#Of Figs and Fib Trees

[merlinsbbeard]

Of Figs and Fib Trees

Summer, 1977.

Mr and Mrs Evans are out of town, Petunia lives to flaunt her newly acquired relationship with Vernon Dursley, and Lily wants nothing more than to give her a taste of her own medicine. Thanks to some cruel trick from the universe, or perhaps fate, the perfect opportunity to do so arrives on her doorstep in the body of one James Potter.

Oh, what a plot twist you were.

‘I’m so sorry⸺’ she began, her face an impressive shade of cerise, but the words caught in her throat, because there upon the darkened doorstep, framed by sweet-smelling bushes, in all of his glory was James Potter.

‘Deal.’ James stuck out his hand. Lily grasped it tightly and shook it, shivers tumbling down her spine. He grinned. ‘Lily Evans, I am honoured to be your fake boyfriend.’

P.S. I am madly in love with you.

‘You play dirty, Evans.’ ‘Yeah? Well, I learned from the best.’ ‘Oh yeah?’ James grinned and surged towards her, grabbed her around the middle—‘Potter!’—and unceremoniously dumped her into the icy sea.

But here I blur into you...

James was frozen for a millisecond, and then he understood. His lips pressed harder against hers, body slotting between her thighs as he leant further into the kiss, deepening it, making it hotter and wetter as their mouths moved with each other’s. His hands found her neck and he pulled her into him, his fingers sliding up her neck and into her soft hair.

You think you know me, and I think you should know better.

‘Has anyone properly read your leaves before?’ ‘No, not since Vera Walsh told me I’d die in a mass-juggling incident.’ ‘Walsh can’t tell a leaf from a tea stain. Here, let me show you how it’s done.’ He held out an expectant hand. ‘Give it over.’ Lily sighed, clapping her book closed and taking up her tea. She gulped it down—it was awfully cool. Her fingers smelt like ants. Then she swivelled her wrist thrice, spiralling the leaves around, and dumped the teacup face-down onto the saucer with a clank.

I dreamt last night of your teeth on my skin.

‘There,’ he murmured, ducking his head to bite at her shoulder, his hand slipping to her hip. Then his mouth found her neck and he sucked at a spot just behind her ear and it felt—oh—so good. Lily yelped and tugged harder at his hair.

It was impossible not to love her.

James swore, hand pushing back his dripping curls. He crouched down on the verge where a streamlet was beginning to thicken, the heels of his hands pressing beneath his brow bone for a few moments before he was on his feet again and striding into the house after Lily.

Chapters 1–4 available now on AO3.

[joyseuphoria]

March @jilymicrofics prompt list answers

First off, A HUGE HUGE HUGEEE THANK you to the people who curated this list! This was the MOST fun I’ve had in the entire year! Thank you for making our days brighter 😘😘

Evolution by sophie-hatter-jenkins

The Chaperone by annabtg

Rage Against The Dying Of The Light by tedwardremus

A Light In The Shadows by livelaughlovetoread

Homeward Bound by athenasparrow

Between the Desire and the Spasm by uncertainwallflower

Of Figs and Fib Trees by merlinsbbeard

once upon a dream by arianatwycross

in the latter days by kay-elle-cee

Wordless by siriuslychessi

Getaway Cabin by tinyluminaryzombie

The Apple Cake Debacle by chiechie97

All The Lonely People (Where Do They All Come From?) by nodirectionhome-ao3

Head Over Handlebars For You by practicecourts

Miss Evans and the impossible task (of finding a husband) by annasghosts

The Magician and the Meatball by celestemagnoliathewriter

Dead To Me by jamesunderwater

Their Halcyon Days by chierafied

Shout Out To My Ex by wearingaberetinparis

Fearlessly Red by petals2fish

Hiking Detour by nena-96

First betrayal by neverenoughmarauders

Trust (Unconditional) by emmathecasualauthor

the thesis of her prayers by giggles-and-freckles

Echoes of Tuning Hearts by eastwindmlk

Juvenescence by abihastastybeans

It's the Rising by @itstherisingdaylight

Even The Sun Sets In Paradise by @joyseuphoria (me)

Spitting Image by charmsandtealeaves

Chronicles of a Sixth-Year Friendship by sunshinemarauder

YOU'VE WON A PRIZE!!! click HERE 2 claim by littlefoldedpapers

[jilyawards]

bad day wall by @apalapucian

Knight In Shining Armour by @charmsandtealeaves

Of Figs and Fib Trees by @merlinsbbeard

kiss me by @petalsthefish

Toe Rag (Affectionately) by petalsthefish

Summer Loving (Off Key) by @practicecourts

101 Padfoots by @tedwardremus

Erasmus Lovegoods’s Guide to Brewing Love Potions by tedwardremus

I’m Your Biggest Fan by tedwardremus

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner by @yallthemwitches

[annabtg]

March 2025 @jilymicrofics prompt list answers

Borrowing from @joyseuphoria, and adding 7 different stories (marked in red) for extra Ravenclaw points!

Evolution by @sophie-hatter-jenkins

The Chaperone by @celestemagnoliathewriter

Rage Against The Dying Of The Light by @tedwardremus

when the shadows divide by @gigglesandfreckles-hp

Homeward Bound by @athenasparrow

Between the Desire and the Spasm by @uncertainwallflower

Of Figs and Fib Trees by @merlinsbbeard

once upon a dream by @arianatwycross

in the latter days by @kay-elle-cee

Wordless by @siriuslychessi

Getaway Cabin by @tinyluminaryzombie

The Apple Cake Debacle by @chiechie97

All The Lonely People (Where Do They All Come From?) by @nodirectionhome-ao3

Head Over Handlebars For You by @practicecourts

Tonight Feels Impossible by @wearingaberetinparis

The Magician and the Meatball by @celestemagnoliathewriter

Dead To Me by @jamesunderwater

Their Halcyon Days by @chierafied

Shout Out To My Ex by @wearingaberetinparis

Fearlessly Red by @petals2fish

Hiking Detour by @nena-96

Betrayal by @nena-96

Trust (Unconditional) by @emmathecasualauthor

the thesis of her prayers by @gigglesandfreckles-hp

Echoes of a Love Lived by @kay-elle-cee

Juvenescence by @abihastastybeans

restless waves rise and fall by @kay-elle-cee

Even The Sun Sets In Paradise by @joyseuphoria

Spitting Image by @charmsandtealeaves

The Platonic Roommate Chronicles by @wearingaberetinparis

YOU'VE WON A PRIZE!!! click HERE 2 claim by @littlefoldedpaperstars

[charmsandtealeaves]

So last year was a learning curve putting these lists together. But overall I enjoyed it and thought it a success so here's to another year of doing them. I'm also gonna be adding in non-fandom things I've read this year.

Book club read (Summer Book Swap):

The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz

Other Reads:

This Much is True by Miriam Margolies

Close to Death by Anthony Horowitz (currently reading)

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman (currently reading)

Fics Read while on Hiatus:

Of Fibs and Fig Trees by @merlinsbbeard (ch. 2-5)

WIP, Jily fake dating, Rated M

Summer, 1977. Lily’s parents are out of town, Petunia lives to flaunt her newly acquired relationship with Vernon Dursley, and Lily wants nothing more than to give her a taste of her own medicine. Thanks to some cruel trick from the universe, or perhaps fate, the perfect opportunity to do so arrives on her doorstep in the body of one James Potter.

The boy (in the bedroom) next door by @eastwindmlk (ch.10&11 bonus chapters)

Complete (21k), no Voldemort Jily AU Rated M

1986. Lily Evans has to move in with her new potion's teacher to finish her apprenticeship. There is one small issue, said teacher? Fleamont Potter, father of infinitely annoying and frustratingly fit former rival James Potter. Who she has not seen after leaving Hogwarts after her third year.

To Live Without A Heart by @uncertainwallflower (Ch.3)

WIP, James Lives AU, Rated M

James wasn’t home that night. It was the one decent thing Peter did, and James hated him for it.

The Hawthorn Blowëth Sweetest by uncertainwallflower

WIP, mediaeval Jily AU, Rated M

James, son to duty and fairness, is revered as the Young Lord of wintry Caledonia. Elizabeth, daughter to curiosity and kindness, driven to silence and submissiveness by her vindictive stepmother and selfish stepsister, is desperate to gain freedom in whatever form it takes. Brought together by cruel intent and manipulated honour, the two grow to love each other despite their reservations and all that spit at their blessing.

Two Dads vs Diagon Alley by @jamesunderwater

Complete (6.2K) Prongsfoot, James Lives AU, Rated G

James and Sirius take Harry to Diagon Alley to get his supplies for his first year at Hogwarts, and get a glimpse of what might be to come for their young wizard.

[siriuslychessi]

The lovely people at @jilymicrofics have made a Mutual March prompts, and I love that they added titles from the fics of people participating in the past events.

Love this community, and I know lovely @charmsandtealeaves @annabtg and @eastwindmlk wanted us to guess which word belonged to, however, I wanted to do it with a twist. Below the cut there are the fics that I believe were added to the list due to being part of the micro fics, and a few "new" non mutual links, that way our TBR can keep growing and we get a shoutout to other lovely Jily writers that might become your new favorite authors!

You'll find my guesses below the cut

Evolution of Mornings by @apalapucian

The Chaperone by @celestemagnoliathewriter

Rage Against The Dying Of The Light by @tedwardremus

A Light In The Shadows by @livelaughlovetoread

Homeward Bound by @athenasparrow

Between the Desire and the Spasm by @uncertainwallflower

Of Figs and Fib Trees by @merlinsbbeard

to dream the impossible dream by @emeralddoeadeer

in the latter days by @kay-elle-cee

Wordless by siriuslychessi (me)

Getaway by @petals2fish

Getaway Cabin by @tinyluminaryzombie

The Apple Cake Debacle by Chiechie97

london is lonely by @isahorcrux

Head Over Handlebars For You by @practicecourts

Impossible Things by @thejilyship

The Magician and the Meatball by @celestemagnoliathewriter

Over Her Dead Body by @chierafied

 Their Halcyon Days by Chie 

Shout Out To My Ex by @ritaskeetered

Fearlessly Red by Petals2Fish

A Brief Detour by @sunshinemarauder

Betrayal by @nena-96

Trust (Unconditional) by @emmathecasualauthor

the thesis of her prayers by @gigglesandfreckles-hp

Echoes of a Love Lived by kay_elle_cee

Juvenescence by @abihastastybeans

where the rising sun breathes by apalapucian

Trouble in Paradise by Chie (Chierafied)

Even The Sun Sets In Paradise by @joyseuphoria

Spitting Image by charmsandtealeaves

The Platonic Roommate Chronicles by ritaskeetered

YOU'VE WON A PRIZE!!! click HERE 2 claim by @wisterial

[elizabethepb]

Tell me all about your fig tree

The options spread out in front of a younger you

Describe the sleepless nights you spent under it,

Contemplating, weighing, unable to decide.

Lie and tell me you saw me there,

Picked me off the vine before the rot could reach me.

Spin me a tale about choosing me,

A misshapen fruit, patchily coloured and soft from the sun.

Fib and tell me I’m your fig,

the one you’ll keep while the rest fall with the season.

[carnegiemuseumnaturalhistory]

Who is the bigger fool – the fool or the fool that falls for it?

by Stevie Kennedy-Gold

The start of April only means one thing – pranks galore thanks to April Fools Day! Ok, ok, I realize that’s not necessarily true as April also marks that spring has sprung, many small critters are emerging from their hibernations, and we celebrate, among other things, Earth Day and Arbor Day. But we can all agree that April usually starts with a load of laughs, some fibs, and some fools. In the animal kingdom, however, fooling isn’t regulated to one day. In fact, many amphibians and reptiles rely on their ability to fool both predators and prey to survive.

Masters of Disguise

Fig. 1: Because of the large blotches on their backs, people often confuse the nonvenomous gopher snakes with venomous rattlesnakes. Gopher snakes play into this confusion, however, by imitating rattlesnake behaviors.

One of the oldest tricks in the book when it comes to fooling another is to transform to look like someone, or something, else. Although herpetofauna lack access to theatrical wardrobes teeming with makeup and outfits, they evolved behaviors and physical attributes that allow them to imitate other things. The gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer, Fig. 1), for instance, is a totally harmless colubrid species found across the western and middle United States and into Canada. They are beautiful animals, having splotches of gold, reddish-brown, and black along their bodies, and, due to these colorations, are often mistaken for rattlesnakes. What’s more, when spooked, gopher snakes tend to flatten their heads, coil into a strike position, and quickly sway their tails to and fro, a rattlesnake imitation that includes a realistic sound component when it occurs in dry grass. Most snakes are solitary animals and prefer to avoid conflict and avoid expending energy in get-away attempts, so scaring away potential predators through imitation is preferred over fighting and biting. Often times, this imitation works, and potential predators leave the gopher snake alone.

Fig. 2: Smooth horned frog (Proceratophrys boiei) specimens in the collection. Although the points above their eyes have been distorted due to preservation, it is clear to see how these frogs used their coloration, patterning, and morphological features to blend into leaf litter on the forest floor.

Predictably, snakes are not the only masters of disguise. Many frog species have unique morphological features that allow them to resemble other items in nature. The dark brown coloration and the points above the eyes of the smooth horned frog (Proceratophrys boiei) give it the appearance of a leaf (Fig. 2), allowing it to blend seamlessly into the forest floor and enabling it to both evade predators and ambush prey. Similarly, the entirely aquatic Suriname toad (Pipa pipa) looks like a dead leaf in the water due to its brown coloration and flattened body. Unless you’re an omnivore that prefers dead, low-nutrition leaves, the imitation tactics of these frogs improves their chances of survival and fools any prey items not clever enough to see past their disguises.

Deceptive Practices

Not all imitations are meant to help an animal blend in. Sometimes, imitations serve “nefarious” intents. Although not apparent to an outside observer, alligator snapping turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) have a sneaky tactic to lure prey directly into their mouth. The tongues of these turtles evolved a vestigial piece of flesh, called a lingual lure, to protrude from the tip. Alligator snapping turtles will sit on the bottom of lakes and rivers and open their powerful jaws to reveal this pink bit of flesh. They then move the lingual lure around to make it look like a tasty worm, fooling unsuspecting fish right into their giant maws. Spider-tailed horned vipers (Pseudocerastes urarachnoides), a species endemic to Iran, employ a similar tactic, albeit far more noticeably to the casual observer. Admittedly, the common name of this animal gives away the punch line, but, nonetheless, this species of viper evolved to have a unique tail. Much like how a rattlesnakes�� rattle is made of modified scales, the spider-tailed horned viper’s tail scales evolved so that the last few scales bulge out into a small bubble and the scales leading up to that bulge are heavily keeled, or ridged. While keeled scales are common in most species in the Viperidae family, the keeling on these tail scales is extremely exaggerated, making the scales look like long spikes, or even legs. When you combine the long, keeled scales with the large, posterior bulge, the tail of a spider-tailed horned viper actually looks like a spider! With the snakes speckled coloration allowing it to blend into surrounding rocks and a solid tail wiggle performance, the snake’s tail looks like a tasty spider lunch to unsuspecting birds… which then become lunch for the snake. Imitation is the best form of flattery… or maybe a reliable way to fill your belly!

Now You See Me, Now You Don’t

Whereas some reptiles and amphibians are the masters of disguise, allowing them to hide from predators or to lure unsuspecting prey, other herps use subtler bodily alterations to fool potential prey, predators, and even conspecifics (animals of the same species). Take, for example, color changes. Chameleons often come to mind at any mention of lizard color changes, but it is actually a misconception that chameleons perfectly blend into their surroundings, mimicking every leaf and twig in the background. In truth, chameleons and many other lizard species change colors to improve thermoregulation and to communicate with conspecifics – males signaling to females that they’re ready to mate, or relying on darker colors to demonstrate aggression. There are, however, some species of frogs that do lighten or darken their hue to blend into their surroundings. The gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor) is present across most of the eastern and middle United States and, as its name implies, is an arboreal species. Because it spends its time among green leaves and gray-brown tree trunks and branches, the gray treefrog has evolved the ability to change its body coloration so it can blend in perfectly with the substrate upon which it perches. If it is on a bright green leaf, the frog will shift to a green hue. Upon landing on a mossy rock or a lichen-crusted tree trunk, the frog will change to a more gray, blotched hue instead. One second, you can see the animal perfectly and, in the next, it has completely melted away into its surroundings.

Leaving Something Behind

Other herpetofauna use more exuberant tactics to evade capture. Unlike the camouflage-wielding gray treefrog, many lizard and salamander species will self-autotomize their tails to avoid being eaten. In these instances, the herp has already been seen (or, worse, caught by a herpetologist!) and needs a quick getaway. Running away without a distraction means that the predator will likely give chase and possibly capture the lizard or salamander. However, by self-autotomizing – or breaking off – their tails, these animals increase their chances of escaping. This drastic tactic is effective because the tail continues to wriggle around and move once detached from the animals’ body, making it a tasty and easy to grab meal! Many predators become distracted by the tail, leaving the lizard or salamander free to make its escape. Interestingly, this behavior is not strictly regulated to predator attacks. I witnessed a prolonged aggressive battle between two male western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis), where one male lost his tail and, instead of leaving it to writhe on the ground and eventually decompose, the lizard (attempted) to make a hasty, grapple-filled retreat from the other male, all while holding his detached tail in his mouth! Although this seems morbid, it’s actually quite clever – tails require a lot of energy and resources to make, but then the appendage stores energy in the form of meat and fat. This male fence lizard was likely keeping hold of his old tail so that he could later consume it and regain those resources. And, don’t worry, most salamander and lizard species can regrow their autotomized tails (Fig. 3), an ability that many herpetologists take advantage of when we need tissue for genetic studies.

Fig. 3: Example of tail loss and regrowth in a female Anolis carolinensis (green anole). The red arrows points at the old break point, and you can see how the tail color differs in the new growth.

The list of herpetofaunal imitators and imposters, pranksters and fibbers goes on and on. Although these disguises and imitations aren’t meant to make other animals giggle and laugh as our April Fool’s Day pranks often do, these tactics allow these reptiles and animals to live another day, evade unwanted attention, or snag a tasty meal. But, at the end of the day, it really does beg the question… who is the bigger fool – the fool or the fool that falls for it?

Stevie Kennedy-Gold is the collection manager for the Section of Amphibians and Reptiles at Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Museum employees are encouraged to blog about their unique experiences and knowledge gained from working at the museum.

[sweetcatmintea]

Figgy Pudding

Hello hello! I’m back ;3 Here’s a totally unedited attempt at @alexprompts 1st advent calendar prompt! I hope you enjoy spending the holidays with Xave and his family ^u^ Feedback is appreciated!

Prompt: This Picture Words: 1545 Characters: Xavier, Mary, Mama, Mumsie, and Will 

-----

Once a year, when the days grow short, the nights long, and the world finishes its orbit, there is a wonderful celebration. Some places launch into joyous festival, some choose to sit quietly, reflecting on the year past. This Turn of Frost, like each before it, Xavier drank in the tradition with unmatched enthusiasm. He raced down the stairs to where Mama was shoulders deep in the bottom cupboard of the kitchen. Hopping from paw to paw, he couldn’t stop wiggling.

“Mama, Mama, is it time yet? Can we start? I wanna do the mixing! Can I be the mixing boss Mama?”

“You won’t be doing anything if you don’t put those hamsters back.” She didn’t even look up. How did she know?

“Aw! But Captain and Louie want to help too!” He held his cupped hands closer appeasingly. The fuzzy pair peered over his clawed fingers, as hamsters are wont to do. It wouldn’t be right to leave them out of the celebrations! They’re family too.

Mama sighed, pulling herself and the desired pot out of the cupboard, wiping her halo of tight black curls off her face. It was massive, shoved all the way in the back under the more frequently used utensils.

“That may be the case, but it’s too dangerous for them in the kitchen. Put them back in their tank please, if you want to help.”

Xavier had half a mind to argue, his hamsters were very smart after all, obviously they wouldn’t have accidents like normal hamsters, but Mumsie’s Look as she entered the kitchen kept his mouth shut. He really wanted to help. Louie and Captain wouldn’t mind too much would they? Okay! It was decided. He’ll just tell them about it afterwards. Dashing back to his room, he called over his shoulder, “Don’t start without me! I’m the mixing boss!”

“Please.”

“Please!”

It took less than a moment before he was in the kitchen once more. The Most Important step, as good mixing boss will tell you, is to wash your hands before you start. The secret Most Important step is that you must make sure you don’t touch anything that is not food while you’re cooking or you have to wash your hands again. Although Mary could reach the sink easily, Xavier wasn’t quite (at all) tall enough yet, hopping onto his little wooden step beside her. She paid special attention to her long claws. Xavier wondered if his little nails would get that long one day. Somehow, he doubted they would. He was a fox after all, not a bear.

Bells twinkled along with the radio’s merry hum, filling the house with festive music as the four family members worked together in the cosy kitchen finding and arranging the ingredients prescribed by the generations old cookbook. It was warm, not the room, exactly, but in Xavier’s chest. They sang along with the songs they knew, made up lyrics for the ones they didn’t. He loved when his mums sang together. Mary was very skilled, it was true, but his parents always looked so happy in harmony.

Almost immediately, Xavier spilled a cup of flour all over himself. He sneezed so many times he was certain he must have broken a record. Mary got to work carefully chopping the dates and figs while Mumsie measured the sugar and jam. It was the same jam they’d made when their plum tree had fruited, so Xavier knew it was going to be good. Mama prepared a soaked cheese cloth on the scrap of yet unoccupied bench, then warmed the milk. As requested, he was the mixing boss. When the mixture got too tough too stir, it would have to be mixed by hand and oh how ready he was. But! In the meantime, he’d pay attention to stir it very properly, like a good mixing boss.

“Can I eat some?” Warm spices made his mouth water. It smelled so good. Surely a little bite wouldn’t hurt.

Evidently Mama thought otherwise. “Not yet.” She laughed. “It’s just flour at the moment. It’ll taste pretty bad.”

“No way! It won’t!!” That wasn’t possible.

“You don’t believe your own Mama?” She held a hand over her heart, feigning hurt (so that’s where Will learned it!).

Xavier’s tail thrashed. That wasn’t true! He trusted Mama. “No! I believe you! But, um, I think that maybe you’re not telling the truth ‘cause you just don’t want me to eat it all yet…”

“That just means you don’t believe her!” Mary cut in.

“No!! That’s not true!” He hopped up and down. Not believing and thinking that someone might be fibbing are definitely Not the same! How was he supposed to explain though?

Mumsie took it upon herself to settle it. A fresh teaspoon in hand, she offered a taste to Xavier. “You’re not going to like it but you can try it.”

He was going to prove them wrong! No time for hesitation, he shoved the spoon in his mouth. The culmination of his life’s decisions was supposed to be sweeter than this. Immediate regret.

“Pleh! It’s bad! Why’s -pleh- it so -pleh- spicy bad??” Most ended up on the floor. The stubborn remnants gargled down the sink.  No fair! His family laughed as he scrambled around. It’s not that funny!

Taking pity on her foolish brother, Mary held out a date. “Here, this’ll help.”

“Thanks Mary.” He chomped it down, no questions asked. At least he learned quickly. She was right, it really did take the edge off the flour.

The milk reached the boil and the ingredients were married together in the large mixing bowl. A knock cut through the music, interrupting Xavier’s stirring concentration. His parents shared a knowing look. Why do Adults have secret brain talks anyway? Xavier was pretty sure that was rude.

“Let Mama take over for a second Xave, someone’s at the door.”

“Okay, but don’t forget I’m the mixing boss, okay! Mama can be the mixing first mate. Come on Mary!” He grabbed her hand before she could agree, dragging his sister with him. The knock sounded again.

Adult? Check!

Day time? Check! (Mostly, it wasn’t quite evening.)

Chain on to see who is at the door first? Check!

Xavier cracked the door open, taking a responsible peak at the identity of the newcomer.

“Will!!” He squealed with delight.

Will stood, one hand on his backpack strap, the other hanging casually to his side. Did he have presents in there? “Are you going to let me in or should I go back to my place?”

Mary answered first, “No sales people thanks, we’re good.” Pretending to shut the door.

“No!! Mary, it’s Will, he’s not a sales person!” Xavier wailed. “Let him in!!”

“I dunno, he looks shady to me. I think we should lock him out.”

“Nooooo! Maarryy please!!” All but hanging off her arm, Xavier gave his best puppy dog eyes, quivering his lower lip and drooping his ears low.

Mary sighed dramatically. “Fiiine, I guess we can let him in this one time.” She unlatched the chain, opening it wide for their brother. “Come on in.”

“Thanks Mary, that’s so kind of you.” Will rolled his eyes, poking his tongue at her. She returned the favour. “I was held up at work, did I miss anything?”

“No,” she smiled, “You’re right on time.”

“Come onnnn! Come on come on come on! Mama is going to do all the mixing while you’re talking and she can’t do that because she’s not the mixing boss!” Bouncing from paw to paw again, Xavier tried to pull his siblings into anything faster than a leisurely stroll.

Hugs and kisses exchanged, they crowded around the bowl.

“Time to make a wish! Give the pudding a stir and wish away.” Mama said, mixing her wish in as she spoke. She passed the spoon on.

Mumsie gave a stir, kissing Mama gently on her cheek, her whispered wish in the same breath. Gross! Plus, didn’t she know you’re not supposed to say your wishes or they don’t come true? Mama kissed back, holding Mumsie close to her side.

Will took the spoon next, stirring slowly, dramatically. “Hmm, my wish is that Xave will grow tall.”

“You’re not supposed to say it! Now it won’t come true!!”

“I know.” Mischief twinkled in his brown eyes. “Now you’re gonna be short forever.”

“Hey!! You can’t do that!! I don’t wanna be short, I mean, I’m not short now!” Xavier bounced in his tiny outrage. “Mama, Mumsie, make him undo that! Tell him he can’t make me short forever!”

Mary took the spoon. “I’ll unwish it. I wish that Xavier will Not grow tall. There, now you’ll grow just right, okay?”

Xavier hugged her leg. “Thanks Mary.”

“Besides,” Will pinched Xavier’s ear teasingly, “wishes don’t come true all by themselves. You’ve got to help them and work for it. I’m not going to put any effort into keeping you short so don’t worry so much.”

Sounds fake but okay. Xavier took the spoon, the last to stir. Careful to use his whisper voice, even in his brain, he made his wish. ‘I wish we can be happy together for ever.’ ‘p.s. a bike would also be good.’ ‘p.p.s. thank you wish pudding.’

-----

Tag list

@snobbysnekboi, @inkovert, @kainablue, @i-rove-rock-n-roll, and @goblin-writer

[paulsletters]

Dear Fred 4th letter

Yes you are so very right Fred. Most people couldn’t care 2 figs what their inner core motivations are. And hey that’s perfectly understandable. This is just the way it’s meant to be for most people. I get that. But I’m not one of them. Actually Fred as far as I’m concerned I’m all for philosophy and philosophical ideas. But there wouldn’t be one philosopher on the face of the earth who is worth their salt who would exclude from the conversation the foundational topics such as the origin of life, which you aren’t the slightest bit interested in. What does that tell us about you Fred. It tells a story Fred. It’s a story alright. You can have the title of philosopher if you teach yourself but you don’t want to do that. But if you were a survivor, and maybe you aren’t, but if you were one, you would ask yourself some basic questions such as what is your purpose? Why were you born? What are you doing here? Could God exist? Could Jesus Christ be the real deal? Could the deal of everlasting life be real or is it just another fairy story. God doesn’t find you. You find Him. But Fred you haven’t looked and you have no intention of looking. You want to be happy. I get that. That’s good. I want you be happy. But at the end of time, if you’re wrong and I’m right, you’re going to be one very unhappy chappy. You know me and you know I’m not a liar although I have told a few fibs in my life. But my testimony isn’t a lie. My advice to you is buy the insurance policy by making all enquires. But you don’t want to know. That’s you Fred. You could check out the videos of Jews for Jesus who aren’t idiots but you won’t even look. Hey Fred it’s your life but quite frankly I wouldn’t like to be in your shoes although you are as confident as blue blazers. My job isn’t to change people’s minds. Only they can do that. But I do warn them and I believe I’ve effectively done that to you, although I realise it hasn’t made a dent. Ok I’ve done my thing. On a lighter note it’s 7:35pm and the weather has improved. Mild and nice. My golf isn’t good. But maybe it’s fixable. Instead of going from tee to green I seem to going from tree to tree. They are calling me zigzag. I need help. Miracles would be quite handy.

[merlinsbbeard]

Chapter IV: Lip-Gloss

James, who Lily was dismayed to find looked wondrously tanned in comparison to her pink patina, seemed to find himself, guarding his expression with a cheery grin. ‘Morning,’ he chirped back. ‘You look nice.’

Lily was exceedingly aware of the bedhead she was sporting. She half-expected to peer into a mirror and find three baby birds nesting deep within the titian tresses, heads bobbing and mouths gawping open in search of some succulent regurge.

Read more on AO3!

[merlinsbbeard]

Chapter III: Summer Summer

James took the bottle from her grasp and swept her hair over her shoulder, cool fingertips skittering across the soft-skinned nape of her neck, to gain access to her back. Slowly, his strong fingers massaged the lotion into her shoulders and back, occasionally dipping ever so slightly beneath the hem of her red, low-backed bathing suit.

‘I wonder…what would Lily’s boyfriend do right now?’ he whispered against her ear.

Lily froze as his lips brushed the side of her neck, so lightly that she couldn’t be certain it wasn’t his breath.

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[merlinsbbeard]

Of Figs and Fib Trees

Summer, 1977.

Lily’s parents are out of town, Petunia lives to flaunt her newly acquired relationship with Vernon Dursley, and Lily wants nothing more than to give her a taste of her own medicine. Thanks to some cruel trick from the universe, or perhaps fate, the perfect opportunity to do so arrives on her doorstep in the body of one James Potter.

Check out Chapter I: James on AO3!

[merlinsbbeard]

Chapter V: Liar Liar

With this in mind, Lily and Petunia spent their formative years embedding their small bodies into the strong branches of the mulberry tree and pretending to be forest fairies while their parents sat below, searching themselves for amusing anecdotes derived from their work week. And when the sisters finally came scuttling down the trunk of the tree, feet dotted with flecks of bark and hands stained with the juice of mulberries, the ménage would feast on warm scones with strawberry jam and some sliced oranges to cleanse away the aftertaste of bicarbonate.

This particular mid-morning smelt, too, of oranges. That tangy citrus oil was spraying liberally into the air as James’s strong fingers tore the pigmented rind from the fruit. They were sitting at the little, Victorian cast-iron table and chairs that had been painted white and stained with the splats of fallen berries.

Read on AO3!

[merlinsbbeard]

Of Figs and Fib Trees, Chapter III Snippet

The very next morning—as the plants stretched wide their twigs to welcome the just-waking sunlight, and as the gravel of the drives along All Saints Street turned themselves over, cool, hard bellies drinking in greedily the first whispers of warmth—Lily and James sat side-by-side at the kitchen table, each nursing a hot teacup and a pen as they dissected the Herald Weekly’s cryptic crossword. They had chosen to sit this way because that was how Petunia and Vernon sat—how real couples sat—side-by-side with the corners of their knees bumping occasionally, or their feet brushing accidentally, when one adjusted themselves or their chair.

When Petunia came downstairs, with her dressing gown and her scuffs, she would see Lily and James sitting how real couples did, and her face would pinch in an ugly sort of way. And when James put his arm around Lily’s shoulders—as they agreed that he would—with their guts full of sloppy porridge and saccharine honey, she would know that they were a real couple without them actually saying it. It was all very well thought out.

[merlinsbbeard]

Chapter I: James

There upon the darkened doorstep—framed by sweet-smelling bushes—in all his glory, was James Potter.

‘Ello, Evans.’ His smirk spread crookedly, and he held up the take-out bag with a little shake. ‘Hungry?’

‘Potter!’ Lily sputtered.

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