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days-light · 9 months

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Orderweek prompt 1: change (for make-up day) @arcaneorderweek

Skrael finds Nari alone in the city and has a change of heart.

~1k (was gonna have more of an ending but I didn't want it getting too long)

The first time he’d seen her again, all it had taken was a single glance to see through her disguise.

The green on her face had been clumsily painted over with a warm brown, her clawed fingers were hidden under wooly mittens and her antlers were obscured by a ridiculously large hat, but it was still so obvious that it was her.

She had been playing with a bright yellow songbird on a park bench, its vibrant color standing out starkly from the dull tones of the city around her. Without him having to say anything she turned around to face him, still able to sense his presence even after all of this time apart.

“Nari. You… you changed your hair.” It was all he could think to say.

She smiled sadly, tugging at the short, dark brown strands that didn’t actually look terrible, although he hated to admit it. “Nice to see you too, Skrael. It was Douxie’s idea. Humans often enjoy turning their hair bright colors, but mine stood out too much, he said.”

“There’s nothing wrong with your hair,” Skrael scoffed. “Besides, who is he to talk? His own is bright blue.”

Nari whispered something to the bird and watched it fly away. “He’s only trying to protect me,” she said softly.

“You don’t need to be protected from us! What you need to do is come back so we can achieve what we’ve wanted to do for millenia, Nari. Come home.”

She looked almost on the verge of tears. Skrael sat next to her on the bench, unsure if she would let him put an arm around her shoulders or if even that small act of comfort would be too much. “I can’t, Skrael. I know you hate humans and what they’ve done to the Earth, our home, but they deserve to live just as much as any other creature. They have mistakes, but so does everything in nature. They’re capable of creating wonderful things, and they are worth protecting from you.”

Skrael turned to gesture at the city around them. “You call this blight a wonder? It’s leaching the world of its life force as we speak, tearing the planet up bit by bit for the sole sake of growing bigger. They must be destroyed for magical creatures to flourish!”

“You have to stop talking to me about nature,” Nari hissed, her eyes beginning to flash green. “I am nature. I am all of the creatures of this world and more. I know what every living thing feels, and I know that it’s horrible, but I won’t cause another extinction event because you and Bellroc have hurt feelings! This world doesn’t belong to you. For better or worse, the humans have it now. I won’t let you try and take it back. So you can give up trying to destroy it all, or you can help me make it better.”

“This is how we make it better,” Skrael said helplessly, knowing that there was no way that Nari would ever listen anymore. “The planet is too corrupted. We have to start anew.”

“Believe what you want, Skrael. But I know for sure that this isn’t the right way.”

And she really did, didn’t she? Even before Douxie, before Merlin, before. . . before she left them. Skrael could see in her face that he’d never be able to talk her down - but even the thought of trying to drag her back to Bellroc made his heart break a little.

“Nari,” he began, trying to sort out his thoughts, “I know that… I know that you believe that. But even if I agreed - which I don’t - I couldn’t leave Bellroc alone. I can’t help you.”

Nari stared at him before saying slowly, “you don’t think there’s even the smallest chance that they’ll change their mind, do you?”

Skrael lifted his shoulders uncomfortably. “It’s in their nature to want to burn,” he hedged. “To them, this is the best solution, I suppose. To burn everything down and start anew. And they care so, so much about getting you back that any action is justified to bring the whole Order back together.”

“You know,” Nari muttered, “sometimes I’ve dreamt that I return to the castle and Bellroc’s so happy to see me that they forget all about their plans and the three of us can be together again. But it’s just a dream.”

She drew back her shoulders, the grass at her feet curling up slightly, and that was what did it. Skrael’s heart, which had been slowly cracking over this entire conversation, completely split in two.

Nari was prepared to battle him. Not only that, but she thought he would actually try to hurt her. If she was so willing to fight, then there must be no change of them peacefully reuniting.

“Just- stop!” Skrael held up a hand, and Nari relaxed only the slightest bit. The tendrils of grass and soil that had been slowly winding up collapsed back into the ground. “I’m not going to fight you, Nari. I can’t.”

“You’re just scared I’ll beat you,” she accused almost jokingly, but her tone had shifted. She knew how much it meant for Skrael to make this decision.

He stood, robes billowing around his thin frame as he cast one last scathing look towards the glass-and-metal abomination that humans enjoyed calling ‘home’. If Nari wanted to defend it, he wouldn’t stop her - but that didn’t mean he could stop Bellroc from trying.

Taking a deep breath, Skrael turned back to Nari. “This is important to you. I know that now, and I won’t get in your way. But I need you to know - Bellroc will find you one day. I can stall them as long as possible, but once it happens - they’ll do what they have to in order to reunite us. And I don’t think I can stop them.”

“About time you realized that I’m alright without you protecting me,” Nari replied. She gazed at him sadly, looking to all the world like a human girl sitting alone at a park bench. Her green hair gone, after Skrael and Bellroc had spent thousands of years braiding it into an intricate web every morning for her. Her elegant antler horns obscured by human clothing. It hurt Skrael so, so much that she had chosen this - but it was her choice. He had to be okay with that.

He had to.

“I miss you, Nari.” And then Skrael flew away on a gust of wind, searching for Bellroc among the gray, dead monoliths scraping the clouds. He thought he heard her say something as he lifted into the sky, but he didn’t turn around. This goodbye was already hard enough.

Bellroc was sitting forlornly on the top of the highest building, scanning the city stretched out below. It wasn’t too ugly from this vantage point, Skrael considered - there was even a certain charm to the way that the streets were laid out in a haphazard grid. Or maybe that was just Nari in his head.

“Did you find her?” Bellroc asked, not turning to face him as his feet touched lightly on the colorless rooftop. Their feathered cloak ruffled in the wind, and their voice was splitting so much Skrael almost couldn’t hear what they were saying.

“No,” he lied. “I think if she was ever here, she left a long time ago.”

#arcaneorderweek2023 #skrael of the north wind #nari of the eternal forest #day makes stuff #my writing #wow I haven't used that tag in years

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tiodolma · 1 year

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Here's a short mergana AU:

In which 30 something Merlin is trying out a spell that lets the user see their greatest regret and accidentally ends up in the past, in front of the scene where Morgana confesses about her suspicions about her magic. "I would tell her about your magic if I were you," he utters, casually, making his younger self and the lady Morgana jump in surprise.

Basically, in which an older Merlin ends up ruining whatever destiny the old lizard had cooked up and earns two pupils who insist on learning from him. The End.

P.S.: He also brought his Morgana (who's not dead) along for the ride.

I'll leave what happens to your imagination. 🤣

i'm still working this one out lol but rest assured i didn't forget this. it's just.. turned into smth very big. anyway. here's a draft? :D

............

Morgana and Merlin end up in Merlin’s quarters.

“W-where are we?”

“This is my room. It’s night and..” Merlin opens his bedroom door a little and sees his younger self from eleven years ago moving to blow out a candle.

“It can’t be...”

“Emrys... what is it -”

The door burst open and a young Morgana strides in with tears in her eyes, wearing only her thin nightgown.”

Morgana looks at the man beside her just in time to see tears welling up in his eyes. “Emrys...” She glances back at their younger selves staring at each other, the Morgana in front of them desperate... desperate to hear the truth, afraid of her own magic, afraid of becoming a monster

“...was this your biggest regret?” she continues quietly. She had thought he regretted poisoning her in the throne room. She did not expect this.

All of a sudden Merlin pushes open the door just in time to hear the Younger Merlin whisper “I wish there was something I could say.”

Their younger selves freeze as they saw their own faces staring at them from Merlin’s bedroom.

“Just tell her.” Merlin pleads at his younger self.

Morgana siezes his wrist, “What are you doing?!” she hisses. “Emrys, No!” She has no idea if this will affect the future, but even Morgana knows, in her own dark heart, that time and the past should not be messed with. “Emrys, no!”

But Merlin doesn’t listen, instead he buckles down and lands on his knees, face angled towards the younger but frozen Merlin.

Consequently, even in her fear and confusion the Younger Morgana squeaks, “I-it’s magic, isn’t it?”

Morgana is at a loss. The answer is at the tip of her tongue herself. They cannot change the past, she knows this, but her heart is breaking for her younger self as well.

“We- we are just seeing things.” Young Merlin speaks out bravely.

Merlin stands and faces his younger self fully. He wrenches his wrist free of Morgana’s grip. “DON’T YOU DARE LIE.” He bellows, his voice colored with a dark and powerful timbre that even Morgana, with all their shared history, has never heard before.

Morgana whimpers. “Emrys... Merlin... no!”

“IT’S MAGIC ISN’T IT?!” Young Morgana screams this time, on the verge of panic.

Young Merlin deflates and bows his head low. There was no logical explanation to anything anymore other than the truth. Plus he recognizes and senses real power when it’s in front of him. And there is not one but three extremely powerful beings in the room. If he’s not mistaken even the Morgana, his Morgana, not the Morgana that came with the man that looks like him in his bedroom, his Morgana can probably senses power in the room too, even in her in distress.-

“Yes... it’s magic. You are a sorceress, Morgana.”

Young Morgana turns to him sharply. “NO! NO! NO!” She starts pounding on his chest.

Young Merlin holds on to her arms as she thrashes and screams wildly.

Morgana looks away. Merlin rubs at his face. What has he done?

Both of them hear shushing sounds and they look up to see their younger selves tightly entwined around each other. Young Merlin pressing Young Morgana as close as he can to his own lanky body, his hands on her the back of her hair and on the small of her back. Both youths have tears flowing from their eyes. The young man kept saying “it’s alright, it’s alright, I’m here, I’m here, we’ll be fine, we’ll be fine, I’ll help you, I’ll teach you, I’ll protect you.” over and over again.

Morgana is dumbstruck by the sight. She stumbles back into the wall and collapses on her hunches. All her life this was what she always wanted, what she always needed, this one simple thing that Merlin was never able to give, to hold her and give her the truth himself. She finds tears flowing on her own cheeks as well. It’s so unfair, so unfair. Her life was full of pain and misery. Just one gesture of comfort and understanding from him was all she needed, all she wanted from him.

Through her own tears she looks at the back of the man in front of her. The Merlin from her time. The Merlin who denied her everything. The Merlin whose biggest regret was her. The Merlin whose biggest regret was never telling her the truth when she needed it the most.

.........................

Young Morgana’s sobs abates and she pulls her head from Merlin’s chest. “How will you teach me, Merlin?”

Young Merlin gawks, in his ramblings, he had promised that. If he was going to reveal himself, he’d have to give away his biggest secret. Can he do it? Can he say it? He had been warned by everyone against doing this. Revealing to Morgana her magic was one thing, but revealing his?”

“Morgana... I...”

Young Morgana takes a glance at the other Merlin, the younger man follows her gaze to see the man nodding at him.

“But...” Young Merlin pleads, he doesn’t want to make mistakes, he doesn’t want

His older counterpart shakes his head.

“Merlin please... what are you not telling me? You told me you will teach me... I don’t want to be alone... don’t pawn me to someone else...” the young woman grasps at the front of his shirt.

Merlin raises his head up to the heavens, as if asking for guidance. The older man waits with baited breath. The older woman couldn’t tear her eyes away.

“Morgana you won’t be alone because I...” With tears in flowing down his cheeks, he closes his eyes and brings his fist to his mouth and chants “Fonbearnan”

Young Morgana gasps to see the gold in his eyes and on his palm a small ball of flame.

“You’re...”

“Yes.”

“You’re magic too.”

“I am.”

“You can teach me?”

“I am still learning but yes I can.”

“Thank you.”

..........................

The Older Merlin moves to go back to the chambers. His head bowed. Morgan is standing still against he wall, her face turned away from everything.

“Wait.” The Young Merlin calls out. His older counterpart stills.

“Are you sure that I won’t regret this?”

The younger Morgana furrows her brows in shock. But her Merlin keeps his tight hold on her.

“Emrys.” Morgana hisses at her Merlin.

“You must know... that... Gaius and the Dragon warned me not to tell her repeatedly.”

Older Morgana blinks... “What? Emrys... is that true?”

Young Morgana “Not to tell me? Dragon? Why?” Morgana is hyperventilating now.

Young Merlin lets his Morgana go. “T-They told me it was dangerous.”

Morgana’s eye widen. “Is this true, Emrys?”

“Dangerous? I am dangerous? I’m a monster? I’m going to be a monster? Uther was right! Magic hurts people! Merlin Merlin I don’t want to die!” Young Morgana screams.

“That’s not true Morgana, you have a good heart! They were wrong! You are not dangerous!” Young Merlin grasps at her desperately again.

“But I... But I... I almost killed Uther already.”

Younger Merlin pulls her into his embrace, “The important thing is you stayed your hand. You didn’t go through with it! You’re not evil!”

Young Morgana trembles, “No.. no... If.. if he hurts them again, I’m gonna kill him... I’ll do it again... I can’t let him hurt anyone again.”

“Please, Morgana, please. You are not like this. You are wise, kind and lovely and caring. You don’t have to kill the King. There is another way. I’ll help you, we will find a way together. W-when Arthur is King, everything will be better. He helped us with Mordred, remember? He’s a good man. In time... he’ll be on our side.”

Morgana nods shakily against his chest, “Yes... you are right. I can talk to him. We can talk to him.”

“Him and Gwen.” Young Merlin adds.

“Yes. We won’t be alone”

“Never alone.”

#mergana #mergana fic #i mean i hope u guys dont mind smth like this #1300+ words #my fic #just one yesterday

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snezandsickheadcanons · 2 years

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oops forgot to post this one

Sicktember Day 17: Fainting

Character: Gil

“He collapsed?” Ritsuka gasped, then turned to give a worried look to Mash.

They’d managed to recruit Quetzalcoatl to their side and had just returned to Uruk. Nothing seemed terribly wrong, and yet there was a feeling of dread seeming to hang over the city.

Siduri had found them right before they reached the ziggurat. She was clasping her hands together after she told them the news, looking weary and downtrodden. “I had told him to go and take a rest,” she continued, “and when I returned he’d already passed out and fallen off the throne. Not sleeping, but completely unconscious. He still hasn’t awoken…”

She led them back into the ziggurat, past the throne room and into the king’s chambers, where Ritsuka had never been before. The room was gorgeous, decorated everywhere with gold and lapis lazuli. A window with a view of the city was covered in a shimmering sheer curtain, casting colorful shadows across everything inside.

The bed was enormous. While the design of it looked similar to the one Ritsuka had been using, it was about three times as large. Its mattress of stuffed furs was covered in soft-looking sheets and more than a dozen pillows all delicately hand stitched with fine ornamentation.

And lying there on top of the bed, covered in a blanket, was the king. Ritsuka had never seen him without his crown, yet now it sat aside on a bedside table. Most of his clothes had been removed in fact, at least of what Ritsuka could see. His face was sickly pale, except for a bright red flush across his cheeks. The dark bags under his eyes Ritsuka swore they’d never noticed before were so pronounced, it was as if he was wearing makeup.

As they entered, Siduri rushed to go take the cloth across his forehead and re-wet it with water from a bowl by the bed, then placed it back onto him. “I don’t know how long he’s been feverish for,” she said, taking a step back from his unconscious body and clutching her hands together again. “I… there was no way of knowing beforehand…until he…”

“This shouldn’t happen,” Merlin muttered to himself. This was more serious than Ritsuka had ever seen him. “It can’t… Unless…” He approached the bed and stroked away some strands of hair away from Gilgamesh’s face. Then he said something else quietly enough that Ritsuka couldn’t hear it.

“Mm…”

The collection of people around the room shot to attention as Gilgamesh made a small sound. He stirred, still breathing heavily and barely moving.

“Your…” Siduri stammered.

The king’s eyes blinked open.

“Your Majesty!”

Gilgamesh suddenly shot upright in bed, the wet cloth Siduri had placed on him mere moments ago falling to his lap. “What are you all doing here?”

“Oh, we uh…” Ritsuka began, looking back to Quetzalcoatl and Jaguar Warrior. “We just returned from Eridu. We got the Axe of Mardu—”

“Never mind that now,” Gilgamesh interrupted them, then turned to Siduri, who looked to be on the verge of tears. “What news is there of the front lines? I need today’s reports to the throne immediately.” He pulled off the covers and went to go to place his feet on the ground.

“Please, don’t get up!” Siduri cried. “You need to rest more. I can look over the reports, or I can even bring them to you here—”

“A bed is no place for a king to rule at war!”

Merlin, who looked back to his old self, shook his head and gave a playful sigh. “She’s right, you know. If you push yourself any more you really could die. We don’t want that, now do we?”

With an annoyed huff, Gilgamesh gave a wave of his hand. “There is simply too much to be done.”

“We can help!” Ritsuka piped in. “Back when we were earning your trust, we did a lot to help out around the city. We can help Siduri with handling the paper—er, tabletwork.”

“Hahaha, if you refuse to listen, I’ll simply have to use a spell to confine you to bed!” said Merlin cheerfully. “It’s only for a few days. Besides, we have one-third of the Three Goddess Alliance on our side now!”

“Sí!”

“Pleased to meowt you!”

Gilgamesh stared between them all for a moment, then scoffed. “Very well. I suppose my last day trip to the sea was not much of a vacation after all. I shall spend this time to rest my royal form back to its perfection.”

Everyone now in a much better mood than when they arrived, one by one they left the room.

***

All alone, Gilgamesh’s eyes shone with cold anger directed at nothing at all. He sat there, in bed, the fury rampaging through his body combining with his exhaustion, making him feel as if he might pass out all over. Truly, he felt his body growing weaker; fatigued, dehydrated, malnourished. But this was inexcusable. He had allowed himself to collapse and show weakness to his subjects while he still had breath left in his body.

When he’d awoken, he’d felt the burning desire to yell at those who’d seen him like this. But he didn’t even have time for anger. He lay back again and closed his eyes.

No, this would have to do.

#sicktember 2022

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nextstopparis · 2 years

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i actually think gwaine knew abt merlins magic bc after the dark tower episode i think merlin used his magic to make cheese that tasted of apple pie and gave it to gwaine

#and gwaine not knowing wouldnt let this be possible so he knew sorry #bc theres no way this didnt happen #UNLESS omg one day gwaine just walked into his room and found some cheese on a plate and it tasted of apple pie #and he lost his shit #gwaine suddenly thinks HES the sorcerer bc he had the dream and now its TRUE #and hes rlly straightforward abt it with arthur #and the entire time that gwaines hving this conco with arthur abt this #merlins just beside them on the verge of tearing his hair out #eventually gwaine wears arthur down and arthur repeals the ban #bc he KNOWS gwaines going to keep breaking the atupid fucking laws and he wont LEAVE cause theyre stuck with him now #and he absolutely will not have his KNIGHT who is meant to UPHOLD THE LAW be a outspoken lawbreaker #so hes like oh my fucking god FINE JESUS FINE ILL DO IT #and thats how magic is legalized #1) bc merlin wanted gwaine to actually eat cheese tjay tastes of apple pie #2) bc gwaine is a himbo and misinterpreted the situation to the WXTREME #and 3) bc the best way to get arthur to do anything is by annoying him into it #bbc merlin #merwaine #sort of #gwaine #merlin

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sapphicwhxre · 3 years

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behind closed doors

♡ pairing: harry potter x reader x ginny weasley

♡ summary: ginny wants to add a third person to her sex life with harry and you make them both glad he said yes.

♡ requested: yes | no

♡ warnings: oh my god it's FILTH ─ swearing, threesome smut, oral sex (female & male receiving), face fucking, fingering, vaginal sex, praise/possession kink, scissoring, overstimulation, nipple play/praise, cum slut stuff but i got no clue what to tag that as. also i didn’t proofread or edit because if i reread any of this shit i know it won’t get posted LMAO

it was funny, really.

everyone thought the chosen one was this awkward, inexperienced git when it came to sex. and they all thought the youngest and only girl of the weasleys must be this pure little princess. but, they were oh so wrong and you knew that first hand.

you knew because harry was almost at his breaking point. he didn’t think there was anything as precious or plain sexy as ginevra weasley but merlin, did she have some odd kinks. he’d do them all for her, even enjoyed some of them. but this one had harry redder than dragon breath.

“ginny, i don’t want another guy with his hands on you when we’re being intimate!”

finally snapping, harry was flushed and frustrated. it was the second time ginny had brought up the possibility of bringing another person into their bedroom and harry did not see the appeal. the weasley girl perked an eyebrow, however, and laughed.

“who said anything about a guy, dear?” ginny toyed with a charm on the bracelet you’d given her and shook her head. “you know my friend, y/n, don’t you?”

the boy’s eyes widened behind his glasses and his mouth went a bit dry. “yes,” was all he managed, trying to remember what house you were even in. what he did remember was that you were quite the sight to look at.

ginny grabbed harry's hand, “we had a bit of a thing before you and i. she’s a fun person, she’d do it without any strings attached.”

how had harry had no idea that his girlfriend had been sleeping with y/n? and why did the idea of letting her into the equation arouse him so much? although surprised that ginny felt absolutely no jealousy or even batted an eye at the situation, he found himself grinning when ginny did at his sudden nod.

this was how you’d ended up with harry potter’s cock buried in your pussy while your face was in ginny’s. and right now, it wasn’t very funny at all. what it was fell under the category of fucking like heaven.

“oh, good girl, just like that, y/n!”

ginny moaned with her head thrown back. her eyes were rolling back into her head with every moan she heard from her boyfriend paired with the warm vibrations of yours meeting her pussy. “look so pretty, taking harry’s cock for us,” you responded to her dirty praise by a finger into her dripping cunt, your tongue still assaulting her folds and your ass in the air. she moaned even louder and barely made eye contact with harry, who was still thrusting into your clenching walls. “so good, y/n... blimey, gin, she’s so tight,”

“and ours,” the panting girl added, her hands now gripping your hair messily. “our pretty little slut, in’t that right, harry?” he agreed with a rather distracted grunt but ginny was too occupied to respond, screaming as you put your fingers as deep into her as you could, curling and pumping while your tongue kept adoring her clit. “oh, y/n, y/n, y/n,” it was impossible at this point to tell whose moans were whose and who was saying your name louder, but either way it was addicting.

“f-fuck!” you babbled incoherently, harry and ginny's names both getting lost on the way out of your mouth. harry burst into you with a final, shallow thrust, moaning like a porn star. your orgasm clenched your stomach and your walls tightened around harry’s dick while you came, the white liquid seeping out into ginny’s view. your breathy moan was hot on ginny’s throbbing pink pussy and the sight made her want to come, hard. you took your fingers away and instantly replaced them with your tongue. gripping her thighs tightly, you let all of her sweet cum enter your mouth and drip down your chin eagerly.

“oh, that’s a good girl,” ginny was breathing fast and giving both of you a toothy grin ─ one which you and harry returned. “how hot does she look, harry?”

“so hot,” harry gasped, forehead sweaty and cheeks flushed red. “so hot covered in our cum, she knows that, doesn’t she?”

nodding and flustered, you tried to gather yourself after being fucked and fucking ginny at the same time but you were flipped onto your back. a loud yelp caught both ginny and harry and they both wore different smirks on their face. harry's said he was nothing short of loving the experience and ginny was thinking of ways to make it better for the former... and herself.

“open,” she commanded, biting her bottom lip with the cockiest look on her face. without any hesitation, you spread your legs as wide as you could to let ginny do whatever she wanted with you. “good little girl, you’ll be rewarded,” she hummed and you were desperate to be touched again. “but first ‘m gonna let harry have a bit more fun, show him just how good you are with that pretty mouth.”

the messy haired boy was already pumping up and down his shaft, tip as pink as his cheeks. “open?” harry’s request was softer but in some way, just as sexy as ginny’s. you parted your lips just enough to take his tip between them and sucked softly, eyes intent on harry while you did so. his were already scrunched in need and you made your way down, cum covered lips and saliva wetting his dick for you to suck him better. with hollowed cheeks, you bobbed up and down on his length, feeling more and more satisfied with his bucks hitting your throat. even gagging on his cock and nose hitting right above where he was slapping against his own skin, you moaned and sucked until ginny spit on your cunt.

“oh,” you let out muffled on harry. no longer watching you two, ginny was lowering her own pussy onto yours and the heat of both your aroused cunts felt heavenly. you whimpered with your lips around harry, tears streaming down your face, hoping to be touched by ginny. your wish was granted as you moaned muffled again and she sank onto you, using your thigh to ride your pussy. clits rubbing against one another with deliciously rough friction, cock all the way into your mouth, you saw stars. it didn’t even matter whose cum was dripping down your leg when the pleasure you felt was so mindblowing and harry was spilling his seed down your throat. “good little cum slut,” ginny rubbed your clit harshly.

“ginny, this is so good,” you groaned, on the verge of a sob, “but ‘m too sensitive, just let me please you guys,”

as if you’d told a funny joke, she laughed and turned to harry. “your turn baby, i want that pretty, pretty mouth back between my legs now that she’s all swollen and sexy,”

“poor thing,” harry chuckled at your scream when he attached his mouth to your soaked and abused pussy. his hands yanked you by the ass and he ate you out like you were a fucking pumpkin pasty. ginny lowered to sit this time on your mouth, facing harry’s buried head. whimpering almost pitifully, though extremely sexy to the couple you were pleasing, your tongue took messy movements to ginny’s pussy.

she was so wet that it didn't matter how out of it the sensations had you, your open mouth on her core was enough to have ginny spitting moan after moan. “cum now, y/n, i know you’ve got another one left in you,” harry cooed. you couldn’t even object with your mouth so preoccupied and all coherent thoughts being smashed by harry’s tongue fucking your hole. “that's it,” his teeth grazed you while you came and your sob on ginny’s pussy sent her to the very edge of her orgasm.

right then and there, she could have orgasmed all over your flushed face but she held on and took her pale fingers to your breasts. “i think she’s got one more in her harry, fuck her one more time,” she purred, hips bucking on your lips. the strangled moan you exhaled made harry beam while he prepared to enter you again. “you love it, don't you?” your mouth tasting between ginny’s slick folds wouldn’t let you scream his name, but you desperately wanted to when harry pushed all of his inches into you. “being just a pretty cum slut?”

in only a minute, ginny’s release washed over your face and flooded your senses. all you tasted was the last ginny had before she collpased beside you, panting heavily. she watched as harry kept fucking you like you were theirs. “pretty tits bouncing, shame we didn't give ‘em too much attention,” she chirped. your teary eyes widened, you weren’t sure if you could take ginny touching your breasts on top of harry pounding into you. but you desperately wanted to.

it must have showed in your eyes, or admittedly, in ginny’s desire because she wrapped her lips around one of your nipples and pinched the other one before switching to soft flicking. “so tasty,” she alternated, praising both your tits with her skilled fingers and warm mouth. about to coax you into your orgasm, you finished loudly and harry let himself release the second that you did. pulling out, he found his way next to ginny and wrapped his hands around her waist while she focused on your tits, tired yet euphoric. “aren’t they perfect?” ginny hummed contently and released them, and harry stroked your hair and ginny's.

“y’know, perfect’s just one word i’d use for this.”

the lovely filth of having the wild versions of harry potter and ginny weasley all to yourself were some of your best nights, you often thought. though you supposed deep down that they were the ones who had you to themselves, you didn’t care. what mattered much more was that you ─ and certainly ginny and harry ─ were quite glad that you were their good, little slut.

─────♡

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embrassemoi · 3 years

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Surrounded by the Moon and Stars ✷ 29

Pairings: Sirius B, F!Reader, Remus L Warnings: Language, angst, insecurities, blood, darkish thoughts (self-hatred), fighting, violence Author's Note: heavy chap. if you’re having a bad day, take a moment, be kind to yourself and put off reading this until you feel better 💜

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Chapter 29: That Pet You Just Couldn't Keep

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Remus woke up to a bright, white light. He squinted, head lolling to the side of his lumpy pillow. The chair near his bedside was empty, saved from a pitcher of water along with a few potions Madam Pomfrey must’ve left for him, were placed on the stand beside his bed.

Something wasn’t right. Peter or one of the other Marauders were always there waiting for him after his transformations.

Too hot for a blanket in June, he ripped off his covers and noticed the bumpy, large material hiding beneath his nightgown. He licked his lips, letting air whistle down his dry throat while a sharp, burning sensation flooded his abdomen. Remus winched, groaning out while stretching to drink the potions and water. Although, as he brought the glass vials to his lips, he noticed that his arm was littered with scratches and bruises. Curious, he lifted the slit of the gown to see a large wrapping across his lower stomach and bruises in the shape of lopsided circles and rectangles travelling across his body.

Remus felt his face scrunch. Ever since the Marauders had become animaguses, he hardly sustained any injuries aside from the occasional limp or flimsy scratch. There was usually an absence of pain nowadays, not an overload of it.

What caught his attention was the scent of human blood. His senses were always heightened the week leading up to the full moon and the week following, so it was particularly strong. It caused his head to spin like planets performing a celestial dance.

Preoccupied with the scent, Remus didn’t notice someone slipping into the room.

“Hey, how are you feeling?” A fuzzy Peter came into view. He went to sit on the edge of his bed sporting a nervous look.

“Was wondering where you were.” Remus relaxed at his appearance.

“Yeah… Erm — been busy.”

Soon enough, another sharp pain stabbed at his abdomen again. “Fuck — what happened last night?”

Wormtail sucked in sharply as he wiggled in his seat uncomfortably. “I… something terrible happened. Bollocks, Moons — I’m sorry...”

Remus felt his spine prickle with needles. “What?”

“We should wait until Dumbledore or James comes back.”

“Dumbledore?!”

Ghostly pale, Peter was on the verge of fainting. Remus took another deep inhale. This time, he smelt blood, but it was coming off of Peter and a few other foreign scents lingered on him. Was that… Y/N? And… Snape? Remus scanned Peter, noticing the droplet of red on his shoes.

“Pete,” his voice dropped to an icy whisper, “Whose blood is that?”

He remained quiet.

Remus moved to prop himself up on the bed. “What happened?”

As Peter spoke, every word made Remus recline into himself and he was left unsure of how to feel. The overload of information put him into a state of complete shock. His vision faded in and out, suddenly feeling very cold and dizzy compared to the hot weather.

He distantly heard Peter trying to gain his attention but stared blankly at the metal bed frame.

“Say something,” his friend tried, sounding desperate. He didn’t even know how long he’d been quiet for.

Remus worked through the betrayal in nine steps. It helped make sense of his emotions. To categorize them — making it easier to file away.

1. Shock & denial

“No,” he said, barely moving a muscle in his face. “That's impossible! Padfoot would never…”

Peter watched him pitifully. Remus’ eyes blinked rapidly, heart pounding. “I’m sorry.”

2. Process what happened (or try to)

“He… told… Snape?” He asked despite Peter repeating the story multiple times.

“Sirius was mad at Sniv — Snape, and he was provoked by —”

“I didn’t hurt him, did I? I didn’t hurt anyone?”

“He’s fine.”

“Then why won’t you tell me what happened to me? Why was I bleeding?”

He refused to look him in the eyes and Remus felt terror ebb it's way through his skin. “Answer me!”

“As I said, L/N and Snape got into a row… she heard Sirius tell him and she went to save him…”

“Don’t you dare lie to me.”

Wormtail took a deep breath. “You… nicked her a bit and James’ antler broke off in you because… he was trying to get you off of her…”

Remus was rooted in place. What Peter just said was unreal. His stomach twisted painfully. He blinked. “Y/N’s hurt? I hurt her?”

“Yes — no! That was Snape —” “Is she here? Did I bite her?”

“You didn’t and yeah but —” “Move out of my way.” He pushed himself up wobbly.

“You lot a lot of blood, sit —”

“Get out of my way!” He threatened. Remus pushed Peter to the side, clambered to his feet. Remus gripped the bed tightly and felt a few seams rip open and blood began to faintly seep through his white bandages.

He staggered around, ripping back the curtains until he saw Y/N. Limping up to her bed, Remus almost burst into tears when he saw her. She looked so tiny, curled up and engulfed in blankets and pillows. Her ankle was propped up, head bandage and skin dull.

It felt like Peter had poured a bucket of freezing cold water on him.

He hurt her. Almost got her and Snape killed or infected. Could have hurt Prongs and Wormtail…

He was a fucking monster.

He should be put down.

From how loud he was, running around the wing, Y/N’s eyes fluttered open. She attempted to stretch, groaning out in pain. But then, her eyes flickered up to him and she froze. Her hand shot up protectively to her chest and face as instinctively went for her wand but stopped. Genuine fear flashed through her, making Remus instantly want to cry. It felt like an eternity passed as she gripped her sheets and opened her mouth.

She was going to scream — to take him away — call him a monster — to cry or yell for Madam Pomfrey or —

But Y/N’s body relaxed. A tried smile twisted and gaze dissipated with fear, replaced with nothing but understanding and softness; she even went as far to touch his hand but Remus wrenched it back.

“Ta-da!” She croaked. “I lived.”

Remus didn’t smile, only staring horrified.

“Yeah, that was a hit or miss...” Peter interjected. He stood behind him, ensuring that if he fell, he’d be there to catch Remus. He continued to stare like she grew another set of eyes.

“What?” Her grin deflated. “Am I that irresistible?”

That pulled a breathy laugh from Remus as he shook his head. Why wasn’t she disgusted with him?

“Thank Merlin, you’re both awake.” All their heads turned to James’s floating head before he pulled off the invisibility cloak.

James moved to pull Remus into a large hug, whispering an ‘I’m sorry’ into his ear. He held him for a while before breaking off, going to embrace Y/N who wheezed.

“Ouch.”

“My bad, my bad!” He pulled back and slipped into bed with her. Peter forced Remus to sit on the edge of her bed while he stood.

A million thoughts ran through his head. He wanted to get away, to run — not even be in the same room as her. Remus wanted to think, to make any sense of what happened.

What the fuck happened? He couldn’t even process it.

She remembered everything, right? Surely she wouldn’t be this calm had she.

“Oh, wait — Lupin, are you alright? I swear a deer came at you last night.”

James chuckled out loud, breaking Remus out of his thoughts as he looked at him and Peter. “I guess there’s no point for secrets anymore.”

Y/N looked at them questioningly, her eyes squinting from the bright light before Peter went to close the blinds shut. James got off the bed, smiling widely at Remus and Peter got onto the bed instead.

“Ugh — Pete? James? What —”

A loud gasp ripped from her mouth as she jerked away from James who turned into a very large stag and Peter into a fat brown rat.

Remus could almost cry at how comical her face looked.

James was so large that he had to take a few steps back to prevent his antlers from poking one of their eyes out and Remus noticed that one was gone.

He felt sick again. A hand drifted to his stomach.

“Holy shit! Oh my god!” Y/N went to graze a finger on Peter’s fur before turning to James with shaky hands to touch one of his antlers and patting him on the head. She was speechless as her mouth open several times before forcing out, “You're really Bambi!”

James turned back, taking his glasses off to clean. “I wanted to be a lion — for Gryffindor, y’know.”

“You can’t choose, I wouldn’t be a rat.” Peter grimaced.

“They’re highly intelligent. Nothing to worry about.” James reassured and ruffled his hair.

“When did you guys learn to do this?”

“We’ve been at it for three years now. We finally were able to do it in August before school started.”

She shook her head, staring in awe.

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Dumbledore came to speak to everyone later that day.

Remus had been dreading it once he came into the wing and began speaking to Y/N, a buzzing sound filling his ear. All Remus was left to do was twiddle his thumbs, waiting and completely disoriented.

When he finally approached him, Dumbledore lost his usual twinkle in his eyes. He made sure to close the long vertical blinds and again, the room filled with a low buzzing sound.

“How are you doing?” He asked. Remus, had he been in the right mindset, would have prevented the scoff escaping him. Dumbledore didn’t react but continued. “Miss L/N is recovering well and Mr. Snape didn’t receive any injuries. Just a fright.”

Remus nodded, that was good, but he remained quiet.

“Snape’s been persuaded to act accordingly for the best interest of his fellow pupils and L/N gave her word.”

Remus choked back a laugh. Snape was going to, no matter what, let his secret slip somehow.

“You’re also exempt from the Transfiguration exams, both you and Miss L/N. You’ve both sustained a degree of varying head injuries and you’ll be graded on a cumulative from McGonagall.”

Dumbledore was forcing Remus to the edge as he bit down on his inner cheek. It was useless to listen to him. “Are you expelling me?”

“No. You should not bear any blame.”

“Dumbledore, no offence, but are you mental?” Remus sputtered adding, “I endangered four students last night.”

“Yes but —” “The next time we won’t be so lucky. I’m a monster, sir. I should be.”

The headmaster sighed. “Remus, give yourself a bit of credit. Think highly of yourself.”

Remus gave a dry laugh, almost baffled at how Dumbledore was acting. Did he just gloss over the fact he could have gotten students infected? He wouldn’t be able to live with himself had he. “How can I?”

“Well Y/N seemed to think very highly of you. She made you a very compelling case along with your friends, Potter, Pettigrew and Black.”

“Black’s not my friend,” Remus countered. He didn’t care about how rude he was being.

“Remus —”

“Is he expelled?”

“No.” The answer had Remus wheeling, anger spiking. “He’s not.”

“Why not? If it isn’t my fault, that I’m not to blame then why isn’t he? He told them how to find me.”

“I understand that this is a very difficult situation and rest assured, Sirius will be punished. I can promise you. But expulsion isn’t the answer.”

Remus refused to look at Dumbledore and he must've realized he was getting nowhere with him. He stood but before leaving, he gave a pitiful look.

“I have done terrible deeds, indulged in foolish pranks that I have lived to regret, but each has been a valuable learning experience. It’s a pity that it came to this. Learn in your heart to forgive, Remus. The world is already filled with too much hate.”

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June 16th, 1976

3. Sadness & pain

Remus had been avoiding the Marauder’s dorm. He’d gone as far as begging Madam Pomfrey (who’d taken pity because she knew what happened) to let him stay another two nights before getting kicked out. Remus always healed physically faster and his wounds were already healed by the third day. Pathetically, he’d been sleeping in dingy passageways or the prefects’ bathroom before relocating after being harassed by the ghosts.

Remus had a plan, avoid them; skip classes, get longer prefect duties, never staying in one spot for too long. He wouldn’t know what would happen if Snape saw him. Although, whatever Dumbledore told him, it kept Snape quite so far. But tonight, he got tired of Moaning Myrtle sobbing.

Before curfew, Remus made it a habit of visiting Y/N, who was still stuck in the wing; both out of guilt and because she was his friend, but he couldn't stay for long — seeing her like that made him wallow in guilt.

Similar to him, Lily had visited, along with the other girls, every day. Today, Lily stayed a little longer, bleeding into the time Remus usually dropped by. He watched as Lily whisper into her ear, causing Y/N to laugh and Lily blush madly as she sat snug by her side. Not wanting to ruin their moment, Remus went to leave before they had the chance to see him.

Remus had another pressing matter anyway.

He entered one of the nearest bathrooms to give himself some sort of pep talk and stared at the mirror.

You can do this. A voice echoed in his head.

Typically, memories from the full moon came back to Remus a few days or even weeks later, his brain usually too foggy a couple of hours after and even then, he would never fully remember everything. He vaguely remembered seeing a flash of Snape’s face and Prongs but Y/N’s screams were one of the clearer memories from that night.

“REMUS! PLEASE REMUS! STOP!”

Remus looked to stare at himself in the mirror. He observed the scar on the bridge of his nose, feeling bile rush up his throat at the sight.

He was a freak, littered with scars covering himself.

He was disgusting.

Ugly.

Pathetic.

Dangerous.

A monster!

4. Anger

Sirius Black had always been loyal, so what changed that night?

He needed to leave. It was no good staying here anymore.

Remus was shaking with rage, twinged with hurt. He paced outside of the common room door and had a few options running through him. Either start a huge fight with Sirius or just… ignore it.

Avoidance.

Maybe he could ignore Sirius forever? Impossible, surely. Sirius would get bored, anxious within a couple of weeks — that was too generous — a few days sounded right.

With his mind made up, Remus crept up to his room. He could hear the faint shouts of James and pondered about just sleeping in the common room or prefects’ bathroom. Even if he did have to listen to Moaning Myrtle.

Maybe because his senses were still coming down from its peak or James was just brash, but Remus didn’t even have to press his ear on the door.

“— done ENOUGH! — hear me? You better — why are YOU crying? You bloody — understand? Understand?! You will not talk — him — best friends my —”

The only person he's told he was coming back was Wormtail and it sounded like he told Prongs.

Remus didn’t care to listen anymore as he pushed open the door. Pete was sitting on his bed, eyes wide at Remus’ presence surrounded by unwrapped wrappers. He always tended to eat while stressed.

Sirius was looking down at the floor as James stood in front of him, scolding him like a child. But, his head shot up once he walked through the door. Out of his peripheral vision, he could see his eyes bloodshot, puffy and circles dark. He didn’t dare look at him.

Remus didn’t acknowledge them, instead moving robotically to the bathroom, changing into his holey yet comfortable clothes before scurrying off to bed, swinging his curtains shut before casting a silencing spell around.

He’d plan to adhere to his avoidance strategy. It worked so far.

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June 18th, 1976 | 1:29 am

“Psst… Moony.”

Remus turned over to face him. “What do you want Peter?”

“Just wanted to check up. You okay?”

“What do you think? Please, leave me alone.” And then closed his bed drapes.

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June 19th, 1976 | 11:37 pm

Peter had crept up to his bed again as Remus laid there awake, thoughts swarming him.

“I’m not in the mood. I’m tired.” He moved to turn over and forced his eyes closed.

Peter had been nothing but amazing. Always thinking about him and his needs but what Remus wanted most was to be alone and Peter's pity and worried features did nothing but make Remus feel like shit.

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June 21st, 1976

In life, there are few things that are certain. Getting older, death, taxes… No matter how hard we try, no matter how good our morals are or our intentions, we all will eventually make mistakes. It’s either as small as burning your food or writing the wrong answer down on a test, but you’re also going to fuck up pretty bad and hurt people. Say something — do something you don’t mean and it’ll end up with both sides hurt. If you want forgiveness, there’s multiple solutions to gain that back, but the two words — obvious, there, waving in front of your face — can be the hardest words to say.

“I’m sorry.” Black muttered for the hundredth time that night. His voice was pushing Remus to the edge as he kept his face straight. Dead. Not once taking Sirius’ shitty apology baits. He continued to stare down at his book, reading silently in his dorm. His teeth hurt from how hard he was clenching his jaw.

Remus was right, of course, he was fucking right. Black had grown anxious as he ignored him.

“I’m sorry.”

Remus never really considered himself violent. Sure, he’s gotten into rows that ended with a punch or hex here or there, but Remus didn’t have violent thoughts. If anything, he prided himself on not being a bonehead like Black and Prongs. But, it took every ounce not to beat the shit out of Black right there and then.

Bastard. Scumbag. You mother fucking betrayer.

Remus never liked not being in control. Not having it scared him too much, feeling more animal than man. He did everything to avoid being violent, the wolf was already violent enough and had too much control and Remus refused to let it dictate human him. There was already too much violence, he never wanted to contribute more.

He did everything not to be a monster. But it's like the wolf roared from deep within, scratching and begging to let him pounce.

Remus wasn’t violent — anyone who met him would vouch for that. Fuck, if he saw a spider, he would open a nearby window and release it. But now, he wanted to slam Sirius against a wall and wrap his hands around his neck and squeeze.

You piece of shit. Wanker. Twat. I want you to feel as much pain as I do.

“Moony, please let me explain —”

All the words suddenly blurred before Remus slammed his book shut, causing to become still and quiet.

Sirius trying to explain — excuse his actions — pushed him over the edge. Remus sent a venomous glare at Sirius, waiting for him to talk. His quietness made everyone uneasy.

Selfish bastard.

Any sympathy Remus held for him this past year, along with any logic, evaporated to the point where he felt a rabid thump spread through him. There was a desperation to relieve himself of it — lash out, scream, cry —

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it,” the rest of the Marauders watched the scene, knowing not to get involved. “It was a mistake and —“

“A mistake?”

Sirius perked up at this. That was the only word he’d spoken to him since the incident. “Honest. I did it because —” “Shut the fuck up.” Remus stood, tall and loomed over Sirius. He could almost smell the fear off him.

He had never been so mad before.

“I — I… I,” stutters Remus. But instead of it being out of shyness or nerves, it was out of pure wrath that he wasn’t able to articulate his emotions properly. He took a deep breath in, attempting to regain control over his emotions but failed as he burned with deep, seething hatred. “I am the monster that mothers tell their children to keep them in at night.”

“Moony —”

“Don’t call me that!” His voice boomed so loud that everyone in the room had to take a step back and shrink down. Remus was always so reserved, only ever lashing out in annoyance close to the full moon but nothing more.

“Living up to your name, aren’t you?” There’s a sarcastic, bitter humour lilt to his voice.

Someone so in control of his emotions, someone with an unbreakable exterior, the only glimpses they’d ever seen of Remus losing control was him snapping at someone close to the full moon but would later apologize within mere seconds. But to see him like that… it was an intrusion, something the Marauders hadn’t ever seen or wanted to before.

“Please, just calm down so we can talk.”

Remus paces around the room. “You — y’know I’ve never understood why everyone lets you get around treating others like shit. First, it was Marlene, James, me, Peter, Lily and Y/N — we all let you get away with it. Outburst after outburst, we all sat back because you were going through shit. But I can’t? I’m not allowed to get angry?!”

Sirius wouldn’t look at him.

“Look at me.” Remus kept his voice low throughout the ordeal, only ever raising if Black interjected. “You coward, look at me!”

5. A lot of anger

He couldn’t meet his eyes so he settled to stare at the scar across his nose. It only angered him more as Remus picked Sirius up and pushed him against the wall as he fisted his shirt.

“I’m sorry.”

Sorry is nothing but a word to you. I gave you my most trusted secrets. I confided in you. I was there for you when you needed it. I loved and cared for you like my own brother but I was nothing more than a pet that you discarded when you got bored. You’re only guilty because of the repercussions you’re facing. Your guilt isn’t nearly enough. Bastard. I trusted you. You’re a Marauder. My best friend. I would’ve done anything for you. You fucking ruined it.

“You did this! You did!”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

He laughs, mocking and loud, void of any emotion. “No, you aren’t. You’re never fucking sorry!”

Stupid fucking selfish arsehole.

“For years you’ve told me that you accepted me — cared for me — loved me like your own brother! That what I am — a-a monster — that it didn’t matter!”

“It didn’t mean anything, I promise! It was a shitty, fucked up prank —”

“A prank?! You used me as a weapon! A toy because how could anyone ever love a werewolf?” Remus’ voice was so low. “You’ve never respected me. If you had any, you wouldn’t have — you - wouldn’t....”

Everything came crashing on Remus at once.

6. The realization settles in

And after nine days, Remus Lupin had finally realized what Sirius Black had done. Before, everything he felt had been true but he hadn’t fully realized the gravity of what happened, as silly as it sounds.

Sirius turned his worst fear into a living nightmare.

In the background, one of James’ Quidditch posters, encased in glass exploded, shattering into millions of pieces from the amount of pure magic radiating off Remus. He didn’t even flinch at the sound.

James finally interjected, placing a hand on Remus’ shoulder. “Lay off him… He isn’t worth it.”

Remus eased off Black instantly. “You had no right… no right…” He pointed. Remus turned his face down as he felt tears build up.

“I trusted you,” he whispers. “Every bit.”

Remus stormed out of the dorm, going to sleep in the common room.

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June 22nd, 1976

7. Depression

When Remus finally let himself cry, he didn’t make a move to leave his bed. Even skipping meal times, leaving James or Pete to bring him food.

Everything felt suffocating, a gnawing feeling that made every part of him ache. Remus couldn’t handle anymore pain or emotions from ‘the prank’ as he felt himself slip into a temporary void.

He hugged his pillow tighter and closed his eyes once more.

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June 23rd, 1976 | 11: 37 pm

Remus had gone straight to bed again, effectively shutting up the rest of the dorm. James was ignoring Black, leaving Remus surprised that he hadn’t made a move to defend his actions. Nonetheless, he was appreciative still. Peter had been trying to appease everyone, not taking sides but still must’ve thought Sirius was in the wrong because he hadn’t talked to him much.

He didn’t ask James to choose between him or Black. Remus was never one for ultimatums but even then, it seemed like James picked him. He was beyond furious, seemingly more than Remus at this point who pathetically wallowed in his depression. He wouldn’t spare Black a second glance, wouldn’t talk to him, shut him down if he tried to speak to him. Hell, he’d even gone as far as to make it very clear to the entirety of Hogwarts that they were no longer friends, making sure to not sit with him, ever. Always choosing to sit by Remus.

They chose his side and a part of Remus felt elated to know they had his back.

This left Black alone, looking at them through tearful gazes. Remus had been ignoring all of them and they seemed to be understanding, avoiding crossing the wordless boundary Remus set in stone.

But, both James and Peter had been checking up on him nightly, always there and he could tell they were getting impatient.

When the lights went out, he heard James crept out of bed. Usually, Remus would find some sort of comfort in knowing who was approaching him, but now, it only left him feeling uneasy.

And then he felt the bed dip and James muttered out a spell.

“Hey, Moony.”

Remus didn’t face him. “Prongs?”

“Hey,” there was a loud sigh, “Do you need anything?”

What was he supposed to say? A hug? To talk? He’d much rather use his avoidance strategy, although he realized it left him alone with too many thoughts and nobody to confide in.

“M’good.” He felt James place a hand on his shoulder.

“I’ll always be there for you. That’s what Marau - that’s what friends are for, no?”

Remus didn’t answer and felt James move to leave. But before he had the chance to slip out, Remus peeked his head from the drapes, announcing just loud enough for Sirius to hear.

“Thanks for saving all of us, James. You’re a true friend.”

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June 24th, 1976

People had their poisons.

Alcohol can make you forget. It blocks out everything and makes the rest of the world fade away until you can’t remember. People gambled to feel a rush, only to realize they dug themself into irreversible debt. Shopping, food, the high from risky behaviour…

But how we manage our poisons is up to the person.

People love to deny that they have addictions. They deny they’re hooked, they deny that they can’t put it down, they deny that they’re scared or want to stop. People only see what they want to see, believe what they want to believe.

And then the truth becomes muddled with lies that it’s hard to recognize the poisons sitting right in front of us. And all we want is more.

For Remus, his poison, his bright red self-destruction button, was smoking.

Granted, he never was a big smoker, typically only smoking when stressed or bored. But he still did it, filling his lungs with poison. But maybe he was wired like that. Besides, what werewolf lives past thirty? Might as well die revelling in the poison that brought him ease…

Remus conjured a ball of bright fire from his hand; fishing out a pack of cigarettes, slipped it past his lips and lit it. He inhaled, feeling the familiar, comforting feeling before dragging it from his lips, blowing out the thick cloud of smoke that left him wanting more.

He’d been sticking to his avoidance tactic strictly now. The Marauders were hovering over him, worry evident on their faces. A few times, Lily and James both invited him to sit. They never fought anymore, or at least in front of him, and it probably was his doing — a group effort into getting him to talk.

So even Lily knew something was wrong… Snape probably told her…

The door clicked open and Remus didn’t have to turn around to know how it was.

“Leave me alone. I’m not ready to talk.”

“Wasn’t gonna make you.”

He spun around, that wasn’t James or Peter. His face softened.

“Well… I’m not,” Y/N said simply, “But the others are about to.”

Remus groaned at that but Y/N smiled and turned around, ushering him over with a little wave. In one hand, she raised the Marauder’s map. “C’mon, I know a place and that they won’t be able to find.”

Remus was intrigued. He stepped out the butt of the cigarette, flicked it into the trash and followed her. Surely he’d already been there but being with Y/N seemed ten folds better than being around the other Marauders.

He followed wordlessly, passageways flying through his head but she never stopped by them. Instead, she climbed onto a ledge, slipping into an area under a large curtain. He followed, eyes lighting up in awe. He’s definitely never been there before.

“Get comfortable,” she said, flinging him a pillow and lighting a few candles.

They sat opposed to each other in complete silence. Y/N flicked back and forth, watching James and Peter scrabble around the castle looking for him. A few times, they passed by, each time leaving Y/N amused.

Remus tapped his leg anxiously. The question remained: Why wasn’t she disgusted with him? Why was she helping him? Why wasn’t she afraid?

Now alone together, those questions dangled on his tongue.

“Why aren’t you afraid of me?”

She looked up at him, finally putting down the map. “Because you’re Remus.” She said, like it was the most obvious answer. “You’re not scary.”

8. Hold onto doubt

The answer irritated him. Another memory unfolded then and he blurted it out. “Why didn’t you cast any spells at me?”

Her brows rose, “I didn’t want to hurt you.”

“I’m dangerous.” His voice was bleak and cold. “Why can't you grasp that?”

She stays quiet for a long time, her head turning to look out the large window. Y/N watched the owls and labyrinth of ancient trees of the forbidden forest and Remus was painfully aware of time slipping by.

“Do you remember that night on the astronomy tower on Halloween? I said that there’s bound to be someone looking at the moon at the same time?”

It takes Remus a moment to remember, but he does. “Yeah. You said that it’s like you’re not alone.”

Y/N turns around to face him. “Exactly. You don’t have to be alone in this.”

He looked away, deliberating. “It’s one thing for me to be alone but then drag you and others down with me.”

“Remus, I’m not going to lie and say I wasn’t scared. I was terrified. I thought that was it.” He gulped. “But I could never be scared of you. The real you - the you right now. I don’t care about what you are. You are more than just a werewolf. I feel safe with you.”

The dark shadows surrounded them as she reiterated herself. “You don’t have to be alone in this.”

He soaks in her words for a while. This time, peering out the window as he breathes in deeply.

Okay. He decided.

“Do you want to know how I got —” he pointed at a scar on his upper forearm. “— this?”

She nodded her head.

“When James turned into his animagus form to show me for the first time, his antlers pierced my skin. I had to lie to Pomfrey and say I fell while playing Quidditch.”

Any invisible barrier between them crashed instantly as she smiled brightly and laughed. So infectious, Remus couldn't help but flash a real grin.

He never realized how beautiful her smile was.

“Oh, and if you ever tell anyone about this place, I’ll skin you.”

“I would never.”

Remus scouted over to her, pressing his back against the cool stone as they sat together in a comfortable stillness. But then she shifted, opening her arms wide. He lent in without hesitation and her arms flung around his neck, pulling him into a tight embrace.

He felt salty tears stinging in the corners of his eyes and let himself soak in her warm.

He really needed that.

Over her shoulder, he returned to watch the stars.

9. Acceptance

Remus learned from a young age that it was better to keep people at an arm's length. Get too close, they’ll dig, find out his condition, fear him and run.

He hates to say it, but he’s not surprised that his secret slipped out. He got too comfortable, got too close... It’s just that the Sirius component was surprising.

But maybe it wasn’t surprising. Ever since the beginning of the year, especially since winter break, Sirius had been reckless more and more lately, and he probably should have seen it coming. He was wild as a result of being freed from the confines of his rigid upbringing.

Sirius Black was unpredictable.

Sirius Black was dangerous when it came to secrets.

Sirius Black was one of his best friends.

Sometimes betrayal is so profound that there’s no way to fix what was lost. The damage is done, irreplaceable, unfixable.

If Remus was sure of anything by the end of that week was that,

a) James Potter and Peter Pettigrew were still his best friends,

b) He almost killed Severus Snape and Y/N L/N,

c) Y/N knew his secret and despite everything, continued to talk to him, support him, be there for him — she accepted him,

d) His walls went up a higher, became stronger and insecurities ran deeper,

e) Lastly, Remus Lupin would never, ever forgive Sirius Black for what he did. Never.

━━━━━━━━━༻☽༺━━━━━━━━━

【 Next Chapter 】

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slytherinnbitch · 3 years

Text

Accident Part 2

Part 1 of Accident

Exactly 2 days and 17 hours after Malfoy had dissolved their marriage and left, Harry's memory came back. The impact of it was so bad that he was screaming his lungs out by the time a nurse came to check and she immediately called for Healer Malfoy-Potter.

Harry is on the verge on unconsciousness when Malfoy had finally came in, he gives him a vile looking potion and his vision blacks out.

When he woke up again, he was staring at the same white ceiling as always. His head is pounding, he scrunches his face slightly and looks to his left expecting his exasperated husband as always. He finds Hermione instead, with Ron on his other side.

"Where's Draco?" That's the first thing that comes out of his mouth. Hermione looks pained, so he turns to Ron and he has an almost identical expression. And then all of it crashes down on him.

The waking up, and seeing Draco and then oh god- and then taunting him and playing with all his weaknesses and everything that he had vowed to never do again. He had done exactly all that and so much more. Fucking piece of unworthy shit, that's what he is because Merlin he has fucked up so badly that it was surpassing all scales.

And he had asked for a divorce and...and Draco had readily accepted it, as he said....was his faith. And shit shit shit, Reg. What had he told Reg? He needs to grovel at Draco's feet, hopefully he would forgive Harry. And- he can't even think about it anymore.

He closes his eyes, hoping the mortifying feeling would go away. It doesn't. Not even one bit.

"Judging by your reaction, mate. I guess you remember all of it?" Ron asks tentatively, breaking his internal war.

"Yeah fuck."

"I still don't understand why he just did that, why did he listen to you and divorce you?" Hermione inquires because of course she doesn't understand.

"Because that's what he said he would do. He said it at the beginning of the relationship, he'll free me if I ever wanted him to, with no explanations whatsoever. I had told him, he shouldn't hold his breath over that." He smiles ruefully at the memory, Draco had shaked his head at that and kissed him. It had been an excellent day.

"Could either of you just call him? He is my Healer so he must be here, right?" He asks hopefully, something in their eyes tells him that he is very very wrong. They are excused from answering him when Zia enters. She is an assistant to Draco and under his wing, one of his best students.

"Hey Zia!" Harry greets her brightly, just because he is going through internal war doesn't mean he'll just give up his manners.

"Oh, hey Harry. So I conclude your memories are back?" Zia asks somewhat subdued, it's a weird thing on her. She is usually this bright and happy ray of sunshine, so he frowns.

"Yeah. Where's Draco?" he asks directly, she will probably give him a viable answer, but she looks distinctly uncomfortable so he feels the need to clarify, "You know, your boss, my husband and my healer?"

"Yea, yes. He um went home. Asked me to do the last check-up and then you're good to go."

"Did he say something else?" Harry asks because something tells him he is being withheld from information.

"He asked me to appoint you a new Healer because um he isn't going to handle your cases any longer. He was on this one because he was handling it before you asked for someone." Zia says and she looks heartbroken herself, what has he done!

"I'm so sorry, Harry. I tried to talk to him, he just went all cold and didn't listen to a word of mine. Just threatened to fire me and left." Zia continues and boy, his level of fucked knows no levels because Zia is crying now!

"No Zia, please don't cry. I'll... I'll talk to him, alright? Don't do anything just yet? I fucked up real bad this time, just let me leave and I'll try my best." Harry pleads and Zia hiccups softly. She checks his quickly with red eyes and deems him free to leave.

He is out of the doors within an hour with his best friends at his side.

"Mate, just know that we are here and you're more than welcome at ours if Draco kicks you out or anything yeah?" Ron assures him after he tells them that he is going home. Hermione just hugs him one last time before he apparates away, fervently hoping that Draco hasn't locked him out of the wards. The result of apparating inside while being locked out, especially of their customised wards aren't great.

Thankfully he hasn't, because Harry lands just fine on the doorstep of Grimmauld Place. The door opens on its own, recognising his magical signature.

Just as he closes the door, he hears the tiny footsteps of his baby boy and yeah there he is, sprinting towards him.

"Papaaaa," Reg cries out as he launches himself into his arms and it grounds him. It gives him peace and then enters Draco. He looks proper as always, no one would be able to tell that he is messed up. But no one is Harry Malfoy-Potter.

He notices the tiny, slightly out of place hair strands out of place. The clenched jaw as he tries to keep himself together and how he unconsciously keeps brushing his left arm.

"I missed you. Dada said he didn't know when you be back." Reg mumbles into his neck, it's mostly gibberish but Harry understands one and half year old pretty well, as he hugs him still, then he looks into his eyes with slight tears and says seriously, "Dada was so sad," and then he hugs him again.

He was gone for almost five days, it aches his heart how much he was missed by his little love and how much he is loved. He locks eyes with Draco then, who has the mask set in place properly again. He arches his eyebrow at Harry, a silent question that he can very well understand. He pleads back silently as well to keep it until they are alone. Draco gets it.

"I missed you too, my reggie-teggie. But guess what I won't be going anywhere now and we would have so much fun, won't we? We'll ride on the broom again all around the house while Dada goes to work, innit?" Harry asks and Reg beams at him, "And I'll try to make sure Dada isn't sad anymore, yeah?" And he nods enthusiastically.

"Alright, bed time now." Draco calls after an eternity passes with Harry listening to Reg bringing him up-to-date with everything that going on in his life. It seems very important.

He still isn't actually talking to Harry, not that he expected anything else.

"Can Papa read me a story?" Reg asks and Draco nods his head so he looks at Harry who does the same and then they go to Reg's room.

After he finishes the second story, he looks down beside him to find Reg fast asleep, he slowly and carefully gets out of his bed and tucks him in properly then starts towards the door.

After peering at his sleeping face, Harry closes the door and places a one-way muffiliato charm, so Reg can't hear them but they can still hear him. It would cancel out the minute Reg wakes up and Harry would get an alert. He and Draco had modified it themselves.

He roams around the house in order to find Draco, finally making way into their bedroom where he is sitting with his hands on his lap, waiting for Harry.

He stops breathing as he slowly enters the room. Draco doesn't object so he is fine. When he stops a feet away from Draco. He looks so frail like this, like he hasn't slept or eaten properly in days, he probably hasn't.

"Well, what is it Potter? I would like to sleep." Draco states, his voice ice cold and a slight shiver runs down Harry's spine as he remembers the last time he had been like this. It had been after Harry had gone on a date so many years back, before he came to his senses that is.

"Draco, please. Don't do this." Harry pleads and Draco's eyes flash dangerously.

"You mean I did this? Me, Potter? Me who has been unable to answer my kid why his other father has not come home except for that he is still sick and needs rest? Me who has been-" he stops abruptly and takes a deep, calming breath, "Anyways, my point is I didn't do a thing."

"Draco, you know I don't mean that. And- and I didn't mean any of the shit I said after waking up," Harry tries again, he knows it's futile somewhat but he can't just give up. "I should not have accused you like that. My last self was a number one arsehole."

"Yeah, he was." Draco agrees but he doesn't say anything else.

"I'm sorry that I didn't believe you or my friends or even my own self, I should have." Harry sighs and rubs his eyes under glasses.

Draco remains silent.

"Talk to me, dammit! Shout at me, scream, tell, punch, hex whatever you want to. Just- just don't keep so quiet, it's so much more hurting than the others, please Draco." he snaps after almost two minutes of complete silence.

"And what would you like me to tell you? That I forgive you and you're welcome back in my life? Is that what you think would happen when you came here?" Draco taunts and shit if he doesn't deserve it.

"Because that's not going to happen," Draco continues, he meets Draco's eyes with all his guilt and regret and he feels Draco's barriers snapping, "What to know why, Harry? I don't care because I'm going to tell you anyway." Draco says casually and Harry prepares himself for it.

"Because you fucking dissolved our marriage vows, you utter bastard! You just went and dissolved everything we had the moment you got to know that we were married! And how bloody dare you ask for my rings?" Draco shouts at him, he has tears in his eyes but he keeps on, "Do you know that mother noticed that the tapestry suddenly didn't have your name tied to mine? Just to Reg? She did and so did father. She told me so when I went to pick up Reg. Do you even want to what hell father told me? How he always knew I was wrong and how you would leave me one day and- and now I had a fucking child to my name all alone and he knew I would be a fuck up all along? Do you have any idea what that did to me? How difficult it was for me to keep a facade infront of Reg. Do you, Harry?" He looks at Harry, waiting for an answer.

"I don't..."

"Of course you don't. You have no bloody clue, and you know what you don't need to. You can fuck off whenever you want and I won't stop you. Who the fuck would I be, wasn't that what you said?" Draco rages on, then he says it again, it comes out utterly broken, "Who the fuck, indeed?" And then he sobs, openly, all masks gone.

Harry can't help but move forward and hug him tightly. He is crying himself as Draco tries to wretch himself free.

"Let me go, you prick. Utter prick, with no fucking-" Draco says against himself and Harry shushes him gently.

"Shh, darling. I'm here, I'm sorry but I'm here now, love." Draco struggles some more before he gives up and hugs Harry back tightly. He can't breathe but who needs that when they have Draco Malfoy-Potter in their arms.

When they finally pull apart, Draco's eyes are red and he is still hiccuping.

"I love you," Harry says softly as he caresses his cheek. Draco leans on his hand and mouths the words back.

"You are still not forgiven, just so you know." Draco says and Harry doesn't know what he shall do. He'll do anything, murder if he has to.

"How can I earn it?"

"Do something about our marriage and I'll think about it." Draco replies after a moment of thinking.

"Marry me, again? It's our anniversary in 12 days. We can do it then." Harry suggests, and a small smile seems to tug at Draco's lips.

"And whoever said that I'll marry you. That too for the second time. One time was enough, don't you think?" Draco teases, and he knows he did the right thing this once.

"A million times again, and it still won't be enough."

"Let's keep it to two, yeah?" Draco suggests as he draws Harry close.

"Promise." Harry says and seals it with a kiss. They are going to be okay, again, he thinks as he drowns himself in Draco's love.

Have at your happy ending, sad ending would have been nice but I value my life a little. Tagging @moramystery @cupofsquirrelfan @justthingsfromsarah because y'all specifically asked for a sequel. Altho this isn't all that angsty.

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theoreticslut · 3 years

Text

Pining for your Best Friend

pairing: george weasley x gryffindor (fem) reader

requested: @bunnyboo7

“a George Weasley x Gryffindor reader imagine of 72,74&76. Where the reader and the twins are best friends, the reader likes Fred but Fred and Angelina has this ‘thing’ between them so she’s heartbroken. So George who likes the reader comes in and make her smile and laugh and stuff, and they somehow and up together. Can it also be angsty and fluff at the same time 🤍”

72 - “I don’t want to let go” // 74 - “Just pretend to be my date” // 76 - “Keep me warm”

word count: 5k

warnings: angst, fluff, swearing

A/N: thank you so much for requesting this love! I had so much fun writing it Xx I hope you like it as much as I do! Also, for everyone else that’s submitted requests, I am working on them and they should be up by the start of next week!! Thank you bunches for requesting stories, it honestly makes me so happy!! Let me know what you guys think and don’t be afraid to request more if there’s something else you’d like written! Xx

Taglist: @justmesadgirl @xuckduck @yikesyikesyikes95 @filipi-yes @aestheticwh0r3 @siredkai @matsuno-nadeshiko @msmarklee1213 @immajustreadwritereblog @msmimimerton @lauren2408 @mischievous-queen @bunnyboo7 @grandeoptimist @kaitlynw011 @daddystevee @slytherinxhunter

You frown as you watch Fred and Angelina laugh together a few desks ahead of you. Not so long ago you had hoped it would be you and him in the same situation.

You and the twins have been best friends for as long as you can remember, your parents being friends with theirs and your fathers working together at the ministry. Having essentially grown up together, you couldn’t help but develop a crush on Fred. He was funny and outgoing and so easy to joke with, yet you had seen his softer side as well.

You had seen him take care of Ron and Ginny when they’d get hurt or were having a bad day. You have been comforted by him a number of times and each time your heart swelled a little more with love for the boy.

Since starting hogwarts, however, you’ve been watching him slowly fall in love with Angelina Johnson - a beautiful, kind, and intelligent gryffindor like yourselves who was impeccably skilled in quidditch. It’s really no wonder he would fall for her.

For you, though, it was like a wrecking ball smashing into your heart, completely shattering it and making sure to swing back and hit the pieces it missed the first time around.

You’re not really sure when it had happened, but you had fallen completely in love with your best friend and there’s absolutely no point in telling him now. maybe if you had told him years ago, but it's not like you could go back.

You sigh, trying to ignore the breaking of your heart and the sinking of your stomach as you sit in the middle of transfiguration. Truthfully all you wanted to do was hideaway in your dorm, or maybe even the astronomy tower, and forget about everything. Maybe you could obliviate yourself? Was it safe? I mean, who really cares at this moment as long as you forget ever loving him.

“Hey, beautiful. What’re you thinking about?” You hear your other best friend, George, ask as he leans over to you.

“Nothing.” You sigh, sending a very unconvincing smile his way.

“You're such a bad liar, y/n. Always have been.” He chuckles, bumping shoulders with you as he teases you.

He knew exactly what you had been thinking about and he knew just how much it was hurting you with just one look at your expression and the way you were holding yourself.

“Only to you and Fred. If I remember correctly, I’ve pulled one over many a times on a handful of people.” You smile lightly, this one being a bit more genuine.

“That’s true, I suppose. I guess it’s one of those perks from growing up with you.” He smiles.

“I suppose so, Georgie.”

You give him a small smile, grateful for the distraction he provided from his twin. You weren’t sure if he knew what he was doing, but even if he didn't you were happy to have him. He somehow always knew right when to pull you from your thoughts or distract you from a situation.

~.~

“Hey, Angelina! Will you go out with me?” Fred asks over dinner one night and you swear you can feel your heart hit the floor. It had never felt so heavy before.

You watch as she nods, smiling widely at your fiery-haired best friend who is sporting a smile just as big.

Without realizing it, your eyes had filled with tears and you were on the verge of crying. You only noticed when one had started to slip out, which you quickly wiped away with the sleeve of your sweater.

“Hey...i’m sorry, loves, but I think I’m going to head back to my room. I-I’m not feeling real well all a sudden.” You excuse yourself, frowning lightly at you two friends; Adelyn and Maisie.

They frown as they realize why your excusing yourself, but don’t try to make you stay. They know you need to get away and be by yourself for a bit.

George frowns from beside you as you get up and quickly try to get out of the hall without drawing any attention to yourself. He hates knowing his brother is the reason for their best friend’s heart currently breaking into a thousand pieces. Fred doesn’t even realize how in love with him you are and it kills George because he knows Fred doesn’t look at you in the same way, whereas he does.

George has always liked you more than his siblings have. While it’s true you all had grown up almost as siblings, George had never been able to see you as a sister like Fred and Ron had. He saw you as this beautiful, vibrant girl he got to be best friends with. He saw you as one of the kindest, most brilliant, funny, and talented people he’s ever met. Then when you guys got older he only started to notice more and more how gorgeous you were.

Watching you go through puberty was absolute hell for him as he and Fred were unluckily starting to go through puberty at the same time. Watching you mature and your body fill out was absolute art to him, but it came to be a bit of an issue when he wasn’t able to control a certain body part of his. Too many times he had to excuse himself so he wouldn’t be caught with a boner, his ears always burning in embarrassment when he did.

After about ten minutes he decides he needs to see if you’re okay, already knowing you aren’t, but wanting to see if he could help in anyway. He hated knowing you were upset and would do anything and everything in his power to make you happy again.

~.~

“Hey George! Y/n!” Fred smiles as he sits down at breakfast a couple weeks later.

After Fred had asked Angelina to be his girlfriend and you left before you could start crying in the middle of the great hall, George had come to keep you company, assuring you that his brother was a thorough idiot and that you deserved someone who would notice your affections and wouldn't just string you along.

He had stayed with you most of that night, only leaving in the very early hours of the morning before students would start waking up.

Since then you and him could be found together nearly every moment of the day. He would walk you to classes whether you shared them or not, and if you happened to share a class he would always sit with you, passing you playful notes the entire hour or whispering comments or jokes in your ear. You often had to hold back your laughter, opting instead to roll your eyes at him and smile.

If you guys weren’t in class, you could be found lounging around the common room or the library. You would work on your homework while George would either lay there with you, fidgeting with a prototype or he would be making notes for a new invention. Sometimes he would write you notes to smoothly pass you while you were working, effectively distracting you and getting you to smile. He rarely would do his homework with you, which you always found annoying, but wouldn’t push him to do. in all honesty, you just liked having him near.

Aside from classes and your guys' free time, You and George would sit together at meals, talking and laughing with your friends aside from Fred and Angelina, you would walk the grounds together when you were bored while talking about anything and everything, and you would even curl up together in each other's bed at times just so you wouldn't have to part quite yet.

Truthfully, you and George had become more of a pair then him and his twin, but neither of you were complaining. You loved laughing and joking with him and he loved seeing you smile and laugh and joke back with him. He was proud of himself that he could take your mind off of his twin who could so carelessly break your heart without even realizing it.

“Hey, Fred.” George smiles, acknowledging his twins presence, but keeping up a bit of caution as you were sitting right beside him. He wasn’t entirely sure how you felt about Fred at the moment and wouldn't hesitate to take you away from him if you were uncomfortable.

“I feel like it’s been weeks since we’ve actually talked.” Fred chuckles, grabbing himself a plate of food.

“Guess things have been going well with Angie, huh?” You ask, your heart only breaking a little.

“Really well. Merlin, she’s perfect. I actually wanted to ask you guys if you’d like to come out with her and I to hogsmeade on the trip this weekend? I’d love to have us all hangout.” He says happily, before taking a bite of his eggs.

George looks down at you as you look up at him. You can read exactly what he’s asking you; he wants to make sure your comfortable, and if you weren't, it was more than okay to say no.

You smile, nodding lightly. you missed having fred around and it was only one afternoon, you were sure you could handle it.

“Yeah, maybe we’ll catch up with you guys there. I kinda wanted to sleep in a bit this weekend.” You answer for the two of you.

Fred nods, not even noticing how you two had to check with each other. He's definitely noticed how close you two have gotten, feeling a bit upset that you were now laughing and joking with george instead of him. For years that was your guys' thing. He was the one that was able to make you break out into a big smile, or laugh until you couldn't breathe.

Then you were spending all of your time with george now on top of everything else when it used to be the three of you. Fred was a little hurt that he seemed to have been replaced, but he couldn't exactly pinpoint why it made it so upset. Maybe it was because he felt it was his fault as he was spending a lot of his time with Angie?

~.~

Saturday comes almost a little too quickly and you realize just how nervous you are to do this. Maybe you didn’t have to meet up with Fred and Angelina. You doubted that they would mind, anyway. You debate going back inside the castle when George finally meets up with you.

“Y/n? You ready to go?” George asks, giving you a smile and holding out his hand for you to take.

“Yeah, yes. I'm ready.”

George frowns as he notices how nervous you are. He had a feeling you were trying to push aside your hurt feelings a bit too quickly, but he didn't want to bring it up. If you wanted to move forward, he wasn't going to stop you.

“Y/n, you don’t have to be so nervous. We don’t have to go if you don’t want to.” He reassures, grabbing hold of the hand that is picking at your slightly chapped bottom lip - a nervous habit he realized you have years ago.

“No, I’d like to go, Georgie. I just, Merlin, I don’t know if I really want to see Fred and Angelina hanging on each other all day. I feel bad not going though, you and Fred have barely hung out or talked at all lately.”

“Don’t you worry your pretty little head about Fred and I’s relationship. All I care about at the moment is you, and whether you are okay.” george smiles, pulling you towards him.

“I’m fine, just....”

“A little nervous?” he asks, looking at you already knowing its the truth. You nod and frown a bit, george giving you a comforting smile as he pulls you into a hug, his arms wrapping around you fully.

“Take a breath, darling. Why don't we go for now, but the second you start feeling like its too much you tell me and we'll come back. Okay?"

"Okay, georgie. Thank you for being so amazing."

"You don't have to thank me, y/n, but you're welcome." he smiles, his heart warming with adoration for you.

~.~

“George!” You gasp as he hits you in the middle of the back with a snowball. You two had been fooling around the entire way to hogsmeade, but you hadn't expected that.

you shiver as some of the snow fell into the back of your coat, melting against your neck and running down your back.

"I am so getting you back for that, weasley." you threaten, a smile still on your face as you try to glare at your best friend. he just smirks and winks at you.

"I dare you to, darling." he quips.

Fred and Angelina turn towards the commotion, momentarily pausing the conversation they were having.

Fred frowns a bit as angelina smiles at the two of you. She's glad to see you both so happy whereas fred is feeling just a bit jealous. he wishes more than anything that you would still joke with him and share playful conversations and actions, but since he and Angelina started dating he's noticed how you will barely look at him. It's like george has completely taken up your attention and fred was upset about it. You weren't friends just with george, you were also his friend whether you remember or not.

"Hey, guys! It's nice to see you!" Angelina calls out as she waves at the two of you.

Her and fred watch as you and george glance over, your smiles dropping ever so slightly. however, fred's the only one that really notices, and even then it was so slight he wasn't 100% sure if he saw it right.

You smile, waving back at the girl before looking over to george. you share a look that tells you he's not leaving you and that you will be okay.

"remember, y/n, we can leave at any time you want to, okay?" he reassures, holding out his pinky for you to promise with.

"okay, george." you smile, linking your pinky with his as he smiles at you, placing a soft kiss to your forehead before you make your way over to them.

"hey, guys. it is really nice to be hanging out with you, and to just get out of the castle for a moment." you chuckle, smiling at the red head and his girlfriend.

"oh, I completely get that, y/n. I've been so stressed over classes lately." angelina agrees, sighing as she recalls the few pieces she has to finish this weekend still.

george smiles at you, proud that your able to fake a friendly conversation, but silently reassuring you that you don't have to push yourself more than needed. the last thing he wants is to see you hurt again.

you smile up at him as he carefully slides an arm around your waist as he stands behind and to the side of you a bit.

"Well, what do you guys want to do first?" fred asks, eyeing his brother as he looks down at you for an answer.

~.~

you start to frown a bit as fred wraps an arm around angelina while you four are sitting around a table in the three broomsticks. You've been doing so well today, but now it was all starting to weigh down on you. As much as you tried to ignore it, watching your best friend love up on someone else that wasn't you hurt.

"you alright, love?" george whispers in your ear when fred and angie get up to get you all another drink along with some food.

"yeah. I'm doing great, georgie." you smile, loving the feeling of the hand he placed on your back. it's like warm was suddenly radiating through your body, trying to rid you of the chill you feel from the cold and your broken heart.

"don't lie to me, y/n. I can tell you're getting tired and worn out."

"alright, georgie. I don't know why you ask if you already know the answer." you huff, slumping onto your elbows, you head resting in your hands.

he chuckles, smiling warmly at you as he slides his arm around your waist, pulling you closer to him in the booth you two are sitting in.

"do you want to head back soon?" he asks, tucking some hair behind your ear as you look up at him.

"no," you sigh. "I actually really like out here, i'm just...tired of seeing them together."

george frowns, nodding in agreement as you both look over to fred as he kisses angie on the cheek.

"i think i've got a solution to that." he smiles.

"what's that, georgie?"

"just pretend to be my date. you can't be upset by them if you're on a date of your own now can you?"

"george, we can't -" you start by are quickly cut off.

"yes, we can. now shh. they're on their way back." he shushes, placing a quick kiss to your forehead as you shake your head at him.

he's got to be crazy, but crazy with a point. perhaps you might feel better if you were on a date of your own. it's not like you hadn't thought of going out with george before.

"we're back! with four more butterbeers and everything we ordered for food." fred smiles, setting down the tray he was carrying and angie passes out the drinks.

"Thanks, freddie. y/n here was just saying how hungry she was, weren't you, love?" george asks, his hand on your waist rubbing comforting circle into your skin.

Fred pauses a moment, confused at the use of the pet name. sure they've called you princess and sweetheart and many other names, but the way george had just said it was different. it was more loving and held differently in the air.

he doesn't show it, but hearing it made his heart stop for a second or two. He definitely felt like was being replaced with george, but watching you now, he wonders just what roles George has filled in your life.

Fred had always wondered what it would be like to be your boyfriend, but could never bring himself to find out. Then he met Angie and he pushed all his potential feelings for you away, instead focusing on the wonderful woman he's dating. For some reason, however, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of hurt in his chest at the thought of you and george dating.

"I was. I didn't eat much breakfast today and I'm starving." you say, smiling at your best friend, both of you noticing the hesitation fred showed.

"well, then, you better start eating." fred chuckles, setting your order of food in front of you.

~.~

“Hey, can we go to honeydukes, Georgie?” You ask as you spot it just down the street. After your guys' lunch, the four of you decided to look around and go shopping.

you didn't have a lot of money to spend, but you really wanted to pick up some candy, especially some chocolate as you've been craving it lately.

george smiles at you, nodding as he intertwines your hands together as you walk.

“Hey, guys, let's stop into honeydukes.” George says, already leading you over there as fred and angelina smile, following after you guys.

you spend a few minutes looking, having gone off with george and fred and angelina were somewhere else in the store.

You giggle as George pokes your sides as you reach for a chocolate cauldron up on the higher shelves, not quite able to reach it.

“Can’t reach it now can you, short stuff?”

“Shut up, Georgie. Help me get it down? please?” You pout, smiling when he finally reaches up above you to get it, successfully caging you against the wall.

"Anything for you, love." he smiles, a hand of his resting on your waist to steady himself.

you smile at him, loving how real all of this felt. maybe you liked george more than you thought all of these years?

He frowns, as you both hear fred and angelina laughing as they get closer to the two of you. George could tell how much everything still bothered you, but you were trying to be strong.

"forget about them, love. I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere. I promise." he smiles, running his thumb across your cheek as he cups your face.

“I’m going to do something, okay. just, let me know if it's too much.” He says, smiling at you as he glances at your lips. He's always wondered what it would feel like to kiss you. he figured what better way to find out than to kiss you right here, truly solidifying your act.

Without thinking much more about it he pulls you into him as your lips meet. you gasp a bit, but close your eyes and quickly fall into the rhythm of the kiss, your hands going up to wrap around his neck. you hadn't expected this, but it felt right in the absolute best way.

“Find something sweet, I see?” You hear Fred ask, chuckling, but when you both look at him you can see he’s more than a bit jealous, hurt flashing across his features.

you and george pull away, a light blush dusting your cheeks as you smile shyly. you had never expected that to feel so amazing.

"very sweet." george smiles, chuckling a bit as you slap his arm.

“I never would have thought you two would get together, but it actually makes a lot of sense." angelina chuckles. "and you’re really cute together. I can’t believe I would think anything else.” she smiles.

“Yeah, can’t believe you’d think anything else.” Fred agrees, looking between the two of you a little upset.

he never thought his twin would like you, you two always acted like brother and sister. granted you and he also acted like brother and sister, but he was sure he would know if george had feelings. he and george could never hide their feelings from each other.

~.~

The rest of the afternoon you guys spend shopping, George never failing to act like your boyfriend as he'd sneak kisses onto your cheeks or give you a quick peck when you two were stopped. you can’t help but enjoy it a little too much. What would it be like if you two really were to date? would it be like this?

“do you think we should get going back? it is getting kinda late in the afternoon." angelina states, looking around at all of you.

"yeah, I think we've all had a long day. It was fun, but i'm actually really tired." you admit, smiling a bit as george pulls you in his side.

"same here. i'd love to go back and take a nap before dinner." george chuckles.

angie nods, turning to her boyfriend who had been watching you and his twin. he could tell you looked tired, but he couldn't help but wonder if george had a second meaning behind saying he wanted to take a nap. he couldn't imagine you and him would be sleeping together, but at this point, he really wasn't sure about anything involving you and his twin.

“I get it. classes have been stressful and the professors have been giving out so much homework. i'm sure I could use a nap too." angie smiles.

"alright, well let's head back then. maybe we can all come back out in another weekend or two?" fred suggest to which angie agrees and you and george shrug to.

~.~

“I’ll see you later, Freddie.” Angelina smiles, giving him a kiss that you and George roll your eyes at, leaning closer together to hide your smirks and giggles.

once you all got back to the castle, you've taken residence on the couch. you and george cuddling and rolling your eyes at the couple as they chatted.

“I love you, beautiful. See you later tonight.”

George mimics his twin as your huddled together and you have to bite your lip to keep from chuckling out loud.

“That’s right, just laugh it up you two." fred huffs, crossing his arms and leaning back into the couch as his girlfriend disappears upstairs.

"you seem a bit upset, freddie. what's wrong?" george asks, not moving from underneath you or even shifting to lean towards his brother.

"when did this happen?" he asks, looking at the two of you. you were laying on your side next to george, your head resting on his shoulder as the two of you held hands and george's other hand resting on your waist.

“What are you talking about?” George asks, both of you looking at him confused.

“All this lovey dovey, relationship shit. You two aren’t really dating, are you?”

“And what makes you say we aren’t dating dear brother of mine?”

he scoffs, rolling his eyes at the two of you. there is no way he wouldn't know you two liked each other before know. he was not that oblivious.

"i've known the two of you my entire life, neither of you have ever showed any sort of feelings for each other until today. What's happened?"

you and george share a look of utter disbelief.

"godrick, you really are blind at times, aren't you freddie?" george asks, chuckling.

"what do you mean?"

"i mean, fred, that y/n here has been crushing on you for years and you never noticed. i know she wasn't trying to, but it was so obvious, mate." george says.

"what? no-"

"yeah, freddie. believe it or not your best friend was madly in love with you." you say, nonchalantly.

"watching you flirt and get together with angelina absolutely broke her, fred. i honestly can't believe you wouldn't have noticed." george sighs.

"anyway, i was helping her pick up the pieces of her heart. that's why we've been hanging out together so much. I can't trust leaving her alone in fear you're going to completely break her again."

You smile at your best friend, beyond grateful he's been here for you. you're honestly not sure how to ever thank him for being so patient with you while you were pining over his twin brother.

he smiles down at you, chewing on his lip as you snuggle closer to him, loving the warmth he was radiating.

“I-y/n. I’m sorry. I-I didn’t know.” Fred stutters, frowning as he realizes he could have had a chance with you.

"don't worry about it anymore. you've got angelina and you seem real happy with her. the last thing i want to do is make you feel bad."

"besides, george and I seem to be getting along just fine. he's surprisingly really good at putting things back together." you smile, giggling as he pokes your side.

“Surprisingly? Have I or have I not always fixed what you and Fred broke when we were younger so our parents wouldn’t yell at us?” George asks, slightly offended.

you giggle, burying your face into his chest as he kisses the top of your head. you loved laying here like this with him. for the first time in quite awhile you felt completely safe and happy.

“So you two like each other? Are you actually dating...or was this all for show?” Fred asks.

you look up at george and find him smiling at you, but there's something different about the way he's looking at you right now.

"well, we were pretending, but I'd be more than happy to make this real." george states, tucking some of your hair behind your ear as you smile at him.

"I'd be happy with that, georgie." you smile, watching as his face breaks out in a grin as he leans down to kiss you.

"so, you two are dating now...th-that's great. I...I'm really happy for you two." fred mumbles, feeling his heart break.

"freddie, I'm sorry mate. I know you liked y/n a little bit a few years ago, but i'm not going to let you keep going back and forth with her."

"no. No, I understand, george. She deserves you and you deserve her. I think I've always kinda known you like her more than a friend." fred sighs, smiling lightly at the two of you.

you give him a small smile. you'll always like him, but like george said, you can't keep going back and forth waiting on him to decide. Now, seeing george care for you this last month or so and pretending to date for a day, you realize just how much you truly love him. with fred, your affection for him was more a sort of a schoolgirl crush. with georgie, you knew this wasn't just a passing feeling.

"well, I'll catch you guys later, yeah?" fred asks to which you and george nod.

After a few minutes, george turns to look at you curled up on him as you've been thinking.

"Do you want to go talk to him?"

you shake your head. while you felt bad knowing that seeing you and george together had upset fred, you knew he would bounce back from it when he saw how happy you two were.

"no, i don't want to let go of you." you smile, looking up at him as as a grin takes over his face.

"merlin, y/n. you are absolutely adorable." he smiles, kissing your lips and then peppering kisses over your neck and face.

"georgie, stop!" you giggle as it tickles and the movement is causing cold air to hit your skin.

"can you just sit still and keep me warm, please?" you ask to which he nods, kissing you one last time before wrapping his arms around you tightly.

For going through such a rough month, you had to admit you were pretty pleased with how great it was ending.

#harry potter #harry potter imagine #harry potter fluff #harry potter angst #fred weasley #fred weasley angst #george weasley #george weasley x reader #george weasley imagine #george weasley fluff #george weasley angst #hp imagine #hp fluff #hp angst #hogwarts #hogwarts imagine #weasley twins #fred and george weasley x reader #fred and george weasley

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ingeniouscollectionthing · 4 years

Text

Mine (Tom Riddle x Reader)

Request: Maybe some jealous Tom during the Yuleball smut? When he didn't ask the reader out and he gets into a fight with the dude she went with?

Pairing: Tom Riddle x Reader

Warnings: NSFW, Dark, Spanking etc. the typical stuff.

“How dare you dance in the arms of another man?”, Tom grunted, as he slapped your already red ass once more.

“How dare you let him touch you in the ways only I am allowed to?!”, now he aggressively pulled at your hair, making you arch your back, as he slammed his rock-hard cock into your cunt unbelievably fast.

“I – I’m so sorry Tommy, I didn’t mean to”, you said in a hoarse voice, before another moan left your lips as Tom hit your g-spot.

“Oh fuck, babygirl…you fucking should be”.

You should’ve seen it coming, really. All week long were you waiting for your boyfriend to ask you out to the annual Yule ball. You had everything planned; the dress you bought was the perfect mixture of sexy and elegant, just how he liked it. You also spent a good amount of money on beautiful underwear for him to discover - you were so excited to see the amazed lustful look he’d give you if you revealed it to him.

But he never mentioned attending the ball together, he never brought it up. So as you finally took it upon yourself to ask him out, the day of the ball, the only response you got –

“Oh come on, darling. I do not like participating in social gatherings like these, you know I never did.”

“You wouldn’t even consider to accompany your goddamn girlfriend? For Merlin’s sake Tom, do you ever think of the things I want? Or is your ego too big to consider a woman’s wish for once?!” He shrugged.

You couldn’t deny that you felt a pang of pain in your chest, but as always, you sucked it up, as you stormed out of his dorm, slamming the door in the process. Tom on the other hand just laughed at your ridiculous behaviour. You’d come around anyway, you always come back.

If he didn’t care about what you wanted, you might as well seek out another man to be your date tonight. Someone who’d give you the appreciation that you needed, after all most boys at Hogwarts literally licked the floor you walked on.

And sure enough there were at least ten of them trailing your steps through the corridors just to get your attention. You already found a date however, by the way without any efforts, really – someone Tom absolutely loathed with a great passion.

Acamus McLaggen, a Gryffindor in his last year – good looking, overconfident and arrogant – a Gryffindor at his truly worst. You knew he adored you, after all he was the one trying to sneak a love potion into your morning tea in 4th grade. Tom was furious back then. He’ll probably kill him now. Perfect Plan, you thought.

“Is this what you wanted, you little dumb girl? To be fucked? To be fucked by McLaggen?”, Tom spit with venom in his voice, one of his hands sneaking around your body to grab your throat. With great pressure his hand cut off your air supply, making tears appear in the corners of your eyes.

Just as you thought he’d let you suffocate, he let loose again. His cock still pounded into your pussy, rubbing deliciously on your clit everytime it went out and back into your warm walls.

“Yes that’s right. Now you’re sorry, huh? When I show you who you belong to”

You let out a scream as your second orgasm of the night clashed through you, making you squirt all over his muscled thighs. It wouldn’t be the last one either, you realized quickly, as Tom pulled out of you just to throw you onto the floor on your back. He crawled over you in between your aching legs, before he kissed you hard, all teeth and tongue. As he pulled back he looked at you and with a dirty smirk he wiped away your tears – then he plunged into your swollen pussy again, groaning as he felt your walls already constricting against him. You were completely overstimulated, however Tom utterly adored the way you screamed and whimpered for him to still continue, as your nails clawed down his broad back.

“Tommy…please make me cum again.. I’ll be a good girl I promise!”, you moaned, as he left marks all over your neck and cleavage.

“Who do you belong to?”, he whispered hungrily.

Tom hasn’t seen you since you left him alone. Until now he didn’t even spend a single thought on you, but he quickly realized that he actually missed your mere presence by his side. Maybe he was a bit harsh on you, he thought, as he went over to your dorm, knocking before opening the door – just to find it empty. Tom was confused, you weren’t in your bed, like he expected you to be – you weren’t there waiting for him. The only thing on your bed was your school uniform, lying in an unorganized pile. He put two and two together though, quickly walking back to his room to change into a proper suit to attend the godforsaken ball. He needed to find you, because he knew that if you were all alone at that event, every single boy in Hogwarts would gawk at you, his girl – they’d try to touch you, dance with you, which was his job.

You were currently dancing in the arms of your dearest date, always sneaking glances at the entrance to hopefully spot your boyfriend.

“You know, Riddle is an idiot for not taking you out in that dress. You look absolutely ravishing”, Mclaggen whispered in your ear, making goosebumps appear on your skin. You shivered in an uncomfortable way, but still managed a smirk, replying in a sultry voice,

“Oh do I now?” McLaggend tightened his grip on your waist to your disgust, but you kept playing. “Maybe Tom is missing out on more than just this simple dress. Maybe now, that you’re here, you should be the one getting the surprise hiding underneath.” You could feel how his hands squeezed tighter as his breath stocked. McLaggen grinned and just seconds before his lips could meet your scarlet red ones, he was shoved off of you with a nasty punch to his face. Some students noticed the scene, trying to ignore it as to not aggravate the attacker even more. Tom was absolutely fuming, his hatred for McLaggen burning his very being, as he stepped over him, grabbing his colour to pick him up.

“Run McLaggen. Run and hide. And pray that I won’t find you”, Tom whispered, his eyes glowing in a sick tone of red, as he watched him run off.

You smiled as you slowly stepped into Tom’s line of sight, linking your hands behind his neck. His instinctively went to your waist, instantly erasing the revolting feeling of another mans hands on you. His eyes bore into yours now.

“How dare you? Wearing such a dress for such a boy?”, he spit out, clenching his teeth.

“What else was I supposed to do to get your attention, Tommy? This dress was meant for you and even more so what’s underneath. How else am I supposed to get pleased by a man when mine won’t even look at me, because he only cares about himself”, you bit back, biting your lip.

He laughed at you, a sick fake laugh.

“You know as well as I do that I am the only one capable of giving you unbelievable pleasure. I’m the only one allowed to watch as you moan and scream for more, as I pull orgasm after orgasm from your little desperate pussy”.

“That’s what you say, Tommy”. You smiled.

And with that his temper wore out – he grabbed your wrist, surely leaving marks on it, as he dragged you into some abandoned empty classroom. Tom shoved you up against a wall after he locked the door, kissing you passionately and ripping your dress into shreds without as much of a thought. He didn’t even glance at your fancy underwear, ripping it too, before groping your whole body in a perverted and aggressive manner, clawing and slapping every piece of you he could get. As you finally freed him of his jacket and shirt, he lowered you onto your knees, fumbling with his belt and pants to get his rock hard cock out of its confines.

“Suck”, was his only order, as he grabbed your head, shoving his penis into your waiting mouth. You did your best, his cock hitting the back of your throat hard, making you almost gag. Just as he was on the verge of spilling his seed into your mouth, he pulled you off him, manoeuvring you to stand against the wall, making you present your ass to him, which he slapped a few times - hard. Your pussy was already glistening with your arousal, making it easy for him to slip inside without a warning.

Which brings us back to where we are now.

“I’m yours Tom! Only yours! I’m so sorry! Please! Please make me cum again”, you nearly cried from the overwhelming feeling.

Tom laughed at your begging, enjoying how he finally broke you into a whimpering and fucked out mess. Your nails still dug into his back and he loved that small amount of pain he got from it. With one last look at your beautiful face, he couldn’t keep it anymore.

“Merlin (Y/N), my little girl!” His hips stuttered, as your walls tightened deliciously around his pulsating cock. Again he felt a wet sensation on his thighs, and he smirked for he made you squirt again. You both panted hard, the world spinning around your heads, lost in the raw feeling of skin on skin.

Tom laid down beside you on the floor, turning you so that you faced his chest, engulfing you tightly in his arms. His breathing slowly returned to normal. His hand enclosed softly around your jaw, tilting your head upwards to meet his now sparkling blue eyes. You tried to focus on him, your vision getting blurrier by second, as you fought to stay conscious. You were beyond exhausted.

“Don’t worry”, Tom smirked darkly as your eyes closed. “I’ll keep you safe.” And right after he left a light kiss on your forehead – “You are mine”.

You slipped into unconsciousness, his dark laugh echoing in your mind.

It’s a bit short, but still fucking steamy. Hope you like it,

- ingeniouscollectionthing

#tom riddle #tom riddle x reader #tom riddle x you #tom riddle imagine #tom riddle imagines #tom riddle smut #tom riddle fluff #smut #fluff #harry potter #harry potter imagine #harry potter smut #harry potter x reader #voldemort #voldemort x reader #lord voldemord #young voldemort x reader #young voldemort

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harrytpotter · 4 years

Text

Don’t You Think? — One-Shot

Plot: Sirius Black keeps crashing your dates until you finally have enough and decides to confront him about it.

Pairing: Sirius Black x Fem!Reader

A/N: I wrote this at 2 am so apologies in advance for the probable grammar mistakes, the short length of it and everything else. It’s messy but I kinda enjoyed the outcome of this. I intended it to be much longer but I felt this was a good way of ending it, so...

“You’re such a git, Black!” You roll your eyes annoyed at you friend — who had just sabotaged your date — on your way to the castle, back from Hogsmeade.

“Oh, come on now, Y/N! I told you I didn’t mean to crash your date, I just needed to ask you something!” He retorts, furrowing his brows.

“Couldn’t you just wait until I got back? This stupid essay’s deadline is in two weeks from now!” You slap his arm furiously, standing in front of him.

“Ouch! Look, I’m sorry okay?! I really thought we were supposed to hand this over tomorrow and-,” he starts, but you don’t give him a chance to finish, turning on your heels and climbing up the stairs to the Gryffindor tower.

You could hear Sirius shouting your name but you were just too furious at him right now. He had no right to mess with your life the way he had and yet he did do it anyway. And it wasn’t even the first time!

“Password,” the bored voice of the Fat Lady snapped you back to reality.

“Dragonfly,” you answer and the portrait moved, letting the path free for you.

“Oi! How was the date, L/N?” James asked you from his spot on the couch as soon as you walked in. He and Lily looked at you curiously.

“Ask your arse of a friend!” You spat before getting to the stairs that led to your dorm.

“Merlin, what did Sirius do now?” He muttered, more to himself than to Lily.

“You better ask him. I’ll go check on her,” Lily says, giving a peck on her boyfriend’s lips and getting out of his embrace.

As soon as the redheaded disappeared into the stairs, Sirius Black entered the portrait hole and plopped himself down on the couch next to James, who sighed heavily before tilting his head to his left to face his best friend.

“What did you do now?” He frowned seriously whilst resting his elbows on his knees.

“She’s overreacting,” Sirius tries to defend himself.

“What did you do, Pads?” James repeated his previous question.

“I was entering the Three Broomsticks when I spotted her and remembered I needed to ask her something about our Transfiguration essay,” he shrugs.

“You ruined her date because of an assignment?” James asks incredulously.

“I didn’t ruin anything, I just asked a question! It’s not my bloody fault that she got furious and stormed off, leaving the poor guy there all alone,” he frowns, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

“Please tell me you didn’t do such thing,” Remus said in disbelief from behind them, Peter on his trail.

“Before you judge me, how much of what I said did you hear?” Sirius asks with a grimace.

“We heard the entire thing,” Peter answered him with a vague look.

“Padfoot, you can’t keep doing that. Either you admit your feelings to yourself or allow her to live her life and be happy,” Remus scolds him.

“FEELINGS? HA!” Sirius scoffs. “I know you desperately want me to settle down because I’m running out of hearts to break here in Hogwarts but I’m not ready to step out of my game just yet, my friend,” he wrapped his arm on his friend’s shoulder playfully.

“Your call, mate. You’ll only have yourself to blame when you lose her anyways,” Remus shrugged.

“Moony’s right,” Peter nods slowly at Sirius.

“What about you, Prongs? Nothing to add?” Sirius asks mockingly to James.

“You know Y/N’s like a sister to me. Just please stop messing with her life,” he sighs before getting up and heading to the girls’ dorm to check on you and Lily.

“I don’t understand why everyone’s so pissed. I didn’t do anything at all!” Sirius frowns, staring at where his best friend had just disappeared.

Remus sends him a death glare before getting up himself and follow James’ steps.

“Oh, come on! You’re on my side, aren’t ya Wormy?” Sirius asks Peter, both brows lifted.

“Y/N had been waiting for this date quite excitedly, you know?!” He shrugs defensively.

“Excitedly? Please! What’s there to be excited about having a date with Preston Fawley?” He asks with a scrunched face.

“Well... they’ve been flirting for some time now. Sorry, Pads,” Peter shrugs again before leaving Sirius alone with his thoughts.

***

“Are you gonna say anything or are you just gonna keep staring at me? It’s annoying,” you ask Sirius, not diverging your attention from the book you were reading.

“You... you look good today,” he says with the clear of a throat.

“Thanks?!” You sound unimpressed, eyes still on the book.

Sirius reflects on what to say next whilst studying you. He adored the way your brows furrowed when you were concentrated on something. He adored the way you used to bite your lower lip when you were reading about a particularly tricky subject. The way a proud smirk would appear on your lips after you finally got it. He smiled at himself.

“What?” You ask with a brow lifted. He was so lost in his thoughts he didn’t even realized you looked away from your book and now stared at him.

“Oh, no- nothing,” he recomposes himself quickly.

You roll your eyes and get back to your book. Sirius opened his mouth once again but were rudely interrupted by a female voice.

“Hey, Siri! We still have something to discuss,” a blonde Ravenclaw leans in and hugs him from behind.

“Great! There goes my study session,” you smile mechanically at Sirius, an annoyed grimace on.

The girl looks at you with a despising look before turning back to him and whispering into his ear, “can I steal you for a second?”

“Sorry, love, I’m a little busy here,” he winks apologetically at the girl.

“No, he’s not. Please, take him away. I’ll pay you,” you smile sarcastically at the girl.

“See? Stop wasting your time on this loser, she doesn’t even want you here,” the girl says, sliding to his lap.

The whole library was watching the scene unfolding with great interest as you stood up from your seat and got around the table, walking until you were face to face with the Ravenclaw. You prop both of your hands on top of the table and lean in, your nose almost touching hers.

“Funny thing hearing you call me a loser when I’m the one getting his whole attention whilst you’re so desperately begging for it. I’d say you’re the loser here, but you’re way too pathetic to even be called one, hun,” you say with a smile.

Sirius looked ecstatic at you, a wide and proud grin shining on his face. Winking at him, you grab your book and walk towards the exit. Sirius could feel his cheeks heating up.

***

“I’m heading to the Great Hall for dinner, James is coming with me!” Lily shouts through the bathroom door.

“Save me a seat, please!” You scream back at your friend while you were freshening up. Since you were going to apologize to Preston for the little show Sirius and you had put up during your date, you might as well look dashing whilst doing so. Loosening your hair down, you run your hands though it and check yourself one more time in the mirror before leaving the dorm.

The hallways were already empty and deserted as you walked through them on your way to the Great Hall. You were revising what you were going to say to Preston in your head when you felt a sudden pull and soon you were staring into Sirius’ grey eyes.

“What now?” You asked annoyed at him with an eye roll.

“I wanted to apologize. For not saying anything when Morgana called you a loser,” he looked into your eyes intensely.

“Well, I clearly didn’t need your help, besides, why would I care about what your stupid little conquers think of me anyway?” You say, an anguished scrunch on your face.

“Good point,” he gives you a saddened frown before lowering his head and staring at the ground.

“Is that everything you want to apologize for? How about apologizing for ruining all of the dates I ever got?”

As he continued to stare quietly at the ground, you proceeded to talk.

“Why do you do this to me, Sirius?“ You ask with a trembling voice.

He turns around and starts walking away without facing you.

“Oh, no! You don’t get to do that! You don’t get to screw my life over and over again and just turn around and leave!” You exclaim at him and he stops walking. “Don’t you think I can be enough to someone? Don’t you think I deserve to be wanted and desired? Don’t you think I deserve to be fucking loved?” You were on the verge of tears as you stared at his back.

“It’s not like that, Y/N... it’s not like that at all,” he whispers almost inaudibly.

“Then what is it like, Sirius? What is it like? You tell me, right here, right now. Or you just leave me be. For good.”

He turns to face you, his face filled with anguish.

“Fine, I’ll tell you. I didn’t crash every single one of your dates so far because I think you deserve to be miserable and lonely for the rest of your life. How could you even think that? I did it because none of those gits deserved you! I did it because they weren’t enough for you. Do you wanna know what is it like? It’s like that,” he blurts out, cupping your face with his hands and crashing his lips into yours with a burning passion.

You are caught by surprise at first but soon open your mouth, giving him your permission to deepen the kiss. As he does so, he slides his hands to your lower back, pulling you as close as possible to him as if he was afraid this moment could turn out to be just a figment of his imagination. You grabbed his hair with your hands as the kiss became more and more hungrily, wishing the two of you could stay like this, in this hallway, forever.

Breaking the kiss to catch a breath, Sirius bury his face in the crook of your neck, his arms around your waist tightening their grip. “I do think you deserve to be loved. And you are. You are loved by me, Y/N.”

#sirius black #sirius black imagine #sirius black x reader #james potter #remus lupin #peter pettigrew #the marauders #marauders era #the marauders imagine #harry potter #harry potter imagine #harry potter x reader

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celestialevie · 3 years

Text

Weddings and what could’ve been’s // F.W. x F! Reader

Hi! This is my first ever posted fic, I hope you’ll like it!

PAIRING: Fred Weasley x F! Reader

Genre: Angst

Summary: You’ve been friends with Fred since forever. But what happens when the one you love is not feeling the same and now he’s getting married to the girl he loves. Based off of this song :))

Word count: 2.5k

It was supposed to be a good day. Waking up, getting ready for another day of writing her novel about picturing a certain red head as love interest of her novel. But it all flushed down when she saw a small envelope just sitting there on the table, almost as if it was mocking her. It's been sitting there ever since it arrived yesterday afternoon, not expecting to receive an invitation to the wedding of one person she didn't want to participate in. Fredrick Gideon Weasley. Her best friend since their second year of Hogwarts. It was almost ironic how a simple wedding invitation can break a heart that's already been on the verge of breaking, tears were rolling down her face, not a single sound could've been heard besides her sobs. Her best friend/roommate ran out of her room as soon as she heard her. Not expecting to see her best friend on the floor crying over a single paper, she realises what happened, the one thing she dreaded even though it was only a matter of time before it happened. The way Fred was talking about that girl, she knew that her best friend was in a wait of a permanent broken heart. But now a day later, she decided to throw the invitation in the rubbish, deciding no matter how much she cared about her best friend she knew she wouldn't be able to handle watching him promising himself to someone else for forever. Taking out a bottle of her favourite rose, she pours some of it in a glass and heads back to her room, deciding to forget about her heartbreak by throwing herself into her fictional world where she was the one Fred loved.

Soon, she'll realise that not even wine and her own fictional world would help cure her broken heart. Not when the one she's so in love with decided so pay her a visit, not hearing anything from her in over a week. He wondered if she got the invitation to the wedding, the day he couldn't wait for it to finally happen. The thing is, he's not going to be able to do it, if his soulmate in a form of his best friend isn't there by his side, making sure he doesn't panic like he often happens to do in stressful situations.

Upon hearing knocking on her door, she slowly gets up from her desk, heading to open the door, not expecting to see the person she wanted to see the least, standing in front of her.

Every day they were closer to the day that changes everything for forever. One of them was dreading that day, while the other one couldn't want for it to come any sooner. Soon it was the day of rehearsal dinner or also known as the day before it all goes shit show for her. Everything was ready, her outfit ready for tomorrow. Deciding she wasn't strong enough to make it through the wedding alone, she begged her best friend to go with her, helping her survive with alcohol. The wedding was in the backyard of The Burrow, but it wasn't anything special or near as big as it was Bill's, both Fred and Lillian agreeing it was best to have a smaller intimate wedding with their closest ones there. Apparating a minute away from The Burrow, she walks towards the door, knocking softly before entering the house. Everyone was on their feet, final preparations for tomorrow are being made. Ginny was the first one to notice her, running towards the girl. Brining her in the hug, she laughs. '' Hi Ginny '' they pull away from the hug, Ginny looking at the girl. '' You look gorgeous y/n. I'm still angry at my brother for not marrying you. '' y/n rolls her eyes playfully. '' Stop it, you know we would never work as a couple, plus Lillian is a lovely girl, I'm sure she'll be a good sister-in-law. '' they talked as they walked upstairs heading towards Ginny's room. What no one knew is that the night of the Yule ball, Fred was ready to confess his dying crush on his best friend, that's why he brought her to the astronomy tower. He had it all planned out until they were interrupted, and it was all ruined. Fred often wondered if they hadn't been interrupted would've it been her who he was marrying. Would it work out or would it fail and therefore ruin their friendship. George was the only one along with Lee who knew about it. That's why the night before the wedding he found himself sitting in front of the small lake they had behind their house, wondering if Lillian is truly the one he wants to marry. Y/n found him after a few minutes, joining him. '' I knew I'd find you here. '' he said nothing, just kept looking in front of him. '' What's bothering you, Freddie? '' she gently took his hand into hers, brushing her thumb gently across his hand. '' I'm just worried if I'm making a mistake or rushing this. Before tonight, I couldn't been happier waiting for this day to finally come, but now that it's here all my mind seems to do is make me wonder if I'm marrying the wrong girl. Maybe I should just marry you, we've been friends for forever, it wouldn't change much. '' he lets out a small laugh. Letting go off his hand, I grab his face with my hands on both sides of his face. '' Fred I need you to look at me. Do you love Lillian? '' he nods his head. '' I don't think I've ever loved anyone the way I love her. '' a small smile appears in the corner of his mouth. '' Do you see yourself being with her for the rest of your life? Is she the one you want to see growing old with you? '' y/n questions him. Fred waits for a few seconds before answering, with a big smile on his face. '' Yeah, I do. God, why was I even doubting this. This is why I need you by my side, you always know how to get me out of my head. Thank you, love. '' he pulls her into a strong hug. '' Hey, if you need a getaway car tomorrow, me and George will have one prepared and then we can get married. '' she joked, even though there was some half truth in it. '' it's late, I have to go get that beauty sleep for tomorrow so do you. Goodnight Freddie. '' she plants a small kiss on his cheek before apparating herself back to her flat, before crashing down in the middle of living room, bursting into tears of heartbreak. The pieces that weren't shatter from before, had shattered now. There were no pieces left of her heart. The rest of the night she spent in the arms of her best friend, crying herself to sleep.

It was funny really. The story of how they met, how they became inseparable and how she eventually fell in love with him. The latter didn't come to much of a surprise. How could someone not fall in love with him, when he's the most amazing person she's ever come across. It was their second year in Hogwarts, and she was heading towards the library, deciding to prepare herself for the upcoming Potions exam. Merlin knows how much she dreaded those. It wasn't her fault, most people on her mom's side of family never really knew how to do potions. As she was walking there, someone grabbed her by her arm and started dragging her away with them in a direction of the nearest broom closet. In a second she realised it was one of the Weasley twins. Not even needing to ask why he was in such a hurry, already knowing they caused another trouble. Quickly running inside the broom closet, one of the twins put a hand on her mouth, signalling for her to be quiet. Rolling her eyes, she did as told until we heard Filch and Mrs. Norris passing by. Another minute passed on until he removed his hand from her mouth. '' I'm Fred. '' he introduced himself. '' Y/n '' she shook his hand. '' Care to explain why you dragged me into this dusty broom closet with yourself? '' Fred laughed. '' Had to move you out of the way from Filch or else you'd be in the trouble along with me. '' nodding her head, she left the closet. And that was the beginning of their weird friendship. From participating in the pranks, to making excuses why they're not in the certain classes you shared with them to Fred asking her to go to the Yule Ball with him, leading us to the night they had almost kissed. Somewhere in between she slowly fell for her best friend without intending to. It all felt like a dream. Dancing with her best friend so closely, to sneaking off to the astronomy tower because that night, the stars were shining so bright. Slow dancing in the moonlight, it all felt almost to perfect. Both of them slowly leaning towards each other until they heard a crashing noise, interrupting their intimate moment. It made her realise that it was for the best for them to be just friends, their friendship being worth more than a relationship not knowing how it'll end. Almost as if it was a silent agreement between them, neither of the two brought it up ever again. She would never want to ruin his day, so yes she had agreed to be his second best man, no matter how much it'll hurt to be there so up close seeing it all unfold almost like in a film scene.

Next morning when she woke up, she felt so exhausted while getting ready. She barely had any energy in her body and she was pretty sure she also had no tears left. Putting on her beautiful dress, she did her makeup and hair. She was ready to stand there next to her best friend, and watch him marry the love of his life, no matter how much the fact that it's not her hurted. It was a beautiful ceremony, he looked so beautiful in his dark blue suit, it really made his hair and eyes stand out a bit more, and don't her started on how beautiful the bride was. Her gown looked straight out of a fairytale. A few tears espaced during the ceremony but when George asked her why is she crying, she brushed it off as happy tears, even though she knew she didn't fool George with that lie. During the reception she mostly stayed at her table, trying to drown her sorrow in the wine and other alcoholic drinks. She watched as her roommate/best friend danced with George along with watching Fred and Lillian dance together like it was only two of them. Molly and Ginny often came and talked to me, but it wasn't long until I couldn't handle it anymore and just drowned the rest of my drink before saying goodbye to everyone, making an excuse saying she unfortunately had to go home and finish her book, her publisher gave her a deadline until tomorrow. The last person left to say goodbye to was Fred. Tapping him on the shoulder, she gives him a smile as he turns around. '' Congratulations Freddie boy once again. But I have to leave now unfortunately, I have a book to finish. '' Before she could even say anything he took her hands and put them around his neck, pulling her closer to him. '' Just this one dance and then I'm setting you free, okay? '' He begged her. Nodding her head, they start slow dancing. '' I'm really proud of you Freddie, you finally found the one you always talked about. Hopefully one day I'm gonna find my prince charming one day. '' she rested her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. '' I'm sorry I wasn't the one for you. '' he said, making the tears slowly start pooling in my eyes. '' That's not for you to apologise, we're too good friends for us to work in a relationship. Us not kissing that night of the yule ball was for the best. If we kissed who knows if you'd meet Lillian, your true love. Don''t you worry about me. '' and with that she pulled away from him, placing a small kiss on his cheek before apparating home. Letting him stand there alone, her words sinking in, making him wonder again if he had made a mistake by not letting her know of his feeling that night. But soon his thoughts were brushed away as he felt the lips of his wife on his.

'' Hello love '' he greets her after she moved aside, letting him in. Pulling her into a hug, he goes into the living room, while she still stands there shocked at her door. Quickly getting rid of her thoughts, she heads over to where he was. '' Hi Freddie, what are you doing here? I didn't expect you to visit. '' she sits down next to him. '' Well it's been over a week since I've last heard from you, so I decided to pay you a visit. She nods her head. '' Yeah, sorry about that. I started working on my novel again and that's all I've focusing on recently. Didn't mean to neglect your need for constant attention. '' she jokes, even though she knew he had his fiancée know to give him attention. Fred rolls his eyes. '' Yeah yeah whatever. Listen I have a question/favour to ask you. '' she furrows her eyebrows. '' Okay, I'm listening. '' taking a deep breath, he begins. '' So as you probably know I proposed to Liliana. Speaking of that, have you received my invitation to the wedding? '' it's been over a month since they got engaged, and yet she still couldn't bare the thought of losing Fred forever. '' Yes I have, it's very beautiful Freddie, I am very happy for the two of you. '' she gives him her best fake smile, not wanting to upset her best friend. '' Thank you, love. My question is, would you like to be my second best man? Along with George of course. I don't think that I would be able to do it without you by my side. Please say yes or at least think about it. It would really mean everything to me. '' This was definitely something she hadn't expect. There goes your plan on not going to the wedding, making an excuse of why she can't make it and get drunk in her room while watching her favourite romcoms. '' Of course Freddie, anything for you. '' those words came out before you even had a chance to think about them.

#fred weasley #fred weasley x reader #weasley twins #harrypotter #george weasley #hpau #angst #fred weasley fluff #fred and george weasley #fred weasley smut #hogwarts #george weasley fanfiction #fred wealsey fic #fred weasley angst

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sirtwentyofhousegoodmen · 3 years

Note

Arcturus's birth XD

December 19th, 1900

"Keep up that tapping and see what happens, boy. Married man or not, you're still my son—and not so old I won't put you over my knee."

Sirius' head shot up at the rebuke, and, his cheeks flushed red in mortification.

"Apologies, father," he said, uneasily, taking a not insignificant sip of brandy, and promptly choking on it.

"Oh my," Sirius wiped off the droplets of brandy from his sleeve, "That'll put hair on your chest, eh?”

“The way you’re drinking it, you’ll have a Persian rug on yours by the day’s end—Do you want your son’s first impression of his father to be that of a lush?”

“Father, his son won’t bloody remember any first impression,” Arcturus groused, far too impudently. His second son, still holding that grudge over his parents deigning to conceive him after his elder brother, was in something of a mood today. The brandy hadn’t helped much to curb his tongue either.

Phineas narrowed his eyes. “Speak to me that way again, boy—Go on, do it.”

Immediately looking contrite upon realizing he’d actually said that out loud, Arcturus bowed his head. “Forgive me, father—I’m afraid the brandy’s taken hold of my tongue.”

“See that it doesn’t take hold of any more of you.”

His son gave him a sharp nod, obediently putting down his glass of brandy onto the table.

Idiots.

As if on cue, the drawing room door opened to reveal Belvina, his only daughter, as well as the only one of his children he actually liked. Well, Cygnus was passingly tolerant on occasion, but other than that the boy was dimmer than a burnt out lamp.

His girl, he thought, his chest swelling with pride as she walked in—Only fourteen and she’d grown as beautiful as her mother, and just as dutiful. Ursula would’ve been proud, God rest her soul.

“Papa,” Belvina leaned down to kiss him on the cheek, then proceeded to do the same with all her brothers, though far less enthusiastically. His children got on with each other about as well as he did with the underbred professors he was forced to employ at Hogwarts.

“Bev,” He smiled up at her, indulgently. “Any news from upstairs, dearest?”

Belvina shrugged, haughtily. The girl seemed to find the mere idea of Sirius’s wife a grave offense against their family, and had remained cool and detached from any talk of the pregnancy. “As far as I know, nothing. Just more moaning and groaning from Lady Gamp.”

“Don’t call her that.”

At the retort from her eldest brother, the girl of fourteen turned her nose up in a perfect imitation of her paternal grandmother. “I’ll call her what I please, seeing as this is my house, after all. She’s only a visitor.”

Sirius sputtered, indignant. “She’s giving birth to my son!”

“I wasn’t aware that made her a resident of this house,” The girl replied, smirking in that way she knew got Sirius’s back up.

“Still, dear,” Phineas said, as if every word were being forcibly pulled from his mouth—he hated having to defend the sickly girl his son shamed them all with, but whether he liked it or not, she was the wife of the family heir. That earned her some measure of respect, however miniscule it was. “Hesper is your brother’s wife—meaning she’s part of the family.”

Belvina, embarrassed at the rare rebuke from her father, however light it might have been, pouted.

“Just go upstairs and play with Phin, Belvina,” Arcturus said, ashing his cigar. “All this smoke can’t be good for a young girl such as yourself.”

Belvina huffed, lazily twisting a black curl around her finger as she indecorously plopped down onto a wingback chair. “All he wants to do is read that muggle rubbish those mudblood friends of his gave him—and even if he didn’t, he’s eleven. Not a terribly interesting age, I’m afraid.”

Sirius rolled his eyes. “You’re fourteen.”

Phineas chuckled, warmly. “An old soul, our Bev,” He leaned in close to Arcturus, who jumped as if he’d only just remembered his father was sat next to him. “Go upstairs and tell Phineas that the next time I see him reading something, it’d better be his schoolwork. Don’t think I’ve forgotten that ‘A’ in transfiguration.”

Arcturus nodded, curtly, before shooting up from his seat and briskly making his way out of the drawing room. He’d be married soon, his second son—the marriage contract with the Yaxleys had been finalized only last week. He wasn’t overly fond of his intended, but at least he was doing what he was told. If Phineas had to deal with another scandalous marriage this lifetime, he’d wander into the forbidden forest and let whatever manner of eldritch beasts lurked in those woods put him out of his misery.

Before long, the doors of the drawing room once again opened, this time to reveal the portly healer that had been assisting with the new heir’s birth.

“Well, Mr. Black—congratulations are in order: You have a son.”

Sirius shot up from his seat on the chaise, sending his glass of brandy toppling to the floor, where it shattered into hundreds of pieces. Belvina, seeing this, rolled her eyes before brandishing her wand and muttering a quick reparo.

Sirius, too ecstatic over the birth of his son to notice either of these things, rushed to the healer’s side. “Hesper, is she—“

“The birth went swimmingly—about as well as these things go, in my line of work.” The healer smiled, kindly. “Mrs. Black is fine—tired, of course, but the process was much less difficult than we thought it would be for her. All she’ll need is a few day’s bed rest.”

Someone could’ve walked up to his son and told him he’d won all the gold in the world, and the smile on his face wouldn’t have been comparable to the one he was sporting now.

Phineas pursed his lips—At least Sirius was happy with his wife, questionable match aside. And the girl had given them an heir after only two years of marriage.

He shook his head at the abnormally softhearted thoughts—his first grandsons’ birth must have been making him especially sentimental.

“Congratulations, my boy,” Phineas graced his eldest son with a rare smile, raising his glass of brandy to him. “Now, what are you still doing in here? Go see to your son!”

His eldest didn’t need to be told twice, and he all but sprinted from the drawing room, leaving only Phineas and Belvina for a few minutes of an actually comfortable silence, until Arcturus came back with an irate Phineas in tow.

His youngest scrunched up his nose at the smell. “Do you need to smoke those every time one of us is born?”

Phineas shrugged. “It’s part of being a man, boy. It’d be prudent of you to educate yourself in that instead of whatever muggle dreck you’re engrossed in.” He smirked when he saw Belvina nod in approval at his words from her seat, sparing her younger brother a smirk of superiority.

His namesake rolled his eyes, imprudently. “It’s not dreck, father—it’s Blake.”

Phineas raised his eyebrows, surprised—the name was known to him. “Poetry? Well,” he shifted in his seat, “I suppose there are worse things. Still, you’ve no business getting wrapped up in poetry of all things when you damn well know you’ve schoolwork to do over Christmas break. I should know,” he took a sip from his glass, “I am your headmaster, after all.”

The younger Phineas snorted. “As if I could forget.”

Before he could even form a response to that supremely insolent reply, Sirius chose that moment to peek his head through the doorway, his newborn son in his arms.

“Everyone,” Sirius said, practically preening, “I should like you all to acquaint yourselves with my son: Arcturus Sirius Black.”

Arcturus—the elder now, apparently—who’d been moodily poking at the ash that had gathered with his cigar, spun around to face his elder brother, his eyes almost comically wide. “Arcturus Sirius?”

Sirius smiled at his younger brother—for all Arcturus’ resentment of his elder brother, Sirius had never minded overmuch, even sympathizing with him to a degree. “Yes, ‘Rus. I named him for you, my dearest brother.”

Arcturus, still gaping like a fish, could only open and close his mouth repeatedly. “I—You—Why,” he let out a harsh breath, then flushed scarlet to the tips of his ears, clearly beyond uncomfortable. “Thank you, Sirius. I’m...honored,” he finally said, though it sounded more a question than a statement.

Belvina, meanwhile, had taken advantage of her older brother’s stammering and gone to stand beside Sirius, evaluating the newest Black with her sharp eyes. In the light of the fire, he could see them soften slightly, and she even graced her nephew with a small smile when he let out a slight coo.

Sirius, called to attention by his son, finally took notice of his sister and started slightly.

“Merlin, Bev—announce yourself next time, why don’t you?”

Belvina shrugged, carelessly, before looking up to meet her brother’s eyes. “Well done, brother—every inch a Black, he is.”

Sirius blinked, then smiled, his face not dissimilar to a master carpenter’s when congratulated on his newest project. “Thank you, Bev. He takes after his mother more, though,” The fact seemed to please his son even more, even Belvina’s slight sneer at the mention of his wife wasn’t enough to dampen his spirits.

“Father, Phin—won’t you come meet little Archie?”

Phineas stood up from his chair, and after directing a glare at him—got his insolent namesake to do the same.

Peering down at the bundle in Sirius’s arms, Phineas smiled—a perfect Black specimen, indeed. The boy’s face was red and his features had yet to make themselves known, but the grey eyes and the thin wisps of black hair were more than enough to tell who he was. Rather strangely, the boy barely fussed—aside from the occasional coo, he didn’t look to be on the verge of tears at any moment. In fact, if Phineas didn’t know any better, he’d say the child was outright scowling.

“How odd,” Phineas Nigellus said, continuing to stare down at the strange babe.

“Is he always this quiet?” His youngest son asked, petulantly.

Sirius raised an eyebrow, dryly. “I wouldn’t know, Phin—I’ve only known him for ten minutes, after all. But he is rather quiet, isn’t he?” He turned to his father. “Would you like to hold him, father?”

Phineas Nigellus nodded, and accepted the boy into his arms, with the added benefit of his eldest having the temerity to try and instruct him on how to properly hold him.

As if he hadn’t already had five children.

“You’re an odd one, aren’t you?” Phineas Nigellus told the scowling boy, then, while he was brushing his finger alongside his cheek, the boy opened his mouth and clamped down on it—hard.

“Merlin’s beard!” Phineas Nigellus cursed, to the immense amusement of his sons if the childish snickering he heard around him was any indication. Hell, even Belvina was laughing.

Sirius, on the other hand, was mortified, and moved to take the boy from his father’s arms while the Black patriarch nursed his pride.

“The boy bit me!”

Sirius’s face was pale as a ghost. “Father—I’m so sorry, I’m sure Archie didn’t mean it. He’s only a baby after all.”

Phineas Nigellus narrowed his eyes, still smarting. “I suppose,” he spat out the words with the utmost venom, and he could swear the boy was actually glaring at him. “Be sure to teach the runt some manners—or he’ll run roughshod over you and that slip of a mother he’s got.” He glared at the baby in Sirius’s arms. “Impudent whelp.”

#noble and most ancient house of black #harry potter #the black sheep dog #ozymandias #sirius black #phineas nigellus black #phineas black #arcturus black #belvina burke #fanfiction

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matrixaffiliate · 3 years

Text

Unfolding

New Story! FFN and AO3

Lily and James make a life for themselves and their family after the war is won, and Hogwarts is going to end up calling them right back home. A little TheyLiveAU for you to hide from cannon on this Halloween, requested by the wonderful @thisismegz, thank you darling! Jily. TheyLiveAU. One-shot. Fluff. Family. Happy ending.

One last Jilytober story! @thisismegz sent me a Tumblr post that was too cute not to write! You can see @suspiciousnargles original post here. Enjoy a happy they live au where the Potter family gets the happy ending we all wish they did. =)

Unfolding

"This feels weird," Lily looked at James as they unpacked another box.

"Well, it is sort of strange to be in the Potion Master's private stores and not be worried about being caught.

"I can't believe Slughorn's retiring." Lily sighed and put another of her books up on the shelf.

"I can," James gave a short bark of a laugh. "The war took its toll on all of us. His nerves aren't what they used to be. At his age, I wouldn't want to deal with these hellions either after all that."

"Just you wait," Lily grinned over at him, "As soon as the Transfiguration position opens up, I'm putting in your name."

"I'd be a lousy professor, Lils, and McGonagall won't ever retire," James shook his head before snagging Harry around the middle and turning him away from the box of glass vials.

"That's exactly what I said when I told you they'd offered me this position," Lily smirked at him.

"Yes, and the difference is that I'm right," James smirked at her from the box of dried potion ingredients he was unpacking. "Besides, if I taught here too, what would we do with the house?"

"We'd live in it." Lily laughed. "We've talked about this; I'm coming home every night."

"Yes, with a stack of papers that need grading that's so high it won't fit in the chimney when you floo out." James' smirk was wide across his face and his eyes were full of mischief.

Lily turned to Harry, "You see how mean your daddy is to your poor mummy?"

Harry laughed and toddled over to her side, arms high to be picked up. Lily reached down and put him on her hip before kissing his cheek.

"I'm going to miss being home with you all day, though."

"Don't you worry about that," James came over and wrapped her and Harry in his arms. "We'll be underfoot now and again."

Lily found out as the school year progressed that James and her had very different definitions of the term "now and again."

It felt like every spare moment, James and Harry would come tumbling out of the floo in her office and Harry would run on little legs to hop up into her lap.

"Mummy!" Harry came barreling at her, cookie tin in hand. "We bing you cookies!"

"You brought me cookies?"

"Yes! Because it's Haoween! And Haoween needs treats!" He pushed the tin into her stomach as he tried to climb onto her lap.

"And because it's just about time for you to set all this work aside and enjoy yourself." James came and sat on her desk.

Lily looked at the still five-inch-tall stack of papers on her desk.

"Come on, you know you'll finish these up with no problem tomorrow, and I happen to know that you are all set on your lesson plans for the next year."

Lily looked down at sweet Harry in her lap as he tried to open up the cookie tin, and then she looked up at James. "Alright, but tomorrow I have to finish these."

"Bring them with you," James jumped up and pulled Harry from her lap, still trying to get his little fingers to open the cookie tin. "You're not coming back to work until Monday."

"You think so?" She asked, even as she waved the papers into her bag.

James came up and wrapped his free arm firmly around her waist and brought his mouth to whisper in her ear.

"I think I can make it worth your while to let work stay at the office for most of the weekend."

"Daddy, what are you saying to Mummy?" Harry stuck his head between them.

"Don't you worry your little ears over it, mate." James chuckled.

"Let's go, you two crazies," Lily laughed and summoned her bag. "I'm ready for some Halloween treats."

"Cookies!" Harry cheered and hosted the now open run over his head.

It was a few weeks later that Lily sent James a Patronus to come to her office just as soon as he could drop Harry with Sirius and Marlene. He was there within five minutes.

"What's wrong?" James came out of the floo so fast that he had to run to catch himself before falling flat on his face.

Lily bit her lip and tried to keep her nerves at bay.

"James, you remember Halloween?"

James' look of concern morphed into confusion.

"Sure, we had a good time."

"Did you remember to cast the spell, before we...?"

James frowned, "I don't know, but you're on the potion, so I guess I haven't been as concerned about it."

"I apparently have not been remembering to take it like I'm supposed to…" Lily trailed off.

James' face went from confused to a look of pure joy and excitement.

"Lily, Lily are you saying?"

She swallowed hard and nodded.

James cheered as he rushed to take her in his arms and spin her around in circles as he kissed her.

"What are we going to do?" Lily struggled with the emotions warring within her.

"What are you talking about?" James kissed her again. "We're going to have another baby!"

"What about this job?"

"Lils, it's going to be fine. Women have careers and children, isn't that what you tell me a bunch of the fuss I see on the Muggle telly is about? You're going to be fine, and we'll work through whatever you need. I'll even come be your substitute when you need it."

Lily laughed as the excitement finally started to win out over her anxieties.

"We're having another baby!"

"Merlin, Lily! We're having another baby!" James spun her again and kissed her, a much more serious kiss than the sloppy excited one had been when she first told him.

"James…"

"You don't have class for another hour." He murmured against her. "It'll be just like when we were Head Boy and Head Girl."

Lily smirked against him. "I hope not, you're much better at it now than you were then."

James laughed and swept her up in his arms.

"I'll get you for that."

While James had been certain they'd be able to work through it all, Lily found being pregnant and being a professor to be a fair side more frustrating than even she had anticipated. She had a fair amount of potion brewing going on to combat the morning sickness and the drowsiness and the forgetfulness. When the end of the year finally rolled around Lily thought she might faint from the relief.

"I can't believe I still have nearly two more months of this." Lily fell back into a chair as James translocated the things she wanted back home over the summer with her.

"Harry and I will do our best to keep you pampered. Besides, I think it being a girl is draining you more than when you were carrying Harry."

"All I know is that the end of July cannot get here fast enough." Lily smiled as James came over to kiss her.

"Let's get you home. There's a bed with your name on it."

"That sounds heavenly."

The last eight weeks of her pregnancy with Grace were trying, but holding her little girl in her arms was the kind of experience that left Lily speechless and on the verge of tears. The tears came when Marlene brought Harry into the room and he sat next to her on the bed, stroking his baby sister's sparse hair.

The tears came again when it was time to leave Harry and Grace at the start of the next term. Even with having left for a couple of hours here and there for faculty meetings and for the feast the night before, Lily still felt her eyes watering as she said goodbye to go teach the first day of term.

"Lils," James set little Grace down in her bassinet.

"I'm fine," Lily angrily swiped at her eyes. "I'm fine."

James gave her one of his critical stares before nodding. "Alright, we'll see you tonight. Have a good first day of term."

Lily pulled herself erect and fixed a smile on her face. "Thank you, love."

The day wore on and even as Lily lost herself in teaching, her mind kept wandering towards how her baby was doing. She'd been spoiled with Harry, forced to spend every moment with him. Not that she viewed it as some great thing at the time, she was more worried about all of them staying alive than the novelty of being with Harry all day every day. But now she could feel the difference, and while she didn't want to stop teaching, she definitely felt her body reacting to not being with her baby.

She'd just sat down to eat lunch in her office when her fireplace burned green and out toppled Harry, followed more cautiously by James holding baby Grace close to his chest.

"Mummy!" Harry came running up to her lap. "We've brought lunch so you won't be lonely because eating by yourself is lonely. Daddy says so."

Lily nearly cried all over again, but getting to hold Grace in her arms and Harry on her lap while she chatted with James about how her morning had been was exactly what she needed.

"Same time tomorrow then?" James asked as she handed Grace back over.

"Do you have time for that? I know you and Sirius are trying to get all those newfangled inventions off the ground."

James laughed and kissed her. "Sirius is not going to complain about being sent home to Marlene at lunch."

"Fair point."

It was those family lunch dates that really made a name for Lily among the student body. A student came to her office during lunch to ask a question about an assignment to find the Potter's all gathered around Lily's desk.

"Oh, er, sorry Professor, I didn't mean to interrupt…"

"Nonsense," James picked up Grace from Lily's arms. "Come and ask away, Professor Potter always has time to help a student."

Lily smiled warmly at the little first year. "What can I do for you?"

Tentatively they asked their question and after they understood the answer, Harry pulled on their school robe.

"Are you going to eat lunch with us too?"

The student looked up at Lily with wide eyes and Lily laughed.

"You're welcome to a sandwich if you'd like one."

"Here," James pulled out his wand and transfigured a napkin into a chair.

The student gawked, "That was wicked, sir!"

James chuckled and looked at Lily, "Sir, has a nice ring to it, don't you agree?"

From then on Lily found that at least once a week a student would manage to come have lunch with her family. To begin with, it was only first-years who needed that feeling of family being close, but by the time prep for exams was beginning to push hard, older students would come by just to ask for the chance to sit and laugh and play with Harry and Grace.

"Are you coming to the final match, Professor?" Gryffindor's Quidditch captain asked about a week before the match.

"I hadn't thought about it." She snagged Grace around the middle before the little girl could pull James' wand from the table.

"Can we go, Mummy?" Harry jumped up to stand on his chair. Lily and James both went to steady him.

"It could be fun," James smiled at her. "We haven't been to a match since I was the one leading the team."

"You were a Quidditch captain?"

James nodded, "Gryffindor took the cup the year I captained the team."

"Would you look at my plays? I bet between you and me Gryffindor can have the cup in the bag!"

Lily laughed as the mischief bloomed in James' eyes. She turned to Harry as she helped him to sit.

"I think we're going to the Quidditch match."

"Wahoo!" Harry cried out, Grace mimicking her brother's excitement.

Lily had worked very hard not to show any favoritism among the students, especially based on their houses. But James didn't feel that way at all. Lily had decided to go in early and get a few more exams graded before the match and James was going to bring the kids just a few minutes before everything started so they could walk to the pitch. When he stepped from the grate, both kids in his arms, Harry's face was painted red and gold, as was James', and all of them had shirts on with lions' heads in the act of roaring.

"James," Lily groaned.

"It's all in good fun, Lils," James grinned. "Besides, how cute does Harry look in all of Gryffindor's splendor?"

Lily couldn't help but smile as Harry roared.

"I'm a Gryffindor!"

"Did you take a picture?" She laughed.

"Of course," James set Harry down and took his hand. "Come on, mate, let's go watch Gryffindor win!"

Harry roared again in response and tried to walk on all fours out of her office to the pitch. James handed Grace over to Lily and swung Harry up onto his shoulders.

Lily didn't hear the end of it from the Gryffindor students for the rest of the term. No one questioned who the Potter's were siding with. Lily managed to keep her cheering polite and for both teams for most of the match, but she did show her house loyalty rather loudly when Gryffindor won.

Her family became something of a fixture in her teaching after that. James would often bring the kids to just be in the castle and visit McGonagall or show them the grounds and the giant squid. They set up the sleeping quarters so that they could have weekend sleepovers at the castle as a special treat for Harry and Grace. Students who were regulars for lunch would ask how the kids were doing when they came in for class. Harry adored the attention in the halls from students giving him high-fives or hugs. Hogwarts came to know that Professor Potter, Mr. Potter, and their kids were somewhat of a package deal.

Which meant they probably should have seen the next thing coming, but Lily was so content with their life, that she honestly didn't.

They were having lunch around her desk when McGonagall knocked and stepped into the room.

"Minnie!" James smiled. "Pull up a chair and have some lunch with us!"

"Mimi!" Grace toddled over to her and hugged her legs.

McGonagall smirked at James, "I hope you realize that these sweet babies of yours are the only reason I don't turn you into a frog for calling me that."

"Why would you turn Daddy into a frog, Minnie?" Harry frowned and looked up from his soup.

"Oh, I won't turn your daddy into a frog, my dear. I need him to do something important." McGonagall sat down and pulled Grace into her lap.

"And what's that, dearest Minnie?" James gave her one of his winning smiles and Lily laughed at all the memories it pulled forward.

"Replace me."

James nearly choked on the butter of bread he'd just taken.

"Replace you?" Lily stared. "What on Earth do you mean?"

"Dumbledore has decided to retire and go traveling, see the world, that sort of thing. And the governors have named me the new Headmistress. Therefore, I get to select the new transfiguration professor. My choice is James."

The Potter's sat speechless and wide-eyed for several seconds before McGonagall looked down at Grace and chuckled.

"I think I may have broken them."

Grace giggled and snuggled close into McGonagall's chest. That was about when Lily regained control of her brain.

"Would you mind giving us some time to discuss this, Headmistress? I'm sure you understand it's a lot for us to work out."

"Of course," McGonagall kissed the top of Grace's head before handing her over to Lily. "I'll need a response in two weeks though. I'd like for the new teacher to be introduced at the end of year feast and if you decide this isn't right for your family, I'll want the extra time to find the next best thing."

"Yes, we'll not keep waiting any longer than necessary." Lily smiled as James nodded absently. McGonagall smiled at them and slipped back into the classroom and out to the corridor.

"Well?" Lily looked at James.

"Lily," James' hand shot to his hair. "How would we handle the kids? And my work with Sirius?"

"You can tell her it won't work." Lily gently pulled his hand from his hair. "You don't have to do this."

James was silent for a long moment.

"But what if I want to?"

"Then we make it work." Lily squeezed his hand. "We can figure it out."

James sighed and looked up at the clock on her wall. "You have a class in five minutes. Let me talk this through with Sirius and then we can talk it out tonight."

Lily leant in and kissed him.

"Don't worry, there are no wrong decisions here. It's just what we think is best for you and our family."

They didn't get it figured out that night, or the next, but after a week of hashing through it all and determining the best options for all the scenarios, the little Potter family met McGonagall in her office, and James gave no warm-up to their conversation.

"So, when do I get to take over?"

McGonagall almost cried out in excitement before jumping up from her chair to embrace them.

It wasn't easy, change rarely is, but their little family adapted to their new life. Old friends from the Order pitched in to help with the kids. Molly Weasley really loved having Harry and Grace around to play with her youngest two. And the Professors Potter became a new sort of institution at the castle. If you couldn't track down the Potions Master you checked the Transfiguration classroom. And if you couldn't find the Transfiguration Professor, he was likely to be in the dungeons. They only showed their colors while cheering Gryffindor's Quidditch team, but even James couldn't stop himself from pulling the Slytherin captain aside after a poor match and explaining where their team could improve and how to train for it. Hogwarts and the Potter's were something of a package deal.

And when Harry and Grace were old enough to come to Hogwarts, it already felt like home, because in a very real sense, it was.

#jily #theyliveau #happy ending #jily fanfiction #jily fanfic #jily parenting #jilytober #jilytober 2020 #james x lily #james potter x lily evans #james potter #lily evans #fluff #romance #family #from a prompt #little harry #harry potter fanfiction

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ilovefandoms102 · 4 years

Text

Part 3

Summary: You confront Sirius about his childish behavior, and some Slytherins happen to overhear your arguing.

Taglist:

@judayyyw @bannerbubble

Part 1 Part 2 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11

Note: As always let me know what you guys think!

=======================

“I can’t believe you,” I sneered once Sirius and I made it out to the hallway.

“What?” Sirius asked, obviously getting agitated with me.

“You’re a hypocrite that’s what you are Sirius!” I shouted at him, walking faster to get away from him.

“What the fuck do you mean?” Sirius shouted back at me.

“You and James pick and pick at Severus, and that’s exactly what your family does to you! And do you like it? No, you came to live with us!” I yelled, spinning around to face him once we got to a quieter space.

“That’s different Jags, and you know it.” Sirius whispered, looking at the ground.

“No it isn’t Sirius, it’s still bullying. You need to stop the childish nonsense. There is no reason you should be so cruel to Severus, he’s done nothing to you.” I said, crossing my arms over my chest.

“He hangs out with bloody Mulciber and Avery, and you know what they’re apart of,” he whispered.

“Even if they are death eaters Sirius, it’s none of our business unless they actively hurt someone because of their influence.” I said angrily.

Someone cleared their throat, we turned to see who it was. Well, speaking of the devil himself. Mulicer and Avery, along with several other Slytherins stood in front of us.

“Relationship troubles Black?” Mulciber asked, walking past with a few fellow Slytherins.

“Wouldn’t be any of your business if I was Mulciber.” Sirius scoffed, pulling me with him to get away from them.

The group stepped in front of us, some of them going behind us. We were surrounded. I grabbed Sirius’s arm, clutching my wand that was in my robe pocket. These Slytherins were ruthless, it was rumored that they were death eaters. People who were following a dark wizard to wipe out muggle borns and half bloods. Sirius’s family was in the sacred circle, or his parents were anyway. This dark wizard only inviting blood supremacists to join him. I stood on the other side of Sirius so my back was to him, ready if the people behind us tried to attack.

“Going somewhere Black? Potter?” Avery asked, whipping his wand out.

“Are you that threatened by us Mulciber that you had to bring all your little friends?” Sirius taunted, no doubt making the situation worse.

“Sirius shut the hell up!” I gasped, watching as the boy in front of me pulled out his wand. I acted before he did, not letting him get the upper hand.

“Expelliarmus!” I yelled, flicking my wand.

The boy in front of me, Lucius Malfoy, snarled at me. He retrieved his wand before firing a nonverbal spell at me. I blocked it with ease, both of us firing spells back and forth. I could feel Sirius’s movements at my back, him and Avery in a duel while Mulciber sat and watched.

“Can’t even fight your own battles can you Mulciber!” Sirius laughed.

“Sirius are you trying to make things worse!” I yelled at him, but that split second I turned was the worst mistake I could have made.

“Crucio!” Lucius yelled.

“NO!” Sirius screamed.

I screamed loudly, the other Slytherins laughing at my pain. In that moment I was terrified, I was completely immobilized by the severe pain the spell had caused me. It felt like every bone in my body was breaking, I could feel each string of pain flowing down my body. I fell to the ground, twitching and convulsing from the pain. Lucius stood above me, his wand pointed at me. He had a sinister grin on his face, the image haunting.

I now knew why that spell was apart of the Unforgivable Curses. I wanted to curl into a ball and die right then and there, tears were pouring down my face. My head fell to the side, my eyes trying to make sense of my surroundings. I could hear shouting, but it sounded as if I were in a tunnel. The sounds echoing in my ears, a ringing sound drowning every word. Then Sirius appeared in front of me, his form blurry as I was on the verge of passing out.

“Jags! Can you hear me? Sweetheart can you hear me?” he asked, pushing some hair out of my face.

“P-Pads I-I...it hurts” I croaked, barely managing to get the words out.

“I know darling, I’m going to take you to your room ok? I’m going to carry you.” Sirius said, hoisting me up before I could protest. I grunted as he adjusted me in his arms.

“I-I-m s-sorry Siri,” I whispered, burying my face in his neck.

“What for love?” he asked quietly.

“What I said e-earlier, I like that you live with us..I didn’t mean that in a bad way.” I mumbled.

“I know my darling, I know.” he sighed.

========================

We got to the common room, the rest of our group already there. My brother jumping up from his spot beside Lily as soon as we walked in. Remus looking at me with concerned eyes, Peter’s eyes widened from his chair across from Remus.

“What the fuck happened?!” James demanded.

“What in the world?” Remus gasped.

“We were in a duel with Mulciber and Malfoy” Sirius grunted, setting me on the couch. Lily wrapped me in a blanket, grabbing some tea for Sirius and I.

“Sis, are you ok?” James asked, bending down to be in front of me.

“He used the Cruciatus curse on me James, Merlin’s beard I never want to go through that ever again.” I sobbed, Sirius setting on the arm of the couch by my head to stroke my hair.

“That son of a bitch!” James yelled, standing up and pacing to the door.

“And just where do you think you’re going?” Lily asked, standing to her feet.

“I’m going to find him, and kill him.” James gritted through his teeth.

“James no please, I don’t want you to get hurt!” I cried, Sirius laid a kiss on the crown of my head before going towards my brother.

“Come on mate, I already took care of it. Don’t upset her even more.” Sirius spoke softly to James who was still breathing heavily.

“Prongs, you can’t just go out willy nilly, you have to think this through. If someone catches you-” Remus piped up from the table he was sitting at.

“That bastard hurt my sister!” he shouted.

“Yes James, but you can’t just go by yourself!” Lily exclaimed.

“Watch me Evans,” he sneered, walking through the portrait.

“James Potter don’t you dare!” Lily yelled, charging after him.

We could hear their bickering as they walked down the hall, all of us frozen in our spots. I rubbed at my temples, a headache starting to form from how exhausted I felt. I started to get up from the couch before Sirius stopped me.

“Woah now, take it easy Jagsy.” he said, taking hold of my arms when I almost toppled over.

“I’m fine, I think I’ll head off to bed now. I’m exhausted.” I mumbled.

“Goodnight Jagsy, glad to see you’re alright love.” Remus said, smiling at me.

“Night Moony,” I said, smiling back at him.

“Goodnight guys,” Peter said.

“I’ll see you all later,” Sirius said, starting to follow me.

“I’m ok Sirius, stop hovering over me.” I sighed, starting up the stairs to my room. I heard footsteps behind me, turning to see Sirius behind me. I gave him a quizzical look.

“I want to make sure you get in alright,” he said, catching up to where I was on the stairs.

“Pads,” I huffed.

“I’m not taking no for an answer Potter.” he said firmly, taking my hand as we walked to my room.

We made it to the room I shared with Lily, Sirius taking a seat on my bed. I gathered my pajamas, and other stuff I needed to get ready for bed. Sirius laying back on my bed, putting his hands behind his head.

“Making yourself comfortable eh Pads?” I laughed.

“Your bed is much comfier than mine love, I’m staying with you from now on.” he sighed, closing his eyes.

“I don’t know how Lil would feel about that.” I said hesitantly.

“So you wouldn’t mind me staying here if Evans didn’t room with you?” he asked, cracking a smile.

“Ok. I’m going to get ready for bed.” I said, embarrassed that I walked into that.

He laughed as I walked to the bathroom down the hall. I sat my stuff on the counter, taking a moment to process what happened today. I had never been in a duel that made me fear for my life. I could have died if Sirius hadn’t of been there with me. I thought about that war that’s upcoming, it disturbed me that people here at Hogwarts were joining the evil side. I shook my head, ridding myself of the thought, I got ready for bed. I walked back into my room, Sirius still laying on my bed. He had moved himself under the covers, his shirt laying on the floor.

“Are you spending the night Siri?” I chuckled, moving towards the bed.

“I’m so comfy I don’t want to get up.” he mumbled, reaching his arms out to me.

I snuggled close to him, burying my face in his neck. I inhaled his scent which calmed me more than my shower did. I was so in love with this man, I wished more than anything that he could be mine. I wish I could read his mind, see what goes on in that curly head of his.

“Sirius,” I whispered, pulling back to look at his handsome face.

“Yes darling?” he asked, opening his eyes to look at me.

“I was really scared today...I-If you hadn’t been with me-” I whimpered, tears resurfacing.

“Shhh now darling, it’s all over now. I won’t ever let anything like that happen to you again. I don’t like you being hurt...” Sirius whispered, wiping away my tears with his thumbs.

“You won’t always be with me Siri,” I sighed.

“I could if you wanted me to baby,” he smirked, a playful gleam in his eyes.

“I would kill you if you were attached to me 24/7 Pads.” I chuckled.

“We’re in most of our classes together this year darling, better start getting used to it.” he smiled, kissing my nose.

We talked for a little while longer, most of it was Sirius cracking corny jokes to make me laugh. My spirit feeling much lighter than it did before. All because of this man beside me. My best friend, partner in crime, and the love of my life. The last part something he will never know. I got sleepy to the point I could barely hold my eyes open, struggling to stay awake.

“Go to sleep love,” Sirius whispered.

“Night Siri,” I yawned.

“Goodnight sweetheart,” he whispered.

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emachinescat · 3 years

Text

By Night My Mind

A Tales of Arcadia: Wizards Fan-Fiction

by @emachinescat

@febuwhump day 19 - sleep deprivation

Summary: Sequel to “Dying Is Easy.” In the aftermath of the final battle against the Arcane Order, Douxie is plagued by guilt and nightmares about his part in Merlin’s death, and decides that he’s better off staying awake, which his battered and weary body does not take well. Written for Febuwhump on Tumblr. Day 19: sleep deprivation

Characters: Douxie, Archie, Jim, Claire

Words: 4,719

TW: None

Notes: Sequel to “Dying Is Easy, Living (Without You) Is Harder,” and set in the same universe as “That I Could Fear a Door” and “Lest Back that Awful Door Should Spring.” In this version of events, Douxie doesn’t have to leave with Nari, and is trying to adjust back to life in Arcadia after the events of “Dying Is Easy.”

Keep reading here, or on AO3!

If you enjoy, please consider liking, commenting, or re-blogging, and you can follow me for more content like this! :)

- From “Sonnet 27” by William Shakespeare

Weary with toil, I haste me to my bed,

The dear repose for limbs with travel tired;

But then begins a journey in my head

To work my mind, when body’s work’s expired…

Lo! thus, by day my limbs, by night my mind,

For thee, and for myself, no quiet find.

The night after his battle with the Arcane Order, Douxie slept more soundly than he could ever remember. His near-death experience had left him with a litany of aches, pains, cuts, bruises, a couple of fractured ribs and a lot of unanswered questions - it should have been impossible for him to survive a fall from that height; every bone in his body should have been broken, and no one knew how he was still alive - but still he slept, his final meeting with Merlin and the restored Morgana fresh on his mind and a soothing balm through the night.

The trouble came the day after, when he nodded off while curled up on his couch with The Sword in the Stone distracting him from some unpleasant thoughts and a nagging guilt that had begun to crop up, slowly but steadily, over the course of his day. No one knew that the hokey, mostly plotless Disney movie was his favorite, and he preferred to keep it that way. It had always amused him, Merlin as a bit of a crackpot and Arthur a poor young boy running around after a magical master who only halfway knew what he was doing at any given time - it reminded him of himself, and of home.

But he was exhausted from the muscle relaxer he’d been prescribed when Jim and Claire had practically kidnapped him and forced him to let Jim’s mom, a doctor, examine him, and he fell asleep right when Mad Madam Mim issued her challenge to Merlin and for a few wonderful moments, there was nothing, and he could rest.

He woke with a yell only minutes later (Merlin was now turning into a germ to outwit the atrocious purple dragon), fighting desperately against the effects of the muscle relaxers that were already trying to pull him under again. He couldn’t even remember what it was that woke him, what he’d seen in his dreams, but it didn’t matter. Whatever it was - and he had a good idea - it left him trembling, short of breath, on the verge of tears.

“Douxie?”

Archie padded into the room and hopped up on the couch beside his friend, eyes full of concern behind his glasses.

“I’m fine, Archie. Just a nightmare.”

“I miss him, too,” the cat said solemnly, reflective gaze compassionate and sad as he observed his human friend. “Perhaps we should talk--”

“Talking won’t bring him back,” Douxie snapped, and Archie flinched back the tiniest amount and fell silent, looking more like a chastised pet than Douxie had ever seen him. The wizard sighed. “I’m sorry, Archie. I just don’t want to talk, that's all.” He rubbed the furry head with distracted affection, then moved from the couch and pulled up a hard-backed kitchen chair, and sat in that.

He didn’t feel like sleeping so much anymore, even if the burning of his eyes told him otherwise. He turned off the movie - it suddenly held no appeal. The Disney+ main screen took its place, and he clicked on something at random. He was so caught up in his bleak mood and dark thoughts that he didn’t even realize for a solid ten minutes that he was watching Hannah Montana.

***

Dr. Lake called him at five and asked how the muscle relaxers were treating him - “Are they keeping the pain and back spasms at bay? Are you taking them with food? Have you been able to rest?” Douxie placated her with lies on all accounts, but the truth was that he was sore even with the medicine, he hadn't taken it with food because he couldn't bring himself to eat, and every time he closed his eyes he felt the unfathomable pain of being run through all over again, or, worse, he saw Merlin kneeling over him, sacrificing his life for Douxie’s stupid mistake, and that wasn’t worth any benefits rest gave him.

***

He did finally fall asleep that night around eleven, not by choice - he’d been forced to take another muscle relaxer when the pain in his ribs and back crescendoed to nearly unbearable levels, and the drug worked quickly despite his best efforts to stay awake.

The dream was, at the beginning, not good, but not nightmare material, either. He found he was reliving his final conversation with Merlin, in that Nowhere between life and death where his mentor had waited patiently for him to arrive before moving on at last, after 900 long years.

At first the conversation was much the same as it had been, and Douxie found a thread of comfort in Merlin’s reassurances - I told you, my boy, I chose to die for you. I want no part of a world without you in it. And I am happy, reunited with my dear friend and first apprentice, ready to step into the next chapter.

But this time, right before Merlin stepped through the door into the light, he turned and contemplated his grieving apprentice with a cold look. “Although,” he said, accusation seeping from every word, “it is true that I wouldn’t have had to give my life for you if you hadn’t bungled things up so much in the first place.”

Douxie felt his heart stutter to a stop and he stammered, “W-what?”

“Couldn’t leave well enough alone, could you?” Merlin hissed, his eyes flashing dangerously. “It was my fight. And if you were going to interfere, why not cast some other spell that kept us both out of harm’s way?”

Floundering for any purchase on solid ground, Douxie finally managed, “I didn’t know how - the magic, it just responded -”

“You were always good at making excuses, Hisirdoux,” the wizard snarled. “The faith I thought I had in your abilities was obviously misplaced.” A terrible, eternal beat of silence. Then - “Perhaps I should have let you die after all. It’s no more than you deserve.”

“But Master -”

“I’m done with you.” With a dismissive wave of his arm, Merlin stomped into the waiting light of the unknown, muttering, “Might as well enjoy your life since you ended mine to save it.”

And Douxie was left alone in the between-space, and the tower crumbled around him in time with his soul, and he let it bury him, book after book crashing on his head, and he hoped that this time, he wouldn’t wake up at all….

It’s all my fault.

He woke up crying, not screaming, and shortly after he flushed the muscle relaxers while Archie wasn’t looking (the wise familiar would most certainly have not approved), splashed his face with icy water, and grabbed his well-read copy of The Catcher in the Rye and forced his eyes across the familiar words in a vain attempt to distract him from the loathing and pain and guilt that screamed through his aching head and pounded out a tattoo of shame that persisted through the lonely, sleepless night.

***

Two days later, he returned to work, and his manager stared openly at his disheveled appearance. Douxie had slept a grand total of four hours since he’d tossed the pills, and those had been intermittent catnaps that his body had forced him to take. Eventually, though the thought of using his magic made his skin crawl now after what it had done to Merlin, he conjured a simple alarm clock that sensed when he fell asleep and screeched metal core at him every time it happened.

He knew he looked bad - he’d seen a glimpse of himself in the mirror before he left. His face was thinner than usual, pinched in pain that tylenol just wasn’t cutting through - but anything else would make him fall asleep. Although all of the bruising was centralized around his back and chest and invisible beneath his rumpled t-shirt, it looked like he’d been punched in both eyes, with the dark, puffy circles accenting each one. He’d been too out of it to properly bother with styling his hair, or brushing it, if he were honest, and he was pretty sure he was wearing two different combat boots. They were both black, though, so maybe no one would notice. He didn’t have the energy to care if they did.

“Damn,” said his manager, Jeff. “I think you came back from sick leave a little too soon, man. You look awful.”

Douxie shrugged, not trusting himself to speak. He’d been screaming from one emotion to the next with no warning ever since he woke up, and even though he felt rather empty at the moment, he knew it was distinctly possible that if he opened his mouth he might start crying against his will.

“I think you should go back home. Have you seen a doctor?”

Douxie grunted in affirmation.

“Go home until you’re feeling better, Douxie. Seriously, man, you have to take care of yourself.”

The hollowness inside of him filled with irritation at the dismissal. “I’m fine,” he growled sullenly.

His manager blinked, surprised at the tone. Douxie had always been a model employee, respectful and fun to be around.

“You’re going to scare customers away,” Jeff insisted. “You can’t wait tables like this - people will be afraid you’ll give them whatever plague you’ve come down with.”

With a snarl, Douxie spat, “Why can’t things just go back to normal?” He stormed out before his bewildered manager could answer.

***

The next afternoon, someone knocked at his door. He cast a suspicious side-eye at Archie, who sat innocently on the table, tail tucked contritely around his carefully arranged paws as he studied Merlin’s magic book, the one Douxie had refused to touch since returning home. Archie had disappeared for a short time earlier, flapping out of the window in dragon form and saying that he was just going for a short flight to clear his head. Now Douxie wondered if the dragon had actually gone out and told someone of his worries about his wizard familiar. After all, Archie had been on his case constantly over the past few days, practically begging his friend to sleep, to eat, to talk, and Douxie always ignored him and had even yelled at him on a couple of occasions.

Douxie was picking at a bowl of dragon-popped popcorn listlessly, the small desire for food that he’d felt earlier having been immediately usurped by a fresh waves of undulating guilt and devastating emptiness. A smattering of empty cans - soda and energy drinks - lay crumpled on the coffee table around Archie, and the dregs of his latest cup of coffee were still warm. He seriously considered just ignoring the knocking until whoever it was went away - they’d promised to give him some time to recover, after all - but then they started ringing the doorbell and his head already hurt so badly it made his stomach curdle, so he made the tremendous journey to his feet. He swayed, his limbs like pool noodles, head swimming with dizziness at the effort to stay upright.

Each step toward the door - that incessant, too-loud doorbell was going to drive him mad! - was a hard-fought battle, and by the time his hand reached for the doorknob, he felt like he was going to be sick, and his vision was blurred, and he was having trouble remembering why he had gotten up in the first place.

Then the doorbell rang again, and a muffled voice called his name from the other side of the door, and he remembered.

It was Claire and Jim. The moment they laid eyes on him, their expressions went from concerned to relieved to something Douxie couldn’t quite identify but that might have been a kind of shock, or even horror.

“Douxie!” Claire half-shouted, and Douxie fought the urge to cover his ears as her voice, normally pleasant and soothing, tried its hardest to split his head in two. “What happened?”

Douxie squinted at her in confusion. Shouldn’t she know what happened? She had been there, for parts of it, at least. She’d heard about the rest. He could barely stand up straight anymore, and his eyes started closing of their own accord. This had happened so many times before, but as soon as sleep started to stake its claim, the memories and nightmares and things that might have been memories followed, mixing up into a blur that he couldn’t navigate, and then his magic alarm clock would blare, and he would wake up, and drink another Mountain Dew or Monster or cup of coffee, and try to do something to take his mind off of sleep and pain and Merlin. Then the whole process would start over again.

This time, it didn’t look like he would make it back to the couch before he passed out - the arduous trek to the front door had drained him, made him breathless and dizzy - and he was toppling forward, trying to force himself to wake up, battling sleep and the panic of sleep, or worse, hitting his head and being knocked out and forced to sleep.

“Whoa!” He startled awake to a hazy reality as Jim caught his stumbling form and propped him up the best that he could given how much taller Douxie was than him. Distantly, Douxie heard, “Claire, help me get him inside.”

And then Claire slung his other arm over her shoulder and they half-supported, half-dragged him back into his house, and though his eyes were on his couch, he realized that they were taking him past it, further into the house, in the direction of his bedroom, and he began to struggle against them.

“No, not there,” he gasped, knowing that if he had a mattress under his body and a soft pillow under his bed, there would be no way he could resist the siren call of sleep. He’d been avoiding his bed for days now.

But they didn’t listen, and soon they helped ease him onto his bed, perpetually unmade, and he scrambled up clumsily into a facsimile of a sitting position and shook his head to clear it of the gummy cobwebs that infested it. Archie, having followed the trio closely, literally hovering right over their shoulders, perched on Douxie’s desk and kept his lamp-lit eyes on his human, watchful and protective.

As soon as their charge was no longer in any immediate danger of hurting himself, Jim pulled out his cell phone. “I’m calling my mom.”

“No, no,” Douxie said, forcing his burning eyes open as far as he could and making a feeble swipe at the phone in his friend’s hand. Jim hesitated, his thumb hovering over the send button.

“You are obviously not feeling well,” he said. “And you look sick. You need to see a doctor before --”

“I’m not sick,” Douxie explained, trying to project an air of wellness that he couldn’t even muster within himself. At their doubtful looks, he clarified, “Just a little tired.”

“You don’t look like you’ve slept in a month!” Claire exclaimed worriedly. “We promised to give you a few days to yourself to heal and rest, not turn into one of the living dead!”

“It’s only been a few days,” Douxie assured her. “I just need to sort some things out in my head, that’s all. Then I’ll sleep.” It was a lie, but he needed them to believe it, needed them to go home and go on with their lives and not sit here worrying about him - or worse, try to make him sleep. He appreciated their concern, and was touched that he had friends who cared so much about his well-being, but they had more important things to deal with - Jim’s transition from being half-troll to enslaved hulk troll to fully human and the loss of his amulet, for starters. And he had made this mess on his own, this was his fault, so if his punishment was to never sleep again, it should be his to bear alone. He didn’t deserve to be worried about, he suddenly realized - that was the crux of why he wanted to be left alone so badly.

“A few days without sleep will wreck you, man,” Jim said seriously, his blue eyes offering nothing but concern. He did pocket his phone again, though, for which Douxie heaved a sigh of relief. “Trust me, I know.”

Douxie didn’t know the details, but he had heard stories from Claire and Toby about how Jim had, over a year ago, willingly gone into the Darklands, a hellish nightmare-scape beneath the skin of this world, and Claire had told, her own eyes haunted, of how he had come back not himself, traumatized, and how he’d barely slept nor ate and had become a shell of his former self.

So he asked, voice far more unsure than he felt comfortable with, “How did you move on? How did you get back to normal?”

He hated himself for sounding so weak. He’d lived 701 years. He’d lost people he cared about so regularly that he’d eventually tried to avoid personal connections. Such was the curse of being a wizard, and being functionally immortal. The world around him would turn, but he would not age - or rather, he would age slowly, at the pace of his own choosing - and people would die, wars would rise up and die down, and still he would live, watching it all, alone. That wasn’t true. Even if Merlin had been entombed for much of that time, he hadn’t been dead, not really. The knowledge that he would see his mentor again had kept Douxie going during the loneliest of times, during the most devastating losses.

And, of course, he’d had Archie, a constant companion who even now had done everything he could to help his friend, and when that hadn’t worked, when Douxie had been too stubborn to listen, he’d taken it upon himself to gather more of Douxie’s friends and staged an intervention. If Douxie hadn’t been so exhausted and his mind hadn’t been so muddy, he might have been grateful or touched by the gesture and loyalty, but right now, he just felt irritated, like his privacy had been infringed upon.

Jim blinked. “Well, uh,” he stammered, glancing at Claire before continuing, “it took time, first of all. But, honestly, it was my friends. But it took talking to someone who had gone through the same thing as me, who understood what I was going through, to first start the healing.”

Douxie shook his head. “Everybody loses people,” he said slowly. “But this feels different.”

“Just because everyone deals with loss doesn’t make your experiences any less important, Douxie,” Archie said sagely. He was the only one in the room who had a true scope of all the heartbreaks Douxie had accumulated over his centuries of life in a world of short-lived mortals.

“It’s not that.” Douxie was desperate now for them to understand the truth. Then maybe they would stop being so kind to him. Dream-Merlin had been right. He didn’t deserve it. “Don’t you see? It’s my fault Merlin’s dead. I killed him.”

Jim froze at his words, looking like he’d just been struck across the face. For a moment, Douxie wondered why he reacted the way he did, but then remembered that Jim had been the one to hold Douxie down when Morgana was going to kill him. He hadn’t been in his right mind, had been enslaved by the Arcane Order, but still, he had, in a small way, been the reason that Douxie had been forced into doing the switching magic that he had. Still, Douxie could find no ill will in him against the Trollhunter. He’d not been in control of his own mind. Douxie had.

“I am so sorry,” Jim started, but Douxie immediately cut him off.

“It’s not your fault. You weren’t you. But me…”

“You have to see the truth,” Jim insisted urgently, now moving to take a seat on the bed next to his older friend. Sure, they hadn’t known each other all that long, but going through the things they had and saving the world together tended to bring people closer together rather more quickly than usual, in his experience. “It wasn’t your fault. You did everything you could to save Merlin. You took a sword in the gut for him.” Douxie flinched internally at the reminder of the agony, the feeling of dying, the cold and the dark.

“Yeah, Douxie,” Claire chimed in. “You’re a hero. You saved him.”

“If I’d had more control over that magic, if I’d channeled it a different way or done a different spell, then we might both be alive.” He was so tired, but the conversation held him in its grip, and he couldn’t sleep anyway, he’d go back to the sword and Merlin’s death and the wizard’s tower where Merlin would tell him again that he’d failed.

“Douxie, you’re the one who’s been teaching me more magic!” Claire reminded him. “One of the things I learned from my Shadow Staff - and that you’ve continued to show me - is that magic is emotion. You can’t always control what magic is going to do when you are in a moment of fear or anger or desperation. Magic reacts to your emotions. And Jim’s right. What you did was very brave and selfless.”

“That’s why Merlin gave his life to save you in return,” Archie added. “That, and because he loved you, very much.”

Douxie felt the sting of hot tears carving pathways down his face and didn’t bother to wipe them off. He felt like having a full-on temper tantrum, flopping onto his stomach and screaming and sobbing and slamming his fists into the ground and letting his magic explode out of him with all the force of the emotions and exhaustion that had built up inside. He knew if he did that, though, he would just end up hurting someone else.

So he asked a question he was ashamed to ask, because it made it sound like he blamed Merlin instead of himself, “If he loved me, why did he leave? Why didn’t he let me make my sacrifice? It was like what I did didn’t matter. I saved him because I don’t want to live without him, but that’s just what he forced me to do.”

Archie flapped off the desk and landed on the bed on the other side of his friend. Placing a paw on Douxie’s leg, he spoke gently, as if to a lost child, “Merlin was a great wizard” -- Douxie sobbed -- “but he was also very selfish sometimes. That comes with great power and an ego left unchecked paired with a very long life. Merlin saved you because he couldn’t bear to think of a world without you in it. Nor,” said the dragon, nuzzling Douxie’s elbow affectionately, “can I, for that matter.”

“But if I --”

“No buts,” said Archie. “This was not your fault. And I know Merlin told you the same.”

“He did,” Douxie admitted. “But then he didn’t. Every time I sleep, I see him, and he tells me… he tells me that I f-failed, that he’s d-dead because of me, and that I don’t deserve to live.”

“Oh, Douxie,” Claire breathed softly, sinking down into his desk chair.

“That’s not Merlin telling you that,” Jim spoke up. Something raw lingered in his eyes. “It’s the lies you are telling yourself. I know because for weeks after the Darklands, I…” He cast his gaze briefly at Claire, and even in his semi-conscious state, Douxie got the feeling that he hadn’t even told his girlfriend this before. “I had dreams every night of Claire, Toby, Blinky, Aaarrrgghh, everyone telling me I should have stayed in the Darklands. Should have died there, because I wasn’t strong or brave enough, and I went in alone and betrayed them, and that they were better off and happier without me. For a while, I believed them.”

Claire was crying quietly now, her hands pressed against her lips.

“But then,” Jim continued, “the more time I spent with my friends, and talked to them, I began to be able to separate their truth from my own lies. Like I said earlier, you really need to talk to someone who gets it, you know. And even though we’ve experienced a lot of the same things, it’s not me.” He looked pointedly at the small black dragon who was currently in the same place he’d always been - at Douxie’s side.

“I miss him too.” Archie repeated his words from a few days ago. “And I am here for you, Douxie.” He must have seen the doubt festering in Douxie’s eyes and he reassured, “I do not blame you for what happened. No one does. The Merlin in your dreams is not real. He is spitting your own self-doubts and guilt right back into your face, but deep down, you know the truth. The real Merlin told you. Jim and Claire told you. And I am promising you - Merlin died because he chose to in order to save you because after all he had seen and done and all the years he’d lived, the one thing he was terrified of was having to light your funeral pyre. And Merlin never did anything he didn’t want to do. No one could have stopped him from making that choice.”

The words struck something deep inside of Douxie, and he felt the tiniest fraction of weight shift in his chest. “M’be,” he slurred, so tired that his friends were all now blobs of blue, black, and purple. A giant bruise. He chuckled, a bit madly.

“Okay, Douxie,” came Claire’s voice, distant and very close at the same time. “I think you really need to lie down now. You’ve been awake for too long.”

She and Jim helped him lie down. Weakly, he protested, “I cn’t sleep.”

“You can,” said Jim. “Take Archie’s words with you if you end up facing that dream-Merlin again. Remember that we’re here for you. None of us will leave you while you sleep, okay?”

“Yeah, we’ll be right here when you wake up, and if you have nightmares, we’ll remind you of the truth,” Claire promised.

“And I will guard you,” Archie vowed, retaking his cat form and curling up protectively over his closest friend’s heart. “You are safe here.”

Douxie could resist the call of sleep no longer. He closed his eyes and let it take him, and he felt the warm weight of Archie on his chest and the presence of his friends around him and the slightest of smiles curved his lips as he drifted off.

***

Thirty seconds after Douxie grew still upon the bed, his three friends let out a collective sigh of relief.

Thirty seconds after that, Jim and Claire let out a collective yell of shock and Archie leapt to his paws, hissing and arching his back, as a giant, misty alarm clock appeared out of thin air and started screeching a terrible cacophony of wailing guitars and screaming vocals at top volume.

“What the--?” Claire shouted over the racket, slamming her hands over her ears.

“I forgot,” Archie called back, “he cast this spell to wake him up when he fell asleep.”

And yet, this time, Douxie still slept.

“Can you turn it off?” Jim yelled.

“No, only Douxie can undo the spell.”

Jim considered this for a moment and shook his head. “Let him sleep. He needs it.”

And despite the loud, jarring music, he, Claire, and Archie kept their promise and stayed faithfully at their friend’s side until, four hours later, he woke up long enough to blessedly vanish the clock.

Then, like a little boy with a teddy bear, the already fading Douxie pulled a startled Archie into his arms and held him tight, curling up on his side with his furry prize. Although uncomfortable in his new position and robbed of his draconian dignity, Archie snuggled in and purred, content to listen to the steady breathing of his deeply sleeping familiar.

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nikibogwater · 3 years

Text

A Shot in the Dark: Chapter One (Author’s Commentary)

(read the fic here)

General Notes:

(So I kind of stole this idea from my friend @unexpected-possibilities after she made an author’s commentary post on one of her fics, and I was like “Oh. Wait, I actually find this kind of stuff SUPER interesting to read." So...yeah, here’s mine for anybody who feels similarly lol)

I have been dying to write this kind of story pretty much since the completion of my second Wizards/ToA fic back in August, but it took me a while to suss out the plot. I generally try to keep my fics as canon-friendly as possible (not that I have anything against AUs, that’s just not a direction that I usually go in) so it was tricky to create a high-stakes adventure story that didn’t mess with canon too much.

That being said, Chapter 1 is pretty chill, apart from the scene at the end. But it is incredibly important to the plot, because it sets up elements that will be very relevant later in the story. It also serves to re-establish the three-way relationship between Douxie, Archie, and Nari, which will give their interactions in the future chapters more weight.

One last general note before we get to the passage-specific stuff: The song “Protector” by City Wolf has always been my go-to theme for the Douxie-Archie-Nari relationship, but I think it really captures the feel of this story in particular (or at least, it will once the whole thing is posted lol). I’ve never associated a particular song with any of my other fics before, but this one really was a huge part of what inspired this story, so I highly recommend that you give it a listen, if you are so inclined.

Passage-Specific Notes:

Two pairs of luminous golden eyes were hovering uncomfortably close to his head and staring at him fixedly. Douxie yelped and threw off his covers, scrambling upright and fumbling for his magic vambrace nearby. A small green hand held it out to him politely, and after a bit of confused blinking, Douxie finally registered the faces of his companions. Nari and Archie were sitting on the floor next to his mattress, looking at him eagerly.

Two short things: One: I had no idea how I was going to start this scene, and then I remembered that one Calvin and Hobbes strip where Calvin wakes up to find Hobbes hovering over him menacingly, and I was like “Yes, that will do nicely.” Two: I still have no idea what Douxie’s magic bracelet-thingy should technically be called, so I settled on vambrace. I know Merlin refers to it as a bracelet in the show, but Merl, I’m sorry, but you clearly know nothing about jewelry. That thing is NOT a simple bracelet. (Also I had to research the difference between bracers and vambraces in order to determine which word to use. Bracers are apparently protective gear that is exclusive to archery, while vambrace is a more general word for any kind of armor worn on the forearm).

“It’s also the day you promised to bring Nari to Central Park,” Archie informed him.

This is a callback to a previous entry in the series, Home Away From Home. Although each entry in the Immortal Bonds series is written in such a way that it can be enjoyed as a standalone, I do weave tiny threads of continuity throughout all of them.

Mornings for Nari looked very different than they used to, she realized as she set the kettle on the stove, stepping back so Archie could light it (due to her somewhat complicated relationship with Bellroc, she was still wary about anything that involved fire). As a demigoddess who had existed for hundreds of millenia, she had never had much experience with something as human as family domesticity.

The scene where Nari and Archie make Douxie’s tea was originally going to be much longer and feature a lot more introspection on Nari’s part (I even researched the British tea-making process for it, since I’m fairly certain Douxie is the one who taught her how to make tea). I was going to start exploring the idea that Nari is still insecure about her place in this little found family, but I realized after about three paragraphs that there’s no way Nari doesn’t know how much Douxie genuinely loves her--she is already proficient in reading his emotions at this point. So that’s an internal conflict for another day.

“Keep very still for me, Nari.” He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, his aura flowing out and wrapping around her like a warm, familiar cloak. “Celare,” he murmured, and Nari felt a sharp tug on her spirit as the spell washed over it, cool and comforting like the shade of an old tree.

If you’ve read previous entries in this series, you know that I can wax poetic about the physical sensations of magic for DAYS. It is one of my favorite aspects of writing Tales of Arcadia fanfiction. Also Celare (kel-ahr-ay) is Latin for “Hide” or “Conceal.” I had to get outside help for this because I don’t speak Latin, and Google Translate is (as I found out) completely unreliable for even the simplest, single-word translations (it gave me the word for “clothe” when I used it 😑)

The first time she had walked the streets of New York City, Nari had been on the verge of tears. There were so many sensations assaulting her mind at once, the feeling of countless souls buzzing around, a crowd of spirits so thick that sometimes it felt like a wall. Even without tapping into her roots, she was drowning in a sea of tangling energies, as hundreds, even thousands of voices echoed in her soul all at once.

Oooooops, is that a parallel for Sensory Processing Disorder? Well, how did that get in there??? *shoves my own mental health issues under a rug with my foot* I have no clue.

This is probably as good a time as any to discuss auras vs. life energy. Basically, aura is the energy radiated by the presence of magic. Magical creatures who share close bonds can become very sensitive to one another’s aura, and because magic is so inextricably linked to emotion, Nari is able to read Douxie’s aura to pick up on whatever he’s feeling (though this is because she is extra sensitive to magical presence--Douxie is attuned to her aura, but he can’t read hers the way she can his). Life energy, meanwhile, is the energy given off by every living soul, magic or otherwise, and that’s what Nari is able to sense via her powers as a demigoddess. I sometimes interchange the word aura with spirit or soul or something similar, but if Douxie or Nari are sensing one another in any capacity apart from their actual physical senses, it’s their auras. Archie also has an aura, but it’s not as intense as that of a true magic-wielder.

He was fashionably dressed, (“business casual,” the humans called it), with an elegant black trench coat hanging nonchalantly off of his arm. He had dark brown hair, handsomely trimmed and styled, just a bit shorter than Douxie’s, and was wearing a large pair of expensive-looking sunglasses. He looked thoroughly uninterested in the world around him, and had the appearance of someone who was waiting to meet up with a particularly tardy acquaintance. But Nari couldn’t sense that he was waiting. She couldn’t sense anything from this man. He emitted no life force, no aura or energy of any kind. He was like a standing, breathing corpse.

I have had this character floating around in the back of my mind since August, and I was just waiting for the opportunity to use him. Also fun fact, he was originally conceived as a sort of prototype for who I thought Mordred Le Fey would be in the ToA universe. But since canon is technically still ongoing and the ToA writers could still bring Mordred into the picture, I decided to adapt him into the original character Rivan (whose name will be properly revealed in the next chapter).

Beside her, Douxie’s aura was rippling with unease. But a moment later, his spirit stilled, and he put an arm around her to turn her away from the alley...

...A minute later, the crosswalk signal changed once more, and they continued on their way. Though Douxie’s spirit was radiating a placid energy, Nari couldn’t help noticing that he kept his arm around her for the rest of the journey.

It was important to me that Douxie not look like a complete idiot in this scene, which was a little difficult since this part isn’t told from his perspective. Homeboy absolutely knows better than to ignore something suspicious like this. But he is also acting as Nari’s brother/guardian in this scene, so he tries to play it off to keep her from worrying too much. He promised her a fun day in Central Park, and he’s not willing to bail on that just yet. But I’m hoping that the fact that he has to force his aura into a state of calm and physically holds Nari close to him as they walk are good indicators that he has gone on high alert.

And that’s a wrap for this week! Next Friday, all hell is gonna break loose, so definitely come back for that. If you have any questions/comments, definitely hit me up either in my Ask Box or over on Ao3. As always, thanks for reading! ✨💕

#fanfiction #writing #author's commentary #tales of arcadia #douxie #nari #a shot in the dark #the magical siblings #and their therapy cat

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