#Harry doesn't have to try he was invited to chair for a reason

[1ddiscourseoftheday]

Mon 6 May

MET GALA!!!

The waiting is finally over! Harry graced the pink carpet wearing the most beautiful thing I've ever seen him in, an absolutely ear to ear joyful beaming smile. He looked so happy up there! His outfit ruffled some feathers by, some felt, not ruffling enough feathers, but was it camp? Without question. He embraced an androgynous look with masculine styling set against a high femme sheer blouse, draped trousers, heels and jewelry. Literally anything he could have chosen to wear would have on some level disappointed by cutting off the million possibilities that existed until the moment we saw him in one of them, so there's that right? So it wasn't a dress or a rainbow bear suit BUT! Were his tits out WERE THEY EVER was he in heels YES was it lacy and kind of tacky YES with a drop pearl earring and bejeweled hands YES with his muscles on display and a stubbled face to contrast the feminine elements YES and as for the fact that he actually fucking wore the BIG ASS BEE EARRING well. He Did That.

AND THEN he changed into a clownish ensemble featuring a frilled shirt and cartoonish cross earring and outsized asymmetrical bowtie; an exaggerated send up of baby boybander Harry Edward Styles himself! Y'all: SO CAMP! And like all that wasn't enough he got drunk, introduced Cher with the immortal line, "guys gals and non binary pals," and called everyone bitches multiple times!! (Harry @ cher talking about being poor- "not anymore bitch," damn like u should talk boy!)

Listen: it's funny but also dead on that the most common complaint people had about his black outfit was that he looked the same as always, like y'all are reaaallly missing the point- this kid IS CAMPY like just, all the time! He's camp through and through, he's camp when he's in workout shorts and a beanie or when he's in frills and heels, and he is truly out there living that truth tonight. Would I like to have seen him dressed as the sun king? I mean, yeah, sure! But it's okay. As Harry said when asked about his look, "it's camp." On what camp means to him, he said, "no judgements and having fun with clothes. I think fashion is supposed to be fun." He's having fun tonight and I'm so happy about it!

Anyway there will probably be even more- Harry's out there drunk and wild! there definitely will!- but time zones: the rest will be into tomorrow's post. Until then, bitches!

[phoebe-delia]

Song Prompt 37, as requested by @opalwritesopioid through a DM. Thank you for this ask! The song is "Enchanted," by Taylor Swift (as if I even need to say that, at this point, honestly lol).

Anyway, I do hope you enjoy! CW: mention of hypothetical violence for humor

If Harry had to pick between spending two hours at a Ministry function or in double potions with Snape, he's pretty sure he'd rather be stabbed in the eye with a fork.

But seeing as Snape was dead, he'd graduated Hogwarts, and Ministry flatware wasn't suited for a proper eye stab, his torture was chosen for him by an insistent Hermione, who dragged him to gala after gala because 'networking is how you pass legislation!'

Harry refrained from telling her that he was more likely to pass from sheer boredom.

Despite her promise to not leave him alone and vulnerable to disingenuous politicians promoting their corrupt interests, Hermione had been trailed by a sheepish Ron after her searching eyes landed on the Chair of the Wizengamot's Civil Rights Committee, leaving Harry to sulk in the corner, frowning into his glass of champagne.

Harry scanned the room, hoping for someone to talk to who wouldn't try to schmooze him into investing in their "new exciting business opportunity!" or supporting their "post-war reconciliation effort" that in actuality only lined their pockets.

His gaze trailed easily over the crowd of smartly dressed officials, diplomats, reporters, and high-society figures until they met piercing, familiar gray eyes already looking at him.

He stared back, at first in shock and then, as a wave of arousal washed over him and settled at the bottom of his stomach, in admiration.

Draco Malfoy had certainly grown into his features. His face, which used to be pointy, was now angular and aesthetically pleasing. He'd maintained his lithe, seeker's frame, but it was now no longer gaunt and half-starved as he'd appeared during the war and subsequent trials. His lips weren't twisted into the arrogant sneer from their youth; instead, they formed a pleasant smirk with an inviting softness.

Suddenly, either the ground was moving Harry against his will, or Malfoy was walking toward him, because despite Harry's own feet being rooted to the floor, Malfoy was getting closer. Harry looked at Malfoy's feet and confirmed that they were, in fact, walking normally, and none of the other guests seem to react as if an earthquake had shifted the building's foundation.

But that didn't mean the sight of Malfoy walking toward Harry didn't shake him to his core.

Malfoy stopped in front of him, finally, giving Harry a slow appraising look before cocking his head.

"You know, Potter, if you're going to attend these events, it would behoove you to not look quite so constipated."

Maybe it was the champagne. Maybe it was the fact that Hermione—and by extension Ron—had abandoned him. Maybe it was the fact that he was finally no longer bored out of his mind. But for whatever reason, instead of scowling and telling Malfoy to piss off, Harry chuckled.

"It's amazing everyone else here doesn't look constipated, since they're all full of shit."

Then it happened.

A laugh, warm and genuine, seemed to come out of Malfoy's mouth. It was so foreign to Harry to hear an expression of mirth from the other man that wasn't laced with mocking or derisive scorn.

Harry wanted to hear it again.

And he did. He and Malfoy talked for the rest of the night, uncaring of the mingling and the speeches and the titters of hollow laughter around them. He even ignored it when he noticed Ron and Hermione shoot him questioning and suspicious glances from across the room.

Because Malfoy was intoxicating. He was witty and charming, and while Harry had seen him in his full facade—flattering and groveling and grinning his way into the hearts of those who'd have sent him to Azkaban just years prior—he seemed to shed that mask with Harry. His snark was cutting, but not cruel, and it was mostly directed sotto voce at officials who could probably use a sharp pin to their overinflated egos.

As the night drew to a close, Harry was shocked to realize that he didn't want to leave. He wanted to stay with Malfoy in their little corner of the room, laughing and talking quietly with much more ease than should be expected for former enemies.

So his heart sank slightly when Malfoy finally rose from his seat, and he had to follow without outwardly pouting. Malfoy smirked knowingly at him, and Harry fought the flush that crept on his cheeks.

They made their way to the exit, where Ron and Hermione were waiting with confused and suspicious expressions, respectively. Malfoy stopped a few steps from them and turned to face Harry, who let himself be halted in their path.

"It was good to catch up with you, Potter," Malfoy extended his palm.

Harry took it in a friendly shake, instead of giving in to the sudden urge he had to use it to pull the blond into a kiss. "Likewise, Malfoy."

Malfoy smirked. "See you around." He dropped Harry's hand, gave Ron and Hermione a polite nod, and walked through the exit to the Apparition point.

Ron and Hermione rushed toward Harry and began peppering him with questions, but for just a moment, Harry was distracted by looking at the palm of his hand, where Malfoy had subtly pressed a small, folded piece of paper. To avoid further suspicion, he tucked the paper into the pocket of his robes before his friends could ask about it.

When he finally mollified Ron and Hermione, he was able to quickly Apparate home, immediately reaching into his pocket and opening the note.

It was a Floo address. Malfoy's Floo address, with the words, 'Do contact me at a reasonable hour, Potter, to continue our conversation. -DM'

Harry didn't know at what point in the night Malfoy'd had time to conjure the quill and parchment—let alone write the note—without him noticing, but he didn't care. Grinning, he put the note on the clean side of his desk and resolved to ask about it tomorrow.

Perhaps Ministry functions weren't so bad—if you have the right company.

I have a playlist of my 99 most listened-to songs of the year so far. Pick a number 1--99 and send me an ask and I'll write you a fic based on it!

[acciocriativity]

You and Me || Harry Potter

Pairing: Draco Malfoy x Slytherin/Reader

Summary: It's always been you and Draco since you can remember, the invincible duo, the two of you against the world but some things have changed along the way and it's not news to any soul at Hogwarts but it's time your parents knew too. 

 Word Count: 2,8k

A/N: I took a bit to finish but here it is your story @x-dratie-x. I hope you all like it! Tom Riddle is not Voldemort in this oneshot, Voldemort didn’t exist at all but the events of the first war and its consequences still is valid, but with another wizard.

Warnings: A very very slightly sexual conversation and that's all

1987  

  I didn't want to be at that dinner, I didn't want to have to listen all day long to how well I should behave because the Malfoy's were such an important family or something. 

I had plans for the week, I would go with our elf to buy more art supplies and I was allowed to spend the day outside the house, just drawing the landscape. 

My parents never let me participate in events like this, because I might mess up, say something inappropriate for the moment, or whatever excuse they decided to make up. But out of the blue, I was told that I would have to be there. Why? I couldn't understand and I didn't even ask them, what good would it do? None. 

The day was only getting worse and worse by the hour for me, I just wanted to take off that dress and go play but I couldn't, obviously. So I did what was left to me, smile and eat politely without making any noise or comments, not that there were any comments I would like to make. I had no idea what they were talking about, it was absolutely boring. The only thing that made me feel slightly better were my own thoughts and the fact that their son was as bored as I was. 

We knew each other because of some casual encounters between our parents but never had the opportunity to talk to each other, because of course, only grown-ups talk.

But it seems that I drew the long straw after a horrible day, after dinner Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy were invited to stay a little longer and I was excused along with Draco to play.  

I could hardly believe it, I wouldn't have to sit there and smile for another 45 minutes, my happiness couldn't be measured at that moment. Not even waiting for my mother to say it again, I stood up and said goodbye politely with a smile before walking up the stairs and I could hear footsteps following me somewhat hesitantly but I didn't care at the moment. 

"Come on, let's go play in my room", I exclaimed with a huge smile and threw the bow tie, which was pinning my hair, on the floor and quickly walked over to it uncaringly.

 I missed his shocked expression but as soon as we reached my door, he made sure to make it clear to me. 

"Do your parents let you do that?", the question made no sense in my head but stopping to think about it now, it makes sense, he should always be flawless. 

"They don't care as long as it's not in front of guests, you won't tell them, right?", his greyish blue eyes reflected mine and for a few seconds I thought that was a beautiful effect.

 He looked away from me and nodded slightly in agreement, his face covered in shyness and I just squealed with delight. I opened the door and pulled him inside, his hand was so cold that I thought about taking one of my jackets and handing it to him. 

"So what do you want to do? I have some toys in my closet, I'll get them", I walked happily to the door and proceeded to try to decide what I would want. Some was not the best word, there were a lot of them, far more than I would ever use. 

 I came back with a big mulberry box that I've only been able to carry within the last year and placed it on my bed but he didn't even notice, he was looking at my drawings. 

"Oh, you liked them. I wish I had done one more today, do you want to try?", I asked him and walked over to the table where my sheets were. 

"Yeah, they're not too bad", he stated nonchalantly and I didn't believe him for a moment but I chose to keep my mouth shut for once. 

 I picked up two white sheets, two quills and sat down quietly on the floor, since I didn't have two chairs for the two of us but it seems he wasn't used to that. 

"Come on, hurry up, your parents won't be here forever", I patted the seat next to me and soon he sat down as well, I noticed his posture still uncomfortable and my goal for the day turned to change that, if only for 5 minutes. 

 From that day on, we became closer and our parents obviously understood and liked that, because we were strengthening their relationship and at no point that crossed my mind. I was just happy to be supported by my parents to visit Draco. 

1991

 My Hogwarts letter had arrived some weeks ago and I hadn't let go at any point, going to Diagon Alley had become a completely different experience and I couldn't wait, but I had to because I pleaded with my and his parents so that we would go together.

But the day had finally arrived and I had to contain all my energy to not look like an out of control little girl, nothing out of the ordinary but today was more difficult because I was genuinely happy. I was always genuinely happy with my only real friend. 

"Y/N, you must hurry or we are going to be late", I could hear my mother's voice from downstairs just as I finished putting on my flats. 

 As it was a very important occasion I had chosen my favorite outfit, even my parents were a little excited too. They had told me that they had met at Hogwarts and that I would find someone from a good family at Slytherin as well. This part was completely ignored by me but they never found out about it. 

"I'm here mom, we won't be late", I said as soon as I came down the stairs and approached them without running. We were near the fireplace and I mentally thanked them for not having to apparate, because it was always a horrible experience for me.

"Okay, I'll go first and you two right after", my father made sure to announce although he always goes first when we go out like that.   

 After a few minutes, we arrived in front of Flourish & Blotts and there was the imposing Malfoy family. After a small talk in which I had no interest in paying attention to, we all went inside and we were finally able to talk while our parents were engaged in a conversation with the attendant. 

"I've already said it once and I'll say it again, I honestly don't understand how you're not that excited, it's Hogwarts", I whispered to him as we walked through the messy shelves full of books. 

"It doesn't seem like a great thing after hearing it so many times", I could clearly see that there was something more there, I had known him long enough to know that and also that he wouldn't tell me easily. 

"Okay, so you're telling me that you're not the least bit excited to leave Malfoy Manor to start your life?", his lips twitched trying to hold back a smile, his eyes shifted from mine, looking for something to distract himself. 

 But I could stop him, my cunning little hands went to his waist tickling that area before he could prevent me from doing so. That was enough to make him laugh, although he denied that he was ticklish every time I asked. 

This attack did not end well for me, because revenge existed in his vocabulary and was even overused. I had to run, as fast as I could, and it still didn't work. 

And why? Because I went to a dead end corridor upstairs, I had never even visited the second floor of that store, the day I went there I had to get unlucky. 

In short, I was attacked twice more without mercy, my glasses almost got broken and we were so noisy that the owner gave us a scolding and our parents did the same as soon as we left with our packages, but this was not enough to ruin the day and our good mood. 

1993

 It was already expected that we would both end up in Slytherin, which was great because we didn't have to be separated, on the opposite, we became closer than ever. It also didn't take long to form our group of friends, actually not more than a month but the thing that made us truly close started in the third year when I had a genius idea. 

We all had a reason to dislike Harry, mine was nowhere near Draco's, no one's was but we shared it anyway. It was always fun to pick fights with him, make pranks and get him into trouble on purpose, so why not make it a little game? It was so easy that the idiots, Crabbe and Goyle understood the first few times, you can't expect more than that from them, and this was certainly a record for both. 

The game had three main objectives: 

- Take the most materials from Harry or his friends: ink, quill, books, whatever they were carrying would be a prize and would get a point.

- See him or his friends more often, with the intention of spying on them just for fun, of course. It could be in class or in the corridors, each time would be an extra point. 

- Pick fights with him or his friends, each minute was worth one point and to be proven, had to have someone to confirm it. 

 Of course, there was no room for lies, and I made sure to put a spell on our board to prevent this. Yes, I had made a small board that stayed with me but each team wrote down their own score.

To make it more fun, we split up into pairs. Draco and I, Pansy and Blaise, Grabbe and Goyle, Astoria and Millicent and Tom and Theo.

And finally, the best part, whoever had the most points at the end of the year would win 5 galleons from each person, as well as having a celebration party financed by the losers.  

Needless to say, Draco and I always won since the day I created the game. Our friends always complained about us playing dirty but it was never necessary and deep down they knew it, it must be hard to lose every year so I don't judge them.  

1995

"Are they still complaining?", I remained with my eyes closed, it was comfortable to lie curled up against Draco on the couch in the common room. We had two free classes, which was being put to good use to get some rest after a year of N.O.M.S. and a devastating victory in our little game.

"They'll get over it when we come back in September, I guess.... You're missing the best part", his voice came out whispered directly into my ear and I couldn't help but smile.      

 I didn't need to see the scene to know what was going on, Tom and Theo blaming each other for the defeat, everyone standing back from them because no one wants to get involved in their ego battle and our other friends trying not to laugh because it was a funny scene, even if they didn't know it.

"They're taking longer than last time...", I commented slightly annoyed by the noise. I had no idea what had happened to me, because usually I spent the afternoon celebrating my victory but not today. 

"Let's get out of here, you seems so good", he hadn't even completed his sentence when I agreed and painfully got up to go to his room. 

 But before I could take two steps, I felt his arms go around my waist and legs, leading me up the stairs in a bridal style.

I smiled wider and snuggled into his arms, enjoying more of the warmth and good feeling it gave me until we reached the bed.

"Thanks honey, I don't know what happened today", I commented under my breath as soon as he had me lying on the bed, but I knew it was a lie.

"Are you sure? This isn't related to the fact that our parents will know about our relationship in a few days?", I hoped he would pretend he didn't know but that wasn't the case, I wasn't going to be able to run away from the subject.

"It's just that I don't like them meddling in our lives, of course I have nothing against your parents, I'll love to be introduced as your girlfriend but my parents will be twice as unbearable", I sighed and hugged the blond once more, if there was one thing that made me better it was this. 

"Like my mom isn't going to start a 3 year planning for our wedding after she finds out, but at least they'll be used to it by the end of the summer and we won't have to go through this again", he began to fiddle with my hair and curl the strands between his fingers, slowly my shoulders relaxed and a considerable chunk of my worry faded away.

"Yes, I think so but it's going to be a lot harder for us to be alone now. You definitely won't be stepping foot in my room like you did when we used to play together", the memories flooded back and I felt him smile too, it had been a while since this had escaped my thoughts. 

"I don't need to worry about that, we slept together for almost the entire year at Hogwarts and they can't do anything about it and we'll keep doing it", I couldn't see him since my face was buried in his neck, but the perfect image of his mischievous grin formed in my head. 

 "The question is, will you survive for two months without me? Because I don't see that happening", I teased with a huge smirk as I turned to look him in the eye. 

"It won't happen because your father won't be enough to stop me love and I'll make sure you don't have to resort to your hands, because we know it wouldn't be enough", smugness was all over his face and as much as I searched for an answer to that, I didn't have one. Not in the first few seconds. 

"Good love, that's good because I'm sure your hands wouldn't do a better job either. In fact, I'd be a little worried if they actually still work, in case we get separated", I had managed to wipe the smirk off his face but I also knew it wouldn't stay that way, revenge was still an overused word in his vocabulary. 

 A week later, there I was on one of the Hogwarts Express cars with Draco, since we couldn't fit all our friends there anyway, we decided to enjoy the last hours of freedom we had together. 

And how quickly it went by, one moment I was chatting with my boyfriend while my puppy slept peacefully in her travel bed and the next, we had arrived and a wave of students were trying to get through the doors at the same time. 

We stepped off the train holding hands, while I carried only my baby in the other, and this detail did not escape the trained eyes of our parents who were talking side by side but as soon as they noticed us they stopped.

"For Merlin's sake, you two finally decided to listen to me and are in a relationship now?", my mother's eyes sparkled with excitement and I could already hear her voice asking me all sorts of embarrassing questions. "Narcisa, our family is finally becoming one, this is the best news I could ever receive", she could jump for joy now but because of the good posture of a London high society woman, she did not do that.

"How about dinner at our house today? We have a good reason to celebrate," I had seen his mother smile at me several times but even Lucius Malfoy seemed satisfied enough to show a little bit of his teeth, which is indeed shocking.

 My parents agreed to the idea immediately and only one look was exchanged between Draco and me, it only took a single look to know that we both acknowledged it would be an insufferable night. 

Harry Potter Masterlist

[lexi-evans]

He loves you | Draco Malfoy imagine

Summary: Everyone says he loves you,he says he loves you but why is it so hard for you to believe it?

Harry and Draco are friends? Wolfstar? Check it out.

Follow for more💚

"AAAHHHHH!!" both Ron and Harry shouted. Currently,everyone is watching The shining movie. (Horror movie) Hermione and You sat on the floor in front of the couch as the boys argued they sat last time.

Both of you turned around and gawked at them. Ron is holding a pillow hiding his face behind it, Harry is covering his face with his hands. Hermione returned her attention to the movie but you caught sight of Sirius.

He's hugging Remus like his life depends on it.and Lilly,James? They're just chilling. Harry invited the three of you to stay at Potter's for summer which you Glady accepted.

It's always fun staying here. Today is Friday which is movie night. Unfortunately,Mr.potter I mean James picked the shining movie. Bad choice.

You focused on watching the movie. Another Scarry scene came and both Harry, and Ron....Sirius? screamed. Hermione looked very annoyed this time. "Kids" She muttered causing you to chuckle.

You looked around and saw Lilly and James already fast asleep,Remus too. You don't blame them,though. They're the one's who is looking after the kids. I mean Harry, Hermione,Ron,You,Sirius.

"so much braveness for being a gryffindor." You said,riled. Hermione snickered.

After finishing the movie 4 of you stumbled to their rooms. Trying to as quiet as you can. Harry is sharing room with Ron as you and Hermione sharing the room next to Sirius and remus. Opening the door you and Hermione walked lazily towards the bed. Falling on to it.

"good night,Mione" you said,sleepy. "Night,Y/N" she said,yawning. After sleeping peacefully for an hour. *Knock knock* you squinted your eyes. "Who is it?" Hermione asked,Raging.

They opened. Ron???!! "Ronald Weasley!! What do you think you're doing??here???" She asked, sitting up. Ron looked,scared. "I..I had a nightmare,sweetheart" He replied, calmly. "Can I sleep here tonight?".

Hermione looked at you for permission. You nodded. "Har...I know you're outside,come in! You can sleep here" you said, knowing all well. He showed up smiling sheepishly. You moved to your side a little giving him space to sleep.

He settled down and smiled at you. But you gave him a bitter look. Moving closer getting him to cuddle with you. "You know Draco would be pissed if he knows I have you in my arms like this. Even though I don't mind because you're like my little sister" He said, laughing.

You looked at his face. "You think so?" You asked, hopefully. "Very" Ron replied from other side of the room. "He loves you,Y/N. So much" Hermione said with a joyful voice feeling fully awake.

" I don't know...." You said,gloomily. "Do you like him,Y/N?" Harry asked, excitedly. "...No?" You said,sadly. "He loves you,you know? I don't know what's stopping you...Y/N. You're amazing,talented, cheerful and kind.. there's there's no reason for any one to not like you" he looked down at you only to find you sleeping peacefully. Little did he know you're just pretending to be asleep.

He sighed. "Good night,N/N" he said,placing at kiss at top of your head. Harry was like you're big brother. And you as his sister plus best friend. It's only a week before the first term starts and you guys will be attending you're 6th year.

After a few minutes later you heard soft snores. You're mind wandered around thinking about all the things everyone says.

Reasons why you don't date him:

He's a bully. (In his younger years but not now at least not as much as he used to before)

He flirts with other girls. (To make you jealous)

You think he's just playing with you're feelings.

Things he does:

Never gives up on you.

Asks you out every weekend only to get rejected.

Flirts all the time.

Sends love letters.

Makes first years to give you flowers.

Ridiculous Cheesy pickup lines.

Overprotective

Doesn't let anyone near you except you're friends.

Always makes sure you're healthy.

He always takes the little opportunities to be with you.

It wouldn't hurt to give him a chance.. Right? You sigh slowly falling into deep slumber.

He may be anything in your head but for him you're:

cute, shy, innocent.

Amazing at what you do.

You let him sit next to you because he makes you smile.

He loves how adorable you look when you blush.

That cute little smile you give when you're excited.

He loves how much you like chocolates.

He always notices little things you do.

He loves how you act all goofy with the twins trying to make others laugh.

He knows how much you like flowers.

Whenever he gives you flowers he sees how you cherish them.

Always giggling when ron does stupid things.

Easily getting distracted but somehow getting the answer right when professor calls on you.

No matter how many times you rejected him he would never give up on you.

He knows how you feel bad when u say no to him so you offer him to hang out with you're friends.

He loves how you make first year's cheerup making them feel better telling them it's going to be okay.

You didn't know why you don't accept him.. There's no reason for u to say no to him. Except maybe because he flirts with other girls right in front of you trying to tick you off.

After thinking maybe a little too much you fell into deep slumber.

┏━━━━°❀•°✮°•❀°━━━━┓

Roses

┗━━━━°❀•°✮°•❀°━━━━┛

"Roses?" You stated with a huge grin looking at all the flowers on you're desk with a little note on it.

I just wanted to see you smile

-Draco

You smiled reading at the little note. You made sure the note isn't scrambled in your pocket. Hermione nudged you're side and gestured towards Draco who's staring at you. You turned to him and gave a him a genuine smile. Like it meant to say thank you.

In Malfoy Manor:

"I miss you, Y/N" Draco said, staring at the empty ceiling above. You were the last thing on his mind before sleeping, After waking, hell you were the only thing in his mind everyday. "Good night, darling" He whispered closing his eyes falling asleep.

┏━━━━°❀•°✮°•❀°━━━━┓

Snow ball fight

┗━━━━°❀•°✮°•❀°━━━━┛

"Draco!!!" You squealed as he picked you up and spun around. He laughed at you're cute giggles. "where do want to go, love?" He asked putting on you're feet. "Oh what's that?" Who pointed something behind him making him turn around. You took the chance and picked up the snow and threw at him.

"Owww, Y/N?!!!" He exclaimed before attacking you and started tickling you. You wiggled around trying to escape from him which somehow caused both of you to go Outbalance and you landed on top him. "Ouch" He said, clearly not hurt. "well, luckily I had a soft landing" You winked. "Come one lovebirds it's time to go" Ron replied, smiling at his best friend. "You guys look so cute!!" Hermione cooed. Harry rolled his eyes smiling.

┏━━━━°❀•°✮°•❀°━━━━┓

I'm cold

┗━━━━°❀•°✮°•❀°━━━━┛

"Draco~~" You sang shifting around trying to some warmth. It's really cold outside and you didn't like. At least not when you feel like freezing. "Yes, Darling?" He asked putting down his book. "I'm so cold" You said rubbing you're hands together.

"Aww, baby is cold? Come here" He opened his arms. You hesitated but finally gave in. You smiled, he's warm. Draco noticed you're red cheeks and smiled.

Next day morning:

You woke earlier than Harry, Ron and hermione. You quietly got out of bed trying not to make any noises on your way down stairs.it's not a surprise for you seeing Lilly is already wide awake.

"Morning, Mrs. Potter" You purposely call her that because it annoys her. She prefers to be called Lilly but you do this sometimes for fun. She gave you a 'really? ' look before turning her attention to what she's doing.

"Morning, Y/N! Did you sleep well? " She asked placing the bowl she took out side the kitchen's cupboard. Just then Remus walked in with sleepy sirius and James trailing behind him. And sat in the chairs next to you. You laughed at James face because he his hair looked like a Birds nest. Remus took the newspaper that's laying on the table and started reading it. Sirius leaned on the table and watched his boyfriend reading the paper.

"I don't know how to answer that question" You said, dramatically placing you're head on the table. She turned around and saw the sad expression on you're face.

Sirius (who's still sleepy) gave you confused look. James already fell asleep in the chair snoring, his glasses almost falling off his face. Remus stopped reading the newspaper and tuned his attention to you. It is very unusual for you to be this quiet and sad.

Sirius knocked off james glasses causing him to stir awake. James scowled at Sirius but quickly shut it down when Lilly threw him a glare. So, now everyone sat in silence. Until Lilly finally decided to break it.

"what's wrong, Y/N? " She asked Worriedly. Taking a seat to your left placing her hand on you're shoulder. Lilly always cared about you. Like her own daughter. "Lilly, you said you rejected James many times, right? How come he hasn't given up on you? Sirius also said James used to bully,professor snape... And how come you liked Him? I mean from what you said Snape is you're friend,right? " You can hear remus chuckle. As Sirius let out a muffled laugh. James smiled at the long memory.

"That N/N..let me tell you" James said still searching for his glasses. Sirius finally gave him them to him. "Yes, I used to bully you're so called professor for fun. And I'm not nice to lilly at the beginning either. But as the days went by I started to like her" He gestured towards lilly who's smiling.

You smiled a little as he continues "Of course she didn't like me because of the way I used to behave. I asked her out many times, tried to make her jealous by flirting with other girls in front of her, course she always said no" He let out a laugh. Remus and Sirius giggled.

Watching lilly roll her eyes. "You know why I never gave up on her? " He asked as you shook your head. "Because I knew I genuinely liked her not just for fun. she's a kind person in the whole hogwarts you know" He bragged. You laughed. "Likewise"

"I still remembered the time she finally gave me a chance. That day, I remember I couldn't be more happier. The day I knew she's the perfect woman for me. When i ran and told Sirius and Remus they didn't believe me, you know." He said with a hint of disappointment in his voice.

Remus laughed. Sirius frowned "Of course I wouldn't believe you! She never said yes to you! I thought you were just making it up!"

You turned to Remus "How about you two, Remus? How did you and Sirius ended up together? " You asked, curiously. "It was Sirius who made the first move" Remus chuckled.

"I certainly did! I'm more confident than moony" Sirius said, proudly. "Well, you're confidence is stupid! You told me you kissed first in the shrinking shack! " James huffed. "wait? In the shrinking shack? " Lilly asked, confused.

Lilly didn't knew? "By first move? You mean directly going and kissing him?" James snickered. You were surprised but laughed when you saw Remus face. "It was on one of my days" Remus explained to you referring to full moon day.

"Ooooh, On full moon night in the middle of shrinking shack where no one else would bother you? How romantic Sirius" you said,teasingly. Remus blushed tried to hide his embarrassed face infront of the younger.

"but seriously,Y/N? What's actually bothering you?" Remus finally bought back the topic which was now completely forgotten. "Is it about,Draco?" James asked since they all know about you're situation.

You nodded. "You wanna talk about it?" He asked but you shook your head. "Definitely not in front of those two" you pointed towards Sirius and James. "What? Why not?" "why us?" Both of them spoke at the same time.

"you'll tease me endlessly" they both sat in silence knowing it is true. "Fine" Sirius dragged out james who's still complaining. "Y/N, Do you love him? " Remus asked for which you chuckled. "Using word love is kind of maybe a little bit too early, don't you think Remus? " He shrugged.

"I feel like a mess, really. I'm not gonna lie. It's like... I'm stuck? Between it's right or it's wrong?... I don't even know anymore... I'm just- I'm confused, I can't even express how I'm feeling right now. These feelings he makes feel like I want him but... Somewhere deep down I have a tiniest feeling if I'm maybe wrong?" You paused. Honestly, you felt like you're a mess.

Remus and Lilly carefully listened everyword you said. "I like him but I hate him? Or maybe... Maybe I'm just mad that he flirts with other girls like he does with me?" You said, frustrated.

"Y/N...Listen. He maybe chose the wrong way to get you're attention but maybe he's got a reason. He does love you but he's made a wrong choice showing it how" Remus explained gently. This made you remember how he's gentle with all the kids in the class.

"Y/N, remember what James said? He did flirt with other girls too but why? So he could make me jealous and go out with him. But when I Confronted him about everything wrong with his behavior? He changed, hasn't he? Does he still look like the James they described? Sometimes boys are soo stupid" Her soft motherly voice spoke.

"Do you think he'll change? Draco?..for me? " You asked hopefully. She smiled "why don't you try and find out? " With that you feel you're confidence coming back, again. You nodded happily smiling. "Maybe I'm just scared getting heart broken... I hate feeling... Weak" You huffed.

┏━━━━°❀•°✮°•❀°━━━━┓

Make you mine

┗━━━━°❀•°✮°•❀°━━━━┛

"Y/N, please, love. Just one time? " He asked desperately wanting to go on a date with you. But you still continued to walk with Harry on you're side who's laughing.

"Y/N, please" He grabbed you're hand turning you around making you bump into his chest. You lifted you're head looking at his face. "Just once? " He asked, added. You tried to keep straight face. "will you ever stop? " You acknowledged. "No! Not until I make you mine" he stated smiling.

You opened you're mouth but nothing came out. You stared at his face for a second before pulling your hand out of his turning around grabbing Harry's hand walked away with a smile on you're face.

Sirius and James have been listening the entire conversation between you three from behind the door grinning like idiots.

Later you helped Lilly prepare breakfast for everyone. And it is no surprise Ron and Harry haven't woke up, yet. Hermione is already downstairs trying to get James read a book with her.

"Y/N why don't you and Sirius go and wake up Ron and Harry? " Lilly asked placing the dishes on the table. You grinned looking at Sirius who nodded. "I'll wake Ron" You said to Sirius. "Y/N,dont scare him" Hermione sang you giggled. Both of you made you're way to the room and saw...

Ron snoring loudly, no surprise. Harry sleeping with his mouth open almost falling off the bed while hugging the pillow you placed before you left.

You walked towards the desk before the night stand and pulled out a temporary marker. You looked at Sirius grinning widely. He understood what you're doing and asked for another marked which you gladly gave it to him.

You crawled on Hermione's bed where Ron is sleeping. You slowly started to draw on his face but he's still fast asleep. You drew fake glasses just like Harry's and wrote 'idiot' on his cheek.

You giggled. Putting the pen away and started shaking Ron "wakey wakey ronnie" You sang. He groaned turning other side falling asleep. "Oh.my.god! Hermione what is victor krum doing here? " You acted dramatically. Ron shot up looking around searching for krum. Ready to throw hands on whoever touches his mione.

You burst into fit of laughter watching his reaction. "Ugh not funny, Y/N" He threw a pillow at you. But you continue laughing.so he threw another one. Harry is already awake watching Ron throwing pillows at you. When you saw his face you laughed even harder.

Sirius drew a snitch on his forehead. And dog paws on his both cheeks."morning sleepyhead" Sirius ruffled Harry hair. "Come on guys breakfast is ready" You said grabbing Sirius hand running downs stairs. Both of you started laughing when you reached the kitchen.

Ron stared at Harry's face then burst into laughter same went with Harry. "Since when do you have glasses, mate? " Harry asked still trying to contain his laughs. "I have glasses? Why's there a snitch drawing on you're face? " Ron pointed Harry. Both of them stared at each other before running downstairs.

"why are you guys laughing? " Hermione asked looking at you and Sirius who is still laughing like crazy. "SIRIUS!! Y/N!!! " everyone's attention turned to Harry and Ron who's standing in the doorway looking like idiot's. With drawings all over their faces.

"HaAHA" James is the first one to react then everyone started laughing. "It's not funny guys" Harry said, gloomily. "It's quite funny actually" Hermione laughed.

Next week: in Kings Cross station

"You guys ready to back? " James asked, smiling at the four of you. "God I can't believe you guys are starting you're 6th year.. It's like yesterday you guys were starting Hogwarts" Lilly said, smiling like a proud mom.

After saying goodbye's the four of you made you're way into the train searching for an empty compartment. Sirius and Remus are long gone on their own.

After sitting together for a good 30 minutes you left the compartment and started roaming out. Harry went to search Ginny leaving you alone with Ron and Mione. Not wanting to be a third wheel you left em alone.

Fortunately, you found Draco all by himself, looking out side the window staring off into space. He didn't even notice you. You slowly made you're way next to him and boomed "BOW!!" he jumped gripping his ropes tightly. Looking like he just saw a ghost.

You laughed "Aww, you got scared!! It's just me, Dray" You plopped next to him. "Y/N don't ever do that again" He breathed. "whatchu doing alone?" You asked because usually he would sit with his henchmen. "Just wanted to be alone. What're you doing here??" He asked letting you rest you're head on his shoulder. Taking you're hand into his.

"Oh I was third wheeling but then I got bored" You said, giggling. He laughed playing with your hand. "Dray... Why do you like me? I'm not anything like other girls" You said in low voice. "That's why I like you, silly. You aren't anything like those girls. That's what makes you special, Y/N. And I love you, everything about you" He spoke in soft voice.

"Then why do you flirt with them? " You're voice sounded a little bit hurt. "It did got you're attention, didn't it? " He joked. When you looked at him with hurtful expression his face immediately fell.

"Y/N" He cupped you're face. "I never meant to hurt you, Y/N. I thought maybe if I flirt with them you'd get jealous and go out with... Me? " He explained. "Do you know it's also the reason why I always say no? " You asked staring into his icy blue eyes.

"what? " His expression changed. "I like you, Draco. I really do but I just don't like it when you flirt with other girls right in front of me or when you pick on first years when I'm not there. That's why I never said yes to you even though I like you" You remarked.

"Y/N if you just said so I would never do any of those. You could've said it? I promise, Y/N. I'll never pick on first years and hell, I wont even talk with those silly girls" He said, holding you're hands.

"Promise?" You asked,hopefully. "Promise" He leaned down and kissed you're lips. You wrapped you're arms around his neck pulling him closer. He waited for this moment, for years. You wondered how much patience he's got waiting for you all these years.

The promise sealed with a kiss. You felt happiness Radiating over you. All because He Loves you.

♡ ∩_∩

（„• ֊ •„)♡

┏━∪∪━━━━┓

♡ The end ♡

┗━━━━━━━┛

a/n: I don't even know what to say... These exams are killing us. I have exams till this Sunday and they said there's still upcoming exams and I'm ready to die. Also I have few other stories coming up and maaaaybe smut fics too.

[boxofbadaddiction]

Gotta Get Me Some

Fred Weasley x Reader

Warnings: Umbridge Detention, Swearing, Implied Pot Smoking, Heavy Duty Make-Out Sesh.

Note: This is my first ever fanfic. I'm aware I'm pretty rubbish and OMG! WHY IS IT SO LONG??? But I'm sure I'll get better in time.

Inspired by Nickelbacks "Gotta Get Me Some" which is linked to the title.

The arrival of Winter, typically, meant the castle of Hogwarts were filled with the shivering and cheerful voices of students and staff anxiously awaiting the beginning of the Holiday festivities. However, with Delores Jane Umbridge set rampant upon the school there was little room for joy in the lives of any of the Hogwarts occupants.

"The bloody bitch is a menace!" Came the familiar drawling voice of Ronald Weasley.

It was breakfast and the Great Hall was filled to the brim with complaints following the latest set of 'Educational Decrees' which saw the students, already slim, range of freedom lessened still.

"No loud music. No groups larger than 3. Gryffindor as good as dead in the Quidditch finals-"

"HEY!" Ginny had taken Ron's remark against her teams performance rather personally, still he carried on as if uninterrupted.

"What's there left for that pink, old, Toad to take away?" He questioned to the equally disgruntled group of teens hundled around their morning pumpkin juice.

"I know, it's just dreadful isn't it?" Answered Lee Jordan. "I can't wait to be shot of this place for the holidays! I mean..." he glanced sorrowfully over his shoulder toward the Ravenclaw table, a look which did not go unnoticed by the rest of the group, "there's just nothing left to be cheerful for" he stared glumly back to his breakfast where he poked and prodded a cold piece of sausage across his plate.

"Oh give it a rest, Lee." Snapped the impatient voice of Fred Weasley.

"Just because you've no longer got someone to snog under the mistletoe." Continued George.

Their attitude caused Lee to slouch somewhat ashamedly in his seat.

"Don't be so insensitive!" Defended Hermiome, noting the further drop in his mood. "What is the matter with you two!? Your best friend is upset, the least you could do is be supportive!

"You're right, Hermione. I'm sorry Lee." Said George.

"Yeah, our bad mate. Just a bit out of it this morning...had detention with Umbridge late last night." Fred straightened himself from leaning on his elbows as he cletched his left hand, lowering it below the table.

"What'd she have you carve this time?" Lee asked concernedly.

"The same," responded George, showing the fresh scar upon his hand which read 'I must obey the rules', "she's got it out for us honestly."

The group grimaced at the sight.

"Has she said anything to you, since it happened, Lee?" Spoke Ginny, eager for a change of topic.

"Nothing new. Just the same everytime I try to talk to her; 'I don't see this going anywhere. I need someone more serious. I have my future to think about.' As if I'm the reason she's flunking potions." He rolled his eyes.

The group couldn't stand to see their friend so upset. He'd been, understandably, moping for days since the sudden termination of his eighth month long relationship with a fellow Seventh Year, Ravenclaw.

"Forget about her, mate." Fred stated abruptly, "you'll find someone better in no time."

"Someone who doesn't try to change everything about you." Chimed George.

Fred had never much cared for Lee's partner of choice. Her feelings were mutual, toward not only the devil-may-care redhead, but also his equally chaotic twin. Following the boys words of encouragement a wave of compliments and support erupted from the mouths of everyone else currently involved in the conversation, which crashed upon Lee. Seemingly having the desired effect as his mood greatly improved over the remainder of their meal, until came time for everyone to depart for their various classes.

---

Several tiresome hours later found most of the group, minus the Twins and Lee, lounging comfortably about the Gryffindor common room. Everyone was quietly enjoying the time to themselves. Everyone that is except for Ron who, per usual, had countless complaints to share on the topic of the 'Hogwarts High Enquizitor'.

"Did you hear her today before Defense Against the Dark Arts?"

"What happened?" Ginny asked, only partially interested in the conversation.

"She gave him a serve for standing too close to Hermione." Sniggered Harry who, quite frankly, found the whole situation rather amusing.

"Boys and Girls are not permitted to be within eight inches of each other!" Ron mocked in his best impression of Umbridge.

"What's she expect to walk around a corner and catch me snogging?"

"Well, not you snogging anyone" George had just entered through the portrait hole, followed closely by Fred and Lee.

"You've got about as much chance being caught with a girl as George and I do being caught doing homework" Fred teased as the room broke into laughter.

A scowl plastered itself across Rons face. Insulted, he tightly folded his arms across his chest and slumped back between the cushions of the armchair he'd perched himself on.

"Awe, come on now Ronniekins. Mind the attitude", Fred goaded while roughing Rons hair. This earned him a rather hard slap across the arm, as he attempted to bat away the unwanted contact.

"Yeah," George began resting on the arm of Rons seat, "it's not all that bad."

"What's got you three in such a good mood?" Hermione questioned noting the new found spring held in the boys step as they strutted about the room disturbing the previously content group of teens.

"Just had a good day is all" Lee smirked, eyes flicking toward the Twins.

"You've planned some ridiculous prank on Lee's ex haven't you?" Ginny groaned with a look of you'd-better-fucking-not etched across her freckled features.

"No, nothing like that." Lee assured her, clearing the resounding tension from the air with a wave of his hand.

"Well, what then? You all looked ropeable at breakfast this morning. Now it's like you've won 100 galleons." Piped Harry, intrigued by the boys sudden optimism.

"We just got some good news, that's all." commented George vaguely, as Fred and Lee chuckled.

"What good news?" asked Ron.

"None ya business." Chorused the Twins.

"Oh come on you three! Just tell us!" Ginny and Harry were on the edge of their seats while Ron continued to scowl and Hermione remained utterly indifferent, immersed in yet another book. Good news was scarce these days and if it was enough to get the Twins excited this news was obviously well worth their time and pestering.

"Alright, fine then." Lee propped himself up straightly in his chair, ignoring the sounds of protest from the Twins as he leant forward to whisper to the eager group of ears. "What's it matter, really?" He shrugged.

The group was now huddled closely together around a small coffee by the fire on their knees. Everyone's attention fixed directly on Lee as he spoke.

"There's a scheme in action throughout Hogwarts. Someone is planning an end of year party right under the nose of that great, Toad."

Hermiones face showed no interest. "Really. That's all, a party?" Everyone promptly began shushing her.

"When is it!?" Asked Ginny, excitedly.

"No idea" replied the three seventh years at once.

"Well then, where is it?" Harry attempted to carry on the conversation.

"No idea." Came the chorus again.

Harry, Ron and Ginny eyed each other confusedly. Unable to see how a party with no location or time could have got the boys so happy.

"Who's planning it?" Hermione broke the silence.

"No idea."

"I'm missing dinner for this?" Ginny huffed as she slouched back against the bottom of the couch.

Harry could not have been anymore confused at this point. "So tell me, how exactly has this lifted your spirits?"

"Because it's going to be the party!" Lee answered.

"There's this tradition you see..." said George.

"Every year the graduating class holds a secret party under the noses of the staff. Obviously this year will be the best because no prior year had Satan at the helm." Fred explained. "But it's more than that. This year has already gone further than any before."

"How so?" Sighed Ron.

"It's a complete secret to everyone." Said Lee.

"No one's going to know when" smiled George.

"And no ones going to know where, until the day of." Fred smirked reclining with his feet up on the couch, hands nestled comfortably at the back of his neck.

"But then how do you know about it?" Piped Hermione.

"The group involved in it's planning has begun spreading rumours to get the word out. Only those invited are being told." Nodded Lee.

Ron was smiling now "I'm so going - OW!" Fred had reached and slapped the back of Ron's head again.

"No can do Ronniekins." He stood.

"Strictly seventh years only." George and Lee followed suit as the boys headed toward the portrait hole.

"Why tell us then??" Complained Ginny.

"Because you asked!" Lee laughed.

"What a bloody waste of time." She shook her head heading for dinner.

"What do you reckon, Harry?" Nudged Ron. But Harry didn't get the chance to answer as Hermione sprang into a lecture.

"Does it matter? One, you can't go - it's seventh years only. Two, this whole thing is terribly thought out! You can't hold a party that no one knows any details for. Not to mention the fact there is no where in the castle that a party could take place without detection. Not enough people know of the Room Of Requirement for it to be used. Lastly, even if by some miracle this plan does go ahead can you just imagine the punishment those who attended will receive when Umbridge finds out? And she will find out! Besides, Ronald. As school prefects we could not allow for such an event to take place. It goes against at least 30 school rules. Ones not set by Delores mind you. It won't go ahead so there's no point discussing it any further." Hermione was short of breath when she finally finished.

Given her friends deadpan expressions her lecture, per usual, had little effect. Frustrated she collected her belongings and left for dinner also.

"Sucks the fun out of everything, doesn't she?" Whispered Ron, as they followed. Neither game to admit just how much they wanted an invite to the mystery party. Not around Hermione at least.

---

Two weeks had passed since news broke of the Party and school spirits had lifted substantially as a result. Amongst the seniors at least. Although, it may also have had something to do with the approaching Quidditch match, between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, set to take place shortly after classes concluded in the afternoon. Students hastened themselves in storing their possessions before hurrying off to the stadium.

Halfway toward the pitch the Twins were deep in conversation over new product ideas when the sudden call of their names caused them to turn. Lee had been attempting to gain their attention from some distance behind. He looked far too excited for someone so out of breath as he ran up to his awaiting friends.

"Nice of you to finally join us." George laughed.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. You're so funny, whatever. Listen!" He pulled the boys aside of the walking track to avoid being over heard. "The party's happening tonight! That's why I was late, a Ravenclaw was talking to me and -"

"Which Ravenclaw?" Asked the Twins, excited about the news.

"Doesn't matter."

"Given that tone, I'd say it does." Fred raised his brow. But Lee remained quiet.

"Which Ravenclaw?" They demanded.

"Oh fine! Alright, my ex. We were snogging in Moanies bathroom when the bell rang and she told me. Are you happy?" Groans and eye rolls came from the redheads as they processed the information.

"You'd just gotten over her mate" said George as they began walking, now running late for the game.

"Hadn't spoken to, or about her in weeks!" Fred spoke.

"Yes. And snogging was my reward! Now, you're sort of missing the important information here!! The party is on for tonight! Word has it, there's a deal between the teams seekers to push today's match back as late as possible. So Umbitch has to extend tonights curfew. That will draw some of the suspicion away from students wandering the halls late. Since they begin play at five, and curfews at nine, we're hoping for a three and a half hour match at least."

"Where's it happening?" Asked George.

"Some room in the Dungeons. There's going to be a marker set up to let us know where to go."

"What's the marker?"

"Haven't the foggiest."

"Well that's handy" Fred sighed. "Still no idea who's planning this?"

"Nah, but when she told me, she did happen to mention it's a friend of hers."

"What about the time?"

"Now that, I do know something about. Everyone's been given an individual time to arrive. To avoid a build up of students roaming toward the Dungeons past curfew. Our time is 10:45."

As they reached the stadium entrance the boys opted for a change of subject, as they took their place within the commentary box.

A total of 3 hours and 52 minutes later saw Hufflepuff victorious.

---

Time seemed to move agonisingly slow from that point as the boys waited in their near empty common room, keen for the night ahead.

"It's happening tonight isn't it? That's why you're all down here dressed up!" Ron had been pestering the boys for the past 40 minutes at least having noticed them wearing what you'd consider their best jeans and shirts.

"Give it a rest Ron!" Ginny snapped. Evidently even those uninvited few who knew of the party had grown tired of Rons relentless begging. She huffed as she changed position on the common room sofa.

"Like you aren't itching for an invite." He hissed back.

"We aren't going to tell you so just stop being such a nagging little prat, and leave us alone!" Fred growled.

"You weren't invited and we're not taking you!" George glared at his younger brother, and spoke with such a tone of finality that Ron reluctantly admitted defeat. Sulking in a neighbouring armchair.

"It's time" interrupted Lee, standing from his seat. "If we leave now that should give us plenty of time should we run into any obstacles along the way."

Indeed, the thought of stumbling upon Filch, or his cat, a rogue professor or prefect patrolling the halls, perhaps even the big bitch herself put a certain extra degree of temptation over the excitement for the night. At least it did for the Twins. Lee was slightly more apprehensive as he was not quite as adept in late night adventures compared to his prankster best friends. Fred and George could sense Lee's nerves in his voice and assured him that it would be "no more than a walk in the park".

Making use of their extensive knowledge of hidden passages and corridors the Twins had memorised, the boys met few speed bumps along their way. Aside from one encounter with Peeves the Poltergeist, whom they convinced to keep their whereabouts a secret on the word they were off to Prank Umbridge. Peeves gave them no such grief as a result.

"Right." Whispered Fred as they entered the Dungeons. "What's this signal we're meant to wait for?"

"If I were to hazzard a guess Freddie, I'd have to say...that." George pointed.

As if summoned by their presence a neon green ball of light appeared before them, glowing brightly against the pitch black corridor.

"Shall we gents?" Lee gestured for the Weasleys to move forward.

As they approached the ball began to move slowly throughout the space. Gliding ominously down the long empty hall and turned right down a passage which they knew led to the potions classroom.

"I swear, if this is a joke and we're about to be dumped on Snapes doorstep I'm pushing you both over to make my escape." Fred joked.

After a few more minutes walking the Gryffindors had passed their potions class and, while holding their breaths, the office of one Severus Snape. The orb led them directly to an unused classroom at the very end of the hall.

"Here?" Asked George. "Last I saw of this room, it were no bigger than Hagrids hut and stacked high with crap!"

The green orb flowed seamlessly through the old wooden door, coaxing them to continue onward.

"Here goes nothing, I guess." Lee shrugged as he placed a tentative grip on the doors handle and swung it open.

Whatever they had been expecting it sure wasn't this. The room had obviously been cleaned and made subject to an expansion charm as the ceiling was considerably higher than they recalled. However, what stood before them was not the hustle and bustle of a raging party - but two glistening white sheers with a note attached.

"Please shut the door before parting the curtains." It read. Confused but obediently the boys ensured the door was closed securely before passing through the thin fabric.

Immediately the scene changed. Their ears were met with the deafening sound of alternative rock music and the laughter of what was surely the entire cohort of seventh years. Tables lined the walls with an assortment of food and drink, as well as allowing areas for seating. The atmosphere was warm and inviting and they couldn't help but smile as they admired the amount of effort which must have been placed into making this a reality. Casting their eyes toward the ceiling they noticed an array of multicoloured orbs - similar to the one which lead them to the room, glowing brightly above the centre of the floor which lit the party like 70s disco.

"You made it!" Called the voice of Angelina Johnson as she ran to embrace the new comers. She was clutching a drink firmly in her left hand and swaying considerably, indicating she had indeed been here for quite some time and that was in no way her first drink.

"You're clearly having a ball." Fred chuckled, near having to yell over the noise of the place.

"I've been here since 9.30. That was my time. GEORGE!" She startled him before pulling him down by the neck to speak into his ear, "that girl you fancy from Hufflepuff is here. She's been asking about you! By the drinks last I saw." She pointed.

"Well. I mustn't keep her waiting much longer, must I?" He winked at his brother signalling his departure. Angelina mumbled something about needing a new drink and followed as she drained her cups last drop.

Lee and Fred set off into the crowd to enjoy the night.

---

Two hours and too many firewhiskeys later found George shamelessly snogging and wrapped tight within the arms of said Hufflepuff, and Angelina presumably with her head buried deep within a toilet somewhere.

Lee and Fred were having the time of their lives, drinking and dancing the night away. That was until Lee found more issues for himself in the form of his ex dancing and kissing someone who wasn't him. All his hopes of rekindling their relationship were decimated. Fred noticed his sudden drop in emotion and promptly shifted his gaze to meet the object of Lee's loss of enthusiasm. Had he not been met with the most beautiful shade of [y/c] eyes he'd ever seen, he probably would have noticed Lee excuse himself from the floor.

Fred's heart began to race and it was like everyone in the room disappeared except for you. Mesmerised by the way you smiled and moved in time with the music he couldn't look away if he tried. He knew he recognised you from around school, you were in his grade after all, but surely you'd never been this breathtaking.

You were huddled close to Lee's ex, stealing her from the arms of the boy she'd wrapped herself around, smiling so bright the lights were dull in comparison. You clung to one another instead as you danced, bodies intertwined in a way that made Fred jealous. He could have watched you all night, and probably well would have had it not been from the sudden sharp blow of an elbow to his ribs.

George had appeared, lips swollen and hair dishevelled, with a drink for his brother.

"Interrupting an important thought am I?" He smirked handing his brother the beverage. "You know, Freddie. If you fancy someone talking to them usually accomplishes more than just staring at the poor girl." He laughed.

"Oh, suddenly so wise now that you've come up for air, are you?" Fred teased, sipping some of the purple concoction he was sure he shouldn't be drinking. "Who is she?" He turned back to look at you.

"Who?" George asked trying to peer over the mass of heads. But you'd vanished.

Fred's face sank. Chugging his drink and rushing through the tight group of bodies jumping and laughing together. As he reached the place where you'd been dancing he searched for you but even standing at his full height he was unable to catch so much as a glimpse of your [H/L + H/C] hair.

Disappointed he removed himself from the crowd, to the outskirts of the room, where he leaned against a table with his hands in his pockets. Desperate for a hint of your figure but nothing. Seconds turned to minutes as his heart began to race and he panicked slightly. Had you left? He began to fear the thought he'd never get to see you again tonight when suddenly...

"Hey" a drink appeared infront of his chest, "you look like you could use a drink." He turned to see you smiling sweetly at him. Shocked his lips parted slightly while he stared at you awestruck. He lost himself in your eyes. Merlin! They were so much better up close.

"It's okay" your words snapped him out of his daze, "it's just firewhiskey." You tilted your head a little, raising the cup further infront of him.

"Thanks." He hastily reached for the drink, fingertips brushing your own. He felt goosebumps rise up his body. How could a girl he's never spoken to before have such an effect on him? Smiling his eyes raked your body as he took a sip. Noting your tight leather jeans and lose black top that sat off your shoulders. The outfit reminded him of a muggle rockstar.

You stared deeply back into his eyes as they met yours again. Never breaking the stare as you downed you entire drink in a mouthful without even batting an eyelid. To say he was impressed was a vast understatement. Firewhiskey was by no means a weak drink. His eyes widened and he laughed watching you place your now empty cup the the table next to you, raising a curious eyebrow at his reaction.

"What?"

Fred turned his head back to face the crowd on the dancefloor, raising his cup to his lips once more. "Nothing", he said with a twitch of his lips and a small shake of his head. He drained his cup before looking back down to you, "I get the feeling you can really handle your alcohol."

"What can I say? I like the taste" he laughed at your comment. "So, which one are you?"

"Fred" he held his hand out to you, shaking it you never let your eyes leave each other for a second. "I must say, you have me at a loss. You know who I am, but what's your name, lovely?" He stepped closer to you and turned his body to face you fully.

"[Y/F/N + Y/L/N]"

"How is it I've never met a beautiful girl like you before?

"I'm pretty easy to miss, if you're not looking for me."

His eyes scanned your body again, running his tongue slowly over his bottom lip before pulling it gently between his teeth, as he did so. It was probably the hottest thing you'd ever seen. Making your knees weak. You'd always considered the Twins handsome, how could someone not? They were tall, confident, charming, smarter than you knew they'd care to admit, fiercely loyal, and it'd be a lie if you said you hadn't noticed how Quidditch sculpted their bodies over the years. They were like fucking Gods around Hogwarts.

"Well..." Fred spoke as you both admired each other. "I'm sure now, I'll never be able to stop myself looking for you." He smirked inching ever so closer.

It was your turn to bite your lip now. He was so close you could smell him, and fuck did he smell good. You felt your body warm as you took in his scent. The sensation reminded you of fresh Butterbeer on a brisk Winter's day. Completely intoxicating.

"I think it's time for a refill" you said grabbing your wand to summon a bottle of Whiskey from the table down from you. You filled both cups before turning back to face him.

"If I didn't know any better" he took the drink from the table, "I'd say you were trying to get me drunk." He drank slowly from the cup.

"Just trying to see if you can keep up with me." You said with an innocent expression, "anyway. It's good for you." You drank.

"It's good for you now, but it won't be easy tomorrow."

"I'm a big girl. Reckon I can handle it."

He laughed, looking back over the room briefly. He caught a glimpse of George with a girl who Fred was sure wasn't his same kissing partner from earlier, dancing up against him. He raised an impressed brow to his brother, which earned himself a shrug and nod in your direction. Fred knew exactly what he meant by that. He was telling him to get a move on, not that he needed any goading.

His attention back on you, he watched as you drank more of your whiskey. All he wanted to do right now was push you against the nearest wall and have at you. However, he figured that may be a tad forward of him so he decided not to mention the fact.

"So tell me, [Y/N], what house are you?"

"Take a guess." You teased.

He titled his head, taking his time to look you over. Starting at your eyes and travelling slowly down to your lips, to your neck and they paused for a moment longer as they reached your exposed collarbone. Mind drifting to imagine how soft the skin would feel under his lips as he left hickies across it. He examined your whole body in what he felt could have been hours. Really though it was just enough for you to refill your drink, having finished it again moments ago.

"Well, you're clearly not Gryffindor." He began. "Otherwise, I'd absolutely have spoken to you before now."

"Clearly" you mocked.

"Certainly not Hufflepuff."

"And what makes you say that?" You asked curiously.

"Because Hufflepuff is the most innocent house in the school. And I can tell you are anything but."

"Oh you can tell can you?" Raising your eyebrows in surprise at his comment.

"Absolutely" he nodded.

"What gave me away?" You pouted, feigning dejection.

"Well, Darling, if it weren't for that devishly wicked smile you wear so well, that's been driving me crazy all night." You averted your gaze, smiling, trying to hide the blush that threatened to form on your cheeks. Slowly casting your eyes back up to meet his that'd never left you. "Then I'd say it's in the way you drink Fire Whiskey like it's pumpkin juice. Or from the red in the whites of your eyes which, naturally, is from..." he took a step into you and leant his head down to your neck. His nose grazed your skin and you could feel his breath on you as he inhaled your scent deeply. He lifted his lips to your ear where he whispered "-that's hardly the smell of tobacco now is it?" Turning his head enough to stare into your eyes, smiling proud and somewhat cheekily.

"Quite perceptive, aren't you?" You whispered back to him. He shrugged stepping back to sip his drink. "You know I saw you watching me earlier. Dancing."

"Couldn't take my eyes off you, love. I've never seen somebody move that way." He was grinning at you, far too content for your liking.

"Well." You finished your drink and set aside the cup, "what do you say you replace my previous partner?" You grabbed his right hand and began making your way to the dance floor which, although still bustling with life didn't house nearly as many sweaty bodies as before. You flashed him that same devilish grin you now knew he loved so much.

Chugging his drink and casting aside the cup he wrapped his arms around your waist from behind, nestling his chin in your neck "lead the way."

Never letting his hand leave your grip you brought him to the middle of the floor where you pulled him into you slowly. Once you were flush against one another you began to move. Shamelessly enjoying the touch of each other's body. He spun you, and you were swaying and grinding against him when he pulled you back. You stayed like that till you were both sweating and panting quite heavily. Unable to contain the smiles that graced your faces.

You couldn't take it anymore, the look in his eyes and the grip on your waist was sending you crazy, reaching a hand up and around his neck you pulled his face dangerously close to yours "want to get out of here?"

His grip on you tightened as he responded "absolutely" and with that dragged you toward the exist.

George caught Fred's attention momentarily, he had a curious expression on his face. He simply smiled and winked back at his Twin. George laughed sending up a mock, celebratory fist pump.

Slightly impatient, you pulled Fred by the front of his shirt out past the curtains. You had no idea how loud the party had been until you were faced with the eery silence of the empty Dungeon corridors. The muffling charm placed on the sheers working perfectly.

"Come with me, I know a place" Fred said taking your hand.

Quietly manoeuvring through the castle halls, he pulled you into a hidden passage behind a tapestry, through to an empty classroom away from prying eyes. With a quick glance through the crack of the door to ensure you weren't spotted Fred was surprised, and satisfied to say the least, when he turned from closing the door to be immediately met with your lips on his.

You pushed him back against the wall. The kiss was passionate and so full of need you wondered how either of you lasted this long. His hand cupped your face as he deepened the kiss. Your hands on his chest began to snake their way over his body, one resting on the back of his neck to tug on his soft hair, the other wrapping around to his lower back where you pulled yourself against him. Causing him to groan at the sensation.

Soft moans and light gasps for air were the only sounds to penertrate the nights silence. Both of you were desperate for one anothers touch. An intense need to have you built within Fred like a fire. Mirroring your movements from earlier he grabbed a fist full of your hair as his other hand clung to the small of your back.

He spun around so it was you pressed against the wall. Hunching his body so he could lean fully into you, your tongue traced his bottom lip and he responded.

He tasted like Whiskey and Chocolate. You, undoubtedly, like Whiskey and Smoke. He ran his hands down below your ass and lifted your legs to wrap around his waist. You giggled slightly as you wrapped your arms around his neck to support yourself.

He walked blindly over to the centre of the room, lips never leaving yours as he placed you on top of the nearest desk. He pulled himself tight between your legs, arms now firm on your lower back.

Pulling away from your lips he moved to place love bites and kisses along any bare skin he could reach. From your neck, to behind your ear, to your shoulder, he wanted all of you. Lightly tracing his mouth along your soft skin he ducked his head down further to your collarbone to make true his earlier fantasy. Leaving countless hickies across the bone. Chest heaving against him as you threw your head back in pleasure, running a hand through his hair once more.

Gently moaning his name, he hummed in response sending vibrations through your skin. You could have stayed like that forever.

Unfortunately for you however, you found yourself interrupted by the sudden opening of the classroom door.

Snape.

"Ugh, Fuck." You groaned in frustration, letting go of the redhaired boy who was practically lying on top of you. Fred parted from you and turned to face the door.

"Mr Weasley. Miss [Y/L/N]. Detention. Two weeks. Hope this late night rendezvous was well worth the 50 points you've just cost Gryffindor, Weasley. And [L/N]...20 from you."

"Ahhh..." Fred spoke as realisation began to dawn on him "so you're a Slytherin." He laughed to himself. "It seems so obvious now."

"Return to your houses immediately." Snape growled as you hopped down off the desk top and walked past him trying to contain your giddy smile.

"Was worth the punishment" Fred leant to whisper in your ear as you both walked. "Best night I've had in a while."

"Glad you liked my party then" you looked up at him. He froze. Watching as you kept walking and turned through a hidden passage.

"Yours!?" He asked astonished jogging to catch up with you.

You nodded. "mine."

"God. You've got everything I want, all rolled into one."

You reached your parting point. Looking up to see the clock on the wall you hadn't realised how late it was till now. Although, it's not like you were worried about the time while you were busy wrapped up in Fred.

"I take it you won't miss me passing by in the halls from now on." You joked.

"Not a chance, love."

You reached up to place one final kiss to his lips. Just as passionate as the ones before, only far softer and slower. He felt like he was melting. His whole body went warm and all he could think in this moment was; did he really have to leave you? Why couldn't you be a Gryffindor?

"What do you say about meeting me here tomorrow night?" You asked, breaking the kiss and resting your forehead against his.

"Not even Snape, could stop me." He grinned, making you smile as you began to walk off. "What time?"

"How's 10:45?" You threw your hand up in a lame wave.

He continued to watch you walk away with a wide smile on his face, "it's a date." He called after you, finally walking towards his house.

---

When he arrived at the common room he hadn't expected to be greeted by the smiling, smug face of George. He stood with folded arms across his chest.

"So. Tell me...How was your night?"

[acdeaky]

are you ready for love?

warning: fluff, alcohol consumption, strong language, slight angst?

note: congrats on 4k followers @writingfortoomanyfandoms​​ ! i began writing this and then fell out of love with it, but i (finally) figured out the ending and fell back in love! enjoy!

word count: 4.5k

black lives matter

“what I'm saying is - and this is not a come on in any way, shape or form - is that men and women can't be friends because the sex part always gets in the way!” dan spoke, a little too loudly for the restaurant the group was in, trying to voice his (very out-of-date) opinion above the rest of the group. he was met with a lot of voices arguing he was wrong, and a fry from shane’s plate. “what?” he practically whined. 

“just because you want to shag any girl you're friends with, and who doesn't have a boyfriend, doesn't mean that every guy is the same!” harry perked up, practically punching dan in the arm after his comment. 

“it so means every guy is the same,” dan argued, looking over at you. “you and ben are only close because he wants to get in your pants.”

“why did we let him join?” you asked everyone else, basically pretending that dan wasn't sat a few seats away from you. 

“because he's my brother and has no other friends.” erin replied from next to you, a hand resting on your thigh which was pressed against her’s.

“that is not true.”

“oh, dan, sweetie, it is.” erin just smiled sarcastically at her brother, her eyes showing faux sympathy. 

“you all know i’m right, but you don't want to say it,” another chorus of disagreement came from the group, as did another fry from shane’s plate. “mate, would you stop that?” shane just shook his head, wrapping his arm around the back of renee’s chair and lightly brushed his fingers against your shoulder. next to ben, you were definitely closest to shane with him being like a big brother to you. 

somehow, the rest of the meal went without a hitch. dan quieted down with the unpopular opinions and everyone else enjoyed each other’s company as they finished their meals and had a few drinks afterwards. shane and renee were the first ones to leave. both of them had had long days at work, but made it out for the meal, and were now more than ready to collapse into their bed. harry and erin were next. as they paid their part and begun to leave, they dragged dan out with them, keeping him from saying something inappropriate to you and/or lucy. 

after those three left, you and lucy stayed a little longer. it had been a while since the two of you had hung out together alone, and a catchup with definitely needed. 

“so what’s the real reason ben didn’t come tonight? he's definitely not ill else you would be there nursing him back to health.” she teased, giving you a light prod to your side. 

“he didn't want to have to deal with comments from dan,” you stated plainly. “and i’m glad ben didn’t come else he would have had to deal with exactly what he didn't want to deal with.”

“yeh, that's fair. maybe we should stop inviting dan to these things.”

“maybe,” you both giggled, thinking of how much more civilised somethings would be without him. “that's too mean, though. erin would not be happy.” 

“she most definitely wouldn't be, but dan’s a dickhead.”

“oh, yeh.” the two of you sat gigging for a little longer, the few drinks the both of you had had making their way completely into your system. after chatting for a little longer (and realising you should both definitely go home), you paid the rest of the bill and left, still chatting as you got into your car, travelling back to your same apartment building.

the ride home wasn't long. luckily, the group had mutually decided on a restaurant that was close to both of your apartments, meaning it only took about ten minutes to get home. the traffic was light and it seemed that every light turned green just in time for you. sooner than you knew, you were heading out of the garage of the apartment building, heading towards the lift and pressing the ninth floor button for lucy and the tenth floor button for you. as you reached her floor, you shared a slightly emotional goodbye with each other. it took exactly 23 seconds to get from the lift to your apartment (you had counted many times) and as you swung the door open, there was ben, sat idly on your sofa with his feet up and netflix playing on the TV. 

“hello, wanderer.” he teased as he heard you pull off your shoes and collapse onto the sofa next to him. “did you have fun? was dan a dick?”

“when is dan not a dick?” you only replied, pulling your knees closer to your chest as you turned your body into ben’s. one of his hands lifted off of his thigh for you to do so, landing back down on your knee. 

“that's true. what did he say this time?”

“that men and women can't be friends because the sex part gets in the way.”

“well that's not true, look at us!” ben said, his eyes quickly flitting to you and then straight back to the TV. 

“yeh, look at us.” 

“you are woman, i am man. we no sex.” he spoke in a deeper voice, making you giggle at his ridiculous impression of a caveman. 

“i’m just glad you weren't there; another comment from him would have sent your fist through his face.” 

“oh, yeh. but erin would not have been happy.”

“she most definitely wouldn't be.” you giggled again, thinking back to the conversation you had had with lucy. “i’m actually so tired, i think i’m just calling it a night. you stay as long as you like” as you got up, you pointed to ben, giving him a look which said ‘keep it down’ which he replied with a salute. you gave the other a quiet ‘night’ before placing a kiss on his cheek and dragging your feet to your bedroom. 

as you got ready for bed, you couldnt help but think back to what dan had said. if you told erin and lucy (or even ben) that you were contemplating his words, they would have told you to stop and say that ‘dan was just being dan. he didn't mean it’. you just couldn’t help thinking about whether it was true. of course, you were close to shane and harry, but they both had girlfriends, they definitely wouldn't want anything to do with what’s in your pants. but you were also close to ben, and he didn't have a girlfriend. the only explanation for you two being close was that he wanted what was in your pants, not in your head nor your heart. 

it pained you to think of that; ben being here only to try it on. of course, ben was attractive and had sex appeal, but he was also your best friend and you weren't about to jump in to bed with him at the first chance. you have never, and will never, go about relationships like that. to you, it was unbelievable how much you let dan’s comment cloud your mind, yet you almost hoped there was some truth to it. 

only a wall away, ben was sat thinking the exact same thing. the show he was binging was still playing in the background, but in the forefront of his mind was dan’s comment. ben knew men and women could be friends without sex getting involved; he had those relationships with all the girls in the group, except her. although he wouldn't openly admit it to anyone, he had developed feelings, but didn't want to ruin what the two had by trying it on with her. so ben sat back and tried to let his feelings settle. that instantly failed when he continued to hang out with her almost everyday and talk to her everyday. it didn't take him long to realise he was in love. 

ben didn't stay for much longer; his eyes were being to strain to properly see the TV and dan's comment was still lingering in his thoughts. he quietly turned off the TV and left the room, practically tiptoeing past your room as he entered the guest room (which was almost his considering how often he slept in it). all he did was slip out of his jeans, jumper and socks, leaving on his boxers and slid into bed. just like you, it didn't take him long to fall asleep, soon drifting off nestled within the comfy sheets and only imagining what it would be like to hold you in his arms. 

in the morning, ben woke up before you (like usual) and set himself the task of making breakfast. he knew you'd be hungry this morning and, as soon as he got out of bed and put on a pair of shorts, he made his way into the kitchen and began making his famous pancakes. it didn't take long for you to wake up nor did it take long for you to smell the pancakes. 

“morning, chef.” you smiled lazily as you walked into the kitchen. 

“morning to you, too.” like usual in a morning, ben was clad in some shorts and a plain t-shirt as he stood in front of the hob. the teapot had already been filled and there was a half empty cup stood on the side next to the hob. “sleep well?”

“yeh, i guess.” ‘don't tell him’ you thought to yourself. “i just couldn't stop thinking about dan's comment last night.” 

“love, i've told you before to take no notice of him-”

“no, ben, he said something else last night. not just the men and women and sex thing.”

“well, what else did he say?” he asked, less annoyed this time, switching off the ring and giving you his full attention.

“he said that you and i are only close because you want to get into my pants.” although he asked you to tell him (and you would have told him anyway), you couldn’t help but feel ashamed at telling ben. you knew he would be mad that you let something dan said cloud your judgement about him, but you also knew that he would deny it. you wished he wouldn’t.

“you know that’s not true, right?” there it was. “you know i would never do that to you, or anyone for that matter. don’t let him get into your head; he’s a dick.”

“yeh, course.” you mumbled as ben turned back to the pan, flipping out the pancake onto a plate. as both of you ate, you sat talking about anything and everything. you were content just being here with ben, and yet you still couldn’t get those thoughts out of your head.

to ben, all you would be is his best friend; he made that perfectly clear last night and this morning. to you, your feelings would always be there, making it unfair on anyone else you dated. your heart was wrapped around ben indefinitely.

after breakfast was finished and the kitchen was tidy, you said your goodbyes to ben (even though you don’t normally kick him out this early), making up a lie about finishing off some things for work. what you really wanted to do was talk to erin and lucy; you needed to empty your head to someone.

“hey, you guys are okay to chat, right?” you asked as soon as the facetime connected to the both of them.

“yeh, of course!” “i’ve got my wine, i’m ready.” they both replied, supportive smiles already on their faces.

“okay, i’m sorry i’m bringing this up again, but i’m still thinking about dan’s comment last night.”

“which one?” erin giggled, taking a sip of her wine.

“the one about ben only being close to me because he wants to get in my pants.”

“that’s not true.”

“it’s true.”

“what?” you and erin asked lucy, who sat with a slight smirk on her face.

“ben does want to get into your pants, but not as a one time fling or being friends with benefits, he really likes you.”

“he does?”

“yeh,” both you and erin looked at each other, pure shock coming over your face and slight shock on erin’s. “he got drunk with the lads one night and came to my place instead of yours-”

“makes sense,” erin perked up, taking another sip of her wine. “your apartment is literally a floor below Y/N’s.”

“exactly; he miscounted the floor numbers and came to my door. he kept on apologising so i let him in and he just ranted about dan saying stupid things again about the two of you. then he spilt his feelings and almost broke down asking me not to say anything. i told him he should go to your place and tell you himself. he said he would and i assumed he did, but obviously-”

“he didn’t. that night he came up to my apartment and basically passed out on the sofa. i pulled his shoes off and left him a glass of water and some painkillers for the morning. that was it; he didn't really say anything at all until the next morning.” you frowned, thinking at how literally minutes before ben stumbled into your apartment, he'd stumbled out of lucy’s. 

“wow, well i knew benny boy had feelings, but i didn’t know he did that.” erin said, turning and making sure harry hadn't heard any of that conversation. 

“no one knew, i kept ben’s drunk escapade a secret. he couldn’t even remember it happening.” after that, all three of you were slightly stunned into silence. it was a minute before anyone spoke. 

“what are you gonna do?” erin’s voice was small, something that isn't normal for her. her wine glass had been discarded (though half empty) and she and lucy were both looking at you. you knew your face hadn't change. even without looking at your screen, you knew the only look on your face was disbelief. 

“i-i don't know.”

“surely you're gonna do something?” lucy gasped. 

“and say what to him? ‘hey, ben. i've just been chatting to our good friend lucy and it turns out you drunkenly told her about your feelings for me’. i’m not good with confrontation!”

“and that's why you two will never be together!” erin chuckled, shaking her head at you. 

“what do you mean?

“i mean, you're scared of confrontation and ben will never admit his feelings for you because he's scared you’ll reject him.”

“but i wouldn’t-”

“he doesn’t know that.” she was right. ben doesn’t know what you're thinking, and you don't know what he's thinking. right now, the only way to get over the situation is if you say something. yet, you couldn't help but think that ben’s drunken confession was just that: drunken and stupid.

“i need some time to think, girls.”

“okay.” 

“just keep us in the loop, yeh?” lucy asked, pity absolutely drowning her face. 

“will do, bye.” you waved as did lucy and erin, saying their own goodbyes before you ended the call. 

this had changed everything. of course it had. you definitely didn't feel the same way you did before the call, and you definitely didn't feel the same way about ben as you did before the call. you couldn’t help but think if this had changed things, if this had given you the confidence to finally tell ben about how you feel. 

it was something to sleep on, something to cloud your thoughts for another night. 

but you didn’t get the chance to do that. before you had even managed to settle down for the night, there was a loud, and brash, knock at your door. the thought of ignoring them crossed your mind, hoping it would be a drunken fool who had stumbled across the wrong apartment.

yet, no matter how long you stayed laying on your back, staring at the blank canvas of your ceiling, the knocking did not cease. with a grumble, you made your way through your apartment and towards the front door, not bothering to switch on any of the lights on your way.

as soon as your door was open, whoever was on the other side flung themselves inside, stumbling as they attempted to pull off their shoes. you couldn’t even see who the person was, the low light of the hallway doing little to help you figure out who the intruder was.

and, just as you were about to speak up, the person spoke - though it was more of a grumble - and said, “luce, i’m sorry for doin’ this again.” ben. his voice was slurred and his actions were full of haste. the way he threw his shoes to the side and his jacket on to the floor made you realise he truly thought he was on the floor below; everywhere he was throwing things were where lucy had furniture.

then you realised something else; it was happening again. that night lucy had told you about, with ben drinking with the lads, had happened again. though, you weren’t sure if he was drinking alone or not, but whatever had happened to ben had made him feel the need to see lucy, before anything.

“i know it’s prob’ly late, but i can’t stop thinking about her and you’re the only person who knows how i feel.” came ben’s mumbling voice again. he sounded weak, vulnerable, something you’d never heard in any tone of his voice before. well, there were some exceptions, but this voice, this tone, was something else. and it scared you.

but you stayed quiet, waiting for ben to either say something again or... something else to happen, like a meteor hitting the earth, to save the both of you from this conversation.

“fuck, you moved things around in here?” he grumbled, walking around to find something to grip onto or sit on.

your head was screaming to say something, to reply and end whatever this was, yet your heart was screaming to save yourself the heartache (from what, you didn’t know).

it wasn’t until ben managed to find a lightswitch that your heart began to race even faster than before. you were met with his disheveled look, his boots haphazardly pulled off and scattered across your floor and his jacket thrown carelessly across the wood of your dining table mismatched his reddening eyes and mess of his hair.

and, as if time was frozen, ben stood against the wall of your apartment, his eyes as wide as ever and his heart thumping against the case of his chest. you were no better; at least you knew who had stumbled into your apartment, but ben was in shock. because it was you. of course it was you, who else could make ben’s heart beat as fast as you could?

which is why ben stood still, acting as if he stayed deadly still, the predator before him would ignore his very existence. but the elephant was in the room, and you could not ignore the existence of that.

“ben,” you whispered, your voice stretching out to fill the gap between your bodies. instead, it died upon it’s journey, failing to reach the only person who mattered to you at that minute. “ben, it’s okay: i know.”

that didn’t settle his nerves. the only things those two words did was set his heart racing faster and he felt like his world was collapsing in on himself.

“no,” he shook his head, finally pulling his eyes away from your glance, turning his back towards you as his hands made his hair even more of a mess. “no, it’s not okay.”

but it was. it was more than okay because somewhere between ben stumbling through your door and this moment right now, you had found the courage to tell him that you knew, that you felt the same, this it was okay.

taking advantage of his back facing you, you stepped over to him carefully. at first, you were unsure of your movements, letting your hands linger in the air just above ben’s back before you took the final step and pressed them against his t-shirt-covered skin. the muscles in his back tensed and tightened, but he quickly let the warmth and welcoming feeling of you relax him.

only then did you become more confident, letting your hands move lightly over his back, mapping every bump and dimple they found. you ventured down to ben’s hips, covering the skin of his sides before settling around his front on his stomach.

“it’s okay, ben.” you said once again, your voice falling into a quiet whisper next to the shell of his ear as your chin rested on his shoulder. both of hands met yours. they were warm and fit comfortably between yours, something you had always imagined.

“how do you know?” he tested the waters, only letting his voice be loud enough for you to hear, like this was your little secret. you weren’t sure if ben was asking how you knew how he felt or how things would be okay, but you chose the former.

“lucy told me,” you replied in an equal tone, moving your head from his shoulder to press against his back, just between his shoulder blades. “she told me about that night you went to her apartment after you had been out with the boys: she told me how you felt about me.”

“and?” he said soon after, not wanting to wait any longer for a response that could change his life.

“ben, you mean the world to me, and i was always afraid that if we began a relationship, it could ruin our friendship. but i’m not afraid of that anymore, and i just want what i want: you.”

ben had never felt so sober. he had begun the night alone and, somehow, ended it in your arms; one of the places he didn’t think he’d be for a while.

his thumb began tracing small circles on the back of your hand, letting himself know that this was real and this was happening. it also grounded you. it gave you something to focus on when you needed it. but you didn’t want it to be that; you wanted it to be something that happens regularly and often. now, that might happen.

reluctantly, you pulled your hands from his, taking your arms away from his body as you circled around him. once his face met yours, neither of you could hold in the tiny smile which threatened to appear at the corner of your lips. god, you could only imagine what his lips felt like, what they tasted like. and you imagined that they felt like silk.

your hands quickly found purchase on ben’s body once again. this time, you traced the outline of his face, allowing yourself to take your time as you moved along his jawline. as one hand did that, the other tangled it’s fingers into the hair on the nape of his neck - something that he was growing out for a role, but you enjoyed it regardless.

ben was so overwhelmed, the only place he could find to anchor himself to you were your hips. he squeezed and pressed the skin lightly, wanting to live in the moment as much as he could, just in case you slipped through his fingertips, like silk does.

you can’t help but notice that you’ve never seen him like this before, so vulnerable and open to you and your touch. of course, you had touched each other before, but not with the softness and meaning like now.

“i want you, too,” ben finally whispered, never letting his gaze falter from you. his hands seemed to grip your hips a little harder as your hands slid down from his head and onto his shoulders. “that’s all i’ve wanted since i met you.”

just then, you pushed yourself onto the balls of your feet, managing to slightly close the gap between you and ben as his head bowed lower, too. your lips met like a perfect melody, so soft and gentle and better than you could have ever imagined.

slowly, and once again, your hands traced their way up ben’s skin, circling around his neck before toying with those little hairs you had suddenly become so fond of. and, as a response, ben’s hands shifted from your hips to your lower back quicker than you could register, pushing and pulling your body flush with his own.

his hands were warm and big and better than you could have imagined. they were strong, keeping the two of you together in perfect harmony as you explored the other’s touch after so, so long.

but, then ben pulled away, keeping you pressed against his chest while looking down at you, your lips swollen and red and, god, so beautiful. he only smiled, pulling away to grab your hand a second later.

he was your personal guide through your home, taking you towards your bedroom (only after turning off the light he switched on earlier). as soon as you got in the room, ben let you go, turning to close the door as you stood waiting for him; you almost felt like a stranger, standing there in your own room with no feeling of anything but ben.

once the door clicked shut, he turned his attention back to you. while he walked forward, you stumbled backwards, only stopping when the back of your knees hit the side of your bed.

“get in,” he spoke gently, pressing a light kiss to your forehead. “i’ll be there in a second.” and so you did. since you were already about to settle down for the night when ben knocked on the door, you just sat underneath the covers again.

seeing the cast of ben’s shadow on your walls from the beaming moon was a sight you knew you would never tire of. the way he moved gracefully as he pulled off his shirt and jeans, leaving on only his boxers and turning back to you.

he was a ghost striding towards you. a vision as his body drifted towards you, so bright and beautiful under the moon, so quiet as he slipped under the covers to lay next to you; his arms open and welcoming.

so you accepted, letting yourself have this, this moment, with ben. you found yourself tucked into his side, one arm dragged across his torso with your head on his chest. his left arm wrapped itself around your shoulders, his right arm laying adjacent to yours, letting your fingertips touch and ghost along one another.

you stayed there, for a minute or two, just getting used to each other’s rise and fall of your chests and the dips and bumps of each other’s skin. neither of you had felt more at peace than in that moment.

and as you lay there in ben’s arms, the steady beating in his heart right below your ear and finally feeling content, you knew that you were ready for love.

-

TAGLIST: @shes-over-bored @i-barely-go-on-online​ @sohoneyspreadyourwings​ @brian-maybe-not​ @deakysbabybooty​ @1001-yellow-daffodils​ @retromusicsalad @hardcoredisneynerd​ @painkiller80​ @leatherjacketmazzello​ @scarecrowmax​ @mebeatlized @seesiderendezvous​ @alright-mrfahrenheit​ @someone-get-a-medic​ @miamideacon @chlobo6​ @teenagepeterpan​ @spacedustmazzello​ @deakysgurl​ @forever-rogue​ @xcdelilahxc​ @keepsdrawings​ @igotsuckedintothevoid​ @kill4hqueen​ @supersonicfreddie​ @laedymoon​ @inthedayswhenlandswerefew​ @warriorteam1924​ @painandpleasure86​ @boomerangbassist​ @mamaskillerqueen​ @bhxrdy​

[jamiespxtter]

Self Para || The Dawn of an Old Day

TAGGING → James Potter TIMELINE→ January 1st, 1979 SETTING → Godric's Hollow, West Country, England SUMMARY → James wakes up at home, alone. The last thing he remembers is telling Lily to run with Harry, and turning to face Voldemort alone, on Halloween night of 1981 NOTES → Warning for injury mention, description of death/dying.

-

For a moment, he feels like he's floating.

Weightless.

A flash of green, the pressure easing from his shoulders. Numbness creeping up his legs, into his chest. He can imagine falling, meeting the bottom of the little staircase in their home, what was once a safe haven now desecrated by the worst betrayal.

There's nothing in his mind, however. No thoughts, no fears, no hesitations. No anger, no remorse. He's done all he can, lived his life as wholly as he could, and now, this is what's left. Snippets of memories, fond and fleeting, drifting by wherever he is.

Harry's laughter. Lily's smile. The smell of Sirius' tobacco. His dad's old pipe.

Remus' blood. Peter's yell. Marlene's tears.

Raindrops on her face. On his hand. The sky, clouds gaping wide, the heavens pouring down on him.

Weightless. Weightless.

Death is a quiet thing. There's no screech of car breaks, or healers rushing around him. There's no screaming, no sound other than his own breath, in and out, in and out, in and..

Quiet.

Maybe his parents had felt the same way. His mother had been found in her bed, his father in the chair beside her, their hands joined between them. Part of him wants to believe that they had died within moments of each other, simply because the thought of living without the other was impossible to bear. He knows that's true love, being unable to go on without the one you chose, the one you cared for, by your side.

He had told Lily to run. To take Harry, and go. The culmination of their love, wrapped up entirely in a soft, woven blanket, a gift from Sirius' cousin. In their last few moments, despite all of his belief about love dying side-by-side, standing together, he had made her go.

Perhaps it would give them a fighting chance. Lily was strong. If she had to face a world without him, with their son, she could do it. Brave, and bold, and every bit the woman he knew. The woman he loved.

Loves.

It's a difficult thing to let go of, but he doesn't want to let it go. Not yet, anyway. Despite the numb that comes with passing on, there's still a warmth nestled in his chest, a calm that's settled there, made a home. He doesn't know how the rest of this story will play out - none of them do, but that wouldn't stop him from believing in it. Nothing would. His life has come and gone, passed through the hourglass and left sitting in a pile of sand at the bottom, but his love holds on tight, like the final few grains that cling to the glass.

Is he ready to go? No.

He doesn't think he ever was. He doesn't think he ever will be. There's an invincibility that comes with fighting a war at the age of eighteen, a thrill of life that comes with winning a fight, again and again and again.

But fatherhood has settled him. Being a husband has settled him. They've spent the past few months in isolation, with nothing but owls, and their thoughts, and their little Harry to keep them going. He doesn't need much else.

They had run out of time. Trust. Like the sand in his hourglass, it had fallen through his fingertips, and he had watched it go, staring down the end of Voldemort's wand with a final sense of realisation.

This was a mistake. It wasn't supposed to happen this way. There was no blaze of glory, no final, epic defeat. He had stared death in the eye, in the quiet of his own home, bastardized by his presence in the threshold, and their peace has been violated. There's no chance of him coming out of it alive, and he knows it.

He barely has time to lift his wand before there's green.

Green.

And nothing.

.

.

.

And something.

It pulls him out from the numb. The quiet is still there, clinging to his skin, curling around his neck with no whispers, no words. There's no explanation for where he is or what he's doing, how much time has passed between then and now, between something and nothing.

It's still in him. That warmth. Love, nestled deep in his chest. It burns the way it always has, lights up inside him like a flower, blooming under the sun. He was never numb, not at all - he had been wrapped up in that warmth, in that love, like a blanket, woven by Sirius' cousin, keeping him safe.

Close.

He's always been close.

They've never left.

And then he's there. With him. With her. With them.

There's a forest, cold and blue-green around them, damp under his feet. He can't feel it, but he knows it's there, wrapping him up in dawn - dusk? He isn't sure. Time has passed. Time is passing. Nothing feels real, solid, but somehow he knows he is there, and there's a man in front of him.

Not a man.

A boy.

Barely eighteen, the image of his father, glasses low on his nose and sweat on his brow, dirt and grime over his face and his clothes, his hands. Hours of fighting a long fight evident on his skin, and in his eyes.

Green eyes.

James knows those eyes.

He settles, standing so close but just out of reach, watching. They've been brought here for a reason, he can feel it, a purpose that sits right at home with the love in his chest. It grows, multiplies, becomes an all-encompassing weight that envelopes him so warmly, and even in the cold of the forest, he feels a belonging. He's right where he needs to be. The boy before them needs him, and he's here, more than ready to stay by his side. He's always been there.

"You've been so brave, sweetheart."

Her voice sounds as calm as he feels, and James lets it wash over him. There's a similar expression on her face, like she knows it, too, though she doesn't look at him to reassure what he's thinking. She doesn't need to.

They're entirely in sync, watching the boy before them. Sirius, and Remus stand on the opposite side, an equal distance apart as James and Lily are, and it feels like a full circle. They're surrounding the boy, wrapping him up, keeping him from harm.

They always have been. They always will.

"Until the end."

James finds himself speaking, the words coming more naturally than breathing. The boy meets his gaze, watching, like he's spent a lifetime waiting for this moment. Nothing about it feels strange, or foreign, - it's easier than walking. Laughing. Existing.

He was always meant to be a father.

"You'll stay with me?"

His voice is so familiar. The boy looks to Lily like he's waiting for the reassurance, the invitation to come home, and she's as warm and welcoming as she's ever been. Maybe this is how she had felt, just before he had come to them, still cradled carefully inside her from the war-torn world around them. Maybe she feels it, too, a pull from deep within that keeps them bound to the boy, no matter what tries to tear them apart. He might look like his father, but he has his mother's eyes, bright green and honest, pooled with emotion and hope.

Green.

She doesn't have to think twice when she answers. It's more natural to her than breathing.

Harry opens his palm, and the stone falls.

.

.

.

James opens his eyes.

It’s dawn. Early morning. Sunlight is just starting to creep through the window in the front room, and he can see it from his position on the stairs, slumped on his side like he had fallen there. There’s a ringing in his ears, a nausea that creeps up the back of his throat and threatens to make him throw up then and there, but he manages to hold it back, focusing on taking a few, deep breaths.

In, and out. In, and out.

He’s exhausted. It’s in his bones, in his head, in his heart. His whole body is aching, physically and emotionally, and he has to sit with it for a moment, trying to remember why he’s doubled over at the bottom of the stairs in the first place. There’s green eyes in his mind, a green flash, a sense of loss, -

And it all comes back.

Thundering, instantaneous, like a nightmare he has to relive in his memories, over and over again. The thud of the door, the panic in Lily’s eyes as she reached for their son. Harry’s cries, the way his heart sank in his chest as James knew their time was up. He can see it all so, so clearly, - Voldemort’s red eyes, his sunken skin, the way his contorted, filthy had had raised his own wand, and James had tried, tried so fucking hard to fight back. He’d barely lifted his arm before it was all over. The fight they had been fighting since they were fifteen had come to an end, and he was dead.

He was supposed to be dead.

His son was only a year old.

James is moving before he can even process it, scrambling to his feet despite the way his stomach lurches. The panic he feels is sudden, urgent, sickening right down to his very core, and all he can think about is Lily, Harry, Lily, Harry, his family, everything he had fought so hard to protect. Nothing about it feels real, - there’s no possible way he had stood there and stared, had watched Voldemort raise his wand and curse his death upon him, and simply came out alive on the other side. Everything in him refuses to believe it, and before he can stop himself, he’s moving.

The living room is empty. There’s no sign of her, of Harry, and James nearly trips over a cardboard box as he searches, frantic in his actions. There’s no logic behind it, - she’s not behind the couch, she’s not curled up in the armchair, she’s not in a heap by the fireplace. Harry’s blanket is nowhere to be found, and James is certain he had left it at the end of the couch, where their son had just been figuring out how to sit upright properly, all by himself. James had been so proud.

She’s not in the kitchen, either. There’s more boxes, and he ignores them, barely stopping to glance at the scribbled handwriting on the sides of the cardboard.

Kitchen 1.

Cupboard 3.

Over the oven.

Do not open before welcome home party, James!!

He had told her to run, but where? There’s nowhere to go, and while he wants to believe she had made it out the back door and apparated away before Voldemort could have reached them, the door is still firmly locked. He gets it open with a spell and a hasty shove, but their back garden is empty, no sign of life, no evidence she had been out there at all. The poppies she had planted in April are missing, too. A bright burst of red that had once made a home just past the step at their back door, there’s no sign of them now, and James frowns in confusion, fixing the glasses on his face to make sure he’s not simply imagining things.

He makes it back into the house, dread seeping in. It’s a difficult sensation to ignore, so all-encompassing that for a moment, he can’t breathe, looking around the kitchen in confusion. It fights with the tiny snippet of hope he feels, nestled carefully in his heart. He wants to believe that Lily is safe, somewhere, with their son, that Dumbledore has kept his promise and kept them safe, has guaranteed their son a fighting chance at life.

Until the end.

The words ache in his chest, deep and sorrowful, like memories of his father. Going back to the empty estate had felt similar, and James has to fight to breathe, lifting a hand to his chest to feel the frantic thud of his heartbeat there.

Fear. He feels fear.

There’s a noise upstairs. Movement.

It catches his attention suddenly, given how quiet Godric’s Hollow is around him, and James reaches for his wand, gripped tight in his aching hand. He’s been on enough missions to know it’s not a good sign, and that the logical thing to do would be to abandon the house, to run himself, and try to find Dumbledore and his family. But James doesn’t run from things, never has, and he steels himself as he approaches the kitchen door, and the little hallway that ends at the bottom of the stairs.

There’s footsteps, light enough to almost be undetectable. His breathing catches in his chest as he edges closer to the door, and James leans to look around it, catching sight of someone coming down the stairs.

Red hair. A shaking hand. She stops at the bottom of the stairs, reaching for a picture in a frame, the glass shining and new. She almost looks hesitant to touch it, like she can’t quite believe it’s there.

He can’t quite believe she’s there.

Nothing stops him from moving out into the hallway behind her, his own steps quiet. For a moment, all he can do is look, because it can’t possibly be real. That she’s here, she’s alive, with him. There’s every possibility she’s a ghost, but she’s touching the picture frame, fingertips pressed against the glass so lightly, and she’s really with him. James can see a picture of their wedding day, their friends, a monumental, happy moment in their lives.

They had broken that frame when they had moved Harry’s crib upstairs. He still had to get it fixed.

“.. Lils?”

The fond petname comes out broken, almost like a plea. It’s the first word he’s spoken in.. he doesn’t quite know how long. He doesn’t want to think about it. She turns, then, meeting his gaze with tear-filled eyes, and everything James fears comes crashing down around him, all at once.

Something is terribly, terribly wrong.

He reaches for her, hands shaking, wand dropping to the floor. He knows his wife, knows who she is, knows without a single ounce of doubt that it’s really Lily standing before him, alive. She stares at him like she doesn’t know what to do, like she’s as broken as he feels, - and all at once, she falls forward, collapsing in his arms with a sob.

It breaks him.

Harry isn’t with her.

[lovemepleaase]

au in which your friend sets you up on a blind date and you bet $50 it doesn't work out but whoops harry (the blind date) is kind of the epitome of perfection so?

i. PRINCE CHARMING.

i’m sorry this took so long! i rewrote this four times trying to get it right. i hope it’s something you like!! 

…

She really wanted to hate him.Not for any good reason— she just really wanted to prove Nick wrong. Wanted to see the look on his stupid smug face when they met up for lunch tomorrow and she could report that this guy was not some sort of Prince Charming and that he was only mildly attractive at best (and for the $50. It would just be the cherry on top of a cake based with Nick’s disappointment). But all that was thrown out the window when she’d walked into the restaurant (15 minutes late, and not even in her nicest dress— she hadn’t thought to make an effort, didn’t think it would matter, since this was just going to be a regular date where she left disappointed and slightly frustrated) and saw him sitting at the table, cropped curls sitting on top of his head, cheekbones sharp enough to cut yourself on, long, ringed fingers that led to black painted nails tapping on his wet glass of water, wearing just a regular sweater and jeans and still looking better than she could ever dream of, and knew she’d just lost $50. (She wanted to turn around and walk back out the door, call an Uber and leave before she inevitably fell into the hole he was about to drag her into. But she didn’t— how could she, when someone like that was waiting for her?) “I’m so sorry I’m late,” she said as she came up to the table, feeling terribly inadequate and idiotic, for treating him so badly when she didn’t even know him. “Harry, right?” He looked up at her with bright green eyes and then grinned (was it normal to feel dizzy when someone smiled at you?), standing to pull out her chair (she frowned as he pushed her seat in— he had to be a gentleman too?). “Yeah, that’s me. Y/N, right?” (Her name sounded better in his accent. She hated that.)She nodded, smiling at him and pulling one of the leather bound menus towards her. “I’m so sorry again for being late, there was…traffic.” He kept close eye contact with her, she noticed as he smiled. “It’s fine. You’re well worth the wait.” She felt her cheeks heat up as she took a sip of the water he’d ordered for her probably half an hour ago, the ice nearly melted, and felt a twinge of guilt. “Uh— thanks. You’re— you look nice too.” She internally cringed. She was letting a sharp jawline and intoxicating cologne do this to her? It was ridiculous.(And yet, here she was.)He smiled, almost sheepishly. “Thanks. I was going to order us some wine, but I wasn’t sure if you…?” “No! No, wine sounds great.” (Did she sound too eager?) He smiled at her softly and then flagged the waiter down, ordering something French and probably way too fancy for her.He was sweet, she had to concede. Sweet and extremely attractive. He asked questions and actually seemed interested in the answers, complimented her, laughed at her lame attempts at jokes. By the time they were bringing out their entrées, she was just wondering when the other shoe would drop. There was no way Nick was right. Nick was never right about guys. And it was especially impossible for someone like Harry to be at all interested in someone like her— she was just her, and there he was, a consultant for Gucci (Gucci! No wonder he was so hot and well dressed, she thought), six-foot-something, probably all lean muscle under that cozy sweater (and she could definitely see some tattoos peeking out from under the sleeves), charming and fun. (She lost $50, sure, but she was starting to think a second date wasn’t really in the cards either. No way he’d be interested.) (And to think she walked in thinking he’d be terrible, and now here she was, disappointed that he didn’t want more.)(Fuck Nicholas Grimshaw.) “It’s not really as dramatic as it sounds,” he said, cutting a piece of steak. “Fashion isn’t about looking the best, or showin’ up everyone else. Not entirely, anyway. It’s art, y’know? It’s about being innovative. That’s why I like it, I guess. I like bein’ creative.” (She could listen to him talk all day, his voice like smooth honey or the purr of a car engine or the rough crash of waves on rocks, almost.) “Sounds time consuming.” He shrugged. “‘S not too bad. Still got plenty of time for other things.” (It wasn’t until she got home and replayed the conversation in her mind that she realized he was flirting.)“Yeah? Like what?” He sort of laughed, taking a sip of his wine. “Uh…well, I write, sometimes.” Her brow lifted, her fork still resting in her hand. “Really? What do you write?” He sipped his wine again, his face going a bit pink (she hated that it was kind of endearing). “Uh…songs, mostly. Poems. I don’t really…talk about it.” She could feel her heart sink— she’d pushed too far. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry…”His eyes went wide and he gestured towards her. “No, it’s fine! Honest. I don’t mind telling you about it.” (She let go of a breath she didn’t know she was holding— hurting his feelings was the last thing she wanted to do. Ironic, considering she’d walked in betting on him, but things changed when he’d started smiling and making her laugh and doing all the terribly sweet things he’d done all evening.) “So why don’t you, I don’t know, do anything with it? You’ve got to have connections, right?” He sort of shrugged, taking another sip of wine. “None of it’s very good.” “How do you know if you never show anybody?” He raised his eyebrows, chuckling. “Guess I’ll have to show you sometime then.” (Sometime— “sometime” meant he wanted to do this again. That he was thinking about seeing her again. The butterflies fluttering in her stomach were enough to make her actually want to thank Nick for this.) She nodded, smiling. “I’d like that.” He smiled at her softly (was it the dim lighting or were they really the only two people in the restaurant? She wasn’t sure, really) and then cleared his throat, pushing his nearly empty plate away. “Wanna see the desserts? I hear they’ve got really good cheesecake here.”(She’d never really been a dessert person, but for him? She’d eat the whole cake if it meant they’d sit here together for another hour or two.) “I’d love to.” 

It was hours later when she finally made it home— he refused to let her take an Uber (“‘S not safe at this time of night! I know ‘m basically a stranger, but I don’t mind takin’ you.”) and took the long way instead, giving them time to keep chatting, talking about the time he met Stevie Nicks, how exactly she became friends with a BBC1 Radio host, the Ed Sheeran concert they both apparently were at— the conversation flowed so easily with him. She wanted to tell him everything, wanted to sit here and talk to him for hours.

(There was just something about him, something that made her heart flutter and her smile grow wide as ever. He was something special.)  But he did drop her off (walked her to the door and everything!), eventually, after they lingered near her doorway for a while, talking; he’d even kissed her hand before leaving, like some sort of….like some sort of Prince Charming. (She thought about inviting him in, but that wasn’t really proper, was it?)It wasn’t all bad, though— she was taking her makeup off when her phone dinged for the first time, lighting up with a text from a new number:“It’s Harry. I had a lot of fun tonight. Can’t wait to see you again. :). xx” She grinned to herself, picking up her phone. She bypassed his message and went into an already existing chat, just for a moment. Something she needed to do.To: GRIMMY hey. thanks. you were right.FROM: GRIMMYtold you bitchyou still owe me that 50