring a broom."

The whole table erupted in chatter.  The tendrils of Hogwarts gossip already working their magic.  To Sebastian's horror, his crush's face erupted in patches of bright pink, as she tried to back away from Imelda's advances.  "Imelda, I would love to, but I already promised Sebast-"

The Slytherin scoffed.  "Enough of him.  What's he going to do?  Show you some dusty old book from three centuries ago?  I'm going to show you a night you will never forgot."

Sebastian jumped to his feet, wand in hand. His pumpkin juice spilled over his trousers, soaking into the fabric.

The hero of Hogwarts was stunned into silence.  Imelda was constantly on her case about "moving on" from Sebastian, but she'd never imagined that the Quidditch Captain would be the one to proposition the pining girl herself.

Natty's advice rang through her mind.  Sebastian had made it abundantly clear that he wasn't interested in her romantically.  It had hurt, to realize that the flirty looks, the indecent causal touches, the intense words, were all the same Sebastian charm that he laid on everyone.  The hero of Hogwarts was no different to him than any other girl.  She had just been too infatuated to see it.

Maybe all her friends were right.  It was time she stop sulking like a children.  It was their sixth year, they weren't getting any younger.  It was time to start courting other people, to live a little.

What was the worst thing that could happen?

Sebastian narrowed his eyes, trying to look at his best friend from across the Great Hall. Her cheeks, so prone to blushing, was now a familiar scarlet.  A weight as heavy as a stone dropped into his stomach as he watched the hero of Hogwarts tuck the loose strands of hair behind her ears, a telltale sign.  Surely….she wouldn't agree to a date with Imelda Reyes of all people, a cackling hag who had nothing better to do than steal other people's soon to be girlfriend? 

He saw how she squirmed nervously, unused to the intensity of Imelda's piercing gaze.  "Um well..I'm sure Sebastian won't mind if I push off one night.  We spend so much of our time-"

"-Excellent." Imelda clicked her tongue.  "I'm so looking forward to seeing you on the field.  Come prepared."

With the last foreboding warning, Imelda turned around, completely unbothered at all the other students staring at her bold advances.  She strode back to the Slytherin table with the same expression plastered on her face as her winning the House Cup. Imelda plopped herself right next to Sebastian, snatching a cold piece of toast from Sebastian's plate.

"And that, my dear Housemate, is how Slytherins get what they want." 

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

“Sebastian!”

Sebastian walked away from the entrance of the Great Hall even faster.  Maybe if he pretended he couldn’t hear her, his crush would just eventually give up. 

A sharp tug on the back of his robes made Sebastian stop in his tracks.  Reluctantly, he turned to look at her.

Her cheeks were ruddy with exertion, giving her face a natural blush.  She looked rather flustered, an expression that has been on her face too much of late. 

She panted.  It took a lot of energy to chase after Sebastian, almost as if he was actively trying to avoid him. “Sebastian, I won't be able to meet you in the library tonight.  Imelda invited me to some late night quidditch practice.

His lips curled.  'Late night quidditch practice'.  Oh it would certainly be late all right, but Sebastian had very little faith that they would be practicing "quidditch".

Sebastian's throat was too tight.  He felt nauseous.  "Oh great, Ominis.  Me.  Imelda.  You just seem to bounce from Slytherin to Slytherin, I see." 

She flinched at his words.  Her voice turned icy.  "I mean, we study every night together Sebastian.  It's not like missing one night is a big deal."

A hot wave of embarrassment settled in his stomach.  He was an absolute idiot for hoping for anything different.  Their nightly study sessions were the highlight of Sebastian's day.  The candles in the library always seems to frame her beautiful portrait so nicely in the lights and shadows.  Whenever she was stuck on a particularly difficult essay, she would nibble on the tip of her quill, an adorably bad habit that Sebastian had grown quite fond of.  He always saved his fun stories, cute little puns, and teasing for the very end of the day.  On the days that seemed particularly stressed, Sebastian would transfigure some parchment in a flying crane, that would peck at her cheeks incessantly until she started giggling.  Sometimes they would play a game, in which Sebastian would do everything within his power to absolutely distract her from her studies.  Other times, there would just be soft comfortable silence as the two close friends read in the dying candlelight.  Eventually, one of them, usually her, would nod off silently into their textbook, and the other (usually Sebastian) would summon a blanket to drape over their cold shoulders. 

His parents were the same.  Constantly up all night curled on their plush sofas, holding each other's hands as they read their ancient tomes before putting Sebastian and Anne to sleep.  It was some of the last remaining memories Sebastian had of them before they died. 

He thought what they had together was something similar.  Clearly, Sebastian was wrong.  How could he be so foolish getting so attached to that clearly meant so little to her?

"Well, have fun getting your heart crushed.  Don't come crying to me whenever Reyes dumps you." 

Sebastian turned his back to her before he could see the look of utter devastation on her face.

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

Next part: Part 4

Taglist: @dragonstoneshortcake @tarotwitchy-main @solariia

#hogwarts legacy #sebastian sallow #sebastian sallow x reader #sebastian sallow x mc #sebastian sallow fanfiction #hphl #harry potter #sebastian sallow fic #ominis gaunt #harry potter hogwarts game #jealous!sebastian #imelda reyes

[neonscandal]

I know this been asked before, but can I ask again? So if you sort your top fav characters or fav ships from to Hogwarts houses, which houses will they be (in your opinion)? Why?

I'm excited to know your answer like for eruri, asheiji, matchablossom, destiel, horimiya, sasamiya, etc.....

Sorry if I ask too much, thx if you want to answer.....

P.s

I asked because just found your post about JJK & BNHA character if they were in Hogwarts houses.....(And I love it)

I'm gonna be honest, I love these - little character head canons, asks in general, all of it. So don't apologize for asking! I hope you always feel comfortable to do so. I also hope all my anons woke up today with clear skin and found money in an old jacket or something. ✨

Same disclaimer applies as before. Without further ado, to the Sorting Hat!

Starting with the low hanging fruit 🥁

Kojiro "Joe" Nanjo (SK8 the Infinity) - All brawn, questionable brains but unquestionable talent that makes him a big name around "S". This himbo would of course plinko his way into Hufflepuff but, if we take starting S into consideration and how that translates into the wizarding world, I'd say Gryffindor with Hufflepuff underpinnings.

Kaoru "Cherry" Sakurayashiki (SK* the Infinity) - I am conflicted. Cherry, disciplined calligrapher, renowned skater and member of the S founding fathers is very obviously a Ravenclaw. I'm really just having trouble reconciling his superiority and condescension against what I imagine would be more in line with Slytherin. Also supports the notion of every Hufflepuff having a Slytherin bestie haha but, truly, that's adult Kaoru. Teenage Kaoru was rebellious and genuinely awe inspired by greatness (but still whip smart). Gryffindor with Ravenclaw underpinnings. Bonus: Ainosuke would round the trio out as the Slytherin primary, obviously. May have started out sweet like our dear Sirius but live long enough in a family like that and I suppose it'll get you twisted.

Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan) - Levi Ackerman is no stranger to Knockturn Alley. He was raised from the darkness, plucked from its depths to attend school and seemed a bit bothered by the whole to do when he had a perfectly decent operation going, small time stuff of course. A loyalist to those he suffered with, Hogwarts gave him purpose beyond what he could imagine and the Sorting Hat was the first... thing(?) to see his potential. Legacy Slytherin, largely unbeknownst to him, but sorted into Gryffindor assured he'd do great things there.

Erwin Smith (Attack on Titan) - Whew. I know the deciding factor for Cherry was young Kaoru vs. adult Kaoru but Erwin Smith is a Ravenclaw. An idealist, but a bit too cavalier with lives of the canon fodder that made up his command. Incredibly intelligent and dedicated which would make you think Gryffindor but Erwin is an "any means necessary" type of leader. Come to think of it, Dumbledore was a Gryffindor so perhaps there's hope there but I defer to your opinion.

Ash Lynx (Banana Fish) - Self taught genius? Ravenclaw. He had Dino's tutor's for a time, sure but uh... I doubt they taught him how to hack computers. He's a self motivated intellectual frequenting the library for a sense of peace. May the halls of Hogwarts provide that to him in the way the city of New York could not. Does not negate how lethal of a threat he can be, if anything, now this kid is strapped all the time, wand at the ready. I can appreciate if someone thinks he should be in Slytherin but I'm sticking to my initial assumption.

Eiji Okumura (Banana Fish) - This 👏🏾 is 👏🏾 a 👏🏾 Hufflepuff 👏🏾. Brazenly lacks fear in the face of gangsters and recognizes, instead, their inherent humanity and that they can need nurturing and help, perhaps more so than others? Oblivious Hufflepuff energy.

Kyouko Hori (Horimiya) - I feel like Hori is a pretty textbook Ravenclaw but I'd consider Gryffindor with a Ravenclaw primary a la Hermione. Part of me is like... Hori would never be as deep in the shit as Hermione got but let's be for real. She'd follow Miyamura into hell if she wasn't already dragging him there.

Izumi Miyamura (Horimiya) - Considering Miyamura's backstory, I'd understand if you disagree but mans is a Hufflepuff. He had no community, nothing to take hold of. But as its' built around him, he appreciates how precarious it is and holds onto it so dearly, even threatened by Yanagi's immersion into the group. Also, he has so many Hufflepuff moments that are so dear to me. Like memorizing the boys' scents so he can recognize if they've been near Hori despite the fact that it is empirically evident that he's more likely to get stolen away from her by one of the guys. Well meaning simpleton, I love him.

Shuumei Sasaki (Sasaki to Miyano) - SHOUTING Hufflepuff. Don't get me wrong, he's no slouch. Sasaki is straight up fearsome when someone gets a little too close to Miyano but we also know his moral code isn't tied specifically to Miyano. Miyano might have been an indirect impetus to help Kuresawa, but I feel like Hirano validates that Sasaki finds himself in fights regardless of "not being good at them" 👀. Gentle giant and will use his size to the advantage of those in need. I saw a post earlier re: succumbing to Sasaki's rizz and how Miyano is like... god tier for not caving sooner. Imagine if this man had access to love potions 😂 kidding, he wouldn't be the type to use them, even the silly ones from the Weasley's but still. Sasaki + magic would simply be too powerful.

Yoshikazu Miyano (Sasaki to Miyano) - IMAGINE MIYANO PERUSING THE RESTRICTED AREA ON THE HUNT FOR BL. I just cackled aloud at the thought. Then you have hulking Sasaki looming over him drawing attention to the intrusion. Like, "sorry, I'm not seeking out unforgivable curses, just two fictional boys in love." Please. Moving along, Ravenclaw. Easy, and he'd be a Prefect. Sasaki would, of course, frequently be caught using Prefect facilities and trotting along behind Miyano relentlessly. Talk about scary dog privilege.

DESTIEL

I had to break these two away to provide an additional disclaimer to the fact that... these legit stumped me. With 14 seasons of background and the radical character development for both of them, it's hard to pick one house and commit to it for either of them. Especially since they, at different points in their development, are interchangeably fitting into the same houses. I never thought about their development in that way before. Upon my deliberation, please see below. Just know, if you disagree, you're probably right and I probably considered your alternative as well.

Castiel (Supernatural) - Cas spends a great deal of his time locked in his Slytherin era, loyal to an antiquated moral system and acting with impunity which is very much giving Death Eater. But, losing his religion, his direction and beneath the weight of all that presumed obligation is a Hufflepuff. In the absence of a belief system, he begins to consider humanity with an unencumbered curiosity, seeks community with the Winchesters and to help those who are plagued by the Supernatural.

Dean Winchester (Supernatural) - Dean starts out as a Hufflepuff. He's all saving people, hunting things, family business. Intrinsically, does seeking out monsters not meet the immediate criteria of "Finder"? Dean protects family, friends and strangers and, at times, critically balances out Sam's Ravenclaw pragmatism that sends him down weird Slytherin shaped holes (hello, demon blood). This with nothing but an 8th grade education, Baby and a comforting slice of pie. But, as the story progresses, his desperation to protect and keep hold of the people he holds dear pushes him deeper and deeper into Slytherin territory where his individual loyalism can justify jeopardizing the natural order, the fate of the world, anything really as long as he and his brother are both still breathing. Subsequently, his previous impulse to always do the right thing becomes clouded with a bias of the right thing if it doesn't impede protecting Sammy. His willingness to leave Adam to ruin is yet another example of this.

Okay, so I'm noticing a trend here... Do I just like a dynamic of Idiot x Genius (or sometimes nefarious manipulator) or am I just sorting people all wrong? Either way, it feels like I'm revealing wayyyy too much about myself here. What do you think?

#neon asks #anon asks #harry potter houses #anime #manga #headcanon #sk8 #sk8 the infinity #aot #attack on titan #snk #shingeki no kyojin #banana fish #bfish #supernatural #spn #horimiya #sasaki to miyano

[usernamesuggestionsarefunny]

Which Hogwarts houses would The Chosen characters be in, according to you?

I love this ask. Sorry for taking so long to answer but I wanted to make a good argument for each sorting and if I had to write them all in one day it would have felt like a chore.

Anyway, I am doing only the main characters, there are some that may be missing.

I think Mother Mary would be a Gryffindor, because accepting to carry God's child as an engaged woman not yet married in those days when you could get stones thrown at you must have taken a lot of courage. Same with raising and then following Him throughout His entire life knowing one that she wouldlose him. Staying by His side at the cross was also really brave of her since I have read sometimes family members could be punished for doing that.

Mary Magdalene was also brave to stay at the foot of the cross, but I think Hufflepuff fits her better in the show (And perhaps in the Bible) because her main trait is loyalty to Jesus, trying to be the best disciple she can be (Even though she fails at times), helping him with the money, etc. She is very kind to all her friends as well, always wanting to help them with what they need, and friendship is a Hufflepuff trait of course. She was one of the first who accepted Matthew, reminding me of Helga Hufflepuff accepting everyone into her house. She is helping Ramah learn how to read etc.

While we are talking about Ramah, I think she is a Ravenclaw, precisely because of her urge to learn both to read and the scriptures, something she was never required to do because of her gender. I think one of the reasons she went with Thomas to follow Jesus is precisely that Ravenclaw curiosity in her, that of course would also manifest in her spirituality.

While we are talking about Thomas, I think he is also a Ravenclaw and that he was the easiest to sort. I know many Ravenclaws will say that Thomas is too close-minded to be a Ravenclaw but I don't think all Ravenclaws need to be open-minded. He is curious and most certainly appreciates knowledge, that is what Jesus draws him to the ministry with, the promise of more understanding. The reason he is so close-minded is that he wants explanations as to how things work, the why. He was also very curious during the fireplace scene, and of course, who could forget he is doubting Thomas. So yes he doubts because he wants to see for himself, because he wants to know how or why impossible things happen, at least that is my interpretation.

Another Ravenclaw would be Nicodemus. He is a scholar of the scriptures who is partly attracted to Jesus precisely because of the knowledge and wisdom He can provide him. He likes to learn more, and is or at least grows to be open-minded with interpretations.

While we are talking about Ravenclaws, I think Matthew is the final one. May be cliche, but he too wants to know how or why impossible things happen as soon as he witnesses something miraculous for the very first time. He asks lots of questions, more so than any of the disciples I think, also wants to understand not only the world but himself, he is pretty much a prodigy with numbers, etc, etc.

I think his initial nemesis Simon Peter would be a Gryffindor. Why? Well, his very first scene is him fighting and doing illegal things lol. But for real, he is very hot-headed, he likes defending himself by saying the first think that comes to mind without thinking about the consequences, he is impulsive, literally chops a guy's ear off to defend his teacher (Meaning he is very protective), tried to walk on water with Jesus, etc, etc. He is at the front center stage and a lot happens to him precisely because of how much he dares to do things. Yes he has (and will have) moments when his bravery fails him (for example when he denies Jesus, at the beginning of the show he wanted to do things by himself, etc.) but he overcomes them in the end because he does value bravery, and if church tradition is right, he dies a brave death as a martyr.

His wife Eden is a total Hufflepuff too, she is very loyal to Simon while he is away, supportive of him and what he does, is the one that does the cooking (Very Hufflepuff thing imo). Obviously, she calls him out when he is going in the wrong path, but that only proves her devotion to him, her belief he can be better. When she had the miscarriage she almost faced it alone in part out of a misplaced desire not to be a burden, she is a very selfless character.

His brother, Andrew, is a hard one. Correct me if I am wrong because I haven't seen the show for quite some time, but he does give me Hufflepuff vibes too. At the start he is the one who tags along with his more reckless brother out of both love and loyalty. Furthermore, he is a loyal follower of John the Baptist who later on also becomes a loyal follower of Jesus. He is in general a friendly guy as well, he has his issues, but he have seen him apologize too.

Speaking of John the Baptist, I think he is a Gryffindor, because only one or someone with Gryffindor bravery would do and say the things he did. He has no filter, he speaks what he believes is the truth despite the consequences, being arrested, killed, etc. He does so even at Herold's court, in every circumstance.

Speaking of Gryffindor, both Sons of Thunder, John and Big James are Gryffindors. Those tempers, as well as their energy and enthusiasm can only come from them red and gold house, enough said.

Another Gryffindor would be Simon Z, for joining the Zealots (Something he thought was the right choice at the time to defend his people and country) knowing he could end up executed in one of the most brutal ways imaginable must have taken a lot of courage, and so must have joining Jesus, something that turned his entire belief system upside down. Even then he has bravely faced the Zealots again even though he could die and told them what was the deal, etc. Overall he is a very brave character.

Philip is in my opinion a total Hufflepuff. Like Andrew he is a former loyal disciple of John the Baptist who came to follow Jesus obediently after being told to. He is a totally chill guy, gets along with Matthew from the beginning, and accepts him just like Mary does, etc.

His friend Nathaniel, on the other hand, is our first Slytherin. He is introduced as a very ambitious man who wants to do something great for God. Even after joining Jesus, this is his first motivation, to do what he knows how to do best which is building stuff. He also gives me Slytherin vibes due to his honest humor, which can be cruel and hits sore spots but is never mean-spirited.

The only other Slytherin I can think of (Tell me if you have more you think are!) is, of course, Judas Iscariot. Do I need to explain this one? (Actually yes, I do because he is also the TV series character). Like Nathaniel, Judas is also introduced as a very ambitious man who also wants to leave his mark on the world, but unlike Nathaniel, he goes down a bad path. He starts thinking more and more selfishly, uses his cunning to steal from the poor, and ends up betraying Jesus. We don't know what motivation, if any, other than greed the show will give him, but he is an example of what ambition and cunning unchecked by morality can do.

I think Thaddeus and Little James, which were introduced together, are both Hufflepuffs, in the sense that they are very kind, soft, friendly, and endearing characters (I know, cliche, but it is the vibes I get, I didn't have time for a full-on analysis).

Tamar is another Hufflepuff. I put her there because she is introduced literally opening up a roof for a friend. And her faith is beautiful.

And last but most definitely not least, I think Jesus would leave the hat on an hours-long stalemate! No kidding, he has the wisdom of a Ravenclaw, the bravery of a Gryffindor, the determination to fulfill his mission of a Slytherin, and obviously the kindness, friendliness, and loyalty to God of a Hufflepuff.

Thank you for the ask, anon. Tell me if you disagree!

#the chosen #the chosen tv series #the chosen tv show #the chosen tv #hogwarts sorting

[sincerelyhecate]

you (hit me with a broom and) set my heart ablaze

Title: you (hit me with a broom and) set my heart ablaze (chapter 8)

Pairing: Jason Grace/Percy Jackson

Length: 11.5k words

You can also read this on AO3.

∘◦ ☆ ◦∘

Though he belonged amongst the living, Nico had always exuded a ghostly aura that did little to set him apart from the rest of the spectral inhabitants of the castle. It gave him a slight advantage of being stealthier than most students; a quirk that he’d utilise to tail after rulebreakers during his patrol rounds before catching them in the act, and also to jump Percy just for the fun of it.

One evening, just as Percy was about to descend down the stairs leading to the dungeons, he was ambushed by the boy, not unlike how a ghost would scare off its unlucky victim. As if he was materialising from the shadows themselves, Nico suddenly popped out of thin air to corner Percy into the wall, nearly scaring the living daylights out of him.

“Ahhh!” he screeched a little too unmanly for his liking, clutching his heart that had almost escaped his chest in fright. In his defence, his guard was down by quite a bit after one exceptionally tiring session of Quidditch practice; only the thoughts of his fluffy four-poster and a good night's sleep had kept his legs walking. “Nico! Would it be so bad to say hello first? Maybe a little ‘How are you’ on the side?”

Nico wasted no time to get to his point. “Let Hufflepuff win this upcoming match.”

“…Oh?” A grin sneaked its way onto Percy’s face. “Didn’t know you care this much about Quidditch. But isn’t this a bit too…unprofessional? What happened to sportsmanship, mate?”

“It’s gonna be Hazel’s first official match against you. Seeker vs Seeker. We barely won against Ravenclaw last time. Don’t you think you should go easy on her?”

Ah. So this was Nico on Brother Bear’s mode. A side of him that would surface only once in a blue moon amidst his usual sharp-edged exterior, and one Percy was really fond of because it’s a testament of how gooey Nico was on the inside.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t quite appreciate the idea that he had to deliberately give Hazel the upper hand when she was already a capable Seeker on her own. It would’ve been an insult to both of their prowesses as respectable Quidditch players. And, if you’d ever think of holding yourself back in a match, you’d sooner find yourself better off not playing at all, because you’d only drag the rest of your teammates down.

He remembered having the time of his life practising together with Hazel when they met over the summer—on a special invitation to their luxurious mansion from Hades himself, alongside good ol’ Frank—and was blown away by how good she was despite being a late bloomer in flying. 

Her case was an almost perfect reflection of his own, when he thought about it. Back then, he just couldn’t help but see himself in her when she shakily rode the latest Firebolt model with unshakable will, and was thus determined to help her ease into the role of the great Seeker she’s destined to be. To be proud was an understatement when he found out she made it to the Hufflepuff’s team.

“I don’t think so, mate.”

Shivers ran down his spine when Nico narrowed his eyes in a razor-sharp stare. “I thought you loved her like your own sister?”

“Without a doubt! But I don’t think she’d appreciate it if you do this, even if it’s for her sake. In fact, she’d think that you’re just undermining her abilities, and would probably kick your arse the next time she sees you.”

“I am not undermining her. I just so happen to intimately know all about you Slytherin snakes’ cheating tendencies and general buffoonery when playing. I’ve seen how especially barbaric your Beaters are, the bats should’ve been confiscated from their possessions by now if the school has any common sense. Hence, I need to make sure to drill into your thick skulls to play nicely around her, or else someone would end up in the hospital wing—and it’s not gonna be her.”

“Merlin, Nico. You can be so dramatic sometimes. Every Quidditch player has to have their own run-in with a Bludger at least once, you know? It’s practically a rite of passage for us.”

“You know what’s another rite of passage? A Stinging Jinx to your arse right this instant.”

Before Nico’s threat could come to fruition, Percy’s arse was saved by Nakamura passing by. The temperature in the corridor dropped by several degrees as hostility unwittingly leaked out of himself at the sight of the Captain. While Jason, bless his golden heart, had forgiven the bloke long ago, Percy found it easier to hold a grudge instead.

Not one to poke the bee’s nest unprovoked, Nakamura trod away without as much of a glance at them.

“Still petty, I see,” Nico said, throwing a knowing smirk at him once the prat was out of their sight. Percy shrugged in reply, finding no fault in his statement.

“You know how I am, Neeks. I’m nothing if not running on pettiness.”

“And cringe,” Nico added, nodding solemnly in agreement. “How do you even handle rooming with him?”

“Oh, that’s easy. We just pretend the other doesn’t exist.”

“And somehow I’m the dramatic one.”

“The most dramatic of them all,” Percy confirmed brightly, reaching out a hand to ruffle those fluffy black curls. With perfected movement, Nico’s hand slapped his own away before he could even touch a strand. 

Unfazed, he continued, “I like how protective you could be sometimes, but don’t worry too much, okay? Hazel’s a tough lass. And really, how does that add up to your demand of letting Hufflepuff win in the first place? You could’ve just told me to keep on my toes around her.”

“Eh, it’s worth a try,” Nico waved a dismissive hand. “You know how thorough I am in everything I do.”

“And somehow I’m the one who got Sorted into Slytherin.”

“It fits you,” Nico shrugged. “You’re the snakiest of them all, Jackson. Dunno what Jason sees in you at all.”

“He sees the one and only man for him, thank you very much. Now run along, you sly bugger. I’m in desperate need of a shower.”

Like the bugger he truly was, Nico aimed a kick at his shin before disappearing into the shadows once more.

Two days before the fated Slytherin vs Hufflepuff match, Percy had a slight premonition that something was about to happen. Something decidedly eerie, but not sinister enough to keep him on his toes and anticipate anything disastrous. Shaking off the slight chill he felt on his skin, he continued going on his merry way in search of his boyfriend with the usual paper bag in hand.

After about twenty minutes of scouring the castle, he spotted Jason walking alone in a courtyard right outside the east wing. The usually hardened lines of his figure were relaxed somewhat, translating themselves into something soft and fluffy to mirror his languid pace and loosened posture. He looked like he's in desperate need of a hug (or maybe it's just Percy who did), and Percy knew exactly how to fix that.

“Ah—Percy?” Jason exclaimed, the epitome of adorableness as his voice took an excited lilt when he registered Percy’s presence from the surprise back hug.

“Your one and only,” Percy confirmed, aware of how sickly sweet his own voice was. This romance business was downright stupid, if it wasn’t so damn addicting. “Where are you off to?”

“Just on my way back to the Tower.” Jason noticed the bag in his hand. As if he couldn’t get any cuter, his smile widened and his blue eyes twinkled in child-like exuberance. Sally’s homemade cookies just had that magical effect on anyone. “Is that what I think it is?”

“It is, with one extra thing.” Raising the bag to let Jason have a better look, Percy tried to tamper the nervousness bubbling in his guts. “I’d like you to wear it to my next match.”

“Is that…? Oh, Percy.” Jason was now bouncing on the balls of his feet, face glowing with excitement. Just like a golden retriever, both in temperament and preciousness. Retrieving the item from the bag, he inspected it carefully before surmising, “I think it’s going to look a little tight on me.”

It’s Percy’s spare Quidditch jersey, with the words ‘JACKSON 7’ printed in silver on the green fabric of the back. Since they’ve made it a (very late) tradition to attend each other’s match sporting the other’s team colours, Percy thought it’d be nice to take things a step further. 

A small part of him had anticipated Jason’s rejection over the idea. After all, their Houses had been bitter rivals ever since the falling out of their founders. Therefore, it would’ve been completely understandable if Jason had shown any sign of reluctance. Not because it’s Slytherin in particular, but because of the repercussions that were soon to follow from the other Gryffindors.

Because he’s the best boyfriend ever, Jason looked totally onboard. Just like Percy had hoped. Giddiness filled him from head to toe; he finally had the chance to see Jason in his clothes for the first time ever. The thought sent a deluge of warmth and happiness crashing in waves all over his body, and despite how dramatic this would sound, he really hoped he’d make it out alive when Jason would wear it on the day of the match.

“So, er…w-would you wear it, then?” he asked, cursing himself inwardly for stuttering.

“I’d love to, Percy,” Jason replied with a pleased sigh. 

Then, with no regard to Percy’s poor heart, he bundled the jersey in his hands before burying his face in it, as if to heave in Percy’s lingering scent. He seemed to realise what he did a little too late when his eyes widened in shock over his own action, immediately removing the article of clothing off his nose just in time to see Percy’s flabbergasted face. 

As they stared at each other with equally surprised faces, Percy thought, ah, it’s already so hopeless now.

There’s so sugar-coating it: he was now so pathetically in love, he’s beyond saving. In fact, he didn’t want to be saved. Jason was out to get him, hitting him at his weakest spot in rapid succession with his precious existence, and Percy’s masochistic arse wanted him to do it again and again until his own heart was a battered thing lying on the ground in pure unadulterated bliss.

Before Jason could stammer out an unnecessary excuse, Percy gathered his boyfriend in a frantic hug and planted a sloppy kiss on his lips. “Merlin, you’re so fucking adorable, Jason. One of these days, you’re going to be the absolute death of me. Merlin.”

“I’d rather you not die at all,” Jason muttered, his face still burning red from embarrassment. “How embarrassing! Acting like an absolute troll, sniffing your clothes like that. I’m really sorry—”

Percy shut him up with another kiss, a tad deeper this time. Jason hummed in surprised delight against his lips. When their mouths broke apart, his boyfriend was already smiling again. 

“I’ve got no clue why you feel the need to feel sorry, Jason. I’m happy you like it that much,” he said easily, wrapping his arms around Jason’s waist and swaying both of them around joyously to demonstrate his point. “Feels like there’s no other choice but to win the game now.”

Jason, sweet lovely Jason, went along with the impromptu little dance, and Percy relished the deep rumble of his chest as he chuckled deeply. “I’ll be counting on you for that, darling. I’ll be cheering you on as loud as I can.”

Darling.

The pet name Jason had exclusively claimed for him filled his heart with so much love, he’s afraid he’d physically float away into the endless sky with the joy it sparked. It was so tender in the way Jason had said it; a perfect expression of his affections in a manner only his lovely lips and wonderful tongue could deliver. It was music to Percy’s ears. 

Percy couldn’t care less that he’s sounding a bit overconfident then. He’d do anything to make sure that smile stayed in place. “I promise I’ll make you proud, baby. We’ve seen the way Hufflepuff played; I’m feeling very optimistic.”

Though it might’ve just been his imagination, he thought he’d seen Jason hesitate, just for a fraction of a millisecond. As Jason blinked owlishly at his pompous declaration, there was a minute twitch to his elegant brows that suggested an impending furrow, but it was gone before Percy knew it. And before he could think too hard on it, Jason distracted him with another sweet peck to the lips.

In the end, Percy failed to make good of his promise.

Which was hilarious, because until the commentator had announced that the match was over, he had thought he was unstoppable. 

On Jason’s side of the bargain, he’d fulfilled his promise to wear Percy’s jersey to the match, and had even stopped by the Slytherin’s changing room for a good luck kiss. At the sight, Percy had nearly combusted on the spot. Jason in his clothes, sporting his name on the back, announcing to anyone who’d care to notice that he belonged to Percy…let’s just say only the impending match had stopped Percy from dragging him away for a grand time of snogging.

In the end, it was all for naught. His team had lost the match against Hufflepuff. Spectacularly. 

He was convinced that it had all been his fault, but his ego demanded that he keep his head straight and out of the gutter. Hell would freeze over before he showed any signs of weakness in front of Nakamura of all people. The Captain who was, thankfully, still adamant with his cold war campaign against him, thus was smart enough to spare him the usual scathing criticism.

What had actually gone wrong? Percy wracked his brain for the answer but came up empty.

Was it the weather? It was sufficiently pleasant; specks of clouds dotted the blue sky to provide enough shade while still allowing near-perfect visibility. The wind was ideal for flying, blowing all over the pitch in the form of a cool and gentle breeze. 

Was it his performance? He was sure he was in top form; there had been no prominent sign of discomfort or fatigue from practising too hard at the start of the game. Even now, his body was still buzzing in adrenaline, not feeling any physical strain so much as his mental one. 

Was it their performance as a team? Objectively, Slytherin had boasted the superior team that day; they’d been ahead in points compared to Hufflepuff during the entirety of the match. They could’ve easily won in terms of Quaffle scoring alone. 

And, even with the knowledge that Jason was wearing his jersey, he hadn’t looked hard enough in the spectators’ stands for it to be a distraction. In fact, he’d been the most focused for this match.

There was only one anomaly that turned the tides of the game in favour of their opponents: the Snitch completely disappearing on Percy all throughout the game and, as if it had a mind of its own, presented itself to Hazel like it was a prized offering and she was a queen.

His mind was a whirlwind as he tried to take stock of the reality, distracting him enough from the gloomy atmosphere descending upon the rest of his teammates. His heart felt mostly empty, like any sort of emotion he should’ve been feeling was sucked out and into the stifling air. 

The Hufflepuffs, bless their considerate souls, were moderately celebrating on the sidelines far away from them, hugging and jumping and patting each others’ backs from the euphoria of their victory.

“Percy! Good game,” Hazel’s voice greeted him, and he belatedly registered her presence right in front of him. From her genial smile, he could tell that she was holding back from getting too celebratory in case she’d hurt his feelings, which was utterly ridiculous of an idea. As the victor, she had every right to.

He hugged her on auto-pilot, ignoring the awful sensation of his teammates’ bitter scowls. She hugged back just as fiercely, equally unbothered by the rest of the world. Gulping down the knot stuck in his too-tight throat, he managed to muster a smile he hoped was genuine enough. He didn’t want to make it look like he’s not happy for her, because he ultimately was. It’s just that the pang of losing was still so fresh. “You did fabulous, Hazel! I’m proud of you. Congratulations.”

“I can’t believe it!” she finally gushed, taking the cue to really express herself after Percy’s tacit approval. What an angel. “I’ve already won two times in a row for my very first season! Looks like your training regiment really paid off.”

That, plus something entirely different. Frustratingly, he still couldn’t pinpoint what it was. “It really did! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for you. Who knows, maybe you’ll get to hold the Cup for your very first season?”

She tilted her head, unconvinced. “That remains to be seen. You’re still better than me by a long shot—”

“Hazel—”

“—and I know you’ll compensate for today's loss with a glorious victory against Ravenclaw, alright?” Her smaller hands sought his own to grip them in reassurance. 

He couldn’t answer in affirmative, because didn’t he just lose a game he was so confident he’d win? Didn’t he just unfairly underestimate her?

“You were amazing just now, Percy,” Hazel pressed on. “I spent most of the time just watching you soaring all over the pitch instead of Seeking because you’re so godly on your broomstick. So really, if I wasn’t so lucky, you would’ve won by a landslide.”

“Don’t say that. You won fair and square, and you should be proud of it.” From the corner of his peripheral vision, a familiar precious face came into view. “Oh, look, Jason’s here. You go and celebrate with your team now.”

“Okay, lover boy. See you around!” With another quick hug to him and a friendly nod to Jason, she hurried off towards the gathering Hufflepuffs who were now chanting her name with vigour, her brown-golden curls bouncing along with her happy steps.

Jason’s strong arms were open and waiting as Percy crashed into his embrace. They enveloped him so lovingly, readily providing a sanctuary he could call his own. Between his earlier bravado, the misplaced confidence that their victory was a guarantee, and even making his boyfriend wear his own jersey when he'd lost in the end, it was like a nail to the coffin enclosing his already fraying self-composure. 

For the first time that evening, his emotions got the best of him. Hot tears began to pool in his eyes despite his personal reservations against crying. He buried his face in Jason’s neck as if to hide from the rest of the world, trying to focus on that wonderful scent just to calm himself down, to steer his mind away from the bitter reality. 

It helped, but barely just. He still couldn’t stop the sob tearing out of his throat. “J-Jason, I lost…”

“Hm. But you did your best, Percy, and that’s all that matters, isn’t it? The odds were just too stacked against you.”

They were? 

“I don’t care, hick, about the odds,” he blubbered, hating every second of him struggling to get his words out. “I only care about making you proud, hick, and I f-failed!”

“What? Darling, I’d still be proud of you no matter what.” Jason’s long fingers carded through his hair in gentle repetitive motions. It did wonders to soothe his awful mood. “And it’s only your second match. Officially," he belatedly added, because it's technically Percy's third. "There’s still one more to go until we can secure the Cup.”

Percy buried his face further in reply, though the boulder crushing down on his chest had already begun to chip away as he took in Jason’s kind reassurance. There’s something beautiful about Jason addressing both of them together when he talked about attaining the honour of winning the season. Now that their own match against each other was a thing of the past, it felt like his victory had very much become Jason’s and vice versa, and it was a very heartening idea to immerse himself in.

…Not to mention his losses would also become Jason’s, but he’d rather do anything else than to dwell on that right now.

“Take a walk with me?” Jason asked him, and he removed his face from Jason to nod meekly, inwardly cringing at the tear stains on Jason’s shoulder. Unbothered, Jason wiped at his tear-streaked cheeks with the hem of his sleeve. His kind smile was a lantern in a sea of fog; a guiding light, as he led Percy out and away from the pitch by hand.

***

It turned out that wearing Percy’s jersey to the match was the most ingenious idea ever. 

Despite smelling and feeling clean, it still retained Percy’s signature scent that only grew prominent the moment Jason put it on. He’d never felt so close to Percy while wearing it. It felt very much like Percy was giving him a hug all the time, as if the fabric was emulating his warm kisses and gentle touches against his skin. It went unsaid that Jason loved it very much, almost as much as he adored being held in Percy’s arms, to the point that he would, without even thinking, raise the neckline to his nose to take the occasional whiff, which would then send pleasant tingles travelling down his back.

Thanks to Piper and Leo flanking him in their seats in one of the Slytherin stands, he wasn’t too bothered by the blatant stares from the rest of the spectators, who were understandably perplexed by his sudden appearance amongst their ranks like a wild Bludger. In fact, he felt pride welling up in his chest instead. Just by donning the jersey bearing his boyfriend’s name had inspired an unfettered kind of vigour within him to cheer as loud as he could for Percy, not at all caring to mind his volume when the boy in question would perform a thrilling move like the aerial showman he was, holding everyone’s hearts captive all the while.

In the end, it was quite the pity that Percy had lost, but Jason was determined not to add to the damper on the already sullen mood. He found himself treading in new territory when the loss had actually driven Percy to tears; a side of his boyfriend he’d never seen nor expected. While it had caught him off-guard for a split second, he took it as an opportunity to be the one to lend his shoulder this time, happy he could provide the same pillar of support Percy had always offered him so readily.

They were strolling down the pathway near the Whomping Willow when Percy broke the heavy silence with a sigh. “Sorry you had to see me cry over something as stupid as losing.”

Jason halted in his tracks to pull Percy into another warm hug. It turned out Percy really needed that; he retreated into Jason’s embrace like it was the most natural thing to do, tucking his face into the crook of Jason’s neck without a second thought. Jason tightened his hold as he felt a forlorn sigh blowing against his jugular. 

“How is it stupid to cry over losing a match?” Jason said softly. “That’s a big thing for us Quidditch players. You’d seen me cry over stupider things and told me not to feel ashamed about it. Take your own advice and don’t be so hard on yourself, alright?”

“You were crying over me, which could've been anything but stupid,” Percy countered petulantly, though the heat in his voice was doused by the glumness of his tone. He leaned back to peer at Jason, the white of his eyes still rimmed red. “At least it made me feel like I’m special to you.”

“I’d rather not have to shed tears just to tell you how much you mean to me,” Jason huffed, feeling his cheeks flush. With his thumb, he traced over the drying streaks on Percy’s cheek fondly. “And I’d also rather not see you cry because you’re afraid of disappointing me. You could never, darling. Especially when you’ve already done your best.”

His lips met Percy’s nose in a quick kiss. It instantly prompted a small smile to bloom in Percy’s face. So cute. It’s rather gratifying to learn how foolproof the gesture had proven to be every time he noticed Percy needed a pick-me-up. One peck on the nose in exchange for one happy boyfriend.

Now leading him by the hand, Percy veered off the pathway and plopped down dramatically onto his bum on the grass, pulling Jason down with him. “I can’t fight you on that. Merlin knows how hard I was looking for that accursed winged bollock. Maybe that’s why it stings a lot more, to see all my efforts paid off for nothing in the end.”

“Well, not to make light of your predicament in any way, but after watching two Hufflepuff matches now, I honestly think it’d take more than just effort to beat Hazel Levesque in Seeking."

All of a sudden, there was something turbulent brewing underneath Percy’s quiet voice. “…You’re not implying Hazel was cheating, are you?”

Jason felt his heart lurching at the accusation. “No! Merlin, not at all.” Where did that come from? “I don’t even think she knows about this, nor does she have a hand in it. Do you want to listen to my crazy theory about this?”

This time, Percy’s tone came out a little teasing. Thank Merlin. “You’re sitting in the stands concocting theories while I was out there fighting for my life?”

“I was multitasking! Which mainly consisted of cheering for you at the top of my lungs and analysing Hufflepuff’s gameplay on the side. I assure you the theory-concocting came afterwards.”

Much to his delight, Percy leaned his head on his shoulder and said, “Let’s hear it, then.”

***

“Alright. Ever noticed how the Snitch behaved every time Hazel’s playing? I voiced my thoughts about this once, back during the Ravenclaw vs Hufflepuff match. It acted very peculiar back then, but I ultimately brushed it off as coincidence.”

“Didn’t you say it’d flown near her more often than not?”

“Yep. Not trying to diminish her skills in any way—she has more potential than any other rookie I’ve seen thus far—but it’s a little funny to see her looking for the Snitch in places that didn’t actually matter when the ball was near her all the time.”

“Wait,” Percy said, sceptical. “There’s no way she couldn’t have seen the Snitch then.”

“She could’ve, if she hadn’t been so busy tailing after you to find the Snitch. Maybe her strategy was to make you do the heavy lifting before snatching the thing from under your nose.”

Oh, Merlin. It was one of the oldest tricks in the book, and a strategy Percy had employed for quite a few times in his career. He didn’t know whether to feel proud or amused at how she’d followed his suggestions to a T. It could’ve worked if things had gone according to her plan; he was using an older version of the Nimbus, whilst Hades’ bottomless wealth had provided her with the latest Firebolt model. In terms of speed, she had the slightest bit of edge—not counting other factors like flying skills and friction.

“Maybe you’d been flying too far away,” Jason continued, his lips warm against Percy’s temple, “that you couldn’t hear me shouting at you to look her way even once. If only you’d seen the Snitch fluttering nearby before she did, we could’ve probably won against Hufflepuff.”

Ouch. Way to rub the salt into the wound there. “Okay, but that's just your observation. When does your theory come into play?”

“My theory is…” Jason paused slightly, either due to hesitation or for dramatic effect, “…she’s a Snitch magnet.”

“A Snitch magnet,” Percy repeated, feeling a little incredulous, trying to wrap his brain around the idea. Recalling back to Hufflepuff’s first match of the season, he pondered, “The Snitch had always flown a little too closely to her in the previous match. Was it acting similarly today?”

“It was, almost illogically so. It stayed within a ten-metre radius from her most of the time, though with all the stuff happening around the pitch—did you see how Nakamura flew into Gardner in a full-body slam? Nasty move, that was—uh, it would’ve been easy to miss.”

“…Right.” For some inexplicable reason, Percy’s chest felt lighter with the newfound knowledge. The nasty feeling of being the worst Seeker in the world began to dissipate. He could somehow identify it being the sheer relief of knowing that he, indeed, didn’t disappoint Jason in the way he’d thought, and belatedly realised that he’d played the match solely for Jason’s validation the entire time.

“Well, it still sucked that I couldn’t win for you, but at least we’d know how to handle Hazel next time,” Percy sniffed. He raised his head from Jason’s shoulder to admire that lovely side-profile. “Not trying to pressure you or anything, but please win your next match for me.”

“Not trying to make empty promises either, but I’d do my very best for you, darling. Always.”

Despite everything that happened, he found it so effortless to believe in Jason. Perhaps it’s because Jason was Quidditch reincarnated; one of the best players to ever grace the Cup’s illustrious history. Perhaps it’s also because Jason had never let him down. No matter the reason, Percy could somehow already taste the sweetness of Jason’s victory in his tongue.

They sat there in silence for a while longer, encased in their private little world, content to let everything bitter and sad embroiled within to seep out little by little, until only the things that mattered remained.

***

Please don’t ask me to give it back. 

The unsaid words rushed through Jason’s head in a desperate mantra.

Please don’t ask me to give it back. Please don’t ask me to give it back. Please. Don’t. Ask. Me. To. Give. It. Back.

“Thanks for wearing my jersey today, Jason,” Percy said as soon as they reached the Entrance Hall, his tone no longer gloomy. It looked like their brief walk together worked like a charm, much to Jason’s relief. “You can give it back after dinner.”

“Please don’t ask me to give it back,” Jason blurted, before his brain could catch up on his words. “Ah! I-I mean, please allow me to keep it, er, at least until I clean it for you! It’s very bad manners if I don’t.”

Percy blinked owlishly at him, before an ever-so-familiar grin bloomed on his face. The one so charmingly mischievous, it’d always keep Jason on his toes. One of his eyebrows rose in mild amusement; the sign of an impending teasing. “You barely wore it for a few hours, though?”

Quick, brain! Formulate another convincing counterargument!  

“You didn’t notice how sweltering it was today?” It wasn’t, and Percy’s grin transformed to a full-blown smirk at his poor attempt at an excuse. “I was sweating in the stands like I was in a sauna. It’d be so gross if I just returned it to you as is.”

Always one with no sense of subtlety, Percy leaned in and took a deep whiff to his neck without caring who might see. Jason stiffened despite himself. They’re in a fairly crowded hallway, for Merlin’s sake, and this seemed to push it a little bit. 

While their relationship had long become common knowledge, he still hadn’t sufficiently warmed up to the idea of prominently displaying their shared affection for the whole school to see. His boyfriend didn’t seem to get the memo—not that he’d ever overstepped any unsaid boundaries Jason had set, thankfully.

“You smell great as always,” Percy noted nonchalantly, his nose brushing against Jason’s skin in a ghost of a touch, causing the hairs at the back of Jason’s neck to stand on end. Then, without as much of a warning, he leaned in to coyly whisper in Jason’s ear, “And you know how much I love your scent, baby. But it’s fine, really. Keep it for as long as you’d like. I want it to smell just like you when I get it back. In the meantime, you can continue enjoying mine.”

Ending his words with a casual nip to his earlobe, Percy sauntered away with a wink, leaving Jason behind a blushing, stuttering mess. 

Was he really that transparent? Merlin, how unsightly! The ground was welcomed to swallow him up if it very much liked to. 

He walked towards his table with his arms around himself, still enjoying the snug feeling of the fabric hugging his body tight. Oh well, no use sweating over it now. As long as he could keep something of Percy with him just for a while longer, he’s content with embarrassing himself every now and then. 

Even now, as he sat down for dinner, his mind was already thinking of going to bed while holding the jersey, letting Percy’s scent lull him to sleep. Somehow, he knew it would take him to dreams of trips to the sea.

As Jason was shovelling breakfast down his throat a few days after the match, another unfamiliar Gryffindor joined him at the table. His brain still running over his timetable to plan for the day, he didn’t really pay attention to the person beside him until Percy’s voice greeted him with a cheerful, “G’morning, baby.”

“Percy? Good—” Jason started with surprise at the sight of his boyfriend sitting next to him. With his school robes in Gryffindor colours, no less. “…morning? What’s with your uniform today?”

Percy glanced down in confusion. “What’s wrong with it?”

“…the colours are a little off, I think?” Jason glanced at the date on his wristwatch. It wasn’t April Fool’s, either. “Shouldn’t it be in, say, the usual green and silver?”

Percy let out a lighthearted chuckle as if he’d just realised what Jason had meant. “I have no idea what you’re on about, you precious dork. I’ve always been in Gryffindor.”

What?

Like he hadn’t just been lying through his teeth, Percy bit into a piece of fried bread before asking through a mouthful, “What’s our first lesson today?”

“I have Herbology," Jason replied. "Dunno about you, though.”

Percy hummed noncommittally, not at all concerned by the blatant confusion in Jason’s expression at his peculiar behaviour that early in the morning. He still paid no mind to Jason’s consternation afterwards, even when they had finished their breakfast together and he was now following Jason to the greenhouses like it was routine for him.

“I wonder what Longbottom has in store for us today! I’ve always wanted to try handling a Venomous Tentacula without my gloves on.”

“That is a one-way trip to the Underworld, darling,” Jason provided, extremely endeared and mildly infuriated. “What class do you have next?”

“Herbology, silly.”

“Nobody ever told me Professor Longbottom can split himself in two now. Seriously, Percy. What’s your next class?”

“Jason, what’s going on with you?” Piper piped up, catching up to them with lighthearted steps. Jason caught a glimpse of Percy exchanging conspiratorial looks with her, one that dissipated so quickly it might as well have been his imagination. “We have Herbology with Hufflepuff, remember?”

“I do? But what’s Percy doing here?”

“Merlin, did a brick land on your head or something? He’s our classmate,” Piper lied with indescribable ease, narrowing her pretty kaleidoscopic eyes at him like he was truly an idiot. On his other side, Percy nodded with exaggerated enthusiasm, eyebrows raised as if Jason was a puzzle too complicated to solve—not as great an actor as Piper was, but still convincing enough it would’ve fooled anyone else. 

“Yeah, how could you forget that?” he grumbled, getting whiny at the end of his sentence to compliment the pretty pout on his lips. Jason would’ve been inclined to kiss him if he wasn’t feeling so unamused by their antics. “Do you not want your own boyfriend around?”

“Oh, I’d love to have my boyfriend around. All the time if I could,” Jason assured him. “You know that.”

“Then what’s stopping you? You could have exactly that now, you know?”

“Hm,” Jason made a show of pondering seriously over Percy’s inane question. “It’s just that my boyfriend happens to be a seventh-year Slytherin who probably has his own timetable to adhere to, and I’d rather not see him running around brewing trouble this close to N.E.W.T.s.”

“B-But…” Percy sputtered, before his signature puppy eyes made their appearance on his handsome face, “I have a free period now…”

“You gave up too soon!” Piper groaned, miffed that their silly play pretend was so unceremoniously cut short.

“You wouldn’t understand, Pipes. Jason’s disappointed face is enough to make me jump off the window to off myself—Jason, I’m exaggerating,” Percy backtracked as soon as he saw Jason’s face, which couldn’t have been anything but aghast. 

As a respectable Prefect, he’d feel iffy about his boyfriend living up to his name as a resident troublemaker, sure. But at that point in their relationship, he figured that nothing Percy did could’ve ever warranted such a reaction out of him, that would in turn elicit such a reaction out of Percy. He’d already promised himself not to be overbearing and stiff as to restrict his boyfriend; not after that whole fiasco he’d caused from Percy announcing his retirement.

Also, jumping off windows? Really now. He’d follow Percy right after without a second thought. 

“Baby, I’m sorry. I was just messing around! Since I have a free period now, I thought I’d use it to join your classes as a way to revise past syllabus—and totally spend more time with you while I’m at it—but I’ll just drop the idea if it’s too much trouble, alright? Baby?” Percy’s tone of voice was turning helplessly frantic by the second, as he mistook Jason’s prolonged silence as disappointment.

“…You’re having a free period, you say?”

“Yeah! And with how our time together in this school is getting shorter by the day, I thought I’d utilise every single second I could spare to the fullest with you,” Percy replied evenly, though there was a trembling edge in his voice that made Jason’s heart clench. “But if it’ll get you in trouble, I’ll just be on my way! No need to worry.”

“What are you talking about? You have Herbology, remember?” Jason found himself saying, despite his pounding heart. 

There’s no need to be so uptight, a voice in his head said. If he smiles at you like that—like you hang the stars in his sky, like you’re his dream come true—wouldn’t it be worth all the trouble? it added, and Jason couldn’t for the life of him find it in himself to disagree.

“That I do!” Percy agreed, his usual cheerfulness back in full force now that he’s getting Jason’s stamp of approval. Jason wondered if Percy knew he’s slowly becoming the catalyst to Jason’s rebellious streak that was sure to come. It felt pretty exciting, to be honest. To have someone you’d break the rules just for their happiness…Once a foreign concept to him, it was now so easily feasible when that someone happened to be Percy Jackson.

“Gays and their dramatics,” Piper said with a fond shake of her head. “At least I’ll have a new form of morning entertainment from now on. C'mon, classmates. We’re running late to the greenhouse.”

With an energetic bounce to his steps, Percy grabbed Jason’s hand in pure unadulterated joy and pulled him along as they tail Piper.

"Mr Jackson, I don't recall you being a sixth-year Gryffindor?" To his credit, Professor Longbottom hadn’t looked at all surprised at the sight of Percy sitting next to Jason in his class.

"I had a trip to the Headmistress' Office this morning, Professor, and the Hat was kind enough to re-Sort me," Percy answered in jest, smooth as butter.

It’s such a wonderful thing that the Herbology Professor was even-tempered to a fault. Always opting for a patient and civilised approach with his troublesome students, instead of lashing out at the first instance. No wonder everyone liked him. "Ah. Kind enough to have you repeat a year too, I suppose. Mr Grace, may I know why you're doing nothing to stop your boyfriend's antics?"

"Sorry, Professor, but he's absolutely incorrigible," Jason shrugged, flashing Professor Longbottom an apologetic smile. He couldn’t really say he’d tried his best to change Percy’s mind; a huge part of him just couldn’t help being lenient on his boyfriend.

"I understand,” the Professor nodded sagely, as if Jason’s explanation had made enough sense for him. With a simple wave of his wand, the colours of Percy’s uniform returned to their original shades of green and silver. “Pardon me, Mr Jackson, but I have no choice but to dock five points from Slytherin. Now if you can tell me two examples of potions you can make by using mistletoe, I might let you stay for the rest of the class."

"Mistletoe…if I have to guess, er, probably something related to…kissing?" 

Jason bit back an incredulous chortle at Percy’s answer. To his relief, the amused laughter of his classmates rippled across the greenhouse; entertained instead of perplexed. The answer, although far off the mark and very lame to boot, was so typically Percy that it’s endearing to hear instead. He furiously scribbled the correct ones on his palm to discreetly show him.

"That is quite far off the mark, Mr Jackson. One more try. C'mon, or you'll have to leave this class, even if it means Mr Grace would get lonely."

Jason felt his ears burn. To his right, Piper made a gagging noise.

"Got it, sir! Er…Forgetfulness Potion! And,” Merlin, subtlety was really not Percy’s strong suit, as he glanced at Jason’s palm visibly, “Antidote for…C-Connor Poisons."

"Common Poisons,” Professor Longbottom corrected him without skipping a beat. “Good enough, I suppose. You can stay. Thank you for doing your prior reading, Mr Grace." 

A war hero and a great teacher. What a perfect man.

The class resumed as usual, and despite his earlier disruption, Percy was completely serious for the rest of the lesson. He hadn’t been joking that he’d wanted a revision of sixth-year Herbology; being thoroughly helpful all throughout their activity for the day as he partnered with Jason to re-pot a Venomous Tentacula (with his gloves on, at Jason’s insistence). He’d crack silly jokes under his breath and grinned in satisfaction when Jason would giggle as a result, before coughing awkwardly to compose himself when they both received dirty looks from Reyna for making a ruckus. He was surprisingly knowledgeable in the subject despite his earlier blunder (“Mistletoe, really? We never had that one last year. Longbottom was out to get me, I tell you.”), mostly owing to being best friends with the smartest girl in school and his mum being quite the skilled gardener.

Needless to say, Jason was having so much fun. While he’s not really one to bemoan the unchangeable past, he bitterly thought that fate should’ve been kinder and granted them the chance of being actual classmates. He wished he’d been born a year older or Percy a year younger, then—had they been in the same year—wished he could have begged to be Sorted into Slytherin or snatched the Hat off Percy’s head to demand it to Sort the boy into Gryffindor with him. 

All those six long years in which Percy was a fellow student in the same castle with him, so close yet so far due to their slight difference in age and Houses, and only now did Jason have the privilege to truly know him. There was this strange sense of loss that Jason couldn’t help feeling when he thought of missing out on so many wonderful years in which he could’ve been mates with Percy for longer. It was a little depressing in retrospect.

It didn’t last too long, thankfully. He just thought of Percy in the hospital wing demanding to be his friend, Percy giving him homemade cookies at any chance he got, Percy calling him ‘baby’ all the time because he knew it made Jason weak in the knees, and he then could easily decide he’d rather live in the present. No use dwelling over things that could’ve been but didn’t, when he had the better option of savouring the actual moment. A sweet reality where Percy was his boyfriend and his days had never been better in consequence.

Percy seemed to share the very same sentiment with him. 

“Can you wait for me?” he requested, once the class ended and Jason’s classmates slowly filed out of the greenhouse for their next lesson. After two minutes of consulting Professor Longbottom while Jason idled near the entrance, Percy bounded towards him with barely concealed excitement, before dragging him out of the greenhouse and back into the corridors.

“Longbottom agreed to allow me to join you during my free period, so long as I can answer a question from him every time.”

Jason was over the moon. “Make sure you do your own prior reading, then,” he quipped, never mind the fact that he’d help Percy again in a heartbeat.

Like he’d already known what’s on Jason’s mind, Percy replied confidently, “I won’t let you down, baby.” 

His hand was still firmly grasping Jason’s, skin delightfully warm like it contained the morning sunlight. His thumb was gently running over Jason’s knuckles, so tender like when he’d trace butterbeer foam off Jason’s lips. When he spoke again, however, there was a hint of wistfulness in the timbre of his voice. “I don’t want to go to Creature Care.”

“Whatever happened to being Hagrid’s star student?” Jason teased, even though he knew exactly the reason for Percy's reluctance.

“Come with me, then I’ll go.”

“Percy…”

“Joking, I know you can’t. I won’t skive off either, this late in the semester,” Percy sighed in despondence. “I guess this is how it feels to taste the forbidden fruit. One bite, and now you want more no matter the risk.” He turned to look into Jason’s eyes with such earnestness and longing, Jason’s heart ached with the same. “I love being classmates with you, Jason. If I could turn back time, I’d beg the Sorting Hat to put me in Gryffindor for real. Even if we couldn’t have the same lessons, at least I could see you more often. We could hang out together in the common room, play in the same team, attend the post-match parties together…”

“You’re making me sad now, darling.”

“Sorry, baby,” Percy said sheepishly.

“Don’t be,” Jason reassured him gently, because didn’t he think the exact same only a few minutes ago? “Besides, things turned out pretty well in the end, didn’t it? We’re here together now.”

After a few seconds of contemplation, Percy decided, “You’re right,” and pressed his budding smile onto Jason’s lips.

They continued walking hand in hand down the hallways of the ancient castle. Jason was content to stay like this forever, to have this moment enclosed in a snow globe frozen in time, but alas, they had to go their separate ways in the end. 

Curiously, Percy kept walking with him even after they’ve passed by the turn where he’d head down to the grounds, and despite wanting nothing more than to let the matter be and have Percy be his classmate for the rest of the day (and even year, if possible), he thought it’d be best to point that out. “Shouldn’t you be heading that way for Creature Care?”

“Yeah,” Percy replied. “I’d like to walk you to your next class, though. Hagrid wouldn’t mind if I’m a few minutes late.”

Well, Jason found himself to not really mind that either, if it’d mean a few more precious minutes with his boyfriend.

***

“Merlin knows how I love that girl like my own flesh and blood, but this is a match we’re talking about,” Percy said grimly as they walked together down the winding path leading to the pitch, several weeks later.

Jason nodded in understanding. “All is fair in love, war and Quidditch.”

“You just made that up, didn’t you? Not that I disagree. Anyway, all I’m saying is you just have to win this match for either of us to secure the Cup.”

When Percy glanced at Jason, his boyfriend was gazing up at the cloudy sky in an unreadable look. “I think we’ll have a decent chance at it.”

He didn’t elaborate, but Percy would get his answer not long after. 

Jason’s spare jersey, as per the tradition, was his outfit of the day. He wished he could wear it forever. It was a little loose because of Jason’s much bulkier stature, but felt extremely comfortable nonetheless. It smelled of an oddly wonderful combination of freshly cut grass on the pitch and petrichor (that could also be due to the impending rain) and something distinctively Jason’s that Percy’s nose would always pick up when he buried his face in Jason’s neck.

The Gryffindors gave him a wide berth as he went to look for a seat in their stand, but that could also be due to Annabeth’s presence by his side and Reyna’s on her other. He hoped they could see the gold print of ‘GRACE 7’ on the back of his jersey; get it into their heads that he wouldn't be here if it wasn’t for his capable, amazing Seeker boyfriend. From the corner of his peripheral vision, he noticed a familiar hand waving for his attention, and saw Leo already reserving some seats for them.

“Not commentating today, mate?” Percy asked in greeting, returning Piper’s wave who was sitting on Leo’s other side. Leo had found them the best seats with a clear view of Gryffindor’s side of the pitch, where they could witness Frank’s Keeping prowess in all its glory.

“Nah. Taking a breather today,” Leo replied, digging a hand into a box of Bertie Botts’ before shoving a handful of beans into his mouth. Percy looked on in amusement as a myriad of contorted expressions made their way into Leo’s face before he forcefully swallowed the beans. “Besides, they’re all my good mates and I don’t trust myself enough to just say things that wouldn’t get me an earful from all three of Jason, Frank and Hazel.”

“You wouldn’t survive,” Piper agreed.

“I’d come out a changed man,” Leo said, shuddering slightly. “I’d lose my sense of humour and all the ladies!” 

Piper stole a bean from Leo as he bemoaned the made-up scenario in his mind. It took her less than a second to spit it back out with a disgusted, “Cheese? Yucks.”

“How lucky. I just got a combo of the top three nastiest flavours and you don’t wanna know how they tasted together. Oh, look! They’re about to start.”

Percy shuffled in his seat to take a good look at the centre of the pitch. Sure enough, the players for both teams were now in their starting positions, the lines of their bodies taut with tension, ready to fly at the first blow of the whistle. It’s all too clear what’s at stake in this final match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff: the former couldn’t afford another loss, and the latter weren’t willing to break their winning streak.

Naturally, his gaze found itself drifting toward Jason, who appeared to be the calmest out of all. Instead of antsy and tense, he looked focused, content, determined. Percy’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of that perfect posture. There’s no doubt that Jason, for all intents and purposes, was going all in to fulfil his promise to him. The thought was enough to keep him on the edge of his seat, skin buzzing with excitement, ready to cheer his lungs out.

Hazel, with two wins under her belt, was a similar picture. She no longer retained the carefully-concealed anxiety that marred her face during her first two games. She’d grown confident in her skin, eased herself into the role of a Seeker, radiant like the sun on her own two feet. Pride welling up within him, Percy thought she looked the most beautiful then, and wondered if it’d be traitorous to harbour a tiny bit of hope that she’d win again.

The whistle was blown and the players shot into the air in a frenzy. As if in tandem, thunder boomed directly above, and rain poured so intensely in a matter of seconds it caught everyone off guard. A cloudburst, completely unpredicted by the forecast. 

The spectators yelped and ducked their heads as they began to soak to their bones. Next to Percy, Annabeth casted an incantation above her head, unleashing an invisible canopy that protected their stand from the rain. With another wave of her wand, Percy was instantly dry in a second.

“Thanks, Wise Girl,” he said. 

Annabeth waved a nonchalant hand. “I wonder if they’ll be alright,” she said in reply.

Percy shrugged. “I’m sure Jason had played through worse conditions. It’s Hazel I’m worried about.”

From the intensity of the rainfall, visibility would be extremely limited. He could barely see the players from where he sat, only blurry dots of red and yellow zipping around as the game commenced like usual. Emergency goggles casted with the Impervius Charm were usually carried in the players’ robes for such a circumstance, ready to be equipped at a moment’s notice, but Percy doubted they’d be of much help anyway. Worryingly, the Seekers would surely have the hardest time. Finding a flying ball the size of a walnut in this weather was nigh-impossible; Percy assumed they’d only begin to search for it in earnest once the weather let up for a bit.

“I’d be more worried for Jason if I were you,” Reyna said, her voice carried by her impeccable projection even with the thunderstorm playing a deafening cacophony above. “I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed it, but I have a feeling that he’s a little shortsighted for a while now.”

“What?” Percy was caught off-guard for several seconds at her revelation. He could somehow recall a few instances of Jason squinting in the distance when he was staring at something. Before, he’d only thought it to be yet another one of Jason’s adorable quirks. His heart began to rev faster as his brain connected the dots. This was bad. Very, very bad. 

Pushing away the unhelpful thought of how cute Jason would look in glasses, Percy tampered down a sudden bout of nerves and willed his jittery knees to stay put. An intense Quidditch match in the midst of a thunderstorm didn’t bode well for the players’ safety in most scenarios. Despite his reservations against the divine, Percy prayed that Jason would come out of this match unscathed.

Gryffindor was in the lead so far, based on the frantic and disorganised commentary barely discernible from the howling winds. Hufflepuff was catching up in commendable speed, their gameplay gaining a huge boost in quality from their past victories. From the warbled voice of the commentator, Percy could pick up the movements of the players alongside his own limited vision. The Seekers hadn’t made any move to catch the Snitch yet, content to stay put as their teammates accumulated sufficient points for an overall win. 

Since the Cup was awarded based on the cumulative points from all three matches, Hufflepuff, whose victories had been relying heavily on the points granted from catching the Snitch, needed to overtake Gryffindor’s overall points in order to win the season. It was a pretty daunting hurdle to leap over; Gryffindor was in the lead amongst all four Houses.

Jason was given a slight advantage due to this case. He could begin his search earlier than Hazel once his teammate scored enough. As if agreeing with Percy, the commentator immediately shouted an hour later, “With another 10 points to Gryffindor to a total of 70 points, Grace is now on the move!”

Hazel refused to go down without a fight, it seemed. “And as if on cue, Levesque immediately flew farther away from Grace! Has she finally spotted the Snitch?”

Of course, Percy thought as a mixture of pride and exasperation bubbled in his gut. She’d probably figured out her special affinity to the Snitch and had strategized accordingly. She couldn’t catch it now and risk jeopardising the Cup, but she couldn’t also let Jason come near to catch it instead. Putting some distance between them while using the downpour as a cover seemed to be the most feasible strategy.

Their game of cat and mouse persisted for quite some time, Hazel thoroughly determined to stand her ground (or air?) until her teammates turned the tides of the game in their favour. “Looks like the Puffs are out for blood today, folks. Everyone is working together like a well-oiled machine even in this terrible weather. Even the Beaters are stepping up their game, holding their fort well against La Rue herself!”

After approximately half an hour, Hufflepuff managed to score enough that the 150 points garnered from catching the Snitch would guarantee their much coveted victory. With Jason hot on her heels, Hazel began to double back in a split second, executing a feint that forced him to veer off his course to avoid clashing with her. The final chase had now begun.

While it’d been acting like her best friend when she’s not actively Seeking, the Snitch turned out to not discriminate when it was being chased after. Percy wished he had a pair of binoculars like the commentator did, just to observe the events unfolding from his vantage point better. Unfortunately, he had no choice but to rely on their commentary instead. “Grace and Levesque are now racing for the ever elusive Snitch! Isn’t it amazing that a rookie can fly toe-to-toe with quite frankly the best flyer in the school right now? You may think it’s because of her state-of-the-art broomstick, but Grace had outflown better-equipped opponents before! This is a match Levesque would remember in her lifetime and be proud of.”

“Wow, they’re really buttering her up,” Leo said. “Is Nico holding them at wandpoint or something?”

The climax happened right in front of their stand. The rest followed his example as he rushed for the edge of the wall, crowding all around him in their excitement as both Jason and Hazel zoomed in their direction. Annabeth was cutting off the circulation in his arm with her death grip, uncharacteristically invested in the match. For his part, he was shouting at the top of his lungs, urging Jason to end the game with an assortment of “Go, baby, go!” and “You’re almost there!” He couldn’t care less if he’d sound like a bloody menace. Jason was so close to the finishing line, and he had Percy’s heart tight in his grasp along the way.

“I can’t see much from this angle, folks; we’d have to rely on our friends in the Gryffindor stands—looks like it’s the one where Grace’s boyfriend is too—I wager one of the Seekers is sure to make the decisive catch at this moment…wait a second, one of Hufflepuff’s Beaters just aimed a Bludger towards the two! The Seekers will surely dodge—BLOODY HELL, A DIRECT HIT!”

For a selfish moment, Percy wished the commentator would shut up for a second. Everything afterwards played as if it was in slow motion. Right in front of his eyes, he saw the magnificent view of Jason making a glorious swipe at the Snitch, oblivious to anything around him as his hand finally wrapped around the tiny ball. Next to him, Hazel made a futile grabbing motion almost at the same time, her shorter arm betraying her at the very last second. 

Then, there was that image that would forever be etched in Percy’s memory: of a manic glint in Jason’s intense blue eyes as he zeroed in on his target, like nothing else mattered in the whole world. Like he couldn’t care less if he’d crash into the stand or take in a Bludger’s direct assault; the only important thing was securing the win he’d promised for Percy.

The universe had probably thought it’d be funny when it happened. 

CRACK. The sound thundered in Percy’s ears, sending him into a momentary daze. His heart caught itself in his throat as he watched—in vivid clarity, of course, as the rain finally lulled to a drizzle in an absolute mockery to him—how the Bludger clashed against Jason’s arm in a vicious blow, the force snapping his elbow sideways in an angle that could only mean a bone fracture. As his sorry brain finally registered the sight in his mind, a shout tore itself out of his throat, desperate and horrified. “Jason!”

In such breakneck speed, a slow and nice brake was all but impossible. While he managed to decelerate enough, Jason still crashed into the wall of the stand with a distinct fwomp, Hazel running into him right after; an absurd scene right out of a children’s cartoon. Percy’s mind went straight into the gutter. He only realised that he’d almost jumped off for Jason when he registered Leo and Annabeth holding him back with vice-like grips.

“Mate, don’t be stupid!” Leo cried.

“Are you trying to kill yourself?!” Annabeth screeched.

“Jason!” Percy ignored them, his eyes widening in horror as Jason slid off his broomstick like a ragdoll right below him. Hazel, disoriented from the crash but still managed to stay afloat, was a little too late in reaching out to grab Jason. Percy might’ve sobbed a little as he helplessly watched Jason reach the ground at a deadly speed. He reached for his wand to do something, anything, and it was almost too late when he realised the referee had come in a clutch and casted a timely Cushioning Charm in his stead. 

Everything else was a blur after. He couldn’t recall how he managed to scale down the stairs leading to the pitch in one piece, but he found himself by Jason’s side soon after, just as the boy was deposited onto a floating stretcher by Madam Hooch.

Bile rose to Percy’s throat at the sight of Jason’s battered body. His eyes prickled with fresh tears once more. Jason’s eyes were half-lidded as they met Percy’s, misty as he barely clung onto his consciousness. When he registered Percy’s presence, a little too slowly in his concussion-induced stupor, his scarred lips curled in a lazy grin and his gloved palm unfurled to reveal the Snitch, its wings fluttering weakly in defeat. 

Percy wanted to snatch it away and stomp on it with his foot. “Y-You! You stupid, reckless git!”

Jason somehow had the audacity to grin even wider.

“Settle down, Mr Jackson,” Madam Hooch said.

“We won…darling…” Jason croaked.

Percy wanted to kiss him and throttle him at the same time. “You could’ve died!”

“Oh, he would’ve not,” Madam Pomfrey, who’d been on standby for this exact reason, snapped impatiently next to Percy. She’d already shooed away his friends, much to their indignation, and any other Gryffindor player who’d come over to see Jason, but made no such effort toward him for some mysterious reason—not that he had any complaints. With a few brisk jabs and waves of her wand, bandages wrapped themselves around Jason’s injuries. The fresh bruises mottling his skin faded as the first-aid spells took effect. His golden eyelashes fluttered to a close; a curtain call from his wakefulness as it finally bid farewell. 

He looked so angelic in his sleep. So serene, like he’s only napping on a Friday night. Percy wished he could’ve seen Jason asleep for the first time, unguarded and precious, in a circumstance less tragic than this one.

“Percy!” He noticed Hazel idling nearby. She’d just finished being tended to by another first aider and looked well enough, if not a little frazzled. The commentator had just announced Gryffindor’s victory, and both teams were moderately congratulating the other and worriedly peering at Jason from afar, knowing better than to disturb a Madam Pomfrey on duty. “I’m so sorry. I lost my bearings for a second and couldn’t catch him quickly enough—”

Percy caught her in a fierce hug. “You reckless girl! Save that suicidal kind of gameplay until after your tenth match, you hear me? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Percy. But he—”

“He’ll live,” La Rue cut her off, popping up behind them. She gave Jason a once-over with a pleased grin. “Never seen Grace that desperate to win, not that I’d expected anything less. You’re a bad influence, Jackson.”

Something sharp pierced in his chest. “Shut it. You could’ve deflected that fucking Bludger away from him, you know?”

She’s probably too drunk on victory to grace him with her usual irascible attitude. Like he’s only but a pesky fly, she ignored his seething and, deeming Jason fine enough, walked away to join her other teammates. They crowded around her and breathed out a collective sigh of relief once they got the good news.

“Go with him,” Hazel said. Percy tore his gaze away from the centre of the pitch to find the matron preparing to transfer Jason to the Hospital Wing.

“Can I? Please?” Percy asked Madam Pomfrey. On any other day, he’d put on his best puppy eyes, but he’s too devastated to even resort to them right then.

She looked between them, her willpower crumbling underneath both their pleading gazes, and sighed in defeat. “Oh, fine. As long as you don’t make a ruckus. And no staying back after curfew.”

“Oh, thank you! Thank you so much.”

The journey to the Hospital Wing was uneventful. Madam Pomfrey walked briskly ahead without as much of a glance at the two boys trailing behind her. As they travelled along the corridors, Percy found his hand unable to part with Jason. He’d carefully stroke the messy blond curls sweeping over Jason’s forehead, wipe away the dirt caked onto his skin. Though he’d once claimed to be a light sleeper, Jason did not stir even a bit, so entrenched in his dreams. 

Percy watched the way Jason’s chest rose and fell as he slept, wondering if this was what had plagued Jason back then. Back when everything had just begun. He wondered if worry had gnawed at Jason’s chest too, with the same intensity that promised no end; if his nerves had also lit up with anxiety that spread all over his insides like wildfire. It felt so suffocating, this feeling in his own chest was, Percy doubted he’d ever get to sleep tonight.

As they reached the double doors of the Hospital Wing, he was struck with an epiphany. 

They’re slowly interconnecting in the way they work, Jason and him. In a way they’ve never been before, in tandem with each other in their actions and decisions. Like if one of them looked in the mirror, he’d see the other instead of his own reflection. Like if landed in similar predicaments, the course of action they’d take would certainly be the same. The most recent event was a testament to that.

As Jason’s unmoving form was settled onto one of the beds, Madam Pomfrey made a shooing motion at Percy to tell him to wait by the side. It’d only take a second, she said; she’d need all the concentration she could muster to mend Jason’s bones in a jiffy, so if Percy could just wait at one end of the room while she did, that’d be for the best. He didn’t want to part with Jason for even half a second, but he had no choice but to oblige. 

It turned out to be a painful wait, no matter how short. 

La Rue’s words rang in his mind like the toll of a bell, echoing in the far off distance. It was hypocritical of him, he had to admit, to believe that Jason shouldn’t have gone that far for him. He knew he’d done the same without the slightest bit of hesitation. Still, he wished Jason wouldn’t have resorted to follow his example. Jason had always been the more logical flyer; even relying on his instincts carelessly once had left him immensely mortified at the consequence. 

Percy didn’t know what to make of this development. Begrudgingly, he could only hope that it wouldn’t put more harm in Jason’s way later. 

Madam Pomfrey called him back after a minute. She let him sit on a chair adjacent to the bed before finally leaving them be. Feeling utterly selfish and hating himself for it, he stroked Jason’s cheek with trembling fingers, desperately wanting him to wake up. To look at him with that loving gaze once more, just so he’d know Jason was truly fine. 

Jason had never felt so far away when he’s not looking at Percy, even though they’re right next to each other. And Percy wasn’t sure if he could stand it a second longer.

#jercy #jasercy #jason grace #percy jackson #heroes of olympus #pjo #hoo #key writes #11.5k

[thefandomchaos]

Yoda’s disaster lineage Hogwarts House.

(This is just my headcanon-)

Yoda: (Ravenclaw) Yoda is someone who is wise, witty and curious. And while obviously Yoda is referred to as Wise, is not the reason I chose him as Ravenclaw (Ravenclaw aren’t just “smart”) he is someone logical yet impartial, he analysis situations, and while he can be reckless, he always knows what to do. His fond of learning for the sake of learning (ex. Learning to be a force ghost)

Yan Dooku: (Slytherin) and no! Is not because he joined the dark side! (Slytherin’s aren’t “evil” people) Dooku is someone ambitious, driven and realistic. He is focus on a goal. He analysis situation’s and knows what do. He is able to seperate his emotions/ideas for the sake of the goal or himself (ex.Escaping Hondo and his crew with Obi-Wan and Anakin) He treats other with respect even is he doesn’t like them.

Qui-Gon Jinn: (Hufflepuff) I don’t think I need to explain myself with this one. Qui-Gon is someone who is loyal, honest and open minded. (Ex. Not having the same believes as the Council) his determined on missions and patience, even in the worse situations. (Ex. The entirety of The Phantom Menace) his hard-working and kind, we see this when his trying to free Anakin and doing anything to train him. (Reminder, Hufflepuff’s aren’t weak!)

Obi-Wan Kenobi: (Ravenclaw) similarly to Yoda, Obi-Wan is intelligent, analytical and curious. And while he can be reckless his never risked the safety of others without analyzing a situation and coming out with a plan. (Ravenclaw aren’t cold bookworms) his fond of learning and interested in understanding things. (Ex.wanting to analyze the mind possessing worms) his fond of intellectual discussions, there is a reason why his call the “Negotiator”

Anakin Skywalker: (Gryffindor) Anakin is someone blunt, practical and experience-oriented. (Gryffindor’s aren’t reckless idiots!) Anakin is brave, there is no doubt about that. and while his reckless he always has a plan. He doesn’t tend to go in without having any idea what to do unless it’s necessary. Anakin is passionate and trusting of those he cares about (Padme, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, the 501st) and he would put their safety over his own. His stubborn and doesn’t back down (ex. Saying to use the mind trick on Bane again and much much more).

Ahsoka Tano: (Gryffindor) much like Anakin, Ahsoka is reckless, brave and passionate. While she has been reckless before, she has over come it and gain experience, able to use that experience for future missions. She’s passionate and playful, and much like Anakin, stubborn and wont back down. She’s put the safety of others before her own (ex. Finding out who bomb the temple even tho it ended up causing her expulsion and helping Trace and Rafa even tho it caused her to be expose as a Jedi) she’s unafraid to act on her morals and seizes the opportunity for change (Gryffindor don’t do reckless things just because)

All information I used:

#star wars #disaster lineage #yoda’s disaster lineage #master yoda #yoda #yan dooku #count dooku #qui gon jinn #qui-gon #obi wan kenobi #obi wan #anakin skywalker #ahsoka tano #hogwart houses #gryffindor #hufflepuff #ravenclan #slytherin

[emlovessid]

"i didn’t mean to kiss you. i mean i did, but i didn’t think it’d go this far" - lizzie mcalpine

The first time he swears he didn’t mean to. And by didn't mean to, he means he didn't plan to.

His quidditch uniform is heavy from the rain and mud, his ego bruised from the loss. He takes his time putting away his broom, hoping that the change rooms will be clear by the time he’s back. Luck, however, isn’t on his side.

James shakes his hair like a dog, droplets flying at Regulus as he walks past him towards his locker.

“Ever heard of a towel, Potter?”

“Ever heard of being a good sport?”

If he’s honest, he’s not entirely sure how it happens. But the next thing he knows, they are so close he can feel James’ shaky breath on his face. He doesn’t know who stepped toward who, perhaps it was both of them. But he knows without a doubt that he’s the one who closes the last inch of space between them; and he means to.

He doesn’t have time to second guess himself as James’ hands come to the back of his head, pulling him closer if that is even possible. It feels like his brain has been rewired, the only thoughts now able to occupy his mind being James, and his lips, and the feel of his tongue against his, and his body wrapped around him. He hadn’t thought about kissing James Potter before but he’s certain that he’ll never think about anything else ever again.

James chases his lips as he pulls away. The clean t-shirt James had changed into is now wet from being pressed up against his still drenched uniform; the sight tugs at something inside him, a physical reminder that that really just happened.

“Good game,” Regulus says, clearing his throat and running out of the room before the panic can set in.

~

The second time he boils it down to curiosity. Who could blame him when he’d had that moment in the change rooms on a loop in his mind for the last two weeks. And surely it was a sign from the stars that they were the only two in detention that night; left unsupervised polishing the trophy room.

“I suppose we have you to thank for the incident at breakfast, then?”

“Guilty,” James laughs. “Worth it though.”

“Speak for yourself, you weren’t on the receiving end.”

“Touché,” James says, before nudging him with his elbow. “You missed a spot.”

“Piss off, I did not.”

“Yeah, you di-” 

Regulus doesn’t give him the chance to continue.

It’s just as good as he remembered, and god he remembered. Remembering is all he’s been able to do lately. Judging by the way James responds, he thinks maybe he isn’t the only one who’s been remembering. It’s a hot mess of teeth and tongues, hands scratching down his back as he shivers.

As they bump into the cabinet behind them and a trophy clatters to the ground, he finds himself thinking he would be perfectly content to do this forever.

~

The third time he really has no excuse.

He sees James walking past as he’s leaving Herbology and just acts; wraps his fingers around James’ wrist and pulls him around the corner.

If someone had told him a month ago that he’d be snogging James Potter behind Greenhouse 3, he would have told them they’re barking mad. Not that anyone did tell him that, but he’s never been so glad to be hypothetically proven wrong.

“We should definitely not be doing this,” Regulus gasps as James continues kissing down his neck, the scrape of teeth under his jaw setting his body on fire.

“Do you want me to stop?”

“Don’t even think about it.”

“Thank God,” James says against his lips and Regulus feels himself falling.

~

After that, things started to blur together. He loses count of how many times they’ve found themselves in a dark corner, or empty classroom, or below the quidditch stands while the rest of their peers cheer on the Hufflepuff vs. Ravenclaw match.

But it all comes to a head in an alleyway in Hogsmeade.

He’s not sure why this is the moment that makes him panic. Perhaps it’s the way he can’t quite catch his breath. Perhaps it’s the feeling of James smiling against his lips, their fingers still laced together between their chests. Perhaps it’s how he can feel his heartbeat loud in his ears like it’s saying more, more, more.

“This is a mistake,” Regulus whispers as he steps back, his hands shakily running through his hair. “This never should have happened.”

“You kissed me first.”

“I didn’t mean to kiss you. I mean I did, but I didn’t think it’d go this far.”

“Yet here we are,” James smirks. He catches Regulus’ eyes then, a sincerity in them that makes his chest tighten. “For what it’s worth, I don’t think this is a mistake. I don’t think we are a mistake.”

“How can we not be?”

“Because nothing has ever felt as right as we do.” James reaches out to tug on one of Regulus’ curls. “Is that enough?”

Regulus’ throat feels tight as he nods, not trusting his voice to not break if he tries to speak. He’s not sure how they went from a heated post-match snog to the way James is looking at him right now; but his panicked moment of doubt seems inconsequential now.

It’s enough. It’s more than he could ever hope for.

#please enjoy 900 words of these boys snogging their way around hogwarts #because my song lyrics post won't get out of my head #regulus black #james potter #jegulus #jegulus fic #marauders #sometimes i write things

[incendio22]

FOR THE HOPE OF IT ALL

Chapter 22: Red Roses, White Lies

I can feel something changing about Ominis. He is growing more and more distant by each day that passes and is spending a worrisome amount of time on his own. He keeps dismissing my efforts to talk to him and blames it on the fact that he's stressed about assignments, as well as his faked medical condition. He told Nurse Blainey that he had tickling sensations that wouldn't go away, and for each time he seeks out it has gotten worse. Of course, this is a serious matter but I cannot blame myself for finding it absolutely hilarious that he chose that as his medical condition out of all diseases to exist. When I asked him about it he told me that it's a disease that is difficult to cure and that he had his doubts in Nurse Blainey to treat something like that. I assume that the idea is good, but I still find it extremely funny.

It's a sunny Saturday in February. The sun is announcing its appearance by shining through every window in the castle, creating a warm atmosphere. Today Ravenclaw is playing quidditch against Gryffindor and everyone having breakfast seems to be in a better mood than ever. You can feel the tension and the rivalry between the two houses, as they have the same amount of points in the quidditch cup and share 3rd place. Hufflepuff has a solid lead, followed by Slytherin. I sit down with Imelda, who also seems to be in an extraordinarily good mood today.

"Who do you think will win?" She asks with her mouth stuffed. "I hope it's Ravenclaw, because we have a much greater chance of beating them than Gryffindor. So I hope the Ravenclaw's can get their act together and just win."

To be honest, I didn't care much about today's game. All that matters to me is that Slytherin sina the quidditch cup and I'd rather spend my time practising, instead of speculating who we have a better chance to beat. The other houses have many quidditch talents on their teams, but I believe that is also one of their weaknesses. What separates us from the others is that we know that talent means nothing without hard work and practice.

"I don't know," I tell her. "I just hope they all fall off their brooms so we can have a last game against Hufflepuff and crush them like last time."

"Spoken like a true Slytherin," She says and looks proud.

When you spend five months with snow and a concerningly low amount of hours with sunshine, the first day of the year when the sun is warming up your face is undescribable. You can almost feel how spring is starting to Bloom. I try to catch every possible ray of sun as I stand on the Ravenclaw bleacher writing for the quidditch game to start. I got there sooner than most people, but I didn't want to let the sunshine go to waste. I stare directly at the sun, just to close my eyes and take it all in when I am interrupted.

"Just the person I was hoping to find," It's Sebastian walking over to me, holding his hand above his eyes to cover the sun. The sun makes his freckles even clearer and I think he looks like a daydream. "Enjoying ourselves, are we?"

I give him a smile while squeezing my eyes, they are in a bit of pain from my mistake of staring straight into the sun. He walks closer to me, reaches for my hand and gives it a quick squeeze.

"Hi there," I say, still smiling.

I've been thinking about how he told me about Madam Puddifoot's on our first date, but how he never brought me there after. The tea from her shop is marvellous and I would love to visit the café. Imelda told me that it's a common place to bring your date on Valentine's day and since that specific day is just around the corner I figure that I might as well work up the courage to ask Sebastian out, since he hasn't asked me yet.

''Do you have any plans for Valentine's day?'' I ask him curiously, trying to make this as smooth as possible.

''Actually I do,'' Sebastian tells me and looks up in the sky.

''Oh,'' My voice sounds shocked and I have nothing else to say.

He's nodding and kicking the ground like he always does when he's nervous. I am obviously disappointed since I thought we had something going on, but I can't afford to let him see me being sad and jealous. We stand in silence for a moment.

''There's this girl that I want to ask to go on a date with me. But I'm a bit nervous. I really like her,'' He says and looks at me.

At this point I'm not sure if he is taunting me or talking about me.

''You should just ask her,'' I tell him in a short voice.

''I suppose so,'' His voice is soft and the foot is still kicking the ground. ''Will you be my date?''

My heart starts beating faster. I nod and give him a massive smile.

''Then it's all set,'' He says with a grin. ''I'm taking you to Madam Puddifoot's. Wear something nice.''

Without thinking I give him a big hug and his arms fold around me. The bleachers are getting more and more crowded and I notice some people looking at us. Some are looking excited, some are surprised and others roll their eyes. Neither matters.

The quidditch game is intense but Gryffindor manages to win, which is bad news for Imelda. As the days pass and it's suddenly Valentine's day I notice that she is even more tense than usual. She spent the morning getting herself fixed up and in the afternoon she changes into a cute outfit. I barely see her in anything other than the Slytherin robe or her quidditch uniform, so it's odd seeing her in a skirt with a knitted sweater. She looks great.

''Do you have anything special planned for tonight?'' I ask her curiously.

She bats me an angry eye and turns around. I figure she is just stressed and I am also convinced that she does have special plans for tonight, I'm mostly curious about with whom. I put on the sweater Sebastian gave me for Christmas and undo my french braids, making the waves fall over my shoulders.

''I can't believe you have a date and didn't tell me,'' I say to Imelda who is still running around the dormitory.

''You didn't tell me either,'' She spits back. ''Not that I didn't know, of course. But still, we're friends!''

''Exactly,'' I agree with her. ''You already knew, but me on the other hand have absolutely no idea what you're up to tonight.''

''I'm going to Madam Puddifoot's with someone,'' She says and stops for a second to look at me. ''But it's nothing. Just an act of kindness.''

I'm just glad I got something out of her, so I forget to mention the small detail that I'm also going there. And given how nervous she is, I'm convinced it won't be a pleasant surprise.

I see Sebastian standing outside of Madam Puddifoot's with a bouquet of red roses. I smile as I walk up to him with his gift in my hand. It's a small red box tied up with a white ribbon.

''There you are!'' He says and wraps his arms around me. ''Here.''

He hands over the roses and when I see them up close I notice that there are small fireworks bursting from every flower. I smile as I thank him.

''I got you something as well,'' I tell him as I reveal my hand that I was hiding behind my back.

He opens it eagerly and goes silent as he sees the silver watch lying inside. Eventually, he looks up at me and smiles.

''Thank you so much. You really didn't have to,'' He sounds sincere and places a kiss on my forehead. ''I love it.''

He leads me inside and I notice the bell above the door tinkling as we enter. It's crowded with Hogwarts students that all seem to be on a date. The inside is tiny and pink-themed, decorated with bows and lace. We sit down at a table and he orders two sweet coffees that I never heard of before, but he insists that I should trust him. I suddenly remember about Imelda.

''Imelda is going on a date here, too!'' I tell Sebastian in an excited voice and he pretends to drop his jaw.

''I bet she's going with Ominis,'' Sebastian laughs slightly as he says it.

''No,'' I say hesitantly. ''They are just friends. He said so himself.''

Sebastian gives me a funny look.

''I have my reasons to think I'm right,'' He says with a grin. ''But if you're so sure, why don't we make a bet?''

Now that he said that he has his reasons to think they are coming here together, I absolutely don't want to make a bet and risk losing. Before I can answer the doorbell tinkles and I very much to Sebastian's satisfaction, it's Imelda and Ominis walking in together. He looks at me, leans closer and grins.

''You were literally saved by the bell,'' His grin is not getting any smaller. ''I won't forget this. I still won.''

''Oh you did not,'' I give him an angry look but I am quickly interrupted by Imelda who gives me a dirty look. Not more, not less.

''Did you two fight?'' Sebastian asks.

''No,'' I start. ''She just told me that she was coming here and I forgot to mention that I was too. She has been so stressed all day, probably about this.''

''This is hilarious!'' Sebastian says and laughs out. ''Ominis likes her, but refuses to admit it. And she seems to be doing the exact same thing. I wish they would just admit it to each other.''

I had no idea Ominis liked Imelda, in fact I was convinced that they were just friends. However, that was until I see them together. Ominis, who has been feeling off lately, looks happier than ever and Imelda's upset wrinkle between her eyebrows is gone. They look natural and seem to have forgotten everything around them. My heart warms up as I see them, but is quickly interrupted by another couple covering my vision as they make out. I have a sip of coffee. It's extremely sweet and tastes like brown sugar and cinnamon, which is comforting.

''This is a curious place to bring someone you want to keep secret,'' I tell him, remembering how he wanted to keep our relationship low.

''Oh darling, don't be silly,'' He says in a gentle voice. ''I never said I wanted to keep you like a secret. I wanted to keep things private. There's a massive difference.''

''Whatever you say,'' I say as I roll my eyes.

''Let's give them something to talk about,'' He says and leans over the table, pulls me in and kisses me softly. He tastes like sweet coffee.

Something about it feels so magical. Not because people saw us, but because I now know for sure that there is something between us.

This evening I struggle to fall asleep. I roll around, but no matter what I cannot seem to enter the world of dreams. Instead I get up and walk out into the Common Room. I sit in front of the massive glass window facing the Black Lake. Something about it is so calming, especially in the dark. The creatures passing by are impossible to tell what they are and it's so mysterious. My thoughts are interrupted by some male voices.

''I can't believe you actually went on a real date with her,'' The voice is so familiar to me at this point. It's Sebastian talking in a loud voice.

''Keep it down!'' The other voice belongs to Ominis. ''But yes. And I'm glad I got the courage to ask her. Thank you for the help.''

''Anytime,'' Sebastian says.

They don't seem to notice me. It's not surprising since I'm sitting on the floor, probably melting in with the room.

''How did you know Y/n was the one?'' Ominis asks. I feel as if I'm intruding on something that I absolutely should not hear.

''Honestly,'' It's once again Sebastian's voice and for some reason I feel terrified of what might come out of his mouth. ''Ever since I met her, there hasn't been a day I haven't thought of her. I guess that if it's right, you know it.''

I recognize his words. It's exactly what Poppy told me when I asked her if you knew if someone was right for you. I have to hold my hand over my mouth to not let any words slip out.

''You know, I spent lots of time with her the last weeks. She has kept my mind busy from everything going on. I really, really like her,'' Ominis then says. ''And tonight she said that she really, really likes me.''

[midnightmah07]

are you trying to convince me rewatch and reread Harry Potter? Bc I might.

Also fun time, my ocs houses:

Monique: Ravenclaw, shocking right? Well, bc of homeschooling she studied in double so when she grew up she could be in a good university. Also, her creativity count as a factor for it.

Grace: Gryffindor, I would say she is Slytherin, but girly is courageous enough to confront THE Floyd Leech, the scariest student. Plus, Slytherin x Gryffindor? Enemies to loves shit? Just like Floyce is.

Adeline: Ravenclaw or Slytherin, she is quite ambitious yet the second best of her class. So it’s between one of those (plus she is literally if draco and luna had a daughter)

Maizie: Gryffindor, although yes she could be a Hufflepuff because of her kindness. She is just like Ariel, curious and adventurous. So it makes more sense to put her in Gryffindor than Hufflepuff at the end of the die tbh

btw, I don’t recall asking ur ocs house- I just know Daisy’s—

YES PLS MY HP PHASE IS BACK AND I WANNA MAKE A HOGWARTS AU BC OF IT VGUVGYFCGVUYDC

Oh my Gosh yes?? I love these sm it fits your characters' personalities so well💙

Like u said I already said that Daisy's house is Hufflepuff, though the sorting hat was a bit torn because she's really studious, but ultimately her Hufflepuff traits won

Perse is def a Ravenclaw, tho she wants to be a model/actress bc she's inspired by Vil, Perse still holds knowledge, wit and creativity at a high degree, she's often regarded as the smartest person in her class together with Idia and Leona — when he feels like trying bc we all know that boo is extremely intelligent

Just like with Harry I feel like the sorting hat was torn between Gryffindor and Slytherin for Jeanne bc she has traits of both houses, but I think ultimately she stays in Gryffindor. She's very daring and brave to I believe that fits her quite well

Isabelle is such a tough one bc as you know Rosantée is a dorm representing the bravery and intelligence of Belle, but I THINK my girl would be sorted into Ravenclaw. She's kinda already similar to Luna Lovegood, and I thought the whole situation of people stealing Luna's shoes would also happen with Isabelle--

Adding here what I think some canon characters's houses would be (tho they're up for debate ofc!): Kalim is UNDOUBTEDLY a Hufflepuff, actually screw it I said it's up for debate but Kalim's is NOT. I'm a certified Hufflepuff I know one when I see one /j; Ruggie and Leona would be placed in Slytherin without a shadow of a doubt and Idia is immediately in Ravenclaw as well, no questions there! Jamil would be in Slytherin especially bc he actually has a whole snake theme going on haha

#💙! mah's answers #💙! barbs<3

[ask-richard-jackdaw]

I never understood all the fuss surrounding the choice of a House by some magical talking hat, so let me tell you this: I'm keeping my House a secret ;) It is more fun that way, I enjoy people interpreting my words, actions, hobbies, and aspirations! I think I could've been sorted anywhere, really. I've met plenty of people that didn't seem to fit in with the typical traits. 

There's been a long discussion concerning this topic among some students, maybe you know Elizabeth and her friends? Such observant young ladies! Sometimes it feels like they know me better than I know myself! But let me take you through some of my thoughts. Once again, not naming my House ;)

Ravenclaw: my smarts! Need to solve a puzzle? I'm your man ghost! I'm also rather curious. As you know, I've travelled the world, have decades worth of learning behind my shoulders. Some argue that I am not that smart (which is, first of all, ouch?) but do I really have to have perfect grades for that? So what if I don't know the difference between French, Latin, and Greek? I am sharp at what I find interesting and what I might need in the future. And what about emotional intelligence? Plus, I think wearing blue would rather suit me! If all Ravenclaws were academically inclined — Ravenclaws would've won every since House Cup ever! 

Some people might want to put me in Slytherin for, er... Well, stealing a wand during my apprenticeship at Olivander's. To which I have to say: I doubt things like that have anything to do with a specific House, Slytherins are not bad people! I had my reasons and I am not proud of stealing anything. I should probably visit the current Mr. Olivander and explain myself... Most of the Slytherin traits do not fit me. Self-preservation especially, Merlin's beard, if only I hadn't gone to that cave alone! 

Gryffindor sounds like a good fit! I was described more than chivalrous on multiple occasions. And once again, bravely going into the cave alone, and then having the nerve to deal with the spiders, determined to get to the end... Although a lot of that was done because Anne never showed up. I was rather upset and now that I think about it, initially I didn't even want to go there alone at all... I am so glad I managed to track down that Auror that somebody mentioned a while ago, hoping to get Anne out of Azkaban. We are just waiting for the Ministry's reply at this point. But I digress.

And then Hufflepuff... I suppose that with trying to get Anne out we can speak of fairness and justice? But patience? Oh no. I might work hard on the things that I like but not everything else! Modesty and Loyalty? Oh, well... Those do not sound reassuring either...

My point is: there is no need to try and sort me into any of the House. I will be in whatever House you guys want me to be~ Speaking of which... If there is anybody who is willing to let me borrow their extra robes for when Thursdays come around when I am corporal — please, let me know! I do not want to alert the staff to my... visits, and since I still look like a 7th year, I think I can pass! 

*Richard writes this letter specifically without naming anybody just yet. He passes the letter to his Scribe, and as per their agreement earlier, the Scribe casts Geminio on the paper, successfully duplicating it. Satisfied, Richard proceeds to do separate introductions for both Indi and Anon on two different parchments, finishing with:*

With much appreciation for your question,

Richard Jackdaw

#Richard Jackdaw #Hogwarts Legacy rp #Hogwarts Legacy #asks #Indi #I might be sneaking into the castle with Marge periodically #Being a ghost for decades I feel like I might have difficulty navigating the castle again #Since I cannot go through walls #[I want him in Ravenclaw because we don't have enough of those but Gryffindor also really suits him]

[f1inl3ey]

SO LIKE HOGWART HOUSES HEADCANONS (I will try my best to ignore all the headcanons that the fandom created, even tho I love them, and stick to canon) Finney- Gryffindor (i swear this would make sense don't eat me up yet) or Ravenclaw. Throughout the whole movie we are lead to believe that Finney just has this fire in him, even when he gets bullied or reprimanded by his abusive father. Gryffindors are brave, stubborn and loyal too, which I think suits Finney just perfect, even tho I hate the "protagonists are always griffindors" stereotypes. We can also compare him to Neville, that was also seen as a 'coward' until he got up there and killed Nagini. He's a Gryffindor I will die on this hill. Griffin- He gives me severe Ravenclaw or Slytherin vibes, I know most people would say slytherin, but I just like him better in Ravenclaw. He was also a loner, wich is normally attributed to Ravenclaw and I like to compare him to Luna (both of them have no friends lmao /j). When he appears to Finney as a way to alert him without using the phone because it can possibly wake up the grabber, big brain. Going for the more fanon side, Ravenclaw have this more unhinged side of them (Luna in the books is such an icon) and I just feels like he loves learning and is very curious towards everything (music, books, bugs/animals).

Robin- Is either gryffindor or hufflepuff, im in doubt. But, I will say hufflepuff, sorry. Always fighting for what he believes right, and protecting people that are important to him (like the bathroom scene), cheering others up and being there for them, always trying his best and not being arrogant/prideful while asking for help (asking Finney to explain mathematics for him). Bruce- Slytherin. It just- he has ambition on him, just look at his reputation 'Golden boy', as public image can be seem as a slytherin characteristic. He also seems very competitive to me ("You almost got me"), and a charmer (that scene where he's smiling at the girls).

Billy- Slytherin, maybe? I'm confused because his canon and fanon personalities are just so distinct lol. He seems calm and collected when he first appear, and while we dind't get to know him much for me he gives me those slytherin vibes. And the thing about him not recognising himself as Billy after death just made me go hmmm. Anyways by some reason he reminds me of Draco when he was all emo about becoming a death eater. His fanon personality is quite dramatic too, slytherin or gryffindor trait haha.

Vance- I. DON'T. KNOW. This man confuses me, and his canon and fanon personalities are just too tangled in my brain for me to know who is who. Weirdly enough, I will say Hufflepuff but not for the normal conventional reasons, just because this house has the motto of "Accepting who doesn't fit/belong tho anywhere else. He seemed quite clever in his short appearance, but sadly his bad temper kinda stole all the attention. Inclining to the more fanon side, I think Ravenclaw is more fit? Don't know

Gwen- Gryffindor. No questions asked. Donna- She gives me slytherin vibes, but who knows? She also reminds me of Cho lol. She seemed quite interested in sports and also didn't seemed to mind Finney's status, however, she only actively talked to him after he escaped the Grabber (for what I recall). Idk Slytherin.

Anyway, sorry for this whole essay. What is your opinion on the matter? Please remember that I tried making these with the little content we got from the movie (the 1 minute screentime Billy, Donna and Griffin got). Just want to know if other people agree <3

SO LIKE HOGWART HOUSES HEADCANONS (I will try my best to ignore all the headcanons that the fandom created, even tho I love them, and stick to canon) Finney- Gryffindor (i swear this would make sense don't eat me up yet) or Ravenclaw. Throughout the whole movie we are lead to believe that Finney just has this fire in him, even when he gets bullied or reprimanded by his abusive father. Gryffindors are brave, stubborn and loyal too, which I think suits Finney just perfect, even tho I hate the "protagonists are always griffindors" stereotypes. We can also compare him to Neville, that was also seen as a 'coward' until he got up there and killed Nagini. He's a Gryffindor I will die on this hill. Griffin- He gives me severe Ravenclaw or Slytherin vibes, I know most people would say slytherin, but I just like him better in Ravenclaw. He was also a loner, wich is normally attributed to Ravenclaw and I like to compare him to Luna (both of them have no friends lmao /j). When he appears to Finney as a way to alert him without using the phone because it can possibly wake up the grabber, big brain. Going for the more fanon side, Ravenclaw have this more unhinged side of them (Luna in the books is such an icon) and I just feels like he loves learning and is very curious towards everything (music, books, bugs/animals).

Robin- Is either gryffindor or hufflepuff, im in doubt. But, I will say hufflepuff, sorry. Always fighting for what he believes right, and protecting people that are important to him (like the bathroom scene), cheering others up and being there for them, always trying his best and not being arrogant/prideful while asking for help (asking Finney to explain mathematics for him). Bruce- Slytherin. It just- he has ambition on him, just look at his reputation 'Golden boy', as public image can be seem as a slytherin characteristic. He also seems very competitive to me ("You almost got me"), and a charmer (that scene where he's smiling at the girls).

Billy- Slytherin, maybe? I'm confused because his canon and fanon personalities are just so distinct lol. He seems calm and collected when he first appear, and while we dind't get to know him much for me he gives me those slytherin vibes. And the thing about him not recognising himself as Billy after death just made me go hmmm. Anyways by some reason he reminds me of Draco when he was all emo about becoming a death eater. His fanon personality is quite dramatic too, slytherin or gryffindor trait haha. 

Vance- I. DON'T. KNOW. This man confuses me, and his canon and fanon personalities are just too tangled in my brain for me to know who is who. Weirdly enough, I will say Hufflepuff but not for the normal conventional reasons, just because this house has the motto of "Accepting who doesn't fit/belong tho anywhere else. He seemed quite clever in his short appearance, but sadly his bad temper kinda stole all the attention. Inclining to the more fanon side, I think Ravenclaw is more fit? Don't know

Gwen- Gryffindor. No questions asked. Donna- She gives me slytherin vibes, but who knows? She also reminds me of Cho lol. She seemed quite interested in sports and also didn't seemed to mind Finney's status, however, she only actively talked to him after he escaped the Grabber (for what I recall). Idk Slytherin.

Anyway, sorry for this whole essay. What is your opinion on the matter? Please remember that I tried making these with the little content we got from the movie (the 1 minute screentime Billy, Donna and Griffin got). Just want to know if other people agree <3

I ABSOLUTELY AGREE. ALSO THE DRACO BEIJG EMO ABT BEING A DEATHEATER 💀💀

#the black phone #tbp #vance hopper #bruce yamada #finney blake #robin arellano #griffin stagg #billy showalter #gwen blake #donna the black phone #tbp headcanons

[mochalottie]

Hi! A bit of a change of subject, but I'm wondering which Hogwarts houses would you sort Avatar characters into? I mean both adults, recoms, children of Sully, children of Metkayina and Spider

oOOOOOOO Anon I like this question!!!

We in this house enjoy HP (I used to love it as a kid but for obvious reasons have been put off slightly) and I am all too happy to lay out my opinion to be discussed so here we go!

Sully Family:

there is no doubt Jake is a Gryffindor. like he is the most basic brave and dumbheaded lion you can get. but i also feel he'd have a legacy maybe in Ravenclaw? because he's strategic and street smart and Ravenclaws can be other things apart from booksmart

i truly believe Neytiri is a Slytherin. girl is determined and ambitious and won't let anyone get in her way. and that mean she and i can be house sisters so - win win!

Neteyam is definitely a Hufflepuff. i would equate him to Cedric Diggory, except he wouldn't put himself into a competition as stupid as the triwizard tournament.

Spider would be Hufflepuff too, because he's kind and a good big brother character. except i feel like he would have a legacy in Gryffindor. Maybe Paz was part of the house so her bravery was passed onto him.

Lo'ak is definitely a Gryffindor. There's no arguing about this it's just facts.

Kiri kinda gives me Luna Lovegood vibes, but i also feel like she could be in Gryffindor, so I'm kinda in two minds about that one.

Tuk is certainly Slytherin like her ma. Again this is fact, no arguments.

Metkayina Family

Ronal is also a Slytherin. With her ambition and determination there's no way she's anything but.

Tonowari is Ravenclaw, cause he's a smart and wise leader, but also because he gets everyone else around him to think.

Tsireya would be Hufflepuff, and Aonung also Ravenclaw. But they both know how to get into each others dormitories, and everyone in their houses are just used to seeing both of them together. You won't get one without the other.

Recoms don't get a say cause I've no idea about their characters sorry XD

#lottie answers asks #avatar way of water #we do not condone she-who-shall-not-be-named beliefs #all women are women #all women are queens #harry potter houses

[missmeasured]

Chapter 27 The Mud Blood Club

SOTS readers: Good Morning! Everyone else: *author falls to pieces trying to think of an appropriate elevator pitch for my romantic reader insert with no y/n's to trip over.*

New chapter is up on Ao3 and Wattpad

I would be remiss if I didn't tell you how much I rely on @5everus as my beta reader and support system as I waffle about things the night before I post. Without her I would be doubting myself big time. Thanks as ever, Chel.

A preview of everything but the spicy stuff because of course I'm gonna make you click over to read the smut. ;)

Stars on the Staircase - Chapter 27 The Mud Blood Club

The castle I once knew as a school begins to feel like a prison for children far too quickly. The deep dark despair that settles in is all consuming. I do my best to help where I can, but it is not enough. It is by absolute accident that I end up having an absurd amount of students frequently using my chambers as a safe place to hide. It starts slowly, I help the odd student heal a wound sustained by a Carrow here and there.

Then the use of the Cruciatus curse begins. I take these poor souls into my bedroom and help them calm down. We talk it through, then I take the memory of the pain away. I will not take the before or the after. I will only remove the memory of excruciating pain. We can’t risk taking the rest of it, of them not knowing the cruelty of those around them. They need to be aware and ready for the next possible attack. Those who have been put through this are frequently prone to panic attacks. I give these children a password to my room and they hide there if they need to.

With every student I steal horrible memories from I talk about strategies for avoiding conflict, if applicable. Other times, we talk about senseless cruelty. We talk about what it means to be among those who are needlessly inhumane. How it's alright to be angry that the world has taken this turn and it’s okay to be sad. We talk about how to use that energy to protect ourselves from harm. I get them to fuel their grief into the guts behind excellent shields and subtle counter curses.

One by one, a student brings another to see me. After one particularly brutal class I have five muggle born students sitting around my too small sitting room. The absurd amount of cushions on my furniture has become useful as seats on the floor when there are too many children to fit on the furniture.

By the next week there are fifteen from different years all stopping in, between classes, to support each other. I’m far enough up the base ramparts of the astronomy tower that I am out of the way. It means they shouldn’t be able to pop in and yet they do. I am also out of the way of the Carrows. We have rules about using a disillusionment charm before approaching my room. I warn them all, this safe space will vanish if the wrong students see them enter or exit.

I have one very frequent visitor; Letisha Tate. She is exceptionally bright, well spoken, and carries herself with uncommon grace. There is a certain posture about her when mixed with her raven hair and long nose that would have suited a pureblood Slytherin. If she had been, she would have ruled them all. Instead, she was a muggle-born Ravenclaw that had been very outspoken about muggle born rights under Dumbledore’s reign.

Now, her classmates remembered her for her well crafted speeches on the reduction of muggle born rights that the ministry of magic had been implementing. Letisha would make an excellent politician. In another time. Now, she was a punching bag for purebloods in her year to make an example of.

I had taken three of her memories so far. Her pride was difficult to break, which made them come for her again and again. She often came to see me but refused to have memories taken. Some, she said, would be important for later. I agreed. It is better not to forget who hurt you.

Letisha one day let herself into my office while I was out, and found where I had left on my desk a smattering of jewellery making supplies. She was very taken with what I used to do for a living. When I could, I would teach about my methods and she started making bracelets for everyone who visited my chambers.

They jokingly began calling themselves the mudblood club. Although it was not just muggle borns whose memories I had to steal. Letisha made simple bracelets from flat glass beads in house colours, each one could be enchanted with messages that would appear as bevelled engravings filled with gold on each bead. Every necklace had a gold keystone that signalled where the message would start. They changed when Letisha changed hers but they would only reveal their message when the student said a passphrase while holding their keystone.

I helped when I could with the intricacies of the charming system. It helped keep some of the more vulnerable students out of harm's way by redirecting them onto paths more safe. I also had a rule that they weren’t allowed to come to my chambers after hours. This was because the rules were far more strict now. I didn’t want anyone taking risks to come here.

It was almost 10:00 one night, I was getting ready to go see Severus. I had found a slip I was pretty sure he hadn’t seen yet. It was a silly thing, blue slippery stain with a maribou feather bust and hem edge in matching blue. Initially I would find myself choosing black lingerie to catch his attention, thinking mimicking his own tastes would appeal to him. Over the years, though, I noticed that the silly frilly things I chose for myself, not to tempt him, were actually the things he seemed to find irresistible.

I thought this, with the feathery soft edge around my breasts, would maybe make him smile a little. He needed to smile these days. I was smiling myself, checking myself in the mirror when my door opened and Letisha careened in, her hands on her eyes, coughing.

“Letisha, what’s wrong?” I asked. Torn between finding my robe and rushing over to help her. I opted to help first. She had her eyes shut anyway.

“On the way down from Astronomy someone conjured a sandstorm around my head and held me in it. It’s all in my eyes.” She croaked. I pulled her through to my bathroom and ran the warm water, bent her head over my sink then charmed the water to come over to gently run over her eyes.

“Okay, try opening them to rinse them out.” I coach. Letisha is so uncomfortable and it takes all my focus. I forget that I’m in a skimpy little slip for several minutes while I help rinse her eyes and mouth. My body only registers the feeling of being scantily dressed when at last she comes up and gingerly blinks into the mirror.

“Wow. You look sexy in that. Wait, why are you dressed like that? Please tell me you aren’t sleeping with any of our crusty old teachers.” She laughs.

“It’s just a nightgown. It’s not for anyone but myself.” I deflect. I try to be teacherly, opening my palm over my cleavage.

“Cute. Living for yourself. I love that.” She winces as she blinks like her eyes still aren’t totally clear of sand.

“Do another rinse then you should be on your way. It’s late.” I tell her. Self conscious of my legs and chest now that she has her sight back.

She bends back down and I lean over her, charming the water over and sending a gentle healing spell down as well to get any scratches. There’s a slight thunk from the other room and Severus says “Don’t worry it’s just me.” as he rounds the corner to fill the bathroom door frame.

“Sev- Snape! I forgot about our appointment! I’ll be with you in a moment. I am just helping Miss Tate with an injury.” I almost blow it with his first name. I'm so flustered.

“How is it that Miss Tate has ended up in your bedroom when she should have gone to the hospital wing?”

“I guess that makes two of us in a bedroom where we probably shouldn’t be.” Letisha suggests with venom. She lets her mouth get her into trouble as per usual, the trouble is, she is not wrong.

“Ten points from Ravenclaw Miss Tate for your impertinence.” The headmaster snaps.

“I will be with you in a moment, Headmaster. Let me get her back to rights, and sort myself out.” I dismiss him and push the bathroom door closed in a panic.

“Letisha! We have talked about you doing that! It’s dangerous to be so free with your words!” I whisper.

“He didn’t even knock! What if you were in your room changing!” She whispers back our heads close together lest he, the evil man my lover is pretending to be, overhears us.

“We probably didn’t hear him because of the water.” I lie.

“And he just let himself in?” She is dubious.

“I missed an appointment, it’s my own fault.” I grab a face towel and hand it to her.

“Wait… is this…” she gestures to my slip “for him?”

“No. I told you it’s just a nightgown.”

“Because you’re kind of the unofficial leader of the mudblood club, so if you and he are sleeping toge -”

“That’s a dangerous rumour.” I cut her off in a vicious whisper. “He is a dangerous man, as you well know. If you leave this room spreading information you are not sure of, you will put yourself in danger as well as me. I will speak to you about this tomorrow.” I bite. I know I will regret my harshness, but her mouth is going to get us both into hot water. I need her to understand that jumping to conclusions in the middle of a war is hazardous to her health, and can put an even larger target on her back. More than that I need to secure Severus’ and I’s secret, even if it means lying to a student I have grown close to.

As we walk out of the washroom I grab my robe from a hook and pull it closed around my neck as if I’m embarrassed at having Severus in my room while wearing practically nothing. He had written her a permission slip to get back to her dorm. I worry she will read into that as well. I fear it makes us look guilty, Snape the evil bastard should have let her go get caught by Carrows. He has acted as his true self, and it is far too close to admitting she had caught us. I change the lock on my door as she goes so no more unwanted visitors will pop in.

When she is gone he starts to laugh. “What the hell are you laughing at?” I have been trying to get the damn man to smile for weeks, losing at every turn, yet now his low rumbling chuckle seemed almost uncontrollable.

“Imagine, if she had caught us just ten minutes later.” He finally forced out.

“I already have to obliviate them twice a week. I’m not keen on adding ‘headmaster mid thrust’ to my chest of taken memories.”

“I told you letting students use your private quarters as respite was a bad idea.”

“I told you unless you have a different location for them it is a necessary loss of privacy. I suppose we can’t meet here anymore. The after hours rule clearly has holes in it.”

“A shame, since your quarters are cozier than mine and does not have twenty five sets of ears and eyes hoping to catch a glimpse of something titillating after years of being dead.”

“Shame we aren’t exhibitionists.” I laugh.

“Speaking of, she’s gone, you can stop clutching your robe about your neck.” He approaches me.

“I’m still rattled. I need a more complex password system. Maybe a secret doorbell...”

He is still smiling. “Imagine she caught us completely naked. If we had had to chase after her to get her memory.” He takes the robe front from my clutching hands and peels it back.

“I’m just happy to see you laugh.” I sigh.

“I’m just laughing to see you in this funny little thing.” He ran his fingers over the fluffy maribou around the bust. “Now a student has seen what a sexy little creature you are under your normal teacher’s clothes. Could have been worse I suppose. It could have been a boy. Their eyes would have popped out of their head.”

“Everything being so tragic around here I might be tempted to let him leave with the memory. Maybe he could have something nice to hold on to.” I joked.

“No.” He went suddenly serious. “This is for me.” He teases, pulling me in, his hand slides up my back and into my hair, pulling me up to his mouth.

Read the rest on Ao3 or Wattpad!

#The Stars on the Staircase #SOTS #missmeasured #severus snape fanfiction #severus snape #severus snape fic #severus x reader #professor snape #professor severus snape #snapedom #pro snape #snape community #snape smut #snaddy

[skylessnights]

POPE HEYWARD ⮕ RAVENCLAW STUDENT

“Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw, If you've a ready mind, Where those of wit and learning, Will always find their kind.”

#found myself thinking about Hogwarts and then I thought: If Pope went to Hogwarts what house would he be in? #I think we all know without a doubt that it would be Ravenclaw! ;) #What house do you think jj would be in?? #pope heyward #popeheywardedit #outer banks #outerbanksedit #obx #obxedit #jonathan daviss #ravenclaw #ravenclaw aesthetic #ravenclaw pride #hogwarts aesthetic #hogwarts #hogwarts house #hogwarts house aesthetics #Harry Potter #harry potter aesthetic #hpedit #au

[helnjk]

A Brief Glimpse - C.W.

Charlie Weasley x fem!reader

Word count: 2.5k

Summary: there’s nothing like the rumors that students can come up with about their favorite teachers. especially when one of them is adamant on keeping her private life, well, private. 

Warnings: brief mentions of meals, one curse word but that’s it

A/N: a purely self-indulgent, fluffy fic inspired by this ask from kendall ( @lupinsclassroom ) who said that if i taught at hogwarts, i’d be the COMC professor! and i love me some good charlie content. this is also kind of a different style that i’m used to, i hope you guys like it! x

–

The top three favorite professors at Hogwarts were as follows: Headmistress McGonagall, Professor Longbottom, and Professor L/N. 

While most students would argue that Professor L/N could potentially overtake Professor Longbottom on that list, there was just so much they didn’t know about her. She was practically the perfect professor; she loved what she taught (Care of Magical Creatures), she was considerate and understanding with students who were struggling with the subject, and her office doors were always open to anyone who wanted to chat. 

Still, she kept her personal life very private and of course, the more she refused to answer their prying questions, the more intrigued the students became. All they knew was that she was one of the top students of her year, she was a Ravenclaw, and she fought at the Battle of Hogwarts years prior. 

There were many rumors going around the student body of Hogwarts about who Y/N L/N was. The most popular ones were that she was actually Headmistress McGonagall’s secret daughter, because of how close the two seemed to be. In reality, Y/N was just one of Minnie’s favorite students. The headmistress often joked how she should’ve been in her house instead of Filius’. 

Meanwhile, Neville was always open with the students, answering whatever questions they had for him, as long as they weren’t crossing the line between professional and personal. They often loved to ask him questions about his friendship with the Golden Trio or his stories of the war. 

“They’re getting more creative with the questions they ask me,” he shook his head, smiling slightly one dinner, “They’re trying to see if I’ll slip up and mention anything juicy about you.”

Y/N laughed slightly, eyes glimmering, “What sort of questions have they come up with now?” 

“Today Chapman asked me if I’d ever spent the holidays with other professors around my age,” Neville mused, “Or if Hannah was ever jealous that I was working with a girl so close to my age.”  

“Oh please, Longbottom,” Minerva tutted, and the two younger professors turned their heads in her direction, “At least your questions still have some sort of delicacy. Griffiths has actually asked me, point blank, if Y/N’s spent her summers with me.” 

The collective guffaw of the professors at the head table caused the majority of the student body to shift their attention to them. Of course, the authoritative looks that they sent at the house tables were able to convince them to get back to their own conversations, but now the Great Hall was abuzz with trying to figure out what made the professors laugh so loud. 

“I wonder when they’ll stop trying,” Y/N mused as the crowd of students began to slowly shuffle out of the Hall.

“Don’t count on it, L/N,” Minerva smirked. 

–

“Professor L/N?” a meek voice sounded from the door to Y/N’s office on Wednesday afternoon. 

The middle of the week was rather free for her, therefore she used it to catch up on grading and, if she had time, a little light reading. This afternoon, though, she was in the middle of writing an important letter. 

Her owl, Athena, perched at the edge of her desk and her scrutinizing eyes darted towards the fourth year Hufflepuff who stood by the door. Eloise Abbott, a shy young thing with a penchant for Care of Magical Creatures and one of Y/N’s best students, sent the intimidating owl an uneasy glance.

“Come on in, Eloise,” Y/N smiled as she slipped the ink and parchment she was using into one of the empty drawers of her table, “Don’t mind Athena, she’s just impatient to get this letter out.” 

The young girl shuffled towards the professor as Y/N asked, “Is there anything you needed?” 

“Erm, I was just wondering if you could check my Defense paper,” she mumbled, pulling out a parchment from her school bag, “It’s on Grindylows and other creatures we could encounter in the Forbidden Forest, and I know it’s not really part of your syllabus, but I just wanted to make sure I didn’t get anything very wrong.” 

Y/N smiled and held her hand out for Eloise to place the essay. It was silent as she read over what was written, that silence only broken when Athena let out soft hoots or ruffled her feathers. 

“Erm, professor,” muttered Eloise after a while, Y/N’s eyes glanced up from the parchment, “I don’t mean to pry, but why does your owl want so badly for you to finish that letter?” 

A soft chuckle came from Y/N’s mouth before she answered, “She just loves the person I’m writing to, and I honestly think she would rather be in his care than mine. Even if it were just for a few nights.” 

“But you’re wonderful with animals!”

“And he is too, I assure you. Maybe even more so than me.” 

Eloise nodded her head slowly, and Y/N could see the gears turning in her head. It perplexed the young student, who could ever be better with animals than her professor? She knew it couldn’t have been Hagrid, as he still lived on the grounds and Athena could visit him any time she wished. 

Maybe her favorite professor was friends with the Scamander family. Rolf Scamander definitely had ties to Hogwarts and seemed about her age. 

Before her thoughts could go any further with hypothesizing, Professor L/N handed her essay back, “It looks great, Eloise. I have no doubt you’ll get high marks on this essay.” 

Eloise could spot a professor’s dismissal anywhere, so she merely nodded as she took the parchment back. As she hurried out the room, she expressed her gratitude over her shoulder, catching Y/N pull out the letter she was writing with a soft smile on her face. 

–

The end of the school week came with a surprise visitor to the castle. The students could not stop discussing the presence of a dragon tamer on the school grounds. He had arrived later in the morning, trudging up the pathway from Hogsmeade and making his rounds around the school.

Headmistress McGonagall greeted him at the gates with a smile and a hug before she took his arm and the two of them had tea in her office. Of course, as the students weren’t used to seeing an adult that wasn’t the faculty or the staff in the castle, his presence sparked many conversations.  

“I saw him knock on Hagrid’s door!” said Neil Chapman to anyone who would listen to him at lunch, “He had some burn scars all over his arms and really bright red hair. He seemed really cool.” 

It was as if the whole Gryffindor table was gathered around him as he told and retold how Hagrid’s booming voice announced that Hogwarts’ resident dragon tamer was back. Rumors floated around the school for the rest of the day, each student having something to say about the mysterious man. 

“He’s gorgeous though, isn’t he?” sighed Daphne Griffiths, as she and her best friend roamed the hallways on the way to their next class, “All rugged and handsome. I caught sight of him walking towards the quidditch pitch after Transfiguration.” 

All the professors had to stop themselves from full-on grinning at the different things they had heard about Charlie Weasley gallivanting around the grounds, but none of them as amused as Professor L/N. 

“Hurry along then!” 

Y/N stood next to a small paddock at the edge of the forest, next to its open gate. At the center of it, a cluster of fluffy creatures rolled around and play fought with each other. 

“Alright class,” she clapped her hands together, “We’re having a little bit more of a relaxed class to end the week. A crup of one of the Hogsmeade villagers just gave birth about a month ago and her owner’s graciously allowed us to spend an afternoon with the puppies.”

The second year students cooed at the litter of small dog-like creatures with two tails. As soon as she finished her sentence, the group of them rushed to get inside the paddock, each one wanting a turn with the small puppy-like things. Once all the students were inside, she shut the gate and joined them as they congregated around the tiny crups. 

Y/N was grateful that her last class of the week was with younger students. They were much easier to please and sometimes more eager to learn. Of course, almost anyone would be enamoured by the litter of puppies running around.

With her wand pointed at her jugular, she began the small spiel she had prepared for the lesson, “Now, as most of you might know, crups are basically magical dogs…” 

Most students weren’t really paying any attention to her little lecture, but she told herself that at least she tried. She understood the need to coo over cute little puppies, she could let it slide just this once. 

From where she stood towards the other end of the paddock from the gate, she had a panoramic view of the class, just in case anything happened. She doubted anything would, but at least that way she could keep everyone in sight. 

“Of all the magical creatures in the world, you chose to teach about crups?” 

A strong voice rang through the open space and caused many of the students to turn their heads at the sound. Somehow, Charlie Weasley had made it to the gate of the paddock without Y/N noticing. Upon seeing the redheaded dragon tamer so close to them, murmurs spread among the young students.

Y/N rolled her eyes, taking in the sight of him with his arms crossed and a smug smile on his face. 

“Oh wipe that smile off your face, Weasley, you try teaching these kids all week,” she replied, raising her voice slightly so that he could hear what she had said. 

“I guess they are quite adorable,” he caved, leaning his forearms against the paddock and seeming as if he was going to observe them their whole class. 

The students observed their playful and easy banter, in awe that their professor knew the ever mysterious man. 

As her wards were still distracted by him, she said, “Pay him no mind class, he’s harmless. The crup puppies need your undivided attention!” 

As soon as the prying eyes were off of him, Charlie sent Y/N a cheeky wink. She couldn’t stop a smile from growing on her face at the gesture, but she shook her head to indicate that they could talk after her class was over. 

“Professor L/N?” a young girl walked up to her, sending a furtive glance over her shoulder to where her friends were gathered. 

The group of them gestured to her to carry on and Y/N’s eyes lit with amusement, “What’s up?” 

“I-er, we wanted to know how you know the dragon tamer guy? The other professors haven’t said much about him when asked.” 

The young student fidgeted nervously, picking at the hem of her sweater as she glanced up at Y/N. Despite being in the rather early years of her journey at Hogwarts, she knew that Professor L/N enjoyed her privacy. She didn’t want to overstep. 

Y/N sensed this apprehension and gave her a soft smile, “We were in the same year at Hogwarts. He was a Gryffindor and I was a Ravenclaw, but we managed to have a few common classes.” 

“Cool!” 

Before anything else could be said, the girl scurried off to meet her friends with the small tidbit of information she was able to gather from the otherwise close-lipped professor. 

Thankfully, the rest of the hour passed by rather quickly. 

As soon as the bell rang, it was obvious to Y/N that the students were stalling. She had dismissed them fairly quickly and had already begun her process of cleaning up. Meanwhile, the majority of the class was still situated inside the paddock, shuffling around in groups. 

Inwardly, she sighed, knowing that there was nothing she could do about it, it was the end of the school week and they were free to roam (or stay) in any part of the grounds and the castle they wanted. 

Inevitably, Charlie had gotten impatient waiting for them to clear out. Instead, he strode confidently through the gate and towards where Y/N was directing the puppies to stay. 

“Charlie? What are you–”

The remaining students, who had been not-so slyly watching the redhead stride through the paddock, all collectively gasped as he pressed his lips firmly on their professor’s. 

Y/N began to weakly protest, the logical side of her brain screaming at her that this was definitely unprofessional, but the emotional side took over as she was surrounded by the scent and the presence of her boyfriend. Her boyfriend whom she hadn’t seen in months and made a special trip to Hogwarts just to see her in her element. 

Thankfully, Charlie pulled away fairly quickly, his arms still firmly wrapped around her body, a dopey smile on his face. 

Once Y/N gained her bearings, she slapped his chest, “Charles Weasley!” 

“What?” he grinned. 

“You’ve just kissed me in front of my students!” 

–

Despite the–shall we say scandalous?–first encounter between the couple, the rest of the afternoon was quite lovely. Y/N showed him all of the creatures under her care and in the section of the forest that was relatively safe. They also borrowed some old brooms from the shed and raced each other out on the pitch until their cheeks were painful from laughter and their noses were red from the cold. 

By the time dinner rolled around, of course the whole student body was aware of what transpired between the handsome dragon tamer and their favorite Care of Magical Creatures professor. 

This was the first piece of juicy information that they had gotten on Professor L/N, and while they were highly amused at what had happened, they were also not surprised that she was dating someone who worked with dragons on a daily basis. 

They also couldn’t deny the fact that she practically lit up in his presence. They had never seen her so at peace and so happy as when she was with Charlie. Anyone with eyes could tell that the pair of them were in love. 

Minerva had also graciously allowed Charlie to sit at the Head Table with the rest of the faculty at dinner, which caused quite the stir. 

Practically all sets of eyes were trained towards the couple as they ate their dinner fairly normally. 

“You two seem to be the talk of the whole school,” the headmistress teased. 

Charlie sent his favorite teacher a shit-eating grin, “Must be my dashing looks that’s got them all interested.” 

“Please, Weasley,” Y/N tutted, “They’ve just gotten a huge piece of information about me. This is basically their Christmas.” 

“Maybe they’ll finally stop hounding me with insane questions now!” Neville chirped happily, and the table erupted in laughter. 

–

General taglist: @expectoevans​ @george-fabian-weasley​ @gxthsanrio​ @slytherinscribbles​ @harpyloon​ @nuttytani​ @mesmerisedangel​ @amourtentiaa​ @sarcasticallywitty15​ 

Charlie taglist: @pinkypurplemagic​

#charlie weasley #charlie weasley imagines #charlie weasley imagine #charlie weasley fics #charlie weasley fic #charlie weasley fanfiction #charlie weasley x reader #charlie weasley x y/n #tw meals #tw meal mention #tw cursing

[clarrissanewt]

gosh i love your one more! i hope you know you're an amazing writer and that we feel the efforts and feelings you put into your works ❤ i wanna try requesting too! a harry x ravenclaw!reader but a soulmate au, the usual initials tattoo, can you make them completely strangers, they only found each other during the war when harry asked about the diadem and only the reader knows about it so she helped him find but instead they found thekr soulmates type of cliche haha thank youuu! you may decide how it sends (cause i wanna see your thoughts) or you may end it as is <3

Missed Connections

Pairing: Harry Potter x fem!reader

House: Ravenclaw

Warnings: fictional violence

A/n: Ahh, thank you!

He knew this time.

He knew that the battle was now inevitable. And they were still short of two Horcruxes. One had something to do with Ravenclaw, he knew, and the other- he was clueless.

“Look, Neville,” he wiped his face in a frantic, “I don’t think so you all can help in this. Dumbledore left the three of us a job, and we aren’t supposed to tell-”

“We’re his army!” Neville replied in disbelieve. “Dumbledore’s army- we’re all in this together-”

He was cut in between as the door of the Room of Requirments thundered and appeared out of thin air; Harry had to whirl in his spot, wand ready as ever in his soiled hands.

The silhouette of an unfamiliar figure, someone he had never noticed before, appeared-  her eyes wide in dread and terror, hands shaking, and blood dripping out of a newly seared cut below her right ear.

“Late again,” Seamus’ huff made him realize that he had been staring at the girl who just dusted her jumper with head bowed, trying to hide the stray tears that were on a loose rein at the pain.

“Carrows,” she simply answered, a frail smile from her assuring Seamus.

He felt his heart drop as she advanced towards him- Hermione to be more precise, and engulfed her in a hug, keeping her head away from his friend’s attire.

“Keeping alright?” Hermione sniffled and loosened her grip, giving the girl enough space to move towards Ron.

Harry was definitely bumfuzzled at this scenario. How could his best friends not inform him about a confidant they have?

And Hermione, being herself, could understand his dilemma.

“She saved Ron from snatchers months ago. Y/n,” she looked fondly over his shoulder, “Ravenclaw, and brave like a Gryffindor.”

He could register what his friend just said as Ron passed a sympathetic grin at the Ravenclaw and didn’t use one of his bad ideas (“not meant to be rude,” he would have said).

“And I think, Harry,” Hermione lowered her voice, still succeeding in groping his attention, “we can tell them about the Horcrux- just not telling it’s one, really.”

He rolled her advice over and again in his mind as his scar pricked like a naked tree in a wildfire. And Merlin be praised, he acknowledged it, his gruff voice getting everybody’s ears in the row.

“I think you all can help. We have to find something- something related to Ravenclaw,” his eyes flickered at Y/n, who was seated in the arm of Dean’s chair, her eyes darted from the floor directly to his, creating a myriad of unease within him. She knew, he could tell. “Something of great value. Is there anything like that which anybody knows about?”

“The diadem,” the words rolled out of her mouth naturally, without effort, without hesitation. “The lost diadem of Ravenclaw.”

“Has anybody seen it?” Hermione was quick to overtake him, and he was glad by her abruptness since he was falling short of words the more he saw her.

A heavy weight seemed to push its way down his chest- he almost sensed a repelling yet attracting connection...a rame feeling he couldn’t even explain (even if he got Hermione’s brain).

“It was seen centuries ago,” Y/n reasoned, her eyes finally changing their course of focus. “Some say it went missing with Ravenclaw herself.”

“Isn’t there any way?”

There was no doubt that he felt insane. There should have been no reason he’d like to confront a person who almost had the power to stop his mind.

“Didn’t mean to interrupt,” he heard Ron ramble from behind, “but what is a diadem?”

Yes. A stupid question, really.

As the landing of the Room of Requirements and the cave flashed before him, nobody took notice that he slipped back, his eyes clenched in pain (Ron did ask an intriguing question), nobody but her.

“There’s only a way I could help,” his shoulder was almost in reach of her hand when he tried to close his mind and regained his composure. “You can look at her statue...the diadem- you can see that too.”

This was a now or never stake he was going to go for.

･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ

“Come under here,” he gripped on her arm as they prowled out on the fifth-floor corridor, the faint moonlight creating lazy squares on the floor.

Y/n felt warmth washing over her at his touch (and he was sure he felt it too) as the invisibility cloak swathed over them, a frail glow illuminating from somewhere around.

“This way, Harry,” she got hold of his sleeve as they climbed on the stifled, dizzying spiraling stairs he had never seen before. And the entrance to Ravenclaw’s common room had no handle, no keyhole- it was as beautifully plain as Y/n’s expression at the moment.

When her disembodied arm knocked the bronze eagle knocker once, Harry flinched in her loose grip as a small grip glowed in her arm...something like an H.

“Which perishes first, souls or the connections?” A soft musical voice fluttered around them, bolting panic deep in his heart. 

They definitely didn’t have time for a chit-chat with an aged door.

“Let’s see,” Y/n straightened herself, “help me a bit, Harry.”

He couldn’t help but nod with cluelessness specking every pixel of his face.

“Well, I think, souls and connections can never be perished, even though they can be hidden. Because-”

“-because a circle has no end.”

“Well phrased, well reasoned. Connected souls often reason well,” the door cooed and flung open.

“Connected souls,” Y/n muttered beside him, her eyes fixed on their hands which were glowing a soft gold with each other’s initials.

And Harry, though panicked, felt himself smiling at the sight.

Connections...undescribable connections that bound them.

“March on for the diadem, then.”

They slipped inside the deserted common room, which was way too ventilated than Gryffindors’, heavy blue curtains with matching bronze hung all around, and the enchanted stars twinkled on the ceiling- very much like Y/n’s eyes.

“I’ve never seen you before- not even in DA,” he whispered and slipped through the cloak onto the plinth of Rowena Ravenclaw’s bust, the marbled diadem perched over her head.

“Umbridge then, Carrows now.”

“Do you really think soulmates exist?” His fingers ran along the rim of the pseudo diadem, and he could imagine her smiling thoughtfully.

“What do you think, Harry?” Her soft voice washed him with relief. He was sure that he could make out an age-old connection with her.

Totally effortless, totally considerate.

“What is a phoenix without ash?”

“A broken circle,” he insinuated without a second thought as an amalgamation of mangled emotions swam through his eyes.

“So what are souls with a sure shot connection kept apart? Merely a broken circle, I believe.”

He smiled unconsciously as his finger stopped at the carved words.

Wit beyond measure is man’s greatest treasure.

･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ

“You know, Harry?” She had moved her hand through his tangled hair, sending a wave of composure through his exhausted body, “it’s okay if you don’t succeed in saving the world. I’d definitely not ask you to choose between the world that gave you so much and a girl you just met today. Just try to be safe, okay?”

“I’d want some peace and quiet if it were me.”

He moved his gaze to Luna, who was sharing the bench with him, an all thoughtful expression adorning her face.”

“I’d love some.”

“I’ll distract them all,” she smiled. “Use your cloak.”

And sliding up the cloak around him, he walked through the Great Hall to find her. Along the long aisle between the table, he continued walking, spotting families uniting, teachers, ghosts and pupils huddled together, and finally, he saw the one whose company he was craving the most.

“It’s me,” he muttered, crouching beside her on the broken marbled staircase. “Will you come with me?”

She didn’t reply. Just followed him through the rubbled corridors, which were smeared with bloodstains and smoke.

And as they crossed the threshold of the hall, he was halted as she succeeded in grappling his shoulder, even though he was invisible to every magical eye.

“Really gives a feeling of scope for the tragedy of the thing, doesn’t it?”

The cloak slipped down his scathed body as he turned to her.

“Feeling cold, aren’t you?”

She intertwined their hands at those words as warmth cascaded through their bodies. 

She felt home at last.

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