andromedabooks

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hey, did you know that the world is a better place because of your creations and art and writing, no matter how niche or how many people see it

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i don’t understand people who love a problematic character but get angry when people mention the evil things that character did. like, that’s your man! he’s proud he did all that, support his hobbies!

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Poker Face

Summary: In which Spencer and Nora are completely ridiculous while playing a hand of poker

Tags/CWs: Friends to Lovers, shenanigans

A/N: Your honor I love them. That's all :)

The pair of them were almost always on equal footing when it came to intelligence. They were two peas in a pod in that way. The one thing Nora could not manage to work out was beating him at cards. 

This time, though, she might have it. Nora was fairly certain that Spencer had an abysmal hand and she had managed a flush. He had the little crease between his brows that was characteristic of Spencer when he was thinking just a bit too hard about something. Nora understood the psychology of bluffing—it was, by definition, an act of lying through false confidence in a bad hand. It tended to involve causing your opponent to anticipate a higher level of competition and react accordingly. 

Spencer didn’t bluff, not exactly. Rather he relied upon his reputation preceding him and causing his opponent to overestimate him. In other words, there was no actual bluffing necessary for Nora to anticipate a higher level of competition than was warranted. However, even his characteristic quiet confidence was gone. That had to mean something. 

So, Nora smugly played her flush, letting the lacquered cards fan out between her red manicured fingers, creating a contrasting visual of red, white, and black. 

Spencer considered with appraising eyes, nothing resembling worry or elation flickered behind them. “Good,” he said softly. “A good hand but—” and he laid out a full house. “—not good enough.” 

“You son of a—” Nora bit her lip hard to tamp down the violent swearing, causing a few chuckles from the rest of the plane. “That’s it.” She stood up and placed her hands on her hips and pronounced, “You must be cheating. I refuse to believe you aren’t.” 

“Counting cards isn’t cheating,” Spencer said innocently. “It’s statistics.” 

 He gave her puppy-dog eyes that she almost gave into. She would’ve, where it not for Hotch, who piped up from where he sat reading case files, “But looking at her cards while she was getting you a ginger ale is,” 

His voice was perfectly mild as if he was not condemning Spencer to the fury of one thousand suns. Nora promptly picked up her paperback copy of The Body by Bill Bryson and volleyed it at Spencer, hitting him squarely in the middle of the forehead. 

He visibly recoiled, blinking in shock. “Hey!” His voice was so indignant that, in other circumstances, Nora would’ve laughed. “Physical retaliation isn’t allowed in poker.” 

Nora could not have cared less. She pounced, seizing her book and wacking him lightly about the shoulders with it. “You.” Smack. “Cheating.” Smack. “Asshole.” 

Beneath her onslaught, Spencer waved his noodle-like arms around wildly in an effort to defend himself from Nora. The two of them fell to the floor like puppies play fighting. That did not stop her papery attack, but at some point they both started laughing and found it difficult to stop. 

Nora retired her weapon, finding it useless in her unstoppable fit of giggles. 

Hotch’s feet came to their eyes and they both looked up to see him looking down at them with his typical sternness, but Nora could tell there was something behind it that was amused by their childlike antics. His two proteges that had not really been allowed to be children, afterall, and he was inclined to let them make up for lost time. 

So long as they were off the clock.

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Begin Again

Summary: My writing prompt today was to "describe something powerful." To me that was this! Hope you enjoy

Tags/CWs: mentions of addictions and relapse. friends to lovers (in more of the friends stage... but the day is still young)

A/N: Nora is an OC of mine! She has lived many lives in many fandoms because I'm personally not a fan of using Y/N or second person

The thing about forgiveness is that it is hard won, but that tends to make the winning sweeter. 

And so when Spencer showed up to her apartment, with a mixed bouquet of red and white lilies and carnations and baby's breath in one hand and Chinese takeout in another, his heart was hammering in her his simply because forgiveness was her choice and he didn’t know that she would give it. 

It also helped that he’d never given flowers to a woman that wasn’t his mother in his entire pathetic life. 

She opened the door in a slightly over large T-shirt with a faded X-wing schematic on it and a pair of shorts made for running. Her eyes, free of their characteristic makeup, were wide and only widened when she saw him. “Spencer?” 

“Can I—” his voice gave out, cracking a little. Off to a great start. “Can I come in? I know we usually go out to dinner on Wednesday but that uh, didn’t seem like it was going to happen today, so I brought take out.” 

Her brows furrowed slightly in the way that told him that she was thinking. “Why?” she asked softly.

Spencer sighed slightly. “Because I wanted to say sorry. I know what I said hit you hard. You opened up to me and I decided to turn that against you and weaponize your vulnerability and God Nora I’m so sorry. You were so fucking kind to me and I messed it up.” 

Her eyes widened again, her mouth taking up that characteristic smirk of hers. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you swear, 187.” She moved out of the doorway in silent concession. Spencer felt like the luckiest man in the world at that moment. 

Spencer entered her apartment and realized suddenly that he’d never been there before. It was painted in calming shades of blue and white. A pristine but lived in space with trinkets spaced out among stacks upon stacks of books double parked on her bookshelf. It was beautiful and very Nora. Nora herself was on her tiptoes, reaching for her rarely used items in her upper cabinets. She looked to be struggling a bit to reach a vase, and so Spencer laid the flowers and the bag of takeout on the counter and reached above her head. He retrieved the vase quite easily. 

 “I forget how goddamn tall you are sometimes,” Nora huffed. 

He rolled his eyes at her. “I forget how short you are sometimes.” 

She stuck out her tongue at him and it felt like they were back to normal for just a second while Spencer got water for the flowers, trimming the stems and Nora grabbed plates and forks for the food. When the two finally sat down, the silence between the two of them seemed infused with a kind of tension he didn’t know how to cut. 

“I know I already said sorry,” Spencer said softly. “But I wanted to reiterate that the way I treated you wasn’t okay.” 

“It’s all right, Spencer,” she said softly, giving a strained, flat smile. “I know you didn’t mean it.” 

“No,” Spencer’s voice shook just a bit with emotion and conviction. “No it’s not all right. I treated you just like so many people who have done you wrong. You’ve told me about your dad and brother and your exes and how they treated you like their weakness and sobriety was under your influence and therefore their relapse was your fault. I knew that, and I still did the same. You shouldn’t have to be okay with being treated like that by people you care about. I told you that when you opened up to me about your life and I’m really sorry I didn’t stand by it when push came to shove.” 

Nora looked up at him and, to his shock and slight horror, her eyes were glassy with tears. “Oh no I’m sorry, please don’t cry. I didn’t mean to make you even more upset—” 

“No,” she cut him off, her voice thick with emotion. “No you didn’t upset me. I just—no one had ever apologized to me before. None of those people you just mentioned ever apologized for treating me poorly under the influence of substances or withdrawal. You did.” She looked at him with tear stricken but resolute eyes. “That’s the difference between you and them, Spence.” 

“Does that mean you forgive me?” He asked softly. 

She sighed and reached over the table to take both his hands in hers. “You know, for someone so smart you ask a lot of stupid questions.

Spencer felt his face flush slightly, but he tried to smile in such a way that communicated how much he appreciated her grace. "I brought uh— I brough white lilies and baby's breath because they both symbolize new beginnings among other things. I felt that maybe, if I didn't mess this up, we could begin again?"

"I would argue we don't have to begin again," Nora said. She smiled in such a way that Spencer felt the last of his stress and apprehension melt away from his chest. “No friendship is worth having if it can’t survive hard things.” 

Spencer’s chest twinged just a bit at the word ‘friendship’ but it wasn’t the time for that yet. Not when he’d so nearly lost her as a friend just a few days ago “‘“Never to suffer would never to have been blessed,’” Spencer said solemnly. 

“Are you quoting Poe at me?” 

Spencer smiled at her with just a little smugness that he knew would piss her off. “Too much?” 

“God you're such a pretentious ass.” She shook her head with indignity. Spencer laughed and he knew then that he had her back. That he hadn’t lost the most important person in his life and he need not begin again. 

They ate Chinese food in companionable silence before Nora asked through a mouthful of lo mein food, “You know you never told me what the red carnations symbolize.” She raised an imperious eyebrow that told him she already had some idea. 

Nonetheless, Spencer went as red as the carnations. “Uh, admiration and respect.” Those seemed delicate enough words for it. Afterall, he could’ve said passion, attraction, or attachment. “You were so good to me, so kind when I was getting clean. You could’ve left me alone and you didn’t. I admire that strength of character.” 

She smirked with satisfaction that seems wholly characteristic to Nora. “Well I’m glad to be admired.” Spencer mentally filled in: In more ways than one.

[andromedabooks]

American Marauders

I'm full of spite. So American Marauders.

In this AU they're at a boarding school in New England (Ala Dead Poet's Society but slightly less cult-ish). This is mostly a list of their interests in the context of a high school.

James: Football quarterback. Not just because it's the stereotypical position, but because it's actually the most similar to a chaser position and also because it requires advanced knowledge of strategies and leadership skills. He'd also be into the photography and film club. I have no solid reason for this other than vibes. He feels artsy.

Remus: Astronomy club because the moon (original, I know), but also because I think he'd like the quiet and the science of it (there is science to astronomy, calculating orbits and shit). AP lit TA because I KNOW that boy would absolutely crush grading an essay or leading socractics. Similarly, he'd be a part of the school newspaper doing something creative or editorial

Sirius: Not huge on the resume booster extracurricular activities because he's spiteful of his legacy family. He probably was in the school band at the start (clarinet or French horn or something), but he'd quit in favor of guitar or bass. I think he'd join the astronomy club for an excuse to hang out with Remus, and he'd end up actually enjoying it.

Peter: This boy had a job. I feel like he has to have one for necesity purposes (work-study scholarship), but I also think he enjoys the structure of it. He'd work at the campus cafe or something similar. I feel like he'd also do something artistic sort of casually. I feel like he'd enjoy ceramics, it's very meditative. But I don't think he's really all that good at it (sorry Pete, you give me pathetic, untalented energy sometimes)

+ The girls.

Lily: Chem lab TA (I'm biased because I was a chem lab TA). She'd enjoy prepping chemicals and she responsible enough for it. She'd also enjoy the teaching and tutoring that comes with it. She's a good teacher. She'd also be a part of the school newspaper with Remus (that's how they become friends). I think she'd do something more informational or opinions based (maybe covering sports games....)

Mary: Art student. Like fine arts, not theatre. Not biased against theatre kids, it's just not her vibe, though I do think she'd help with set design and painting. In terms of art, I think she's a painter primarily but also ceramics and charcoal drawing and that kind of thing. I think she'd also be interested in some casual crafting related club like knitting or crocheting or something. Just peaceful.

Marlene: Soccer team! A striker or a midfielder I feel. It's the gayest sport I'm sorry. She's extremely committed to it, she runs cross country in the soccer off season to keep in shape. She'd probably be recruited for college. She'd probably be in the GSA (gay-straight alliance in the old days, gender and sexuality alliance in the modern day) but more casually.

Dorcas: Soccer team (also. Gay!). She'd be a goalie though. More patient, more defense oriented. I also feel like she'd be a TA for something history or debate related. I'm thinking either APUSH or perhaps a philosophy and government TA? I feel like she'd be great at that. I also feel she'd be the type with a lot of extra curriculars so perhaps a few more clubs. GSA with Marlene???

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"but the text never explicitly stated it!!!" hey, so that's actually what they tried to teach you in those english classes you barely passed 😁

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people all collectively coming to tumblr to see if ao3 is down for other people too or if it’s just them and their wifi is so poetically nostalgic when you think about it, because in some way, it’s the equivalent of those times in the past when you’re a kid and visiting your grandparents’ home and there’s a blackout and so you just walk outside of the house to see if your neighbors experience the same thing too. the ao3 is just. like. a modern version of that

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If this is in your dashboard you are going to be kissed like that in 2025.

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“There are all kinds of love in the world, but never the same love twice.”

— F. Scott Fitzgerald

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things that people forget when talking about james potter:

james potter befriended one of the quietest, frailest, shyest, weakest children possible and later trusted him explicitly, enough that he would name him Secret Keeper, the protector of his family, despite the fact that he wasn’t outstanding or particularly brilliant in any way. he gave him a chance

james potter befriended a werewolf in a time that they were ostracized from the rest of the wizarding comunity - not out of pity or mockery of him, but because he genuinely admired him as a person

james potter broke the law by illegally becoming an unregistered animagus simply because he wanted to keep one of his best friends company through an extremely traumatic times every single month

james potter had a crush on lily from the first time he met her and he didn’t tease her or mock her. yes, he pestered her and he should have taken a hint, but he never turned against her for her refusal of him or scorned her the way certain other boys did

james potter became a member of the order, putting himself at risk, because he believed in freedom and equality enough that he was willing to die fighting a malevolent force. we honour our soldiers for their dedication and bravery, yet people forget that james did the wizarding equivalent

james potter was mentioned to have jinxed other students - he did not bully them. he did not pick out targets, it was implied to be done at random. fred and george pranked other students in the same way, and they would often have more disastrous effects, possibly harmful, but no one calls them bullies

james potter bullied a bully. snape was awful to lily, one of the only people - maybe the only person? - who treated him kindly and with respect. james doesn’t have much of an excuse for bullying snape because he did that before the slytherin treated lily badly, and i’m not going to say that snape deserved his childhood abuse from the marauders, but people glorify snape and vilify james when they were both horrible to people in their childhood

james potter, a pure-blood wizard, married a muggle-born witch. at the time of the marauder era, that would have been looked down on and yet he did that because he loved her

james potter was completely dedicated to a life with his talented, intelligent, kind, beautiful wife and their gorgeous new child and that was snatched away from him before he could enjoy it

james potter was wand less and essentially defenseless, powerless against voldemort when he came to slaughter them, and yet he told lily to take their child and try to run whilst he did his best to hold them off. sending his wife and son away showed that he knew he was going to die doing this and he was laying down his life to give them a precious few seconds more

things that people remember when talking about james potter:

james potter was a dick when he was young

part of the things people forget series

[andromedabooks]

The marauders as scoobydoo character

Isn't that the best crossover ever?? Like everything normal is in reality, totally magic!!

Starring

Peter as Velma

Lily as Daphne

James as Fred

Remus as shaggy

And of course

Padfoot as Scooby!!

[andromedabooks]

Started playing stardew valley. Can't wait for this to become my personality for 6-7 business weeks!!

[andromedabooks]

The Jily Fandom Rec List 2024 is a compilation of Jily stories our readers want to keep an eye on for this year's awards.

SEPTEMBER

all the king's horses, all the king's men (completed, 7.1k) by @jilyss. Rated G.

As queen, Lily Evans faces the suffocating weight of isolation and loneliness that comes with the crown. The only constant in her life is James Potter, her loyal and ever-watchful royal guard.

it's brighter now (WIP, 21.6k as of 30 Sept 2024) by @gigglesandfreckles-hp. Rated T.

“Oh, come on," James says, grinning. "I know you know who I am.” Something strange flashes across her face. “Is that so?” He drops into the open seat across from her and gestures toward his face, smiling widely. “This doesn’t ring any bells?” “Your…face,” she clarifies slowly.

Raising A Kid With My Ex (completed, 74.5k) by @wearingaberetinparis. Rated M.

James Potter and Lily Evans, two Phoenix Radio employees who had secretly admired one another from afar, pretended to be fake exes for their show “Shout Out To My Ex”. When Lily fell pregnant with James’ baby – after a whole lot of drama, disbanding “Shout Out To My Ex” and a breakup – the soon-to-be parents started a new show, named “Knocked Up By My Ex” in which they documented their pregnancy. Now, baby Harry has been born and Lily and James have to learn to navigate the challenges - major highs and some surprising lows - of parenthood together, despite the fact that they haven’t even been together for a year. A whole lot of chaos combined with a whole lot of love makes the perfect recipe for a new show: “Raising A Kid With My Ex”. Their fans’ well-intended advice, of course, might just be the cherry on top (even though some of it is truly completely bonkers). Yet, as James and Lily navigate parenthood together, they have to battle unprecedented forces that are making their journey as new parents a lot more difficult than they had anticipated. A Jily Modern AU inspired by Rachel Lynn Solomon’s “The Ex Talk” and sequel to “Shout Out To My Ex” and “Knocked Up By My Ex”.

crossbow, gun, and magic (and other stories) (oneshot collection, 12.8k as of 30 Sept 2024) by apalapucian. Rated T.

a collection of unrelated stories ft. james, lily, sirius, remus, and (occasionally) peter. so far: i. james, sirius, and lily; modern au ii. in the universe where sirius is the first to know; jily; hogwarts iii. blackevans (old fic rewrite); hogwarts; jily iv. james's last thoughts (old fic rewrite); jily; canon compliant v. order mission at a pureblood party; jily vi. zombie apocalypse au (old fic rewrite); jily vii. lily drunk-proposes to james (tumblr prompt) viii. james gets caught by death eaters (tumblr prompt)

Surface Pressure (completed, 1.3k) by @eastwindmlk. Rated T.

Lily dealing with the weight of her own expectations in 7th year

Partners (completed, 1.3k) by @ohmygodshesinsane. Rated T.

James is the last person Lily expects to visit when she's ill in the Hospital Wing, but the new Head Boy has more than one surprise for her.

Literary Sophistication (completed, 2.5k) by @andromedabooks. Rated G.

A quick Jily bookstore AU from my Tumblr

let me make it up to you (completed, 3.4k) by @kay-elle-cee. Rated E.

Two weeks ago, James left for a mission in the middle of the night without saying a word. Now he's is back, and Lily's not so quick to forgive.

speak now (completed, 1.4k) by @firefeufuego. Rated T.

The fuse has been lit. Lily can almost hear the crackling hiss of it, feel the building burn of it in the air as Sirius takes the reins of the conversation, as drinks are bought and poured down newly dry throats, and eventually as last orders are called and the four of them are standing outside and saying farewell with kisses on cheeks. Sam and Sirius apparate away. Lily and James do not. They stand, eyes fixed firmly on each other, ready to ignite. ‘Not forever, you said?’ James asks, his voice deep and quiet in a way that’s never been hers to hear before now. Follow-up to the lovely kay-elle-cee's 'silence and patience, pining in anticipation'.

crafting chemistry (completed, 4.8k) by @gigglesandfreckles-hp. Rated T.

“Is there something that needs to be discussed between the three of us?” Minerva prompts, her eyes narrowing sharply. Lily’s face betrays her first. A bright flush creeps slowly along her cheeks, blooming from her neck upward, as though her skin can’t hide the emotion simmering underneath. She keeps her eyes stubbornly trained on the far corner of the office, anywhere but James. Minerva notices James’s hand, the one that had been habitually running through his hair, freeze mid-motion, his fingers tightening slightly.

under the influence of loss (completed, 2.1k) by @gigglesandfreckles-hp. Rated T.

“Like what? You fancy me! Kiss me.” Each time she says it, it’s like a new bruise blooms around his heart, her words pressing on all of them at once. “I can’t!” he shouts, the frustration cracking through. “Because I’ve been drinking?” she demands, a bitter laugh escaping her. “Your chivalry is duly noted, Potter, but I’m giving you a pass here. Just—” “It’s not about that,” he interrupts.

common ground (completed, 3.8k) by @gigglesandfreckles-hp. Rated G.

Lily pauses, suddenly aware of James’s intense gaze. “What? Why are you…” Heat rushes to her cheeks, and she hates it. “Why are you looking at me like that?” “Nothing,” he says, shaking his head. “It’s just…it’s a good look on you, Evans.” “What is?” she asks, self-consciously. His grin widens. “Mischief.”

sidewalk chalk, covered in snow (completed, 8.7k) by @gigglesandfreckles-hp. Rated G.

She didn’t mean to get used to any of them. [or: Lily Evans is strictly anti-Marauders...until she isn't. one by one.]

Till Death Do Us Part (Let It Be Quick) (WIP, 39.1k as of 30 Sept 2024) by @wearingaberetinparis. Rated M.

“Till death do us part,” she concluded, all air sucked from her lungs. Her fate signed, sealed and delivered. As the priest spoke his final words, she found herself ensnared in her adversary's gaze, trapped by the weight of it, her mouth opening as she spoke under her breath - almost subconsciously: “Let it be quick.” A Jily Arranged Marriage AU in which Lady Lily never imagined she would fall for the husband she was forced to wed. Inspired by My Lady Jane.

Check out the previous months' recs too: January, February, March || April || May || June || July || August

[andromedabooks]

More!!

Lily turned her head, fixing her focus on the group of veritable buffoons. She let her hair fall over the warped wood of the bar, the long chain around her neck pooling as her symbol caught on her collar bones. “Patience, dear. Not all players are on the board.”

Dorcas rolled her eyes. “You know, I don’t think you’ve ever played chess before.”

“Hush.” 

 And so the pair sat at the end of the bar for the night, watching. The rather jovial quartet quieted significantly, spreading parchment over the table and scrawling some unknown drawings. They were locked into focus, only stopping to request that the bard, Mary, play a more tranquil tune if she pleased. 

Meanwhile, all Lily did was sit there and wait, because she knew James Potter was fundamentally lacking in impulse control. 

And so when he eventually slid into the seat beside her, she wasn’t surprised. “Evans,” he said. “It’s been far too long.” 

“Has it really,” she drawled idly. “I hadn’t noticed. My life has been blissfully simple without you.” 

“Come now,” he said, teasing. “You can’t mean that, love. Surely the temple has been dreadfully quiet without me.” 

“I wouldn’t know.” Lily sipped her ale, glancing over the rim of the glass at him. “I haven’t been there, same as you. But I do imagine it’s a much more peaceful place for it.” This was a game the two of them had been playing since their school years. The same schooling, but two vastly different paths. Or rather two vastly different divine patrons. 

Golden hazel eyes twinkled. “Peaceful huh? Sounds nice.” 

Lily tilted her head, auburn hair spilling over the hardwood, and frowned at him. “What do you want, Potter? Because it’s clearly not to give me peace.” 

He smiled sideways at her. “I’ve got a proposition for you.” Lily had to bite down on the words I know you do.

Marauders in D&D

the beginnings of what could be a larger story. Their character builds are specified in an earlier post of mine. Enjoy!!

Their story would start, like all good ones do, in a tavern. A man standing on a table, dressed in shades of black and smiling at the world before him like it was an audience to his greatness. 

“Sirius get off the table please,” a man with sandy brown hair spoke from behind the bar, flicking his wrist to conjure a chair beneath the man which floated down to the ground with its ward sitting in it. 

“Remus you’re no fun,” Sirius pouted, crossing his arms in a childish pout. He had the look of a typical adventurer, long hair pulled back, belts of knives casually draped across his chest, and casual power radiating from him.

“I rather think Remus doesn’t want you kicked out of his fine establishment.” Another man joined the fray, a bespectacled one with both a demeanor and hair that dared you to try and tame it. He wore his power quite a bit less overtly than his friend, but the beautifully crafted sword strapped across his back was plenty enough to suggest it. 

“James, you will not get free ale for being nice to me.”

James shrugged. “Worth a shot.” 

Their conversation was cut short but the tavern door bursting open, letting in a few errant drops of the torrential downpour outside. Another man, dull blonde hair, portly build, and soot stained face, joined the fray. Panting as if he ran a very long way, he said, “I have news.” 

A room full of raised eyebrows turned on the artificer before Sirius spoke. “Well spit it out, Wormtail.” 

Still panting, Peter tripped over his words. “Rumor has it that there is a prize— the king of Hogwarts has set a prize for the adventuring party who can solve and complete a set of tasks first.”

For a beat, there was silence in the tavern. That was until the adventurers regained their wits and the room erupted in raucous discussion. The four young men in particular, seemed passionately discussing how they would execute this task that was obviously made for them. 

Obviously. 

But, from down the bar, a red haired woman watched all of this. Next to her, sat a woman with long braids twirling a knife between two fingers. “What'd you think, Lil? There’s a game afoot. You wanna play?” 

[andromedabooks]

Marauders in D&D

the beginnings of what could be a larger story. Their character builds are specified in an earlier post of mine. Enjoy!!

Their story would start, like all good ones do, in a tavern. A man standing on a table, dressed in shades of black and smiling at the world before him like it was an audience to his greatness. 

“Sirius get off the table please,” a man with sandy brown hair spoke from behind the bar, flicking his wrist to conjure a chair beneath the man which floated down to the ground with its ward sitting in it. 

“Remus you’re no fun,” Sirius pouted, crossing his arms in a childish pout. He had the look of a typical adventurer, long hair pulled back, belts of knives casually draped across his chest, and casual power radiating from him.

“I rather think Remus doesn’t want you kicked out of his fine establishment.” Another man joined the fray, a bespectacled one with both a demeanor and hair that dared you to try and tame it. He wore his power quite a bit less overtly than his friend, but the beautifully crafted sword strapped across his back was plenty enough to suggest it. 

“James, you will not get free ale for being nice to me.”

James shrugged. “Worth a shot.” 

Their conversation was cut short but the tavern door bursting open, letting in a few errant drops of the torrential downpour outside. Another man, dull blonde hair, portly build, and soot stained face, joined the fray. Panting as if he ran a very long way, he said, “I have news.” 

A room full of raised eyebrows turned on the artificer before Sirius spoke. “Well spit it out, Wormtail.” 

Still panting, Peter tripped over his words. “Rumor has it that there is a prize— the king of Hogwarts has set a prize for the adventuring party who can solve and complete a set of tasks first.”

For a beat, there was silence in the tavern. That was until the adventurers regained their wits and the room erupted in raucous discussion. The four young men in particular, seemed passionately discussing how they would execute this task that was obviously made for them. 

Obviously. 

But, from down the bar, a red haired woman watched all of this. Next to her, sat a woman with long braids twirling a knife between two fingers. “What'd you think, Lil? There’s a game afoot. You wanna play?” 

[andromedabooks]

I still can’t get over Harry with “the map must be wrong” and Remus probably having to try so hard not to be like “bitch??? My map??? Wrong??? Nah. But for real… wtf happening… don’t blame it on that piece of perfection, tho.”

[andromedabooks]

All excellent questions! Also, anyone who says you need to read all the rule books cover to cover to like/play D&D is lying.

I don't see Lily as an oath breaker because the oath of devotion paladin is dedicated largely to justice, compassion, and courage. I think those are her core values, wether or not she love authority.

I'm always partial to a great axe for a barbarian. I think they're sick as hell.

I chose battle master for Dorcas because of her being strategic and smart and a good fighter so I think she'd get really creative with magic and how she fights with it. I LOVE the lightning weapons.

For Mary, it's a bit more rules-heavy but the way the college of spirits works is that they can conjure spirits to help them. The spirits aren't always under their control but they don't have the capability to possess.

One of my favorite things about the Trickery domain cleric is their Channel Divinity: Invoke Duplicity. They can double themselves which to me was a super fun opposite invisibility cloak effect. I think James would be better with the magical effects rather than the sleight of hand. I think that'd be more Sirius' thing.

I can think of mannnnyyyy combos for the boys and their abilities. James could give Sirius advantage on sleight of hand using the Blessing of the Trickster ability which would be a lethal combo. He could also use polymorph at higher levels which is similar to Animagus form which I get a kick out of. They would both have preset uses of Charm Person and they both have tons of illusion spells so, around those two, you'd never know what's real.

There are actually homebrew options for werewolves in DnD but I don't really know enough about it. Warlocks always work kind of differently depending on DM discretion which makes them super fun to play. My thought is that, depending on the moon phase his patron could take over his body in a monsterous celestial form. It wouldn't exactly be a werewolf but he could be turned against his friends on the battlefield. The magic would be usable the same way when he's in control and when he isn't.

For Peter his patron wouldn't take control of his body it would be more the fiend whispering nefarious things in his ear and the further he gets into warlock levels the more he obeys. In terms of adverse effects, I chose artificer for him because in canon he blew up a whole street to escape so yeah... land mines.

In terms of lineage I didn't think about it, they'd all be humans though just cause that's a really versatile lineage.

I love all the questions!!! I love talking about this and thinking about character builds!

Been kicking around a fantasy AU and I haven't be playing enough D&D for my soul, so I made builds for my fantasy folks! I have no reasoning. Just vibes.

Lily = paladin (oath of devotion) 

Marlene = barbarian (Berserker) 

Dorcas = Multi Fighter (battle master) & Sorcerer (storm sorcery) 

Mary = Bard (college of spirits) 

James = cleric (trickery) 

Sirius = rogue (arcane trickster) 

Remus = Multi! Warlock (celestial/the moon/werewolf!!) & wizard (Abjuration) 

Peter = Multi! Artificer (battlesmith) & Warlock (fiend) 

Both our multi class warlock outwardly present with their  non warlock class. The warlock part is a nasty secret.