#my bet is that it will be a fake marriage trope | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

catsafarithewriter · 2 months

Note

Cliche trope but Baron/Haru fake dating that went to full love confession?? 😅. Or Muta and Toto betting on whom among Baron and Haru will admit their feelings first 😅 sorry for the overtly used trope

A/N: With tropes like these, there's a reason they're so popular! One fake dating coming right up!

(And if you want more, I have a fake marriage au, Marry Me Twice on AO3, and a half-finished series of fake dating/marriage snippets on tumblr!)

At this point. Haru decided, she really shouldn't be surprised anymore when Baron got himself into these sorts of situations.

After all, she tried to remind herself, even she hadn't been immune to his charms upon their first meeting, and in the many years since he hadn't toned down his charisma one iota. He simply had a natural pizazz to him, a flair that drew and kept the eye. It was just a nuisance that he was oblivious to his effect until it was too late.

Still, one would think he would learn after the sixth accidental engagement.

"We've got a plan to get him out, right?" Haru deadpanned to the remaining (thankfully unengaged) members of the Bureau. "We're not just gonna sit back and watch him be married off to the faerie queen, right?"

Muta snorted. "I say we leave him there as a distraction while we get on with the case."

"Or Muta and I can do that, while you recover him," Toto said. "The changeling child should be around here somewhere. Just remember - fae can tell if you're lying."

Haru regarded the swirling ballroom before her. It wasn't built of brick and mortar, but of living trees and vines. The canopy knotted so thickly overhead that the only light to be found was in the glow of the mushrooms, bioluminescent fungi clinging to the trunks that served in place of pillars. Its occupants only had the barest resemblance to humanity - all feathers and antlers and fur - that left her the stark outlier. "If they turn me into a frog for my impertinence, you'll save me, right?"

"We'll make yer a pond with only the finest lily pads."

"Fantastic." Taking that as the best reassurance she was going to get, Haru waded into the sea of twirling gowns and gilded waistcoats. She worried that she would have to elbow her way through, but the dancers parted, if only as far as her next step so that she felt like a shark ineffectively swimming through a shoal of fish. Only sharks probably didn't feel like they were next on the menu.

At the far end of the ballroom was a bower. And in the bower was the faerie queen - and Baron.

Haru bowed. "Your Majesty, I thank you for your hospitality in welcoming us here, but I am afraid to say it is time we took our leave." That was probably fine, wasn't it? Not too formal? Not formal enough? Should she have broken out the 'thee's and 'thou's?

"Then I bid you farewell."

Haru waited. When she didn't hear Baron make a move, she cautiously glanced up. She immediately saw the reason for Baron's inaction; the faerie queen's hand is still rested on his. It was gentle, but deliberately possessive.

"I plan to leave with all of my friends, your Majesty."

The faerie queen smiled. "I'm afraid the Baron has decided to stay."

Haru glanced to Baron and raised an eyebrow. "Has he now?" She knew him well enough to read the apology in the quirk of his lips, and the belated realisation that he might have messed up in the flicker of an eye. She raised her other eyebrow in reply.

"Indeed," the faerie queen said. "After all, he has been such a gentleman, so charming and attentive, that his true intentions could scarcely have been mistaken for anything other than an affair of the heart."

"You think he's in love with you?"

"And why wouldn't he be?" the queen asked. "Have you seen any as beautiful as I?"

The fact that the faerie queen was indeed mesmerisingly stunning - despite, or perhaps because of the feline glint of her eyes or the vines that grew in and along her skin - was immaterial. Haru couldn't do anything but agree when the person in question could curse her with less than a thought.

Haru bowed again. "None are your equal, I'm sure, but that was never in doubt. I only ask because Baron is a gentleman at heart, and prone to being charming and attentive to all. Regardless of intent." Or awareness.

"And how, pray tell, are you so sure of his intent?"

"I know because," and a dozen lies paraded through Haru's mind; she grabbed one at random before her hesitation would betray the deception, "he's already in love with someone."

"And whom may that be?"

Without a shadow of a doubt, Haru knew that she would have to supply any mystery suitor she named. She offered what she hoped Baron knew to be an apologetic, I'm-only-doing-this-to-save-your-skin smile. "Me. He's in love with me, your Majesty."

The music never stopped, the ballroom conversations never quietened, but the silence in the bower was deafening. What was it Toto had said earlier? Fae can tell if you're lying? Well, it was too late for that now. Haru waited for the faerie queen to call her out on her deception, but she only tilted her head, like a dog catching an intriguing scent.

"Is this true?" the faerie queen asked Baron.

Baron looked to Haru.

Haru looked back.

Lie, dammit.

"Yes," he said. He started to say something anew, floundered, and tried again. "Although I have attempted to keep such feelings within, my heart belongs wholly to Miss Haru. It has for some time now."

Haru's traitorous heart skipped a few beats, as though this wasn't a ruse she herself had started. She blinked, and managed to refocus on the queen. "So you see, your Majesty, you can hardly marry Baron when he loves another."

"Indeed."

"So with that, we should take our leave-"

Haru's hand caught Baron's and started to lead him from the bower, only for the faerie queen to suddenly stand. Baron and Haru both halted in instinctive self-preservation.

"Wait."

The faerie queen descended from the bower, an uncanny grace to her movements. It was like watching a panther, just before it pounced.

"But how can you talk of leaving after such a heartfelt confession?" she asked. "Surely, on a night like tonight when the music compels you, two lovebirds such as yourselves cannot pass up the opportunity to dance. At least," she added with another glimmer of her feline eyes, "any true couple wouldn't."

Haru felt her smile thin. She bowed, hoping it would hide the waning enthusiasm. "Your Majesty is always correct. If you would be so kind, I have a song request for your musicians, should they know it."

"Our musicians are well acquainted with much of your mortal music. Go ahead."

Haru rose from her bow and, after conferring quickly with the musicians in question, swept with Baron down to the heart of the ballroom.

"Katzen Blut?" Baron asked as the first few notes started up. "It has been a long time since I've heard this."

"It's the only song we've ever danced to. I thought it might give us a fighting chance of actually pulling this off." When Baron still seemed a little too nonplussed by the situation to respond, Haru placed his hand against her waist, ensuring they at least looked the part. "Sorry. I panicked, and that was the first excuse that came to mind."

"It was quick thinking on your part. Just... unexpected."

As the music rolled into a swing, the two of them started into a familiar waltz. Doing her best to ignore certain realities, like the fact that Baron was so close, close enough to kiss, Haru focused on easier topics. "So. What is this, the sixth time you've ended up accidentally winning someone's heart? This is getting to become a habit, Baron."

Baron had the decency to look suitably sheepish. "I thought I was merely offering her Majesty the respect befitting one of her station. If I had known it would be misinterpreted as such, I would have..."

Haru waited, and nearly flattened several of his toes when she misjudged a step. "You would have...? Go on. What would you have done differently?"

"I might have gone easier on the purple prose of her beauty."

"Gee, you think?"

"Perhaps pare down on the extravagant bow."

"Another good option."

"But, in my defence, I was left in charge of distracting her while yourself and the others located the missing changeling child."

"We asked you to distract her, not marry her."

"I haven't married her."

"Not yet. If we'd given it another half hour though..."

"Yes, you've made your point quite clear."

Their dancing neighbours glanced sidelong at them, ears perked at Baron's curt voice, and Baron swung Haru out into a twirl to deter any eavesdroppers. It would have been a far more impressive move had Haru been wearing a dress but, as things stood, the best she got was the sweep of her coat hem.

She swung back into Baron's arms, closer than before. "How exactly did you try to tell her Majesty that you weren't interested, anyway?"

"It's... complicated."

"What, you mean there wasn't a nearby rooftop to jump off after telling her you admire a woman who speaks from the heart?"

"Haru..."

"All I'm saying is, that worked great on me." Well, mostly. The fact that Haru had gone on with her life, then fallen back in with the Bureau, and then fallen for Baron again was neither here nor there. The important thing was that it had successfully snapped her out of her schoolgirl crush - just long enough for her to think things through and then develop one-sided pining later in life.

"It is... surprisingly difficult to refute a fae's attentions without causing insult."

"And anything too subtle goes right over their heads," Haru finished.

"As you discovered. If I had known that all I needed to do was confess love for another..."

Haru snorted. "We both know that was one hell of a risk. I don't even know how we managed to sell that lie, given everything we've been warned about the fae."

Baron was studiously not looking at her. "Indeed."

"I mean, I don't know what even possessed me to say that. Realistically, I should have been cursed into a frog, or something, for trying a lie like that, I don't..."

The penny dropped.

"Wait, Baron-"

"Change partners!" Baron cried, and twirled her into the arms of a fae with antlers and canines.

"Oh no you don't." Haru spun away from her current dance partner and, as best she could in time with the music, whirled from one whistle-stop faerie to the next. Baron might have had Creation grace and years of dance practice, but Haru had five years' worth of stubborn pining pushing her on.

Eventually, she landed back in Baron's arms.

"You don't just get to waltz away like that when I'm having a revelation," she scolded. "Faeries can sense lies, right? And you'd think the queen of faeries would have an extra-sensative bullshit-detector, right?"

"Not quite how I'd put it, but-"

"Not the priority right now. So, with that in mind, how the hell did I manage to convince her that you were in love with me?"

"You are a remarkable young woman, Haru, perhaps-"

"Perhaps, unknown to me, I wasn't lying."

"Haru-"

"Are you in love with me?"

"I... admire you-"

"Do not. I'm not a schoolkid anymore, Baron; I can handle a rejection just fine. Are you in love with me?"

Baron opened his mouth. Closed it. Tried several more times to no effect.

Haru groaned. "One of these days, we'll actually get to finish this dance," she muttered and, dropping her hands away from Baron, stormed back towards the bower.

"Enjoying your dance-"

"When Baron said he was in love with me, was he telling the truth?"

The faerie queen faltered. There had been the briefest flicker of rage at Haru's impertinence at interrupting her, but now it was swept away by a knowing smile. Suddenly, Haru knew why her halfway deceit had been allowed to go on; this was all entertainment to the queen and her kind.

"Yes." the queen replied.

"What the hell?" Haru turned, seeing Baron wading free from the dancing crowd, and repeated for good measure, "What the hell, Baron?!"

"I cannot help how I feel, Haru, but I thought that, if I kept it to myself-"

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I... didn't want to make things awkward between us," he said. "You are my good friend, Haru, and I never wanted to lose that. If it meant I had to push away such feelings to keep your companionship, then so be it-"

"I've been in love with you for years, you idiot."

Baron's mouth snapped shut. He blinked. "Oh. You are?"

"Yes."

"Really?"

"Yes!"

"Why?"

Some kind of nervous, almost hysterical laughter bubbled through Haru, and she pushed it back with some herculean restraint. "Because, Baron. Because you're kind and determined and I love spending time with you. Because the heart wants what the heart wants, and sometimes what it wants is an emotionally constipated cat figurine who has now been accidentally engaged six times."

"Oh."

"Yes. Oh. I can't believe I've been pining after you, thinking, 'oh there's no way he feels the same way,' all this time, just to..."

Baron stepped up to her and she let him take her hands in his. "Why wouldn't I fall for you?" he asked softly. "How could I not, when you are the bravest, most compassionate, stubbornest woman I have ever met?"

Haru sniffled, and she only realised then that she was dangerously on the verge of tears. "Not many people would woo someone by calling them stubborn, you know."

"It's one of my favourite things about you. You don't give up, Haru, even when the rest of the world wants you to. You'll stand up against a Cat King, against pirates, against monsters." He cupped her cheek in his hand and brushed away the beginning of a tear. "You'll stand up against a faerie queen to save those you love."

Haru grinned, began to offer up a retort, and then remembered the audience they had. One glance confirmed that the faerie queen was sat, quite happily, and looking like all she was missing was a bag of popcorn.

"I think this is the part where you're supposed to kiss," she offered helpfully.

Haru looked back to Baron, blushing. Only her familiarity with him betrayed the mirror blush beneath his fur. She leant in. "Well," she said. "If a queen expects it..."

There came a heartstopping crack, like the snap of a bone or a sharp clap of thunder, and a tree crashed across the ballroom. The music juddered to a halt. All conversation ceased. And in the ringing silence...

"Move, move, move!" Muta and Toto came thundering through the gap the felled tree had left. Muta had a swaddled baby cradled in his arms. "Baron, Chicky, we've got what we came for. Time to go!"

#the cat returns #cat writes #so it turns out my other fav cliche (aka 'what the hell do you mean yuo're in love with me why didn't you say so earlier')#made a surprise appearance #look. is it really true love if they don't shout at each other when they discover the truth? (probably yes)

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sitp-recs · 9 months

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15 fics with different takes on Harry

Nobody asked but here’s another self-indulgent reclist to celebrate Harry’s HBD week! I wonder how many people are open to seeing their fave under a new light? Some readers can be very picky when it comes to characterization, myself included; it can be scary but I also believe that new approaches can be exciting and thought-provoking, and help us understand the multiple layers underneath their personality, as well as imagine how different things could have been had they lived under different circumstances. I am all for having my perspectives challenged so I thought it would be cool to share some of the fics that made me go 🤯🫢 with their bold and captivating take on Harry. These include dark unhinged Harry, down & out Harry, pitiful Harry, himbo Harry and some other tropes that I’ve found particularly creative and refreshing. Each fic is unique in their own way so come pick your flavour of fanon Harry and enjoy!

The Language of Power by Lokifan (E, 2k)

Harry loves talking in Parseltongue to Draco during sex: his response is just delicious.

Magpie by @corvuscrowned (E, 4k)

Potter doesn't steal because he needs anything, Draco quickly learns. He doesn't do it because it makes him feel anything. It isn't about power, and it isn't about control. Potter just does it because he can.

The Antique Bed Frame by @lazywonderlvnd (E, 5.4k)

Draco “needs his bed fixed.” Harry offers to help.

Better Left Dead by calrissian18 (T, 6.6k)

A love story and a half.

World's Edge by RurouniHime (E, 15k)

In the harshest environment on earth, Harry finds that escaping is harder than simply running.

Violent Delights by primaveracerezos (E, 20k)

Draco Malfoy's life should be going very well. He's engaged to a wonderful man and in line for the Head Auror job. He's been made lead investigator on a serial murder case, trying to figure out who is killing off the scum of the wizarding world, one by one.

A Year in Training by Omi_Ohmy (M, 25k)

Harry is finally living his dream and training as an Auror, but nothing seems to be going right: he’s just so angry all the time. And Draco Malfoy’s presence on the programme really isn’t helping with that, either.

Fearful Trill by @vukovich (E, 29k)

Harry should have come out and met someone when he was younger. He should have seen a doctor about the pain in his hip while youth was still on his side. Now, he's made his peace with dying young, but maybe not with dying alone.

He Who Must Not Be Normal by lettered (E, 41k)

Potter has fame and fortune and posh clothes and all he wants is a simple life. Draco has a flat and a cat and a steady job and all he wants is a complicated life. Which makes you think this story has something exciting like body-swapping, but it doesn’t.

REVOLVEVLOVER by firethesound, zeitgeistic (E, 46k)

The work Harry does is justifiable. It’s justice. He works for his country, and his country is a republic—the magical side, anyway. It’s not laudable work, it’s not work he’s proud of, but it’s necessary work. Harry has always taken the necessary jobs that no one else has the stomach for.

Chocolate and Pastry by agentmoppet, anemonen (E, 50k)

When Pansy bets Draco that there is no chance he and Harry could carry out a genuine romantic relationship, he and Harry form a plan. But as their fake relationship progresses, Draco sees a side of Harry he never expected.

Harry Potter Gives a Shit by talithan (E, 58k)

“Where are you headed?” “No place special,” Draco fumbled, and flushed further. But then: “I can change that,” said Harry Potter.

Absolution by sunnyeclipses (E, 63k)

At the mercy of his failing marriage, Harry only meant to use the potion once — to get Draco to listen. It’s not his fault that it works so well and that Draco’s just so easy to control.

Balance, Imperfect by @bixgirl1 (E, 91k)

When Harry sustains an injury in the line of work, he no longer knows how to navigate the life he loved, and finds help and solace from the most unexpected source.

A Sword Laid Aside by @korlaena (E, 128k)

When Draco’s cover is blown during a deep undercover operation and the Ministry is compromised, Ron takes Draco to the only safe place he can think of—Potter. Hiding out with a taciturn Harry Potter, who has been missing from the Wizarding World for almost two decades after a shocking fall from grace, is nothing like Draco thought it would be.

#sitp recs #Drarry reclist #HBD Harry week

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wet-towel-socrates · 2 years

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Alt Scenario: Ghost Bride Event

Yo, after seeing this post I got an idea for a slightly different premise for how Yuu swoops in as the final contingency plan. This could work for an ambiguous Yuu, but imma lean towards a f!Yuu just because it plays into a stupid trope that I like to see in shows or movies with romance subplots. Spoilers for Ghost Bride event

So it's time for the last team of bachelors to go and it's NOT going well. Crowley has no more suitors to throw at Eliza and Yuu is their only hope. He suggests making them a suitor even though "none of this princely shit is working, Crowley!"

Oh, but wait. We got a flickering lightbulb here. "Crowley, use your magic to give me a wedding dress!"

"W-what? Why? What are you planning to do?"

"Just shut up and do it!" Crowley groans but conjures a beautiful wedding dress for Yuu. Yuu slips on the magic ring and books it towards Eliza.

The final bachelor has just been paralyzed and Eliza insists on marrying Idia. Poor boy But Yuu bursts through the door, pretending like they just ran a marathon.

"IDIA! YOU BETTER NOT BE HIDING IN HERE!" All the paralyzed boys are staring in shock as Yuu angrily stomps inside, fully decked in a lavish dress, veil and all. Eliza is confused and dismissive. Why is another bride here?

"Excuse me, who are you? Can't you see I'm trying to start my wedding with my husband to be?" Meanwhile Idia is having a nervous breakdown.

"Excuse me?? Idia is MY fiance!" Yuu shows off the ring and improvises a story of them being engaged for months and Idia promising to marry them. Eliza is outraged and asks Idia if it's all true, but before he can answer, Yuu goes up to him and calls him a Two timing cheater who made them believe he loved them. Idia is SO confused meanwhile Yuu is giving their best crocodile tears.

"But that wasn't enough, you had the AUDACITY TO ROPE ANOTHER WOMAN INTO THIS!? SHE DOESN'T DESERVE TO BE TREATED THIS WAY!" Eliza is almost speechless that Yuu is kind of defending her too, but now is angry her dream prince for "having an affair."

"THATS IT! UNEXCUSEABLE!" Eliza slaps the shit out of Idia and it's taking Yuu and the bachelors every ounce of restraint not to burst out laughing.

Yuu continues on between fake sobs, "and to think that I was your one and only! I bet you never even loved me!" Eliza gasps and slaps Idia again.

"And then you take advantage of this beautiful princess and made HER believe she was special!"

SLAP

This goes on until Idia starts glaring at Yuu who's obviously having way too much fun with this. Yuu turns to Eliza and apologizes to her for all the trouble their "lying groom" put her through. After all, "you seem like such a lovely soul." First Yuu defends Eliza's honor and now feels remorse for hurting her even though it wasn't even Yuu's fault? Huh...

Something's...different about this person.

Yuu then slips in some more compliments while asking Eliza if she's okay since she's been through a lot. Eliza can't help but feel her heart flutter. They start hitting it off and the bachelors can't fucking believe their eyes. Is Yuu actually taking a LIKING to Eliza?

Yuu sighs and says that they should head back. "It was nice meeting you Princess Eliza," Yuu takes Eliza's hand and plants a soft kiss on her knuckles, knowing she's absolutely eating this up. "I wish it were under better circumstances though. Perhaps we can meet again. In another life?" Oh god, Eliza fucking loves the cheese of that line and can't help herself.

"Wait!" Eliza clasps Yuu's hand and asks for their hand in marriage. The boys are losing it in the background.

Yuu agrees and takes the ring off their finger. "Idia gave me this ring, but I don't want to associate it with heartbreak. If it's okay with you, I'd love to give this ring a new meaning, with you." Eliza nods happily and Yuu slips it on, reciting the spell. "I vow to love you for as long as you live."

"Thank you." Eliza smiles and disappears in a myriad of sparkles. Soon after, the ghosts follow and all the paralyzed bachelors slowly regain control of their bodies.

"Oh my god, she ate that shit UP." Yuu breaks out in laughter. "Did you guys see that? I had her wrapped around my finger!" Yuu proceeds to rub it in all their faces that none of them got game.

I'm sorry, I love the two women who were philander-ed by the same guy become friends to lovers trope.

#twisted wonderland #twst yuu #yuu #ghost marriage #twisted wonderland x yuu #twst eliza #being gay saves the day

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rayshippouuchiha · 1 year

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Quick summary of alot of Romance Drama Isekai's I'm reading lately-

Male Character: I don't wanna marry you!

Female character: That's cool, it can be a fake marriage, let's work together so we can get divorced in the future!

FC: (works really hard so they have power/money and supports MC, while also maintaining side hustles to have independent wealth for their divorce)

MC: (falls in love [generally unknowingly] with FC, never shares this information)

FC: Time for our divorce! Bet you can't wait to be free to be in a relationship you want!

MC: What? No! You can't leave me! Why don't you love me! I refuse to divorce you!

FC: My brother in Christ, you wanted this divorce? In so far as I'm aware you STILL don't like me?

-drama unfolds from here in various ways, generally with the FC running off in some form or fashion, forcing the MC to realize and accept his feelings so there's a dramatic reunion and confession scene-

hey if the trope ain't broke don't fix it

#rayrambles

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purlturtle · 25 days

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Romance Tropes Bracket

(blatantly stolen from @performativezippers elsewhere on the webs - thank you!)

(yeah, I put all this in Excel, and made a screenshot of that. Here are the close-ups of this beauty:)

And no, this isn't gonna be a bracket that y'all can vote on; this is gonna be my personal bracket (though if you want to, you can download the screenshots and do your own, or you can click this link to get the spreadsheet :D)

Or you can tell me what your picks would be!

ID under the readmore!

First image is a screenshot of a tournament bracket spreadsheet. It consists of four quadrants, with eight contestants each: all of them are common romance tropes. Each quadrant has a different color in which the contestants are highlighted.

Images 2 - 5 are screenshots of each quadrant.

Image 2: Upper left: blue color. Contestants, top to bottom:

Bodyguard vs Love Triangle

Workplace vs High School

Second Chances vs. Made A Bet (90s style)

Sibling's Best Friend vs Nanny/Governess

Image 3: Upper right: yellow color. Contestants, top to bottom:

Mistaken Identity vs Age Gap

Love Potion/Aphrodisiac vs Only One Bed

Amnesia vs Kissing Lessons

Forced Proximity (road trip etc.) vs Secretly a celeb/royal

Image 4: Lower left: red color. Contestants, top to bottom:

Grumpy/Sunshine vs Someone Else's SO

Accidental Pregnancy vs Just To Get It Out Of Our Systems

Family Feud (Romeo&Juliet style) vs Holiday Romance

Billionaire vs Soulmates

Image 5: Lower right: green color. Contestants, top to bottom:

Marriage of Convenience vs Fake Dating

Snowed In vs Friends To Lovers

Bad Boy/Girl vs Sworn Off Love

Supernatural (vampires etc.) vs Enemies To Lovers

#Romance Tropes Bracket #because why the hell not #I do love my tropes #thanks Zipps!#tell me your picks!#round 1

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cash-111 · 13 days

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111 followers special: 🃏 Prompt game 🃏

This has turned out kind of sucky tbh since it’s my first time making one, but I hope we can have fun with it anyway!

Rules:

Leave an ask, anonymous or not, where you mix and match any of the propositions down below. It DOES NOT have to be only one per category, and you can skip categories entirely, since not everything will have a match that makes sense.

You can also choose to enrich everything with more details/ your own storyline.

Please specify if you want smut/ fluff/ etc!

Onto the game!

Quotes:

1- “We’re enemies. It doesn’t work like that, it will never work like that.”

2- “How can I trust you?”

3- “I don’t care about anything but you”

4- “You’re my happiness, I know it’s selfish, but I can’t let you go”

5- “Why not? Give me a chance”

6- “You have no idea what I would do to you if I had the opportunity”

7- “Touch me… please”

8- “Didn’t expect it, did you?”

9- “I’d like to take care of you. Relax”

10- “He could never love you, worship you, like I do”

11- “Hey, smile for me”

12- “Don’t be like that.”

13- “Stop saying his(/her) fucking name.”

14- “You’re all that I hoped for and more”

15- “it’s like you’re poison and I have a death wish…”

Relationship tropes:

A- enemies to lovers

B- rivals to lovers

C- friends to lovers

D- star crossed lovers

E- friends wb/ enemies wb

F- strangers to lovers

G- soulmates

H- wild car (others)

Scenario tropes:

a- forced proximity (a.01 -there was only one bed / a.02 - 7 minutes in heaven)

b- break up

c- secret admirer

d- deus ex machina / dream

e- second chance

f- fake dating

h- hate sex

i- hurt-comfort

j- jealousy

k- blackmail

l- love potion / prank

m- love triangle

n- teasing

o- bet

p- pining

q- bully

r- roommates

s- showing gratitude

t- romantic date

u- combined marriage

v- loss of virginity

w- wrestling

x- heat

y- war

z- wild car (others)

Kinks:

Just choose anything that isn’t cannibalism, incest, or bestiality lol

Kink Information - F-List Wiki

P.S. I’m gonna be very sad if no one participates :(

#fanfiction #writing #x reader #fanfic #slytherin x reader #theodore nott x reader #draco malfoy x reader #mattheo riddle x reader #lorenzo berkshire x reader #blaise zabini x reader #tom riddle x reader #slytherin boys x reader #slytherin guys x reader #obey me x mc #obey me x reader #haikyuu x reader

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galactic-pirates · 23 days

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Romance Tropes Bracket

@purlturtle is doing this really cool thing and they said I could ramble about it too! And how could I resist talking story? Do you know me? Hahaha.

Anyway they made this spreadsheet and screenshot and you can check them out on their post (clicky here).

So in the BLUE CORNER

Bodyguard vs Love Triangle

Workplace vs High School

Second Chances vs. Made A Bet (90s style)

Sibling's Best Friend vs Nanny/Governess

Rocking that RED we have

Grumpy/Sunshine vs Someone Else's SO

Accidental Pregnancy vs Just To Get It Out Of Our Systems

Family Feud (Romeo&Juliet style) vs Holiday Romance

Billionaire vs Soulmates

The sun shines down on YELLOW

Mistaken Identity vs Age Gap

Love Potion/Aphrodisiac vs Only One Bed

Amnesia vs Kissing Lessons

Forced Proximity (road trip etc.) vs Secretly a celeb/royal

Aaaaaand finally working that GREEN

Marriage of Convenience vs Fake Dating

Snowed In vs Friends To Lovers

Bad Boy/Girl vs Sworn Off Love

Supernatural (vampires etc.) vs Enemies To Lovers

Under the cut for my picks and rambles!

Bodyguard vs Love Triangle I don't do Love Triangle, either pick one and then let everyone move on or all be together as a trio. My very first real 'ship' had a sort of love triangle (the lady dated one guy, then the other, then back to the first etc.) but I only shipped her with the first guy (it was Jack Malone and Sam Spade from Without a Trace). So the whole 'love triangle' aspect was lost on me as I just did not care.

Bodyguard though... that has serious potential. So much so I have some vague concepts for an original novel trilogy based around it. Bodyguard is sort of what Eve Baird does on the Librarians (Guardian) but also not. I mean it can depend a little bit. I like the whole protective part to a point, but not if it takes the protectees agency away. I'm not fond of 'damsel', I would rather they kick butt together.

WINNER: Bodyguard

Workplace vs High School This one is super easy - has to be Workplace because High School = kids. I have no interest in teenagers. Teachers maybe but that would be a workplace. Even when I was a kid I didn't write about kids. I skipped the whole YA thing completely.

WINNER: Workplace

Second Chances vs. Made a Bet (90's Style) I had to ask what 'Made a Bet' was because I didn't know. @purlturtle suggested it was like a '10 things I hate about you' thing, where they date on a bet and then catch real feelings. Now catching feels - that's cool, but the whole bet thing? I don't know...

I did write a fic prompt once where they were in a bar and two characters were challenging each other to see who could pull the guy they picked out. I suppose that's ok as a concept. I didn't develop it so it clearly didn't grab me that much though.

Second Chances though - this I like. I mean I suppose there's the whole "if it didn't work out before, why would it work now?" question, as in their relationship failed for a reason. But maybe that's because they needed to work on themselves. Sometimes people are just idiots and make assumptions and don't communicate properly. I'm actually writing a serial at the moment with a second chance romance in it (divorced ex-wives have to work together). So this does grab me.

WINNER: Second Chances

Sibling's Best Friend vs Nanny/Governess Got to be honest neither of these jump out at me as being something I'm really drawn to. Although I am sniggering a little bit as I think Nanny/Governess is a favourite of Janeway's (wasn't that her preferred holonovel?). So I'm tempted to vote for Janeway but ehhh. It has a bit of a power dynamic vibe I don't like.

Sibling's Best Friend is very... cute I guess. I don't really have much to say about it to be honest. I'm going to make it win on default but meh.

WINNER: Sibling's Best Friend

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Mistaken Identity vs Age Gap I have written Age Gap - obviously, as I wrote a hell of a lot of Rumbelle (Rumple and Belle, Once Upon a Time) back in the day. Only... I got to be honest I never really saw it as an age gap thing. It totally was and by a LOT because Rumple was semi-immortal as the dark one. He was a couple of centuries old when they met but... age gap romances usually make me uncomfortable because of the inherent power dynamic. Rumple had so little self-confidence that just wasn't an issue.

Mistaken Identity - "do you let them hate the real you, or love the fake you" - HELL YES! Quote from Sophie Devereaux there and the espionage/heist fan in me is compelled. Also superheroes I guess ala Supercorp. Give me all the stories about masks people wear and just wanting to be loved for who they really are.

WINNER: Mistaken Identity

Love Potion/Aphrodisiac vs Only One Bed *cough* show me a person who wasn't read a few sex pollen fics in their time in fandom, and I'll show you a liar. I jest, I jest but also not really. It's not a bad setup for a PWP so long as consent is clearly established and we know before they are under the influence that they are into one another. I suppose there could be a fair bit of plot in terms of consequences but I have no wish personally to write about consent issues.

Only One Bed though - CLASSIC! I mean it's iconic. It's two people pining like idiots, putting up pillow walls between them, the inevitable cuddling in the night and then awkward aroused awakenings. I wrote this in my Conspiracy Afloat fanfic and I'm sure I'll write it again. It's the classic and you can't go wrong with a classic.

WINNER: Only One Bed

Amnesia vs Kissing Lessons Kissing Lessons? This is a new one on me but not hard to figure out. It feels quite juvenile, like maybe a good match for the teenagers in High School?

Amnesia though - oh yes! I don't know if I first loved this trope when I saw the Harrison Ford movie Regarding Henry, or if I saw the trope elsewhere first, but it's very good. The "I'm sorry who are you?" "I'm your wife" and not remembering, having to fall in love again. The agony of the lost shared memories, of not recalling the life they had together, of making new memories. Hell yeah!

WINNER: Amnesia

Forced Proximity (road trip etc.) vs Secretly a celeb/royal Forced Proximity has it's place as a supplement. Like I talked earlier about the Second Chance divorced exes who had to work together. They are getting that Second Chance because of the forced proximity. As a trope on it's own though? Ehhh.

The Secretly a Celeb/Royal... depends if you can expand that. I have long loved the idea of some super rich person being incognito because 'Rich people wear expensive clothes and drive posh cars and go fancy places' and so seeing Joe or Jane Regular, they think 'oh you look like X' rather than thinking they are actually X. I planned out a Rumbelle fic to this premise that I never wrote, but I swear I will write this someway, someday. It partly goes back to the Mistaken Identity and masks, and do they love the real you. With money, meeting someone and them not knowing you are rich is perhaps one of the few ways to be sure about that. But at what point do you tell the truth? The longer it goes on the more feelings of betrayal there are - very similar trope really. Now obviously royal is a whole thing on it's own but put the 'secretly' in front of it and it becomes something else.

WINNER: Secretly a celeb/royal

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Grumpy/Sunshine vs Someone Else's SO Someone Else's SO sounds like cheating/infidelity and I'm not interested in that. Just pick a side and then be honest about it.

I think Grumpy/Sunshine... I'm trying to think of an example. I suppose perhaps I tend to interpret it more as somebody who is reserved vs. someone who is social. Or possibly someone who is cynical/snarky/sarcastic vs. someone who is optimistic/positive/kind. I have definitely written this and will definitely write more of it. It definitely has it's place but equality works too.

WINNER: Grumpy/Sunshine

Accidental Pregnancy vs Just To Get It Out Of Our Systems Honestly not a fan of either, but definitely not a fan of oops pregnancy. It's just not a conflict I am interested in. It doesn't compel me. To be honest neither does the 'Get it out of our systems' because... well it seems odd. Like if you like one another then why is it a one and done? This wins by default but meh.

WINNER: Just To Get It Out Of Our Systems

Family Feud (Romeo & Juliet style) vs Holiday Romance A feud does have potential, the whole 'forbidden love' aspect. I have written this. I have a daughter of politically powerful parents falling in love with a rebel in my Steampunk AU. That's not a family feud, more of a civil class war thing.

Holiday Romance is pretty cool. The whole 'we really click but there is a time limit on it' thing. I did write this once (a Rushbelle fic). As a standard trope it's not something that interests me that much. Now a romance developing during the holidays as like a mutually pining idiots friends to lovers type thing - that's more what I like. I planned and never wrote 2 Bering and Wells christmas fics. First was a fake dating AU where Myka claims Helena is her girlfriend to shut up her sister only to have to invite Helena for the holidays (I know, it's cliche but fun). The other was canon-divergent off season 3 I guess where Helena rejoined the Warehouse and Myka invited her as a 'friend' for Christmas so she wasn't alone at the B&B. Only there was a mix-up and they went to Myka's parents, who weren't home (at the sisters) and they get snowed in, power cuts (huddling together for warmth), only one bed - basically every trope you can think of and hey - Forced Proximity lol - and it gets them to admit feelings. The holidays can add an intensity but neither of these two were technically holiday romance.

WINNER: Holiday Romance

Billionaire vs Soulmates I wrote Soulmates!! It was a Sanctuary fic (Time Will Tell) and it started off as a thought experiment/self-challenge. I don't like the idea of fate and then everything being happy because you have found your 'one' (or in my OT3 case, two). So I really pushed hard on the 'love is a choice' angle, and that lots of soulmate relationships failed because relationships take work. The 'this could be your future but only if you choose it, only if you work for it'. Made me love it. It was fun to explore how having this ticking timer could affect people's personalities, the development of the relationship (having the certainty could be paradoxically paralysing). What that did to society and prejudices etc.

Now of course Billionaire does sort of go back to what I described earlier with the 'Secret Celeb' trope. Having money is kind of a fantasy and it makes for a fun world. You can have them sail around in a yacht, go skiing and sit by the fire in a wood lodge, private jet travel etc. but I don't know. Apart from the 'do you like me or just my money' conflict, having a ton of money is just like so what? It removes worry about paying bills and buying food and that's awesome, takes those stresses off a relationship, but if you don't have to be a billionaire for that, and that as the sole trope... where's the story?

WINNER: Soulmates

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Marriage of Convenience vs Fake Dating OH NO YOU DIDN'T?!?! I have to choose? I suppose they are very similar. It's the pretend relationship and then the 'oh no I caught feelings' and that like Only One Bed is a complete classic.

I'm going to go with Fake Dating purely because it's likely to come up more. Although I can think of so many ideas for Marriage of Convenience. They are both so good! They are both winners in my heart.

WINNER: Fake Dating

Snowed In vs Friends To Lovers This is like a situation vs. a dynamic. Snowed In is quite specific. I talked about it earlier with the Bering and Wells christmas fic. It's not something that will happen in a lot of stories because some places don't have snow, or it's not set in winter etc.

Whereas Friends to Lovers is basically everything I write ever. How can people be lovers if they aren't friends? If they don't like one another. Friendship is the foundation. Even when I wrote Enemies to Lovers (Timeless, Flynn and Lucy) there was a loooooong stop off at friends in the middle.

WINNER: Friends to Lovers

Bad Boy/Girl vs Sworn Off Love Ok this feels like an unpopular opinion but if they are actually a 'bad boy/girl' then no, just no. If they are misunderstood, they have a heart of gold etc. then they aren't really 'bad' and so it's just aesthetics or something? Like pretending to be a rebel but not really. I don't get it to be honest.

Sworn Off Love though... so much yes. Think about Helena who didn't want to love, who intended their heart to be frozen, to no longer really beat because it belonged to Christina, their daughter who was gone. But Helena hadn't reckoned on Myka who found a way in anyway, and it was agony, but that love saved the world.

WINNER: Sworn Off Love

Supernatural (vampires etc.) vs Enemies To Lovers Ok my previous mention of Flynn and Lucy aside I really don't go in for Enemies to Lovers. If people are enemies they hate each other - hate is the opposite of love. Yes it's an extreme emotion but I don't get how it works except with a very long stop-off in friends first, and then that feels like not really Enemies to Lovers anymore.

Supernatural though can be fun. I have a long fascination with immortality. One partner living forever and the other one getting older, dying. I hate it, I hate it so much because it hurts, and yet it is compelling. I want to fix it. That's probably it. Carol and Maria from Captain Marvel. Breaks my heart :(

Doesn't just have to be immortality either. I know Harry Potter shouldn't be mentioned today but the Remus and Tonks relationship had potential as a dynamic. Remus as a werewolf saw himself as less than, as not being human - not being WORTHY. It's that kind of self-hate which makes me bond with characters (Rumple had the same thing going on). But the whole I love you, all parts of you, even the monster parts - that acceptance of the flaws. That's good stuff.

WINNER: Supernatural

I will post up the next bracket when @purlturtle does theirs! Though we did pick some different things so their bracket will look different from mine. It's going to be interesting!! :)

#romance tropes bracket #fic tropes #this was seriously fun #also I stayed up an hour past bedtime writing all of this out I was COMPELLED #put a quarter in and I will talk story for hours sorry not sorry

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cellsshapedlikestars · 11 months

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Do you have any tips for starting to write fanfic? I would love to write Jonsa but I always feel like I don't have any ideas or that the ideas I have aren't original if that males sense?

Thank you for all your wonderful writing you share with us!

Anon!!!!

My advice is - WHO CARES!!

Is your idea unoriginal? WHO CARES! The thing is, the fic WILL be original because it's YOU writing it and not someone else (obviously as long as you're not fully plagiarizing lmao, I mean in general). I am not kidding when I say I can read the same "idea" a million times if it's my jam. Salty teens? Sign me tf up. Fake dating? YES PLEASE. Arranged marriage? Love it. I have written all of these things and yet I would gladly read more that anyone else writes. And there are plenty of other genres I will read no matter what.

And I bet if you ask any person that reads fanfic, they will tell you the same. They have certain tropes that they will read over and over and over and over...

If you need more convincing - take the fic I'm currently writing. Is it that original? No, not really. Is it deep? Nope. I'm writing it because I needed something super light after mongrel heart and it's fun for ME.

That's advice I've given before - write what you want to read. It will be obvious if YOU are having fun (and not, say, writing something because you think it will be a hit with an audience).

And now, what may actually be my biggest piece of advice - write something, without the expectation that you will post it and others will read it.

The first fic I ever wrote for this fandom (after 10 years of not writing at all) sat around in my head for about a month before one night, unable to sleep because of a really bad anxiety spiral, I sat there in the dark, for hours, just writing out thousands of words of this story idea. It was only when I was about 3/4 done that I went, ok, maybe I will actually post this, just because it's already written and why not, and I created my ao3 account.

The lovely thing about fic writing is that you do not need to be original, you don't even need to be great. Just have fun, and others will have fun with you!

I really hope you do write, anon, if only for yourself, though I'm sure people would love if you did post it.

#cellsshapedlikeasks #i cannot stress enough how much fandom is supposed to be FUN #and I say this as someone who sometimes loses sight of that #who gets bogged down in numbers #or if I'm good enough #but i always find my way back #also i don't know why but this ask made me weirdly emotional about fandom #and i want to hug you anon #and any other writer who is too afraid to write or who doesn't think they're good enough or who doubts themselves #my ask box & messages are always open

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petcr3 · 1 year

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petcr3’s RomCom Party! { a Valentine’s Day event }

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s with friends, a significant other, by yourself, or not at all, there’s one thing no one can resist… a good ol’ romantic comedy!

So to celebrate V-Day, I’m hosting a movie party! Send in the movie titles, guests, and snacks that correlate to your favorite tropes, characters, and extra flair! Feel free to be specific in what you’re looking for or let me take the reins! You can make a whole movie marathon or just come for the snacks, it’s up to you! While I can’t guarantee I’ll get to everything (and I’ll definitely be working on this stuff past February 14th) I’m really excited to be taking requests again!

Check out the options below!

The Guest List (aka who I’m accepting prompts for)

Top Gun: Maverick - Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, Reuben “Payback” Fitch, Robert “Bob” Floyd, Mickey “Fanboy” Garcia, Javy “Coyote” Machado, Jake “Hangman” Seresin, and Natasha “Phoenix” Trace

Leverage - Tara Cole, Sophie Devereaux, Alec Hardison, Parker, Eliot Spencer

Stranger Things - Jonathon Byers, Robin Buckley, Chrissy Cunningham, Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson, Nancy Wheeler

The Amazing Spider-Man - Peter Parker (as played by Andrew Garfield), Gwen Stacy

Movies (aka tropes, scenarios, etc)

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days - Dating based on a bet! Specify whether you’d prefer the reader or the love interest to be the one making the bet. Otherwise, dealer’s choice!

13 Going on 30 - Childhood friends/Friends to lovers, perhaps a la the girl/boy/person next door trope!

Say Anything - Grand romantic gestures! Can be for any reason; specify if you like! Maybe a character wants to apologize or someone needs cheering up. Maybe even a love confession!

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World - This one’s all about exes. That could mean exes to lovers, a run in with an ex while out with a partner, or just a simple dating history conversation. If you feel called to, get creative!

Sleepless in Seattle - Anything long distance/related to being apart!

You’ve Got Mail - Enemies/rivals/frenemies to lovers!

Bridget Jones’s Diary - Love triangle or two (or more!) characters competing for someone’s heart!

My Best Friend’s Wedding - Love is in the air… somebody’s getting married! Who knows what could happen? Meet cutes, objections, love confessions, or whatever your heart desires!

No Strings Attached - When friends with benefits become something more!

The Proposal - All things fake dating! Green card marriages, making someone jealous, helping out a stranger at a bar, placating the family… it’s all on the table!

He’s Just Not That Into You - Not so unrequited love! Mutual pining, idiots to lovers, etc.

Never Been Kissed - This one’s for firsts! First kiss, first time, first date, first relationship! Can be a one-sided first (ie, character A’s first kiss ever) a mutual first (both characters have never had a serious relationship before) or a together first (first time the characters have been together).

It Happened One Night - Road trip! Is this a romantic getaway? Is someone running from a bad breakup? Is this just a fun drive between friends that blossoms into something more? You decide!

Snacks (aka extra plot elements/details)

Candy Hearts: a love confession occurs!

Chocolate Covered Strawberries: the story takes place on Valentine’s Day!

Popcorn: the characters sing karaoke (or sing along to any kind of accompaniment)

Pop Rocks: the characters fight! (And then make up because I said so)

Cotton Candy: any kind of hurt/comfort, whether it be emotional or of the whump variety

Bonus (aka flavor of fic)

Musical - Song Fic! Either choose a song or I’ll pick one that I think fits the vibe of your choices!

Rated R - Things get a little heated… (it’s smut)

Sequel - What it says on the tin! A sequel to a previous prompt reply!

Happy Valentine’s Day everybody! I can’t wait for you to join the party! 💘

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karolinarodrigueswrites · 10 months

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As of July 2023, here is my new masterlist! Some intros need to be updated, but they should still serve a purpose for now.

>> Gods, the supernatural and humanity all have to share a table:

👼🏻 A Divine Knight for a Demon - female divine knight helps a man in his journey to demonhood.

🦁 A Lord and a Lionheart - a romance between a disaster crime lord and his right-hand vampire.

🪡 A Mistress and a Seamstress - you've seen the mafia and the tailors, here's a criminal kingmaker and her favored seamstress.

🪄 A Mistress and a Witch - or, here's the criminal kingmaker and the witch who must bodyguard his way to freedom.

🙏 And David Became Goliath - gods and the supernatural come crashing with humanity at a near apocalyptic level.

Additional intro: The Champions

♥️ Beloved & Wicked - an 8 people polycule composed of an immortal evil couple and their beloved mortals.

🌻 Hell Was Made in Heaven - man who rehabilitates gods for a living is about to do his wildest "pet project" yet.

👑 Treacherous Fates - to be at the mercy of the gods.

🎭 Deadly Oaths for the Forsaken - Masque of the Red Death retelling with zombies and gods

>> Angels and Demons make bets on our fates through deadly games:

🔪 A Killer Bet - the game through the eyes of the victims

🔪 Wagers of Hellish Retribution - the game through the eyes of a killer

>> Playing with romance and tropes:

💘 Always Here - exploration of a doomed love triangle and the implication of tropes.

💔Compensation for the Deceived - a support group for the unjustifiably misled and mistreated love interests of romances and romcoms, along explorations of implications of tropes.

>> Miscellaneous:

👻 Am I Awake? - ghosts, revenge, and their mediators

Additional intro: Friends or Foes

☕ Can't Fake This - poly fake dating romance [yes, fake dating as a polycule happens]

🌹 Can't Play Dead - dark poly romance with elements of horror

💀 Chosen & Damned - to be a chosen one is to be damned in fate

🌹 Glory Upon The Wretched - fairy tale inspired, evil queen and beast arranged marriage

#kr writes #writeblr

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jimblejamblewritings · 2 years

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it just sort of... happened | part 2.

Summary: After Hogwarts is turned upside down after Harry Potter started attending, a new normal DADA professor seems like a Godsend.

Warnings for the Series: age gap age gap age gap (however reader is of age because anything under deserves jail time no exceptions). student-teacher relationship. slow burn because obviously. smut at some point. honestly nothing else. forbidden love trope BUT ONCE AGAIN of age reader

Pairing: remus lupin x reader eventually, professor!remus x student!reader

Word Count: 5.1k

Previous Part | (Series Masterlist)

Sleeping in was a lot better when you knew that you were going to Hogsmeade in the morning. You left Cedric for a brief moment to return to your room for clothes and to drop your cat off in your room. Your roommates cracked jokes and made suggestive comments as you passed them, still wearing the quidditch jersey. Beatrice flopped on your bed to pet your cat.

“Why don’t you two just date? And preferably before the end of this year so I can win the bet.”

“Do Cedric and I look like a couple? I couldn’t imagine snogging him, so weird, ew.”

“Well, I don’t think snogging you would be all that pleasant either.”

You turned at the voice to see your best friend in your room’s open door looking very hurt. Hufflepuff didn’t have the weird spell that stopped the guys from coming to the girls’ dorms— something you thanked the founder for. You tutted in fake pity, going up to him with outstretched arms. He automatically wrapped his arms around your waist.

“You know I didn’t mean it that way.”

“I’m a great kisser.”

“I’m sure you are, Ced.”

Beatrice gagged, making all of your roommates laugh. “Seriously, get together already. This is nauseating. Now, I think you’re just doing it on purpose to annoy all of us.”

Cedric chuckled and rested his chin on the top of your head. “Just wait a few years, we have a marriage pact.”

The girls’ eyes went wide. “What?! So, you guys are actually dating.”

Even though you couldn’t see him, you could feel your friend scrunch up his nose.

“Ha, no. Just if we’re both thirty-three and single, we’ll get married, have two kids, a cat, a dog, and live in that one village with the tulips that sing good morning. (Y/N) wants babies before thirty-six.”

“Yeah, cause I’m not torturing my body trying to push anything out past that age.”

“Thirty-three versus thirty-six is only three years, who cares?”

“You’re saying that because you have the easy job.”

The other girls simply blinked in bewilderment. It had to be a joke. There was no way that you two weren’t dating. You must have been fucking with the entire school. But at the same time, they had seen your hands up and down a few students’ bodies at parties. And they definitely saw his tongue down someone’s throat once or twice. You guys might have been intense but none of the girls thought you were that type of couple to have an open relationship.

You looked up at your friend as best as you could. “You ready to go?”

“Breakfast special here we come!”

“But, Professor!” A voice sounded as you guys approached the entrance of the school.

“No, Mr. Potter. I’m sorry but it’s final.” Professor McGonagall walked off.

You watched the young Gryffindor start to walk back inside, seeming utterly defeated. Harry stopped looking at his feet to see you and Cedric with his arm around your shoulder.

“Oh, hi, (Y/N).”

“Hi, Harr—”

“Wait, you two know each other?” Cedric interrupted.

“Yeah, I tutor Hermione like every other Wednesday. Why the long face, Potter?”

“My aunt and uncle wouldn’t sign my forms.”

“That’s shit. Sorry, Harry. Do you want anything from Hogsmeade?”

He shook his head with a thank you but you made a note to buy the boy something anyway. Maybe it was because you saw Hermione’s friends through her eyes and how she went on about them, but Harry was such a lovable little brother to you. A host of problems followed him all the time that made you want to strangle him sometimes.

But those weren’t exactly his fault and he was still lovable. He did take your advice to go see if any of the professors were still around. You actually enjoyed talking to your teachers— Professor McGonagall even had weekly afternoon tea with you starting your second year. You figured Harry maybe could pass the time by doing the same.

“You have tea with her?” Harry seemed almost shocked that any student would do that.

You nodded. “Professor McGonagall’s great. She lets you curse when it’s just you and her. She’s like a hip grandma, you should have tea with her at least once.”

Harry was willing to consider it and with that you left him. Three Broomsticks was absolutely packed when you reached but you and Cedric waited all the same for a table. He practically inhaled the new breakfast special while you settled on your usual. Hand in hand, it was Cedric’s turn to buy you something. Rarely, did you two go out without buying something for each other. You naturally had to settle on the shop that sold specifically muggle things.

With great excitement, you held up a pack of glitter pens and a new book. Technically it was an old book. The first book in The Chronicles of Narnia series. You only wanted the first one in case you didn’t like it. But Cedric already prepared himself to come back to Hogsmeade nine weeks in a row to purchase the books until the series was over.

“Hogsmeade, once again, was a success,” you said with glee as you guys made it back to the castle.

The weekend went by too fast. Not exactly fresh like a daisy, you got up earlier than needed to stroll to Defense Against the Dark Arts. Professor Lupin had asked you and a few other students in the older years to show his younger students how to execute spells. He felt that sometimes the students learned better from each other than from him.

“Alright, watch how your fellow students duel against me.”

You stopped mid-yawn when Professor Lupin said that. Immediately, your hand was up in the air.

“Yes, (Y/N).”

“I can’t duel.”

A slight chuckle left his mouth. “I’ve seen all of our students’ scores from years past. You consistently score O’s on everything, even the practice OWLs you all took.”

“Those are books, Professor. I just forget everything in a duel.”

Remus tilted his head slightly, trying to figure out if you were serious or not. When he realized that you weren’t joking, the air around him went back into teacher mode. Remus was actually happy to find such an advanced student that struggled. He saw it as an opportunity to teach his third years with a real-life example. Most of them watched with interest as he coached you through a duel and how to think on your feet.

By the time class ended, you were actually somewhat comfortable helping the third years with their practice duels. You and the elder students were buzzing to each other about his teaching style. Aside from the first time Professor Quirrel taught DADA when you were a first year before that one random professor that took over so he could study abroad in your second year, Lupin was arguably the best teacher. Most third years shared you guys’ sentiments.

Malfoy simply scoffed. “Good? Have you seen the state of his clothes? He dresses like our old house elf.”

Your eyes went wide as the blond boy said that. He had clearly done it when Professor Lupin was walking by. The man looked down at his sweater before walking a bit faster. Your teeth gritted a little. You were almost positive you knew what was going on with your professor. But even if you were wrong, who was Malfoy to say that about another person. You moved to stand in front of it.

“And what business is it to you?”

The boy blinked, not prepared for someone to confront him. Maybe it was because you were three years older than him but Malfoy didn’t scare you one bit. He opened his mouth to speak again but you cut him off.

“No. That wasn’t for you to answer. What business do you have talking about any professor here when you’re here to learn from them? Do you want him fired for his clothes the same way you want Hagrid fired because you were too stupid to approach a hippogriff without listening to his instructions? If you’re so offended, go buy Professor Lupin a new robe, otherwise just shut up. You know you could actually learn something from our teachers if you didn’t act like such a pretentious prick. I hope you grow up from this, Draco.”

His face flushed red while you just walked off. Remus, who wasn’t walking fast enough to be very far away, felt a small smile creep on his face. The last time anyone defended him that passionately was years ago. And even longer since he had been defended without the person knowing of his condition.

He was going to thank you when you got closer to him but you walked right past and into the arms of Cedric who was getting out of his Transfiguration class. Remus didn’t gossip but he definitely agreed with his other students that you two must have been hiding something.

You two were about as subtle as Marlene and Dorcas had been in his day. Either that or were as oblivious as… well, as oblivious as he and Sirius had been until it hit them across the face in sixth year.

He quickly realized that the answer was oblivious as he watched you cheer with the other students for Cedric during the latest quidditch game. Not a single questionable look crossed your face when other girls and boys blew the seeker a kiss which he sometimes returned. Minerva imagined that you two would realize it by this year. Remus had to agree with Flitwick and Pomona that said it was going to be graduation before you guys were aware.

Your cheering grew louder as Cedric caught the snitch. Your best friend was having quite the year at school between becoming a Prefect and helping Hufflepuff win almost all of their matches. You told him such when you met him outside the changing rooms.

“You think?”

“I mean it. You’re on fire this year.”

“You think Cho will notice.”

“Don’t ask me again unless you’re actually planning on asking her out.”

“I wi—”

“You’ve been chickening out since last year. I’m pretty sure she likes you, just go for it.”

“But are we positive?” he asked as you guys continued into the castle, ready to meet your study group you had with some Gryffindors.

“Mmmm, like eighty-five percent sure… I can try to find out if you want but I’m not really friends with her or any Ravenclaws that are friends with h…”

You trailed off when all of Gryffindor seemed to be outside their dorm. The Fat Lady was in a different portrait warning everyone about something. You couldn’t quite make out what it was until you got closer. The gasps that ran through the crowd as she uttered the words Sirius Black was chilling.

The minute Dumbledore instructed teachers and prefects to collect all the students and send them to the Great Hall, you didn’t waste time helping Cedric round up Hufflepuff. He was grateful for the help, he and the other prefects feeling overwhelmed. It was no bother to you. Everyone safe was way more important. You knew at some point an escaped convict was going to be a threat to you.

“Get some rest,” Cedric murmured to you as Professor Lupin handed him once of the cups of warm tea that he brewed for all the prefects that now had to stay up and keep watch while the professors searched the whole castle.

You shook your head before placing it on his shoulder. “If you’re up then I’m up too.”

Wordlessly, Cedric handed you his cup of tea to drink as he patted your back in thanks. The Great Hall started to be miserable for the small group of students that had to stay up. Every so often, a professor would return to make sure nothing happened before disappearing again to continue searching for Sirius Black.

The prefects chose to take naps in short rounds. Gryffindor and Hufflepuff kept watch while Slytherin and Ravenclaw napped then vice versa. Each time Hufflepuff was up, you instructed Cedric to wake you up with him so he wasn’t on duty alone. Eventually, you all took turns with only one House staying up at a time. Your eyes couldn’t help but wander over to Harry who looked to be sleeping somewhat soundly in his sleeping bag.

It wasn’t lost on you, or anyone you imagined, that Sirius was looking for him. Everyone knew the story. It always confused you. How could a man betray his best friends to such an evil wizard? And you weren’t sure how much your parents actually knew about the situation but they traveled the same pureblood circles. If what they heard was correct then not only did Sirius betray his friends but now he wants to finish the job and kill his godson?

The thought of any of that being true shook you. Even if you were being tortured, you didn’t think you could ever betray your roommates or Cedric in such a horrible way.

Percy got up from sitting next to you and Cedric when Dumbledore and Snape came over. Cedric was asleep but you found that you couldn’t even when you were cuddled up with him. You decided to listen intently since you had nothing better to do in the dead of night. Somehow, you weren’t surprised that Sirius Black wasn’t in the castle anymore. If he managed to escape from Azkaban then of course a night at Hogwarts wasn’t going to be difficult at all. Percy went to make the rounds again with the other prefects.

Snape lowered his voice as if he wanted only Dumbledore to hear. If you weren’t trying to eavesdrop you could have laughed. Of course he would stand by Hufflepuff. Snape somehow believed that on the off chance a student was up, no one in your house would say anything.

“Do you remember our talk before the term?” he asked. “You don’t find it impossible for Black to have entered the castle without help. I expressed my concern about you appointing Lu—”

“I don’t believe he had any help, Severus,” Dumbledore sharply cut him off.

While no one could forget sleeping in the Great Hall the next morning, you couldn’t forget Snape and Dumbledore’s conversation. He must have been talking about Professor Lupin. Only one person’s name on staff started with a ‘Lu’. But you didn’t know why.

What did Professor Lupin possibly have to do with Sirius Black? They seemed to be around the same age but so was Professor Snape and you knew he had nothing to do with the escaped convict. Maybe you should have dropped it but curiosity got the better of you.

“Professor, do you have any old yearbooks?” you asked McGonagall at your weekly tea. “I want to find pictures of my parents.”

“That wall over there has all of them. Have fun trying to find their year.”

You nodded as you strolled over. You weren’t looking for your dad’s school years or your mom’s school years. You just needed a single yearbook at the time that Sirius Black went to school. Your search wasn’t even hard. The moment you found a book with him in it was the moment you found your answer. There was a picture of him and three other boys. They signed the page with the picture of them sitting on the pier at the lake on campus.

Your favorite students. You’re stuck with us for three more years. Have a nice summer! ~ The Marauders (James, Remus, Peter, and Sirius)

Even if they didn’t sign their names, the scar that ran across his nose and the two smaller ones by his jaw were easily recognizable. Professor Lupin had been friends with Sirius Black. And from the looks of it, they had been as close as you and Cedric. You finished tea with McGonagall, not sure of what to do with your new found information. You sat on it for more than a month and had no answer.

You still didn’t know when it was time for his class. It was impossible to just outright say that you knew the truth but you felt that it was important to do something and preferably before you all left for winter break in the upcoming week. You managed to push the thought aside long enough to focus in class. For the past three weeks, you guys had been learning about patronuses. Professor Lupin asked you all to write down your happiest memories in an essay. He asked you guys to study the history and practice of patronuses as much as possible. And he had warned you all about how difficult the subject can be. Now, it was time to put it into practice and try casting the spell.

“Of course, only a few of you will produce corporeal patronuses this year and even fewer today or tomorrow or the next week. If that happens, I want you to know that you have the makings of being a powerful witch or wizard. If not, that is okay. We will congratulate our fellow students and work harder. As long as you can cast the charm, corporeal or not, it will be an O in my book. Wands at the ready.”

Remus moved all the desks to the sides of the room so you all could stand in the middle. He was tired. He was already asking Snape to cover for all his classes but he couldn’t skip on his fifth years. Not when they were about to learn patronuses.

So, despite being on edge for tonight’s full moon, Remus tried to be enthusiastic for his fifth years. He needed practice pulling it together anyway. After Harry got attacked by dementors during a quidditch match, he had chosen to teach the young boy what he was teaching you guys. He couldn’t skip that lesson just because of his condition. Not when it literally involved the boy’s life.

“Now, remember. If you are unfortunate enough to ever face a dementor, they are stronger than the boggarts you all faced in third year. Your focus on happy thoughts will need to be even stronger.”

You all moved to comfortable spots in the room, not having to worry about being in each other’s way since the spell was harmless to other people. Lots of wands didn’t produce even a bit of light. Professor Lupin praised students anyway. You were sure that between his praises and all of you shouting the spell, anyone walking by the class could probably hear you. You grinned when a bit of light came from your wand, spurring you on and making you want to try again.

“Alright, let’s take a short break. Everyone go get some water, use the restroom. Feel free to grab chocolate or something from the desk. We’ll try again in about five minutes or so.”

Some students left the room, others simply flopped onto the floor not needing water or the restroom. You strolled over to Professor Lupin’s desk to look at what snacks he had in the basket that he kept on his desk for students. A pleasant surprise of apples greeted you. You grabbed two of them and went back to Cedric who sliced them up with magic and popped a slice in his mouth. You also ate a few slices before finding yourself in a fake duel with your friend. The two of you were never calm during breaks. Practical magic always had you pumped up until class was over.

“We might as well practice,” Cedric suggested.

Break still wasn’t over yet but neither of you minded.

“Together?”

“Together. But don’t laugh if I can’t do it.”

“Promise I won’t. Okay, on three… Expecto Patronum!”

Remus almost dropped the square of chocolate that he had unwrapped. It wasn’t even the fact that both you and Cedric casted corporeal patronuses. He did say that few students would be able to, some even that day. And he didn’t doubt that you two who were arguably his best students would be the ones to do it. But he didn’t expect two matching dapple grey horses to come sprouting out of your wands— yours a mare and Cedric’s a stallion.

The entire class watched two matching horses trot around the room with each other while you and Cedric simply cheered. Remus walked over to the two of you, still in a bit of shock.

“Well done, can I ask which of your happy memories you thought of?”

“Singing in the Rain,” you both said at the same time, immediately turning your heads to look at each other with some of the largest grins that Remus had ever seen.

The answer was satisfactory enough but he needed to know the entire context. It was during the spring break of second year. One of Cedric’s aunts married a muggle and his job had placed them temporarily in America. They said he could bring a friend and you were the first person he thought of.

“Professor, have you ever spent a month and half in New York?” Cedric asked.

“I can’t say I have.”

“Well, I couldn’t even tell you what all we did. This one,” Cedric pointed at you. “Signed us up for a Broadway class that was three days a week for the entire trip. I didn’t know that many musicals existed.”

“And Singing in the Rain is your favorite?”

“Oh, no. But the day we got back to London, we stopped at a cafe that was playing it and it actually started raining. (Y/N) dragged me outside an— Did you actually just make it rain?”

You shrugged. “You remember it right?”

“I can’t forget it if I wanted to.”

The happiness on both of your faces as you sang and danced to the song with quills transfigured into umbrellas made it evident to Remus about how it was easy to conjure a proper corporeal patronus. Even with the rain all cleaned up and the classroom returned to normal, the smiles had yet to fade away. It was remarkable. But still, he had never seen matching patronuses with people that weren’t in love. Even unrequited love was still love. You and Cedric were actually a rarity to him.

It could have been a coincidence. Many people had the same patronus. There were only so many animals in the world. He voiced such when you asked him after class how common it was for friends to have the same patronus,

“However, it is still pretty rare. You two must be very very close.”

“Oh, totally. I mean we have dual custody over Bennett, legally binding.”

“Bennett?”

“My cat.”

Remus just nodded. Dual custody over a cat wasn’t the strangest thing he had heard but it was definitely on the list of oddball ideas. You reached back into the snack basket to take a square of chocolate. If you didn’t say anything now then you were never going to say anything to Professor Lupin.

“Professor, do you have time to talk?”

“Of course, I was only going to brew myself some tea so I’m all yours.”

“Do you make it like Professor McGonagall?”

“Do you know how she makes it?” He asked with a raised brow.

“Same way ever since we’ve been having tea after sc—”

“You have tea with her? Minnie still won’t take tea with me, you think she’d be over that one prank by now.” Remus’ eyes widened. “Don’t you dare repeat that nickname.”

“Too late. It’s ingrained in my memory. Minnie, she actually let you call her anything other than Professor?”

“We were her favorites,” he said with a shrug.

“Do you think she’d let me call her Minnie?”

“Probably not. Would you like some tea?”

You nodded and followed him to his office. Professor Lupin’s office definitely looked like it belonged to him. It was rather sparse. Aside from two armchairs and a loveseat he had on one side for hosting meetings and bookshelves, there was nothing else there but the door that led to his chambers. Professor McGonagall’s office had all sorts of personal touches to it including a rather nice rug that you liked to sit on sometimes. Maybe it was because she’s been at Hogwarts so long?

You accepted the tea from Lupin who thought it would be better to let you fix your own tea the way you like it. You took a few sips to calm your nerves, realizing that you were stupid but it was too late to leave. If he was helping Sirius and you confronted him, what was going to happen to you? He could probably kill you right now and cover it up. Shakily, you set the cup back on the saucer.

“Professor, I overheard Professor Snape and Professor Dumbledore when we were trying to sleep.”

“Whatever they said about Sirius Black shouldn’t worry you. The school is safe, we wouldn’t let anything happen to students. We would send you home if it was too dangerous.”

“That wasn’t exactly what I was worried about.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“Professor Snape… he’s concerned you’re helping Sirius into the castle to try and kill Harry because you were friends.”

The words ran together that Remus almost didn’t understand you. He could scoff at Severus’ insinuation. He knew the man hated him because of his condition. But to lie about helping a murderer was ridiculous. Did he forget that Remus was friends with James and Lily too? With three of the four Marauders either dead or in prison, Remus had put that part of his past behind him. He never acknowledged out loud because sometimes the memories were painful enough on a sad day. But now he owed an explanation. His hearing picked up on the racing in your heartbeat.

“I’m not going to hurt you, (Y/N). Yes, I was friends with Sirius but that was a long time ago.”

You let Professor Lupin explain his complicated relationship with both James and Sirius feeling a bit better. Maybe he was lying but you suspected he wasn’t. The way he talked about both of them felt like there was a lot of sadness behind it. You decided that he was telling the truth and you were going to disregard Professor Snape’s statement. Something caught your eye as you set your half-empty cup of tea on the small table. If it didn’t state the Marauders’ Map right on it, you would have just thought it was another random piece of parchment. The name was familiar.

It hit you at once. That was the signature in McGonagall’s yearbook. But instead of seeing James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter on the map, you saw some strange nicknames. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs. Maybe because your nickname for Cedric was simply Ced but you thought the nicknames were weird. However, one did confirm your suspicions that you had been having for a while.

“Do you have any other questions?” Professor Lupin asked.

You noticed him look out the window of his office as he waited for you to answer. He must have been checking how much longer the sun would be out. It was winter, the moon came out earlier than usual.

“You miss class because you’re a werewolf, don’t you?”

Remus choked on his tea. He already knew by the time he spluttered out a no that it wasn’t a convincing lie. After moments of staring at each other, he gave in and asked how you knew.

“It wasn’t terribly hard to figure out if you know what to look for. I’m not going to tell anyone, Professor. I just wanted to know if it was true.”

Remus hesitantly nodded. You pulled a notebook out of your bag.

“My aunt got bit by a werewolf. I could give you her contact or write an owl if you want, it might be nice to talk about it with someone.”

Remus looked down at the notebook to see a bunch of scribbles that looked like various recipes. The words modified wolfsbane stuck out to him.

“It’s why I’m thinking of being a healer,” you admitted. “I think I’d like teaching more but I want to help my aunt. I’ve been trying to figure out how to make the wolfsbane more efficient… and also not taste like complete shit.”

Your professor chuckled at that. “It does taste awful. When you say make it more efficient?”

“So it doesn’t take more than one potion to work. Taking several vials leading up to the full moon seems like a burden. My aunt’s forgotten a couple of times. If we didn’t go through the proper precautions, people could’ve gotten hurt. It’d also be nice if it could help with the fatigue afterwards but I don’t know if I have the skill to do that.”

“That is admirable. They stopped trying to improve wolfsbane after they made it work. It just wasn’t worth it.”

“I’d be happy to give you some if I ever figure it out.”

“Thank you (Y/N), that is very kind of you.”

You pointed to the map, specifically Remus’ nickname. He laughed as you questioned how no one but Lily ever figured out growing up with a nickname as obvious as that. She had said the same thing to the Marauders when she found out the truth.

“But you are wrong,” Remus started. “Minnie knew. Only Dumbledore had to know but she figured it out immediately.”

“So… if you used to call Professor McGonagall Minnie… Can I call you Moony then?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Not even at tea?” You held up your now empty cup.

“No.”

“What if I put Professor in front of it? Professor Moony. Please, please.”

“Fine I guess.”

“Hmm. Remus Lupin… Lupi, Lupes, nah. Rem, Remmy. Ooh I like that one. What about Professor Remmy?”

“Now you’re pushing it, (Y/N). And why I would love to continue this conversation, I do have to prepare.”

You immediately jumped up. “Thank you for the tea. Have a good time, Professor Moony!”

Remus shook his head as you walked out. Something told him he was going to regret letting you call him that. He was already anticipating that Cedric would be calling him that by next week and soon probably everyone else. Oh, well. The damage had already been done. He would have to get used to Moony instead of Lupin. You suddenly popped back into his office.

“Oh and have a happy Christ— do you celebrate Christmas? Okay, then have a happy Christmas!”

(Part 3)

#remus lupin x black!reader #remus lupin x reader

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