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revoevokukil · 2 years

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The Central Fairytale of the Witcher Saga

‘Or you, perhaps?’ she yelled. ‘If you want I’ll give myself to you! Well? Won’t you sacrifice yourself? I mean, they say I’ve got Lara’s eyes!’

The Witcher’s plot is based on a universally known fairy tale, where a monster (or a wizard) saves someone’s life and asks for something in return: “You will give me something you will find at home but do not expect.”

“On this is based the tale A Question of Price (Kwestia ceny) and The Sword of Destiny and at the end of the day, the entire saga”. - A. Sapkowski, Interview

It was usually payment for a favour from a devil. At first, a witcher (a monstrous monster-killer) enacts the fairy tale. Later, a wizard does. In such fairy tales, an oath and hope that the oath will be kept (“Destiny is hope.”) underpin exchanges by which people’s fates are forged.

“Why should anyone want such an oath? You know the answer, Urcheon of Erlenwald. It creates a powerful, indissoluble tie of destiny between the person demanding the oath and its object.” – Geralt, A Question of Price

However, these contracts, exchanges, oaths – in the eyes of destiny they must be proven. For destiny alone is not enough – something more is needed.

What is needed?

“Roegner knew the gravity of the oath he took. He took it because he knew law and custom have a power which protects such oaths, ensuring they are only fulfilled when the force of destiny confirms them. You have no right to the princess as yet. You will win her only when –’

“When what?”

“When the princess herself agrees to leave with you. ... It is the child’s, not the parent’s, consent which confirms the oath, which proves that the child was born under the shadow of destiny.” – Geralt, A Question of Price

Choice is needed.

Destiny becomes true only when the exceptional person subject to it consents or chooses to affirm it.

Ciri chooses Geralt. And Geralt, eventually, stops walking away from what he has called into being.

‘Geraaalt!’ He turned around. Ciri was standing on the brow of the hill, a tiny, grey figure with windblown, mousy hair. ‘Don’t go!’ She waved. ‘Don’t go!’ She yelled shrilly. ‘Don’t goooo!’ I have to, he thought. I have to, Ciri. Because… I always do. ‘You won’t get away!’ she cried. ‘Don’t go thinking that! You can’t run away! I’m your destiny, do you hear?’

That’s why they are connected by destiny.

In Lady of the Lake, Aen Elle enact the fairy tale, enforcing an analogous contract with Ciri. I say analogous because the Saga has become considerably darker and now concerns Ciri’s coming of age story in a stage where a girl is pushed to become a mother.

In exchange for something Ciri needs (return to Geralt and Yennefer), the elves wish to have her child. Even a “life debt” comes into play in exchange for which the monster (or a wizard!) usually seeks something in return: by way of helping Fate lead Ciri to the Tower of the Swallow, Avallac’h guarantees no threat from the Continent can get to her again – ever. Even the spectres of the Wild Hunt appear on the ice at Tarn Mira in order to deter Leo Bonhart from catching the girl. Ciri slips through the Gate of Worlds and is “safe” (at a price).

Arguably, Ciri owes her life to the Alder Folk in yet another way: her very existence as the Lady of Time and Space – a carrier of mutated Hen Ichaer, the blood of elves – has come about as a result of “a theft.”

“We have the right to demand, and we can, O Swallow. Your father, Cregennan, took a child from us. You will give us one back. You will repay the debt. It seems just and logical to me.” – Avallac’h, Lady of the Lake

The special child the elves seeks in redress for humanity’s theft is destined for great things, and due to the conditions under which the contract with Ciri is agreed upon Ciri’s child will be born under a shadow of destiny in turn.

Interestingly, despite having several means for taking what they need by force, the Alder Folk pursue cooperation. Ciri’s consent in having the child is a surprisingly big priority for the elves (who put faith in the mystical mechanisms of Fate). Even Eredin makes mention of it: “Not completely [prepared to co-operate]? Ha, that’s not good. Since the nature of the cooperation demands that it be complete. It’s simply not possible if it’s less than complete.” Equally, as pertains to the near future, Avallac’h hopes that once she has given birth, Ciri will choose to stay with him and the elves; with her child.

“We want to have your child, O Swallow, daughter of Lara Dorren. Only when you bear it will we permit you to leave here, to return to your world. The choice, naturally, is yours. What is your answer?”

“My answer is no. Categorically and absolutely no. I don’t agree and that’s that.”

“Tough luck. I admit I am disappointed. But why, it’s your choice.” – Avallac’h, Lady of the Lake

Ciri’s choice in choosing her Fate is underscored repeatedly throughout the chapter. As Ciri – the Swallow – is already a Child of Destiny, her choices carry extra weight insofar as they tie into the resolution of many people’s and many worlds’ fate. Destiny becomes proven through her choice.

Naturally, there is a crux: such choices under duress can be considered blackmail.

“The choice, as I said, belongs to you. You ought, however, to know something. It would be dishonest to conceal it from you. You can’t escape from here, O Swallow. So if you refuse to cooperate you will stay here forever, and will never see your friends or your world again.” – Avallac’h, Lady of the Lake

The entire concept of Rumpelstiltskin-like fairy tales echoes blackmail because the favour the monster (or a wizard) extracts in return for his help is usually in some ways inconceivable or impossible to the party who has to fulfil it. The children the witchers take run a higher chance of dying horribly to mutations than becoming vaunted protectors of humanity. For Calanthe it was unthinkable to give up Pavetta to the Urcheon or Ciri to the witcher after losing Pavetta. In turn, at Tir ná Lia, Ciri is not ready to become a mother in the first place.

The original bind in the Witcher stipulates it is the extraordinary person’s choice which affirms destiny and makes it become something more, something real. Sapkowski adds a further detail: the sword of destiny has two edges.

‘How do you know Ciri would want to go with me? Because of some old prophecies?’ ’No,’ Mousesack said gravely. ‘Because she only fell asleep after you cuddled her. Because she mutters your name and searches for your hand in her sleep.’

...

‘You will not escape, Geralt.’ ‘From destiny?’ The Witcher tightened the girth of the captured horse. ‘No,’ the druid said, looking at the sleeping child. ‘From her.’ - Mousesack, Sword of Destiny

Escaping destiny is not an option – neither for the party who has to pay (or be payment), or for the party who is demanding payment. Once an exchange or a debt comes into fruition, the parties are linked with each other for better or worse. Moreover, “not choosing” is not an option either: the debt does not disappear; the bond which binds the parties may manifest itself differently, more terribly; destiny will keep reminding itself in various ways until “fairness” has been served.

As a sidenote, in the end, the nature of this fairness comes down to how the people who find themselves in a bind treat each other.

In the light of this fairy tale, it is interesting the wizard who exacts payment at Tir ná Lia sees red when Ciri – for the first time during her stay – actively offers it.

To him.

‘Or you, perhaps?’ she yelled. ‘If you want I’ll give myself to you! Well? Won’t you sacrifice yourself? I mean, they say I’ve got Lara’s eyes!’ – Ciri, Lady of the Lake

Thematically, this is significant. For Avallac’h has been subject to destiny himself – with Lara. He carries Elder Blood – like Ciri.

What Auberon tries to teach Ciri, Crevan already knows: in every moment, infinite futures begin and countless pasts end as a result of our choices; choices, which, informed by our pasts and hopes for futures, shape how we perceive and interact with the present moment in which we take action.

“The ancient Ouroboros reminds us that in every moment, in every instant, in every event, is hidden the past, the present and the future. Eternity is hidden in every moment. Every departure is at once a return, every farewell is a greeting, every return is a parting. Everything is simultaneously a beginning and an end.” – Auberon, Lady of the Lake

In the end, this is how fate shapes up.

Avallac’h believes in Ithlinne’s Prophecy, prophesizes himself, and acts in ways that steer the workings of Fate (as does Geralt in a minor way by calling the Law of Surprise; acting as Ciri asserts one must do: “You can’t just sit and do nothing! Nothing comes by itself!”). Arguably, he knows the rules – he knows the powerful, indissoluble tie of destiny is formed when an exceptional person subject to it affirms it, chooses it, and consents to it. For destiny to become destined, you have to actively pursue it. Moreover, Crevan already considers Ciri’s fate as bound to his own, telling Geralt point-blank under Mount Gorgon – after a small, thoughtful or anxious, hesitation – “someone else will help her now. You can’t be so arrogant as to think that the girl’s destiny is exclusively bound to you.”

Now though, irony strikes.

Now Avallac’h has Ciri, the Child of the Elder Blood, offering to form this bond; offering herself to him alongside a jab about the eyes of Lara, which surely make the matter of destiny obvious. Now the wizard, who has not come to grips with the nature of his fate so far – analogously to the witcher who in Brokilon kept walking away from from the bond he had called into being – is being told by the child of destiny that Ciri – not Lara – will give herself to him, consenting to bringing about a fate the woman Avallac’h loved(s) in the end did not choose to bring about.

Ciri never makes an active choice in regard to Auberon. She goes along with the circumstances, but it does not work with Auberon for the same reason it does not work with Emhyr – Ciri reminds Auberon of his daughter. It does not work with Auberon because destiny alone is not enough. Moreover, destiny from which we walk away can manifest in different ways (Ciri eventually closes the circle for Auberon, as Death). Auberon continues to walk away from Ciri at every moment when Ciri might come to believe “choosing” him is an option she could make. That she herself is chosen. But things do not pan out the way she expects, and then she acts. Her position: it is clearly not working with Auberon, thus it is clearly not my destiny to have this child with him; but I want to fulfil the contract, I’ll choose you if you want – what do you say?

In its frustration and desperation, Ciri’s offer to Avallac’h comes off as a perversion of the way Ciri first chooses Geralt.

Standing on a hill, Ciri tells Geralt that he cannot run away. That she is her destiny. Before which Mousesack reminds Geralt: “What you wanted and what you planned to do ceased to matter [from the moment Ciri was born], and what you don’t want and what you mean to give up doesn’t make any difference either. You don’t bloody matter!”

Avallac’h wanted Lara, planned to have a child with Lara, and was probably willing to give anything for Auberon’s daughter not to make the decisions she made. It did not make a difference. Avallac’h wants the Swallow to have the promised child with Auberon, to stay with the child, to choose her elven ancestor’s path as it should have been. It does not make a difference, and the alternative is himself and his laboratory. Except for some reason the alternative spooks the devil (or a wizard) who demands payment for a debt. As ever, in the end the matter is personal. Because why-why-why is the tale twisting so that instead of Lara, now this monstrous girl is making offers that bear weight on the shaping of fates?

‘In accordance with the Law of Surprise and eternal custom, the decision is yours. Answer. One word from you is enough. Yes, and you become the property, the conquest, of this monster.

No, and you will never have to see him again.’ - Calanthe, A Question of Price

In truth, Avallac’h is incapable of accepting that what he wants to be his destiny simply does not matter. It becomes highlighted in the moment when Ciri – a surprise twist by Fate – straightforwardly tells the wizard she chooses him to do what Avallac’h was once upon a time meant to do with a different woman, whose debt and eyes Ciri bears.

Insofar as the world of the Alder Folk mirrors in a twist what happens on the Continent - consider the irony of twisting this fundamental fairy tale that underlies the Witcher’s story. And consider the costs.

Consider for a moment if Avallac’h had accepted.

Consider for a moment if Geralt had not tried walking away.

Much would have been different.

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#the witcher #wiedźmin #law of surprise #sword of destiny #lady of the lake #ciri #geralt of rivia #aen elle #avallac'h #lara dorren #auberon #rumpelstiltskin #fairy tales #the witcher meta #andrzej sapkowski #cirilla fiona elen riannon

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crystalshard · 4 months

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2023: Fanfic (And Original Fic), She Wrote

Looking back over the year, I've written more than I expected.

(This list is only the things I wrote this year; some fics I uploaded to AO3 which were originally posted to Livejournal many years ago.)

Star Wars

When Banthas Fly - Anakin accidentally gets high as a kite on Force-Affecting Spice, and Sees Things. This ends up being very bad for Palpatine.

Sith Lords Are Our Speciality - Fix-it fic. Years ago, Obi-Wan (mostly) killed Darth Maul. Now it's Anakin's turn to even the Sith-killing score - and when fate offers him an opportunity to make it two-one in his favor, he's not going to turn it down.

Face in the Mirror - Axe Woves has a drink with Boba Fett, negotiates an alliance, and encounters some unexpected history from an unexpected world. (Or, Crystal falls down a linguistics rabbit hole and makes some Star Wars characters deal with it.)

X-Men

In These Bones - When Erik comes to Charles and asks for help in shutting down a facility which is kidnapping and experimenting on mutant children, Charles can't say no. What they find is worse than anything they could have imagined, and Charles is determined to bring them home safely. It won't be easy for any of them; there's something very sinister going on in those laboratories.

(I am very strongly of the opinion that Magneto has metallokinetic powers alongside the magnetic ones, and I use that as a plot point.)

Drive You - Explicit. Erik's PTSD means that his head sometimes gets louder than he or Charles can bear. If Erik needs to get down on his knees to let go, then Charles is more than willing to help him do so. NSFW.

Search the Sky - 101 Dalmatians AU, X-Men style. But with dragons instead of dogs.

(I am very fond of this one, I thoroughly enjoyed writing it.)

8 to Infinity - The Marvel version of David 8 turns up at the mansion, and is promptly taken under Charles Xavier's wing. In return, David gives Charles the one thing he thought he'd never have.

A reason to break Erik out of jail.

Misc

Scandal Rag - Lois, Clark, and Bruce pull a prank on the whole of Metropolis. This may be the only reason Bruce Wayne would ever wear Superman's outfit.

Original

Yesterday's Legacy - Nearly thirty years ago, Emma and two friends escaped from a fantasy world that was doing its best to kill them. Now their children have been snatched away to that same world.

Emma and her friends are having precisely None Of This Nonsense, and they follow their children back to the fantasy world. And this time, it's the fantasy world that needs to watch out. Especially that no-good, immortal, child-kidnapping Wizard.

Yes, this is still in progress. Yes, I have every intention of finishing it.

Historia Heroum - Archaeologist-wizards dig up something that a hero left behind. Inspired by my wondering what happens a century or so after the quest line for an RPG is completed.

Crown and Forge - After generations of rulers have been possessed by the soul of a former king, the current Heir takes the crown to be melted down.

And That's What Killed Me - In the afterlife, you meet the only other person who died the same way you did.

No Smoke Without Fire - The 'hero' protected himself against fire-breathing dragons. It's a shame he forgot to protect himself against anything else.

Quiet as the Grave - It's a nice town, quiet, with friendly neighbors. It's super natural there, too. Or . . . is that supernatural?

Jack of All Trades - Jack Oatfield is the guy everyone knows. And sometimes, he calls in that favour you owe him.

The Show Must Go On - Horror themes. There's a palace in the depths of space, a familiar tourist attraction. The inhabitants charge cruise ships a pretty penny to watch their nightly entertainments.

Whether the Weather - Villains really should know better than to mess with retired Powers. The retired heroes and ex-villains are the ones who survived.

Happy New Year, everybody!

#my writing #star wars #x men #batman #superman #fanfic #original fiction

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omgkalyppso · 1 year

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🖊️+ Fae please? 💖

I appreciate you asking about Fae! Thank you.

Started over three times because talking about Fae often leads to oversharing.

They're very personal to me. I love them dearly. I love their relationships and how they love and how they're met with mindfulness and support and friendship and desire. They're not a self-insert but they are wish fulfillment.

I have so many unfinished fics featuring Fae already that I've stopped myself from starting more, but after the year I've had of (not) writing, that may have been a bad decision / stumped me creatively.

Single Parent AU

I let myself write a little vampire!Fae x Lorenz: 3,000 word E rated fic on ao3

But I really didn't lean into starting my Monster AU. Little post. 1,375 word M rated post. I have so much blocked dialogue from last year, have some more (Claude is a fairy, Lorenz is a mage / wizard / hedge witch):

Claude: Hunters? (floating upside down somewhere in Lorenz’s line of vision)

Lorenz: Humans who dislike monsters, fairies included.

Claude: Then I should look different. (poof. He’s normal sized)

Lorenz: Heavens. Could you always do this?

Claude: I don't know … it's been a while since I learned, I think.

Lorenz: That's not what - ugh. Okay fine, you need clothes. Come on.

Claude: If you insist.

Claude: (being stuffed into some robes, maybe a tie or cravat or something) That tickles!

Lorenz: Sit still.

Claude: This is fun. More fun than waiting for you to court me, at any rate.

Lorenz: Court you?

Claude: I mean, the milk and cakes were fine conversation, but the baubles and cherries - that was romantic, wasn't it? I left you those crystals as thanks. (pointing somewhere in the room) There's one. So you liked them?

Lorenz: You're mistaken, or I was.

Claude: Oh. Oh well. (now fully dressed) Eugh, what is this?

Lorenz: The clothing that will make you pass for— No. What? (claude has shrunk himself back to tiny size so the clothes start falling, unfilled, then poofs back to full size, but the clothing is different, ending this transformation by kissing Lorenz)

Claude: Better.

Lorenz: (rubbing his mouth) Too rich. Lose the ruffles. (Claude does)

---

It'll be silly but if it gets written, hopefully it will be fun.

I've also been rotating a longer Fae-as-a-student AU, and a segment where (have a read more this time)

Byleth takes Lorenz to tea for his birthday, a gift of roses. Fae presents him with a garland of white roses flowers of lesser care, and Lorenz feels obligated to refuse such a romantic gift from a commoner for the sake of imagined eligible ladies scrutinizing his behaviour or the possibility that his father might find out.

I put Fae's dorm beside Lyisthea's (which I guess is also beside Mercedes', but I thought Mercie was in the middle of Lysithea and Leonie but I was wrong), and imagine Lysithea looking tired and approaching Claude, initially saying she needs a favour but when Claude looks All Too Delighted at the prospect of her owing him something she quickly corrects herself to say that she needs him to act as house leader and go check on Fae after hearing them crying.

Fae doesn't tell Claude what about and he doesn't press after asking if it's homesickness; Fae asks to sit next to him for the day.

Lorenz: They're lovely—

Fae: Oh, I—

Lorenz: But it would be inappropriate for me to accept them. Garlands like these are romantic, meant to be given with Hope's of affection. Perhaps it is your Adrestian upbringing that caused you to forget? My father would be very cross if he discovered I had accepted a gift like this from a commoner.

Fae: Of course, I … hadn't been thinking. I should have chosen another flower. My apologies, and happy birthday.

Lysithea: Claude, I need a favour— No. I need you to be a house leader.

Claude: Oh? What's up?

Lysithea: Fae cried for hours last night. Do you mind checking on them?

Claude: Yeah, get some rest, I'll talk to Hanneman.

Lysithea: Well, I'm not going to be late. Just see that they're alright so it doesn't happen again.

Fae: Claude.

Claude: Hey there. Rough night? Homesick?

Fae: I'm sorry.

Claude: No need to apologize. But uh, is it something I can help with? [they shake their head] No? Do you want me to get—? [Fae interrupts, afraid he may suggest Lorenz before Zoran]

Fae: No, I— I am sorry. You're enough. More than enough. And good company. May I sit with you today?

Claude: [uncomfortable with vulnerability] Sure thing. [some self-aggrandizing babble]

Hanneman: And what was the name of this blightful creature that shook southern Fodlan to its very core?

Claude: The shining locust.

Hanneman: Correct. Yes, Lorenz?

Lorenz: Professor, I do not think it's appropriate to recognize Claude's contribution when he is so clearly passing notes during your lecture.

Claude: Oh, you mean this note? [holding up a piece of paper, acting as though he's reading it but I haven't decided if he's lying about the contents] What is that smell?

Hanneman: Is there an odor, Faedolyn?

Fae: I thought so, it may have been something stuck to a log in the fire. Burning moss, or something.

Hanneman: [looking to take their temperature with the back of his hand] May I? You know smells associated with distress is one way for the body to alert oneself to unwellness.

Fae: [conceding] I'm sure I'm fine.

Hanneman: Yes?

Fae: Thank you.

Hanneman: Do speak up, all of you, if there is some manner of disturbance in the class affecting your learning.

Droning, as a group: Yes, professor.

Hanneman: And Lorenz?

Lorenz: Yes, professor?

Hanneman: This was not a test. I would appreciate it if more of the class spoke up more often, but in the meanwhile, if comfort dictates that your knowledge be shared quietly with those who will contribute, then I am satisfied. And that it is the next Grand Duke forging bonds, well, I am encouraged. [Claude being unduly smug]

Lorenz: Of course, professor, I will endeavor to remember this is a forum.

Hanneman: Very good.

And thinking of the ethereal moon ball, and still Claude dancing first with Byleth; and Fae dancing first with family: Linhardt (before he falls asleep) and Zoran, still, twice with Claude early and once with Claude late, most of the rest of my favorites somewhere in between, and maybe most with Hilda if everyone is sick of swaying - but the dancing is a novelty for Fae, and an excuse to be out of conversation, even if it's tiring. and maybe by the time Lorenz has worked through the major and minor nobility, successful or otherwise in roping them into dance and conversation, and thinks it might be appropriate to dance with an old friend - Fae and Claude are off somewhere having Claude's goddess tower conversation (Byleth gets Dimitri's in this outline).

I worry a lot of the little scenes in that AU would be boring. dfghgdfhdg

#long post #faedolyn #my writing #sorry i wouldn't have been able to decide what to talk about about fae specifically without a prompt so instead you get. all of this

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galedekarios · 5 months

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gale, elminster & mystra: new infos from the epilogue and how they tie in with what we know from the base game

so i was mulling over bits and pieces of new information we got from the epilogue, connecting it to the stuff we already knew:

1. gale's story of how mystra came into his life in the full release

gale jumping from from "i'm what one might call a wizard prodigy, who from an early age could not only control the weave, but compose it" to "such was my skill that it earned me the attention of the mother of magic herself" to then the teacher, muse and lover dynamic.

and from early access:

Player: What did Mystra’s attention feel like? Gale: Love. Player: He sounds like a very talented individual Gale: He was. Even though it was in Mystra’s affections that his true power lay. Player: Teacher’s pet, was he? Gale: He fancied himself much more than that. He fancied himself favoured above all others. Perhaps it was not quite love, but you see, the wizard was but a very young man. It was most certainly love to him. Mystra showed him the secrets behind the veils. The gossamer veils first, draped across the Weave. The delicate veils next, draped across her body. ‘Chosen One’ she whispered, as she slipped them off completely.

2. elminster's new letter from the epilogue

we knew before that elminster must have come into his life early-ish as well from this convo:

"While most know Elminster the legend, few know him as you have. He plucked you from obscurity. Offered you his guidance. His faith."

we also know that gale got to attend blackstaff academy.

now, with the new letters from the epilogue, we know that elminster met him at eight years old:

elminster coming into his when gale was just "eight summers old", gale's talents being as they were from "an early age", mystra involving herself in his life.

perhaps those two events happening are connected: the chosen of mystra. plucking him from obscurity. taking him under his wing.

perhaps on the guidance of someone? someone very clever? someone who'd later use said mentor to also deliver a message that needed to be conveyed with the utmost severity of her bidding?

someone who'd involve herself in gale's life, too? someone who needs his ambitions to be laid to rest because of a future she glimpsed at?

3. raphael's new epilogue lines if gale fails his ascension:

Raphael: I owe you a debt of gratitude. You were the spark of ambition that rekindled Gale's ambitions, after Mystra had so cleverly put them to rest.

i'm thinking thoughts not only about "cleverly", implying some sort of scheming here or manipulation.

a goddess involving her chosen, to oversee a child, so full of promise and ambition -

(a relationship forming between elminster and gale, which even by the point we see them interact in the game, speaks of the care and love they hold for each other) -

before she too involves herself: becomes his mentor, teacher, and he becomes her chosen.

making gale her chosen as a form of control, so he perhaps would not oppose her, like, for instance, even elminster is hardly capable of.

but not only did she make him her chosen, in the same breath, she made him her lover.

we know she very much is capable of using her chosen for her needs.

raphael is also very directly saying that gale's "ambition" reawakened after meeting the protag. so we are talking about mystra putting them to rest before gale met the protag, so the comment couldn't possibly be about his character arc during the game.

i already touched on this a bit earlier but:

4. we also know that mystra has foresight, being able to predict the future to some sort of degree:

History of the Chosen of Mystra: The reason why Mystra, the Goddess of Magic, invested a portion of her divine might into mortals is not known. One of the popular theories, and one that is gaining more support in light of the other goddess' during that period, is that Mystra foresaw the Time of Troubles (and her own passing at the hands of Helm) and chose to give some of her powers to mortals in order to ensure that her successor (the female mage, Midnight, as it turned out) would have a number of nearly immortal allies in the struggle against the schemes of the gods (the now dead Bane, Myrkul and Bhaal) who precipitated the Time of Troubles by stealing the Tablets of Fate.

(again, i want to reiterate that larian doesn't keep close to the dnd timeline at times, and has quite a few lore mistakes and even breaks. i know mystra was 'dead' around the time gale would have been that young. take it up with larian, please. i'm only trying to extrapolate from the things we are told in the game and the narrative in it.)

#gale dekarios #gale of waterdeep #elminster aumar #mystra #baldur's gate 3 #bg3 #bg3 meta #ch: gale dekarios #ch: elminster aumar #ch: mystra #vg: baldur's gate 3 #series: baldur's gate #meta: mybg3 #bg3 spoilers #bg3 patch 5 spoilers #grooming cw

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purpleyin · 2 years

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4, 17, 32!

4. Do you have any OCs? Do you have a story for them?

I do for original fic, not so much for fanfic since I usually just stick to canon characters, even if some of those recurring/smaller character are Free Real Estate for filling in details. I do have a fondness for expanding characters we know so little of. For original fics, I have an OC who's a petite thief with parental issues who ends up with an assorted group on a heist that turns into a magical quest. She ends up travelling with a flirty fellow rogue, a barmaid who gets embroiled in it because she's just found out she's the half-sister of the flirty rogue, and a gay wizard who owes the thief a favour and does slightly too experimental magic that becomes a plot point. For that universe, I've also got an ally to them who crops up a bit, a flirty woods witch who's an allosexual aromantic.

Another OC I have is a chronically ill woman who gets offered immortality by another chronically ill friend who turns out to be a vampire.

17. Past or present tense? Why?

Definitely present tense. For the longest time, I've had big problems with switching tenses in my writing without realising and probably driving betareaders a bit nutty with how many corrections my writing used to need. I'm good at spotting it in other people's writing but bad at spotting it in my own, though I've improved over the years I think. I find that writing in present tense is a lot easier for me, I'm less likely to switch with that for some reason and can tell more easily when I stray from it, so I tend to stick to that unless there's a good reason to write in another tense.

32. Do you have a word/expression that you always use in your writing?

Probably. Sometimes I realise when writing that a word is more my pick than appropriate for the character. I try to write even the prose, not just dialogue, in a style that fits the characters if I can but I doubt I always succeed there. I also spend a fair bit of time, at least on longer fic, trying to vary vocabulary and make sure I don't repeat anything too much within one chapter at least. I can't think of a particular word, but I think my writing can come across quite formal, too formal in some cases. I suspect a lot of my Britishisms I don't realise are very British sneak through into fic for American characters even though I'd like to limit that.

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eternal-silvertongued-prince · 2 years

Text

The Thanksgiving Dilemma

Pairing: Professor!Snape x Muggleborn Professor Fem!Reader

Genre: Fluff

Rating: T just because of some suggestive moments.

Warnings: Fluff and nothing but the fluff. A little bit of an age gap though (6 years: you were a first-year as Sev was in his seventh). One bed troupe (couldn’t help myself)

Word Count: 6K+

Summary: You come from a line of muggleborn witches and wizards so magic was nothing new to your family. What was surprising was the tall dark man standing beside you when you came home for Thanksgiving dinner.

A/N: I know I’m late on this, but this is a little inspired by the time I flew all the way home from the UK to surprise my family for Thanksgiving. No one knew I was coming, and no one knew I had a boyfriend. That is until my mom opened the door to see me and this 6-foot white dude standing beside me. If you couldn’t tell by now, I’m into big love declarations LOL.

KEY:

Y/N – your name M/N – mother’s name F/N – father’s name A/N – aunt’s name U/N – uncle’s name B/N – brother’s name S/N – sister’s name C/N – cousin’s name GM/N – grandmother’s name

“You are leaving next Thursday after your afternoon class correct?”

The question made Severus look up from his plate and towards the centre of the table. You nodded your head at Minerva’s question before taking another bite of the roasted chicken everyone was having for dinner. He turned his attention back to his meal but kept his ear open towards your conversation. It wasn’t like he wanted to eavesdrop. Well… that was a lie, but he couldn’t help himself. Anything involving you caught his undivided attention.

“Tell me what the purpose of Thanksgiving is again?” Laughing at her question, you pushed aside your finished plate before turning to give your full attention to the elder witch.

“It’s supposed to be a celebration of the past year’s harvest, but truthfully, I think it’s just an excuse to eat a lot of food and dessert with no inhibition.”

Your answer made Minerva laugh and even brought a small smile to Severus’ face. He forgets often that you were American. Having spent your school years in Hogwarts, and the fact that you were now teaching here, you’ve since picked up an accent as well as the mannerisms a long time ago.

The conversation between the two of you continued as you both went for dessert. Severus stood once he was done with his meal and bid the professors beside him a good night, but as he was making his way down the corridor, he heard you call for him.

“Professor Snape! Severus! Sev! Wait!”

He stopped in his tracks and spun around to see you jogging up to where he stood. “Any one of them would suffice Y/N.” He smirked as your face tinged red. Or was that from rushing to catch up with him? Regardless, he thought you looked adorable. “What can I do for you?”

“Do you remember last month when you asked me to gather black beetles for you and I ended up having to fight off that vicious acromantula?”

His voice was laced with humour as he smirked at your choice of words. “If I recall correctly it was a baby one, but yes I do.”

Rolling your eyes, “Still just as deadly. But I digress, you remember how you said you owed me?”

“I do…”, he said cautiously. Where were you going with this?

“Well, I want to cash in on that favour.”

“Oh, alright. I assume you want me to cover your classes while you are gone?”

“What? No,” you shook your head, “Albus promised me that he and Filius will split the classes amongst them already. What I need from you is doubly much worse than teaching my classes.”

Severus’ brows furrowed in confusion. “Okay. Then what is it that you want me to do?”

Instead of answering him you looped your arm with his and pulled him towards the direction of your office. “Let’s talk more in private because I have a feeling you may or may not start yelling at me and these halls are no place to do it.” You laughed at your joke, but he could sense the bit of apprehension behind your words. Like it was possible for him to be angry at you.

He let you drag him until you two reached a solid oak door with a singular gilded nameplate. You moved your arm away from him to remove the locking spells and he immediately missed the sensation. Gesturing to the couch, he took a seat while you went to prepare two mugs of tea. Once you were satisfied with your concoctions you handed the man his before taking a seat across from him. You waited until he took a sip, hummed his satisfaction, and placed the mug down before getting straight to the point.

“I want you to come home with me and pretend to be my boyfriend so my family would stop bugging me about being single.” No sense in tiptoeing around the subject, right?

If he had any liquid in his mouth at the moment, he was sure he would have either choked or spat it out.

“I’m sorry. Can you repeat that?”

“I’m serious Sev! I can’t sit through another family dinner where they ask me the whole night about why I’m not seeing anyone or why I haven’t provided any grandchildren yet. I’ll go absolutely mad so please, please, please! I beg of you. I’ll do anything if you help me out.”

He was flabbergasted, and it took everything in him to not show it. Him? Out of anyone you asked him? “Anything you say?”

“Anything. I’ll clean your cauldrons for a month, fight off more acromantulas, take over your classes. Just please do me this favour.”

“I’ll do it,” his face broke into a grin at how giddy you became as he agreed, “I’ll get back to you about what I want in return.”

“Done. Oh, thank you!” Jumping from your seat, you wrapped your arms around his torso for a quick hug before rushing out of your office. “You can lock up when you’re done! I’m going to tell Albus to find someone to cover your classes too. Thank you again and pack warmly!”

Before he could form a response, you were already out the door.

Merlin. What did I just get myself into?

The rest of the week passed by too quickly for both Severus and you. For you, it was because you weren’t sure how this whole façade was going to go. For Severus, well, he couldn’t wrap his head around the fact that he would have to pretend to be your boyfriend even if it was only for four days. What would he have to do? Would he have to kiss you?! Just as he was starting to overthink and panic, a knock on his chamber door brought him out of his thoughts. He shook his head to clear it before opening the door. There you stood with your suitcase levitating behind you. You were out of your teaching robes and instead donned a muggle outfit. Looking at you in a hoodie and jeans, he suddenly felt out of place. “I suppose I should change to something more casual.”

“Probably. You already know my family is no stranger to magic and how we dress, but I would recommend something more muggle as I have a feeling my family would want to go into town or something.”

Leaving the door open for you to walk in, he walked back into his bedroom to change. You settled yourself onto his small loveseat as you waited.

“I packed most of my muggle clothing away into my bag already, so I hope this will do”, he said as he walked back into the living room to see you seated by the fire.

You turned your attention away from the green flames that lit the space to Severus and you had to blink twice to make sure it was him you were seeing at not some lucid dream version. You have never seen Severus outside of anything but his frock coats and teaching robes, so to see him in a black button-up, slacks, and a BROWN trench coat, your brain stopped working properly. Severus made his way in front of you and waved his hand over your eyes a few times to snap you back to reality. “Are you okay Y/N? Is this alright to wear to dinner?”

“Uh yeah– yeah! It’s great. You look great,” wishing you could take the shoe out of your mouth, you shrunk yours and his luggage and pocketed them into the safety of your coat, “We’re going to apparate there if that’s good with you. It’ll take us four apparations but I promise I won’t splinch us.”

“How comforting,” Severus drawled, “I’ve never been to America before, so I would appreciate a little heads up as to the lion’s den that I am walking into.”

“Are you insulting my family?”

He immediately started stammering to correct himself but all you did in return was laugh. “I’m kidding Sev. If anything, I’m inclined to agree with you. My family is big, loud, and hectic. I’m sure that we’ll barely get a word in edgewise with how much they talk.”

Severus glared at you but was glad when his heart started beating again. “You’re mean you know that?”

“That’s not what the students say.”

“The students don’t know you as I do.”

Gods did this man know how to make you blush. “Let’s get a move on. My mom will have a fit if I’m late to dinner.”

Severus followed your lead up the dungeon stairs and through the halls of the castle. It wasn’t until the two of you stepped foot onto the green grass the covered the grounds that he asked another question.

“So, tell me Y/N. What exactly would I have to do as your ‘boyfriend’ and is there anything I should know before we get there?”

The sun had just started to set and began to cast a warm glow on your bodies. You thought for a bit, chewing on your bottom lip. Severus turned his attention to you when you didn’t answer right away and he felt his heart stop again. The way you bit your lip unknowingly made him feel more red-faced than he would admit, even to himself. I’m going to die sooner than later with how my body reacts to everything she does. His eyes drifted down to where your teeth were gently biting into the soft rosy flesh of your bottom lip. He finally pulled his gaze back to the path when your tongue came out to lick the soreness away, leaving a sheen of saliva that he wished was left from placing a kiss from him instead.

“Well, I’ve talked about my family a bit to you already. But to recap, my mother’s name is M/N, dad is D/N, and my two siblings B/N and S/N, B/N being the oldest and S/N the youngest. We’re headed to my aunt’s place in upstate New York since it’s big enough to hold all my family there for the holidays, but my immediate family and I are from the city. You’ll probably learn everyone else’s names when we get there. Other than that, just follow my lead and you should be fine. As for how we’ll act I don’t expect you to kiss me or anything,” though I really want to Severus thought, “but I think we should hold hands, sit next to each other, and stay close to one another. You can even put your arm around me or something to sell it. Oh, and magic is okay with everyone since half my family members are muggleborns.”

“Okay, sounds reasonable. I don’t wish to do anything to make you feel uncomfortable so if I do something during our stay there that you want me to stop, please let me know.”

You nodded your head in agreement, “same goes for you. Even if it is all fake I do hope you’ll have a good time with me and my family. All things considered, at least know you’ll get an amazing meal out of this.”

Severus looked away briefly and smiled. Every time I’m with you is incredible. Too bad he didn’t know that you felt the same way about him.

“I look forward to it, genuinely. I am curious though, would your parents be okay with me being much older than you?”

You swiftly thumped him in the chest with the back of your hand which he countered with a stunned ‘hey’. “First of all, you are not that much older than me. I was at Hogwarts the same time you were,” you held your finger up when he tried to cut you off, “yes, I was a first-year while you were in your last, but still. Secondly, if they do have a problem they can take it up with me. I am an adult and am free to date, or fake date, whoever I please.”

As you two trekked your way to the front gates, you continued to answer a few more questions he had. The sound of the hinges on the gates creaked as you pushed them open effectively putting a halt to the conversation you were having.

Walking out onto the leaf-covered path, Severus turned to close the metal doors. As he turned to face you, he was frozen in place by the feeling of your warm fingers intertwining with his colder ones. He bent his head to look at you, the last light of the day hitting your eyes making them dance. You offered him a smile with he mirrored.

“Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

The trip to your aunt’s cabin was quick and straightforward. You and Severus had managed to travel the 6 thousand some kilometres with only one bout of nausea on Severus’ end (which you teased him about until he threatened to get sick on you) and a quick rest break for tea in Canada. Now you and he stood at the top steps of the house. The time difference as you travelled was noticeable as the sky here was now bright and shining. Just behind the oak door, you could hear the hushed sounds of your family talking and moving about. The faint noise of music mingled with the mix. You looked to Severus one last time, and at his nod, you brought your closed fist up to knock.

The sound of shuffling feet became louder as someone approached the door. You heard your mom call out to the rest of the family about your arrival, but her words fell short when she noticed Severus standing beside you. “It’s probably just Y/N. She’s the only one that’s– .“

You could hear how awkward Severus must feel at your mom’s stare by the shuffling of his feet, but you were too nervous yourself to look anywhere else but straight ahead.

“Hi, mom. I hope you don’t mind but I brought my boyfriend this time. Figured it was a good way for him to meet everyone.”

“Boyfriend!?!” The echo of your mom’s yell caused the chatter amongst the house to fall still which made your face redden worse than it was before. Severus’ was a faint shade of rose as well but his was solely from you addressing him as yours and by gods did he love it.

Trying not to embarrass anyone more, you turned your mom around and walked into the threshold, Sev trailing behind and closing the door. “Yes, mom. Boyfriend. Is it that surprising since everyone has been begging me to bring someone home the second I turned 18?”

Your mom swiftly turned back around before you guys could walk any further into the house. Gesturing to you, “Which was 5 years ago! We figured you were just too embarrassed by us to bring anyone around.”

“Well, I am embarrassed by you all, but not enough to not bring anyone around,” you snickered and while your mom gave you a swift thwack, you could make out a quiet chuckle from Severus. “In all seriousness mom, I just haven’t met anyone I thought was important enough to meet you guys, but now I have.”

You turned your smile towards him which he softly returned. Your mom beamed at the sight of the two of you but decided to ignore you and instead focused on Severus. “Where are my manners,” she stuck her hand out for him to shake, “What’s your name honey?"

“Severus Mrs L/N,” he gave back as he placed his palm in your mom’s.

“Oh, please call be M/N.” Instead of releasing his hand after the shake, your mom decided to embarrass you again and tugged Severus by his hand towards the kitchen. He looked back at you and you could make out the slight panic in his eyes. You mouthed your apologies and followed them into the room which, by all accounts, smelled like heaven on earth. It wasn’t until everyone’s attention turned to the three of you that your mom finally released her grip on Sev. The warmth didn’t escape for long, however, as you slipped your hand in his for comfort. Whether for his or yours, he didn’t know but he certainly didn’t mind either.

“Hi everyone,” you cut into the sudden silence, “I want you to meet Severus, and as you probably already heard from my loud mom, he’s my boyfriend. Severus, this is my grandma GM/N, aunt A/N, uncle U/N, sister S/N, brother B/N, and cousins C/N and C/N. The others are probably in the family room watching the parade.”

They exchanged pleasantries, but you could see that scepticism in your brother’s eyes. Ignoring it, you tugged Severus along to the other room where the other half of your family was. The entrance you walked in faced the backs of everyone. They seemed to be too preoccupied with the television anyways, that is until your littlest cousin started to wriggle in your father’s arms. At her noises, the lot turned your way and you gave a wave with the hand that wasn’t holding onto Sev. “Hello everyone. This is Severus.” You went around pointing and naming everyone until you reached the end of the room which held your father and baby cousin in an armchair, “… my father F/N and this,” you released your hand from Sev to snag the wriggling baby from your dad’s arms, “is C/N.” At the mention of their name, they began to giggle and flail their hands some more.

Severus shook hands with everyone but when he reached his hand out to your father he ignored it instead and stood up, no doubt trying to appear more intimidating. “How old are you exactly?”

“DAD!” you cut in, but Sev just held his hand up to stop you. “It’s alright Y/N,” he said to you before turning his attention back to your father.

“I am 29 sir.”

That answer certainly did not please your dad as his face turned angrier. “Don’t you think you’re a little old to be dating my daughter?” This time you didn’t try to say anything as you were too stunned to anyways. It seemed as if the question didn’t surprise Severus though, as he responded right away.

“I know I may be older than Y/N, but I care deeply for her. She is the single best person I’ve ever had the pleasure to know and I am grateful to be the man she chooses. I promise you sir that I would never do anything to hurt her. She deserves someone who will give her the world and I’m willing to steal the moon if she asked that of me.”

Your father narrowed his eyes at Severus. No one dared to cut in and the only sound made was coming from the TV. The baby in your arms seemed to understand the tension of the situation as they stayed quiet too. You had to admit though, the things that Severus said filled you with joy. Even if the words he was saying were fake, a woman could dream, right?

“How exactly did the two of you meet?”

“I knew Y/N from when we both attended Hogwarts. It was not until she began to teach at there that we became close friends and eventually began to date.”

After a few moments of silence, your father finally stuck his hand out for Severus which he graciously accepted. “I hope you’re hungry Severus. My wife and her sister have been cooking up a storm since the crack of dawn.”

“I look forward to trying everything.”

C/N began to squirm in your arms again but this time it seemed they were more interested in Severus and started to lean over and open their arms to him.

“Hey Sev, I think C/N wants you to hold them.”

Severus stiffened at the thought, “I– um, are you sure? I’ve never held a child before.”

You couldn’t help but laugh at how nervous he sounded. It was quite adorable if you had to say so. “You’ll be fine. Just place your arm here,” you gestured to your arm which was tucked under the lower half of their body, “and you can place your other arm over the torso if you want as well.” You shifted your cousin into Severus’ arms and made sure he had a secure hold on them before completely moving away. The sight of him holding onto your baby cousin made your heart melt and you couldn’t help the grin when they started to grab onto his cheeks.

“See, you’re a natural.” He rolled his eyes at you but smiled nonetheless.

The next few hours were spent in good cheer as the two of you spent more time with your family. You occasionally helped in the kitchen, but Severus was stuck on babysitting duty as C/N seemed to not want anyone else's company. You offered to take over, so he didn’t have to keep holding them, but he was quick to dismiss you. He liked keeping C/N company and you couldn’t complain as it was a view you could get used to.

As Severus was reading to C/N in another room to try and get them down for a nap, you were helping toss together a salad in the kitchen.

“So, Severus seems really good with kids.”

You turned your head to your grandmother and couldn’t stop the laugh that came out of you. “You should see him at Hogwarts then. He always comes to complain about how annoying or stupid the students are being.”

Your mom who was stirring something on the stove chimed in. “Well, he seems amazing with C/N. And I’m sure he’d be totally different with your own children.”

“Mom!” you exasperated, “we haven’t been dating long enough to say ‘I love you’, let alone talk about kids!”

“Oh, but it’s so clear that he does sweetie,” your aunt nodded her head in agreement, “and there’s no denying that you love him. I can see it in the way you look at him.”

You couldn’t disagree with your mom because everything she said about you was true. You really wish you had the nerve to tell him how you felt, but you couldn’t imagine him seeing you more than anything but a friend.

You were brought out of your thoughts by the timer on the oven going off. “Why don’t you go get Severus. Dinner is about ready and your cousins are already setting up the table.

“Ok, mom.” You gave your hands a quick wipe with a dish towel and made your way to the nursery up the stairs. When you reached the top steps, the sounds of your family dampened and as you approached the door that was just creaked open, you could make out a quiet hum. You pushed the door gently to avoid making any loud noises and as the light from the hall began to flood into the room, you spotted Severus in a rocking chair singing softly to C/N as they laid asleep on his chest. His eyes looked up towards you and you were rendered a puddle at such a sight.

“Hey, are they asleep?”

“Yeah, they have been for a while.”

You brushed a lock of his hair out of his face once you were standing in front of them and he swore your hand lingered for a second before pulling away.

“Why didn’t you just place them in the crib then?”

His cheeks turned a pale pink as he looked down at the sleeping baby. “I was afraid to move and wake them up.”

Your smile widened and you chuckled under your breath, “That’s sweet Severus, but once C/N is asleep, anything short of yelling will only wake them.” You slipped your hands under C/N, ignoring the warmth coming from Sev, and moved them into the crib. Once you were sure C/N was comfortable and still fast asleep, you offered your hand out for Severus to hold. You ignored the butterflies in your stomach once again as his long fingers interlocked with yours. You’re going to be holding his hand all weekend, get a grip on yourself.

“I hope you’re ready to eat. Dinner’s ready and there is enough food to feed an army.”

“Starved. This whole house has smelled amazing since we’ve walked in.”

“Perfect,” you threw a smirk his way before bringing your eyes back front.

Just like you, he thought. Oh did he have it bad.

The food was all perfectly laid out in the kitchen and Severus was right, it all looked and smelled delightful. Your whole family shuffled in and piled food onto their plates, you and Severus followed along with you explaining each dish to him. After grabbing a little bit of everything, you guys made your way to the dining room and grabbed the two remaining seats left at the table.

As you were settling into your seat your cousin’s boyfriend held up a pitcher and gestured to your glass. “Y/N would you like some apple cider with your meal?”

“Oh, no thank you. I’m– ”

“She’s allergic to apples.” Your head snapped towards Severus, surprised that he knew that. The other man apologised, and you shook your head, “No worries. You didn’t know.”

You leaned into Sev and whispered into his ear, “How did you know I was allergic?” He just shrugged, grabbing the bottle of white wine that was your favourite, before pouring you and him a glass. Whether or not he knew that it was your favourite or if it was just because it was the closest bottle, you’ll never know.

Everyone ate with gusto savouring every bite of the food that was offered. Laughter filled the air and you relished the time you spent with your family. Not to mention the man who sat beside you laughing at the stories your uncle had to tell him about your childhood. The evening passed faster than expected and soon enough it was time for everyone to turn in for the night. The house was big enough to hold everyone comfortably, so you and Severus made your rounds saying goodnight. As you were off talking to your aunt, your mom decided to pull him aside.

“I hoped you enjoyed yourself, Severus.”

“I did. The food was amazing. I must thank you for letting me stay and enjoy it all.”

“Nonsense. You're always welcomed here. In fact, if you have no other plans, you must come for Christmas. We have the grandest time celebrating and doing various winter activities. Going into town to look at Christmas lights especially.”

He was honestly quite floored at how accepting your mom was being of him, but chose not to question it too much. He was content knowing your family liked him enough to want him around again. “That sounds wonderful.”

He was once again caught off guard as she then envelopes him in a hug. “I’m happy Y/N has found someone like you. I can see how much you love her.” As she pulls away, he admits to her what he can’t even admit to you yet.

“I do. With all my heart.”

She gave him a watery smile in response. “Take care of her for me, will you?”

He gave your mom his word and they bid each other sweet dreams.

Severus headed to the room that the two of you were staying in for the weekend and was greeted with the sight of you in a silk nightgown rifling through your luggage. He stopped at the doorway unable to move his limbs. You were absolutely stunning to him and every time he thought you couldn’t get more beautiful, you proved him wrong. Once you found what you were looking for you turned around and that was when you noticed him standing there.

“Hey, I’m just going to brush my teeth, so you can get changed while I do that.” You left the room, closing the door behind you, and he was brought out of his trance. It wasn’t until he was in a pair of grey pyjama pants and a black t-shirt that he realised there was only one bed. Oh no, oh no, oh no. We can’t share a bed… can we? Well, it’s not like I have much of a choice do I. Does she expect me to share the bed with her? Should I sleep on the floor?

“Hey, you okay?”

He jumped slightly startled by your voice, “I’m sorry, what?”

“I came in, said the bathroom was free now, and you just stood there. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, yeah. Sorry, I just spaced out. I’ll be right back.”

He grabbed his toothbrush and headed out of the room before he could embarrass himself some more. The second he was out of your line of sight you fell back onto the bed and sighed. Today was one of the best days you’ve had in a long time. Being with family always made you feel better, but there was something magical about having Severus around to revel in the joy too. Seeing him talk and interact with your family willingly, the care he took when handling your baby cousin, and the pure smile that sat on his face most of the night. All these things that you wished you could experience for more than just this weekend while you guys play make-believe. This little glimpse at Severus as more than a friend was enough to fill and break your heart at the same time, knowing that the second you leave America, everything will go back to how it was. Don’t get me wrong, being friends with Severus is amazing. But imagine being able to love him like that, openly and freely?

You flipped to lay on your stomach to let another groan out into your pillow before getting yourself together and slipping underneath the blue plaid covers the guestroom provided. You had turned off the main ceiling light, but the light coming in through the window from the moon shone bright enough to bask everything in a peaceful glow. You propped yourself up onto the headboard with a book that you had found in the nightstand to wait for your bed buddy.

Severus stood looking at himself in the bathroom mirror longer than he probably should have. His mind was still going a hundred kilometres a minute, but he couldn’t just stay in there the whole night. Flicking the switch to turn the lights off, he headed back towards the bedroom and noticed how dark it now was. His hopes that you had fallen asleep were thrown out the door when he made out your figure and by merlin, you took his breath away. Bathed in the moonlight, you looked simply ethereal. Your hair had a soft halo surrounding it and the way you had tugged on your lower lip as you read could have him on his knees faster than a prayer.

Deciding that he’d been a creep long enough, he closed the door with a soft click. Walking to his side of the bed, he slid in under the covers, staying as close to the edge as possible to avoid touching you.

“What are you reading?”

You shut the book with an audible snap and turned it over to read the title. Furrowing your brows, you placed the book on the nightstand before facing him. “Some book called Twilight? From the blurb apparently, it’s a romance novel about vampires or something along those lines.”

It was his turn to be confused now. Raising that full brow of his, “Is that yours?”

Chuckling because you could feel the judgement coming from Severus, “Oh gods no. I think it’s my cousin’s. She usually stays in this room.”

“Good. Because vampires are no beings to be messed with. Does your family not know this?”

“They do. My cousin, who I think this belongs to, is a witch. I just think that they don’t care when it comes to what they read.”

Severus nodded his head, not really understanding still, but not wanting to comment more on the topic.

The room was silent except for the cricket’s song that carried into the room. Fidgeting with your fingers, you weren’t sure if you should just bid each other good night or what. Coughing to clear your throat, “I’m sorry my family was a lot today. They can be nosy. I’m especially sorry for what my dad said. I had no idea that he was going to react that way.” You began to pick at your lip, a nervous habit you had that he noticed.

He placed his hand on top of yours to stop your assault and you took some comfort in the contact. “It was a little overwhelming at first, I will admit. As you know, I never had a big or loving family growing up, so this was all very new to me. But, seeing how quickly your family accepted me and took their time to get to know me, it was very reassuring. As for your father, he was just being protective, and I cannot fault the man. You know I was a bit weary of our age difference going into this, but I’m glad that you have a father that is willing to look out for you like that. Yes, I was overwhelmed, but overwhelmed in the best way possible.”

You flipped your hand over to tangle your fingers with his. Stroking your thumb in a tender caress, you let his words sink in. “I’m glad you felt comfortable with my family. You are always welcome to come back with me. You are just as much part of this family now. Especially since I’m sure my mom loves you more than she loves me.”

The smirk on Severus’ face is evident as he chuckles. “Apparently so. Your mom invited me back come Christmas time. Said that I must go see the lights with you all. I’m also terribly intrigued by the pond your uncle mentioned you had used to learn how to figure skate with. Now that is something I would love to see.”

Your face tints at his teasing tone. “I’m sure there are plenty of better things to see than that.” You turn to cast your eyes to the side, but the feeling of a hand brought your stare back to connect with his deep midnight orbs. “I want to learn everything about you.” Severus took a deep breath. It’s now or never. “From where you grew up to how you look when you first wake up in the mornings.”

You parted your lips to say something, but you could barely process his words as the hand that still had a hold of your cheek now began a tender stroking motion. His thumb traced the outline of your bottom lip and you were sure your brain short-circuited.

“I want to know how soft your mouth would feel against mine. How it would feel for you to nibble on my lower lip instead of your own. I want to know what you taste like, what you would sound like in the throes of pleasure.”

“S-Sev?”

“I know I am beyond out of line here Y/N, but I’ve been holding this in for far too long. Seeing you today with your family and spending the past couple of hours as your boyfriend made me realise just how much I want all of that, all of you, for real. Say the words and I’ll stop if you want me to.” He brought his other hand up to cup both sides of your face. You could feel the warmth of his breath fanning against yours.

“What if I don’t want you to stop?”

He leaned in till his forehead made contact with yours. His eyes fluttered closed and you could just make out the slight tremor in his hands. “Then I feel obligated to tell you how deeply, truly, madly in love I am with you. Y/N, I have been in love with you for as long as I could remember. I love all aspects I know about you now, and I love being surprised by new things the longer I know you. The way your eyes crinkle when you let out a full-bellied laugh. How you take too much milk and sugar in your tea. The way you’ll belt out and dance to a song even if you don’t know it. I find it utterly endearing. You exuberate radiance where ever you go, and you always know how to leave me with a smile no matter the day I am having.”

Stunned into silence, you brought your own hands up to his cheeks. He opened his eyes the moment he felt your soft hands encapsulate his flushed skin. Glancing into his eyes, you hoped to convey everything that your mind was going through but your voice had failed to say. Leaning your mouth closer till there was barely a breath between the two of you, you looked for any signs of hesitance.

The moment your lips made contact with his, the dam broke. Years of unspoken words and feelings came to light as you threaded your fingers into his black silk tresses. As you moved your mouth in rhythm with his, your body shifted to half lay over him. The heat that radiated off his body was a surprising contrast to his normally chilled hands. The need for air finally broke the kiss, but it didn’t stop him from stealing a few more pecks.

“I must tell you in return that you– Severus, you overwhelm me in the most wonderful way.” You pulled away just enough to see his whole face. “Whenever you are around it’s as if all my thoughts cease to exist and there is only you. The simplest of your touches render me without breath. Severus, you have no idea how long I have been waiting, hoping, to hear that you felt the same way that I did about you.”

Draping an arm over you to pull you in closer, he released a deep sigh before burying his head into the crook of your neck. “Make me the happiest man in the world Y/N.”

Wrapping your arms to hold him as close as you can, you understood the implication of his words.

“I love you, Severus.”

As if he was basking in your declaration, his grip tightened after a few minutes. Without looking up, he shifted so what he said would not be muffled.

"I think I know what I want in return for helping you out this weekend."

You ran your hand through his hair once again, loving the feel of his locks. "Yeah? What's that?"

"I want to take you out on a date when we get back to London."

Giggling at his antics, you bent down to steal another kiss from his lips. "Just name a time and place, darling, and I'll be there."

Severus Snape Taglist:

@severussnapeswhore @hoe4alan @nichandaisukiuwu @kaexenua

All Taglist:

@monster-energies @nickangel13 @multifandomgeeks

#severussnape #snape fic #snape x reader #snape imagine #snape #snape x you #snape x y/n #severus snape x reader #snape one shot #Silvertongued Fics #pro snape #professor snape #severus snape

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dramioneasks · 2 years

Text

Christmas Fics 2021 (Part 3)

Christmas Surprise by cleotheo - T, one-shot - When Harry Potter is doing a bit of last minute Christmas shopping with his sons in Diagon Alley, he gets a surprise when he runs into his old friend, Hermione Granger. But Hermione has a few surprises of her own as Harry discovers what his old friend's life is now like. Will their unexpected reunion turn out a be a good Christmas surprise or a bad one? Festive one shot.

Baby it's Cold Outside by thekeeperoftime - T, one-shot - A wonderfully romantic Draco/Hermione Christmas one shot, based on the song, Baby it's Cold Outside.

Mistletoe Santa by GryffindorsRules - T, WIP - Hermione had had enough! Her friends were fighting with one another, and Christmas was on its way. What could she do to help? Written as a Christmas gift for readers!

Nothing But My Dreams by leydileyla - E, one-shot - “I can't believe this!” Hermione was thrashing about in the room as Draco watched her. It had been a long, tiring day where they had been assigned in Devon, to investigate an old mansion that had been reported to have dark magic traces coming from it. They had spent the entire day in the snow, trying to break the curses that were surrounding it because apparently it had indeed been infested with dark magic. And then the snow fall had become unbearable and they were forced to seek shelter because their work wasn't finished. “Calm down, Granger. It's not that bad.” Draco was standing still in the middle of the modest room that had a small plastic Christmas tree put up in the corner in the spirit of the holidays. All was well when they had found the small inn, only to discover that they were fully booked for the weekend except for one room. A room with a double bed.

And All It Took Was Mistletoe by Celebratorydance - M, WIP - In a world of magic, mistletoe really sucked. If two people stood underneath it, you were trapped in that spot until you kissed. And to make matters worse, the mistletoe chases you. Like a freaking ghost. Draco was already having a bad night. He hated Christmas, he hated parties, and he hated life. And then Hermione Granger wandered up to him. Hermione had had to kiss at least twelve people that night. Quick pecks and giggles and off to get another drink. And so when she got trapped with Draco - she didn’t quite see Draco. She saw someone else who she got trapped with. She giggled, rose to her toes and planted one him, before skipping away, leaving Draco wide eyed and reeling. She tasted… And in one single moment. One peck on Christmas that he wanted to hate so much. Draco became obsessed.

A Christmas Date by CosmicCthulhu - E, one-shot - Hermione needs a date for her family’s Christmas party and Draco couldn’t possibly say no to someone like her. ---- Excerpt: “Well, I need a big favour from you. Before I tell you, I have to say you shouldn’t feel obliged to go through with it at all! Even if you ate half of the chocolates already,” she continued with a nervous laughter. “But if you do help me out, I promise I’ll owe you for the rest of your life!” He waited for her to elaborate, but she wouldn’t say anything else as she was too busy shifting her weight between her feet, trying to get comfortable while standing before him. The fact that she was already a nervous wreck and she hasn’t even told him what she wanted yet only heightened his curiosity -- and wariness. “Merlin, Granger, do you need me to kill someone for you?” He teased with a smirk hiding the edge apprehension in his voice as he lifted himself from the chair and walked over to her. “No! Of course not!” She pursed her lips, looking up at him as he towered over her. After a second of hesitation, she continued. “Do you have any plans for Christmas?”

Under the Mistletoe by xjustakay - T, one-shot - Of every scenario that could have led to them having to make the fast decision on whether or not to let the whole of the Wizarding World know that Hermione Granger, Golden Girl, and former Death Eater Draco Malfoy were involved with each other, this was what was going to be the tipping point. A bloody sprig of mistletoe.

Mistletoe by Catmint and Thyme (Languish_Locked_in_L) - M, one-shot - Pansy Parkinson had a gift for matchmaking. No matter how many times Draco rolled his eyes and insisted there was no such thing as magical insight into romantic compatibility, Pansy knew for a fact he was wrong. After all, didn’t her success rate prove it? Three pairs happily matched over their 8th year? Honestly, the only thing keeping her from complete success was the continuing nuisance of her best friend: one Draco Malfoy.

“A Star or an angel?” by SunsetRiot - T, one-shot - Returning to eighth year as part of his probation leaves Draco all alone, he wanders the halls of Hogwarts either feeling too overwhelmed or nothing at all. When Hermione Granger asks a simple question he’s answer might have him feeling less alone. There is a brief mention of suicidal thoughts and a panic attack is depicted.

In Deep by niffizzle - M, one-shot - Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger were stranded. On Christmas Eve. In the French Alps. With nothing but their wits and their wands. No way home until morning, their only option was to spend the night at a cabin they passed on their way up the mountain—if they could survive sharing the guest room.

#christmas #dramione

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drarryspecificrecsdaily · 2 years

Text

2022.03.26

Complete fics posted on AO3 this day

1. Lay It All On Me by uni4m [?, 18k]

►Years after the end of the Second Wizarding War, Harry gets a letter from Narcissa Malfoy of all people, asking him to befriend Draco Malfoy, worried he's become lonely after he moved away and stopped responding to her letters. Still owing her a favour for saving his life during the war, Harry has no choice but to agree to her request.

2. Take-away and Fairy Lights by @soupy-george [M, 4k]

►Draco is finally off parole, but he's not free.

3. treehouse by @breeth [M, 1k]

►In which Draco Malfoy is very easily overwhelmed with anxiety, and Harry tries to comfort him.

---

Fest/Exchange

1. My Best Friend, the Serial Killer by Anonymous [E, 37k]

►Draco’s best friend and flatmate Pansy Parkinson is a lot of things: she’s beautiful, intelligent, doting, and a bit unnerving…but Draco loves her all the same, even if he has to clean up after her bloody – ah, messy romantic breakups more than usual. He doesn’t mind, after all, what are best friends for? But Draco starts to question just how far his love can go when Pansy brings home her next victim – ah, boyfriend, Harry Potter. ★ H/D Cluefest 2022 | @hd-cluefest

#drarry #drarry fanfic #drarry fic rec #harry potter #draco malfoy #daily list #2022 #2022.03

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saphirered · 3 years

Note

I’m in love with your writing and binged your entire page one night lol

Could I request a story with Caleb where the M9 find a wounded reader on the run from people who want to use her for her very powerful magical abilities. She doesn’t trust Caleb at first because he’s a wizard and just as she opens up to him and starts to develop feelings discovers he has been studying her powers - thought with no bad intentions. Some good old angsty enemies to lovers type of beat. Preferably with a good ending but do what you wish ;))

Apparently I'm giving you more stuff to binge as this is looking more and more like a several parter 😅. Prepare for loads of angst and conflict and some good hurt/comfort to come but for now, here comes part 1! 😘

Nobody pays attention to a vagrant dressed in rags, looking about a week past their last proper bath begging on the side of the road for money or standing by a shop, mouth watering at the food. Nobody pays attention to what they don’t want to see in their pristine cities. Not unless they want to chase you away because you’re in their way or you’re tarnishing their image. Speaking about image, sometimes some rich folk will take pity upon you, casting a coin your way to make themselves look good and generous in the eyes of others.

That’s exactly what you became when you needed to disappear. You needed to become unseen, unnoticed and a shadow among a crowd. You succeed casting away all remainders of your previous life because in the end, your life is worth more to you than your earthly possessions. Survival above all. You’ll live this way until you can get somewhere where no one will question you, or where you’ll be under the protection of others, far away where your enemies cannot reach you. Maybe Vasselheim is a good place to go? They’re not fond of the arcane magics. Sure you’ll have to give up using some of your own gifts but it’s worth being able to live your life freely.

You’re still a ways away from Vasselheim and you don’t have the funds to get there yet. Even if you make it to a port, stowing away on a ship is fine but you can’t trust them to not throw you overboard or leave you stranded at the nearest island to save provisions. And that’s if they don’t hand you over to any authorities and risk you getting back to square one. You’ll have to wander around Wildemount until you’re able to book passage or find somewhere to lay low, forever on the move. It’s not the worst and you get used to it pretty quickly.

Weren’t you lucky when you saw the recent champions of the Victory Pit were strolling around town flaunting their winnings. You need food. You need warm clothes. And most of all, you could do with some extra change in your pocket. You wouldn’t be stupid enough to steal all of it of course. Just enough to get by and they wouldn’t notice. So you trail them, sticking to the shadows. They don’t seem to notice you.

Then you struck. You got the coin pouch from the ostentatious one. It was child’s play really. He didn’t even notice you lifting the pouch from his belt when you brushed against his shoulder muttering an apology. You were already amidst the crowd when you heard the tiefling exclaim his coin pouch was gone and he put two and two together quickly, the charlatan he is so before you knew it they were on the lookout for someone fitting your description. You had to move quick, buy your necessities and get out of the market. You know just the place to hide out; the Evening Nip. Nobody asks questions there.

Once you found yourself safely sipping on the shitty ale served at the Evening Nip you didn’t expect the colourful group of strangers to stroll in. It was already too late when you spotted them and you had no where to go. Still your quickly gathered up the coin back into the ornate velvet pouch and put it in your own pocket hidden beneath the layers of your clothes putting your hands behind your back as you tried to make a break for the exit. They did not let you pass, a relatively buff looking woman gripping the handle of her sword stepping in front of you while another one, though shorter blocked your escape by interposing her staff.

“No funny business, friend. You have something that belongs to my companion here, and he wants it back.” The half-orc speaks as you grit your teeth. You’d really hoped to avoid this but you weren’t stupid enough to bring out the big artillery… yet… so you lift your hands in surrender and allow them to lead you over to one of the tables taking a seat of your own accord while you’re flanked by the buff woman on one side, the purple tiefling on the other and the rest of them takes up seating of their own around the table keeping an eye on you.

“Now, we can do this the easy way or the hard way…” The half-orc leads as the tiefling next to you holds out his hand brushing his other over your shoulder in a soft push, mimicking what you had done when you pickpocketed him. Are they mocking you? Bastards.

“I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about, friend.” You speak innocently. You know they won’t buy it anyway, their minds already made up, but it gives you just a second more to get a grasp on all of them. You’re already plotting your escape, despite the odds being turned against you. You have to try.

“Oh, I think you do, and we simply want a conversation. You wouldn’t want to tarnish this new friendship now would you?” The tiefling grins as you look at him. You can feel the strings of enchantment pricking into your mind but you know how this works. You’ll just have to play along. You smile, like being faced with an old friend, just as the spell would have you have, letting your defensive mannerism fade.

“You’re quite right. It’s no way to treat new friends. Let’s not get off on the wrong foot.” You glance between all of them and you feel a pair of blue eyes stare into you, right through you. There’s just something about him that doesn’t add up and you’re almost afraid he knows you’re not under the tiefling’s spell after all but you do whatever you can to not show that on your face and play along.

“Should we get some drinks to commemorate new friends?” You suggest about to get up but the woman in blue’s staff moves across the table right onto your shoulder urging you to stay in place. You don’t look fazed and merely amused with this action as if it is a harmless joke and not a threat. The tiefling moves the staff from your shoulder as you turn your attention back to him as he smiles.

“I think that’s an absolutely wonderful idea. Drinks on me.” He stands with you and begins leading you over to the bar. Clive takes the order and begins pouring the ale as requested while the tiefling keeps conversation with you, completely oblivious and detached from his friends. You play along and when you reach to the coin pouch, you pull out the coins owed to the barkeep. The tiefling smiles and you can see from your peripheral the red head notices too. Both confirm you have the coin pouch. So once you pay you reach for your pocket grasping for a short iron rod placing it in your hand, whispering words under your breath as the tiefling talks to the barkeep, your hands begin to move according to the familiar motions and before the redhead can warn his lavender companion, the tiefling is frozen in place unable to move and you’re making a break for the door.

Spells fly left and right and you dodge a few, take the damage from others as the fighters dependant on close range rush for you. A crossbow bolt hits your thigh and a large cat’s claw appears in front of you. You try to dodge it reaching for you but it catches you and holds you in place despite your struggling to get free. They circle you, bind your hands, take back the coin pouch and your own limited belongings from you as you fight back trying to keep them away from you but you’re just alone and they are the many.

You feel helpless and desperate. That’s when you make eye contact with the blue eyed wizard. There’s a look of recognition in his eyes. Not for who you are directly, but the way you’re acting and lashing out, like some caged animal wishing desperately to be free, like a creature on the run, like you’re two sides of the same coin. His eyes reveal to you pain and suffering and pity but you don’t need his pity. You don’t need anyone’s pity.

“Why did you steal that coin?” The wizard asks as you glare at him from your seated position on the ground.

“Why does anybody steal anything? I’m hungry. I’m cold and I’m broke as hell.” You spit none too kindly.

“Then get a job. Make some money. Or at least learn to be a good thief.” The rude woman snorts. You roll your eyes. Typical. You know plenty of people like her, maybe you even used to be like her but not anymore. You grew out of that the hard way. She will too, in time.

“None of you noticed until you went to pay for something.” You grin and the woman is about to lunge for you at your provocation. So easy to piss that one off. Funny, actually.

“I don’t think she can just get a job. Not a regular one anyway.” The wizard observes as he stares into you. “You don’t have anywhere to go, do you?” Your silence, biting your lip says enough. You don’t have anywhere to go. Once you did but that’s gone. Torn away from you.

“How about this? You spent a good deal of my friend’s coin but we’ll give you the opportunity to make it back as a repayment. Stick around for a little bit and go our separate ways when the debt is repaid?” There’s some protests but the half-orc quiets them down when the wizard speaks up in your favour. He doesn’t trust you, not after the stunts you just pulled, especially not when the look on your face mirrors his own so closely but perhaps it’s something within him that calls to him to make right a wrong, or prevent another soul to be lost to the troubles he’s faced.

With these idiots bound to make a scene they’ll call attention to themselves and by default that means away from you. This might work in your favour. They’re adventurers and given that they seem somewhat familiar with the Evening Nip, you can only assume they’re not exactly always on the right side of the law. You’re not judging but that gives you some safety and assurance should things go south or you need a quick way out. And if things really do turn in your favour, they’ll be your cover to places and funds to get you far far away from this hell hole.

“Looks like you got yourselves a new companion then, friends.” You don’t smile, only displaying an expression so neutral that makes the wizard think for a second he might have made a mistake but for now you have mutual interests and if there’s anything he can count on, it’s the reliability of a common goal, and a lot to lose should you get outed.

So next you know, you’re somewhat absorbed into their little group, learning their names and where they’re from, chatting happily but you can’t help but notice that yours and Caleb’s stories are similar in some ways, mostly the lack of detail. You’ve been raised within the Empire, but found yourself on a less fortunate path fending for yourself. The only difference between you and him is that he found Nott on his path while you had remained alone. The group didn’t seem to mind your lack of details, going with the excuse you’re not about to bare your life story to the people you only just met and you’re lucky. You hadn’t told anyone what happened since you’ve been on the run and you don’t plan on doing so anytime soon, especially not to people who haven’t earned your trust yet.

Of course you’ve been roomed with Caleb and Nott, finding yourself in one of the most expensive inns in the city, paid for by the group. Unlike Nott, who goes through your stuff when she thinks you’re not looking, Caleb is the perfect roommate. He doesn’t cross any boundaries, ask too many questions or has any annoying habits. He just reclines on his bed, going through his spellbook, transcribing new spells to add to his own collection. Every time he does you get extremely uneasy and snappy and do whatever you can to not be in the same space as the wizard. It doesn’t do your roommate relationship any good and may leave you at odds at times. Caleb may not understand why but it’s not his place to ask questions, nor does he think you’ll actually answer them. Instead you make up excuses, helping Beau with training, letting Jester braid your hair, keeping Fjord company while Molly claims their room for one of his escapades, getting some booze for Nott, or when Yasha is there, watch the storms with the woman, anything to get you out of that shared room with the wizard.

————

Rain hits the window of your room in the Pillow Trove as the redheaded wizard strolls in throwing his backpack on his bed and sitting down with a deep sigh. You look up over the edge of the book you’re reading seeing the wizard soaked through the bone wringing out his hair best he can. With a wave of your hand and words uttered under your breath you grin as the water evaporates from Caleb’s form, leaving his hair slightly more curly and frizzy, and his clothes warm and comfy. He gives you a look as you continue reading as if you’re completely unaware of anything going on in the room, completely absorbed into your book. Ignoring Caleb.

“I didn’t take you for the type that reads smutty romance novels.” He comments and gestures towards Courting of the Crick. You finally look at Caleb as if he only just gained your attention, as if you’re only just aware of his presence in the room. Both of you know better but this is how it is.

“You wouldn’t. But according to Jester you enjoy them very much.” You grin, having gotten to hear all about their little trip to the Chastity’s Nook. Caleb gives you a disapproving look as he begins to unpack his things, taking out the fresh ink and paper, setting out his spellbook and you mark your page, putting the book on your side table as you quickly get up and go for the door.

“Where are you off to all of the sudden?” Caleb asks as you grit your teeth. Can he not just leave you alone? Does he really trust you so little you’re not allowed to leave of your own accord?

“I’m going to see Jester and Beau in their room. Now I will bid you good day unless you think I need an escort for the room two doors down.” You snap. Okay, that may have been unnecessary. You could have at least been neutral. Too late for that now. Caleb waves his and as if dismissing you. Act like a child, get treated like a child. So you leave the room letting the door fall closed a little harder than you normally would in protest and make your way over towards Beau and Jester’s room.

Jester, happily lets you in and while Beau has definitely warmed up to you, things are still rocky. She wouldn’t go as far as calling you a friend, but more that one neighbourhood kid her parents tried to get her to play with despite the two of you never really having been friends at all. At least you can bond over your slightly criminal tendencies. It’s Jester who’s completely accepted you as one of her own, questioning you about anything and everything, preaching to you about the Traveler, gushing about her romance novels, specifically Oskar, which you’re pretty sure is actually reflecting her major crush on Fjord but let the girl dream. Who knows what will come of it?

#critical role x reader #critrole x reader #mighty nein x reader #caleb widogast x reader #caleb x reader #critical role #mighty nein

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engie-ivy · 3 years

Text

Lily and Mary want Remus to ask Sirius out, because what can go wrong? Well, don't underestimate the trainwreck that is Remus Lupin.

Read Part One here!

Read Part Two here!

Read The Final Part here!

Get What He's Saying: Part Three

Mary has yet to stop laughing. “Five minutes! Every point, in five minutes! We thought you’d need a week, but no! Merlin, the boy is so gone for you.”

Remus gives Lily a look. “Why is she here?”

Lily shrugs. “I had to tell her why I needed her help, and now she’s invested.”

“Invested.”

Mary nods. “I want to see Padfoony happen.”

“Padfoony.”

“You’re the ones always using those weird nicknames,” Mary says.

Remus pinches the bridge of his nose. “You must be messing with me.”

“I don’t mess around when it comes to Padfoony,” Mary says, dead-serious.

“Okay, okay.” Lily claps her hands. “First thing first, we need to establish whether you like him back.”

“So we’re acting like it’s already a given that he likes me?”

Lily waves the checklist in Remus’ face. “It kind of is! Now, do you fancy the boy, or not?”

“I do,” Remus mutters under his breath. Then, in a louder voice, “But I still think it could all be some misunderstanding!”

“Only one way to find out,” Mary says. “Ask him out!”

Remus looks at her like she’s gone insane.

“Oh, come on, Lupin! You owe me!”

“Why on earth do I owe you?”

“I threw myself at a boy, who I knew would reject me, in the middle of a packed Great Hall, for everyone to see,” Mary says, pointing her finger accusingly at him. “All to help you get your shite together!”

Remus points out that he neither asked nor wanted Mary to do so, but to no avail.

“Ask him out! Ask him out! Ask him out!” Mary cheers.

“But what if you’ve been reading all the signs wrong?” Remus asks desperately.

“For argument’s sake,” “Lily sighs. “I’ll play along with you. Say it’s indeed a misunderstanding, what’s the worst thing that can happen?”

“Well,” Remus says, before continuing in one breath. “He could start feeling uncomfortable around me, and while trying to remain friends, he’ll inevitably start pulling away, and we’ll slowly grow apart and become estranged. Then, if we all go and fight dark wizards after school, like we’ve been talking about, we won’t really know each other anymore, and we won’t be able to trust each other. Thanks to us, our group will be infested with distrust, suspicion and false accusations. We’ll get all our friends killed, and ourselves too, if one doesn’t end up sending the other to Azkaban.”

Mary blinks at him.

Lily rubs her temples. “Remus... Even you have to admit that there are a whole lot more turns, turns that can and will go differently, between you telling Black you fancy him, and the eventual death and destruction of everything you hold dear. I meant, what’s the worst thing that can happen now?”

Remus hesitates. “He could laugh at me... Not want to be my friend anymore... And of course everyone will pick his side, and I’ll be friendless and alone for the rest of my-”

“Okay, stop!” Lily holds up her hand. “Let’s assume that’s the worst-case-scenario. That’ll only happen under the assumptions that everyone who thinks Black fancies you, which is probably eighty percent of the student population, is completely deluded, and Black himself, who hexes everyone who so much as looks at you wrong, suddenly turns out to be a major arsehole, and all your friends, even the ones who encouraged you to confess to Black, suddenly turn out to be major arseholes as well, just turning their backs on you. Again, for argument’s sake, let’s say it’s a possibility, then it’s a possibility with a very, very small chance of happening. The chance of all the signs and hints pointing to what they seem to be pointing to, on the other hand, is rather substantial. So, the question is, Remus Lupin, are you willing to take a very small risk if the prize is-”

“Sticking your tongue down Sirius Black’s throat!” Mary finishes.

“I was going to say date the man of your dreams, but yeah,” Lily shrugs.

Remus bites his lip. “I hate it when you go all logical on me. I suppose the risk is small, and the gain high...”

“Exactly!” Lily says, nudging him. “And as a certain pretty boy always says, what’s life without a little risk?”

What’s life without a little risk.

Well, a hell of a lot less stressful, that’s for sure, Remus thinks as he stands in front of Sirius. Lily and Mary, now also joined by James, staring at them in a very not-subtle way and basically giving Remus a thumbs-up, is definitely not helping his nerves.

Sirius looks at him with clear, silver-grey eyes, tilts his head to the side in that way that makes his hair fall over his shoulder and smiles at him. He has a nice smile. And nice hair. And nice eyes.

“Alright, Moony?” Sirius asks.

Remus takes a breath. He knows what to say. ‘Will you go out with me this weekend?’ Not a very complicated sentence. And he has even practiced it. It should come out easily. It should. But instead, Remus starts rambling.

“James was going out with Hestia, and claimed I wasn’t in a different league, and then he was acting all weird, so Lily made a list, and I only needed five minutes, and now I owe Mary-”

Sirius’ eyes, that had been large with confusion, narrow at the last part. “Mary?” He asks sharply. “What does Mary have to do with anything?”

“She’s apparently invested now,” Remus says lamely.

Sirius snorts. “She definitely seemed invested in you at breakfast this morning.” The next moment he seems to be sulking. “Look, if you’re here to ask my advice on Mary, don’t bother. She’s clearly into you, so if you want to date her, go for it, I’d say.”

“Go for it?” Remus repeats, finding himself getting annoyed as well, because of Sirius’ petulant behaviour, and the fact that he apparently thinks he should ‘go for it’ with Mary.

“Not that it matters what I think,” Sirius mutters, crossing his arms over his chest and staring at a point somewhere above Remus’ head.

“It doesn’t,” Remus says, in a harsher voice than he intended.

Sirius’ eyes snap back to Remus’ face. “Well, do whatever the hell you want, then.”

“I will!” Remus says, raising his voice. “And I don’t want to date Mary!”

“Then don’t date Mary!” Sirius is now also raising his voice.

“I won’t!”

“Good!”

For a moment, both boys are just standing there, staring angrily at each other.

Remus gives himself a shake. “Why are we talking about Mary?”

“You brought her up!”

“Because Mary wants me to date you!” Remus exclaims, before he can think about it.

Sirius’ eyes flash with anger. “Well, I don’t give a rat’s arse about what she wants!”

“So you don’t want to date me,” Remus states, his voice turning cold.

“Not as a favour to Mary bloody McDonald,” Sirius hisses.

“It’s not because Mary wants me to date you!” Remus shouts.

“Then why?”

“Because I want me to date you!”

“Fine!” Sirius exclaims. “Go out with me, then!”

“Oh no, you don’t!” Remus points an accusing finger in Sirius’ direction. “I gathered all my courage to ask you on a date, so don’t go switching it around on me and ask me out instead!”

Sirius throws his hands up in the air. “Alright! Bloody ask me out, then!”

“I bloody will!”

“Go ahead!”

“Will you go out with me this weekend?” Remus asks heatedly.

“Yes, I do!” Sirius bites back.

“Okay, great!”

“Great!”

Both boys storm off in the opposite direction.

“What...” Lily clears her throat. “What was that?”

“I...” James blinks uncertainly and runs a hand through his hear. “I think they’ve got a date?”

Part One

Part Two

The Final Part

#my tumblr writing #wolfstar #wolfstar fanfiction #wolfstar fic #marauders #marauders fanfiction #marauders fic #marauders era #sirius black #remus lupin #remus x sirius #james potter #lily evans #mary mcdonald #oblivious remus lupin

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lunnybunny12 · 3 years

Text

Young Snape x Ravenclaw reader

All characters are in their 5th year at Hogwarts. Reader is a ravenclaw (A/N I am a Ravenclaw so...YES!)

"Y/N!" Lily said shaling you violently. "Y/N wake up!"

With a groan, you opened your eyes to see the redhead hovering over you with a mischievous smile on her face. "Come on, were going to Hogsmeade today."

"Who let you past the Ravenclaw knocker, Evans?" you giggled, rubbing the sleep out of your eye and yawning. The Ravenclaw house was infamously known for letting Ravenclaws and ONLEY Ravenclaws into the common room and since Lily was a Gryffindor, she definitely didn't get in on her own.

She faked shock as she dramatically placed her hand on her chest, with a gasp.

"(Y/N), I'm shocked that you assumed I had help."

You looked at her with tired eyes, you knew her too well.

"It was Xenophilius Lovegood"

"Now that makes sense" you replied to her in a groggy tone. Standing up from your bed, you grabbed whatever clothes you wanted to wear that day. "But I can't go, you know my "guardians" didn't sign the slip."

Lily's smile grew even wider as she handed you a piece of paper. You took a glance at the paper and quickly put two and two together.

"Oh my god, you didn't" you said snatching the sheet out of her fingers and opened it.

"No, I didn't. Sirius did."

On a once blank line at the bottom of the permission slip was now filled in with your guardians signature.

"H-how did?.."

"Don't ask me how but... he did. Now hurry and get dressed the boys will be halfway through breakfast buy now"

Time skip (your in your regular clothes and just entered the great hall)

The smell of toast and pumpkin juice hit the pair of you right in the face. It was breakfast time and buy the looks of it most people were still asleep, leaving all of the good stuff for the taking.

As you and Lily walked to the 4 marauders, you felt a pair of familiar eyes watching you. When you saw it was Severus Snape you smiled and gavehim a small wave in wich he shyly gave you one back.

Even as children, you and Lily had always been together. You found out you were witches together and you met Severus together. And despite his home life he was the kindest person you had ever met. When you found out you were going to the same magical school as him you were over the moon and so was he. When you actualy got to Hogwarts the 3 of you became as thick as theaves but when you met the marauders he slowly became distant with you ... it broke your heart.

"Ah here are the lovely ladies now," James said with a gleeful smile.

"What took you so long?" Sirius said, standing from his seat to allow room for Lily and you.

Lily gave them an apologetic smile and sat nest to James who took the opportunity to wrap his arm around her.

"Sirius, I owe you a favour" you said showing him the permission slip with a smile.

He gave you a cheeky smile and said with outstretched arms " How about a hug and we call it even?"

"Sounds like a deal,"you smiled as he pulled you into a hug. It lasted for about a minute until you felt eyes on you again. When you pulled away, you saw that Sirius was looking behind you with a smug grin on his lips. You followed his gaze to see Snape with a broken look in his eyes.

With a hint of anger on your face, you turned back to the curly-haired wizard. " You know, Sirius. Being an arrogant git doesn't suit you one bit" you hissed, tapped Lily on the shoulder, told her you'd see her in Hogsmeade and made your way out of the hall.

After giving your slip to Mcgonagall, you began your walk to Hogsmeade before everyone else. You knew the way since you had been before. The walk was quiet and it was a welcomed breath of fresh air. It was pleasantly quiet and calming, the sun was shining and the wind was whistling through the trees.

Halfway through your walk you heard some movement behind you, you turned around you saw the familiar black-haired boy you had known for years. He looked somewhat shocked to see you and you too were surprised at first. He never seemed like the type of person to go to Hogsmead, but it was good to see him out of the castle.

"Oh hello Severus, I thought I was here by myself."

His shock was slowly disappearing and he took a few steps to walk around you. "I apologise...ill... get out of your way"

"What? no." You questioned, taking a few steps to stand beside him.

"Join me. Other than Lily you're the only person I can stand talking to."

When you said this he looked at you in a way you had never seen before. Admittedly, you understood his reaction to some extent. someone you hadn't spoken to in ages suddenly asks you to join them on a walk? very strange.

"I mean if you want to join me.. Id understand if you don't."

"N-no id like that" he quickly interjected. "I would like that."

The two of you started walking, side by side and for the first time in ages you talked. And it felt like nothing had changed between you.

"So... how has school been treating you?"

"Its been the same as every other year, I'm afraid. Very... unfulfilling. What about you?"

You sighed and fiddled with your shirt. "It's been stressful, to say the least, Severus. I'm majorly failing potions and my... friends are jerks."

"But you're friends with Lily and shes good at potions, why don't you ask her to help?"

"Are you kidding me? She's too busy hanging out with James." you chuffed. "And besides I've already asked her."

Another look crossed his face. This time you could practically see the cogs turning in his head before he spoke up again.

"Well... I can tutor you... if you wish."

Of all of the things you expected him to say you never expected that. He wanted to help you? "Really Severus? Id hate to impose."

"I wouldn't have offered if you were imposing."

A small smile crept onto your face. "Thank you Severus, but are you sure you want to be stuck with me for an hour?"

He gave an amused chuff and answered " I'm sure I will survive."

"Alright well I'm free all day on Sundays so.... does 1 pm work for you?"

"It does indeed, in the library and bring a notebook"

Before you could answer your name rang through the air. It was Lily, James, Peter, Sirius and Remus making their way down the hill.

Almost eminently you saw Severus demeanour change. He became fidgety and his head slowly curled itself to look at the mud path below his feet.

"Listen, Severus, I um... I have to walk with them now so I'll see you tomorrow yea?" you said nudging him and trying yo look him in the eye. when his gaze met yours you offered the tallboy a smile.

"Yes. tomorrow" he said before quickly scampering off down the road.

The group eventually caught up with you and Sirius threw his arm around your shoulders. " Hey, what you talking to Snivellus Snape for?"

Your eyebrows knotted in confusion as you pushed his arm off of you and looked at him. "What did you just say?" You genuinely didn't hear what he said but given his response, it clearly wasn't something good.

The smile on his face then morphed onto fear at the realisation of what he has just said. His eyes scanned his friends faces and they were just as scared for him.

"Severus, Severus Snape. that's what I said" he chuckled. The rest of your friends chuckled with him. You weren't convinced that's what he said but you went along with it since you were in an awkward situation.

"RIGHT LADS, WHO WANTS SOME BUTTERBEER!" shouted Remus pointing his wand towards the Hogsmead.

Everyone cheered and continued walking down the dirt path while you lagged behind, pulling Lily to walk with you.

Time skip to a few months later

As agreed, you and Severus would meet up in the library every Sunday for tutoring and during that time you learnt so much. Not just about potions but about Severus too. This clearly was something he enjoyed doing and he was eager to do. You also learnt a lot about yourself during this time.

Turns out you had quite a knack for potions when you had the right teacher and your grades slowly got better too.

Unfortunately that wasn't the only thing you learnt during this time. You found out that Sirius had a crush on you. He of course had yet to tell you this news himself. Peter let it slip in one of your charms class and you were shocked.

Then, on top of that, unbeknownst to you, Lily had told the boys what you were doing on Sunday afternoons and Sirius was pissed, to say the least.

This particular Sunday, Severus had asked you to meet him next to the tree across the Black Lake. He heard it was going to be nice out and since it was just going to be a reading session you thought why not.

On your journey there, you heard yelling and cheering near your destination. As you got closer you began to recognise some voices and when you heard Severus yelling you sprinted towards the tree.

When you exited the shrubbery you saw Sirius and the boys laughing at something above them. It was Severus. Sirius had cast a spell that pulled Severus feet first into the air. Hanging him upside-down.

You felt your blood boil in your veins. You didn't know this was going on or for how long but it stopped right then and there. Within seconds you grabbed your wand and shouted at the top of your lungs "EXPELLIARMUS!".

The amount of fear that glazed everyone's eyes in that seconds, was nothing more than horrifying. None of them expected you to be there (over an hour early) and they definitely didn't expect you to have this much anger pumping through you as you did in that moment.

The spell practically forced Siriuses wand out of his hand making Severus slowly land on the ground.

You walked right up to Sirius, who was quivering in his boots, and pointed your wand right at his face.

" YOU! You slimy, egotistical, peace of shit!"

"N-Now (Y/N)" He stuttered, holding his hands up in surrender.

"SHUT UP! now you will answer my questions with 100% honesty or I will destroy that pretty face of yours. Understand?"

He nodded his head vigorously.

You didn't need to worry about the others shooting you with their wands because they were just as scared as their precious "Pad Foot".

"Why are you doing this Sirius and for how long?" you seethed.

" B-because I'm in love with you..." He said looking at you with hopeful eyes " and so is Severus. I did it because I was Jesus."

You pushed your wand under his chin " I know the first bit but how long, Pad Foot?"

He went silent and lowered his gaze. "Since our first year"

You sighed and looked at the rest of the group. Your anger was slowly going away.

" You knew about this?" You asked. However, when you didn't get a response your anger quickly returned.

"DID YOU KNOW!"

Simultaneously they all nodded their heads. Your friends.. they were your friends and they purposefully hurt someone so that you would go out with one of them. It made you sick!

You raised your wand and pointed at all of them.

" Don't ever talk to me again or else the next time I see your names on the murders map will be in the dark forest. 6 FEET UNDER THE WHOMPING WILLOW! UNDERSTAND?" you yelled, tears at the corner of your eyes.

Sirius was upset, he took a few steps closer to you. " (Y/N), please"

"WHAT did I just... say?"

As he took another step towards you, you shot a bolt of electricity at his feet. "get out of my sight, all of you."

Within seconds they ran away with their tails between their legs.

Throughout this exchange, Severus was stood right next to the tree. He heard every word that left your lips and felt the emotion on every letter but at the same time, he felt fear. He felt the fear that was radiating off of the murders and he felt a fear he thought he would have gotten used to buy now. The fear of being rejected by the one person he loved more than anyone else. After Sirius had exposed his feelings to you.. that fear almost consumed him. When he saw you fall to your knees and drop your wand on the grass, However, he put the fear aside and went to comfort you.

Your face was already stained with tears. The pain you felt was excruciating and your hands were shaking from the amount of adrenalin. But... despite all of that when you saw Severus face come into view you smiled at him.

" You" you said breathlessly in a calm voice.

He knelt down to your level, with a clenched jaw, worry written all over his face.

With the smile still on your face you looked at him and said "You, Severus Snape are lucky that I love you too"

Please feel free to drop your ideas in the comments or private messing me. Love ya!!

#severus snape x reader #severus snape #alan rickman #harry potter #fluff #young love #ravenclaw #snape x reader

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