#but the Harry Potter Draco malfoy rivalry was legendary | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

writer-or-whatever · 19 days

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On The Ground

Wrote a little Harry/Draco pre-relationship piece for prompt #2 (Rival) on my 100 prompts list. Read under the cut or on AO3

Summary: After two years of being rivals in the professional quidditch league, Harry and Draco are both selected for the English National Quidditch Team for the next Quidditch World Cup. They’ve now got to learn to get along.

Rating: T | Word Count: 1.3k | Fluff & Humor

Harry was being ridiculous. He knew this. They were on the same team and there were bigger things at stake than his own pride. But, Merlin, he still could not stand Malfoy.

Yes, okay, he’d mellowed out a little since the war. And maybe he grew into his obnoxiously blonde hair and his sharp features. And he’s a reformed and productive member of society now or whatever.

Doesn’t matter. They’re still rivals, Harry reminds himself, repeating it like a mantra in his head as he exits the locker room and heads out to the pitch.

He wasn’t the last one out of the locker room, but only barely. So when his eyes adjusted to the bright sun, he’s met with twelve of the other players, both starting and reserve, for this year’s English National Quidditch Team. And off to the left side, talking to one of the beaters, is Malfoy. The red and blue of the National Team jersey suits him better than the bright orange Chudley Cannons uniform that Harry’s grown accustomed to seeing him in over the last two seasons. Not that Harry is taken in by the way the blue brings out his eyes or anything.

Harry is mercifully brought out of his not-at-all-creepy staring by an arm being slung over his shoulders.

“Come on, Potter. Can’t keep the rest of the team waiting,” Ginny said, grinning and almost vibrating in place with excitement. Making England’s National Team had been Ginny’s childhood dream, and even two seasons of professional quidditch hadn’t dulled her excitement.

“Right,” Harry agreed, letting her pull him along behind her.

Upon their arrival, the coach smiled and whistled a shrill sound that jolted everyone to attention. “Right! Okay! Welcome to day one. I want everybody in the air. We’re doing drills until I’m satisfied and then it’s skirmish time.” He whistled again and then they were off.

Drills were easy. He felt himself relax and start to focus in, paying Malfoy no more mind than any of their other teammates. At least, until they were split up for the first practice match.

“Alright. We’re going to start with startings versus reserves. We’re going to gradually mix up our combinations as we go. I need all of you flying seamlessly together in any formation, especially if France plays as dirty as they did in the last cup. Except you, keepers and seekers. Some rivalries live to see another day,” Their coach said, giving Malfoy and Harry a look. Their quidditch feud was legendary. It’s at least half of the post-match wireless commentary every time they’ve played in the last two years. “But only on the pitch. I need you two to at least pretend to like each other on the ground,” he continued seriously.

Harry and Malfoy both gave him a nod and then they were off.

The practice match was brutal. The starting players were evenly matched with the reserves and everyone played like they were out for blood—Malfoy especially. He played a lot more offensively as a professional seeker than he ever did in school, and, while Harry was used to it after two seasons of fierce competition, he was playing particularly viciously today. Malfoy was as physical of a player as he could possibly be without getting penalized. He jostled Harry when they happened to be flying side by side. He chased the snitch into, around, and even under the other players or pretended to—a feint that caused Harry to very nearly crash headlong into Oliver Wood, who was the starting keeper, in his pursuit of Malfoy. He was, all told, an absolute menace on a broom.

His strategy did have its merits though, as Malfoy managed to catch the snitch—jostling Harry hard to the left and wrapping his fingers around the ball the second Harry’s were out of the way—ending their three hour practice game.

Despite Malfoy catching the snitch, the reserve team lost the match by 20 points, a point which their coach commented on—loudly and at length—to both Harry and Malfoy. By the time they were done for the day, Harry’s ears were ringing with the refrain to ‘pay attention to the damn score before you catch the snitch.’

He and Malfoy were the last ones to the locker room. When Harry finally stepped out of his very long shower, everyone else was already gone except for Malfoy, who stood in front of his locker with just a towel around his waist. Harry’s locker was on the opposite side of the aisle, so thankfully he could pull his own clothes out and dress without looking at Malfoy.

He had no reason to shy away from Malfoy. They hadn’t been truly antagonistic over anything but Quidditch in several years. Harry didn’t exactly like him, but he’d grown out of the horrible kid he’d known at school. And it wasn’t like Malfoy was the first fit bloke that Harry had shared a locker room with since he figured out he was gay. There was absolutely no reason for him to be this nervous around him, wanting to sneak glances at the other man while simultaneously wanting to be looking elsewhere at all times. Harry was twitchy and awkward as he pulled on his jeans, t-shirt, and trainers, resolutely not turning around to where he could hear Malfoy doing the same. Once he was dressed, he shouldered his bag and started toward the door, forcing himself not to look over at Malfoy on his way out.

He was out of the locker and almost to the floo when a voice stopped him.

“Potter! Hold on a second!” Malfoy called as he jogged to catch up with him.

“What do you want, Malfoy?” Harry said, though it lacked venom.

“Come get a drink with me,” Malfoy said as he stopped next to Harry. He was still a little damp, and some of his long hair was still wet and clinging to his neck. Not that Harry was looking or anything.

“Er-,” Harry said as his brain short-circuited. “I thought about maybe grabbing some dinner with Ginny.” He definitely had not been. He was going to go home, get enough take-away to make the team’s nutritionist a little bit crazy, and watch The Weakest Link on the charmed television that he bought recently.

“Planning on crashing your ex’s date with her girlfriend are you?” Malfoy said with a laugh.

Harry blushed as he remembered that Luna and Ginny were going to a fancy celebration dinner. Ginny had gushed to him the day before about how Luna had arranged a portkey to Paris for dinner and a fancy night out. “How did you know about that?”

“I helped Luna plan it,” Malfoy said with a bright smile.

“Right.” Harry had forgotten that Malfoy and Luna were friends. They’d gotten close after the war ended. Harry just happened to miss every pub outing or game night hosted by Luna where Malfoy had been invited too. He’d been busy is all.

“Right. So. Drinks?”

“Won’t it be weird?” Harry blurted out, unable to think up a reasonable reason to say no.

Malfoy shrugged, though he was still smiling. “Maybe. But you heard what coach said—you have to at least pretend to like me while we’re on the ground. So come get a drink with me and practice.”

Harry bit his lip lightly as he looked at Malfoy, who looked earnest enough. It didn’t sound like a horrible way to spend the evening and Malfoy had a point—they were teammates now.

“Scared, Potter?” Malfoy said after a moment of silence from Harry. “It’s just a drink. I don’t bite.”

“Of course not, Malfoy.”

“Alright then. You, me, drinks at the 3 Broomsticks.”

“Yeah, alright, Malfoy,” Harry agreed with a smirk. “But you’re buying the first round.”

“Fine,” Malfoy replied with a smirk of his own.

#drarry #harry/draco #draco/harry #hp fic #hp microfic #drarry one shot #hp one shot #james writes #hp #harry potter #100 prompt challenge

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dhr-ao3 · 1 year

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Hufflepuffs Invite Everyone: Dramione Edition

Hufflepuffs Invite Everyone: Dramione Edition https://ift.tt/oX6BYQ0 by Sparkly_Bee Hufflepuff parties are known for a few things: 1. They always invite everyone - “Leave your house rivalries at the door or else!” 2. They always have the best food and drinks available. But there the third thing that Hufflepuff parties are known for is their legendary party games! This story follows my two favorite idiots, Hermione and Draco, as they navigate their way through a few salacious games. Expect Hufflepuff lore and some shameless smut! Words: 10480, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/M Characters: Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott, Blaise Zabini, Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Harry Potter Relationships: Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy Additional Tags: Harry Potter Epilogue What Epilogue | EWE, Hogwarts Eighth Year, POV Hermione Granger, POV Draco Malfoy, Explicit Sexual Content, cunt is my favorite word, Party Games, Hufflepuff throw the best parties, Spin the Bottle, twister game, Seven Minutes In Heaven Game, Hermione Granger & Ginny Weasley Friendship, Minor Ginny Weasley/Blaise Zabini, Minor Theodore Nott/Harry Potter, Minor Hermione Granger/Ron Weasley, Dry Humping, Slytherin Sex God, Oral Sex, Sassy Ginny Weasley, Shameless Smut, Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot, Some Plot, Hufflepuff lore, Praise Kink, Hermione Granger Has a Praise Kink, One Shot via AO3 works tagged 'Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy' https://ift.tt/7Vst2oe August 31, 2023 at 06:58PM

#IFTTT #Dramione #Draco x Hermione

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skeptiquewrites · 3 years

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Microfic: Teamwork

for @drarrymicrofic prompt 'teamwork'

After almost two decades on the pitch and winning two World Cups, Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy-Potter are retiring from Quidditch.

We know them best from the legendary 00s rivalry between the Kestrels and Arrows, bringing the Cup home twice and the creation of a new League team, Godric's Hollow Griffins.

"We'll still be involved," Draco assures me.

"I pity the person who tries to keep him away," Harry chimes in.

"That's supposed to be you, no?" Draco says, absent of his trademark gruffness.

A tender moment from a notoriously private couple.

One thing's for certain: they will be missed.

#drarry #drarrymicrofic #100 words #couldn't help myself

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lcdrarry · 2 years

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7 May | LCDrarry Fic:

Rush [For A Gap That Exists]

Prompt: "Rush", 2013, Ron Howard Prompted by: The Author Author: Anonymous Word Count: 42,012 words Rating: Mature Warnings: Sexual Content, Graphic Depictions of Injury and Recovery

Notes:Huge shoutout to S for being the most unbelievably amazing beta I’ve ever had the privilege of working with, and cheering me on the whole time I was writing this story. It is the honest-to-god truth to say that I could not have finished this without you. Another huge shoutout to Y for working like a last-minute beta machine on this and making sure the story was perfect. This fic is based on the real-life story of two incredible Formula One racing drivers (Niki Lauda and James Hunt - absolute icons) and their fight for the Championship Title, as immortalised in the movie 'Rush'. Although the overarching theme of this fic is taken from the two protagonists of the movie, I've drawn heavily from other Formula One rivalries as well (Lewis Hamilton/Nico Rosberg, Ayrton Senna/Alain Prost) bc what can I say it's not my fault that F1 is chock-full of legendary homoerotic rivalries. Title taken from Ayrton Senna's infamous overtaking quote: "If you no longer go for a gap that exists, then you are no longer a racing driver."

Summary: There is something about racing that sets your blood on fire: the speed, the thrill, the action. The rev of the engines, thunderous as they charge down the track, the trail of sparks that fly in their wake. This is not for the faint of heart; and yet, there is a story here, one that is fragile and tender. A story of love and loss that grew amidst the most infamous rivalry in Formula One history: the story of Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter.

Read it now on AO3.

Please help promote the fest by sharing your favourite submissions, so more people can enjoy all the amazing new Drarry works of LCDrarry. Thank you!

Author and artist reveals are on 15 June.

#lcdrarry2022 #lcdrarry #drarry #drarry squad #drarry fic #draco malfoy #harry potter #rush fusion #formula 1 #harry/draco #draco/harry #harry x draco #draco x harry #drarry fest #hp fest

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prbni · 4 years

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It's quite funny. Like,you have either read Harry Potter books or watched Harry Potter movies when you were a middle schooler. Everything seemed so nice and perfect. You absolutely hated Draco Malfoy for being the bigoted shit he was and always spewing nonsensical stuff towards the Golden Trio.

You admired Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley together since they seemed so well put old-married-couple like together and it was cute.

You grew up and started discovering fanfics on social media. You kinda knew there was this buzz about Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger through social media account comments. You snorted,laughed at the absurdity of it and moved on.

Ages later,out of curiosity,you decided to take a sneak peek on what the writers even write about the two core J.K Rowling characters that couldn't even stand each other.And then, déjà vu.

Suddenly, everything seemed different and it made so sense.

You realised:

Draco wasn't the villain. He was one of the biggest example of what misguided beliefs and overwhelming parental expectations do to a kid.

Ron and Hermione were amazing friends. But they were never going to work well as a couple in the long run no matter how much they loved each other. There were so much conflicts, subtle and not-so-subtle issues between their characters that would've just exploded into a horrible mess at one point instead of the 'happily-ever-after' that was shown. Besides,their clash in life goals and individual stances would've clumped things up more.

The misguided bratty kid,later turned into scared and trapped in obligation teenager needed his chance to be redeemed more than an abusive teacher hung up on his obsession with someone else's wife.

Instead of showing Ron and Hermione settling for with each other,Draco and Hermione fighting themselves,with each other then with the entire wizarding community to establish love and conjugal life goes beyond blood status and Dark Mark prejudice would have made a lot more of magnificent storyline. Not to mention a legendary Gryffindor-Slytherin union. Seriously,the Gryffindor Slytherin rivalry makes as much sense as Kpop fans throwing hate at each other online.

The grown up Draco Malfoy that was told to have become an amazing husband to Astoria Greengrass and a doting father to Scorpius Malfoy cements the believe that he really grew out of his past image by light years. Which means, he might have been a downright pratty classmate and school rival back in the days. But if he were to seriously consider Hermione as his life partner, their relationship wouldn't be a toxic one.

#draco malfoy #hermione granger #dramione #harry potter #hp universe #draco x hermione #draco and hermione #j k rowling #gryffindor #slytherin #slytherdor

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wishicouldpostfromsecondaryblogs · 3 years

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"Is this about him not looking at Potter at all during breakfast today?" Daphne says. "It's the talk of the school- people are already mourning the death of the most legendary rivalry this place has ever seen since Abraham and Joan."

"Wait, that was real?" Greg pipes up, looking stunned, "I thought Roger was taking the piss!"

"Nope! Apparently our dear Draco Malfoy, for the first time since he set foot on Hogwarts grounds, didn't look over at Harry Potter even once during breakfast, dismissed every avenue of taunting that was provided to him and walked away- walked away!- when Potter called him a bastard with no taste not ten minutes ago!”

“Oh, Godric, he’s dying,” Astoria says in tones of complete horror, and Blaise pats her on the arm and nods with all the grimness and sorrow of someone whose friend has been sentenced to the guillotine.

Second chapter!!! Lots of fun writing it!!!!! Names for the dino always welcome!!

#harry potter #draco malfoy #drarry #both Slytherins and Gryffindors are there in it but in still not strong enough to type everyones names out #my fic #for them all together

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drkcnry67 · 4 years

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dont let me fall (day 1)

AN: @obxmermaid here is day 1: Ice skating!

Fandom Universe: Harry Potter

pairing: Draco Malfoy x reader

tags: having a quiet moment on the ice, fighting to have a forbidden school romance, Draco meeting the reader to the ice rink in a secluded part of school grounds on break during the day and the 2 of them use their school shoes to skate on the ice

25 days of hogwarts list

this was your 5th year at hogwarts, this year was one of great importance, for this was the year of you starting to tutor. you had tutored partially this last year, but it was a strange start to your tutoring career, for you got assigned to tutor one student in particular.

Draco Malfoy, from a pureblood family his father a death eater and a follower of Voldemort. you were a strong opponent in dueling and now in quidditch. for you made quidditch captain within your first few games.

He was also unfortunately a quidditch captain except he played for Slytherin. the captains tent for Ravenclaw (your house) was shared with Slytherin (Draco’s house) sadly though this was only for show.

as always you sent a fire message to Draco asking to meet in the captains tent to discuss the practice schedule, but also the tutoring schedule it was the most private place away from prying eyes to meet.

For during the summer in the last few days before the train boarded to go to hogwarts you and Draco bumped into each other. It went something like this:

Draco: YN, how are you?

Yn: Draco, I'm good, yourself!?

You ask casually as though waiting for a miracle.

Draco: hiding from my family.

YN: well maybe i can help you hide a bit.

Draco: what did you have in mind?

YN: we could hide amongst the muggles.

Draco: you mean hide in plain sight, live like normal people for a few days.

YN: exactly besides then we could actually be a normal couple for once in our almost year together!

Draco: lets go...

you both went to olivanders and begged him to let you both use his flue travel. he said he would keep your secrets and you would both be safe from the authorities. that was the start of your first few days as a normal muggle couple.

after that the start of your 5th year together, you were 16. your 17th birthday would come at the end of your 5th year. draco’s birthday was a month and a bit before yours.

this made you feel like a normal person the day that Draco first approached you not for quidditch but for tutoring. this was the time when you would now start to build something other than a rivalry with Draco.

Draco and you had waited a month and a bit before you would meet in the astronomy tower for the tutoring schedule. to have the first tutoring session, plus you would get to greet each other properly... if no one else was around.

you and draco had your first kiss that final time in the quidditch tent at the end of your 4th year. it was your magical time, it was your own happy ever after. or at least the start of it anyway.

Draco had slipped you a note on the split off to the dorms. you opened it when you got to your dorm. you made sure no one was around first before opening it.

Draco’s note: meet me in the tent during spare... i have something to show you... love Draco...

you smiled hiding the note hearing voices approaching. one of them Hermione, the other Harry. both looking at you smiling like a idiot.

Harry: are you alright YN?

YN: of course why wouldnt i be...

Hermione: why are you smiling ear to ear and why are you giggling.

you had to come up with something believable.

YN: i was talking with the constellations on the ceiling that leo was telling some really good jokes. made me smile.

Hermione came to sit beside you.

Hermione: your parents again.

YN: yes they insist on showing me suitor after suitor when i dont want any of those pompus annoying dirtbags, i want someone real and honest and happy to be with me for me. i just want someone of my choosing, not of my parents choice.

you take a breath as a few tears fall.

YN: i just want to be with someone i love and that loves me in return.

Hermione: dont worry girl, you will find your special person.

Harry: of course you will trust me its never an easy thing talking to the opposite sex especially if they arent your friend. you just have to make sure that you keep it either within our house or a wizard elsewhere.

YN: i know but what if my future lies outside of what im supposed to do.

Hermione: well then we will cross that bridge when we come to it.

You nod as you realize that there is a few moments till charms. then its your spare where Draco wants to meet to give you a surprise. you would be livid if the next hour didnt go by quickly.

you kept your cool, you didnt show any excitement. though it didnt help that you could feel Draco’s eyes on you the entire time. you were in your own state of mind. you were just thinking about how this entire time your destiny has been right in front of you.

professor flitwick: alright class who would like to come up here and show us a new charm they learned over the summer!

You looked back slightly “stretching” your neck Draco nodded slightly to you. you stood up and spoke.

YN: ill demonstrate one professor, but ill need a volunteer...

meanwhile draco was looking a little bored, he was keeping up his image.

Professor flitwick: how bout you Mr. Malfoy you look like your kind of bored. come on down, front and center.

the class watched as draco made his way from his seat to stand before the class. the rivalry between the 2 of you was legendary, well at least among hogwarts anyway.

Draco: YN

YN: draco

Draco: let me guess the little girl learned some new spells over the summer...lets see this little magic trick...

You pulled out your wand and stood ready. you stare directly at Draco holding his gaze as you speak the spell.

YN: SILENCIO

the spell was cast. Flitwick was impressed.

Flitwick: impressive YN, very impressive, keep it up and you could possibly take over my class some time. well, Mr Malfoy how do you feel?

Draco’s mouth was now moving but no sound was coming out. the class laughed as the bell rang, people began to get up and gather their stuff, Flitwick waved his wand allowing Draco to speak again.

Flitwick: don't forget students to speak to YN if you need any help with your studies and work on your wrist movements. there will be a physical spell test before the holiday break. see you all tomorrow!

the class dismissed, you walked out of the room with Harry, Hermione and Ron. splitting off to go on your spare. which meant dropping your books off at the dorm and then getting ready to meet Draco. you heard a bunch of merry excitement...

you looked out your window and see a fresh blanket of snow coating the grounds. you decided that your house colors and some winter shoes/jacket would be an appropriate attire.

you head off for a walk on the grounds in the snow. sticking to the path you take a spin in the snow falling snow. straightening up for the final approach to the tent. you wave your hand silently spelling the tent, to prevent anyone who might hear anything said.

you enter the tent. Draco’s head turns toward you.

Draco: your early...

YN: no im right on time. sorry about charms class. i was really trying to demonstrate a simple spell that wouldnt get me into deep trouble. i know now that i am happiest when im with you, or reading your little notes, or happily walking through the streets as a normal couple. i know that my future is lucky to have you in it.

Draco: how could you think that i would be mad over you demonstrating that spell to the class. i was amazed when you cast that. you continue to surprise me every day, and as long as i live i will not let anyone tear us apart. even if i have to give up a part of myself so we can be together.

YN: now whats your surprise. ive been itching to know.

Draco: use the same spell thats on the tent on us. we dont want to be heard.

you do so, Draco takes your hand and smiles as you both walk outside to see the ground now covered in snow. but one thing remained to be seen. an ice rink...

Draco: watch this ive been practicing... call this a demonstration of what you had me study.

Draco stands beside you wand at the ready pointing it at the snow in front of you.

Draco: Glacius!

in a few short seconds a rink of ice had been formed before your eyes. you smiled a few moments before moving to hug Draco.

YN: this is amazing. well done on that spell. but we dont have any skates...

Draco: we dont need them. come on we just have to smile as we walk gently across the ice.

Draco takes your hand and both of you walk onto the ice. Your shoes slide a bit, but between the laughter and slipping you got lost in Draco's eyes, that made you loose your balance. You knocked you both into the snow.

The laughter became softer as the gaze you both held now calm expressions of love expressed through soft kisses.

The both of you got up brushed the snow off each other and then heard the curfew warning bell.

Walking halfway back to the school made things easier to say goodbye but it also made things easier to keep up appearances.

One more kiss before you parted ways. You went back inside and Draco waited a full 5 minutes before he followed.

You make it back to your shared dorm and you go sit on the bed, Hermione come in short while later.

Hermione: how was your walk?

Yn: it was amazing! For the fresh snowfall it is really nice out. I went to the quidditch tent and checked the schedule apparently ravenclaw is versing slytherin tomorrow. That means the press will want more draco/ YN rivalry.

Hermione: well let's rest up, it's a new day tomorrow.

Yn: ya it is. Night cuz!

With that you both went to sleep. Draco had made it back to his dorm room and sent u a little text message saying "good night my sweet love." before he too drifted off.

*to be continued*

#obxmermaidholiday

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ao3feed-klance · 4 years

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Prompt Submissions!!

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/3kwxDrQ

by StrugglingGay

Hi! I'm taking prompt submissions so leave absolutely any that you have blow >:3

Words: 32, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: Voltron: Legendary Defender, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018), Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling, Adventure Time

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/F, F/M, M/M, Multi

Characters: Adora (She-Ra), Catra (She-Ra), Princess Bubblegum, Marceline (Adventure Time), Mara (She-Ra), Light Hope (She-Ra), Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter, Keith (Voltron), Lance (Voltron), Adam (Voltron), Shiro (Voltron), Ginny Weasley, Blaise Zabini, Pansy Parkinson, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom

Relationships: Adora/Catra (She-Ra), Adora/Catra/Glimmer (She-Ra), Adora & Catra (She-Ra), Princess Bubblegum/Marceline, Princess Bubblegum & Marceline, Light Hope/Mara (She-Ra), Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter, Keith/Lance (Voltron), Adam/Shiro (Voltron), Pansy Parkinson/Ginny Weasley, Ginny Weasley/Blaise Zabini, Hermione Granger/Pansy Parkinson, Pansy Parkinson/Blaise Zabini, Neville Longbottom/Blaise Zabini

Additional Tags: Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Enemies, Rivalry, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Bad Pick-Up Lines, Mutual Pining, Pining, Pining Keith (Voltron), Pining Lance (Voltron), Slow Burn, One Shot

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/3kwxDrQ

#ao3feed #ao3feed klance

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thisishighlyillogical · 6 years

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like we know so much about the gryffindor/slytherin rivalry, it’s almost the only thing that ever happens at hogwarts in the books, but what if all this time, ravenclaw and hufflepuff also had one, just like generally less incendiary

like, ravenclaws jinxing the corridor to the hufflepuff common room with riddles and arithmancy problems that hufflepuffs have to solve to go through

hufflepuffs retaliating by planting a garden with carnivorous plants in the stairs leading to the ravenclaw tower

ravenclaws challenging hufflepuffs to secret duels involving telling witty jokes and stories

hufflepuffs challenging ravenclaws to blindfolded tasting contests

they also have legendary bake offs, which ravenclaw almost always win because they use complicated transfiguration spells to make sugar bloom into flowers

they also play a lot of trivia nights that hufflepuff almost always win because they are dorks and know a lot of seemingly useless facts

they play many drinking games, during which they have to take a shot everytime they get the correct answer, so ravenclaw ultimately always loses because they get drunk too fast, unless it’s when there’s a chess competition, because even if hufflepuffs handle their liquor better, they almost always lose because the more they drink the nicer they are

to annoy the ravenclaws, hufflepuffs break into song any chance they get

in retaliation, ravenclaws recite shakespeare monologues in other languages

teachers regularly have to separate students from both houses because they’re arguing over and over again about the superiority of theatre over musicals or vice versa

everyone knows hufflepuffs have the best weed and ravenclaws make the best drinks

the only time they agree to have a truce is when the antics of gryffindor and slytherin become too flashy and over dramatic, and they silently stare and roll their eyes at the two other houses’ lack of imagination and of inventive challenges

both houses just generally like to gossip, ravenclaws justifying it by saying that it’s important knowledge to possess to be able to make the best and most informed decisions, while hufflepuffs just want to know how they can help with their unprecedented love and skills at matchmaking

they have ongoing bets about who harry potter is going to end up with, one of the most popular but controversial option being draco malfoy, because they’re both the biggest drama queens around, though it’s a point of endless discussion and speculation

#harry potter headcanon #harry potter #hufflepuff #slytherin #gryffindor #ravenclaw #house rivalry #hp #drarry

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wizardsuniterpg · 6 years

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CHARACTER BASICS

Name: Nikolai Aleksandrovich Orlov (Nick Orlov) Date of Birth: December 8th, 1983 Place of Birth: Moscow, Russia Actual Age/Age of appearance: 36 Marital Status: Divorced Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual Pronouns: He/him Religion: None Health details: Sometimes walks with a limp from a previous injury on the job Occupation: Auror for the British Ministry of Magic

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION (OR WRITE A COUPLE PARAGRAPHS)

Height: 6’4" Eye Color: Blue-Gray, gray-blue Hair Color/Style: Brown, shorter on the sides, longer up top, usually swept to the side with an off-center part Style: Dresses more modern than the average wizard but still in dark colors; usually wears long coats/robes, with popped collars. Closet probably needs a makeover and colors need to be introduced. Aesthetic: one last cigarette before bedtime, which is late; smell of cold rain, basil, and cedar wood; late hot showers; black coffee in the morning; early morning rain; Other: Scars from life, work; birthmarks in particular areas, such as right side of torso, back of the neck, and tiny specs on the forearms. Grown-out stubble or light beard. Play-By Used: Alexander Skarsgard

BACKGROUND AND CHARACTER

Personality: Nick is shrewd, brooding oftentimes, yet loyal and generally willing to absolve those that aggravate him, unless they have grievously crossed him. He is particularly loyal to those closest to him, including co-workers, other Aurors, like Eve Maitland, whom he’d gone to school with. He will do anything for them. However, to achieve such a level of respect from him is difficult.

He has high standards and a strict work ethic. He tolerates those he must tolerate, bureaucrats at the Ministry, for example. He does have an ego and it will often time come out when he’s dealing with junior Aurors or anyone below his rank. An individual must prove themselves to him. Some people, however, impress him without trying. It doesn't happen often, but it happens.

Being a restrained and methodical individual, he is mostly in control of his emotions. He rarely loses his temper in an outright explosion, but he can show great potential for violence when pushed. He expertly harnesses this while on the job and is a leader, which is why he holds rank as a captain.

He is a very honest man, is known to be blunt, and is generally not sentimental on a surface level; although when the happiness and well-being of someone he cares about is at stake, he will show his concern and care through actions and can most definitely put their needs above his own. At present, there is no one he loves more than his mother, his sister, and his son.

Nick is a good father. He’s such a good father that he ended up divorcing his wife for pouring all of his affection into their son, Thomas. He feels guilty for separating because of how it affects Thomas, but Gloriana was the one that initiated the divorce. She no longer wanted to be with Nick. In her mind, he didn’t give her the attention she deserved, he didn’t understand her, and although she never admitted it, she didn’t understand him.

If an individual is within Nick’s circle, he will return loyalty and respect wholeheartedly. He might not be one who is open and expressive, but it is characteristic of someone who has gone through what he has. He values everything he has. He takes nothing for granted. During moments of happiness and enjoyment, he’ll let his dark, dry sense of humor slip. People have seen him smile, really.

Regarding romance and partners, Nick is also restrained, perhaps even a bit reserved. He doesn’t lament over divorcing his ex-wife, has become jaded, and he has not entertained the idea of another marriage.

History: Nick was born in Moscow, Russia, but at an early age, he and his parents moved to London, England, where his father started working at Saint Mungos as a healer. Up until attending Hogwarts, Nick had a fairly uneventful life. They were immigrants, and there was always something to prove for his parents. It’s the same whether you’re a muggle or a wizard in a different country. Alexander Orlov worked nights, was always on call, striving to prove himself as a young healer. Valeria, his wife, took care of Nick meanwhile. They never visited Moscow when he was a child. He hadn’t known why then, but his parents were avoiding going back. Something about their extended family that they left behind.

The secret death eater ties on his father’s side didn’t start to unravel until Lord Voldemort made his presence known during Nick’s first year in 1994, which was the year of the Quidditch World cup and the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Nick’s mother, Valeria, suggested taking her son out of Hogwarts. He’d only been in school for a year. It was all right, she had argued with her husband. He could’ve started elsewhere without interrupting his education too much. Beauxbatons, perhaps? Or better yet, they could’ve taken a risk and moved to the United States, and Nick could’ve gone to Ilvermorny.

But at that point, no school was really safer than Hogwarts, Nick’s father was confident in the legendary Albus Dumbledore, and he couldn’t just up and leave his job, start his career anew in America. Valeria lived in a constant state of paranoia because of their decision to stay, and the death eaters in their own family. He suspected the dark ties in their extended family, but he never got answers, not until later.

So instead, Nick’s parents advised him to stay as far away from Harry Potter as he could, study well, and most importantly, to be careful. Nick never spoke to the famous orphan, and it helped that he was in Slytherin. Slytherins stayed away from Gryffindors, after all. However, try as he might, it was impossible to ignore the whisperings about dark magic, prejudice, and the coming change for the betterment of purebloods everywhere. Nick had kept his mouth shut about not being one himself.

Within the cunning house, the older kids boasted about their own families’ death eater connections. Most were outright lying. Their parents were just blood-elitist. A few Slytherins, like Draco Malfoy, was legitimately in line to become a Voldemort follower himself. Most of the younger years, including Nick, stayed away from such talk, afraid or uncomfortable. Some were intrigued and often snuck into late night conversations while someone in Potter’s year professed their hatred and whispered the name Voldemort with sneaky little smiles. The kids were more often than not caught by the older students and punished. Nick was smart and didn’t stick around to get his ass beat by an older year. He socialized with his own year and those younger.

Eve Maitland, a Slytherin in his year, was in his small group of friends. They kept to the fringes of the house. They were there at Hogwarts to learn, not to meddle with house rivalries, or worse, do anything that could endanger their lives. 1997 was the most difficult year that Nick and his friends had to go through. That was his fourth year and the year of the Battle of Hogwarts.

When things rapidly changed at the school, Snape becoming headmaster and death eaters taking teaching positions, Valeria wanted her son out of there. Out of there immediately. His parents were smart enough to realize that the Ministry was corrupted and that dark things were happening at Hogwarts. Finally, Alexander had agreed, but it wasn’t possible to arrange Nick’s departure when the school was essentially in the control of Voldemort. Nick ended up staying for the full year. During that year, he finally learned that his uncle, his father’s brother, was a follower of the Dark Lord, and this was perhaps what spared Nick the many punishments that were dolled out by the new teachers.

Mikhail Orlov visited his brother in London while Nick was away and asked him to join the cause. A healer is needed in all situations. Upon Alexander’s refusal, Mikhail threatened to take Nick over to the Dark Lord’s side, by force if need be - reports from the school mentioned that Nick had much potential, a fourteen-year-old boy could be molded, after all. Alexander engaged his brother in a duel, a duel that took his life. Valeria was spared because she managed to get away with Nick’s sister Vera, who was only a toddler then. When their son heard of his father’s death, it was days later. Unable to do anything, Nick only had the support of his friends and Eve while they waited out the year.

During the Battle itself, they were evacuated with the rest of the younger years while the older students who wanted to fight stayed. Nick wanted to stay, too, he wanted to kill the uncle he’d never met, but of course, there was no way in hell he was allowed to. Instead, finally he reunited with his mother and baby sister. When it was all over, after Voldemort was defeated, all they could do was continue living for the sake of each other. Fortunately, Mikhail Orlov was caught, along with other death eaters who remained alive, and was sentenced to Azkaban for life.

Nick resumed school. The relief of Harry Potter and his friends finally being gone was palpable. He and his friends finally settled in their places comfortably as they should’ve been allowed to all along. The atmosphere within Slytherin lightened significantly. While the other houses avoided them most of the time nonetheless, rumors died hard, all that mattered was that the students of the house, those who simply wanted to learn and graduate could do so with peace without the threat of darkness over their heads. When he graduated in 2000, Nick became an Auror in order to channel his need for justice. Eve Maitland also joined the Ministry. Later in his career, she became his partner in the Auror department. It was almost like they were back in school again.

During a Ministry party seven years ago, Nick met Babs Mimzy, who wasn’t yet a Hogwarts professor. Despite his standoffish nature, the two hit it off and two years later, they got married. Shortly after, Babs became pregnant and they had a son named Thomas. As soon as he learned to talk, it was clear that he would become a precocious, solitary boy, just like his father. The birth of his son changed Nick for the better, surprisingly. Becoming a father was a good thing for him. He became less of a cold asshole. He smiled more. He laughed more genuinely. His overall physiognomy became less dark. But Nick started to spend more time with his son and less with his wife.

He and Babs divorced when Thomas was three, just two years ago. Nick and his wife were just too different. Babs needed more out of him, more emotion, more attention, just more understanding. It was all good that he doted on their son, but he couldn’t just leave his wife out. In the end, perhaps they were just too different. Their paths were also different. After their divorce, Babs got hired at Hogwarts as their new charms professor and moved away. Distance made it hard on Nick - just knowing that his son is in another country - but he does visit as often as he can.

Presently, Nick doesn’t regret their divorce - there was no way that he and Babs could make it work - but he's aware of how difficult Thomas’ life will continue to be with their parents separated. Also, Babs has a new man as of late - Alex Fraser. They’ve been engaged for a couple months too now. The guy's a ex-quidditch player (with a scandal that had him off the team) and isn’t too smart, in Nick’s opinion. At least he’s nice to Thomas, but Nick swears that he doesn’t have any brains. He doesn’t stimulate Thomas enough. He just buys him things, like that children’s quidditch set on Christmas. Thomas was too scared to try the kid’s broomstick. Nick tries to suppress his irritation for the sake of his son. He’s all that Nick has - besides his job.

When he was offered the opportunity to be involved in the Statute of Secrecy Task Force, Nick hesitated in taking the offer only because doing so would take him away from Thomas - visiting is hard enough. Even Eve couldn’t convince Nick to take a new position. But the little boy, far smarter than most kids his age, told him to go. So with his son’s blessing, Nick is one of the senior Aurors overseeing the task force.

Connections: Eve Maitland: Probably his one and only best friend, although Nick doesn’t use the word best friend, he’s not a teenager. She’s been through many things with him together, whether or not they affected her own life. He might not share her self-interest in recognition at the Ministry, or agree with some of her dubious, less-than-legal skills and talents, but she’s been there for him too many times to count - like after his father’s death, his divorce - and her friendship and loyalty mean more than anything. Equally, he’d do anything for her.

Valeria Orlov: His mother, whom he visits but probably not often enough. She’s a reserved, graceful woman in her late fifties who lives for her children and grandson. Otherwise, she works with sick children at Saint Mungos and attends various clubs and activities in her spare time with other witches her own age.

Vera Orlov: Nick’s younger sister with whom he’s not too close with. They have a 12 year age gap between them. He was attending school, then went off to work for the ministry right after. They’ve tried to connect, but they’re just so different. Vera isn’t too aware of the dark times of Harry Potter and Voldemort. She was also born in England. She’s of a different generation. She’s more open, expressive, and has gone toward an art career. She’s lucked out, exhibiting in several cities across Europe for her dancing colors collection.

Babs Mimzy: She once attracted him with her wit, her intelligence, and impressed him by the fact that she wasn’t trying to impress anyone, she never did. Nick was able to open up to her enough that she fell in love with him and vise versa. But they reached a stalemate in their relationship. After five years, it turned out that he couldn’t give her what she wanted, and they couldn’t find a solution to make their relationship work. They divorced.

Future plot ideas: Purist ties to his family in Russia. His sister, with whom he doesn’t have a relationship with. Drama with ex-wife and her new fiance.

FAMILY

Mother: Valeria Orlov, 58 Father: Alexander Orlov, Deceased Siblings: Vera Orlov, 24 Pets: None Children: Thomas Miller, 5 years old. Ex-Spouse: Babs Mimzy

MAGICAL

Wand: Bog oak, 13.5 inches, Dragon heartstring Basic education: Hogwarts, Slytherin, started in 1994, graduated in 2000 Lineage: Half-blood. Dad was a pureblood. Mom was a half-blood. Skills: Animagus - borzoi. Best at defensive and offensive spells, including all of the spellwork that his job requires. Spells for the ordinary such as cooking, cleaning, housework, he doesn’t use. They make him feel lazy. But he’s also good at potions, as this was his best class. He was once taught by the great Severus Snape, not that Nick was a favorite of Snape’s. Snape had no favorites. Nick is great at apparating, uses it when in a wand fight.

Some facts

Smoking: Yes, he’s a smoker. He should quit. He likes Muggle cigarettes, Parliaments Drinks Alcohol: Yes, however, no issue with it like alcoholism. He prefers gin. Religion: None Worst Habit: Allergies: Most fantastic beasts with fur. Most Common Misconception about them: He’s aware of how he makes people feel; it’s a matter of whether he cares from one situation to another Biggest Fear: To lose his son - that could just mean losing the ability to see him. Greatest Strength: Confidence, experience, intellect, honesty, loyalty; generosity toward those closest to him Greatest Weakness: Can be ruthless on the job, cold, harsh, closed off emotionally; a difficult superior; can be impatient and not understanding Weapons: His wand

Intimate Facts

One Wish: That he doesn’t lose anyone important to him. Greatest Secret? Ideal Kiss? One that’s deliberate Sleeps In? Never, unless by accident Virgin? He has kid. What turns them on? Challenges, surprises when he expected something else

Random facts

Most Uttered Phase/Word? Tends to Always? Slouch a little, glower Is Ticklish? His feet Oddest Thing? Most likely to find them? Knows they’re really sorry if? You can see it on his face, even if he tries to hide it. Or in his actions, you can tell that he feels guilty.

#nickorlov #playerelena

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magpiefngrl · 7 years

Note

As I completely understand your frustration - I've had the same problem all school year and it really makes one exhausted - I will of course try to help you with your writer's block! So... how about Musicians AU..? Like... one of them plays a string instrument and the other a wind instrument.. there is some rivalry tension there, for sure...

Thank you for a great prompt! I liked the idea of competing instruments, but the story took me in a different direction: Harry in a band, looking for a vocalist. Guess who applies! Hope you like what I did with it :))

Many thanks to @lower-east-side for the fast beta and music industry insights ❤❤

My heart’s a tart, your body’s rent (Mature, 3.5k) Story on AO3, an excerpt here:

The Interviews

When the door shut behind the ninth person they’d seen that day, Harry letout a sigh. ‘This is hopeless.’

‘No, it isn’t,’ Padma insisted, ever the optimist. ‘We still have twocandidates to interview. Maybe one of them will be the vocalist of our dreams.’

Cho scoffed from the corner.

‘I’m with the Kraken,’ Harry said, pointing at Cho.

‘Shush, children,’ Millie said, coming back in the rehearsal studio slashdrinking den they’d created in Cho’s parents’ shed. ‘Patience. We’ve two moreto go, both men. The next one has a lot of credentials. He’ll be here in atick.’

Candidate number ten strode in a few minutes later. Tall, slim and blond,he sported a sneer Harry instantly disliked. He sat on the edge of the batteredleather sofa as if it was contagious.

Strike two, Harry thought. ‘Your name?’

‘Smith. Zach Smith. People like to call me Honey Voice.’

‘Um, what?’ Millie bit her lip in an obvious attempt to stop laughing.Harry shared an eloquent look with Cho: hopeless.

‘Honey Voice,’ explained Zach Smith patiently. ‘A nickname from my days atmusic school. As I said on the phone—was it to you, Melinda?—I graduated fromthe Royal Academy of Music. It’s—well, the teachers called my voice exquisite.I have a very unusual timbre, you see.’

The more Smith spoke, the more Harry wanted to deck him.

‘Right,’ said Padma, who by then was the only one managing to keep astraight face with ease. ‘What drew you to The Witches?’

‘The who?’ Smith asked and Harry groaned internally. At least theirprevious candidates had known which band they’d applied to—or in a memorablecase were even blinded by what little fame The Witches enjoyed and had comesimply to ask for autographs.

‘It’s the name of our band,’ Cho said in the flattest tone everuttered by a human voice. Lucky that Ginny was at work; she’d have evisceratedthe bloke.

‘Oh! So with me, it’d become The Wizard and The Witches?’

‘No, the name doesn’t change,’ Padma explained. She should’ve been ateacher; her patience was extraordinary. Harry barely refrained fromthrowing Smith out.

‘But I can’t be a Witch.’ Smith’s face took on a patronising tone. ‘I’m a man.’

‘So’s Harry,’ Cho gritted out.

‘Zach,’ Millie interrupted before the bloodshed began. ‘One last questionand we’ll let you go. Have you been in a band before?’

‘I’ve had loads of offers,’ Smith sneered. His honey voice gratedHarry and he decided he’d use his veto for Smith and only Smith. ‘… Radiohead,in fact, wanted to work with me. Thom, well… he was very impressed with mysinging. But the timing wasn’t right for me, I had other commitments. And I didhave to turn down Pulp, too. But: me and Jarvis. Great pals. And—’

‘So you’ve never been in a band, is that what you’re telling us?’ Harryinterrupted.

Smith pursed his lips. ‘Not yet.’

When Smith left, the four of them descended to the garden for a fag and aquick beer before the final candidate arrived. Harry rubbed his face, resignedthey’d never find the right person. It was impossible; the formerly fivemembers of the band knew each other from school. If Ron hadn’t decided to fuckoff to the States to pursue a career with his new girlfriend, they wouldn’t bein this mess.

‘The last bloke is going to be ten minutes late,’ Millie informed them,hanging up her phone.

‘Great start,’ Harry deadpanned. ‘Can’t wait to meet this responsibleperson.’

Twenty minutes later, Harry had returned to the shed and had picked up hisbass to give himself something to do when the girls came in from the garden,ushering the new arrival.

Harry’s initial indifference changed swiftly as he took in the man, whoflopped on the leather sofa as if he owned it. Tall and blond again, butdifferent to the previous man, the way a moth is different to a butterfly. Thisone sported black nails, jeans so tight they seemed painted on him, and whitehair that fell to his chin, making him toss his head back with careless graceevery five minutes.

‘Hullo. I’m Draco Malfoy.’

Oh god. A toff.

‘Draco,’ Millie started. ‘Nice to meet you. I’m Millie.’

‘Mad Dog Millie?’ Malfoy said. ‘An honour. Your riffs are unreal.’

Millie preened, and Malfoy went on to offer compliments to Padma, ‘and ofcourse, the Kraken’s drumming is legendary.’ Cho grinned at him.

Then, he turned his grey, unfathomable eyes to Harry. ‘You must be Potter.’

Nothing else. Harry narrowed his eyes at this blatant discrimination. Hewasn’t too pleased with Draco sodding Malfoy clearly implying that hefound nothing to praise about Harry. Malfoy sounded and looked like an uttertosser and Harry didn’t want him in the band.

The girls wanted him in the band.

‘Look, I’ll veto,’ Harry said in Padma’s flat, where they were debating theissue while cooking some pasta. ‘We each have one veto, right? I veto him.’

‘If not Draco, then, as much as I hate to say it, Smith is the only otherpossible candidate,’ Padma pointed out.

Fuck. ‘This is all Ron’s fault for gallivanting in Americaand leaving us in a lurch.’

‘My brother,’ Ginny said, who’d arrived late and had gone straight for thearms of her girlfriend, ‘fell in love. When it happens to you, then youcan blame him.’

‘Just don’t fall for one of us, Harry,’ Millie said helpfully, stirring thesauce, and the girls laughed.

‘Ha ha.’ The running joke had grown old for Harry.

‘So tomorrow then?’ Ginny, as the band’s manager, always managed to whipthem into action. She glanced at the creased leaflet Malfoy had left with them.‘This Draco—what a name— will be singing tomorrow in Camden. We’ll go check himout, see what he’s like on stage.’

‘I’ve asked around, you know,’ Harry told his band mates over the blaringmusic. A band that seemed to be made up entirely of sixth-formers wasperforming with great inexperience. He hoped Malfoy’s band, which was to playnext, didn’t veer so heavily into metal.

‘Asked around about what?’ Padma shouted. She’d worn a hot pink jumpsuitand, as always, drew the eyes of everyone in the club.

‘About the bloke we’re here to see. Do you know who he is?’

The girls ignored Harry, so he shouted louder. ‘He’s the son of LordMalfoy. A Tory dick.’

‘So?’ Ginny said, her hand in Cho’s.

‘So?’ Harry huffed, annoyed they wouldn’t take him seriously. People werejostling him as they passed, the music was too shrill and his voice startedhurting because of all the shouting. He really wasn’t having fun. ‘So he simplywants to rebel against daddy for a month before he fucks off toCambridge to study Law or some sort.’

‘What’s your beef with him, Harry?’ Cho asked. ‘We’ve all agreed he was themost reasonable of the people we interviewed.’

‘I just don’t like him,’ Harry insisted, knowing he sounded like a ten yearold.

‘Then maybe don’t go out with this one,’ Ginny deadpanned and the otherssniggered.

Harry rolled his eyes and turned his back to them. The fact that, at onepoint or another, he’d been involved with each of them (even if it was simply asingle Year 9 date with Padma or a drunken shag on his birthday two years agowith Millie—which they’d agreed to never ever ever mentionagain) had never failed to amuse them. His protests of ‘I never dated Ron!’made them laugh even harder.

The teenage disasters on stage ended their set in lukewarm applause. Milliepromptly arrived with a bloke she’d pulled—‘knows the organisers of Glasto’ shescreamed in their vicinity—and they pushed forward in the crowd to see Malfoy’sfriends’ band. He’d said he was doing it as a favour, as their regular singercouldn’t make it and they needed the gig.

‘The Flu Fighters?’ Padma scanned the leaflet. ‘What a name.’

The Flu Fighters consisted of three blokes on drums, guitar and bass, andDraco Malfoy, who strode on stage and held the microphone as if he was going tohave sex with it.

The lights went down. The crowd hushed. A spotlight illuminated Malfoy’ssilver hair and bare chest. Harry adjusted his trousers.

He’d had to adjust them a few more times as Malfoy on stage was—well, hewas hypnotising. Harry found it impossible to look anywhere else for theduration of the set. A cross between Jim Morrison and Debbie Harry, Malfoyoozed charisma from every pore. His posture, his tight leather trousers, hiseyeliner and painted nails, the way he glided and slithered and writhed onstage aroused Harry beyond comprehension. There was no way he’d be able to workwith Malfoy. Going out with Cho and Ginny at school was a thing of the past, achildhood memory they laughed about now, but lusting after a band member Harrywould have to see regularly sounded like a terrible idea, especiallyconsidering that said band member seemed to despise Harry.

The first notes of T-Rex’s 20th Century Boy started playing—an unusualchoice for a band who’d stuck to rather old-school rock so far—and Milliewhooped from beside Harry. It was a favourite tune of theirs. Cho and Ginnyjumped up and down and Padma swayed with some bloke she’d pulled. Harry sippedhis beer and turned to the stage where Malfoy crouched, holding the microphonebetween his legs, as he sang the chorus. He swept his white hair back andlocked eyes with Harry: ‘…Well it’s plain to see you were meant for me/Yeah, I’m your boy, your 20th century toy…’

Malfoy’s gaze sent a thrill down Harry’s spine, even though he knew thatMalfoy most probably hadn’t been looking directly at Harry. Harry’s skin felthot and his lungs struggled for some air, as Malfoy held that gaze before hejumped up and stalked to the other end of the stage.

‘He’s fantastic, isn’t he?’ Ginny shouted in Harry’s ear, and Harryknew it’d be futile—if not stupid—to argue against Malfoy.

‘Better him than Honey Voice,’ he agreed.

The Rehearsals

Working with Malfoy proved to be hell for several reasons, one being theyway he lit Harry’s insides on fire just by existing; the other being that hewas an insufferably annoying posh git.

They met the following day in their rehearsal studio. Millie and Cho pushedthe leather sofa to the side to make room and Ginny explained to Malfoy thatthey had a gig in three week’s time. ‘It’s a pretty important one,’ shestressed. ‘We released a single before Ron left and this is our chance to playit to a much wider audience than we’re used to.’

Malfoy tied his hair back in a ponytail that left wisps falling on hisface. ‘Will it be mostly covers or will we include some original songs besidesthe single?’

‘About 50-50, we think.’ Padma thrummed her guitar.

‘We’ll rehearse some covers today,’ Harry said. ‘The Pixies. Heard ofthem?’

The look Malfoy gave him would have withered blooming flowers. ‘Whohasn’t?’ His accent seemed more pronounced the more disdain he poured into hiswords.

Harry’s blood rose to his head. ‘How should I know what posh kids like youlisten to between tennis lessons and Latin?’

Malfoy glared at Harry, who was amazed at how he could hate Malfoy andstill fancy the socks of him. ‘You know nothing of my life.’

‘I know a public school boy when I see one. Aren’t posh schools where Houseof Lords peers sent their sons—’

Malfoy stalked to Harry, right in his face. ‘Do not talk about myfather,’ he hissed.

‘Ahem.’

Harry and Malfoy turned to see that the girls had been watching them, someamused, Ginny glowering. Ginny was the one who’d coughed. ‘As fun as this,’she waved a finger in their direction, ‘is, I say we get started. If you’restill spoiling for a fight after the rehearsal, feel free to take it to thestreet. I won’t have you destroying our studio.’

Malfoy nodded curtly and returned to the mike, and Harry picked up hisbass, furious at himself for losing control around Malfoy.

Ginny flopped on the leather sofa. ‘Let’s go then while the grass isgreen.’

‘With your feet in the air…’

Harry would never admit it out loud, but playing music with Malfoy turnedout to be an exhilarating experience. Having known the girls—and Ron—sinceschool, Harry’d assumed the intuitive communication they’d shared was foundedon years’ long familiarity. It shouldn’t have been the same with Malfoy, butMalfoy gelled with them in a way that baffled Harry, even if deep down itthrilled him. Malfoy could anticipate the subtle changes Millie or one of theothers made while playing, but particularly Harry’s; he seemed attuned toHarry’s playing in a way that that was almost mystical. Harry found he couldalso sense the way Malfoy would drag his vocals or speed them up and adjustaccordingly, which would lead the band to new directions. Everyone had grins ontheir faces. Experimenting with each other and their new addition made this oneof the best rehearsals The Witches have ever had.

Ginny clapped in the end. ‘Fucking amazing.’

The next few rehearsals proceeded in a similar manner. Malfoy would show uplooking like sex on legs, he’d argue with Harry about something—usuallyeverything—but when they played music, they created magic.

After the rehearsals, the band had usually headed down the pub or toPadma’s flat for some dinner as she was the only one who lived on her own—everyoneelse had flatmates. As they wrapped up their third rehearsal, Malfoy surprisedthem by inviting them to his own pad. He glanced at Harry as he spoke, cheeksfaintly blushing, while the girls accepted with enthusiasm.

Harry declined, ignoring the girls’ pointed looks. Being around Malfoyduring rehearsals was bad enough. Wanting to snog and also hit the same personcould be exhausting, as Harry had realised this past week.

Malfoy didn’t comment on Harry’s refusal to join them, but his eyesglinted. Harry returned home and heated up a frozen dinner, turning the TV onand eating absently, his mind on the fun he imagined the others having atMalfoy’s.