justtluffythings

[justtluffythings]

HOME: Book 12 - CHAPTER EIGHT

MASTERLIST

As they descended the stairs and walked through the door, Veronica examined the space. It was just as dark and gloomy as the rest of the house, but there was a soft glow from a fire in the hearth which illuminated the room and the shaggy man slumped over the dining table with a drink in his hand. It was clearly Sirius, and his snores echoed in the silence.

Veronica and Charlie exchanged a weary look, but they didn’t have a chance to react before they heard a snide voice behind them. “Another red-headed blood-traitor. This must be the one that was in Romania, which makes this the mudblood gir–”

“What the fuck did you call her?” Charlie spun around in a flash but didn’t find anyone at first until he glanced down, his eyes landing on the house elf at their feet whose bloodshot eyes glared coldly into his. Charlie grabbed the elf by the throat and began to pull him off his feet when Veronica placed a firm hand on his chest, halting his movements.

“Don’t hurt him, Charlie. He doesn’t know any better.”

Charlie tore his eyes from the elf to glance at her, the fury in them unwavering. “Do you know what he just called you? It’s disgusting, and I won’t stand for it.”

“And neither will I!” Sirius’ voice rang out from behind them, and the suddenness of it made Veronica jump slightly. “Kreacher, get upstairs!”

Charlie dropped him back to his feet, and Kreacher slinked off, but not before calling her a mudblood again under his breath. Charlie growled and took a step towards where he disappeared, but Veronica stopped him with a bit of pressure from her hand still on his chest.

“Darling, he’s clearly not in his right mind. He’s been alone in this house for years while Sirius was in Azkaban, that would drive anyone crazy. Cut him some slack.”

Before Charlie could respond, Sirius interjected from where he stood closer behind them now. “He doesn’t deserve your kindness, Veronica. He certainly won’t show you any.”

Turning to him, Veronica took in his shaggy appearance and the smell of whiskey on his breath. She crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t show kindness just so I can get it in return. I do it because it’s the right thing to do, especially when you don’t get it in return. You should try it sometime, he might just surprise you.”

Sirius glared at her for a moment but didn’t respond, choosing to turn his attention to Charlie instead. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I take it you’re the infamous Charlie Weasley I’ve heard so much about?”

At that, Veronica stepped around the man, giving the two a chance to get acquainted, and took a seat across the table from Dumbledore, who had been watching the scene with an amused look.

“So tell me what happened?” Dumbledore gave her his full attention as he leaned forward in his seat and rested his arms on the tabletop.

Veronica sighed as she massaged her temples. It had been a long night, and she was ready to get some sleep. “A couple Death Eaters broke into our apartment.” She quickly recounted the story of their crazy evening. “And see, that’s why we can’t possibly stay at the Burrow. I can’t risk them finding me there and hurting Molly and Arthur to get to me.”

Dumbledore nodded. “I agree. It is safer for everyone for you to stay here, at least until we figure out how they tracked you down. And I know you won’t like this, but I don’t want you to leave the house until we do.”

“What? No! We came back here to help, not to be stuck inside. I’ll be just as useless as I was, I might as well have stayed in Romania–”

“Veronica, I know you thought you were useless in Romania, but you weren’t. You and Charlie were doing important work there. And you will do important work here as well. You just need to give me time to make sure you won’t be putting yourself and others at more risk than needed while doing it.”

Veronica sighed in defeat. “Fine.”

“Good. I will make sure Molly and Arthur know you’re here. I’m sure they will want to come see you both.”

“Thank you, that would be perfect. I know Charlie is dying to see them too.” Veronica’s hand flew to her mouth as a yawn escaped her despite how hard she was trying not to let it out. “I’m sorry, it’s just–”

“No, no, it’s late, and you’ve had a long night. I will get going and let you both get some rest.”

She, Charlie and Sirius walked Dumbledore out before making their way upstairs, the wall alongside them lined with shrunken house-elf heads mounted on plaques making Veronica shudder as they passed. Once Sirius showed them to their room, they thanked him and watched as he turned and left, but not before warning them to lock the door so that Kreacher wouldn’t wander in at night.

As they settled into the room, Veronica made a note of the two single beds. Rolling her eyes, she scoffed, “he doesn’t seriously think we’re going to be sleeping in separate beds, does he?”

Charlie chuckled as he came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, nuzzling his face into her neck. “I’m sure he does. I’d imagine he’d prefer not to think about us fucking a couple floors below him.” Moving her hair out of the way, Charlie peppered her neck, back and shoulders with featherlight kisses, barely ghosting his lips over her skin. “As if a silly little thing like separate beds could keep me from you.”

Veronica melted into his touch, the feeling of his hands roaming over the front of her body setting sparks to life in her veins. Pushing herself into him, she felt his hard cock pushing back as it strained to be free and to sink into her. Sighing softly, she whispered, “Charlie… I wasn’t saying… we can’t. He’s right upstairs.” Despite her words, her body ached for him, and she needed more.

“Come now, princess, we’re going to be staying here for the foreseeable future.” Charlie’s hands slipped under the hem of her shirt and caressed the soft skin of her stomach, his fingers lingering on each raised scar for a moment before moving on to the next. “And if you think I’ll be able to go that long without having you, you must not know me very well at all.” Sliding his hands up, he slipped them beneath her bra and pinched her nipples between his fingers, making them instantly hard from his assault.

“If he hears–”

“Then I’ll have to kill him,” Charlie growled as he sucked hard on the skin of her neck. “No one else is allowed to hear those pretty moans of yours except me, so if he hears you, princess… he’s dead.”

[justtluffythings]

HOME: Book 12 - CHAPTER SEVEN

MASTERLIST

After packing up the rest of their apartment into a second handbag and leaving a note for their landlord, Veronica stood in the kitchen alone while Charlie did one last walkthrough of the apartment. Pulling one of her rings off her finger, she placed it on the island in front of her and pointed her wand at it, murmuring “Portus!” under her breath with the image of the patch of grass across the street from Headquarters strong in her mind. She had only ever seen a photo of it, and she burned it immediately after looking at it, but it would be enough to get them there. The ring trembled before a bright blue light engulfed it, then just as quickly as it started, it stopped and the ring fell back onto the countertop, looking as normal as it did a minute ago. Veronica shook her head as she smiled at her handiwork - magic never seized to amaze her.

Once Charlie joined her in the kitchen, finally satisfied they hadn’t left anything behind, she reached her hand out to him. Charlie intertwined their fingers instantly, bringing her hand to his lips before pulling her flush against his chest. “You ready, sugar?”

Veronica sighed as she placed her head on his shoulder. “As ready as I’ll ever be to travel by Portkey. Honestly, as wizardkind, we couldn’t figure out how to make this any less awful?”

He chuckled as he placed a soft kiss on her hair. “If anyone can do it, it’s you, love. Maybe we’re all just waiting for you to figure it out.”

Lifting her head, Veronica smiled at him before taking one last look around their apartment and then grabbing hold of the ring. The moment her fingers touched it, she felt a hook behind her navel pulling her forward, and the ground vanished beneath their feet. Charlie’s arms around her tightened from the pressure as they sped through a swirl of colours and a rush of wind, the ring in her hand pulling them onward until their feet hit hard ground again.

As Veronica regained her senses, she slipped the ring back on her finger before taking in her surroundings. It was late, so the street was dark and quiet, and there was not a single light on in any of the houses across from them. As they moved onto the road, they looked up at eleven and thirteen Grimmauld Place. They knew Headquarters was between them, but they needed the Secret Keeper to share the secret with them, and since they had never been there before, they hadn’t had a reason to be given access.

Turning to Charlie, she sighed. “There’s no way we’re getting in there without Albus telling us the secret.” Staring at the ring on her finger, she groaned at the thought of using another Portkey. “Maybe we should go to the Three Broomsticks for the night. We can try to find a way to see him in the morning without the toad finding out.”

“Oh, that won’t be necessary.”

Veronica and Charlie jumped at the unexpected voice, and both their wands went flying in the direction it came from as Charlie pushed her behind him, using his body to shield her from whatever threat they were about to face.

From her position, Veronica could no longer see the street, and she had no idea who it was that had approached them. The fear made her insides wrap around her throat and threaten to strangle her from the inside out. If they got out of this alive… she was going to kill Charlie. She was of more use to them both if she was standing by his side and fighting than hidden behind him. However, as Charlie lowered his wand and physically relaxed, the tension in her bones intensified. What is he doing!?!

“Headmaster,” Charlie let out a breath of relief as he pulled Veronica out from behind him to stand at his side.

The sight of Albus Dumbledore standing before them with a grin on his face melted away the previous fear until calm was all that was left in her veins. “Albus! What… What are you doing here? How did you know–”

“I didn’t think you would still be questioning me after all these years, Veronica. You should know better than that by now.”

Veronica knew he was right. From the moment she met him, Dumbledore gave off the air that he was all-knowing. He had known she was watching him behind a wall the first time they met all those years ago, for Merlin’s sake. His power was undeniable, and every time she felt it, she was reminded of how lucky they were that he was on their side. If he had chosen to use his power to support Voldemort, or even to take it all for himself, no one would have been able to stop him.

When Veronica didn’t say anything, her mind too occupied with her unnerving thoughts, Charlie spoke for them. “Well, regardless of how you knew, we’re glad you’re here, Headmaster. We were not looking forward to having to use another Portkey.”

“No, I imagine not.” Dumbledore gazed at Veronica with a knowing look in his eyes, and she had an uneasy feeling that he knew exactly what had crossed her mind moments ago. “I am very eager to hear all about the events that took place tonight, but let’s get inside first. Here, read this.”

Taking the piece of parchment from his outstretched hand, Charlie gave it a once over before passing it to her. Veronica allowed her eyes to wander over the words written in Dumbledore’s neat handwriting - The Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix may be found at number twelve, Grimmauld Place, London. No sooner had she reached the end than a battered, old door materialized between eleven and thirteen, followed right behind it by grimy walls and windows. An extra house appeared out of nowhere, and the inhabitants of the surrounding houses were none the wiser.

Without another word, Dumbledore made his way up the worn stone steps ahead of them and tapped the door once with his wand, the sound of many loud, metallic clicks and the clatter of a chain filling the surrounding silence. As the door creaked open, Dumbledore turned back to them. “Not a sound until we reach the basement kitchen. We don’t want to wake any of the inhabitants.”

[justtluffythings]

HOME: Book 12 - CHAPTER SIX

MASTERLIST

The second she landed in the living room, Veronica used the moment of shock to take in the scene. Luckily, Voldemort had only sent two Death Eaters, and with the one focusing his attention on their bedroom door, Charlie had only had to worry about fighting one. However, with the damage that had been done to their apartment, she would have never guessed. 

Before he had time to react, Veronica punched the Death Eater closest to her with all her strength, the force sending him flying to the ground. Jumping on top of him and pinning his arms down with her knees, she stuck her wand under his chin and looked him in the eyes. “I would think twice the next time you threaten the people that I love.” Leaning forward and brushing her lips over his ear, she added, “Especially my fucking boyfriend.” Leaning back up, Veronica chuckled as their eyes connected again. “Oh, I forgot. You won’t even be able to remember your own name when I’m done with you.”

Veronica smirked in satisfaction as the mystery man’s eyes widened in fear. Wanting him to hear the spell before the effects took hold, she muttered the incantation, “obliviate,” and watched as the terror gave way to a blank stare.

“Who are you?” he asked, staring up at her curiously.

Patting his cheek softly, she chuckled. “Don’t worry about it, Pumpkin. I’m no one important.”

“No One Important, it’s nice to meet you. Is… is my name Pumpkin?”

Stunning him to shut him up, Veronica stood and locked eyes with Charlie, who had finally managed to stun the man he had been fighting. He crossed the room in an instant, cupping her cheeks and pulling her against him, allowing her scent to fill him and ease the tension that had been heavy on his chest since the two Death Eaters burst through the front door.

He held her face firmly in his hands, his eyes examining every inch of her to make sure she was okay. “I told you to go, Veronica. I had it under control.”

Sighing, she nuzzled her cheek further into his hand and closed her eyes, allowing the feeling of his strong hands to anchor her. “Would you have left me if it had been the other way around?”

Charlie touched his forehead to hers. “Never.”

“Exactly.” Pulling away, Veronica gestured to the destroyed apartment and the two unconscious Death Eaters. “What are we going to do now? There’s no way we can stay here. Voldemort will just send more people after us now that he knows where we live. And if they know where we live, they definitely know where we work.”

“Well, it’s a good thing we aren’t staying in Romania, isn’t it?”

“What? What do you mean?”

“I think it’s about time we go back home and be with our family, don’t you? I’ve personally had enough of sitting on the sidelines and ‘recruiting’ while everyone else is actively doing things for the Order. And getting updates in weekly letters is starting to drive me crazy.”

“Thank Merlin, I was really hoping you would say that. I don’t know how much longer I would have survived it.”

“We’re on the same page then, sugar. Can you take care of fixing up the apartment? We don’t want any muggles asking questions. I’ll wipe this one’s memory.” Charlie pointed a thumb over his shoulder at the one he had been battling.

“Of course.” Turning to inspect the damage, Veronica waved her wand over the room and watched as glass vases and dinnerware re-formed before returning to their shelves and cupboards, splintered wood from furniture mended itself and things moved back into place, and the pictures on the mantel floated back over, their frames shiny and whole again. In no time, it was as if the chaos of the last hour hadn’t even happened, except the room felt much more eerie than it did before. 

They wouldn’t have been able to go back to normal even if they tried. That much was instantly clear. All Veronica’s favourite memories were tainted. How long have they been watching us? Have they been in our apartment before this? Have they followed us to work? When we went grocery shopping? When we went on dates? Are we still being watched now? Are there more of them nearby? Are they going to follow us when we try to go to the Burrow? The thoughts rushed into her mind and threatened to consume her, a tight pressure rising up her throat and constricting, making it hard to breathe.

Charlie appeared in front of her in an instant, strong arms wrapping around her waist and pulling her into him. “Breathe, sugar. Take a deep breath for me.”

Charlie’s presence was enough to calm her racing heart, and his words settled in her mind and pushed away all the intruding thoughts until they were nothing but whispers. However, one remained loud and clear. “Charlie, we can’t go back to the Burrow.”

A look of surprise crossed Charlie’s face as he looked down at her. “What do you mean? Why not?

“You heard what that one said to me,” Veronica nudged her head towards the man by her feet, “they won’t stop coming for me, and I can’t risk putting your family in harm’s way. If they found me here, they can find me there.”

“Sugar, I won’t let anything happen to you. No one is touching a hair on your head, or they’ll burn.”

“I can’t take that risk, Charlie. Please. I know you miss your parents, but… can we stay at Headquarters with Sirius for a while? Just until this all blows over?”

“Of course, love.” There was no hesitation in Charlie’s voice. “If that will ease your mind, then that’s what we’ll do.” Tears brimmed her eyes at his words, but Charlie wiped them away before they could fall.

[justtluffythings]

HOME: Book 12 - CHAPTER FIVE

MASTERLIST

Veronica jumped, her heart threatening to burst a hole through her chest from how fast it was beating. The sound had reverberated off the walls and rang in her ears as she stood frozen for a moment, trying to wrap her head around what that was. Athena, who had stood to attention instantly, was hooting like crazy as she could clearly hear something in the living room that Veronica couldn’t.

In an instant, the sounds of things smashing and breaking overtook the silence that had settled over the space after the initial bang, and the hair on the back of Veronica's neck stood up. “Charlie! Is everything okay out there?” Despite her question, Veronica knew everything was most certainly not okay. The sounds of destruction hadn’t stopped.

Leaving the closet and heading for the bedroom door, Veronica grabbed her wand off her bedside table just in case. However, before she could reach the door, it slammed shut, locking her in. “Charlie! What’s going on!?!” Veronica pounded on the door for a moment before remembering she was a witch. “Alohomora!” The door remained locked. Ugh, seriously? He used Colloportus? What the hell? Veronica was about to call out again when she heard a voice on the other side of the door. It was most certainly not Charlie, and the voice made chills run down her spine. 

“Veronica Singer. I’ve heard so much about you. Such a pretty voice, why don’t you come out here and let us see that pretty face you have to match?” The calmness in the stranger’s voice was a stark contrast to the chaotic sounds continuing around them.

Veronica’s fingers tightened around her wand, and her nails dug into her palm. “Who the fuck are you? What did you do to Charlie?”

“Oooh, that’s a dirty little mouth you’ve got there, isn’t it, baby? If Weasley hasn’t been able to tame you, I’m sure I can have a go. I have no doubt I can put that mouth to better use.”

“Over my dead body!” Charlie shouted, and relief flooded Veronica’s veins. He sounded winded, but he was alive. That was all that mattered.

“Well, that can certainly be arranged.”

Veronica pounded on the door. “Hey! If you hurt a hair on his head, I swear to Merlin, I’ll hunt you down and skin you alive!”

“Sugar.” Hearing Charlie using her pet name in that moment grounded her and calmed her racing heart like nothing else could. His voice was even and controlled despite the obvious pressure he was under. “Get out of here. Now.”

“What!?! No! I can’t leave you here! Unlock this door so I can help you, Charlie!”

“I can’t do that, sugar. It’s you they’re after, so you need to go. I’ll be fine, but I can’t focus as long as I know you’re still in harm’s way.”

“Charlie! Open. This. Door!”

“Yes, Charlie, open this door so we can finally meet the one we came all this way to see.”

“Veronica! GO!”

Veronica couldn’t move even if she wanted to. Her legs refused to take a single step as they rooted her to her spot. Come on! We made a plan specifically for if this were to happen. Stick to the plan and everything will be fine, Veronica. He’ll be fine. Willing herself to move, she ignored the taunts of the man behind the door as she grabbed a small handbag off the top shelf of her closet and placed it on the bed. “Capacious Extremis,” she whispered, watching as the bag glowed a bright yellow before returning to normal. She then cast the Packing Charm and watched as all their belongings in the room flew into the now enchanted bag.

Once it was fully packed, Veronica grabbed it and tied it to Athena’s leg as she ran over to the window, yanking it open and pushing Athena out of it. “Go on, pretty girl. You know where to go.”

Athena hooted again as she tried to push back into the room, but Veronica stopped her. “Stop, Athena. You heard Charlie, we have to go. There’s nothing you can do here, just make sure no one panics before we’re able to send a letter.”

Veronica didn’t wait for her to fly away before she shut the window. She was about to apparate when the voice spoke up again. “I’m not sure what you’re planning to do, Veronica, or where you’re planning to go, but the Dark Lord won’t rest until he has you. We’ll keep coming, and we’ll go through everyone you love to get to you.” His voice was low and controlled, and it sent shivers up her spine. “And if you leave now, I’ll personally make sure your boyfriend’s death is slow and painful.”

Veronica froze as she digested his words. She believed him. If she left, the man behind the door would hear her apparate, and he would turn on Charlie. It would be two against one, and Charlie would be overpowered. She couldn’t let them happen. She couldn’t let him die for her. You know what? Fuck it. Without another word, Veronica apparated, the only thing on her mind being the corner of the living room just outside their bedroom door.

[justtluffythings]

HOME: Book 12 - CHAPTER FOUR

MASTERLIST

As Veronica folded the last item in her pile, she stood, preparing to take her handiwork to the bedroom to put them away, when Athena came swooping in through the open window and landed on her shoulder. The comforting weight and warmth of her made the persistent tension sitting in Veronica’s stomach loosen slightly. Every time Athena left to deliver a letter, Veronica worried that that would be the day that she would get ambushed and hurt and wouldn’t come back. However, as Athena cuddled into the side of Veronica’s neck, her worries faded into the back of her mind, allowing her to enjoy the moment with her owl. 

Without moving, Athena stuck out her leg, inviting Veronica to remove the letter that had been tied to it. “Thanks, pretty girl. You did good. No trouble on the way, I hope?” When she felt Athena shake her head from where she was still hidden in her neck, she sighed in relief. “That’s good. Do you want to go to your cage and eat something or get some rest?” Athena shook her head again, nuzzling deeper into her. “Okay, okay, I missed you too. You can stay as long as you need.”

Opening the letter, Veronica recognized Arthur’s messy handwriting right away. He was sending them his weekly update, and as usual, the messages were vague enough that an outsider wouldn’t understand them, but she and Charlie would. “It’s from your dad,” Veronica explained as Charlie stared at her quizzically. 

“Anything good?”

“Well, I guess that depends on your definition of good,” she began, pacing over the living room carpet as she read the letter. “It looks like Fudge is taking more and more control over Hogwarts everyday. Umbridge has been named the High Inquisitor, which basically means she has final say in any and all decisions! She can make staffing changes, she can enact as many stupid decrees as she wants… she can punish the students any way she sees fit… Dumbledore is being pushed out of his own fucking school, this is ridiculous.”

“Merlin, we should probably write and check on the kids.”

Veronica shook her head. “I’m sure all letters in and out of the castle are being monitored right now. We can’t risk it, she could punish them.”

Charlie sighed and ran a hand through his hair as he turned to face her, leaning over the kitchen island. “Of course, you’re right. If they weren’t okay, dad would have said.”

Nodding, Veronica swallowed the lump in her throat at the thought of that toad hurting any of the students, and continued going through the letter. “Bloody hell, Podmore’s been arrested trying to break into the Department of Mysteries! Wasn’t he the one that was meant to be part of Harry’s entourage to King’s Cross on September 1st but never showed up?” 

Charlie nodded as his eyebrows furrowed. “Mhm, I definitely remember one of dad’s letters mentioning something about that.”

“Well, now we know why he didn’t show up.” Veronica sighed as she shook her head. “He’d been arrested the night before.”

“Merlin…”

“Yeah, that definitely makes you anxious about who else in the Order we can’t trust.” Charlie raised an eyebrow at her with a smirk, clearly understanding who she was referring to, but Veronica continued without letting him make any comments. “Hagrid and Olympe still aren’t back yet… and of course, no one has any idea if they’re okay or when they’ll be back, so that’s just lovely. I told Albus he should have let me go with them.”

“Anything about…” Charlie hesitated, and Veronica knew who he wanted to ask about before the name crossed his lips. “...Percy… in there?”

Walking over, Veronica stood on the opposite side of the island and placed a hand over his, giving him a small shake of her head. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, but no. Nothing. I’m sure he’ll come around soon though.”

Flipping his hand to hold on to hers, he gave it a gentle squeeze as he nodded. “I’m sure you’re right, I just hope he isn’t too proud to apologize.” Bringing her hand up, he brushed his lips over the back before kissing it softly and butterflies erupted in her stomach as they always did anytime their skin connected. Letting her go, he turned back to the stove. “Go put away the clothes that you were folding, sugar. Dinner’s ready.”

Veronica didn’t argue. She knew he needed a moment to himself, so walking back over to the couch with Athena still perched on her shoulder, she picked up the pile of clothes and walked into the bedroom, heading straight for the closet and putting the clothes away.

As she placed the last item on the shelf where it belonged, a sudden bang shot out through the apartment.

[justtluffythings]

HOME: Book 12 - CHAPTER THREE

MASTERLIST

As Veronica watched Charlie flit around the kitchen with ease, she couldn’t help but smile. He had grown so comfortable there over the last few years living alone that his skills had far surpassed hers. She hadn’t had any practice for the three years she was teaching at Hogwarts as she hadn’t returned to the Burrow at all, so she was more than a bit rusty, but Charlie didn’t mind. He enjoyed cooking and was more than happy to take on this task while leaving other tasks, like laundry, to her, which worked perfectly for them as she loved folding laundry while Charlie hated it. They were like two puzzle pieces made for each other. “What are you staring at, sugar?” Charlie’s amused voice broke her out of her daze, and she tore her eyes away from him, forcing them back to the shirt in her hands. 

Charlie had had his back to her, so she had no idea how he even knew she was watching him, but she could already feel him smirking, she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of admitting he was right. Clearing her throat, she shrugged. “Who says I was staring at you? Maybe I was staring at that atrocity you call dinner.”

Spinning around quickly, Charlie stalked over to where she sat on the couch. He had a kitchen towel thrown over his shoulder and a wooden spoon in his hand, and as he strutted over, every part of him screamed “provoked chef”. Once he was in front of her, he pinched her chin between his fingers, pulling her face up to connect their eyes. “I don’t need to be looking at you to know when those pretty eyes are on me, sugar.” 

Touching the wooden spoon to the back of her jaw just below her ear, he dragged it along, and Veronica felt a warm, wet substance being left behind. Pasta sauce? Did he just put pasta sauce on my face!?! Before she could react, he swiped his tongue along the same path the spoon took a moment ago, gathering up every last drop of sauce before he reached her pouting lips and pulled them into a searing kiss. 

The taste of the pasta sauce on his tongue was addicting. Veronica’s arms flew around his neck as she tried to pull him closer, but she groaned as he chuckled and pulled away before she could deepen the kiss. Giving her one last peck, he sauntered away, but not before adding, “and if you think my cooking is so atrocious, you can feel free to take over.”

Leaning her head back on the couch, Veronica sighed. “You’re such a tease!” The fire raging through her from his kiss hadn’t lessened in the slightest, but she refused to give in to it as his laugh reverberated off the walls of their small apartment. Smug bastard.

“So, does Basil believe us yet?” 

The sudden change of topic made Veronica’s head spin, and a somber mood fell over them. Recruitment hadn’t been going as well as they had hoped, and Basil’s initial dismissal of their warnings had been an extra tough pill to swallow. However, Veronica had refused to let him off the hook that easily, and she had continued chipping away at him until small cracks began to form in his armour. He was starting to believe her, and that sliver of an opening was all she needed to open the floodgates. “He’s coming around. Slowly, but surely. I mean, we’re miles from where we started so… progress is progress, right?”

“Absolutely. Considering he called us lunatics when we first told him, the fact that he’s even still talking to you about it is a win. Good job, sugar.”

Veronica blushed at the praise and looked away, focusing her attention back to the clothes she was folding. “Thanks. I’ve had better luck with my other conquests though. Joanne and Sylvie, the librarians, and Alexander, the professor that teaches Dragon Anatomy. They believe that he’s back, and they’re willing to spread the news to everyone they know as well, which is great. How about you? Any luck in your neck of the woods with the other Dragonologists?”

Charlie sighs heavily as he shrugged. “Ryland, Stewart and Adrian were easy enough to convince, they trust my authority enough to know I’d never bring something like this up if I wasn’t a hundred percent confident in what I was saying. Emilia, as you can imagine, is still pissed at me, so outside of work, if I say left, she goes right. So that’s a lost cause if I ever saw one. And James… is on the fence. He wants to believe me, but doesn’t want to believe that You-Know-Who is back, and since there’s no actual proof beyond just the words of Harry and Dumbledore, who the Daily Prophet are making jabs at left, right, and centre, it’s hard for him to just trust my word on it. But at least it’s in their heads, so they’ll be wary of anyone knocking on their door.”

“Absolutely!” Veronica agreed. “It’s like Dumbledore said, we’re just trying to spread the word to make sure people are as on guard as possible, even if they don’t quite believe us. As long as they question it when they see something unusual, we did our job. Eventually, Voldemort will reveal himself anyway, so there won’t be any denying it.”

Charlie cringed. He would never get used to Veronica calling You-Know-Who by his name, but fighting her on it was a lost cause. She wasn’t there the first time. She didn’t witness the fear that the name caused the first time he rose to power. So instead, he ignored it. “I also have a couple friends on the other teams, so I’ve brought it up with them too, but none have really believed me. So I’m just glad that at least one of us has had some success.”

After this, the couple fell into a comfortable silence as Charlie worked on dinner and Veronica finished folding the laundry.

[justtluffythings]

HOME: Book 12 - CHAPTER TWO

MASTERLIST

“Charlie!” Veronica called from the bedroom closet. She was sitting on the bench putting on her shoes as she got ready for work. Charlie, having gotten dressed much quicker than her, as always, was in the kitchen making breakfast. “Has today’s mail arrived yet?”

“Athena just got back with a couple letters, sugar! There’s one from Dumbledore, I’ll bring it to you!” Charlie called back, and the sound of his approaching footsteps followed before he appeared in the doorway, handing her the envelope.

Taking it, Veronica ripped it open and pulled out the letter, her jaw dropping and eyes widening as they flew over Dumbledore’s neat handwriting. “Fucking hell! Harry was attacked by a couple Dementors in Little Whinging a few days ago.”

“Merlin,” Charlie whispered as he pulled her into him. “Is he okay? Mundungus took care of it, yeah?

“Harry’s fine, but it’s not thanks to that idiot.” Veronica rolled her eyes as she continued summarizing the letter. “He wasn’t there! Apparently, he left to do some shady business deal, and left poor Mrs. Figg alone to watch Harry. Obviously, there was nothing she could do being a Squib, but luckily Harry is quite skilled with the Patronus Charm, so he dealt with it himself.”

“Bloody hell, but he’s not supposed to do magic outside of school. The Ministry–”

“Immediately sent him a letter expelling him from Hogwarts and telling him he needed to attend a disciplinary hearing on the twelfth. This is absurd! For a little bit of underage magic? As if he would just conjure a Patronus for no reason.”

“I know, Fudge is losing it right now. He will do anything to prove Harry’s gone mad.” Charlie held her to him tighter. “My main question is why were there Dementors there to begin with?”

Veronica sighed. “Dumbledore answered that too. He thinks that Voldemort has gained control of them, which only means one thing. He could free his followers from Azkaban any minute now. Merlin, the things he could do with those Dementors at his fingertips…” Veronica shivered at the thought.

“What about Harry? They can’t possibly leave him at his aunt and uncle’s house. He’s already so upset about being kept out of the loop, I can’t imagine he’ll be willing to put up with anymore of it after this.”

Reading the rest of the letter, Veronica soured as she neared the end. “A couple members of the Order went and got him already and took him back to Headquarters. One of them being a… newer member that I didn’t know was part of it until just now. Would you like to take a guess who it is?”

Charlie’s eyebrows furrowed as he cocked his head at her. “I have no idea. Who could it be that’s got you so upset?”

Veronica paused for a minute as she searched his eyes. “Your ex-girlfriend,” she whispered.

Charlie’s eyes widened. She didn’t need to say the name for him to know exactly who she was referring to. “Sugar, you know I–”

“No, I know Charlie. I don’t have any doubts that you love me, and my problem with you two dating never had anything to do with you. I was never mad at you, it was always about Tonks.”

Charlie placed a hand on her cheek and smiled when she nuzzled deeper into it. “Now that I know you liked me all those years, it makes sense why you stopped talking to her when we started dating. Seeing one of your good friends with someone you love…”

“It’s not just that,” Veronica sighed. “Tonks knew about my feelings for you.”

Charlie’s eyebrows flew up at the revelation. “She did?”

“She did, and she made a move on you anyway. That was why I was so upset. She spent months trying to get me to see that you felt the same way, and then when she realized it was useless, she made her move. And she was mean about it too. It wasn’t enough that she had you. She wanted to rub my nose in it. She was ruthless.”

Charlie’s eyes softened as he stroked her cheek softly, pulling her closer by the arm he had locked around her waist. “I’m so sorry, sugar. I had no idea any of that was happening.”

“I know. I obviously couldn’t tell you without telling you how I felt, but I couldn’t stand being around you two together. And when you started bringing her with you everywhere, I just avoided you all together. It was easier. I haven’t talked to her at all since then, but of course, the universe hates me, and I’ll be forced to see her now. Isn’t that lovely?” Charlie’s eyes searched hers, and he opened his mouth to say something, but Veronica shook her head. “Don’t worry, I can be civil and put our past aside to take down Voldemort… but we’ll never be friends.”

***

As Veronica glanced at the clock above the door of her office, her footsteps quickened as she paced in front of her desk. 11 AM. Harry’s hearing would be starting any minute now as they were two hours ahead in Romania, and her heart wanted to jump out of her throat. He’s going to be fine. Albus is with him, he won’t let the Ministry expel him. They have no grounds to anyway. Fudge is grasping at straws here.

As Veronica’s mind wandered to every possible negative outcome, she heard a soft knock on the door. It opened seconds later before she could even step towards it, and Charlie entered her office. From the way he was breathing and the slight sheen of sweat on his forehead, she could tell he had run all the way there.

“Are you okay?” Charlie’s face was unreadable as he stared at her, and her legs felt like they would give out any minute. “What? Tell me what it is!”

At that, Charlie broke out into a huge grin and pulled her against his chest. “He’s been acquitted of all charges!”

If Charlie wasn’t holding her up, she knew she would have fallen over from the shock. “What do you mean? The hearing’s only just begun a minute ago! How could it be over already? And they had time to send an owl? Did the hearing even happen?”

Veronica’s mind was spinning from Charlie’s words, and he pulled her lips into his to shut her up. Chuckling, he explained what he read in the letter from his father, and she instantly relaxed into his chest as the weight of the hearing lifted off her shoulders. She hadn’t realized how stressed she was about it until then. “Thank Merlin,” she whispered.

[justtluffythings]

HOME: Book 12 - CHAPTER ONE

MASTERLIST

“Basil, we’re serious. You know us well enough by now to know we would never joke around about something like this. He really is back, and we need to–”

“Veronica! Stop! Do not speak about things you know nothing about.”

Veronica instantly shrunk back into her seat and wrapped her arms around herself. He had never spoken to her that way before.

From her left, Charlie let out a low growl as his knuckles turned white from how hard he was gripping the arms of his chair. “Baz, I’m warning you. You better watch the way you speak to her.”

Basil shook his head softly as he ran his hand down his face. “Look, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled at you, love, but you don’t understand. You weren’t around the last time he came into power.”

“That’s not fair, she–”

“No, no, no.” Veronica placed a hand over Charlie’s and stroked it with her thumb, urging him to relax his grip. “He’s right. My parents and I weren’t part of the Wizarding World back then, so we didn’t exactly know what was going on. We didn’t know there was a tyrant wizard running around wreaking havoc, that’s for sure. But at the same time, we weren’t exactly safe from him either; we were Muggles at a time when being a Muggle was a death sentence.

“Y’know, I remember my parents talking about a bunch of psychos that were on the loose killing and kidnapping anyone they could get their hands on. I remember kids in my class not showing up, and the next day finding out they or someone in their family had gone missing or turned up dead. I remember my grandparents being so on edge all the time, it was palpable, and that they insisted on one of them taking me to and from school every day… before they were killed.” 

Veronica felt Charlie’s hands brushing over her cheeks softly, and it wasn’t until then that she felt the wetness there. She never took her eyes off Basil. “So no, I might not have been in the thick of it, but I was affected too. I remember the fear. And I know what it means for him to be back.”

Basil was silent for a long time before finally speaking. “What you’re saying… it can’t be true… because if it is, we’re all fucked.”

“We’re only fucked if people like you refuse to believe the truth.” Veronica rose from her seat, anger bubbling in her chest. “A war is coming. Whether you want to believe it or not, it makes no difference. It is coming. And I’m going to do everything I can to make sure the dragons answer to the right side. And I hope you’ll be standing with us when the time comes.”

With that, she stormed out of Basil’s office, leaving him staring after her with a dumbfounded look on his face.

[justtluffythings]

HOME: Book 12 - AUTHOR'S NOTE

MASTERLIST

Hiya Sugar Plums!

Here we are at book twelve!!! I want to thank everyone that has been on this journey with Veronica and Charlie from the beginning, and those that have only just joined us. I truly can't believe how far along we've gotten in this story, and there's still plenty more to come. I'm extremely excited for this one, and I have a feeling you guys are all really going to enjoy it. It's another long one!

As always, feel free to give me feedback and constructive criticism. If you're a fan of my work, it would be awesome if you could like and comment on parts of the story that you like!!

Enjoy Chapter One! Take care and happy reading! 📖

xoxo Tluffy

[justtluffythings]

HOME: Book 11 - AUTHOR'S NOTE #2

MASTERLIST

Hello, my little Toaster Strudels!

We're finally at the end of book eleven - this was a long one!! I really hope you enjoyed it, and I'm so excited for you to read book twelve!

If you're enjoying the story so far, please consider reblogging, liking and leaving a comment on moments that sparked your interest! Let's get some conversations going in the comments section.

Some of you have been interacting with me on different platforms, and I love love love it! Please keep the comments coming, I love reading them!

See you shortly when we begin book twelve!

Take care and happy reading 📖 

xoxo Tluffy

[justtluffythings]

HOME: Book 11 - CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

MASTERLIST

Once Harry had taken the potion that Madam Pomfrey gave him and fallen asleep, Veronica sighed heavily as she pushed her face deeper into Charlie’s chest and tightened her arms around his neck. In response, Charlie tightened his arms around her waist, pulling her into him. He had insisted she sit in his lap rather than her own chair, and Veronica hadn’t put up much of a fight. They needed to be close. To feel each other’s presence. To know that they were safe and unharmed. And while Veronica had thought it would be awkward with his family and Hermione there, she quickly realized everyone was too engrossed in their own fear and worry to pay attention to them.

As the minutes ticked by, Veronica felt herself relax and her eyes closed as she breathed in Charlie’s calming scent. An all-encompassing feeling that the worst was behind them filled her, but moments after this thought crossed her mind, she was reminded that they were never that lucky. 

Shouting could be heard coming from outside the Hospital Wing, getting louder and louder as the owners of the voices got closer. Veronica could easily make out McGonagall’s voice, but she couldn’t quite figure out who she was arguing with. As Veronica lifted her head to try to hear better, Charlie’s arms tightened, and it was clear he could hear the shouting too. Looking around, the rest of the group had begun to stand, whispering together as they speculated as to what was happening outside. Veronica and Charlie followed suit and joined their huddle. 

Glancing at Harry, Veronica whispered, “they’ll wake him if they don’t shut up!”

“What are they even shouting about? Nothing else can have happened, can it?” Bill questioned.

Molly’s eyebrows furrowed as she listened again for a moment. “That’s Fudge’s voice,” she whispered, and Veronica realized she was right. Now that she said it, it was painfully obvious that the other voice belonged to the Minister for Magic. “And that’s Minerva McGonagall’s, isn’t it? But what are they arguing about?”

The voices got ever louder, and the sound of running footsteps rang through the air. The events that followed brought the flames of Veronica’s dread back to life, and any trace of the peace she had felt moments ago in Charlie’s arms was gone.

Everything felt like it was happening in slow motion. McGonagall, Snape and Fudge bursting in. Fudge demanding to see Dumbledore. Dumbledore waltzing in at that exact moment. McGonagall breaking the news that Fudge had allowed a Dementor into the castle and that it had performed its kiss on Barty Crouch Jr. Fudge refusing to believe that Voldemort had been returned to his body. Dumbledore refusing to back down, stating they had reached a “parting of the ways”. Fudge threatening to get involved in the way the school is run before coldly presenting Harry with his winnings from the Tournament and storming out of the Hospital Wing.

Veronica’s mind reeled with the information, and she felt like she was underwater, drowning and trying to come up for air but being pushed back down again. Her heart raced as panic settled in her chest. Voldemort was back. She hadn’t been part of the Wizarding World the first time, so she hadn’t known the true terror that had plagued them, but she had dealt with it in her own way as a Muggle and read enough and heard enough stories from the Weasleys that she could understand Fudge’s reluctance to believe. Voldemort being back meant they had tough times and a long battle ahead. It was easier not to believe. To treat it like a rumour. But taking the easier path… it would get people killed.

Charlie squeezed her hand, and she was wrenched out of her spiraling thoughts. Sucking in a huge gulp of air, Veronica filled her lungs with what they craved as she felt a sharp ache in her chest from the momentary lack of oxygen.

Charlie turned her to look at him for a moment. “Breathe, sugar,” he whispered. “Are you okay? You were turning blue.”

“Voldemort’s back, Charlie.” Charlie’s cringe at her use of the name didn’t go unnoticed. “So no, I’m not okay.”

Before Charlie could say anything, Dumbledore turned to them with fire and determination in his eyes. “There is work to be done. Molly… am I right in thinking that I can count on you and Arthur?”

“Of course you can.” Molly was much paler than usual, her lips white as snow, but she had a resolute air about her. “He knows what Fudge is. It’s Arthur's fondness for Muggles that has held him back at the Ministry all these years. Fudge thinks he lacks proper wizarding pride.”

“Then I need to send a message to him,” Dumbledore said. “All those that we can persuade of the truth must be notified immediately, and Arthur is well placed to contact those at the Ministry who are not as shortsighted as Cornelius.”

“I’ll go to dad,” Bill offered. “I'll go now.” 

“Excellent. Tell him what has happened. Tell him I will be in direct contact with him shortly. He will need to be discreet, however. If Fudge thinks I am interfering at the Ministry–”

“Leave it to me.” Bill clapped a hand on Harry’s shoulder before kissing his mother on the cheek and hugging Charlie and Veronica goodbye. He then pulled on his cloak, and strode quickly from the room.

Dumbledore then turned his attention to the couple. “Veronica, Charlie, I need you two to go back to Romania, and–”

“What? No!” Veronica shook her head adamantly as she let go of Charlie’s hand and crossed her arms. “We can’t just go back to Romania and leave you all to deal with this mess over here! You want us to just sit back and do nothing?”

“You’re not sitting back and doing nothing. The Romanian Dragon Sanctuary is the largest of its kind. It has many staff that you both have had the opportunity to get to know well. Recruit them. Bring them over to our side. Let them know a war is coming and that they need to be ready. It also houses the largest number of dragons, many of which are dangerous and aggressive, so that is where you will come in very handy, Veronica. You need to talk to them. Make sure they are loyal to you and you alone, even when you are not around. Warn them that people may come to try to take them away, but that they should not go willingly. If Voldemort gets his hands on those dragons… I hate to think of the damage he can cause.” 

Taking a deep breath, Veronica let out a sigh before nodding reluctantly. 

Dumbledore, feeling her lack of enthusiasm towards the plan, added, “It’s only temporary, Veronica. You will be back and fighting alongside your family soon enough. Don’t rush this process. It’s important work you’ll be doing.”

“Ugh, fine! We’re going!” Veronica didn’t sound thrilled, but it was enough for the time being.

The couple hugged everyone goodbye, and then rushed out the Hospital Wing doors, readying themselves for the trek back to Romania.

[justtluffythings]

HOME: Book 11 - CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

MASTERLIST

As Veronica sat huddled up with Charlie and Bill, their heads close together so no one could hear their hushed conversation, she watched Bill glance over his shoulder for the millionth time to check if his mother had returned. Molly had gone to speak with the other parents of the champions, while Ron and Hermione had slipped off to find their other friends. Finding the coast clear, Bill continued in a whisper. “What did you say her name was again, Ronnie?”

“For Merlin’s sake, William,” she teased. “She’s only one of the Triwizard champions, you’d think you’d have learned her name by now.”

Bill shrugged, a huge grin on his face. “I never paid her much mind when they wrote about her in the Daily Prophet. Her photo really doesn’t do her justice, does it? She’s beautiful.”

“Well, she is part Veela,” Charlie added.

Bill scoffed. “Only a quarter, it barely even counts.”

Veronica’s eyes widened as she stared at him in disbelief. “You like her!” It wasn’t a question, but the blush rising on his cheeks would have given them all the answer they needed anyway. “Merlin! You perv, she’s only 17.”

“It’s not like I’m going to force myself on her, Veronica! Merlin. All I said was she was beautiful. Besides, she’s an adult, she can make her own decisions.”

“Barely,” Veronica teased. She knew he was right, but seeing him squirm under her scrutiny was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

Before Veronica could blink, Bill had wrapped an arm loosely around her neck and pulled her head into him, causing her to bend in half as he trapped her in his hold. Luckily, her breathing was unobstructed, so her PTSD didn’t make an appearance. Rubbing his knuckles into her hair, he heard her squeal.

“Not my hair! Bill! You can’t do that to someone with curly hair, you prick!”

“Bill! You better let her go! Unhand my future wife, you heathen!” Charlie yelled simultaneously as he jumped on his brother’s back, pulling at his arm’s and trying to get him to release her. Bill stumbled under his weight for a moment, but caught his balance quickly.

The spectators on the benches surrounding them moved away to avoid being hit by flailing limbs, and Veronica couldn’t imagine what they looked like as they each simultaneously yelled and laughed, unable to keep the smiles off their faces. She felt like a kid again when they would play in the backyard of the Burrow, and it brought tears to her eyes. She couldn’t quite believe that it had only been seven months since her world had flipped upside down. Just seven months ago, she thought she would never see Charlie again. She thought she would never get to experience another family moment with all the Weasleys together again. But now, there they were, her two favourite people on the planet, laughing and joking with her as if those three years after Hogwarts hadn’t even happened. And she was more than happy to pretend they didn’t.

Suddenly, they felt the air shift as people all around the stands began to scream and push forward, almost knocking the trio over in their haste. Bill let Veronica go, and she stood quickly. “What is it? Is someone back? Is there a winner?” 

Glancing down at the patch of grass at the opening of the maze, Veronica’s eyebrows furrowed as she tried to process what she was seeing. Harry lay face down clutching the Cup in one hand and Cedric Diggory in the other. Neither boy moved for longer than was normal, and Veronica’s heart jumped to her throat.

“Why aren’t they moving? Why are they just laying there?” Veronica glanced between Charlie and Bill before turning her eyes back to the scene in front of them. The brothers looked just as confused as she was.

Dumbledore approached Harry and crouched over him. It was clear they were having a conversation, but it was so hushed, and the crowd was so restless, they couldn’t make out what they were saying, no matter how much they tried. Then, Cornelius Fudge leaned over them, and instantly, all hell broke loose. It started as a whisper that passed through the crowd like leaves in the wind, everyone too afraid to say it any louder for fear that it would make it real. However, it didn’t take long for people to begin shouting the news aloud. “He’s dead!” “He’s dead!” “Cedric Diggory! Dead!”

Veronica felt her mind reeling from the new information it was receiving, and she couldn’t believe it was true. A million questions flooded in at once. Dead? How could he be dead? Why was he there with Harry? What happened in the maze?

“Sugar? Sugar, look at me.”

Veronica barely registered Charlie’s words as she stared out at the scene in front of her. Harry refusing to let go of Cedric’s body. Dumbledore lifting Harry onto his feet and clearly telling him to stay put before rushing off to speak to the Diggory’s. Alastor Moody pulling Harry away through the crowd and towards the castle despite Dumbledore’s orders. Veronica knew she should stop them. That she should go after them. But her body felt numb, and she couldn’t get herself to move. Or to take her mind off the body laying on the grass.

“Veronica!” Feeling warm hands on her cheeks, she felt them forcing her eyes away from the chaos and towards chocolate brown eyes that brought more comfort in that moment than she even knew she needed. “Are you okay?” Charlie whispered.

Only then did Veronica realize she was most certainly not okay. Tears welled in her eyes as she thought about the boy she had taught Charms to for three years. The sweet Hufflepuff boy that would never have hurt a fly outside this tournament. The boy that had excelled in his studies and had a thirst for knowledge that was unquenchable. The boy that had come to her outside of class more times than she could remember asking about different charms and debating with her on the most practical use for the Softening Charm. The boy that would hold doors open for her when he saw her coming and would offer to carry her books for her. He would never do any of these things again. His life was snuffed out in the blink of an eye. All for some ridiculous tournament promising eternal glory.

“Sugar, please say something. You haven’t said a word, and it’s scaring me.”

“He’s… He’s… He’s…�� No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t get herself to say the words. 

“I know, darling. I know.”

Charlie moved his hands from her face to her arms, steadying her, and it gave Veronica a chance to glance over at the scene to find Dumbledore had disappeared along with McGonagall and Snape. A sinking feeling filled her, and she instantly tried to push past Charlie. “We have to go. Charlie, move. We have to go!”

“No! Let the teachers deal with this, they–”

“I was a teacher here just last year! These are my students! Those are my colleagues, my friends! This is my home, and I need–

“Veronica, stop!”

Looking into his eyes - truly looking into them for the first time that night - Veronica saw a look of unbridled fear reflected back at her. In the eleven years that she had known him, she had only ever seen this look three times before - once when she almost drowned in the Great Lake, once when Archie had been poisoning her and she was on her deathbed, and once when she fainted in her office in February. This look was reserved only for when he thought she was in danger - that something could happen to her - and so she stopped fighting him.

“It’s okay,” she whispered as she held his hand in hers and brought it to her lips. “I’m okay.” Slowly but surely, the look disappeared, and Veronica turned to get Bill’s attention. “Are you okay?” 

Bill nodded, but his eyes never left the entrance to the maze. Veronica wondered for a moment if he was worried about Fleur, who hadn’t reappeared since she went in, but she didn’t get a chance to question him before he spoke. “We need to find Mum, Ron and Hermione, and go find out where Harry is. Something isn’t right here.”

“Agreed,” Charlie and Veronica stated in unison before they pushed their way out of the stands, determination igniting the fire in their bellies.

***

“Where is he?” “What happened to him?” “Where did they take him?” “He hasn’t come in here yet?” “He was hurt, how could they not have brought him in here yet?” “We’re his family, we demand to see him!” “They can’t keep him from us!” “Tell. Us. Where. He. Is!”

The group had been hounding Madam Pomfrey for the past ten minutes, but they were no closer to finding out where Harry was. Veronica had been a breath away from doing something she would have regretted when they heard the doors to the Hospital Wing open behind them. As they all whipped around, they watched as Harry, Dumbledore and a large black dog, who Veronica recognized to be Sirius Black, walked in. 

Molly let out a muffled scream as she began towards him. “Harry! Oh, Harry!”

Dumbledore quickly stepped between them and held out a hand to stop her. “Molly,” he said patiently. “Please listen to me for a moment. Harry has been through a terrible ordeal tonight. He has just had to relive it for me. What he needs now is sleep, and peace, and quiet. If he would like you all to stay with him,” he added as he glanced around and acknowledged the rest of them for the first time, “you may do so. But I do not want you questioning him until he is ready to answer, and certainly not this evening.”

Mrs. Weasley paled as she nodded, her skin white as a ghost. She instantly rounded on them, scolding them as if they were the ones being noisy. “Did you hear? He needs quiet!”

[justtluffythings]

HOME: Book 11 - CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

MASTERLIST

“Veronica? Weasley? Is that you?”

As she pulled away from Charlie’s kiss, Veronica shivered at the loss of contact and heard Charlie growl low in his chest at the interruption. However, when her eyes landed on three familiar faces standing at the edge of their booth in the Three Broomsticks, she couldn’t bring herself to care. Reggie, his girlfriend Joanna, and Felix stood with wide eyes as they watched her jump out of the booth and pull them into hugs.

“You guys! I’ve missed you, it’s so nice to see you! Are you here to watch the last task of the Triwizard Tournament too? Did you all come together?”

“No, no, no, no.” Reggie shook his head as he glanced from Veronica to Charlie and back again. “You are not changing the subject, Singer. What is going on here?” The Scot ushered between them with an eyebrow quirked. 

As she slid back into the booth beside Charlie, Veronica smiled as a blush crept along her skin, warming her from the inside out. “I don’t know what you mean,” she shrugged nonchalantly, hearing Charlie chuckle beside her.

“Veronica!” Felix threw his arms up in an exasperated huff. “Just tell us what we are dying to know! You two are together now!?!”

Smirking, Charlie wrapped his arm around her shoulders and placed a kiss on her temple. “I’m fairly certain you caught us snogging a minute ago, Jones. How much more of an answer do you need?”

Instantly, the couple was bombarded with questions, Reggie and Felix talking over each other in their haste to find out how it happened. The last thing they both knew was that she and Charlie were no longer friends, so to see them together now, as a couple, was understandably shocking.

Joanna, who didn’t know them well enough to care too much about the details, took a seat next to Veronica and took her hand in hers. “Congratulations,” she whispered. “I’m really happy for you. Reggie told me how much you liked him and that things didn’t end well between you after graduation. I’m glad it worked out.”

“Thank you!” Veronica whispered back as she squeezed the girl’s hand. Turning back to her friends, she let out an exasperated sigh at their continuous questioning. “Would you two just shut up and sit down? Unless you don’t want to hear the story.”

Reggie and Felix instantly did as she asked and stared at her intently. Chuckling, Veronica recounted the events of the last seven months, her friends oohing and aahing throughout the story. She felt like they were first-years again.

“That’s adorable!” Felix gushed. “I can’t believe you two are finally together, I mean it’s about time.” He chuckled as Reggie glanced at him and nodded, rolling his eyes. 

“You two were so oblivious, I’ve never seen anything like it,” Reggie exclaimed exasperatedly. “I was expecting you to take your feelings to your graves with you.”

“Leave them alone, you guys,” Joanna chuckled softly at the red tinting the couple’s cheeks. “I’m sure they’ve been hearing this since they got together.” Turning to Veronica, she asked, “did you get to watch any of the other tasks in the Tournament?”

Veronica mouthed a quick thank you to her, relief flooding through her veins at the change in subject. “Well, we watched the first one together, that was a couple days after we got together. I was still working here, and Rosmerta gave me the afternoon off to go watch it. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get time off work for the second one in February, I had only been working at my new job in Romania for a couple months. But luckily, we had his siblings keeping us updated on how it went and how everything has been going since then. But we refused to miss this one. I had to beg my boss to cover for me for a couple days, so I owe him one big time when I get back, but I’m sure it’ll be worth it. This is shaping up to be an epic finale.”

***

As they slid into their seats in the stands, Veronica gazed out at the Quidditch Pitch. It was completely unrecognizable. Tall hedges had been erected to create a maze that the contestants would need to navigate, with their end goal being to be the first to reach the Cup in the middle. From their place in the stands, they could see the entrance to the maze, but other than that, whatever lay beyond was a mystery, and it was only at that moment that Veronica realized they wouldn’t be able to actually watch the task once it began. This caused a knot to form in her chest. They would have no idea what was happening inside - no idea if Harry was okay - until the end.

As the first stars of the night started to appear in the sky, Veronica thought back on earlier that day when she, Molly, Bill and Charlie had gone up to the school to see Harry and spend the day with him. The surprise on his face had wrenched a hole through her heart - he hadn’t been expecting anyone to come see him during the family visits - and Veronica hugged him a little longer than usual when saying goodbye. The tasks of the Tournament were all dangerous, but this one… Veronica shivered thinking about what monsters awaited him in the maze.

A loud whistle brought Veronica back to the moment, and she watched as Harry gave them one last wave from where he stood at the entrance before he and Cedric entered the maze together, as they were tied for first place, and the hedge closed behind them. Two more whistles, and Fleur and Krum were gone as well. All they had left to do was wait.

[justtluffythings]

HOME: Book 11 - CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

MASTERLIST

As Veronica lay in bed, she stared up at the ceiling and willed herself to breathe through the tears that were streaming down her cheeks. Charlie’s side of the bed had been empty and cold when she woke up that morning, as it had been for the last week, and while she could hear him moving around somewhere in the apartment, she couldn’t bring herself to go to him. 

After the events that took place in her office the previous week and the heavy confession she had made, she could feel the distance wedging itself between them until there was an ocean there that she didn’t know how to cross. Usually, Charlie couldn’t keep his hands off her, but he hadn’t initiated anything more than a quick kiss on her forehead since her office, and while Veronica was sassy and witty outside the bedroom, inside it, she was beyond shy and submissive. She never initiated things with him, and that was on a regular day. Now that there was tension and uncertainty sizzling in the air between them, there was no way she could bring herself to do it. The fear of rejection was too overwhelming. Just the thought of Charlie pulling away as she tried to kiss him made her stomach knot and her throat threaten to close up on her. 

While she was fairly certain what she experienced was PTSD, she had no idea exactly what had caused it. Was it the aspect of getting on her knees in front of him, or was it the idea of the blowjob itself? She had had time to think about it, and her best theory was that it was partially the same concept as her fear of water and drowning. The idea of not being able to breathe. Of choking. Of not being able to pull air into her lungs. It made sense, especially when she considered the one time Charlie had tried to introduce breath play into the bedroom, and she had instantly felt nauseous. She had shut it down right away and the feeling had gone as quickly as it came, so she hadn’t thought about it again, but it all fit. Nothing else they did ever made her react that way.

As her thoughts wandered back to Charlie and his demeanor over the last week, she felt her head spin. He’s finally coming to his senses. My trauma has become too much for him and he’s realizing how broken I really am. He’s realizing I’m not worth it. Her thoughts waged war inside her mind, threatening to crush her beneath their weight. Sobs wracked through her, her whole body shaking from the intensity of them, and her hands flew to cover her mouth as she tried her best to be quiet. She didn’t want Charlie to hear that she was crying; she didn’t want him to feel guilty for something that wasn’t his fault. Veronica was consumed by her pain, and her muffled sobs filled the air in the room until it was all she could hear. 

Suddenly, she squealed in surprise as she felt strong hands pulling her up and into the warm, hard chest that she knew and loved so much. Charlie’s arms wrapped around her protectively, and his comforting scent of vanilla and the outdoors blanketed her, filling her nostrils and instantly calming her frayed nerves. Charlie held her close, stroking her hair and whispering reassuring words in her ear until her muscles relaxed and her sobs subsided.

“What’s the matter, sugar? What happened?”

Veronica sighed deeply, inhaling his scent and committing it to memory. The way he was holding her in that moment was a stark contrast to any of their interactions over the past week, and she almost didn’t want to answer for fear of ruining the moment. However, after allowing herself another minute of closeness, she pulled away from him and tucked her legs up into her chest, wrapping her arms around them. “If you’re going to break up with me, just do it already, Charlie,” she whispered as she closed her eyes and bowed her head. She couldn’t look at him when he did it. “Please don’t let this drag on longer than it needs to.”

“What?” Charlie tried to lift her chin, but she refused to open her eyes, the tears already welling in them again. “Sugar, look at me. Please.”

“No. I don’t want this to be the last memory I have of you. I–”

“Veronica, I’m not fucking breaking up with you.” At that, Veronica’s eyes shot open, but she instantly wished she had left them closed. The confusion and hurt in Charlie’s eyes wrenched a hole through her heart. “Are you crazy? Why would you even think that?”

“I… I thought… you’ve been so distant ever since the incident in my office last week, you’ve… you’ve barely spared me a second glance, and we haven’t… you know… done anything since then. I just…”

Sighing, Charlie cupped her face and swiped his thumbs along her tear stained cheeks. “Sugar… you’re right. I have been a bit distant this last week, and I’m sorry that I made you feel unloved in any way. I never want you to feel that way because I love you so much, it hurts. I waited eleven years to love you like this, and I would never let anything, especially something like this, take you away from me. I just… I didn’t want to rush you into doing anything when you weren’t ready. I wanted to give you space to deal with this in your own way, and honestly, I’ve also been trying to deal with my anger as well. I didn’t want it to fester and end up hurting you.” Charlie placed his forehead on hers and brushed their noses together. “But I realize now I should have allowed us to work on our feelings together. I shouldn’t have left you alone with your thoughts, and for that, I’m sorry, sugar.”

Veronica inched forward and connected their lips in a soft, sweet kiss that they both desperately needed. As they pulled apart, she glanced over at her bedside table and her eyes widened as they landed on a tray with the most beautiful spread of breakfast treats. Charlie’s signature fluffy cinnamon pancakes with cream cheese frosting and maple syrup, brioche french toast stuffed with chocolate and bananas, a bowl of fruit and a glass of milk to wash it all down. Veronica couldn’t believe she hadn’t noticed it sooner, the smells wafting her way were heavenly, and she couldn’t help but smile when she realized there was no ‘real food’ in sight. Everything was sweet, and it was a dream come true.

Turning to Charlie with a fresh batch of tears in her eyes, she whispered, “You made all this for me?”

“Of course. It’s Valentine’s Day, so I thought I would surprise you with breakfast in bed.” Squeezing her hands, he added, “I’ll admit you gave me quite a surprise yourself when I walked in and found you crying. Please sugar, talk to me next time you’re feeling this way. I hate seeing you cry, but I hate knowing you were crying alone even more.”

“I will, I promise.” 

Charlie was anxious to get the conversation moving back towards happier territory, so he grabbed the tray and placed it on her lap.

“You’re having some with me, aren’t you?”

Shaking his head, Charlie stood and stepped towards the door. “This one is all yours, darling. I’ve got mine in the kitchen, I’ll bring it in, and we can eat together.”

Once Charlie came back with his tray, Veronica scrunched her face up at his much healthier and more boring spread. Charlie’s tray contained an egg white omelet with spinach and mushroom, some veggies, and a green smoothie, and while it was fine for a regular day, it wasn’t Valentine’s Day worthy. “Are you sure you don’t want to share mine? This looks like heaven, while yours… may very well be what they serve in hell.”

Charlie chuckled, and the sound made warmth spread through her from the tips of her toes to the top of her head. She would never tire of hearing him laugh. “I’m alright, sugar. You’re the one with the sweet tooth, not me.” Leaning into her ear, he smirked and licked a swipe up her earlobe before tugging on it between his teeth. The action shot right to her core, and she was drenched for him in an instant. “Besides, you’re the only sweet treat I could ever need, princess. And I’m planning on devouring you until you beg me to stop.”

[justtluffythings]

HOME: Book 11 - CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

MASTERLIST

TW: There are some pretty serious topics discussed in this chapter, as well as some sexual scenes. Please skip this chapter if you need to!

“Come in!” Veronica tore her eyes away from the brilliantly written paper she was marking and beamed when she saw Charlie standing in the doorway of her office. “Charlie! What are you doing here?”

“What? Can’t a guy surprise his girlfriend at work for Valentine’s Day?” Veronica’s eyebrows furrowed before her eyes widened as she heard the faint click of her door locking, and Charlie’s ever-present grin widened. “Are you busy, princess?” Charlie’s eyes darkened as he stalked towards her, and a shiver coursed through her body at the use of the pet name that he reserved only for their… most intimate moments.

“Valentine’s Day is next week.” Veronica croaked out, her throat dry from his intense stare. “Besides, these are my office hours. Students could come looking for me at any moment.”

Charlie made his way around her desk and pulled her to her feet, cupping her cheeks as concern momentarily doused the fire in his veins. “How long have you been marking, sugar? When was the last time you took a break? Have you eaten today?”

“I… I’m not sure, actually. These papers are so well done, I’ve been enthralled by them all afternoon. But it can’t have been that long. What time is it?”

“It’s 6:30, darling. Your office hours ended an hour ago.” Charlie quickly scanned the room, and made note of the empty lunch containers on her desk. Relief filled him. At least she had eaten at some point that day. “What time did you have your lunch, love?”

“I honestly have no idea. I can’t remember even having lunch.”

Charlie chuckled softly. He could believe it. When Veronica’s mind was occupied with something, her body went through the motions without her even realizing what she was doing. Once, he had come home to find their apartment spotless and an elaborate dinner made, but she had had no recollection of doing any of it. That day had been one of her more serious “blackout” days - it had been the day before the start of the term, and her mind had crafted a million scenarios of what could possibly go wrong.

“That’s alright, sugar. We’ll grab something to eat on our way home.” Veronica bit her lip gently in response, and the fire in Charlie’s belly returned with full force. “You’ll need to replenish your energy after what I’m about to do to you.”

Charlie’s first instinct was to swipe all the contents off her desk and bend her over it, but he instantly stopped himself. He knew his girlfriend well - she wouldn’t be able to relax and enjoy herself knowing all her work was scattered in a messy heap on the floor. Instead, an idea popped into his head. “Should we try another first, princess?”

The fire in her eyes matched his as she nodded. The thought of what it could be made her instantly wet for him - there wasn’t much they hadn’t done.

“Get on your knees and open that pretty mouth for me, sugar.” They had experimented a lot in their sex life over the last couple months, but one thing he had yet to experience was the feeling of her pretty mouth around his cock. She hadn’t made any more attempts after their first time together, and frankly, he hadn’t had any patience for it anyway. He loved eating her out and always took his time doing it, but once he made her cum over his face and fingers, he wanted nothing more than to bury his cock balls-deep inside her. However, in that moment with her beautiful eyes staring up at him, he craved nothing more than to see her on her knees, looking up at him as he fucked her pretty little mouth until she was gagging on him. Or to at least see how much she could take.

When Veronica hadn’t moved, Charlie placed his hand around her neck and squeezed gently, pulling her towards him until his lips were inches from her ear. “Do I need to tell you again, princess? You know I don’t like to repeat myself.”

From the moment the words had left Charlie’s mouth - get on your knees and open that pretty mouth for me - Veronica felt a strange feeling wash over her that she couldn’t quite place. A gleam of sweat coated her palms and trickled down her back, and her chest tightened as if someone had taken her heart and squeezed it tightly. A wave of nausea filled her, and it took everything in her to keep her lunch from making an unsavoury appearance. The feeling only intensified and worsened when she felt his hand around her throat.

Do I need to tell you again, princess? You know I don’t like to repeat myself - Charlie’s words sounded far away, but she was glad that he hadn’t noticed anything was wrong. She didn’t know what was happening, but she didn’t want to ruin the moment. Feeling a light pressure on her shoulders, she sank to her knees in front of him and took a few deep breaths, trying to clear her head and rid herself of the sudden dizziness that overtook her. Dark specks danced in her eyes, and if she had been standing, she was sure she would have fallen over. Placing her hands on his thighs to steady herself, she gripped his jeans tightly when she noticed her hands trembling. Veronica watched through hazy vision as Charlie began to undo his belt, but she could barely hear the sounds of it over the sound of her heart pounding in her ears at an unnatural speed.

Suddenly, visions of her younger years flashed before her eyes. Her father storming into her room after a tough day at work. Her being forced to her knees as he towered over her small frame. Him pulling off his belt and wrapping it tightly around her throat. Her struggling to breath against the cold leather. Him pulling down his pants and forcing himself into her open mouth. Her choking and gagging from his size. Him cackling at the distress and fear on his young daughter’s face as he pounded into her mouth aggressively, using the belt around her neck to control her at his whim. Her struggling to breath and seeing stars dancing in her eyes as she teetered on the edge of consciousness. Him finishing in her mouth and finally loosening the belt before she passed out. Him trying to force her to swallow it and punishing her when she coughed and spat it out as she tried to fill her lungs with air. Him walking away, leaving his battered and bruised daughter alone on the floor of her room, tears streaming down her cheeks.

As the unwanted memories flooded her mind, Veronica knew something was wrong, and by now, Charlie knew it too. She figured he must have dropped to his knees with her at some point as she felt his hands cupping her cheeks, but she could no longer see anything, and her throat began to constrict as her chest tightened. Veronica felt like someone had a firm grip on them and was squeezing tight, cutting off all airflow. The lack of oxygen made all her other symptoms worse, and before long, she was completely losing consciousness.

***

“Veronica? Veronica, sweetheart? Open your eyes for me, sugar.” As Veronica’s eyes fluttered open, she realized she was laying on the floor of her office with Charlie leaning over her, panic and concern dominating his features. “That’s it, darling, you’re okay. I’ve got you.” Charlie slowly helped her sit up, but he kept his hand on her back, afraid that she would faint again if he didn’t hold her up. 

“How long–” Veronica croaked, her voice hoarse. “How long was I out?”

“Ten minutes, but it felt like a lifetime. What the fuck was that? Are you okay? Do you need to see a Healer?”

Veronica shook her head as tears streamed down her face in waves. “I’m so sorry, Charlie. That was so embarrassing, I–”

“Don’t.” Charlie wiped her tears as he forced her to look at him. “Why are you always apologizing for things that aren’t your fault? I can’t stand it when you do that, but you’ve been doing it since I met you. Stop apologizing to me when you’ve done nothing wrong.” Charlie stroked her cheeks with his thumbs to soften the harshness of his words. “I love you, and I don’t need you to apologize for not feeling well. It doesn’t matter what we’re doing or where we are. And you have no reason to be embarrassed either.”

“But we… you were… I…”

“Stop, Veronica. I don’t care. All I care about is you, and right now, I need to know that you’re okay.” Scanning her eyes, he asked again, “are you okay?”

Taking a deep breath, Veronica explained everything. The physical reaction she had had. The memories she had tried to suppress that had come flooding back. The unwelcome feelings they left behind. Everything. And as he listened, Charlie tried his best to keep his anger at bay. He didn’t want to let his fire and fury consume him while she was in such a fragile state. She needed him to be calm for her.

But it took everything in him not to hunt her father down and burn him alive for what he did to her.

[justtluffythings]

HOME: Book 11 - CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

MASTERLIST

Veronica noticed him on the third day of term.

He always sat in the back row, hunched into his seat, his notes meticulous but his eyes wary. He flinched whenever a dragon was mentioned, let alone when Veronica would make her illustrations come to life on the chalkboard. Even the soft rumble of wings outside the warded windows made him grip the edge of his desk like it might take flight too.

After class, as the others filtered out with laughter and leftover questions, he lingered. Never first, never last. Always quiet. Once, she caught him looking out the window at a passing Norwegian Ridgeback, his face pale but… curious. Veronica had let it go the first time. This time, she approached.

“Leonard, right?”

He jumped like he’d been caught stealing from a dragon’s hoard. “Y-yes. Sorry. I wasn’t… uh, I was just packing up.”

She smiled gently. “You weren’t doing anything wrong. I just wanted to ask how you’re feeling about the material.”

He blinked. “It’s fascinating. I mean, I’m not… good with them. Dragons, I mean. But I want to be.”

She nodded and smiled softly. “Can I show you something?”

He hesitated, then followed her out into the corridor and through the door that led to the observation deck. It was dusk, and a gentle breeze swept through the trees. High above, a Welsh Green sailed across the sky in lazy circles. Leonard stopped short.

“She won’t come down,” Veronica stated calmly. “Not unless I ask. And I won’t.”

He stared up at the sky, barely breathing. “She’s so… big.”

“She’s also curious. Smart too. She stole my scarf once and wore it for three days.”

That drew a laugh from him; a short, surprised sound.

Veronica leaned on the railing beside him. “You don’t have to be fearless to be good at this, you know. You just have to show up anyway.”

He glanced at her. “Is that what you did?”

She shook her head. “Oh no. I was lucky enough to be born with my aura, so I was never afraid of them. But I’ve worked with enough people who were to understand what it takes to get past it.”

Leonard looked back up at the dragon in the sky. His knuckles weren’t white anymore. “I’ll keep showing up,” he said quietly, a steady determination in his voice.

“That’s all I ask.”

***

Basil’s office smelled faintly of smoke and ink - an aroma Veronica had grown fond of since stepping into her new role. Basil had invited her up for tea, claiming he had “important gossip” to share. 

His office was messier than ever. Piles of books everywhere, half-finished memos floating near the ceiling, and three mugs of long-forgotten tea sitting on the windowsill. He handed her a fourth freshly brewed one.

“I’ve officially survived two weeks of admin meetings,” he said as he slumped into the opposite chair. “If I ever say I want another promotion, hit me with a broom, okay?”

Veronica chuckled. “Noted. How’s the department?”

“Full of opinions and biscuit hoarders.” He gestured toward the tea tray. “Speaking of, try the honey scones. They’re to die for.”

She took one, already amused by his antics.

“You look comfortable,” he added after a moment. “Like you’ve always belonged in that classroom.”

“I think I do,” she said, surprising herself with the certainty in her voice. “It feels like I’m doing what I’m meant to.”

Basil studied her for a beat. “You’re doing more than that. You’re shaping how these students think about dragons. About fear. About empathy.”

They sat in companionable silence for a moment.

“Thank you,” Veronica said finally. “For giving me this opportunity. For trusting me with it.”

Basil lifted his cup in a toast. “You earned it. And besides… if you mess up, I can always take it back.”

She grinned. “You’d have to get past Maeve first.”

Basil shuddered. “Still owes me a scorched sleeve.”

They laughed together—professor to professor, friend to friend.

[justtluffythings]

First Line Tag Game

Thank you so much for tagging me in this challenge @sailtomarina! You can check out her post here!

This is my first time being tagged in something like this, so I'm super excited to try it out. Here are the rules: post the first line(s) from the last 10 fics you've updated or posted (or however many fics you have, if less than 10). I only have my one Charlie Weasley x Original Character story, so I'll post the last 10 chapters of that.

HOME: Book Eleven - CHAPTER THIRTEEN

As Harry stepped out onto the field, Veronica wished she could take his place.

HOME: Book Eleven - CHAPTER FOURTEEN

As they approached the enclosure, Veronica couldn’t help but stare at the gorgeous creatures in front of her.

HOME: Book Eleven - CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“What do you mean you aren’t coming with us?” James asked incredulously.

HOME: Book Eleven - CHAPTER SIXTEEN

As Veronica approached the door to Charlie's apartment in Romania, the exhaustion hit her like a tidal wave.

HOME: Book Eleven - CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The next morning, Veronica awoke to the smell of bacon and coffee wafting in through the open door, and as she stretched, her hand brushed against Charlie’s empty side of the bed.

HOME: Book Eleven - CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Allowing herself to be pulled into a hug, Veronica pasted on as genuine a smile as she could muster with all the thoughts and images running through her mind.

HOME: Book Eleven - CHAPTER NINETEEN

Veronica and Charlie spent the following hour with Basil in his office as they discussed specifics about the job and signed a contract.

HOME: Book Eleven - CHAPTER TWENTY

The first time Basil saw Veronica’s aura in action, he almost fainted. 

HOME: Book Eleven - CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

As Veronica packed a small bag, she wondered where the last month had gone.

HOME: Book Eleven - CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

Veronica and Molly moved around the kitchen together like it was the most natural thing in the world.

*BONUS - NEWEST CHAPTER POSTED TODAY*

HOME: Book Eleven - CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

The classroom buzzed with low chatter and the soft crackle of torchlight.

You can find all my works here!!

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I noticed I haven't been opening with dialogue very much lately. This definitely hasn't been on purpose as I do have many chapters that start like that, but it's interesting to see the latest trends in my writing style. Let me know if you can notice any others that I'm missing!

If you come across this post, take a stab at the challenge! I'm tagging @agreeewrites , @sundrop-writes , @fortheloveoffanfic , @swordgrace and @fanpageknight