#but i'm going to pretend that doesn't happen because i love sirius

[poppletonink]

Wolfstar: A Playlist

Shameless by Camila Cabello

Chasing Pavements by Adele

Wish You Were Sober by Conan Gray

The Prettiest Star by David Bowie

Crush Culture by Conan Gray

Sweater Weather by The Neighbourhood

Cigarette Daydreams by Cage The Elephant

Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls

Hey Remus by The Whomping Willows

All The Young Dudes by Mott The Hoople

My Oh My by Camila Cabello

Lady Stardust by David Bowie

Wolfstar by The Whomping Willows

Fix You by Coldplay

I Was Made For Lovin' You by KISS

Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy by Queen

505 by Arctic Monkeys

The Great War by Taylor Swift

The Way I Loved You (Taylor's Version) by Taylor Swift

Destiny by Chloe Ament

Love Of My Life by Queen

cardigan by Taylor Swift

I Love You So by The Walters

[engie-ivy]

1055 words

Gilderoy is convinced grocery store guy was flirting with him, but the truth is, the guy didn't even really notice him. His date on the other hand...

What Bad Dates Can Be Good For

“This is so embarrassing,” Gilderoy smiles, more smug than embarrassed, as he brushes back one of his blond curls. “I'm so sorry. I wish I could say it's an incident, but the truth is, this happens to me all the time. Even while I'm on a date with someone, guys just come up to me and start flirting with me. It's so awkward, but the story of my life, I'm afraid.”

Sirius frowns. “I don't think he was flirting with you.”

Gilderoy smirks. “There's no need to feel threatened, Siri. So far, my attention is still on you.”

Sirius cringes at the nickname. “I'm honestly not threatened,” he assures Gilderoy, and it's true. Their date isn't even halfway yet, but Sirius is already quite certain Gilderoy doesn't do it for him, and if his attention were to be on anyone else, Sirius couldn't care less.

It had started already while planning their date, and Gilderoy had insisted they could go to one of the fanciest restaurants in town without making a reservation, because ‘they know who I am’, of course leading to them not being able to get a table at that restaurant, or any other restaurant anymore on a busy Friday night. Gilderoy had pretended he preferred cooking himself anyways, but of course he didn't have anything edible in his kitchen, so they had to go to the grocery store first. Gilderoy then proceeded to fill their basket with unnecessary and expensive products like pistachio milk, gluten-free protein powder, hand-roasted kale chips and whatnot, probably trying to seem interesting, but only annoying Sirius, and letting him pay for everything on top of that.

Now, having just stepped out of the grocery store, Gilderoy is convinced the employee there had been flirting with him.

“I just truly don't think he was flirting with you,” Sirius says.

Gilderoy rolls his eyes. “Then why did he come up to talk to me?”

“He wanted to restock the shelves, and you were in the way,” Sirius replies matter of factly.

Gilderoy lets out a deep sigh, like he can't believe how dumb Sirius is being. “He was clearly only using that as an excuse to talk to me.” He then smiles at Sirius in a way that feels belittling. “You don't have to be so jealous, you know.”

Sirius doesn't know how to make it any more clear. “Not threatened, not jealous, just disagreeing, Gilderoy.”

“Let's ask him then.”

Sirius blinks. “What?”

“Grocery store guy. Let's go back and ask him, so he can confirm that he was in fact flirting with me.” Gilderoy turns around and starts walking back towards the store.

“Oh, for the love of-” Sirius walks after him. “Gilderoy, let him be! I believe you, okay? He was totally flirting with you! Just leave the poor guy alone!”

“Oh, hello.” Grocery store guy is now standing behind the counter and smiles at Sirius as they enter the store, and Sirius can't help but notice the sight of the soft smile in combination with his freckles. Oh, he thinks as realization dawns. He's cute.

“Hi,” Gilderoy says, before Sirius can say anything. “Would you mind clearing something up for us, and tell my date you were just flirting with me?”

Sirius cringes, torn between trying to look as apologetic as possible and attempting to be as invisible as possible.

“I…” The guy blinks at Gilderoy. “Am sorry?”

Gilderoy lets out a laugh. “No need to be embarrassed. You're not the first and you won't be the last.”

The guy frowns as he stares at Gilderoy. “Am I supposed to know you?”

Gilderoy’s arrogant persona falters for a moment as he looks taken aback. “Well, not know me, but you've seen me.”

The guy shakes his head. “I really don't recall having ever seen you before.”

“You… What… How…” Gilderoy sputters, as Sirius has to bite the inside of his cheek not to laugh.

“Sorry, mate.” The guy shrugs.

"Bollocks!" Gilderoy bristles, his face turning red. “You're trying to mess with me!”

The guy tilts his head, calmly studying Gilderoy. “There's just a lot of people coming in and out of the store all day. Hard to remember who I've seen.”

“I am not hard to remember!” Gilderoy bites at him.

The guy holds up his hands, but his expression betrays his amusement with Gilderoy’s reaction, whose face is now bright red. “No offense.”

“Whatever,” Gilderoy snaps. “Keep telling that to yourself.” He turns on his heels and stalks out of the store.

“I am so sorry about him,” Sirius says, feeling like he has to say something.

“I'm sorry for you,” the guy replies. “You're the one who's dating him.” He almost shudders at the thought.

“It's a first date,” Sirius quickly replies. “I've literally only met him two hours ago.” He doesn't know why he feels the need to clear that up (okay, maybe he does know, and it has something to do with big, amber eyes staring up at him).

“Is that so?” The guy says, leaning forward over the counter. “And what are his chances of getting a second date?”

Sirius huffs. “Let me say it like this, if he were the last single gay guy in town, I would start dating women, and I'm actually very, very gay.”

The guy chuckles. “Well, not to worry. I happen to know for a fact that he's not the last single gay guy in town,” he says, looking up at Sirius through his lashes.

“That's…” Sirius scrapes his throat. “That's good to know.” Then he can't help but ask. “Did you really not remember him? Or were you just messing with his too-big-head?”

“I honestly did not,” The guy says, and then he gives Sirius a meaningful smile. “After all, how could I've noticed anyone else when you were right there?”

Sirius can feel himself blush, but before he can scramble his brain together enough to come up with an of course very smooth and witty reply, Gilderoy appears in the door.

“Are you done here? I'm hungry.”

“Thank you very much, sir,” the guy says, in a suddenly professional voice. “Here's your receipt.”

Sirius takes the receipt, and since he did not buy anything, he's not entirely surprised, yet entirely pleased, to see a phone number scribbled down on the piece of paper.

[remuslupinslittleslut]

Hey,🪄

Can I request a poly marauders fluff one shot where the reader feels insecure about whether they still love her? The reader is jealous of the relationship between Lily and the boys and thinks that they want to date Lily instead of them; especially because the whole school keeps saying how good they would be together.

Thanks if you'll do☘️

Here you go luvvie, hope you like it!

This is Part One, Part Two Here! CW: lil angsty but happy ending :)

Sitting at your house table, you look over to your boys, normally, this would bring comfort to you but not today. Today, they're sitting in a group of four, with Lily Evans. You liked Lily, she was sweet, kind and smart, but knowing that James used to have a huge crush on her makes you feel a bit funny about their seating arrangement. He's sitting next to her, leaning closer to tell her little jokes, while Sirius and Remus sit across from them, joined in the conversation.

It would feel better if your relationship was made official to the rest of the school, but you had all agreed that you'd keep it private for a bit, keep it for yourselves.

"Aren't they just so cute", your friend says from next to you, "do you think they all have the hots for her?"

Your heart drops, they do look cute. But they look cuter with you. Sighing, you decide you're done with dinner, and excuse yourself to the library, for some late studying.

•

It doesn't get better the next day. You decided to sit with your roommate for history of magic, making Remus the odd one out, as James and Sirius sit together. Of course, Remus ends up sitting with Lily, and everytime you hear Remus' low chuckle from something she said, the clump in your throat grows bigger. Your friend makes another rude comment about Remus and Lily, making you speed out of the classroom as soon as the bell rings.

•

That same night you're sitting in the Gryffindor common room with Remus, as the other two boys have practice. Feeling that green monster everytime that full head of red hair comes around, you decide to sit closer to Remus, show everyone that he's yours, putting your legs across his knees.

"Are you okay, princess?" He mumbles, kissing your head.

"Yeah, fine", you say, not looking up from your book. He humms, not fully believing you, but deciding not to press the matter.

When the clock hits 8 pm, you know it's not long before James and Sirius come back up to the tower, and when they come back, the four of you will retreat to their dorm, and everything will be good again.

That doesn't happen, however, not really. They come back, with Marlene and the rest of their team, and they give the entire common a very intense retelling of practice. It feels good, your legs still over Remus' and James sitting on the armrest next to you, Sirius walking around the room, dramatically showing his great save, pretending to be holding his beater's bat.

It all comes to an end, when Lily tells him to shut his mouth and he quips back a "make me, Evans". Now, even Sirius is flirting with her, while you're sitting right there. Your eyes roll back far enough to see your own brain, so sick of them all liking Lily Evans more than you.

Your eyeroll, however, doesn't go unnoticed. "Guys, time to shower, come on", Remus says, tapping your thighs, showing you that you should follow.

"Baby, what's wrong? Are you upset over something?" He asks as the four of you enter their dorm. You sigh, looking down. It feels silly, they shouldn't have to take care of your feelings, if they'd all rather be with Lily.

"I'm fine", you say, quietly. They share a look, before sitting you down on one of their beds, standing above you. "You're not fine, you've been avoidant with us for days, what's wrong?" "Yeah, you've gotta talk to us, we can't make it better if we don't know what we did wrong."

You sigh, again, knowing that they're right, but not really looking forward to the conversation that is to come, "do I have to be worried about Lily Evans taking my place in this relationship?" You decide to go the straightforward way, wanting to ask before they tell you, letting them know that you know that they like her.

They share another look, and then Sirius is laughing, "oh, baby, is that what's up?" You look up at him, "oh darling no, no one's ever gonna take your spot here, we love you so much-" James is interrupting him, "yeah, we don't like her, not like that, it's just nice being friends with her now that I have a girlfriend, she doesn't have to worry about me hitting on her" "Did you really think we'd like anyone but our little princess? You're our good girl, and we love you so much. And Lily knows about us, so she doesn't think anything else is going on", Remus fills in.

Oh. Oh... Lily... knows? About your relationship with the boys... Well that changes a lot of things, but you still feel the doubt in the pit of your tummy, "It just seemed like maybe you wanted to try to see someone else..."

Coming down next to you, a post-practice-sweaty James pulls you into his lap, "but baby, you're the only one we want, I'm so sorry if we haven't shown you that enough", he starts kissing all over your face making you giggle.

"Yeah, babes, you're never getting rid of us" "maybe you could let us show you how much we love you?"

They all envelope you, holding onto you, gripping you and holding you close, leaving soft kisses and whispering sweet words. You know that tomorrow you'll have to apologize to Lily for assuming the worst, but right now, you're perfectly happy just laying with your boys.

The next day, the whole castle knew about the four of you. <3

Part two here.

[kaaaaaaarf]

Hey you, I'm here for Wolfstar raising harry recommendations 🤗

Hello!! I'm also going to tag @imsiriuslyreading because I know Lana was also looking for some recs!

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but these are some of my very favs:

Wolfstar Raising Harry

Ten Reasons (To Go To Michigan) by @greyeyedmonster-18 (I also love these two unrelated wolfstar raising harry microfics by the same author) — This is a Sirius raising Harry and meeting recently divorced Remus (who happens to be a writer) on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. A must read! that's the art of getting by by sarewolf — Remus becomes Harry's guardian and they move to a muggle village in the middle of nowhere. Eventually, Sirius is freed and comes to stay with them, but can they get back what they once had? Honestly, majorly obsessed with this one, but watch out for the angst! Stealing Harry by copperbadge — In an alternate universe where Sirius Black never went to Azkaban, Harry divides his life between the Dursleys' house and Mr. Black's bookshop -- until Sirius realises what the Dursleys are doing to him, and takes him away from their care. This series is fucking amazing and actually spans several of the books!! Mr Mouse by TracingPatterns (which continues in their wolfstar raising harry series) — A lovely little piece in which a young Harry learns about grief.

Like Real People Do by third_crow (part of the coffee shop au series) — Sirius raising Harry, when he starts falling for local barista Remus Lupin. This is also a beautiful story about what it's like to live with epilepsy and I am extremely obsessed with this series. The Things I Did by Lolo_row — canon compliant, Remus gets custody of Harry and works to get Sirius out of Azkaban. A bit of angst, but tasty! the dogfather au by hollimichele — Harry was raised by his adoptive muggle family, when one day a big black dog shows up. His parents just thinks he's a stray, and Padfoot becomes the family pet (to keep an eye on Harry, and protect him from Voldemort). Eventually this morphs into Remus also coming into the picture.

Wolfstar Raising Teddy

the mayors of simpleton by @fruityindividual — Divorced wolfstar are co-parenting a very mischievious Teddy who is not about to let his dads stay divorced!! Honestly this fic is so funny, so heartfelt, so fucking lovely. It also features the most beautiful portrayal of a blind character that I ever seen. A must read! Of Memories and Milk Thievery by @mayescapade — Divorced wolfstar raising Teddy again! Wolfstar have been co-parents for years and they wont stop terrorizing/pranking one another. An Infinte Ocean by orphan_account — Single dad Remus. Remus Lupin knows two things--working and caring for his son, Teddy. When his babysitter sets up crowdfunding so Teddy can go swim with the sea turtles at the local animal rescue, Remus doesn't realise how completely their life is going to change. Especially when he meets Sirius Black, the weekend merman in the aquatic show, and someone who might convince him of love at first sight. Honestly a lovely piece, and it also features the Potter clan.

Other (raising both teddy and harry, wolfstar girldads)

Let's Play Pretend by MsAlexWP — My current obsession!! I can't tell you how many times I've read this. Single parent Remus and single parent Sirius meet at a play date and end up pretend dating so that the old women in Sirius' building (who basically stalk him) will stop trying to set him up. Neither of them can date at the moment, so what could possibly go wrong?? Ultimate comfort fic. Of Quiet Hearts And Thundering Dreams by TracingPatterns — This is single parent Sirius and single parent Remus, both having moved to a small village and meeting at Harry & Teddy's school. A Cup of Sugar by MsAlexWP — Again, they are both single parents. Harry Potter is recovering from surgery and facing the worst summer ever until a guy with the same crutches as Harry moves in across the street with his son. So lovely!! Hide-and-Seek by onehundredflamingos — Wolfstar girldads raising their adoptive daughter Cassie, who is also a werewolf. This is the story of her first transformation. It's soooo sweet! @industrations has done a bunch of wolfstar and Cassie art, which you should absolutely go and cry over!

For supplementary material, feel free to check out my Wolfstar Raising Harry, Wolfstar Raising Teddy and Wolfstar Girldads tags!

[whysosiriushuh]

Rr'ing crimson rivers. Everyone talks about the great big tragedy the fic is so I'm making a post appreciating zar's comedic genius

Warning: Its hella long

******************

 "You heard me. Come off it, lover boy. Don't pretend you can't climb; I've seen James, he's taller, and you're not going to tell me you're not climbing him, are you?" 

Regulus takes it all back. He rues the day he ever showed an interest in being possible allies with Evan Rosier. Regulus scowls at him, but that only makes him smirk. 

"First of all, climbing a person is entirely different from climbing a fucking tree—" 

"How so?"

"Trees won't keep me from falling. James has arms." 

"Ah, so you have climbed—" 

"Rosier, if you want to keep your tongue, you might want to shut up." 

******************

"It is. You just don't know it yet. You'll see." James winks at him, but his smile is soft. "Go on, go get your spine realigned."

Sirius' hand flies to his throat instinctively, like a woman clutching at her pearls, staring at James, utterly aghast as he wheezes, "Get my fucking what?" 

"Or, you know, realign his spine," James muses, thoughtful, his eyes gleaming with laughter. "Whatever suits your fancy, and his, I suppose." 

"You're filthy," Sirius hisses as James laughs again, covering his mouth with his hand. "You're a dirty, dirty man, Potter, and I—I do not want you anywhere near my baby brother." 

"Oh, the first chance I get, I'm going to let him snap my spine directly in half," James declares, lifting both hands and tipping his fists apart while making an obscene crunching noise in the back of his throat. The look of pure horror on Sirius' face makes James bust out laughing all over again.

******************

"Well, you just seemed…quite upset," Lyall says awkwardly. 

"Not because of the murder thing," Sirius mutters, waving his hand carelessly. He pauses. "That makes me sound rather mental, doesn't it? I just mean, I know that whatever it is, however it happened, it wasn't something inexcusable. No, I was just surprised, honestly, and I do feel like maybe he should have mentioned it. Not that I'm entitled to any information he isn't comfortable sharing, but I do think it's something you tell someone before you have sex with them, at the very least." 

It takes a second for the words to catch up with Sirius, and then his eyes bulge as heat creeps up into his face. Lyall's eyebrows are raised very, very high. 

"Oh, fuck—I mean, shit—wait, sorry, excuse my language, sir," Sirius chokes out, his voice going high from his rising panic as his heart takes off sprinting in his chest. "I wasn't—I shouldn't have said that. I don't know why I said that. Please don't think I took advantage of Remus. I swear I didn't. It was very mutual, and actually I was super nervous and not really sure about the whole thing—er, sex, I mean, because I'd never even done it, but I trusted Remus, and he was just so lovely—"

"Sirius—"

"I—I didn't force him, I would never, and he had full freedom to do whatever he liked, or didn't. He could have just—beat me up, if necessary. I'm pretty sure I told him that once, actually, and hey, now I know he could have just fucking killed me, so there's that. Shit, sorry, the cursing again. I'm just—I don't mean to be disrespectful in your home, sir, I swear. I'm just panicking a bit, currently, and—and trying to explain that I didn't, in any way, coerce your son into having sex with—" 

"Sirius," Lyall interrupts yet again, louder this time. 

******************

"Aren't you afraid of heights?" Emmeline muses as he approaches the tree very cautiously. 

"No," Regulus snaps defensively, then pauses and kicks lightly at the base of the tree. In a mumble, he confesses, "Yes." 

Emmeline coughs. "You'll be able to get back down, right? Without falling, I mean. Because I don't fancy Sirius having a go at me for letting his baby brother climb a tree and get stuck, or worse, fall and break his neck." 

"Thank you, Emmeline, for making me feel better about this decision," Regulus says flatly. 

"I try," Emmeline replies, amused. "No, but genuinely, should I go get a ladder, or something?" 

"That feels like cheating." 

"Well, who's going to know?"

Evan is going to give me so much shit for this the next time I see him in my dreams, Regulus thinks precisely five seconds before he looks over at Emmeline and mumbles, "A ladder, you said?" 

******************

"James is jealous," Regulus informs him. 

"Jealous?" Sirius arches an eyebrow. "Someone sniffing around you, Reggie?" 

Regulus breaks out into a grin again, one so rare that Sirius feels his heart clench just looking at it. "Not jealous because of me, you idiot. He's jealous of Frank, because of you." 

"What?" Sirius blurts out, bewildered. "But Frank is—I mean, we're just friends." He pauses, then frowns. "Wait, James wouldn't care if Frank was more than a friend anyway." 

"Sirius," Regulus says, struggling not to laugh, "he's jealous because you and Frank are friends. James is your best friend, remember? He feels threatened." 

Sirius opens his mouth, closes it, then shakes his head in disbelief. "Does he really?" 

"Yes. I'm having a great time," Regulus says with a happy sigh, genuinely looking pleased. "It sort of feels like karma, you know? He's also being terribly adorable about the whole thing, but don't tell him I said that." 

******************

"How's my sister?" Narcissa asks softly, and for the first time, Sirius wonders if this is why she's truly here. 

Sirius purses his lips. "Being a raging bitch in the other room. Why do you ask?" 

******************

"A niece," Narcissa whispers, her breath hitching so quietly that he almost misses it. "Do I? What's her name?" 

"Nymphadora," Sirius mumbles. 

"Now why would she do that to that poor child?" Narcissa asks, shaking her head as she inhales again. 

******************

"Hem-hem," Mayor Delores says, clearing her throat over and over until everyone looks at her. She gives Bellatrix a simpering smile. "Feet don't go on the table, dear." 

"Forks usually don't go into eyeballs either, but I can make that happen, too," Bellatrix tells her, lifting one foot and dropping it back down to send a fork sailing up from the table through the air, which she snaps her hand out to grab.

******************

"Betrayal is betrayal is betrayal!" Regulus shouts, and he leans back into Sirius harshly as he kicks out with his leg. Sirius can hear Camilla's gasp as the kick lands.

"Betrayal?! You fucking dramatic little—" 

"Me?! I'm dramatic?! You're dr—" 

"Oh, for fuck's sake!" Sirius bursts out, officially done with this shit, reaching the end of his rope. 

******************

"Reggie, you never crack jokes or laugh at things." 

"I—yes, I do. I…do. I have before." 

"Name one time," Sirius says, lips twitching. 

Regulus opens his mouth, then closes it, then frowns. He sits on that for a second, then says, "James thinks I'm funny." 

"James is blinded by love, is what he is," Sirius tells him, clearly exasperated. "He is not an unbiased opinion." 

"Before you volunteered," Regulus states finally, and Sirius blinks at him. "The first time, I mean. I know you don't really remember a lot of things from back then, but I—I would occasionally make jokes, and I did laugh a lot more." 

Sirius clicks his tongue. "Well, that's tragic." 

"Isn't it just?" Regulus agrees dryly. 

"I bet you were shit at it even then." 

"I wasn't. James laughed, and he didn't even like me before my fifteenth birthday." 

******************

"First of all, I would be old and beautiful," Sirius states firmly, holding up a finger. "I am going to be sexy until the day I die, even if I could live until a hundred. Second of all, I will be at the wedding. In spirit. Have it at night under my star. Or just—I don't know, slap a picture of me on a chair and—" 

"You're so stupid," Regulus interrupts, then swivels on the spot and stomps off, scowling as he goes. 

"James, how do you put up with him?" Sirius groans from behind him. "The chair idea is a good idea, isn't it? You get it. See, now you have to. It's funny! It would be—" 

"Stop talking to my fiancé!" Regulus snaps as he continues on, and Sirius doesn't, but he does lower his voice as he follows along, which will just have to do.

******************

"Well," Sirius wheezes, "I definitely won." 

"What? No you didn't. You can't prove it," Regulus sputters instantly, which tells Sirius he did, in fact, win. 

"Don't be a sore loser," Sirius teases, wrinkling his nose as he inspects his spear. It's covered in gunk. The creatures didn't seem to bleed, but they were very…goopy. 

"What are you doing?" Regulus asks. 

Sirius continues to pull off his bag, reaching inside to find the cloth he needs. "Cleaning my spear. It's disgusting." 

"You have a bit of…" Regulus coughs and gestures to his own hair, then Sirius'. 

"What?!" Sirius chokes out, instantly dropping his spear and cloth, hands flying up to his hair in horror. 

******************

"Lily?" Dorcas asks tentatively, cringing at the background sound of something clattering, like metal on metal. 

"Hi, Dorcas, a little busy here," Lily pants out. "We're, um." 

"Problem?" 

"What? No. Everything's f—hey! No, step away from the gatling gun! Barty, don't make me leave this cockpit!" 

James straightens up. "Barty? Did—sorry, did she just say Barty? Is Barty there? He's alive?" 

"Lily?" Dorcas tries again. 

"We have this under control," Lily replies, and then there's a choked sob and the distant shout of we're all gonna die! 

******************

Sirius hates it. He also chooses to ignore it, much like he's doing with the idea that James is captured here, too. "You're lying. How stupid do you think I am?" 

"I need not lie, Sirius." 

"Yeah, that's what liars say." 

Riddle looks unimpressed with him all over again. 

******************

Say the word and I'll run away with you," Sirius murmurs. "We'll abduct everyone we love and take to the seas. Throw them under the deck until we're too far away for them to swim back." 

"We wouldn't have to do that to Regulus. He can't even swim." 

******************

"Look me in the eye, then," Remus says. "Look at me when you break up with me." 

Sirius peeks at him, then quickly looks away. He's chewing on his lip. "What does eye-contact have to do with a breakup? Is that, like, required? I've never dumped anyone before." 

"Yes, I can tell," Remus replies dryly. "You're rather shit at it." 

******************

"War doesn't, though," Marlene comments. "So, you know, time to fight and whatnot. Do you think we'll get matching outfits? We should color-coordinate." 

Sirius snorts. "Now there's a thought. Could you imagine?" 

"I'm thinking…" Marlene purses her lips. "Hm, yellow?" 

"Ooh, I like yellow," Pandora says. "We'd smash it in yellow."

"No, it shows blood too well," Remus counters. "You definitely want to go with darker colors." 

"Or red, to blend," Lily suggests, coughing around a laugh, doing her absolute best not to look at Remus with their shared sense of humor. She fails, and Remus grins at her. 

"Black is a good war color," Sybill muses. "Like, matte black. Not glossy. Something hardy, kind of rough." 

"Hear me out," Mary says, holding up her hands and spreading them like presenting a banner. "Orange." 

"Or we could just all go in different colors and come at them like a rainbow," Dorcas says, lips curling up. 

"Naked," Sirius declares. "We should go into war completely fucking nude. They wouldn't know what to do." 

******************

"Bit far-fetched, that," Marlene muses. "I mean, we'll get old. Old people don't fuck." 

Dorcas lifts her head, eyebrows raised. "Yes, they do." 

"Nah," Marlene protests, waving a hand. 

"Marlene, they absolutely do," Dorcas says through laughter, watching Marlene purse her lips. "People don't stop being people when they get older, you know. They continue living and such, and if they like sex, they have it." 

"You mean to tell me that old people fuck?" Marlene asks, looking like this is the worst news she's heard all week. She looks horrified. "So, like, Dumbledore—" 

"Gah!" Dorcas bursts out, flinching instinctively. "No! Why would you put that in my brain?!" 

Marlene grimaces. "Sorry, but he's the oldest person I can think of. Alright, Minerva and Poppy, then?" 

"Marlene!" Dorcas protests in horror. 

"What?!" 

"They're like—my adopted parents!" 

******************

"I'm warning you, Tim," Regulus snaps, "if you touch me, you're going to die." 

Tim doesn't listen to him, and five minutes later, Regulus is breaking Tim's hand and kicking not-Tim into a signpost before launching another not-Tim into the side of a car so hard that the window crunches and dents in with splintered glass from the impact of their body. Tim yells from his knees, fingers going in all the wrong directions, and Regulus is just about to snap his neck when a new not-Tim comes flying out of nowhere to tackle Regulus to the ground. 

There's a scuffle. Regulus may or may not nearly rip someone's ear off. Either way, by the end, Regulus stands up to find many bodies of not-Tims littered all around him, while Tim himself is dead at Narcissa's feet. Look who finally showed back up. 

Well, Regulus told Tim he'd die. No one ever listens to him. Maybe they should; he's starting to think he's some sort of prophet or something. 

******************

"Baby? What baby? Who's baby?" Alecto asks as she dumps herself down at the table with a weary sigh, looking very, very tired. Burgundy and Belfast are fighting over Dora the second they arrive. "Gun, Bel, no hitting!" 

"But Auntie! He's being stupid!" Burgundy shrieks.

"Dora likes me the most! Tell her, Auntie!" Belfast yells. 

"Does not!" 

"Does too!" 

"Does not!" 

"Does too!" 

"Does—" 

"Enough!" Alecto bursts out, slamming her hand down to the table and making Burgundy and Belfast shut up very quickly. Nymphadora looks like she's having the time of her life, but Alecto? Not so much. She breathes very, very carefully. "I know the concept is hard to grasp in your puny, developing brains, but you two can share Dora's company, and be her friend at the same time. Now, the next time one of you hits each other, I'm going to break your fingers. Got it?" 

"Got it," Burgundy and Belfast mumble, hanging their heads, and five minutes later they're peacefully sharing Dora. 

Alecto cradles her head between both hands, eyes sinking shut as she mutters, "I fucking hate kids." 

.

.

"No!" Alecto blurts out. "No, don't do this to me. Please, for the sake of my sanity, don't have a baby." 

"What does this have anything to do with you?" Narcissa asks. 

Alecto groans and drops her head to the table, so Sirius helpfully answers, "Cissa, come on, she's obviously in love with you." 

"That," Alecto mutters, pointing weakly at Sirius. 

"And she hates kids," Sirius adds. 

"Also that," Alecto agrees. 

Narcissa considers her for a long moment, then says, "Well, you're very dear to me, you know this, but I want to be a mother, so either move on or settle in." 

"Can I just spoil it with gifts and you handle the rest?" 

"Well, I was planning to handle it all anyway, so sure." 

.

.

Sirius snorts. "Yeah, okay, fair enough. I don't want anything that cunt owned anyway." 

"Sirius!" 

"What, Reggie? I'm just saying!" 

"Well, maybe don't just say!" 

"I can say what I like!" 

"You shouldn't." 

"But I can." 

"But you shouldn't." 

"But I can." 

"But you shouldn't." 

"But I—" 

"Oh, for fuck's sake," Alecto bursts out, slamming her way to her feet, making her chair and the table clatter

******************

"Well, don't stand around, Remus. Let him in," Lyall says, clicking his tongue. "Been worried about him." 

Me? Sirius mouths, looking mildly alarmed, and Remus chuckles as he reaches out to grab Sirius' arm and tug him inside. Sirius smiles at Lyall. "Hello, Mr—um. Sorry, Lyall." 

"Nice to see you again, Sirius," Lyall greets, amused. "You seem well, all things considered. Are you well?" 

"Well enough," Sirius says, "all things considered." 

Lyall's lips twitch. "That's fair." 

"You look well, too, sir," Sirius adds. "I'm glad you're not dead." Remus snorts the moment Sirius looks horrified by the words that just tumbled out of his mouth. "Sh—oot, sorry. I mean, it's true, but that's—there wasn't very much tact in how I said it, was there? Just—I'm glad you're okay. That's what—" 

"Remus," Lyall cuts in, "are you sure you found him in the Hallow? Absolutely sure?" 

"Actually," Remus corrects fondly, "he found me." 

"Respectfully," Sirius says. "In a very respectful manner. I treat Remus with the utmost respect." 

"This isn't true," Remus lies, and Sirius chokes, his head whipping towards him in disbelief. "Dad, he uses me for sexual favors and tells me he owns me." 

"I do not!" Sirius bursts out, eyes bulging. "I have never—" 

"He makes me do his laundry—" 

"Remus!" 

"I even cook for him—" 

"You're literally a cook here! You cook for everyone." 

Remus keeps his face perfectly neutral when he adds, "And he won't let me break up with him either."

"That was you!" Sirius yelps, his head swiveling to look at Lyall, whose shoulders are shaking. "Sir, he's—oh. You're laughing. You're—" He stops, then flicks his gaze between Remus and Lyall, and Remus finally breaks out into a grin. Sirius huffs. "Oh, for f—ah, that wasn't funny!" 

******************

"What?" Regulus mutters, scowling. "Look, I know that seems extreme, but it's important, alright? I'm always going to have it on me as a reminder, and because—honestly, as strange as it may be, that's a comfort to me." He pauses. "Well, not in bed, obviously. You don't have to worry about that." 

James coughs. "Oh. Right. That's…great." 

"Were you worried?" Regulus asks, frowning now, admittedly stung by the thought. "James, I'd never hurt you, especially not with a damn dagger." 

"Never?" James asks weakly. 

Regulus cards his fingers through his hair, trying to get his gaze to fall away from the dagger. "Never. I promise." 

James bites his lip. "Not even if—" 

"Never," Regulus cuts in, grabbing his jaw and forcing him to look at him, wanting to reassure him. "Never, James, not for any reason." 

"Oh," James mumbles, wilting a little bit with what Regulus imagines is relief. "Um, yay for me, I…guess." 

******************

Sirius hums. "Yeah, exactly. We're okay. We will be. Come here, can we kiss and make up now?" 

"Regulus and Remus are peering through the drapes, being nosy," James muses. "Mum, too." 

"Ah, in that case," Sirius teases lightly, then makes a big show of throwing his arms around James very dramatically while pressing an over-the-top, smacking kiss to each of James' cheeks, winking at him as he pulls away. "There, now they'll know we're alright. Nothing to worry about." 

James frowns. "Did they all know before me?" 

Sirius freezes like a spooked horse, then coughs and tosses his arm over James' shoulders. "Say, let's head in, yeah? Come on, if we turn around really fast, we can make the others scramble all over themselves to get away from the window." 

When he and Sirius swivel around in perfect sync, Regulus and Remus do, in fact, hastily jerk back from the window. Effie doesn't. She looks out at them, and she smiles.

******************

"Sirius Black," Sirius greets, reaching out to shake Ken's hand, leaning in to wink and whisper, "but you knew that." 

"I—yeah, hey, hi," Ken replies, stumbling over his words, so visibly flustered that Remus almost pities him. Almost. 

"I'm sure you have a very good reason for being here, Low Bar, but—" 

"Barlowe, actually, um—" 

"Very low bar. I could trip over you," Sirius says, then laughs like that's not even the least bit insulting, and his laugh is so lovely and charming that Ken—poor Ken—laughs with him, as if the insult hasn't even registered to him. "Anyway, this can continue in just a moment, whatever reason you have to be here. Remus has to turn his attention to something more important, which is me." 

Then, with that, Sirius twirls around and plucks the mug out of Remus' hands before smiling at him, warm and sweet, and reaching up to cradle his face tenderly, intimately, then kisses him

.

.

"A miracle. He called you a miracle, right in front of me! I'm standing right here! Hello? Can you see me? Am I invisible?" Sirius sputters, looking absolutely appalled. 

Lyall immediately dissolves into laughter. 

"I have killed people!" Sirius yelps. "I've killed so many people that I don't even know how many it's been, and he just—oh, I could have killed him so easily, what the fuck?!" 

Lyall is wheezing. 

"He's gifting you puppies and calling you a miracle—am I fucking joke to him?" Sirius demands. "Does he not know I can and will rip his tongue out of his head? I can do it! I—" 

Lyall bangs his hand down on the table, gasping for air, laughing so hard he's in tears. 

"Sirius," Remus says, biting down on the inside of cheek. 

Nostrils flaring, Sirius fixes his gaze on Remus, lips pursing like he's tasting something sour. "He's trying to win you over. He comes with compliments and puppies—" 

"It's not a competition—" 

"He comes here and tries to act chummy with your dad—" 

"I think he was just being polite—" 

"Barlowe? Barlowe? What a pathetic name. Fucking low bar of a name and a low bar of a human being—" 

"Well, that's not very polite—" 

"Offering you puppies—" 

"Sirius—" 

"Calling you a miracle—" 

"Sirius—" 

"Addressing you by that stupid fucking nickname—" 

Lyall is going to keel over here in a second, just from laughing so hard, and Remus is almost genuinely concerned for his health. He's an older man, quite out of breath, getting a bit red in the face. Huffing in fond exasperation, Remus reaches out to catch Sirius' arm and drag him out of the room. 

.

.

"How dare he? Puppies?" Sirius hisses as Remus shuts the door behind them. "Remus, he brought puppies!" 

"He did, yes," Remus agrees. Sirius looks absolutely enraged by this, which shouldn't be as hilarious as it is. "Obviously since he brought puppies, I now have to run off with him, as he is the superior gift-giver and has won my affections once more. That is all it takes for me. Puppies." 

******************

"What about us?" 

"You know, what are we doing?" 

"Perusing district six's market," Remus says lightly. 

Sirius stops holding his hand, like a punishment. He crosses his arms. "You know that's not what I meant. Kids, Remus. We've never talked about it." 

"We haven't talked about a lot of things," Remus replies. 

"Other things aren't as…serious as this." 

"Marriage isn't?" 

"I don't think so," Sirius says slowly. "We'll get married, obviously." 

Remus' eyebrows fly up. "Oh, will we?" 

"Won't we?" Sirius asks, eyebrows furrowed. Remus stares at him, keeps staring at him, and Sirius thinks about it, thinks about it, thinks about— "Oh! Oh, I just—I went about that the wrong way, didn't I? Wait, scratch that. Pretend I never said it. I didn't say that. Who, me? No, never. Um." 

"Sirius," Remus says, watching him look around with visible amusement, gaze soft. 

Sirius snatches up a half-bent spoon for sale off the table, old and chipped, though the handle is intricately carved. He holds it up and says, "Okay, will you marry me?" 

"What?" Remus wheezes, cracking up laughing immediately. 

"It's—it's the first thing I grabbed—" 

"You can't propose to me with a spoon—" 

"Watch me," Sirius argues stubbornly, then goes to one knee, which makes Remus' eyes bulge, his laughter cutting out all at once. "Remus Lupin—" 

"Sirius!" Remus hisses, hands darting out frantically to tug at his elbows, looking around furtively as people stare at them in blatant curiosity, his cheeks stained red. "You lunatic, you can't just—fuck's sake, are you mad?" 

.

.

"I can't believe you're proposing to me with a spoon," Remus whispers. 

"I, um, also can't believe I'm proposing to you with a spoon," Sirius admits sheepishly. "I may have—gotten ahead of myself. Sorry. You deserve way better, but like, I'm in this now. Sort of have to see it through, at this point." 

Remus laughs, one of his hands lifting toward his mouth, fingers gently pressing against his own smile, like he wants to feel it. "You're a mess, you know that?" 

.

.

When they break apart, Remus is grinning again, and Sirius leans in and bumps their noses together. He has never felt better than he does at this moment. 

"Excuse me. Hey, excuse me," says the person working the stall they're next to. "You still have to pay for the spoon." 

Sirius' expression falls flat, and Remus immediately erupts into laughter that he has to bury in Sirius' shoulder. Sirius cups the back of his head and turns a slow, deadly glare on the person daring to interrupt their moment. One look is all it takes. That look is all it takes. 

They get the spoon for free. 

.

.

"With a spoon?" Lily asks. 

Remus huffs a laugh and nods. "With a damn spoon." 

"Was it at least a nice spoon?" 

"Worst spoon I've ever seen." 

Lily purses her lips, then says, "I'll kill him." 

"It was the most romantic thing that anyone's ever done for me," Remus tells her. 

"Okay, resurrecting him," Lily amends

[wisedelusionalmarshmallow]

Moonwater won the poll but I can't find the microfic account so I'm just going to leave this here :) CW: MCD

Just thinking about canon-compliant moonwater. Remus and Regulus being so deep in love but having to keep it a secret from everyone.

Late-night study sessions where glamour charms quickly become the first thing they actually study. Letters written and sent entirely in code, with false initials. Using the medical wing's one visitor policy to its full advantage during full moons.

Their love is silent, but Remus is okay with that if it means he's with Regulus.

They do a great job of hiding it. No one ever figures it out.

But then Remus feels Regulus drifting away. Their last few study sessions are filled with actual studying, which makes sense because it's close to exams. But Regulus' letters start to get shorter, more blunt, less soft. And Sirius ends up filling the spot in the medical wing more often.

When the next school year comes around, it's Remus' last, but he doesn't enjoy it as much as he thought he would. He can't seem to contact Regulus in any way. And he couldn't just go ask about him because Sirius is still bitter about leaving him behind, and all the Slytherins hate Remus for all the marauder's pranks.

So he's forced to continue without closure. Only reprieve is being able to stare at the boy in hallways or across the great hall. Knowing that he's still there, even if he doesn't want to talk.

The truth comes out one night though, one where he and Sirius were sharing a pack of cigarettes on their balcony.

"I couldn't save him in time, Remus," Sirius had said before exhaling more smoke into the night sky.

It was such a simple phrase, but Remus knew what it had meant. He knew what the Blacks expected of their children. But now it's real. It's happened. And Remus is in love with a deatheater.

It all starts to make sense to Remus—how detached Regulus had seemed last year, the month he had turned 16. He was trying to keep Remus safe and spare him from what Regulus' new duties now entailed.

Somehow knowing that made it harder for Remus.

Remus is left to mourn in private. Besides, there's no one to talk to. No one can know about them, and he doesn't want Regulus' secret getting further than it already is.

But he's still there, on the other end of the hall. Passing by to go to classes. And Remus can deal with it as long as he's safe. He doesn't have to talk to Remus; he just has to be there.

That is until Regulus stops showing up. He doesn't sit in the hall anymore, and Remus doesn't almost cross paths with him in the school hallways. It's worrying. And Remus can't find out what's happening because no one knows to tell him. No one knows that they have to.

Until Sirius delivers the worst news of Remus' life.

Regulus was dead.

Gone without saying goodbye.

This wasn't the closure Remus was expecting. Regulus pulling away from him didn't help in the way he was expecting. No. It just made it hurt more. Regulus could have spent his last months with Remus, being happy and in love. But no, he chose to spend it alone. And to die doing what? Was he killed? Was it an accident?

At least he can grieve with Sirius. Even if Sirius looks at him oddly, wondering why all of a sudden he's so 'empathetic'. Not knowing that this is the accumulation of the year of heartache he's endured.

Oh, Sirius. He's always been there for Remus. Always. And with sharp cheek bones and grey eyes that stare right into Remus' soul. And maybe if Remus squints, Sirius' hair gets shorter, and when Sirius whispers, he can pretend that the smooth, low baritone is Regulus'.

In the aftermath, Sirius needs someone for comfort, someone who can understand the complicated relationship with his brother, and Remus needs a lookalike. He does end up properly falling for Sirius, but he can't shake the guilt that it was all built on a lie.

At least this time Remus can love loudly.

[iamnmbr3]

harry potter #15 :] very interested in hearing your thoughts on this

15. Worst thing they’ve ever done

Excellent question. I'm going to give two answers - because one is a scene I hate and usually ignore. If we go strictly by canon, then in my opinion hands down for me Harry's darkest moment is the bit in book 7 when he uses the Cruciatus Curse on Amycus Carrow to great effect and without any remorse. I actually loathe this scene and find it to be very poorly written resulting in it feeling jarring and ooc to the point that I usually pretend it didn't happen (though I think it had potential if it had been handled better).

Let me explain. A really notable moment in the series comes in book 5 when Harry is unable to effectively use the Cruciatus Curse on Bellatrix even though he's just seen her murder Sirius because even though he's angry, he isn't able to truly enjoy seeing another human being suffer and thus struggles with the spell. And if ever there was a moment when even a very kind and compassionate person might be tempted to enjoy seeing someone else suffer, you'd think facing someone like Bellatrix, who has committed innumerable heinous crimes, right after watching her murder a loved one might push them over the edge. But even such extreme circumstances don't do it for Harry. And then in book 7 it all changes because he witnesses Amycus Carrow...being rude...to Professor McGonagall. Listen. I love Minerva McGonagall. But if Bellatrix murdering Sirius in cold blood wasn't enough to enrage Harry then having THIS be the thing that sets him off feels like too much of a stretch.

The thing that really kills the scene for me though is everyone's reactions...or rather, non-reactions. Remember that this spell is absolutely agonizing when done correctly - equivalent to the agonies produced by the worst and most painful conventional Muggle torture. It's so bad even using it once carries a life sentence in Azkaban. It's so bad repeatedly using it on someone is enough to drive them insane. And Harry knows just how awful a spell it is since he himself has been a victim of it.

And when he uses this horrible, heinous cruel spell on another human being what's the reaction? Nothing. He doesn't feel guilt. He doesn't question himself at all. He doesn't think about it. Well ok. This could be an interesting, dark moment for his character. It could be a chance to explore how the war has changed him or how angry and frustrated he's feeling in that moment or to suggest that perhaps the Horcrux fragment is corrupting him and lots could be done with the fallout as he deals with what he's done and as other characters react to it.

But no. Because no other characters react as though he's done anything wrong either. McGonagall isn't disturbed or horrified or concerned. She actually compliments him and says it was "gallant" of him to defend her honor in that way. Uh. What?! No it wasn't. He could've just used a Stunner to defend her. Instead he did something that no one should do to anyone - something that is considered deeply taboo and awful even in the rather dystopian wizarding world. And no one cares. The narrative doesn't even remark on it. We're just supposed to all go "yayyy hero!" and move on. So at that point, why even include it? If he'd stunned or disarmed Amycus it would have had the same narrative impact. I know why the scene is really there. It's to try to tease the possibility that he will use the Killing Curse since he's used the other 2 Unforgivables by that point. But that's cheap and stupid.

The moment is dumb and ooc and none of the potential that could make it work and be actually in-character is explored. Consequently it feels like a very badly written ooc plot hole. So normally I just ignore it. Book 7 has a lot of lazy writing and while I can fix some of it, this moment and the retcon where suddenly people can be their own Secret Keepers are two moments that are just too bad for me to even bother with so I straight up ignore them.

But if we consider this part canon then it's definitely Harry's darkest and worst action, even if it's not given the narrative weight that it should be.

If we ignore that scene then his worst act is forcing Lockhart to go first into the Chamber of Secrets, knowingly putting him at risk of being killed and eaten.

In my opinion not putting more effort into working towards freeing Kreacher is also horrible but that's more of a bigger issue with the narrative where JKR retcons Harry's original horror at discovering Dobby's predicament and tries to convince the readers that most house elves are happy and benefited by being enslaved (no; they are not. Slavery is disgusting and inherently violent and harmful). Presumably Harry does free Kreacher after the war. But yeah. I find the whole way the story handles house elves to be quite repellent. And I hate that Harry originally had the right attitude and then JKR retconned it.

Send me a character and a number.

[iwriteasfotini]

This is probably a VERY unpopular opinion, but I just saw a post about Jily becoming a secondary ship, I'm assuming to Jegulus? Ok, I'm not a ship purist, but I ship Jegulus over Jily (I can enjoy Jily fics though). My problem with Jily stems from canon Severus. I'm sorry, but you don't obsess about someone for like +20 years who doesn't love you back (and you don't get to be one of the most memorable characters of a seven book series if that is all you have going for you). I think there is bit more going on with Sev and Lily than we see in canon, namely because Harry is a horribly biased narrator where Slytherins are concerned, and Lily is long dead. And Sev doesn't want Harry to know anything about his past. We can be dogmatic and say it's because he regrets passing along the prophecy information which ended up getting Lily killed. Or we can be creative and think about other reasons why Severus wouldn't want Harry to know about his past. Maybe because it would be weird to tell your student (who looks EXACTLY like your arch nemesis from your school years, whose mother is your soul mate, and whose godfather is another one of your arch nemesis) "yeah, so your mom and I were destined for each other but couldn't be together because we ran in conflicting social circles in dangerous times, and your dad was in love with my other best friend (sorta stole him right out from under me to be honest), who was a dude by the way, and yet somehow you were conceived. But I promise they all loved you Harry."

Also, I've decided Lily was a badass (this is definitely hinted at in canon but not capitalized on at all). Badass Lily Evans and loving, doting, supportive James Potter doesn't work for me. I also think Regulus was a badass (also could be seen as hinted at in canon baring Sirius' annoying comments to Harry about Regulus which I may just end up pretending didn't happen; sometimes adult Sirius is more of a teenager than actual teenage Harry) and for some reason badass Regulus with loving, doting, supportive James Potter works much better. Sorry James, your badassery is limited to the Quidditch Pitch, your Transfiguration spell work, and how much you adore/support your badass boyfriend. But you're still an awesome guy.

Now I just have to figure out exactly what went down when Harry was conceived... and my head canon will be complete.

BTW my HC Lily is bi. And does NOT let Sev and all his annoying character complications hold her back. But yeah, Lily and Sev are "Always."

And I realize I actually aired two unpopular opinions Snily and Sev and Regulus being friends. I guess it depends on what other fanfics you have read which have stuck with you, because I haven't read any which have Sev and Reg as friends (although I can't remember what their dynamic was in Choices), but for some reason I've always assumed they would have been (they are only a year apart in age, both Slytherins, and both a bit moody, IDK?). Characterization of Sev is important here though, because I don't portray him as a dick. And the adult he turns into (bit more of a dick than he is as a teen, which I have some straight up issues with in canon) is born from immense suffering and trauma. Story of the Marauders if we are being honest.

[tracingpatternswrites]

Fic rec time!

In honour of @heartofspells' birthday, and because my gift is late, I'm going to do a little fic rec list with my favourite fics of hers in the past year.

Please go read and drop her a comment because she deserves the world. Harry thinks his dad is lonely and decides to find Sirius a boyfriend.

Wolfstar

Multiplying Parents - T - 23k

This fic is SO CUTE, entirely told from nearly 8 year old Harry's POV. Harry thinks that his dad seems lonely, and he decides to find him a boyfriend.

"This isn't a date," he bites out, mostly due to confusion without any true ire. He turns to Remus, his face set into deep lines. "I don't have dinner." Remus takes a step backwards, and Sirius only then seems to realize the tone of his voice. "Shit. Sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean – " "No, I'm sorry," breaks in Remus, shaking his head, taking another step back, moving away from the door. "I should have known. Harry said – " "Harry," groans Sirius, his head tipping backwards over his shoulders, eyes rolling to the ceiling. Andromeda turns, hiding a snicker. She catches sight of Harry peeking through the door and passes him a delightful grin.

Don't say sheep - T - 4k

Holli wrote this for my birthday and it's an entirely ridiculous little thing but it's so cute and so funny. Sirius and Remus are sheep farmers and Harry loves the sheep.

In hindsight, they probably should have thrown out the sheep costume.

Devil in the kitchen - T - 5k

I LOVE THIS. It's inspired by Rob Pattinson insane GQ interview during the pandemic and it's just so fucking funny.

Lily thinks James can't do anything without magic. She's right, of course, but it's not Sirius' place to agree with her, and at least he's entertained.

This Way We Fall - E - 81k

Holli's wonderful Big Bang fic from last year. It's so, so, so good and it deserves so much more. It's angsty and sad but has so much hope and Harry in this is just a fucking delight. Sirius' and Remus' relationship is so hard but also beautiful. This fic deserves so much more attention, please go read it and send it some love!

All he'd wanted was some time. Just a bit of time to get his head back on straight. But time had turned into two dead friends, twelve months spent in Azkaban that had felt like years, and a head more damaged than when he'd started. Blinded by distrust and grief, Sirius had turned his back on Remus, thinking it would cost him nothing while it had cost him everything. Now, five years later, drowning in his own fog of terrible days and worse actions, Sirius stands a small chance of gaining back some of what he's lost in the form of his godson once thought gone. The only thing that stands in his way is the man currently raising Harry; the man Sirius cast out of his life like broken shards of glass. Remus doesn't trust Sirius, but Sirius is determined to claw his way back and mend what once was broken by his own foolish hands.

Prongsfoot

CRuSH - E - 130k

This is a deliciously angsty Prongsfoot. The boy are such a mess and James is very different, but it works so perfectly. And everything just beautifully written.

After travelling around the world as a Healer for four years, Sirius thinks it should be simple to return home to aid his best friend through his divorce. James needs him, and Sirius misses his family. With their history locked away inside dorm room beds and dark corners of a castle once called home, Sirius is determined to move forward, convinced James barely remembers it at all. Attempting to reestablish the friendship they'd always had, Sirius is set on pretending it never happened, at least until he realizes the years away haven't changed the weight of the powerful spell James holds over him.

Anyway, that was it. Go, read, leave a comment or a kudo.

Happy Birthday, Holli!

[futurewriter2000]

Nothing but stares and glances - pt. 1

A/N: So I had this in my drafts for a while and to be honest, I wanted to get it over with but I felt like it was better for me to do another part but from Fred's perspective. I think it's a good way to finish it.

REQUEST: Hello. I had a story idea and would love to have it written by you (with Fred Weasley or Sirius Black). The reader is a quiet, shy Ravenclaw who always laughs at his jokes (she's just his classmate). She doesn't understand why he flirts with all the girls and pays attention to everyone except her. What she doesn't know is that he does it because she's the only one he really likes and the prettiest of them all.

xx

Something about Hogwarts always felt so peaceful- whether you came from a loud city, small town or a lovely village, Hogwarts always felt like home. When you were somewhere alone; in your room, by the lake, sitting by the stairs or the library- it felt peaaceful.

Though there were some people that brought terror to some of the First Years or any student any age, there were also the ones that brought enormous amount of fun and life. And one specifically made your lips go from ear to ear almost every day.

"Shall I walk you to your dorm later on Miss Johnson?" he said to the girl who walked by his side as they both entered the classroom.

Your eyes immediately met his, only for a moment and that moment felt like eternity until interrupted by a large amount of brown hair.

"I think I can walk by myself to my dorm, Mr. Weasley and you know what happens if a boy steps a foot to our dormitory." she gave him a cheeky smile and sat down.

"Fun happens." he grinned widely, his eyes not looking once at yours, only hers. "And more fun if you'd let me walk you to your dorm." he winked at her before making his way to his seat, which was a row to right behind you.

Eyes meet, smiles appear but only before he disappears behind you.

"You're really red, you know?" your friend leaned to whisper in your ear.

"Well, it is a bit too warm here and these uniforms are really tight." you replied with a smile but she only giggled.

"Mhm, mrs. Weasley." she said very quietly but you only bumped her with your elbow as you both laughed afterwards.

And there was not one class that didn't go by without one of the Weasleys cracking a few jokes. No teacher liked to admit they found them quite amusing but you could always see a small smirk hiding behind those stern words they spat back at them.

Except Snape. He never found anything amusing.

"You know he keeps watching you?" your friend whispered to you.

"Mhm, sure." you replied quietly.

"I'm not kidding."

"He flirts literally with half of the school except me." you rolled your eyes to her, feeling something heavy in your stomach. "He must think I'm ugly or something."

"That's not true, (y/n)!" she spoke a bit too loudly to get an ugly glance from the teacher. "You're a natural beauty. Maybe you're the one he likes. Have you ever thought of that?"

"No." you smiled at her. "Because it's not true."

Your friend rolled her eyes and looked back at him. His eyes glanced at her but only for a few seconds before focusing on the teacher. He even grabbed a pen to pretend he's taking notes but as soon as his pen hit the paper, his eyes focused back on you.

But the way you looked at each other hasn't told you a single thing because they were just looks and glances, never words, never affections. He is chatty and flirt with most people, most girls but he has never, even once approached you in any of those manners.

You didn't feel special. Never really and sometimes you really wanted to feel special. What girl doesn't? But you crawled up to your books and your dorm- or any peaceful finding you happened to stumble upon and you stayed there.

It wasn't unusual to find you in a library. It was unusual to find him in the library. He never roams there but it was like a sixth sense by now that you could feel him coming before he even entered the room.

His walk was very attractive- lean and loose. His hips swayed and never had you seen him stiff in your entire years in Hogwarts. He walked by his twin, who you could distinctively tell apart by now. Knowing which one is which made you feel obsessed with him already. You knew it was unhealthy but you just couldn't help yourself looking at this beautiful man.

He sat down to the group of Gryffindors a few dozen seats away from you and looked at you.

Eyes met and smiles appeared.

It felt like a forever moment that the two of you were looking at each other but you shyed away first. You pretended to study further but your mind couldn't stop thinking about your side profile or if your hair is pinned up properly. Are your cheeks red? Merlin, you hope they're not red. It'd be so embarrassing.

"Forgot how to use a comb, Melanie?" you heard him say to the girl next to him, touching her tangled hair.

"I could ask you the same thing, Fred." she replied, smiling as she ran her fingers through his sticky hair- seeing black smoking powder come out of it. "Or a shower." she laughed.

"No. Can you show me?" he winked and Melanie only rolled her eyes.

You felt your stomach turn into knots. Here you won't get any studying done- with him being near you and flirting with other girls... or just him being near you since his presence is so intoxicating.

You grabbed your things and started to leave when one of the Gryffindors stopped you.

"Hey, (Y/n)?" you heard Angelina call.

"Yeah." you turned around, a bit surprised.

"Have you done homework for Arithmancy. I really haven't gotten to it and you always have it." she pleaded with her eyes.

"Sorry, Angie." you shrugged. "I always do Arithmancy last minute because it's the easiest."

"The easiest?" laughed one of the twins. George it was. "How is Arithmancy easy."

"Well, if you figure out the system of how it works... then it's easy." you smiled as George leaned back on his chair.

"Then do mine?" he grinned.

"Five Galleons." you smirked and he laughed.

"Five? Expensive are we?"

"I'd say economical."

"I'll risk the scolding from the professor."

"Or just do the homework." you smiled then looked at Angelina. "If I finish it early, I'll send it off to you." you winked at her and left.

---

It wasn't until the next morning when you got a note from Angelina if you had managed to finish your homework. You felt annoyed, if you were completely honest. You didn't mind lending your homework to people but there was a difference between lending people and being used. Angelina was always nice to you and you knew that she was always a sincere person but sometimes you got a feeling that she never tried to do anything because she relied on you. What if you needed homework- you did at times, and nobody had one to lend it to you. It felt suspicious.

*snap*

It was like a turn of a switch when your sweet tooth started to ache so badly. You wanted that sweet chocolate rolls from Hogsmeade but it's already closed and it's cold outside- plus you've been trying to save money.

You rolled back on the bed and looked up at the ceiling.

You could always eat an apple?

"No way that's happening." you answered the little voice in your head. "When I'm craving chocolate, I eat chocolate." you jumped on your feet and put your clothes on. You checked in the mirror, no makeup this time and you felt okay with that.

You put your sneakers on last and just left the room, down the hallway out-

"Hey! (y/n)!" you heard Angelina behind you and you cringed before turning around with a smile.

"Hey." you waved and saw her whole friend group sitting there and chatting.

"I don't want to be annoying but did you finish it already?" she smiled and you retracted your smile.

You did but you didn't want her to know that. "Nope. Not yet."

"Can you hurry up then." said Melanie with a roll of her eyes.

"No, I won't." you snarked back. "If you think I'll do my homework just for you mates, you are most definitely wrong. Do it yourself." you continued, crossing your arms and backing away.

You were never that rude, but sometimes, even you had your buttons. You continued to stomp out of the common room, steam coming out of your ears as you kept ranting to yourself: "Just because they think they're funny and almighty, sitting there and waiting for me to do their homework for them- are they really that incapable to do it themselves. Especially Fred and George. George was the smart one, he always got good marks on any exam he ever took, he just pretended to be stupid. I noticed that a long time ago, the only difference for why he's hanging out with them lot is because of Fred and even then I don't know why he's hanging out with them- probably because they're really pretty." you stopped yourself in the middle of the corridor and then smiled in disbelief. "Hah! I can't believe I was so stupid all this time. I'm crushing on someone who is hanging out with people just because of their looks and not because of their smarts?! Why would I EVER want to be with somebody like that- IN A RELATIONSHIP!" you huffed, then started walking again fast and steady.

You felt somebody grab your elbow and stop you. With a reflex from your own sibling, you quickly pulled out your wand and pointed directly at his nose.

"WOAH WOAH WOAH!" he backed away with his hands in the air. "Calm down there, Road Runner."

"Fred?!" you exclaimed in shock, because believe it or not, he was the last person you expected to see. He might as well confess his feelings to you and this might end up being a movie. Or, he is here to smooth talk you into giving him your homework and then to that Melanie arse.

Your wall went up immediately.

"I am not giving you my homework and for the record why is everybody making a big deal out of this homework."

"A) because it's for Snape and even on a good day, he doesn't pity us and B) I'm not here for the homework. I think I am much more interesting than that."

Point taken. Especially with his gorgeous brown eyes.

No, (y/n)! Focus. You are mad!

"I can't believe you hang out with those people." you blurted out accidentally than quickly covered your mouth with your hand. "I am so sorry, Fred. I didn't mean to say that out loud."

"So you were thinking it." he narrowed his eyes and smirked.

"Yes- NO! No..." you tried to correct yourself. At this point it's better to keep quiet because everything you say, comes out wrong. "I'm sorry." you appologised again.

"No need to apologise. Everybody has a right to their opinion." he smiled softly. "It was me who wanted to apologise for back there." he put his hand on the back of his neck and chuckled in embarrassment. "I know it seems like we use you for school but I couldn't care less about that. Really." he dropped his hand back against his body and smiled awkwardly.

Merlin, he was so adorable all you wanted to do was kiss him here in the middle of corridor but you had to keep reminding yourself that he doesn't have the same feelings for your as you do for him. At one point that painted disappointment on your face but you managed to hide it away.

"It's okay." you let your shoulders drop and your body loose. "I was just about to make pancakes anyway."

He furrowed his eyebrows. "Non-related but can I join?"

You shrugged. "Sure, why not."

[rollercoasterwords]

Hi rae!! The new chapter was like a punch in the gut and yes i say this after every chapter u can sue me

So yes. Sirius fades away every passing chapter i'm feeling so sad on his behalf my poor baby :(( him not accepting when remus offers to go to his place because he thinks he cannot bear that intimacy at the moment and also him not being able to feel a spark even when he was with his moony :((((

And remus not being able to bear the sight of s when he seemed hollow despite it was actually probably the highest point for s in a while... Like yes remus is the king of denial and he might pretend there's nothing substantial between them but he cares so much and it shows between his cracks and it's devastating

Like this part rly broke me a little, the way he turns to reg for support even though he doesn't like him, bc maybe he thinks reg is the only one who could understand and back him up? He risks the ultimate mission bc he saw sirius at his low™ and it only rly gets worse for sirius since they spend the night together. And he knows but he can't even do something about it. And to think that the sirius he's so worried about isn't even his sirius bc his sirius betrayed his trust when the trust in question took maybe years to build. His fight for his feelings, the contrast between his views and the things sirius has done, his final acceptance of sirius, his confession, all thrown away in a night. Also the irony that the betrayal of sirius came from a place of loyalty to the group and to the mission in a way, when the initial distrust of remus was bc he thought s was the opposite of these traits. In his eyes sirius finally changed, but also that change was the thing that split them apart <//3

And sirius accepted risking his life for the mission even though he can't really feel what he once felt for the group, he can't really understand (even if it makes sense to him that he would do the things he is shown doing) bc he has no recollection of actually living through the past years. And despite that he still risks his life because sacrificing himself for his brother and the people he might have loved seems alright to him? Even though he cannot remember loving those people? Even though he hasn't seen his assumed dead brother in years? It has always been loyalty for sirius and it's tearing me apart :((

So thank you for the new chapter it's great in an emotional torture-y kind of way so naturally i loved every second of reading it <33 hope life is being kind and delicate with you <3

hiiii love these little chats of ours xx

i love writing a character spiraling what can i say...especially love when it happens 2 s i want him dead inside etc...would apologize but i'm not very sorry am i xx

& literally was giggling & kicking my feet writing that scene w r lol i was like hehe s is gonna see a memory of him being devastated...they will never actually talk about it in person of course <3 perfect...

& yes u get it like. the irony of it all...s becoming a better person being both the thing that results in love & simultaneously erases it (literally!). i love when relationships r doomed sooo fun!! & yeah him accepting this mission now is like. partially that loyalty but at the same time coming from the fact that like. much of his past self-preservation has been eaten thru by his rapidly deteriorating emotional state...like before he was scared of dying but more scared of his loved ones dying. now he's still scared of his loved ones dying but is also like. well maybe it wouldn't even be so bad if i died...

anyway. u r welcome of course ty 4 the kind words etc <3 <3

[startledstoat]

Right Person Wrong Time

I definitely don't ship Sirius and Mary but I kinda like the idea of the two of them dating as teens and then having this mutual realization of like "omg I'm gay" "omg wait me too" "omg I'm in love with my best friend" "omfg dude. me too." and having an amusing amicable breakup and becoming each other's wingman/woman so here's this that I just wrote except its less amusing and more sad.

14-year-old Sirius black not knowing was being gay even was because merlin forbid such a topic was spoken about within the halls of the noble and most ancient house of black.

14-year-old Mary choosing random guys to pretend to have crushes on because she didn't know why she never had a real crush like all the other girls her age. She didn't have the knowledge she needed to recognize her feelings for her best friend yet.

15-year-old Sirius asking Mary out because she was a pretty girl and he thought he was supposed to date pretty girls.

15-year-old Mary saying yes because Sirius was a cute boy and she thought maybe if she dated him long enough, she would actually start to like him.

15-year-old Sirius not understanding why the room felt like it lit up whenever Remus walked in but that didn't happen with any of his other friends.

15-year-old Mary being afraid of why she got butterflies when Lily hugged her but not when Sirius kissed her.

16-year-old Sirius hating himself for hurting Remus and not being able to find the words for why his guilt was so immense and why it ached so bad that Remus would likely never speak to him again.

16-year-old Mary suddenly making sense of everything when Marlene came out to her and Lily. Realizing that she'd never grow to like Sirius romantically because she's only ever had eyes for the girl sitting next to her.

16-year-old Mary breaking up with Sirius and being honest with him about why. Not telling him about Marlene or even about Lily but telling him that she had feelings for a girl. Mary being relieved when Sirius took it well and wished her the best of luck with the girl.

16-year-old Sirius having an honest to god crisis when Mary came out to him, realizing that if girls could like girls, then boys could probably like boys too.

16-year-old Mary seeking Marlene out and asking anything and everything about how she knew and what it felt like to be gay. Marlene answering all of her questions and helping her become comfortable with her identity.

17-year-old Sirius keeping these feelings bottled up, even after Remus has forgiven him, because despite being wholly supportive of Mary, he just can't accept himself the same way. Not when his mother's voice is always at the back of his mind, telling him to be a good son, a respectable man, and pure heir. Not when Remus' words to him a year prior "Looks like you really do wear your last name well" rattle his bones every time he looks at the boy.

17-year-old Mary being crushed when Lily and James start dating. She admits her feelings to Marlene, who only gives her some sad words of comfort, unable to do anything else. Mary staying by Lily because she values their friendship above all else and if she can't have the girl she loves, she's at least going to make damn sure that that girl is happy.

18-year-old Sirius not going to James about this, because he needs someone to give him something other than blind faith and optimism. Sirius going to Peter, and for the first time admitting out loud ever, let alone to someone else, tells Peter that he's gay. That he's in love with Remus. And that he hates himself for fucking it up before he ever had a real chance. Peter telling Sirius that he knows. Because Sirius Black has never known subtlety. Peter telling Sirius that, while he has certainly made himself a considerable large obstacle to get around, he doesn't think that Sirius has completely fucked up his chances.

19-year-old Mary being Lily's maid of honor, heartbroken but somehow genuinely happy for her best friend. Mary admitting to Lily just after the wedding that she had feelings for her, not with the intention of ruining her marriage, just with the intention of finally getting the weight off her shoulders. Lily telling Mary that she loves James and wouldn't give him up for anything, but that she wishes Mary would have confessed years earlier. Because Lily had once loved her too. The two of them laughing at themselves and hugging and making a childish pinkie promise. Lily promises that Mary's feelings will never change how she acts around her. Mary silently promises to always have Lily's back and make sure she's happy.

19-year-old Sirius seeing his best friend get married and finally working up the courage to confess to Remus. He doesn't expect Remus to return his feelings, or even still be his friend afterwards. He doesn't expect Remus to cut him off mid-rant to kiss him full on the mouth. Except that's what Remus does. They're in the middle of a war, and they're young, and they're fucking terrified, but none of that seems to matter when now they're all of that together.

21-year-old Mary has failed. Her promise has been broken. The butterflies are gone, withered alongside the Lily that gave them life with each of her hugs.

21-year-old Sirius is so, so cold. There is no light in dark Azkaban cell, the one room Remus will never walk into. The war is over, and he will not be young forever, nor will they ever be together here. Sirius is left to be terrified alone.

[vole-mon-amour]

I usually headcanon Harry pining for Sirius and confessing first (not always meaning to—either he blurts it out without being able to stop himself or he's drunk and it just happens). I think that logical—we've seen Harry having a crush on Sirius in the books and how it all developed.

What if, while Sirius stays alive, he's the first one to confess? And not in a "he's fifteen and he's my godson and I can't stop thinking about it and how it reminds me of my youth and James" way (which is still valid if you're into that, just not the vibe I'm going for here). Harry is a grown adult, fully mentally developed, 20+, and Sirius decides to try his chances because he is getting way too old for this foolishness—being in love and not knowing whether he's wasting his time and it's not reciprocated or if there's an actual chance to start something real there.

What if it goes something like, "Forgive me, but I just have to know. Just say one word and I will never speak about that again and you can pretend like this never happened, but I've seen how you look at me and..."

It can go literally anywhere from there. Happily ever after. Harry thinks he doesn't want to complicate things, but the more he considers the possibility, the more he's into that. Friends with benefits with one sided pining. Angst because Sirius IS no more than a friend to Harry and be doesn't want to start anything there. Of course, Sirius' heart will get broken, and his feelings won't go away, but at least he'd know.

[cealesti]

"The Benko Gambit"?

That's a chess move, isn't it? I feel like this is either Tom centric, or Ron centric. I have my bias, obviously, because I did so enjoy how you portrayed Tom and his relationship to chess in "with eyes like these", but I would be curious anyhow cause I love chess in general.

As a gambit, it's rooted in the sacrifice of pawns, right?

Wonder what that might say about the focus character. If it's not Ron or Tom, I'm betting on Dumbledore.

oooh, what to say about "The Benko Gambit"?

edit: Right off the bat, this is a fic that's sort of a love letter to a bunch of fics I adore. The idea of Harry as Senior Undersecretary, for example, is straight out of "All For Show". The Snape & Hermione dynamic is something I only thought of after reading Hauntingly. You get it.

This is one of the WIPs I'm most excited about, definitely the one I've written more for, and probably my next big project after the "anybody else" series is eventually done with. This isn't really centered around a specific character, there's an ensemble cast to focus on, but Ron is a very important piece of the puzzle and yes, that's part of the reason I chose to go for a chess-themed title. The objective would be for every chapter to be named after chess manouvers; think "x opening, castling, y defense, check" so on and so forth.

The general strategy [of the Benko Gambit] is to sacrifice your Queen-side pawns in order to gain advantage (...) If the gambit is accepted, some of the lines that can develop are complicated and difficult to play.

This fic follows a back-and-forth structure; we go back between the trio's fifth year and the present moment of the fic, a good five years later. They're drastically different timelines: after all, in the present, Hermione, Snape, and Kinglsey are leading the Order of the Phoenix; Vee is playing at Government with Harry as his Senior Undersecretary and Ron and Draco as his Junior Undersecretaries. Susan Bones is an Auror, Luna is an Unspeakable, and this is very convenient, because Sirius Black has just popped out of the Veil, for reasons still unknown.

You may be asking: how on earth does any of that happen?

Here's a "for want of a nail" scenario: what if, in OotP, Ron doesn't throw Percy's letter away? What if - stick with me here - what if he answers it?

Wouldn't that be a hell of a gambit?

Snippet under the cut!

(September, 1995)

Tell me if you’ve heard this one before.

Three friends sit by a fireplace, late at night in their Common Room. The room is empty but for the three of them and a large ginger cat, who’s content to lay on his owner’s lap and purr up a storm. The rain pelts against the glass windows of the tower, wind whistling sharply, and though the room is warm and cozy and familiar, there’s a whisper of unease in the air.

Something that creeps under the skin, like disease. Like rot.

They’re living through a war, though many would not call it that. Many would rather call a fifteen-year-old orphan a liar, ridicule him in the papers, as quick to turn on him as they are to seek his favour, in a maddening media circus that speaks to the fickleness of public opinion.

You’re sixteen years old. You’re bright, and you’re driven, and you’re scared. You’re a target yourself, too muggleborn and too clever by half, but that’s not even the half of it, because one of your best friends has a target on his back as well, and the rest of the world is more than happy to pretend that it doesn’t exist.

Your other best friend has a letter clutched in his hand. His knuckles are white, ears red with fury and a little grief, for that letter was penned by a brother that he hasn’t seen in months. A brother who walked out on their family, blind to their reason in the face of his pride, and who now urges your friend to do the same.

Tell me if you’ve heard this one before.

The three friends ridicule the letter and the one who sent it. They sit in their fury against an establishment that was meant to protect them. They go through the school year and form a rebellion, a resistance, jump through hoops and outsmart older and more experienced wixen with little more than their guile and their will. At the end of the year, they fall headfirst into a trap. They lose the first of many friends.

This is not that story - though it might not be obvious at first.

In this story, they still fall headfirst into a trap after a misguided attempt at rescue. They still lose a friend. They still form a resistance, outsmart their watchers and all of those who would see them condemned for speaking the truth, and they do it with little more than their wits and their heart and their conviction.

But in this story - they don’t dismiss that letter.

In this story, your best friend, who is proud and brave and selfless, the epitome of what a fairytale hero should be -

In this story, he raises his head, green eyes flashing with something shrewd. Something new.

In this story, he pauses, and says:

“We can use this.”

[hchollym]

Is there any way Percy/Sirius could work?

Oh wow, interesting question!

Well first of all, all things are possible through fanfiction, so jot that down. 🤣 Seriously though, I personally love crack pairings, so if you want to write/read it, then go for it whether it works realistically or not! 😊

Now back to your question...

Could it work in canon? No. I can’t see a time/opportunity where it would make any sense for it to happen. 

Could it work in a canon divergence? It's possible. I do think both characters are bi/gay, so that’s not an issue. 

There are two main canon divergence scenarios that I could picture for these two to work out (not well, but we’ll get to that): 

Sirius doesn’t die (which would completely change the outcome of the books, but let's pretend it doesn't).

Percy sides with the Order and never disowns his family. 

I’m going to put the rest of the explanation under the cut, because this is your warning for sexual content.  

If everything stays the same in the books except that Sirius lives, then I can definitely picture Percy & Sirius finding comfort in each other after the war. 

They both lost a brother that they feel like they abandoned/failed (because Harry would have told Sirius about Regulus by that point); they both made mistakes and regret them; they both feel like they didn’t contribute enough to the war; and they are both highly traumatized and grieving. 

I don't think it would be a super healthy relationship; they would likely use each other to “cope” which would lead to some rough codependency issues mixed with excessive alcohol consumption (based on the fact that Sirius had taken to drinking in Book 5 & this post about Percy’s drinking), but that kind of stuff happens. 

But if they get together in an AU where Percy never leaves his family, then that’s going to be even more problematic.

I explained in this post that Percy & Sirius wouldn’t get along well platonically, so if they did get together romantically, then it would probably start as a one-night stand (fueled by alcohol and frustration). On the plus side, they would likely have an intense and passionate sex life. On the other hand, they would also argue all the time (it would almost become a type of foreplay) and drive each other mental. 

Their relationship would be rife with daddy issues (from Percy), incestuous undertones (Percy reminds Sirius of Regulus while Sirius probably reminds Percy of the twins/Bill in many ways), and jealousy (on Percy's part because Sirius fits in with the Order/Order members much easier than he does & on Sirius' part because Percy gets to live a relatively normal life and not be stuck inside the house all day).

It's also my headcanon that they are both in love with someone else (Percy with Oliver & Sirius with Remus), which could also be another factor that pushes them together (because they can’t have the person they really want), but it would definitely lead to more jealousy and mistrust, especially since they're both best friends with the other person they have feelings for. It would turn into one of those relationships where they’re constantly accusing each other of something and checking each other’s phones (figuratively speaking), and neither of them realize (or acknowledge) how hypocritical it is. 

It would be dysfunctional and toxic, and neither of them would be satisfied emotionally, but they’d probably be satisfied sexually, so that would be just enough for them to stay together longer than they should. 

To summarize, if they did get together in this AU, it would still be a dumpster fire (like their platonic dynamic), but they'd be having sex too, so yay? 🤷🤣

Like I said at the beginning though, fanfiction gives you the option to write whatever you want, and I'm sure there's a lot of very AU scenarios where they would work much better!

Thanks for the ask. 😊

[youngsadlesbian]

Hi I was wondering if you can make a Marlene fic where reader is like scared? To be a lesbian/like girls cuz her family and friends doesn’t approve of that kinda stuff so she does whatever to pretend she doesn’t like Marlene more then a friend like going on dates with boys etc?

This is kinda based off that song “Good luck, babe!” by Chappell Roan

Feel free to ignore this btw <3

EMBRACE — marlene mckinnon.

pairing: marlene mckinnon x reader

summary: you've been in love with marlene since your first year at hogwarts, but there are two problems: she doesn't know, and you're not very accepting of the idea of liking girls.

a/n: this is my first request and i'm so excited, yay!!! i think i managed to bring most of what you asked for. since there wasn't anything specific about a sad or happy ending, i decided to have marlene and reader end up together, because enough with sad gays in the world!!! hope you like it.

word count: 2,5k

warnings: internal homophobia, homophobic parents, angst with a happy ending, and supportive friends <3

Your biggest secret was also your greatest pain. You don't know exactly when you discovered you liked girls. Maybe when your kindergarten friends talked about marrying a handsome and wealthy man, and you couldn't picture yourself in that scenario. Or perhaps, when you paid more attention to older girls than to boys. Anyway, you just had the feeling it was something you always knew.

Just as you quickly discovered that this wouldn't be something your parents would tolerate.

During a trip to London, there was a couple of two young girls holding hands. It would have been ordinary if they hadn't kissed.

Your mother immediately scowled and made sure to change the path, but not before muttering a complaint.

"That's the greatest shame for a mother. Thank God my girls are being raised the right way."

Your father agreed, while you were sandwiched between your two older sisters, trying to process all the information.

Years passed, and before you turned eleven, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore knocked on your door, saying something very improbable: you were a witch and had a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Your parents didn't understand at first. You came from a very traditional Muggle family, and at first, they thought the old man was crazy. But with a few light demonstrations of his magic and a long conversation, it didn't take long for Dumbledore to convince your parents that attending Hogwarts was a great idea.

He sent a Hogwarts staff member to help them buy all your supplies in Diagon Alley. And then, on September 1st, you boarded the Hogwarts Express.

You shared a compartment with six children: Peter Pettigrew, Sirius Black, James Potter, Severus Snape, and Lily Evans. Each one had a distinct personality, and specifically, James was very annoying in his attempts to tease Severus to impress Lily.

Lily was Muggle-born just like you, which led to a friendship blossoming from the first moment. You talked about books, movies, and even discovered that you had attended the same school for some time. You adored her.

Except for Severus, all of you were sorted into Gryffindor, which was a relief. Usually, you didn't fit in easily in new places, but apparently, Hogwarts was bringing out the best in you.

It was on your second day that you met her. Marlene McKinnon, a Gryffindor student like you. She was beautiful. Her blonde hair and strong personality captivated you from the first glance. But you knew that could never happen and made sure to mask all the feelings that might arise.

It was harder than you thought. Marlene's mere presence in the same room as you was magnetic; you simply couldn't avoid looking at her. If she wore her hair differently, you would clearly notice and make a compliment here and there, trying to keep it as platonic as possible.

As the years went by, you devised other strategies. Having a few boyfriends seemed to work only to maintain your clean image, but never to erase your feelings. You knew it wasn't normal to like girls, and by Merlin, it was horrible to fight against it daily.

Your sixth year at Hogwarts arrived, and you thought things would be easier. You had lost count of how many boyfriends you had and of all the times you had to swallow hard noticing that Marlene seemed to follow the same path as you.

But with girls.

Your jealousy seeing her so close to Dorcas Meadowes didn't go unnoticed by your closest friends; Lily and Remus.

You were gathered in the library, finishing your Defense Against the Dark Arts homework while Marlene was talking too close to Dorcas. You didn't even realize you were gripping your quill too tightly until the sound of it snapping in half and Remus' laughter brought you out of the trance.

"Hey, take it easy, Y/N/N." Remus waved his wand and muttered 'Reparo', fixing it. "That's better."

"Thanks." You took a deep breath, noticing Marlene approaching. Standing up abruptly, you grabbed your books. "I need to go. Bye, Moony. Bye, Lilbee."

"But you..." Lily didn't finish her sentence because you were already far away.

It wasn't the first time she noticed how you looked at Marlene, but at first, Lily imagined it was something platonic. You were a very affectionate friend who handed out compliments left and right. But looking at it differently, you always seemed to have a bit more care when around Marlene. You were friends, but you always held back with her. With Lily, you were... you.

"You know, Lily..." Remus began, putting his inkwell into his bag. "I think Y/N has something with Marlene."

Lily looked at him, confused. "Like a secret relationship?"

Remus laughed and shook his head. "More like... I think Y/N likes Marlene."

Lily wasn't going to have this discussion with Remus, even though she had also thought of that possibility. If you had never talked about it, it was probably because you weren't ready and didn't feel comfortable.

It didn't take long for your worst nightmare to become reality. You always thought you hid things well, and by choosing the right boys to date, no one would ever suspect it was all a facade. Lily started having strange conversations, talking too much about Marlene and the possibility that she was in a serious relationship with Dorcas.

Your heart broke every time she mentioned it. But you truly thought she didn't notice your expression turning sadder each time the subject came up.

One day, Lily got tired of it. You were sitting by the Black Lake, making sparks come out of your wands when she finally decided to voice her suspicions for the first time. "Do you like Marlene?"

You froze. Trying not to stammer, you replied, "Of course I do. She's my friend."

"That's not what I'm referring to." Lily had never seen you wilt so quickly with something, just as she had never seen you cry in your life. She was scared because she didn't intend to break you with a simple question. Apparently, this was something you didn't handle well. "You don't have to say it if you don't want to. But know that I won't judge you, okay?"

You nodded and sniffled. "Since the first year," you began to speak, and Lily didn't interrupt. "I've always found her very interesting, you know? All the attitude and everything. But she's a girl, and that's not right."

"Not right because someone told you so?" You loved Lily for always knowing exactly what was going on without you having to say it, but in this situation, you hated her for making you realize that this was something put by your parents in your head. "If you don't have support at home, know that with me, with all of us, you do."

Lily hugged you, and for the first time, you didn't feel abnormal for liking girls. You embraced it with all your heart and saw beyond what you had always been told.

There's nothing wrong with that.

Breaking old internal prejudices was very difficult. As much as there was support from Lily and Remus – who, for some reason, decided to have the same conversation with you the next day – there was also a part of you that didn't have the courage to put it out there.

Then came the fateful party where everything changed.

Gryffindor had won the third consecutive Quidditch game, and it was reason enough for a big celebration. Students from other houses sneaked in during the night to the Gryffindor common room for a Marauders-style party: packed with Muggle music and magical drinks.

You were in your usual corner, talking to Sirius when Marlene arrived. She looked stunning. The leather jacket and the red Queen shirt contrasted with her striking blonde hair that only seemed to suit her. You sighed, and it was as if the world stopped.

After about five cups of firewhisky and butterbeer, you were drunker than you had planned. Drunk enough to have an endless conversation with Marlene.

She noticed that you seemed more open and comfortable than in all the years she had known you, cracking jokes, and she could even swear you were flirting with her.

You. The most straight and boy-crazy witch at Hogwarts.

Marlene had always noticed you a lot, and why not? You were beautiful. It wasn't a common British beauty, nor one usually seen in the magical world. They were features and particularities that were only beautiful because they were on you. For some years, she had a huge crush on you, dormant after realizing you would never look at her that way.

Everything changed when Marlene gathered the courage and asked you to dance to a slow song. Your sober version would never have accepted. Proximity meant you would probably do something you didn't want to.

Almost at the end of the song, Marlene leaned in and whispered in your ear, "I've really enjoyed getting to know your full version today, Y/N."

You were speechless and just smiled in the way you only did for her. And the world seemed to stop when you realized you could never deceive yourself about the truth.

You were truly in love with Marlene McKinnon.

The next day, you wished you had woken up with alcohol-induced amnesia to avoid dealing with all your problems. But remembering the words of acceptance from Remus and Lily gave you a strength you had never had.

You decided to tell your friends.

More animated than usual, you made your way to the Great Hall for breakfast, sitting in the same place since the first day: next to Lily, across from James.

The group found your excitement strange for two reasons.

You weren't a morning person, and you should have had a monstrous hangover.

"I want to tell you something." You looked at Lily. The young witch's green eyes lit up in understanding, and she squeezed your hand under the table.

Sirius, always the icebreaker, interrupted you before you could speak. "You're not pregnant, are you?"

Laughing, you shook your head. "No, Padfoot. Actually, I want to ask you all something."

James, the most impatient of all, practically shouted, "Just say it!"

You took a deep breath, and Lily's grip on your hand tightened. If the others said anything negative, at least you would have her support. It was better than nothing, right?

You stirred your oatmeal and avoided looking at the boys. "What do you all think about girls who like girls?"

The silence from the four of them was deafening. You instantly regretted asking and were about to dramatically get up and hide in the dormitory until the next year. Then Sirius broke the silence.

"I think it's as normal as girls who like boys." Sirius was one of your favorites for his sensitivity, only shown to those he truly cared about. "Do you like girls, Y/N/N?"

Your silence was answer enough. Peter, who usually didn't offer many opinions, decided to speak up too.

"I don't have any problem with it. It's a part of who you are, and of course, we don't choose who we fall in love with." You truly adored Peter and how he always said the right things.

"Is it Marlene you like?" James's question made you choke on your oatmeal. He laughed so loudly he received dirty looks from the Hufflepuff students. Your face turned scarlet, and that seemed to amuse him even more. "Of course, it is."

"You guys really have no problem with this?"

Remus then said something you would never forget.

"We don't have a problem with it because it's not a problem. This is you, and we embrace that because we truly love you as friends. There's no shame in loving someone, whoever they are."

"Except if you confess you love Snivellus. Then we will have a problem." Sirius drew a genuine laugh from you. "Tell her how you feel, Y/N/N."

And you really wanted to. But it seemed more difficult than confessing your biggest secret to your best friends.

You really tried. There was a day when you were making a potion, and you simply couldn't stop looking at Marlene. Her concentration, the way her hair fell over her shoulder, everything about her was mesmerizing. You almost confessed right then, but a group of Slytherins interrupted, breaking the moment.

Another time, you were sitting by the Black Lake, just the two of you. Marlene was talking about her plans for the future, and you were lost in the way her eyes sparkled with excitement. You wanted to tell her, but the words got stuck in your throat, and the moment passed.

Finally, one evening, as you were both studying late in the library, the silence was filled with a tension you couldn't ignore. You decided that you couldn't keep it in any longer.

"Marlene, I need to tell you something," you began, your heart pounding in your chest.

She looked up from her book, curiosity in her eyes. "What is it, Y/N?"

Taking a deep breath, you said, "I've liked you since the first year. I tried to hide it, but I can't anymore. I know it's not probably what you expect me to say, and I understand if you don't feel the same way, but I just needed to tell you."

Marlene's eyes widened, and for a moment, you thought you had made a huge mistake. But then, a smile spread across her face. "I've liked you too, Y/N. For a long time. I just never thought you'd feel the same."

Your heart soared, and you felt a wave of relief and joy wash over you. "So, what now?"

"How about we go on a date?" Marlene suggested, her smile widening.

You nodded, unable to contain your happiness. "I'd love that."

You went on your first date the following weekend. It was perfect – a trip to Hogsmeade, sharing butterbeer and laughter, and ending with a walk around the lake. You both felt the connection growing stronger, and it was everything you had hoped for.

Months passed, and you and Marlene grew closer. Your friends were supportive and happy for you, and for the first time, you felt truly accepted for who you were.

One night, there was another party in the Gryffindor common room. The Marauders had outdone themselves, and the room was filled with music, laughter, and dancing. You and Marlene were in the center of it all, enjoying each other's company.

As the night wore on, a slow song started playing. Marlene pulled you close, and you danced together, lost in your own world. You felt a surge of courage and decided it was time to take another step forward.

Leaning in, you whispered, "Marlene, I love you."

She looked into your eyes, a smile spreading across her face. "I love you too, Y/N."

Without hesitation, you closed the distance and kissed her. It was a gentle, sweet kiss, filled with all the emotions you had kept hidden for so long.

The common room fell silent, and when you pulled back, you saw your friends beaming with happiness. Lily and Remus gave you a thumbs-up, while Sirius and James clapped and cheered.

In that moment, you knew you had finally accepted yourself. You were happy, loved, and surrounded by friends who supported you. It was everything you had ever wanted, and more.