#even though Hogwarts and Beauxbatons are both closer

[foldingdragonsathogwarts]

Durmstrang Headcanons: Rules of Admission and Muggleborns

(Those are not canon, but headcanons based on the idea/implication that Durmstrang is an exclusive private school, as well as the name being based on Sturm und Drang.)

Technically, the rules of admission for Durmstrang did not exclude muggleborns.

That is, there was no written down rule of "Student has to have one or two magical parents".

Instead, the rules simply worked in a way that made it almost impossible for anyone without existing connections in the magical world to comply.

Unlike Hogwarts and Beauxbatons, Durmstrang did not send out invitations. Instead, students had to apply many months in advance, which of course required knowing about Durmstrangs existence first.

With the deadline for applications at the end of January, many muggleborns wouldn't even find out they had magic before it had already passed.

Next, Durmstrang taught students from all across Europe, but most classes were held in German. So, the application also required proof that students could speak the language, easily justified as a means to make lessons go more smoothly.

Of course, if you were a witch or wizard with the means to send their child to Durmstrang, you would start those language lessons early and not run into any problems. And while that still left all the German, Austrian, etc muggleborns born between September and January in play, it still excluded most of the muggleborns outside of those countries.

Which is what the general education test was for. Again, officially it existed to make the selection fair and ensure a smooth integration into lessons. But as this test also included some hard questions about the magical world, it was often the excuse used to deny the few muggleborns that made it that far.

And then there was the price point. Durmstrang charged a pricey tuition for attendance, and didn't hand out scholarships. Again, it wouldn't keep out every muggleborn - but it would keep out "the poor", which was probably even more important for the rich elite that send their progeny here.

Lastly, Durmstrang restricted the number of students that could attend each year, which meant the school made a selection out of all applicants.

There was no official rule that excluded muggleborns. But as long as Karkaroff was headmaster, that selection simply never included them.

[talesofadragon]

𝐁𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐥𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

Summary: Despite witnessing the death of his mother and being forced to grow under the watch of his Death Eater father, Theodore Nott is living proof that love and care bloom even in the most barren conditions. Maybe, they flourish even more.

Warnings: Allusions to sex

Pairing: Theodore Nott x Pregnant!Reader

Genre: Tooth-rotting fluff 

Word count: 4.2K

All Masterlists | Theodore Nott Masterlist

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 he had over his twenty-four years of existence.

His first dream was at the tender age of three after his mother surprised him with a trip to Diagon Alley. When nightfall came, the Sandman put him to sleep, drawing images of the alley's bustling stores and magical people behind his eyelids.

His second dream was at seven years of age. It had been a few years since the loss of his mother, and he had come to terms with the painful reality that her ghost did not linger within the desolate corridors of Nott Manor. But her soul and her memories seemed to still echo in his head.

The third dream was the catalyst that set off a chain reaction, unleashing a plethora of heavenly promises and alternate realities. It marked the beginning of one of the best stories he had ever read and one in which he had serendipitously played a role in curating. It happened when he was fourteen.

Hogwarts was abuzz with excitement as it hosted the renowned Triwizard Tournament. Though he wasn't particularly enthralled by his school and its whimsical attractions, let alone the two other visiting schools participating in the tournament, he had no idea how profoundly this event would impact his life. Everything changed when the girls from Beauxbatons Academy gracefully entered the scene, and amidst them was a certain witch with the most mesmerizing, iridescent eyes that instantly captured his attention.

Y/N Y/L/N—that had been the name of the witch who occupied his dreams for years on end. Though today she was known as Y/N Nott, his remarkably beautiful and majestic wife.

Tonight, just like every other night, Theodore sat on his bed. He would lovingly observe the gentle rise and fall of Y/N's chest as she peacefully slept beside him. In recent times, she often kept one hand tenderly clasping his while the other lovingly cradled her pregnant belly, an undeniable symbol of the beautiful life they were bringing into the world.

And like a magnet calling for the metal, Theodore’s hands would always wander to the life they had created, astounded by the little flutters he felt both against his palms and in his heart.

Y/N truly was his dream. And she was entirely his.

“Why are you not sleeping?” she murmured without prior notice, prompting Theodore to look at her. Her eyes were barely open, tiredness dominating her every feature.

Theodore was cautious not to engage in conversation with her, not wanting to risk waking her from her peaceful slumber. Instead, he propped himself up on one elbow, using his free hand to gently play with her hair. He lovingly brushed away the stray locks that caressed her face and used his index finger to twirl some of the strands. A playful smirk adorned his lips, knowing that the action almost always lulled Y/N into an undisturbed sleep—and he could already see her eyes fluttering shut.

But then, she abruptly shook her head, forcing her eyes to open.

“Y/N,” Theodore chastised, giving her a pointed look.

“Theo,” she replied, drawing out the last vowel.

Theodore snorted at her antics, and for some reason, he recalled the lazy days he spent with her in his bed at Hogwarts in the years following her transfer to the school.

She shifted closer to Theodore’s side—maybe she thought that moving around might sober her up. She cupped his face, angling it closer to hers. “Why are you awake?”

“I’m just thinking, butterfly.” He shook his head with a subtle laugh, his hands caressing her lips and pulling her bottom lip down. He only released it when he was sure her pout would mold into a relaxed smile.

“About?”

“Us three.”

Theodore observed the puzzled expression taking over his wife's features. She blinked owlishly while languidly processing his words. As his thumb gently brushed against her pregnant belly, her gaze shifted downward, and a melodious giggle escaped her lips.

“What about us three?”

“Nothing in specific,” he replied, grinning like a Cheshire cat. He already swooned whenever Y/N used the word “us.” But to hear it accompanied by a number that reflected a product of their ardent devotion? It filled his heart with love.

“I’m sleepy, Theo. Be specific, please.”

Merlin, Theo smiled. If this is a dream, I hope it lasts forever.

“I’m just really happy, Y/N,” Theodore elaborated.

Y/N mirrored the winsome smile that he radiated. She leaned in closer, positioning herself between his legs with her knees firmly planted on the mattress. Tilting her head to the right, Theodore's attention wandered between the still-visible hickeys on her neck, which had yet to fade away since two nights prior, and her lovely little belly.

“I want to straddle you,” she said after putting both her hands on his broad shoulders. “But I’m too big, and I can’t figure out a comfortable position that doesn’t involve me squishing you.”

Theodore’s uproarious laughter flooded the entire room. He found it both amusing and ludicrous that Y/N would think that. Wordlessly, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her toward him until his chest cushioned her back, and his hands wrapped nicely and securely around her middle.

“This is my favorite position.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow at her husband’s remark. “Huh. Since when did Cowgirl stop being your favorite?”

“Y/N.” Theodore rolled his eyes. He buried his head in her neck, teasingly biting her. She giggled, trying to push him away. “No straddling, riding, or exerting yourself while pregnant.”

“But—”

“No buts,” Theodore deadpanned. “Go back to sleep, butterfly. Not getting enough sleep is bad for the baby.”

“But how can I sleep when my baby is awake?”

“Is he now?” One of Theodore’s hands combed through Y/N’s hair while the other rubbed soothing circles on her belly.

The placid movements made her eyes flutter, but she blinked away the exhaustion at once. “Not my little prince,” she whispered. Her eyes landed on Theodore. “My little king.”

Pink dusted Theodore's cheeks in response to the comment. He had never realized how much he yearned for even the tiniest and most tender displays of affection until Y/N entered his life.

He basked in her warm words, bumping his nose gently with hers. “I love you. But I will love you even more if you get some rest.”

Y/N pouted. And Merlin, it was physically impossible for Theodore to do anything but smile at her reaction. “Not before you do.” She glared at him, and he held her gaze. A moment passed, then two, and then three. An errant yawn escaped Y/N's mouth, and she unintentionally blinked. She inwardly reprimanded herself at the realization. “Let me read you a story then.”

“A story?” Theodore asked amusedly.

“Hmm. It’s good practice for when the baby comes.”

“No, Y/N.” Theodore shook his head. “I know what you’re trying to do.”

“I’m not trying to do anything,” Y/N shrugged innocently.

“Lying little witch.”

“Overprotective big oaf.”

“Oaf, you say?” Theodore raised an eyebrow while Y/N laughed. “Alright, you’ve done it.”

Instantly, Theodore flipped her over, making her back softly land on the mattress. He tickled her ever so gently, planting kisses all over her neck, cheeks, and body, eliciting delightful giggles from her until she let out that long, familiar sigh of contentment. Within minutes, she had drifted into a peaceful slumber, leaving him to gaze affectionately at her and the beautiful life they had created together.

As soon as Y/N’s eyes opened, Theodore's absence from the bed struck her, followed by the unnaturally quiet atmosphere around her room. She planted her elbow on the mattress, and with great effort, though she would never admit it, propped herself up and gazed at her surroundings.

The magical clock on the wall marked eight-thirty in the morning, and Y/N found it odd that Theodore was nowhere in sight. He rarely left her alone, especially since she became pregnant, hardly giving her a minute by herself.

Deciding not to think much of it, she slipped her slippers on and, unceremoniously, made her way out of bed. She was about to call for her husband when the smell of eggs and grilled cheese permeated the air. Her hurried steps echoed through the house as she dashed toward the kitchen.

“You’re making breakfast?”

“Y/N!” Theodore whipped his head in surprise, flying pans and floating juice surrounding him. “I told you to call me if you need anything. Especially if you want to walk down the stairs!”

Y/N completely brushed off his comment, eyes lighting up as one of the spatulas scrambled the eggs. “I’ll set the table.”

“Woah, woah, woah. You’re not doing that.”

“It’s no trouble, really,” she replied, looking down at the arm that blocked her way.

“Y/N—”

"Setting up the table will not break my back, Theo! I can do things even though I’m pregnant."

"I know, Y/N. I know." At this point, it was evident that Y/N's mounting frustration was reaching a tipping point. Theodore had to tread carefully with his words to avoid making her cry or, worse, giving her a reason to ignore him. "It's just that I wanted to surprise you with breakfast in bed. And, you kind of ruined it."

Y/N's big doe eyes locked onto her husband, a hint of calculation shimmering in her irises, revealed by the tilt of her head. As she placed both hands on her belly, Theodore's composed demeanor couldn't hide his concern and attentiveness.

He never enjoyed seeing Y/N upset, especially when she was pregnant. The mere thought of an upset Y/N during her pregnancy made him uncomfortable.

However, her giggle dispelled all his doubts, and a wave of relief washed over him. Still, his heart felt like it was dunked in the frozen waters of the Black Lake when he saw her skipping ahead, confidently navigating the stairs.

"I can fix it!"

"Y/N! What did I say about the stairs?"

"That I can't walk down the stairs by myself," she cheekily replied, holding onto the railing tightly. His heart clenched just as tightly as he watched her.

"Stay where you are, I'm coming,” Theodore announced.

“Uh-uh-uh. I’m climbing those steps myself, and if you even think about helping me, you won’t be coming until a year after this baby’s born.”

Theodore scoffed, “Don’t threaten me with sex, Y/N. It’s not going to work.”

“I said you won’t be coming, Theo darling," she pointed out matter-of-factly with a wicked grin. Sometimes, it didn't take much to remember that she was sorted into the House of Snakes. "I never mentioned sex.”

Theodore glared at his wife, his tongue poking his cheek. She won. And she knew it.

“One step at a time.”

With a quick wink, she resumed her way up the staircase, calling over her shoulders, “The baby wants strawberries, and I want grapes. Can you fix something, my love?”

“Get in bed safely first, and then I’ll see if you can get your fruits.”

Y/N waved at him from the threshold of their open bedroom door. Once he was sure she was inside, he cursed under his breath. Though, his smile never wavered and only turned into the biggest grin when he started chopping grapes and strawberries.

“Are you sure you don’t need any help?”

Theodore stood proudly, attempting to hide his uncertainty behind a facade of confidence. He wore an expression that asserted, “I am perfectly capable of baking a cake for my wife.”

The chaotic ambiance in the kitchen begged to differ.

The room seemed to be the battlefield from the Third Wizarding War with flour scattered everywhere, eggshells haphazardly discarded on a plate, and cake batter splattered on once-pristine beige walls.

Perched on the bar stool, Y/N attempted to mask her chortle behind the book in her hands. It was a good thing that Theodore was too busy opening and closing cabinets to notice her amusement.

“Theo, my love. I know pureblood Slytherins struggle to admit defeat, but maybe it’s time you retire that apron you’re wearing and let me take care of this cake.”

“Absolutely not,” Theodore refuted with a little too much vigor. The spatula in his hand swayed to the right, causing a generous amount of batter to land on the side of Y/N’s face. “Oh, Merlin! Y/N, I’m so sorry. Are you okay? Did I hurt you? I swear I didn’t mean it!”

Y/N’s nose scrunched in disgust when Theodore approached her side. He cupped her cheeks, but she briskly swatted his hands away. His heart broke, and he stepped back with dimmed hazel eyes.

“You utter nincompoop, Theodore Nott!” With a horrified expression, Theodore watched Y/N rush to the sink and splash her face with water. A goblet of cold water came flying to her hands after she snapped her fingers, and she gulped it down at once. “That smelled foul! I don’t want to imagine how it tastes. Throw that bowl away. Right now.”

He did so immediately. He looked down at the gooey mixture, stifling a scowl. “Maybe it’s better if I buy a cake.”

“Or, hear me out. I should make one.”

“You’re not exerting yourself.”

“Theodore, darling. Baking a cake is a breeze. It’s you who struggles to even boil water.”

“I don’t struggle to boil water,” Theodore grimaced. One look from Y/N, and he was left evaluating his response. His eyes wandered to the slight mess he had created in the kitchen and then to his pouting wife, who looked absolutely ethereal with her round belly. He was starting to cave. Damn, that witch. “No! Don’t look at me like that. I’m getting you a cake. One you’re not making.”

“But—”

“No buts. In fact, I’m going right now,” Theodore said in a rushed tone. He knew that if he even looked at her for one second longer, he couldn’t remember what letters formed the word “no.” He immediately summoned his keys, placing them in his pockets. “I’ll be back in a minute. Don’t touch anything, don’t worry about anything. Just… breathe. Yeah, butterfly?”

Y/N blinked, gazing at her husband. “You too?” she replied unsurely.

Theodore gave her a quick, though impassioned, kiss that almost made her forget where she was and what they were talking about. His hand went to rub the curve of her belly, and she cursed those stupid hormones that made her whimper.

Dazed, she watched as Theodore fetched his coat. He sent her a languid smile, and then, he dashed out of the house and apparated promptly. As soon as she heard the apparition crack, it was like the “Nott Enchantment” was lifted off her, and she could see everything around her much more clearly.

She turned on her heels, carefully studying her kitchen. With a devious grin, she rushed to grab her wand and immediately pointed it at the counter. “Wingardium Leviosa.” The utensils simultaneously launched into the air, followed by the eggshells and the other ingredients on the counter.

Y/N cleared the surface quite easily, directing whatever needed washing to the sink, which was already filling with soap and water, and disposing of the trash. Scourgify was at the tip of her tongue, but deciding that she wanted to revel in her rebellion a little more, she tucked away her wand and pulled the cleaning supplies from the storage.

Immediately, she put on the pink rubber gloves, which Theodore never quite fancied, flexing her fingers in the air and picturing the look of sheer terror on her husband’s face. She poured the surface cleaner on a cloth and began disinfecting the kitchen.

Slowly, but surely, the abysmal smell—courtesy of Theodore’s extraterrestrial baking skills—was replaced with the fresh scent of pine and vanilla. Y/N inhaled these scents, labeling them as one of freedom. Even her baby seemed happier, vehemently kicking her belly and bouncing around.

It didn’t take long before everything was clean. Satisfied, Y/N placed the cleaning supplies under the sink and started putting back the clean utensils. Though, her peace was disturbed by a loud pop.

She shrieked, placing one hand atop her mouth and the other on her belly when it dawned on her that there was now a little less light inside her home than there was a second before.

Looking up, she exhaled a sharp breath when she realized that one of the ceiling’s light bulbs was out.

“It’s a good thing your father isn’t here, my little prince,” Y/N whispered, gently caressing her belly. “He probably would’ve apparated us to the moon, thinking it was a Death Eater or something.”

Once more, she felt her stomach fluttering as her baby’s little kick brought a smile to her face. She couldn’t help but feel grateful that her little boy seemed to be inheriting her sense of humor, and she silently thanked the stars that he might just be a lot less uptight than Theodore.

Merlin seemed to be on her side too, egging her on and encouraging her little streak of rebellion. Without giving it much thought, Y/N rushed to the electrical panel by the kitchen’s wall and spotted the room’s switch.

When they had first moved, Theodore was particularly concerned about muggle electricity, swearing that it was an anti-wizard mechanism that would electrocute them if they came near it. Y/N didn’t believe him. But because she loved him too much to see him losing his precious hair over this trivial matter, she did indulge in his absurdity and kept herself away from the panel.

After her curiosity got the best of her, she decided to ask Fleur, a friend from Beauxbatons and Bill Weasley's wife, about electricity. Knowing that Mr. Weasley, Fleur's father-in-law, had a fascination with muggle devices and technologies, she figured Fleur might have some insights. Additionally, Hermione, Fleur's sister-in-law, being a muggleborn, likely knew a thing or two about it as well.

To her relief, Fleur reassured her that electricity wasn't half as bad as Theodore had made it out to be. With the kitchen switch turned off, Y/N could easily change the light bulb without any risks.

She grabbed her wand, pointed it up, and carefully removed the old bulb. Just as she was almost done placing the new one, she felt a hand snatch away her wand and another grab her waist.

Y/N gasped, feeling herself being pushed against the wall. Her breath was knocked out of her lungs, her eyes peering up in horror until they landed on familiar hazel irises that looked anything but warm.

“What the bloody hell do you think you’re doing?!”

Her annoyed voice mixed with Theodore’s sharp one. She pushed him away from her just as he threw her wand across the room. It clattered on the floor, the noise accompanying Theodore’s labored breath.

“I told you not to do anything!”

“Well, I wasn’t doing anything!”

“You were playing with that muggle death trap, Y/N! All while being pregnant!”

“Oh, get off your rocker, Nott! I turned the electrical switch off before changing the lightbulb,” Y/N argued, gesturing toward the electrical panel.

It was obviously a mistake given how Theodore's face turned as white as snow, and the trembling in his fingers signaled the storm of emotions building within him, about to erupt. “You touched Frank Benjamin’s apparatus of doom?!”

“What?” Y/N made a face after a moment of silence and confusion.

“Did you touch that thing?” Theodore asked, pointing at the panel.

“Yes.”

“Are you mental?”

“I’m starting to think I am after two years of being married to you!”

“Don’t change the subject!”

“Who the bloody hell is Frank Benjamin even?”

“I told you not to change the subject!” Theodore warned.

Y/N was this close to slapping her husband’s obnoxiously handsome face. “You are being awfully dramatic, Theo. Just because Draco told you and Blaise that electricity is a torture device developed by muggles doesn’t mean it’s true!”

“Oh, yeah.” Theodore crossed his arms. Surprisingly, now that Y/N could see the pink and purple paper bag from her favorite bakery in his arms, her husband looked a lot more cute than intimidating. “How’d you know that?”

“I asked Fleur,” she deadpanned. “Oh, and would you look at that? I’m still alive! Looks like Frank Benjamin did a lousy job.”

“We do not say his name in this household, Y/N!” Theodore insisted while stepping closer. He seemingly noticed the bag he was yet to discard in his hands. He placed it on the counter and turned to his wife before he froze in his place. “You cleaned the house?!”

Y/N flung her arms in the air at her husband’s callousness. “Yes! And with those pink gloves you hate so much!”

“I told you not to do anything. I left you for ten minutes!”

“I wish you left me for more. Maybe then I would’ve been able to do the one thing I need more than anything.”

“Which is?” Theodore scoffed.

“Breathe!”

Following her outburst, Y/N’s hand came to rest on her hip while the other landed on her heart. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and let the oxygen flow inside her lungs.

When her eyes fluttered open, the tension that inundated the air slipped. And meeting her on the other side was her Theodore with warm hazel irises and outstretched hands.

“Come here.” He gestured with arms wide open. Y/N dove into his embrace. She had gotten quite better at accommodating her large belly in Theodore’s bear hugs. “I’m sorry if I've been frustrating lately. I just… I just want you to be safe and happy, Y/N. Both of you.”

“We are, Theo. With you, we always are,” Y/N assured him. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and she buried her face deeper into her husband’s clothes. His scent invaded her senses, and she had to admit defeat against her hormones.

“Hey. Look at me, butterfly.”

Y/N lifted her tear-stained face. She wanted to let Theodore know it was just her hormones and that there was nothing to worry about, but any modicum of common sense evaporated as soon as Theodore started kissing away the tears.

She exhaled in delight, relishing in the feel of her husband’s lips against her skin. His touch was delicate and ephemeral, yet it left a trail of anticipation and ardor in its way.

“Theo,” Y/N murmured. She cupped his face, her thumb gliding gently over his stubbled jaw. “I love you.”

“You can never love me more than I love you, Y/N Nott," he admitted, caressing her neck, specifically her pulse point. "And maybe, it’s because my affection knows no bounds that I’ve crossed the line from being protective to becoming overbearing. And for that, I truly am sorry.”

Y/N’s heart swelled with affection at his heartfelt words, leaving her momentarily speechless. “I forgive you,” she replied, planting a soft kiss on his neck. Theodore's lashes fluttered in response to her touch. “And thank you for admitting this out loud. I know it must’ve been hard.”

“Oh, it’s not the only thing that’s hard right now.”

“Theo!” Y/N guffawed loudly. She playfully slapped his chest, but he quickly caught her wrists and nuzzled his face in her neck, nipping her sensitive skin. “Stop being promiscuous. I’d like to peacefully eat my cake, please!”

“Why have a cake, Y/N? When I can make you the most fantastic cream pie. It’s going to leave you craving for more,” Theodore whispered huskily in her ear, going as far as licking her earlobe and sucking it gently.

Y/N gnawed at her lower lip, already feeling herself surrendering to Theodore. Curse those stupid hormones and all the times she teased him with sex. Must he retaliate, too? How did they even get to this point?

“After the cake, Theo. Our baby is hungry.”

Theodore stopped then, pressing a soft kiss to Y/N’s temple. He grasped her hand, beaming when she interlaced their fingers together. He watched her as she giddily reached for the strawberry cheesecake he had gotten her, plating two slices, and taking the biggest one for herself.

“This is really good.”

“Better than my cream pie?” Theodore wiggled his eyebrows. He laughed and ducked out of the way of a flying strawberry, effortlessly catching it before it hit the ground. “You missed, my love.”

“Don’t you ‘love’ me, Theodore Nott!” Y/N pointedly addressed him. It was hard to take her seriously with the crumbs on the side of her mouth. "One more sexual innuendo and I'm naming our child Frank Benjamin."

"Absolutely not!" Theodore scowled. He took a bite from his own cake, looking back thoughtfully at his wife. "Though if you do indulge in my cream pie, I'll let you tell Draco and Blaise that we are considering naming our child Frank Benjamin."

Y/N's eyes lit up like a thousand stars twinkling in the night sky, and Theodore couldn't help but feel a euphoric swarm of butterflies dancing in his soul, bringing an overwhelming sense of happiness and warmth to his heart. Her radiant joy illuminated the room, and at that moment, he knew that her happiness was all he ever needed in this world.

Thank you to the lovely nonny who suggested this prompt💚 I hope I did it justice. I always knew that I will be writing for Theo Nott sooner or later, and I'm glad to have started with this piece.

Thank you to everyone who sent me requests; there are loads of Theo fics I'm working on, and I hope to release them as this year progresses.

[bloofinntoona]

These things I promise you: (one)

Word Count: 2 k

Themes: ominis gaunt x f! beauxbatons reader x sebastian sallow, slow burn, arranged marriage, eventual infidelity

Summary: (part I) by the age of ten, you were betrothed to ominis gaunt. every summer, your parents forced you to spend summers with the gaunts. in an unlikely unfortunate event, you get to know your betrothed better.

Pureblood. The word still left a bitter taste in your mouth no matter how many times you heard it. Your sweaty hand held onto your maman's tightly. The frills and lace adorning your dress rubbed against your skin - eliciting and itchy feeling that you couldn’t scratch unless you wanted a good scolding from your parents. Your maman was wearing an elegant black dress, her corset perfectly accentuated her slim waist. The woman never failed to look exquisite, especially during the annual Pureblood families gathering - the upper echelons of the Wizarding World. The ball happened once a year at the end of summer, exclusively for wizards and witches whose blood runs purely from magical family. Whoever had a trace of muggle blood would be promptly exiled from the community - and even few faced death for it.

Your fingers twiddling with the hem of your skirt, eyes fixed on the boy in front of you. Your gaze lingered on his milky blue eyes. You had never met a blind person before, and all you could think about was how beautiful his eyes were. Ominis Gaunt. The name echoed in your head. Your parents wouldn’t shut up about the Gaunts on the way to the ball - talking highly about the particular Pureblood family, especially knowing that they were direct descendants from Salazar Slytherin, and a part of the sacred twenty-eight. The woman in front of you, who introduced herself as the blond boy’s mother, hailing the Gaunt’s name proudly. She had a tight grip on the boy’s arm, and you winced your face imagining how hurtful it was.

“We are so very honored to have this union with the Archambeau family.” said the woman, snapping you back to reality.

“Likewise,” your maman smiled politely, “Y/N is very thrilled to be engaged to Ominis.”

Your eyes widened at the statement, the urge to break free from your maman’s grasp was too tempting. They had never told you about this plan before, let alone ask your opinion about this. You were merely ten years old, and you were already set to marry a stranger that you had never met before. Ominis stood still as well, his face scrunched up, most likely feeling the same way as you do.

“Praise be to Slytherin!” the woman exclaimed, “Though I suppose their marital union should be done after they both finish their studies. After all, our dear Ominis will enroll at Hogwarts next year.” hissed the woman in parseltongue. Your ability in deciphering and speaking the language was still elementary, as you could just catch the word “after” and “study”, yet you get the gist that you will be truly married to Ominis once you finish school.

“I agree, our Y/N will be starting her studies at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic next year as well.” you mother hissed back.

“Ominis,” the woman dragged the boy closer to you, grabbing his hand a little too hard, and held it in front of you, “say hello to your darling fiancée.”

“Bonsoir, Ominis.” You did a quick curtesy before shaking his hand. The poor boy was trembling slightly, his hand was sweaty and cold.

The rest of the ball was a complete blur for you. There were dances here and there, crude gossips about Pureblood families who started to ally themselves with Mudbloods, and hearty dinner that you couldn’t enjoy as your stomach flipped from the sudden news of your engagement. You stayed silent on the carriage back to your home, gazing at the clear night sky from the carriage window. Suddenly, warm hands enveloped your tiny ones, “Mon petit coeur,” your mom smiled softly, “You should be happy. The Gaunts have the purest magic blood in England.”

You sighed a little to loudly as your father glared at you, prompting you to look down, “But,” you gulped, “I don’t know him at all… How am I supposed to fall in love and marry him?”

Your papa erupted in laughter, “Love? This is about the union of two powerful pureblood family. Feelings don’t matter.” His expression turned serious as he glared at you, “This is for your own good, ma chérie, our own good, so you better behave.”

Tears threatened to fall down on your cheeks as you bit your lips hard enough that you tasted iron. Your maman stroked the back of your hands gently, “We shall spend our summers with the Gaunts starting from next year... I think it will help you get to know Ominis better.”

A heavy sigh escaped your lips, the ride home continued silently after. You leaned back, resting your head against the plush cushion in the carriage, closing your eyes as your thoughts jumbled together in your mind. 

The next summer, your parents fulfilled their promise to visit the Gaunt’s manor. The place was too gaudy to your liking, a tad comical seeing the old gothic building, too fitting with the name Gaunt. Tall trees and unkempt plants decorating the front of the manor. Your frown deepened. It was harrowing enough that you had to spend the entire summer at an unfamiliar place, being forced to get to know your future fiancé, but seeing the state of the manor just worsen your mood. You stepped inside the manor, wooden floor creaking underneath your shoes. As dust filled your lungs, you let out a series of coughs. Your mind started to wonder, perhaps your parents secretly hated you, subjecting you to live in such terrible condition for the rest of your lives.

Your parents, as well as Ominis’, had been urging the two children to get to know each other, but it only resulted in awkward stare-downs. A week passed by, both you and Ominis had not yet spoken a word to each other. As an act of desperation, your families decided that it was a good idea to lock the two alone together in the living room, forcing the two to interact with each other.

“Ominis, would you like to play?” you sighed, finally approaching your supposed fiancé. Half an hour passed by and you were bored to death - trying to talk to the boy was a thousand times better than talking to the silent moving paintings on the wall.

Ominis shook his head. You let out another exasperated sigh, imagining your bleak marriage days in the future. The boy held onto his wand tightly, a soft red glow emitting from the tip. 

“Can you see,” you gently touched the stick, “with that?”

“Not really,” Ominis whispered, startling you. That was the first time you actually heard him speak. His voice was very gentle, almost like a squeak.

“So what do you do with it?”

The blond boy shrugged, “It helps me feel… things around me-” Before he could finish his sentence, a blood-curling scream echoed throughout the mansion. You swore your heart was about to burst from your chest, and you stood still, utterly shocked. The sound of small, hurried footsteps startled you again, as you saw Ominis quickly hid underneath a table. The poor boy hugged his knees tightly, tucking in his head. You walked closer, starting to notice that Ominis was trembling, his wand was discarded on the floor. You picked up the wand, slowly sitting down next to him. Your hand rested carefully on his back.

“Don’t cry,” you whispered, “We are safe here. Our parents will protect us.”

“You don’t understand!” Ominis sobbed, tears ran down his cheeks, voice shaking, “They are doing it again… doing bad things to muggles.”

“Ma chérie,” you sat on your papa’s lap, gaze lingered on an open book that he was reading, “Do you know that there are good magic and bad magic?”

“Bad magic?”

“Magic that can… hurt people, and even put them to sleep forever.”

You stayed silent as your papa continued, “But these magic are powerful. And they will keep you safe from harm. You will need to learn it in the future. It is our duty as Purebloods to pass down this precious knowledge.”

“Does maman know about bad magic too?”

“Yes, of course.”

Another scream startled the two children again, louder this time, sending shivers down your spine. Everything clicked in your head. The adults were casting dark magic to muggles. A little part of your heart sank - you didn’t know that your parents were even capable to do such things. Your mind raced, your hand instinctively found Ominis’. Surprisingly, he reciprocated your action. The two stayed that way until the series of screams stopped.

“Can you do it too, Ominis?” you broke the silence, “Bad magic?”

Ominis shook his head, his eyes were puffy, and snot running down from his nose, “My parents and siblings made me do it,” he sniffled, head hanging low, “I could not do it at all. Then they did it to me… It hurts… so much.” The boy started to sob again.

You gently laid your hand on his hair, stroking the soft strands gently - just like how your maman calmed you down after being scolded by your papa. “I’m sorry…” you muttered under your breath. 

For what seemed like hours, you sat down under the table with Ominis, hands still intertwined. The tension of the situation took a toll on the children physically as you both fell asleep, Ominis’ head leaned comfortably against yours. In a half-concious state, you felt your body being lifted up by your papa as you drifted into a deep slumber.

The shared trauma that you shared with Ominis was like a key that opened parts of his heart to you, little by little. Starting from short games of hide-and-seek, which Ominis was particularly good at since his senses were heightened by his wand, to secret meetups in the attic by the end of the summer. 

You crawled through a small opening in the Gaunt manor’s dusty attic, following Ominis who deftly dodged obstacles - most likely remembered the place at the back of his mind. “This is my secret hiding place,” the boy flashed a smile, something you get to see more often. “Aunt Noctua showed me how to get here. She said it was her secret spot when she was just a kid like us.”

In a secluded corner, you saw books, stuffed animals, and muggle toys sprawled around the floor. You couldn’t contain your excitement as you quickly grabbed onto the assortment of toys, your papa hated muggles so much that you were “protected” from the so-called dirty muggle things. You felt a nudge on your arm and saw Ominis holding out a book with the title ‘Alice in Wonderland’ gilded on the cover. “Aunt Noctua gave this to me on my birthday,” he said with a chirpy tone, “Secretly, of course.”

“What is it about?” you mused, taking the book and flipping through the pages. “My parents would never let me read such things.”

“It’s about a girl who fell into a rabbit hole and traveled into a weird place,” he smiled, “I haven’t finished it though. Aunt Noctua is too busy to read it to me these days.”

“Shall I read it for you?” you held onto his hand, carefully helping him sit down across from you.

His milky blue eyes glimmered, “Really?” Ominis flashed the biggest smile you’ve ever seen ever since you met the boy.

“Of course!” you grinned, proceeding to read the passages to Ominis. You couldn’t help but occasionally peek out to gaze at the boy, who kept his joyful smile throughout. At that point, a thought flashed in your head, a promise that you kept dear in your heart ever since - a promise to keep that smile on his face.

The summer ended with the annual ball. As much as you hated the smug grins on the adults’ faces, thinking their plan of getting you and Ominis to know each other worked, you didn’t mind the newfound friendship you had with the boy. At least you didn’t have to be dragged around the ballroom by your maman, sitting down in the empty garden with Ominis was a far better way to wait for the event to finish.

“Are you nervous about going to school this year?” Ominis asked, his hands twiddling a stick that he picked up from the ground. 

“A little,” you resorted to picking small flowers that littered the garden, gathering them into a small bouquet, “But my maman said I will live in a beautiful castle. I saw the uniform, it is quite pretty.”

“I bet it is.”

Your felt heat rushed to your cheeks, as a loud thump echoed in your chest. The night air felt particularly warm, gently flowing through your frilled skirt. You approached your fiancé, carefully putting the messy bouquet of flower on his hand. Ominis took the bouquet, bringing the flowers close to his face, inhaling the floral scent of freshly picked wild flowers. You swore his face reddened as his lips formed to a soft, genuine smile.

“I think you will be alright, Ominis.” you smiled widely, “I think you will meet lots of new friends.”

“I hope so.”

[legacygirlingreen]

September 1896 // Farmer Sebastian Sallow x Reader (part 11)

Full series master list here

Warnings: Sexual Tension, Sebastian feeling like a creep even though she's well of age, almost kiss

audio here

Word count: 5,500

This scene feels like what I once saw on a screen

Time had certainly flown, and if she’d hadn’t experienced the highs and lows of the last 4 years, she would’ve believed someone had used a time turner to make it pass quickly. Her favorite professor, Mr. Morris, had ultimately left Beauxbatons around her 5th year, transferring to Hogwarts, where she shortly after had gotten engaged to and married Professor Sharp. The wedding had been a lovely affair, and due to Sebastian’s work schedule, she had attended alongside his best friend, Ominis. He’d been a proper gentleman, and they both had a wonderful time as the silent agreement they were much more smitten with the respective Sallow twin’s than each other, led to a carefree day of fun. 

As she advanced in school, her classes got more challenging and she found the course work much more stimulating than previously. Despite this, she still excelled in her classes, remaining at the top of the Beauxbatons academic leaderboard. As her last year drug on, the school brought in many outside agencies to help meet with the students, to help aid them in choosing career paths. Some people stayed for a few days, others for weeks, while they met with students, interviewed and led internships right from the school. 

Her birthday was always right at the beginning of the school year, marking how she nearly had missed people closer to her age group in the previous class. As her friend group grew in France, each birthday grew more and more fun away from her home and family. When she had first started school, she was jealous of Sebastian for having a birthday over the winter holidays so he could be with family, but with time her school friends had made it special as her surrogate family. 

Within a week of school starting she woke up on a day with few classes, excited to spend her birthday with her friends in a garden on the school grounds. All she had to do was finish her one advanced potions class, before attending a school sponsored ballet class, as Beauxbatons also spent part of it’s funding on the arts at large and not just magical endeavors. 

Potions class drug on, but eventually she was released from the work of the day to meet with friends to head to ballet. As she made her way down the hall, dressed for the extra curricular class, she saw a familiar head of dark brown hair above the heads of her classmates. 

“Sébastien!” she explained as he turned around to face her, and her fellow students parted so that she could traverse the space between them. 

At her voice he smiled, excited that he’d been assigned as an ambassador to her school the same time as her 18th birthday. Well, perhaps he’d asked to be put on the schedule a little ahead of time, but regardless he was happy things had worked out… 

When she got closer to him, she hardly had time to take in his appearance, before she launched herself into his arms. He chuckled as he caught her, his arms going around her back as he kept them both from falling over. Eventually realizing everyone in the hall were observing them, he set her back down on the ground gently as he kept his arms around her back. “I take it you’re happy to see me” he said as she giggled into his ear, and he responded with a deep chuckle that radiated through his body. As he moved to let her go, he noticed a stray curl of her hair escaping the small bun she had at the base of her nape, so he tucked it behind her ear. 

“Oh Sebastian! You grew a mustache…” she said through a fit of giggles, taking in his appearance finally. 

“What’s wrong with the way I look?” he asked playfully and she kept giggling as she raised a hand to delicately trace the very coarse, dark hair he’d chosen to let grow upon his upper lip and the small patch he left under his bottom lip. Regardless of the fact it was well groomed she still found the chosen style to be more funny than mature and posh like he’d intended. 

“You look ridiculous.” she responded playfully through laughter, as she continued to caress his cheek unconsciously. 

“How does it look ridiculous? My boss did not like a full beard, saying it looks too rural and I struggled with the respect of my colleagues being smockfaced…” he explained sheepishly, upon her reaction to his unfortunate choice in facial hair. While he admitted it wasn’t his favorite appearance, he hardly had much of a choice given his career and very overextending boss. 

Seeing his less than enthusiastic reaction to her comments she stopped immediately, looking up to his face to judge it once more. It was true it had come as a shock to her seeing him looking more like a swindling business man than the sweet boy she’d known. At second glance she could see where he had to shave most of his face in order to prevent the rest of his facial hair from taking over. She imagined that without his line of work being in international relations he’d look quite handsome with a full beard. Regardless of her own thoughts on the mustache she felt guilty mocking him in gest. 

“I am sorry, I shouldn’t have said that..” she said quietly, hoping he wouldn’t be too upset with her. 

“It’s alright… I admit it’s not the best but hopefully I won’t have to keep impressing my boss soon enough and can get rid of the bloody thing…” he explained looking down as her hand lifted his jaw gently to see the bottom half of his face better, as his eyes snapped back to hers. 

“Don’t shave it all… perhaps Paris and London use a few more rural men” she explained with a distant look in her eye, once again imaging him with it extending outward into more of a beard than it currently sat on his face. 

“I’ll… keep that in mind… what’s with the outfit?” he asked her, gesturing to her simple blue dress with its ruffled sleeves and poofy skirt, paired with her stockings. She had a bag with her pointe shoes slung over her shoulder for class. Ballet practice. 

“Oh Merlin's beard!” she swore as she frantically looked for the clock in the hall, and unable to find it she reached into his suit jacket without warning, snatching his pocket watch to check the time. Upon opening the pocket watch she saw the fragment of the mirror alongside a photograph of the two of them with Anne and Ominis, one year after she’d been cursed in the Sallow home. Unfortunately being late for ballet rehearsal she’d have to question him about it another time. 

“What is it?” he asked cautiously, returning the pocket watch to his pocket.

“I’m late for ballet rehearsal, my instructor is going to kill me…” she said apologetically as she attempted to rush off towards class as Sebastian jogged next to her. 

“Just hold on a moment will you?” he asked, grabbing her arm to stop her. 

“What is it?” she asked wildly looking around, hoping if she left now she’d still make it on time. 

“I just got here, not to mention it’s your birthday, and you are more concerned with missing ballet, which I assume is an elective is it not?” he asked and she shrugged. 

“I am playing the lead in the winter showcase. Many of the affluent families in France come to watch. It’s an honor to be chosen…” she explained and he sighed. 

“At least let me come and explain why you were late. I can say you were kind enough to show me around and lost track of time” he offered with a smile before offering his arm for her to take as they walked off towards the direction of the room used for rehearsals. 

As they walked Sebastian couldn’t help but occasionally steal glances at his very beautiful neighbor. Not that the girl wasn’t pretty before, she’d always been lovely, but for the first time since he’d known her it was as if he finally recognized her to be gorgeous. From the lovely sway in her hips, the parts of her body that had formerly been thin and flat now had filled out leaving her much more feminine appearing. Her face had lost every ounce of the roundness it previously held, and was replaced with high cheekbones and sharp eyes. She had grown up from the small girl next door into a woman before his eyes. 

It wasn’t long before she arrived and walked in, ready to be berated by Mrs. Poésie, for being late. As she finally arrived, not far from the start of class, the woman opened her mouth to scold her but was abruptly stopped when Sebastian stepped inside, offering a hand and a charming smile to the older woman. “I apologize for making your star pupil late, Mrs..?” Sebastian inquired as he laid on his charms thick with the french woman, in order to save her skin for being late. 

Before long he found himself situated on a stool off to the side of the class's rehearsal as his successful attempts to charm the instructor lead to him being forced into observing the ballet class. He didn’t find much fault in the fact, as it led to more face time with his friend. He had always wondered what her life was like at Beauxbatons truly, as he only received letters or had information relayed to him via her memory, and she had been graced with a period at Hogwarts herself on her research trip. Sebastian had been surprised by the school’s elegance the moment he arrived, and the students carried themselves with poise and grace. 

To see a girl he’d known as a young child, terrified of his uncle for burning her leg, change into to a strong and confident woman felt like a metamorphosis he was absolutely honored to have beheld. The friendship and bond they had forged over the years since that day he’d found her sleeping had always been such a prized possession of his. Ominis regarded him from a distance. Anne completely abandoned him. His uncle dead, by his own hands. Yet, here this lovely girl still smiled at him before she turned her attention back to her instructor as she began to warm up. 

Even now, he couldn’t help but stare as his long time friend stood in the center of the room, dressed in elegant blue silk and tulle, stretching her athletic limbs with grace as her now developed and incredible feminine body… 

Sebastian caught himself before the thought fully developed. A small part of him felt like a creep, invading a space in which she was merely a school girl, and he was a young man, who had a job to do, yet he leveraged it in order to spend time with her. On the other hand, she was finally of age, and had been for a full year in the eyes of the wizarding world. Regardless, even he recognized the imbalance of power that would exist within their dynamic should he currently act upon it…

Despite the history they had, the love they shared for their trauma and pasts, and the years he had known her : he was still older, more established, and she had yet to truly experience the highs and lows of adulthood. She might be an adult physically and legally, yet she still hadn’t been given the chance to function as one. If he ever allowed himself to engage in a more developed or romantic connection, in that room watching her dance, he made himself promise it would be during a time in which they would finally be equals, and not where he still had a leg up on her so to speak. She needed to be an adult, one who had a career, and the full choice to choose him over other suitors… 

Sebastian had always known that the girl had a crush on him when they were younger, often admiring him in ways no one else had, and it was a fact that he’d been very gentle with. It might’ve been easy to allow himself to be swept up in the affections of someone who saw nothing but the good in him, despite all the terrible things he’d done, but he forced himself to remain humble and keep her at an arm's length in that manner, mostly for her own sake. Sebastian had always forced her to try and confront her emotions, playfully teasing during times he caught her staring at him to deflect, or sharing his relationships during his last year in letters to reassure her that he was not available for her affections. He never had wanted to lead her into thinking that they could be anything but friends with the distance between their ages. 

When Imelda Reyes had insisted that he was romantically entangled with the young woman so many years ago, he hadn’t meant to be so mean in his defense, but when he looked back on the incident, Sebastian realized that he had been playing with fire all along, and that maybe even then, he had already allowed the girl into his heart in ways he shouldn’t have. Since that day and her subsequent forgiveness for his rudeness, he had always regarded her more favorably than other women he’d met. Sebastian was no stranger to womanly affection, often having brief flings with women in London or Paris. They were usually short lived, as no one held a candle to the way that she had made him feel, even as a misguided teenager.   

He would be ignorant to deny that ever since he’d known the girl, he had felt a connection so deep, it was only rivaled by the one he had shared with Anne, despite the different nature it presented itself. They were intellectually very compatible. They understood the loss of parental figures and the guilt that was carried by ones who survive such horrific tragedies. They continued to have a connection despite the many miles often separating them - a quality that even women his own age struggled when he bounced back and forth between the countries for work, often resulting in the failed relationships. He was more drawn to women with  features or demeanor similar to her own. The only issue between them was the gap in their age and her lack of experiences as an adult. 

Sebastian didn’t even allow himself to wonder how much experience she had as a woman with physical needs for affection, as to even question such, felt perverse…

“Sebastian?” her voice called out, breaking him out of the trance he’d been in since he sat down. 

“Yeah?” he asked, looking up at her mildly concerned expression.

“Are you alright? You looked lost in thought?” she questioned. Was he okay? How could he be when he was disgusted at himself for the thoughts he had? Surely she would think less of him if she knew… 

“Never better… want to get out of here and celebrate that birthday? I have a surprise.” he asked, hoping to change the subject and she nodded, smiling, working onto her face as she joyfully left the classroom with him in tow. Sebastian immediately knew he was in for it when all he could focus on as she moved was the sway of her hips and the way the dress gave way to the delicate curve of her back.

Eventually making it outside to the well manicured school grounds, he offered a hand for her to take, and she cautiously picked it up as the world shifted around them. 

“A little warning before you aparated us would’ve been nice” she said, touching a hand to her forehead feeling the effects of the travel in the form of being lightheaded. Looking down she wishes she had thought to change her clothes, or very least her shoes. 

Almost as if reading her mind Sebastian lifted his wand, transfiguring her point shoes into a pair of loafers and slipping his coat off to place on her shoulders to cover her arms. 

“Where’s the fun in that?” He teased.

Feeling the adjustments to her wardrobe to be sufficient, as well as coming down from the adverse effects of the traveling, she finally got a good look at where they were. She immediately recognized the rich purple lavender fields and the rolling mountains in the distance to the east. 

“Why…?” She asked quietly as he smiled at her, offering a hand.

“I have something to show you” Sebastian said wiggling his eyebrows as he traversed the landscape as if he knew it quite well. She could see the road that used to lead into the village, knowing her childhood home wasn’t far from there. Not having been back since the day her mother dragged her away, kicking a screaming felt surreal. She wasn’t sure if Sebastian knew that this was her home village but regardless she followed the handsome brunette to wherever he was taking her. 

Eventually they made it to a small wooded area and he helped her carefully move over some rocks and gravel by holding both her hands and stabling her as she walked, before they found a clearing. Growing within the clearing was several plants she vaguely recognized. The flower’s glowing centers illuminated the space, almost like starlight from each bulb. She thought hard, trying to place where she knew the flowers from, but she couldn’t recall the memory. But something deep within her told her that they were important. 

“What… what is this place?” she asked, still trying to remember why her mind refused to corporate and explain the odd stirring she felt at the location. Sebastian had brought her here for a reason. 

“I was working not far from here, and found this place entirely on accident. The entire area has been taken over completely by these odd flowers. They were like nothing I’d ever seen before, so I took one back with me. I thought there might be some chance I had discovered a new species so I dug through the records and sure enough I wasn’t the first to file papers for this flora. The original herbologsit who created this species died before they were properly attributed for the work, and then it seems like their research was forgotten until I unearthed it again. I brought you here so that I could give you this…” he said, placing a piece of parchment with a large wax seal into her hands.

Curiously she eyed the letter, opening it carefully as she examined its contents as Sebastian explained what he had given her. 

“I discovered that it was actually your father who bred this species and he had filed before his death for the proper accreditation. It’s customary for the person who created or discovered a species to be allowed to name it, so I refiled the paperwork and made sure that it went through this time… that is an official document proving that your father bred this flora, and that his original intended name for the plant was approved.” 

As she removed the documentation, she saw detailed drawings of the flowers currently surrounding them, as well as its magical properties outlined. At the top of the page she saw it’s official name: “Lilium y/n” 

She hardly knew what to say. A small part of her felt like weeping, knowing that Sebastian had been so respectful towards her father’s legacy, and had gifted her proof that he’d done as the late man would’ve wanted. Another part of her felt saddened that her father hadn’t been able to do so on his own. Regardless she found herself with small quiet tears moving down her face as she held the parchment in her shaking hands. 

“Sebastian… you…” she trailed off, still unsure how to phrase all the thoughts running through her mind. He simply looked at her, eyes shining as the flowers made them appear lighter due to their magical glow. His face bore a very kind smile as he examined hers. 

“I realize it's not much, merely making sure paperwork got filed, and it likely won’t result in much as the properties of the flora are still largely a mystery, but I wanted you to know that he named it after you. By doing this, now you have confirmation that his legacy would live on, as would yours…”  

As Sebastian spoke, his face grew warm and he looked around at the small clearing surrounding them.  She quickly placed the parchment onto a fallen tree and stepped towards him while he was distracted, not wanting to risk ruining the document. 

Sebastian didn’t have much time to react before she had flung her arms around his neck, burying her tear stained cheeks into his neck as she pulled him close.

“Are those happy tears or…?” he asked cautiously and she nodded against him as he chuckled, pulling her in tighter. 

Eventually she pulled back and as she attempted to remove herself from his hold, he only held on tighter, keeping her in his arms. The setting sun behind them, the cool breeze around them, the beautiful sights of the flowers named after her illuminating the space - it was all so lovely. 

Something in the air shifted, as he kept his hold on her waist. His eyes implored hers, begging for answers, as she did the same. Why wouldn’t he let go? Why was he looking at her that way? Why was he still so infuriatingly handsome after all this time? 

As she stared up at him, she couldn’t help but get lost staring at the bridge of his nose, seeing all the freckles at lay upon his skin. His long eyelashes danced against his pale cheeks as his downward gaze on her made her want to squirm. 

Reaching a hand up, she once again examined his facial hair, running her fingertips over the hair as she stared at him. Sebastian didn’t speak as she did so, allowing her to do as she pleased despite all the warning signs in his head telling him to stop her. She continued, abandoning the path she was tracing over his mustache, moving her pointer finger down, tracing over the soft skin of his lips. 

The action somewhat stunned him, his lips parting as she did so in a trance. He watched her eyes as they studied his mouth with a look he’d never seen before. They remained this way for a moment, as her finger moved to his bottom lip, tracing the skin there as well before she stopped, seemingly realizing what she had done as her face grew flushed. 

She moved to apologize for the inappropriate action. “I’m sorry” she said, once again attempting to detangle their positions and he held firmly.

“Don’t be” he said bluntly as he continued to look at her.

“But-”

Sebastian silenced the girl by leaning forward, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, halting the words on her tongue as he did so. She soaked in the affection, allowing him to linger as his lips stayed planted on her skin for a moment before he moved his mouth closer to her ear. 

“You do realize, if I had wanted you to stop, you would’ve…” he said.

If she hadn’t seen him so close to her, she almost would have denied the voice to be his, as she had never heard him use that tone before. It was raspy, and she dared say, sensual as he spoke the weighted words to her, before he pulled his face back again.  

He removed one of the hands on her waist, bringing it up to cup the side of her cheek as he continued to probe her eyes as he looked down at her.  They both stood there, unsure what to do, or if this was suddenly moving in a direction they would not be able to come back from.  Sebastian used his hand to draw her closer, moving so his face was almost even with hers. His dark eyes level with her own, his nose caressing the bridge of hers and his lips only a breath away. From this close she could see all the depth his eyes contained, all the small white scars he had, like the one along his bottom lip, and the expanse of every blemish. All it would take would be for one of them to close the small gap and… 

“I should stop…” he said with an annoyed sigh, closing his eyes as he moved to rest his forehead against her own, but not moving back from her. 

“Why…?” she asked timidly, afraid that if she moved to kiss him, he’d be upset with her, so she allowed him to guide the interaction as she hoped he would open his eyes once more. 

Remaining there, she could feel his hand shaking against the side of her face as his breathing became erratic. She had no clue as to why he seemed in conflict with himself over their current situation. He had been the one to draw her in, now he seemed at war about giving in and kissing her or remaining as they were. 

“You deserve better…” he explained sadly as he re opened his eyes, hoping to convey that he was sorry for not being able to go through with kissing her as they remained with their foreheads pressed together. 

Of all the explanations he could have given, that was hardly one she had expected. How could she find a man better than the one before her? One who had known her for so long? One who respected her greatly? One who continued to care for her after all this time? 

“There is no one better than you” she said, hoping to encourage him to close the gap but he didn’t, eyes moving back down to her lips letting her know he still seemingly wanted to even though he hadn’t made the move yet. 

“I don’t want to do anything that might ruin this…” he exclaimed softly as he moved his eyes up to her own once more, catching her gaze. His emotions seemed to be so contradictory as he looked willing to throw caution to the wind, but also restrained. He looked so sure of himself and yet unsure. He looked at her with such love but also fear. 

“I want this…” she said as she moved her arms to hold him closer.

“I know you do,” he replied.

“Then why can’t we…?” she asked 

“I don’t know. Truly I do not.” Sebastian closed his eyes again, letting out a groan as his thumb traced patterns into her lower back. 

“I don’t understand…” she said just above a whisper and he looked at her as his expression melted into something sympathetic but still kind as he moved back slightly. 

Tucking hair behind her ear he spoke. “I know… I am sorry… you have to see how much I want this, how much I want, well you… but I feel…” he tried to articulate it in a way that would show he was the one who had the issue, and that he felt the need to protect her from his own brazen actions. 

“You don’t have to explain yourself if you do not wish to..” she said, hoping that he wouldn’t feel pressured into lying to make her feel better. 

“No. You deserve to know. I need you to understand I want to, so incredibly bad, but I feel as if now is not the right time.” Sebastian told her as his eyebrows drew and he continued to struggle to find the proper words. 

“Alright. You may speak freely if you desire.” she reassured him and he nodded appreaciatively. 

“Thank you. You have to realize that I truly care for you, in such a profound way, that it often frightens me. I don’t want to do something that might be unfair to you. I suppose given we are both adults, nothing could be untoward, and I have remained careful in not crossing a line previously to protext your modesty, but … you have your whole life ahead of you, and I refuse to be the reason someone as kind, brilliant and promising as you has her options mitigated on my behalf. I want you to go out into this world, and do wonderful things, not feeingl tied down and stuck in domestic life before you are ready, just to be with me.” he explained softly. 

Her first reaction was to deny his reasoning, assure him that it hardly mattered what he was suggesting, but she respected him enough to let the words resonate. 

“Sebastian… you must know that I love you…” she said shyly, finding the words to be so heavy on her lips as he smiled at her, drawing her close once more to rest his forehead on hers again. 

“I know… and my feelings for you are the reason I need to give you a fair chance to build whatever life you wish for yourself without my interference” he told her.

“But what if I want my life to have you in it” she asked him as he moved his face down, his nose tracing the skin of her cheek. 

“If there comes a time where you have made the career or life you desire and you still wish for me, then I promise, I shall be ready when the time comes, to be whatever you need” he told her as his lips ghosted over the skin next to her lips. 

“Okay…” she said breathlessly as he pressed the kiss to her skin before pulling away. 

“As for now, be young. Live your life, and I shall live mine. Fate always seems to draw us together again and again no matter how much time passes, physical distance separates us, and whatever obstacles we face… I’m not going anywhere mon chou…” he said as he moved back slightly, sucking in a deep breath as he removed his hand from her face so he could run it over his own. 

“Thank you, for bringing me here, and for making this discovery offical. It’s the kindest thing anyone’s done for me” she explained, hoping to shift the tone from the overwhelming heaviness that had lingered in the air. 

“Of course. Shall we head back?” he asked her and she shook her head no. 

“I wish to remain a little longer…” 

“We can stay here as long as you wish.”

[carewyncromwell]

“And we'll never be royals... (royals) It don't run in our blood! That kind of luxe just ain't for us -- We crave a different kind of buzz...”

~“Royals” by Lorde

x~x~x~x

Hey guys! Remember that Slug Club TSLQ we got a long way back? 

Well, this art is based on that concept...only instead of MC seeking out Slughorn on behalf of Gwenog Jones, Carewyn meets Slughorn through one of his favorite ex-students: her older brother, Jacob Cromwell!

So for context, Slughorn desperately wanted eccentric genius and magical prodigy Jacob Cromwell to join his Slug Club back in the day. Unfortunately Jacob was a little too distracted by the Vaults and his other million interests to really pay much mind to going to parties or networking, particularly since the only kind of ambition Jacob’s ever really had is the kind that makes you want to achieve academically and learn as much as humanly possible, not build a career or live it up with the rich and famous. Add to this Jacob’s active disinterest in parties (a carryover from his mother, who suffers from social anxiety), and yeah, one can see why Slughorn couldn’t manage to “collect” Jacob despite both his best efforts and Jacob’s overall favorable feelings toward his ex-professor. 

After the Cromwells defeated R and Jacob successfully got out from under R’s control, Jacob reconnected with many of his old associates and professors, including Slughorn, who he wrote a very long apology letter to. While exchanging several messages back and forth, Jacob (foolishly) said he’d work really hard to earn Slughorn’s forgiveness for making him worry for such a long time, and Slughorn (cleverly) used this to pointedly suggest that Jacob could always attend one of his Slug Club parties, if he really wanted to make things up to him. Very reluctantly Jacob agreed, and Slughorn, thinking to make the event a bit easier for his old student, suggested Jacob could bring a friend or even date along, if he so wished. 

And yeah, as you all can probably guess, Jacob took the opportunity to ask his stylish, Slytherin, and newly-named-Head-Girl little sister, Carewyn, to go with him. After all, he was closer to her than anyone else, so it’d be easier to stomach a party like this if she was with him. Plus Jacob had gushed profusely about Carewyn to Slughorn already, and he really did want her to meet his old Potions professor.

“I wish you could’ve had both him and Snape for Potions, like I did,” Jacob had told her with a nostalgic grin. “Don’t get me wrong, Snape knows his stuff, cranky as he is -- but old Slughorn used to make Potions class a lovely little game, so much of the time! Giving out points and even sometimes little prizes, if you got something right...Ashe used to love the prizes...”

Upon hearing that she and Jacob would be going to a formal party, Carewyn’s ex-boyfriend and still good friend and fashion collaborator Andre immediately volunteered to outfit them both, so they’d be sure to impress. Carewyn also surmised that Andre thought them wearing his outfits might reflect well on Andre as well, especially considering that the Ravenclaw was hoping to continue to work in fashion post-Hogwarts, even now that he’d been signed to fly with Pride of Portree. Andre took inspiration from multiple sources for Jacob and Carewyn’s looks -- the ones Carewyn mentioned to Slughorn at the party itself were the capes on Durmstrang and Beauxbatons’ uniforms, though he’d also been inspired by some costumes from two Muggle films Carewyn had introduced him to: Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, for Jacob, and The Princess Bride, for Carewyn. Slughorn was certainly very impressed with Andre’s work, chortling that he’d never seen Jacob looking quite so dashing in all his life.

“And probably never will again,” said Jacob cheekily as he fiddled with the puff in his right sleeve. “Though I suppose I could always use these buggers as water wings sometime in the future.” 

As Jacob had predicted when he was still at school, Slughorn positively loved Carewyn. Although yes, she certainly wasn’t as intellectually brilliant as Jacob, she was still a very exciting person, given her history as a Cursebreaker, her positons as both Prefect and now Head Girl, and her strong ambition to work at the Ministry of Magic as a lawyer. Her fashion sense, sensitivity, and poise compared to her brother were also a nice plus. Even with this, though, Carewyn found all of the social interaction draining after a while, especially when she also had to share the room with people like Lucius Malfoy. 

“We’ve met,” the pale-blond-haired wizard said very coolly, upon Slughorn introducing her. His black robes were so high-necked he resembled a vicar. “Miss Cromwell and her associate Miss Snyde were good enough to watch over my son Draco for an afternoon, while I inspected the Hogwarts grounds.”

"Inspected?” Jacob said a bit more harshly than he probably should’ve. 

“Lucius Malfoy is one of the school governors,” Carewyn said quickly under her breath to Jacob. 

“Indeed,” said Lucius, his eyes flickering coldly over to Jacob. When his lips spread into a smile, there was no warmth behind it. “And you...you must be the infamous Jacob Cromwell. I have heard quite a bit about you."

Jacob’s eyes flared with loathing. 

“Likewise, I’m sure,” he shot back. “Though I doubt you’d want me to repeat that which I’ve heard.”

Carewyn could sense something cloudy coming off of Jacob, when he glances at her -- images of countless men in black hoods and eerie white masks...

Death Eaters, Carewyn realized at once. Had Malfoy been suspected of being one of them? It certainly would fit, given his disgusting attitude toward Muggles...

“I daresay there are plenty of baseless rumors from our pasts that we both wish people wouldn’t revisit,” Lucius said quietly, his light eyebrows raising high over his narrowed gray eyes. 

Carewyn couldn’t help but remember Merula bringing up the lie that Jacob had been involved with the Death Eaters when she glanced at her brother. Almost seeming to have sensed it through her gaze too, Jacob’s angry expression flickered, betraying something more wounded. It made Carewyn grab his wrist and give a supportive squeeze. 

I never thought it was true, Carewyn wanted him to know. Never.

“Especially when conversation would be better spent on the lovely trappings of the space our gracious host has arranged,” said Lucius in a much sleeker, satisfied voice, turning his focus to Slughorn. 

The older man chortled happily, clearly relieved to move past the tension between his two guests. “Oh, these old things? Mere trifles...nothing like the kind you have back at your Manor, I’m sure, Lucius, my boy...”

“You’re too kind,” said Lucius.

This was honestly the part of the evening Jacob and Carewyn disliked most -- the fawning, sycophantic attitude that all the guests indulged in. As much as Carewyn sensed that Slughorn was very sincere in his praise of her and Jacob, there was a sense of transaction in this whole event: one that felt like everyone else was taking stock of who could help them advance themselves later. It got to the point that before long, both Cromwells migrated over to the far corner of the room to talk more privately.

“And this is why I don’t like parties,” Jacob said dully. “All this fluff and frills and frippery -- yet with all that, not a book or brain cell to be found anywhere.”

“Not all parties are like that,” said Carewyn. 

“A gigantic circle-jerk, you mean?” Jacob joked.

“Jacob.”

“Seriously, look at old Malfoy. Poor bloke’s so thirsty he dressed himself as a bloody black hole.”

Carewyn tried to fight back a wry smile, but it was proving difficult. Jacob could sense the amusement coming off of his sister even despite her reproach, and it made him only smirk more broadly.

“Your Legilimency’s gotten really strong, Pip,” he complimented her. “At one point, I felt like I was right there with you, in the courtyard with Merula.”

Carewyn’s smirk faded. 

“...You saw that?” she asked hesitantly.

Jacob’s smile shrank a bit, but he tried to keep it on anyway, however difficult it was. 

“...Yeah.”

He then tried to smile a bit more reassuringly. 

“...I’m glad you knew it wasn’t true. If I’d ever made you think that I’d leave you and Mum on purpose...let alone that I’d...” 

Jacob broke off when Carewyn took his arm and gave it another gentle squeeze.

“Mum and I both knew you’d never do that,” she said very firmly.

She could feel Jacob revisiting her and her mother hugging each other and sobbing on the floor, in her mind. It made her break eye contact, not wanting to revisit the memory or Jacob to have to see it himself.

There was a pause. After a long moment, she felt Jacob rest his shoulder lightly against hers. 

When she looked up, his face looked oddly serious -- but his thoughts...something instead seemed to bop around in her head like a rubber bouncy ball, synthesizer notes hitting her to a beat right between the eyes. 

“Money, money, money Must be funny in the rich man's world!”

Carewyn gave a great flinch, bewildered. Jacob’s face then spread into a comically huge grin, and suddenly a completely different, but just as perky song began to dance at the back of Carewyn’s temple in an irksomely repetitive rhythm. 

“You're the one that I want! You are the one I want! Ooh-ooh-ooh!” 

Before long, Carewyn had to stifle her giggling behind her hand.

“Are you -- are you seriously using your Legilimency just to get songs stuck in my head?” she hissed through her stifled laughter.

Jacob’s grin was as big as the Cheshire Cat’s by now. 

“Hey, it’d be a good way to tune out the worst of the swooning, when the conversation’s dry of any real substance!” he said mischievously. 

“We’re going to have to listen to what they’re saying sometimes,” said Carewyn reproachfully, even while still smirking broadly. “Otherwise they’ll be able to tell we’re not listening.”

“So?” said Jacob, as he started projecting Ballroom Blitz loudly into his sister’s mind. “Maybe if they do, they’ll take the hint and bugger off.”

“You came to patch things up with Slughorn, remember?” Carewyn reminded her brother. “You don’t want to hurt his feelings.”

Jacob frowned, and the music in Carewyn’s head seemed to quiet. 

“Mm...yeah, you’re right...”

He looked put-out. With a more encouraging look, Carewyn took her brother’s arm and steered him back into the crowd.

“Come on -- we can share songs quietly, so we can still hear.” She grinned a bit more fully.  “If nothing else, I have to let you hear some Whitney Houston.”

She tried really hard to summon up her memory of dancing along to I Wanna Dance with Somebody while doing her chores with Lane, a few years ago. 

Jacob’s sunken-in eyes lit up and he shimmied his shoulders to the peppy beat despite himself. 

“Aw yeah! That’s groovy, Pip!” he said brightly. 

And so the two Cromwells survived the rest of the stifling, ritzy party entertaining each other and making each other smile through the songs they’d share through their Legilimency. Although Slughorn more than got the idea that the Cromwells didn’t enjoy themselves as well as he and his other guests did, though, they were very gracious upon their departure and the ex-professor encouraged them both to write to him in the future, an offer Jacob was eager to reciprocate.

“I’ll send you souvenirs once I start traveling,” he said brightly. “I hope to go all over, after my NEWTs are done -- to India, Greenland, South Africa, France, Rio de Janeiro -- anywhere and everywhere!”

However much the party itself wasn’t a very exciting memory for either Carewyn or Jacob, it nonetheless gave them an inkling of just how strong the connection their minds had developed through their Legilimency was. From then on, the two siblings began to refine it, to the point that they could almost have full conversations that no one else could hear, just by sharing their thoughts. 

[magicallymalted]

FBAWTFT Character Sheet - May Lécuyer

"A little dancing never killed anyone."

࿐ General ࿐

Full Name: Mathilde Lécuyer

Name Meanings: Mathilde "Battle-mighty" | Lécuyer "Shield-bearer"

Nicknames: May

Birthdate: March 22, 1895

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Personality Type (MBTI): ESFP (The Entertainer)

Blood Status: Muggle-born

Nationality: French

Ethnic Background: Caucasian

Sexuality: Heterosexual

Residence: Paris, France

࿐ Physical Appearance ࿐

Hair: Dark brown

Eyes: Brown

Height: 5'8"

Weight: 63kg (137lbs)

Body Type: Mesomorph

Skin Tone: Pale

Faceclaim(s): Gaite Jansen

࿐ Background ࿐

Hometown: Reims, France

Mathilde's relationship with her parents practically ended the day that she ran off to Beauxbatons, both of them refusing to recognize that their only daughter becoming a witch didn't necessarily mean that they "lost" her, but that their obstinate refusal to acknowledge her as one would push her away. During the summertime, she went to live with her half-brother in Paris, for whom she developed a closer relationship with after learning that he was in fact shunned from their family for not only being illegitimate, but for being a wizard as well — a halfblood.

࿐ Family ࿐

Mother: Léonie Lécuyer née Vernier

[info tbd]

Father: Alain Lécuyer

[info tbd]

Half-Brother: Odilon Carteneau

Odilon was was hit wizard in the Bureau de la Justice Magique for the French Ministry of Magic. He sought Mathilde out after learning that she was a witch and recognizing that if she chose to go to Beauxbatons, that would be the end of her ties to the family. He was killed aiding muggles in an attack during WWI.

࿐ Hogwarts/Magic ࿐

Wand:

Wood: Camellia

Core: Unicorn Hair

Length: 10 1/2"

Flexibility: Bendy

Schooling: Beauxbatons

House: Papillonlisse

Best Class: Charms

Worst Class: Defense Against the Dark Arts

Boggart: Various tragically grim deaths (ex. all of her bones breaking)

Riddikulus: Herself springing back to life and moving around like a slinky

Patronus: Peregrine

Patronus Memory: Dancing with her classmates on a beach in Marseille

Amortentia (what she smells like): Lemonade, Chanel No. 5, riesling wine, thyme

Amortentia (what she smells): cigarette smoke, shoe polish, [something related to s/o]

Quidditch: No

Prefect: No

Clubs: Drama Club

࿐ Career ࿐

11-17: Student at Beauxbatons 20-37: Burlesque Dancer 39-Death: Transfiguration Professor at Hogwarts/Romantic wizard fiction author

Personality & Attitude: May hates when people speak for her but contrarily won't hesitate to speak for others. She often doesn't recognize how crass she can be but she does enjoy using trust and admiration to her advantage. With an intense stare and a smile categorized by something only the slightest bit sinister, May is quite the social butterfly. Honesty is her best policy when it comes to her relationships with her friends, which most would refer to as "tough love" even if she can come across as narcissistic and sharp in her candor. As a professor, she isn't the most professional but knows when to put her foot down where it counts. Her general spontaneous nature seems to confuse those when they find out she teaches as complicated a subject as transfiguration, but it is her more blasé outward expression that can relieve some pressure in the classroom.

Strengths: Lively, communicative, empathetic, relentless

Weaknesses: Secretive, loud, facetious

Stressed: When around her parents, when overly questioned

Favorites: Cheesecake, dancing, theatrics, jazz, feathers, writing, riesling

Colors: Gold, champagne pink

Weather: humid, sunny

Hobbies: Dancing, writing, attending the opera and theatre

࿐ Relationships ࿐

Very few at the moment... sad :’) Though anyone can definitely feel free to reach out to discuss something!

Friend(s):

Acquaintances:

Enemies:

Rivals:

S/O: TBD - open for discussion

࿐ Misc & Trivia ࿐

Her nom de plume is Bérénice Brodeur

Yes, her writing can get quite steamy...hence the pen name and a lack of awareness from her younger students

The "Anaïs Nin of the Wizarding World"

After the Moulin Rouge burned down, she went to America to continue with Burlesque in a new setting, living it up in Chicago

After visiting New York once and trying the cheesecake, she doesn't talk about any other dessert

She sometimes sings/hums to herself while students are working in class — and she won't be quiet unless they say something

She chose to apply to be a professor at Hogwarts over Beauxbatons because she figured that things would be a little less restrictive

She is a registered animagus, taking the same form as her patronus

She has a curiosity for learning about other magical creatures

She really doesn't like being called Mathilde

She has a soft spot for the younger students

[helenadurazzo]

To start, maybe Marie and Samantha?

Thanks for the ask!

If anyone is interested in more of these, just give me one of my OCs and a canon character!

Samantha Dale and Marie McKay

Samantha’s Opinion of Marie

While seeing Marie on both the train and boat ride to Hogwarts, she did not get a chance to formally talk with Marie until the feast following the sorting ceremony. She admired Marie’s knowledge of history and believed she’d make a better professor than Binns. When Samantha half joked that she wished she could transfer to Beauxbatons to get away from Headmaster Black but couldn’t as she was didn’t know how to speak French, Marie taught her some French phrases she had learned from her mother. Through their conversations, Samantha learned more about Marie’s French roots and how Marie’s maternal family originated from Calais. As Marie and Samantha got closer, the two shared more about other members of their family and connected over the fact that they both had an older brother (In Marie’s case this is Aaron, and in Samantha’s this is William). Marie also helped Samantha with a curse that was placed on the Dale Family Tomb which was started after William tried to enter the tomb to prove that the tomb was not cursed yet resulted in his feet being transfigured into purple beets.

Marie’s Opinion of Samantha

Samantha was the first of Marie’s dorm mates that she befriended upon arriving to Hogwarts. Marie quickly grew fascinated by Samantha’s knowledge of magical plants and while she was plenty good in herbology in her own regard, Marie always went to Samantha whenever she had a question on an assignment from Professor Garlick. Even though Marie couldn’t say she herself had a green thumb, she did enjoy volunteering her time in the greenhouse alongside Samantha. When Samantha confessed that she was not really sure what she wanted to do following graduation, Marie helped her explore different careers with Samantha eventually deciding to focus on herbology rather than a ministry job like her older siblings. They maintained their friendship into adulthood with Samantha even being one of Marie’s bridesmaids during her wedding to Phineas Hearst. When Marie’s granddaughter, Olivia, started showing her interest in herbology, Marie supported it happily and introduced her to Samantha who happily mentored the girl and answered her questions about a variety of magical plants.

[moonchild-things]

Chapter Thirteen: January 30th

Summary: Beauxbaton’s biggest prankster has finally been expelled from the French boarding school. Having limited choices, Iris Evans is sent to join her sister at Hogwarts. As she adjusts to the new scenery, Lily’s twin makes new friends with a different array of people. Though there was no doubt that she would become friends with the Marauders.  

Word Count: 6220 

Blog Masterlist | Foxy Masterlist | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

---

DAYS AT HOGWARTS FLEW BY QUITE QUICKLY for Iris Evans. To her, it only felt like yesterday that she and her friends were all at her house enjoying New Years together. Yet, she could barely believe that the school year was almost halfway done. Though that only meant that summer was even closer than before. Soon enough, she wouldn't have to worry about classes, exams or serving detention. It would be nothing but spending time cooking up pranks and tricks in her room while most likely visiting Matilda and Ida in France.

However, she had yet to realize that it was the thirtieth of January. She was far too tired to even register the fact that she had put her vest on backwards and barely remembered how to tie her tie than to remember the date. She muttered and grumbled under her breath while trying to get herself ready. If she wasn't so absorbed in trying to get herself ready properly and her mind was less foggy from having just woken up, she would have remembered that it was her birthday.

Yes, it was that time of the year. Both Iris and Lily were finally a year older than they were before, sixteen to be exact. They were getting closer to becoming adults. Which is something that Iris wasn't looking forward to, completely. She'd finally get the freedom to do what she wanted when she wanted and with who. However, she would have to deal with the responsibilities that came with being an adult and she wasn't looking forward to that. It was well known that Iris doesn't do well with such things as responsibilities.

She yawned while snatching her school stuff and shoving it into her bag. The other girls had already gone downstairs once they finally got Iris up. Which left her to get ready by herself. She ran a hand through her knotted hair that she had yet to run a brush through as she trudged her way towards the stairs. She was completely tired from the night before.

Sirius and her had spent a longer time than usual in the common room. The arrogant teen had been extremely concerned for the redhead. She noticed that ever since they had gotten back from Christmas break, Sirius made it adamant that he never leave her side. He walked with her to class, ate every meal with her, followed her around the castle and spent an extended amount of time with her at night. She questioned him over and over about his… overprotectiveness but got no clear answer.

However, she wasn't necessarily complaining about the time they spent together… She did enjoy his company(which she didn't want to admit it out loud). It was just weird to her that he decided to become attached to her hip. Actually, over the past few weeks, all of her friends had seemed concerned for her. They stared at her most times like they were waiting for her to do or say something that she had no idea about. Just like Sirius, they didn't give her a clear answer for their behavior whenever she caught them staring.

She finally came down the bottom of the stairs and into the vibrantly colored common room after nearly falling down the steps due to her drowsy state. There were quite a few students mucking about by playing wizard chess or exploding snap while others gossiped with each other or whined about class. She saw that, like usual, Sirius was waiting to "escort" her down to the Great Hall for breakfast. The rest of the Marauders, Marlene and Wendy had already left while Lily stood in the middle of the common room. She also appeared to be waiting for her sister to come with them to breakfast.

"Took you long enough!" Sirius exclaimed once he saw the teenage girl. He jumped off of the velvety couch as Iris approached him and her sister.

Iris yawned, "sorry, I guess I'm just used to Lil's rigorous wake-up calls." Lily hadn't used the Aguamenti charm on her that morning, which was a surprise. That could be why she wasn't completely awake just yet. She wasn't greeted by the icy waters that would wake her up instantly as usual.

"Well, I thought that I would be nice today," Lily started to explain herself, "considering that today's our birthday."

Iris hummed though it seemed like she didn't truly hear what her sister had said. She nodded her head absentmindedly as she straightened out her uniform. "That's nice," she then lazily made her way towards the exit.

Sirius and Lily followed after her, "she didn't hear you, did she?"

Lily scoffed, "when does she ever?"

The pair followed after her and easily caught up to the redhead. Sirius swung his arm over her shoulder and pulled her into his side as the trio walked through corridors and down stairwells towards the Great Hall. They spoke to each other idly about classes and such. Though Lily was more so scolding both Sirius and Iris about studying for their exams as she knew both of them had barely even opened a single textbook.

The two trouble makers brushed her off while making empty promises about actually studying. They all soon came into the Great Hall and found the rest of their friends sitting at the table. Iris plopped herself next to Marlene and rested her head against the brunette's shoulder. Marlene didn't mind as she continued to munch on her breakfast.

"Mornin', Iris," Marlene said through her bites of bacon. The redhead hummed in reply as she lazily reached for some toast to eat.

"You seem like a ray of sunshine as usual," James comments with a snicker.

Iris rolls her eyes and grunted slightly but doesn't rebuttal him due to being too tired. She honestly was in no mood to tease or make any sarcastic remarks like she usually did. She was far too tired for that… she also just didn't feel well. There was a slight throbbing in the back of her skull that was slowly becoming bothersome. Iris knew that she would have to see about finding some sort of remedy for it at some point before it became too painful. She didn't even know where the headache had come from as she isn't usually a person to get migraines or headaches very often.

As Sirius and James started to complain about having to go to Defense against the dark arts class with the Slytherins, Lily and Wendy did their best to try and wake Iris up. They handed her plates of food to get her to eat and glasses of various drinks that she consumed at her normal, quick pace.

"So are you guys doing anything for today?" Wendy asked as she looked in between Iris and Lily.

Iris' eyebrows furrowed as she finished drowning herself with a cup of pumpkin juice. "Today? What's special about today?"

Marlene scoffed, "I would've thought that you would be singing all about today!"

Iris most certainly was the person who would scream and shout about her birthday. They could all see Iris being a person that would remind everyone constantly about her birthday. However, at that moment, it seemed like it was far to early in the morning for her to really start her yells.

They all shared a look which caused Iris to stare at them confused. "Seriously? What's special about today?"

Sirius chuckled at her confusion, "you've completely forgotten it, haven't you?"

Iris looked across at Lily who looked like she was thoroughly satisfied with something. "What is it? What did I forget this time?"

"You know," Lily started, "I never would have thought that you would have forgotten about something like this! I mean, you're always parading around telling everyone about our birthday. You never let anyone forget it being your birthday." She smirked, "oh, the irony."

Iris sat for a moment and let her sister's words wash over her mind. For a second, her thoughts were too hazy to truly comprehend her words. Though once she understood 'birthday' a large grin spread across her pale face. Mischief was sparked in her eyes which caused the girls to groan in unhappiness and the boys to yelp happily. The day was going to be wonderful.

---

Soon enough, breakfast ended and every student started to trudge their way around the castle to their classes. Iris was feeling slightly better and was able to sashay through the corridors without having to lean against one of her friends. She was far more awake than she was beforehand which could be due to the fact that she now knew it was her birthday.

How she forgot about it being her seventeenth birthday is unknown. However, that fact was completely forgotten about itself when Iris was back to her normal self and telling everyone and anyone that it was her birthday. She pranced down the corridors besides her friends with a skip in her step as she greeted everyone(except the Slytherins who sneered at her cheery attitude) with a large smile and a declaration of her birthday.

What was even better was that Iris was heading to her favorite class; Defense Against the Dark Arts. Sure, she would have to deal with the Slytherins while in class but the thought of getting to perform some new spells outweighed that fact.

She was never really sure why she loved DADA so much, she just did. Perhaps it was because many of the things that she learned during that class inspired her for new pranks and tricks. Also because she had a strange affinity to really understanding the Dark Arts and perform and defenses against them. Don't even get her started on all of the creatures that they learn about in that class as well!

It was surprising to think that Iris Evans actually looked forward to learning new things. It wasn't that she was against learning in its entirety. She just hated having to learn about things that she deemed useless. She despised History of Magic. What use was there to learn about the Troll Wars or the many different and pointless vampire treaties? It wasn't like she was going to need to know about it once she left school. And don't even get her started on Muggles studies.

She had taken that class in third year thinking that it was going to be an easy grade. How could it not be considering she was a muggle herself. However, it was completely the opposite. Her professor, at Beauxbatons, was completely stuck up and thought that he knew everything and anything about muggles. He wouldn't even allow anyone to correct him on things that were blatantly wrong. Apparently, not even her, a muggle-born, could possibly have known more about muggles than a pure-blood wizard who had never met a muggle in his life. Iris didn't like that class, at all!

It wasn't like she liked it the same way she disliked potions class. She excelled at potions and understood it perfectly. As she used the potions to create new ones that were meant for her newest pranks. However, she didn't enjoy it completely. She liked spells and what not a tad bit more than potions.

She plopped herself down in her seat next to Wendy and threw her school materials onto their desk. As she shifted through her belongings, there were many different pairs of eyes watching her every move. She could feel the cold, beady eyes burning into her entire body. At this point, she used to feeling eyes on her constantly as her friends tended to watch her like hawks. However, this time it, the eyes that were watching her were harsher than her friends. There was no feeling of concern in them at all. She could only feel hatred singing her skin with their stares.

Iris knew that they were from the Slytherins in the room. Who else would look at her with such malice? Though the real question was: Why? She knew that the Slytherins hate Gryffindors(and the feeling was mutual) with a fiery passion and they disliked Iris even more because she played pranks on them almost constantly. However, this was even stranger! She did get a few glares and whatnot from other Slytherins but today, every single Slytherin was staring at her. Whether it was a glare or not, they just wouldn't look away. She felt like some sort of freak show at a circus whose only purpose was to be stared at!

She did her best to brush them off though it was somewhat difficult. She just turned to Wendy to distract herself with some conversation. Iris really didn't care what they spoke about just as long as she could ignore their stares.

Not only were the Slytherins staring at her during DADA, but they were also staring at her while she walked through the corridors or in the Great Hall during lunch or even during the rest of her classes. Though she wouldn't let their strange behavior get her down. It was her birthday after all! She wouldn't let those snakes dampen her mood even a little bit.

---

The school day came to a slow, uneventful end. Tired students trudged through the halls after filling their stomachs at dinner. All of them were more than happy to just jump into bed and sleep for a week. At least it was Friday which meant they could sleep in the next morning and wind down over the weekend.

A group of Gryffindors were currently running about the common room. They were rearranging some furniture and placing some food that was stolen from the kitchens on tables. Students were buzzing around the room happily and getting ready for the small party.

They wanted to throw something for the twins seeing as it was Iris' first birthday spent at Hogwarts and whatnot. Wendy had set out on being in charge of nearly everything. She bossed around anyone and everyone who was willing to help(and those who weren't). The girl proved to everyone that she could be quite scary.

She directed people on what to do and how to do it. Wendy wanted to make sure that their small party went along smoothly. Which was why she had Marlene distracting the twins to the best of her ability. Last she knew, Marlene, Iris, and Lily were outside by the Black Lake. She was also certain that Iris had the idea of pushing Lily into the freezing water as a 'birthday surprise', as she had put it. Merlin, Wendy was praying that Iris wouldn't do that sort of thing to her on her birthday.

Wendy was currently instructing a few seventh-year Gryffindors to hang up some red and gold ribbons on the wall. She nodded her head in satisfaction at the sight of the banners and ribbons being put up properly. Though out of the corner of her eye, she was able to see the Marauders messing about as usual. She huffed and walked over to the group with a scowl.

She marched over to the boys and glared at them slightly, "you lot are no help!"

Sirius, James, and Peter were lounging on the couch in the common room. The only one who seemed to be helping out was Remus. He really was the most decent out of the group of four and Wendy admired that about him. Though she couldn't praise the teen for his help at the moment. She needs to get his best friends to help them as well.

"We're waiting for your command, Wen," James commented. The boys were tasked with getting the food from the kitchens and getting back without being caught and they had done just that. They had tried to help out some more only to be shouted at by Wendy for doing something wrong. So, not wanting to be shouted at again, the boys had sat themselves down to wait for further instructions.

Remus was the only one of the small group to take it upon himself to do another task. Though unlike the rest of the boys getting a scolding for "getting in the way", Remus was left alone to do what he saw fit. That may be due to Remus actually being someone who had the capacity to do things "correctly", in Wendy's eyes. Also because Remus was a guy who could accept some sort of responsibility without mucking about and making a game out of that task.

Wendy huffed, "well, listen good, boys!" She straightened herself when someone ran past and finished up some work for the party. "I need you two-" she pointed at Sirius and James who stared at her ready to finally do something. "-to go find Iris, Lily, and Marlene. Peter," the chubby boy jumped at the mention of his name. "You go get the presents and put them over there." She pointed to a table that already had a few assortments of boxes and bags on it.

The boys all abruptly stood up and saluted her mockingly, "yes ma'am!"

With that, they all headed off to do their tasks. Peter scurried over to find some more presents meant for Lily and Iris. James and Sirius dashed out of the common room and joked their entire journey through the corridors of the castle in search of their lady loves.

---

The sun beating down on the grounds of Hogwarts and make outside warm enough where most of the snow had melted away. The only remanence of the winter season was the sweating icicles that clung to the tall branches on the trees that lined the Black Lake. The lake itself was calm, unfrozen, and, Iris would imagine, beyond freezing. Which most likely explained why the sound of wild splashing and joyous laughter mingled together.

Iris clutched her stomach tightened as she tried to keep herself from falling onto the ground in pure enjoyment. Marlene also couldn't stop the giggles that escaped her lips. The object of their entertainment sputter and pant as she flailed around in the water. She glared at her sister and friend harshly as her body started to shake from the cold waters of the Black Lake.

The mischievous redhead had graciously decided to permit Lily to go for a little swim with the sole intent to entertain herself. Lily did her best to quickly get out of the water by swimming as fast as she could. She pulled herself out of the frigid water and did her best to wrap her arms around herself to create some sort of warmth.

"I-I… hate you!" Lily stuttered out through her chattering teeth.

Her sister and friend only continued to laugh, "oh, that was brilliant! You should have seen your face!" Iris shouted out as she leaned on the giggling Marlene to stay upright. Eventually, the two fell to the ground in laughter when they couldn't keep themselves up.

Lily growled at them as she rung her long red hair out of all the water. She should have suspected something like this happening when Iris suggested that they go down to the Black Lake. At first, Lily didn't think too much of it. However, when Iris had forced her to get closer to the lake's edge to 'get a better look at the water', Lily figured something was up. She should have seen it coming! Though now she was paying the price of not noticing the glint of mischief in the brown eyes of her sister. Now, she was soaked and cold!

This was the scene that James and Sirius walked up to see. With Lily shivering in soaked clothes and Iris and Marlene laughing hysterically, the boys couldn't help themselves but chuckle lightly at the scene. The two of them sauntered over to the trio lazily and came to stand behind the giggle girls.

"You three seem to be having a fun time," James commented.

Lily turned her glare onto the annoying teen who only smirked at her unfortunate situation. She rolled her eyes with annoyance clear in her voice, "what do you want, Potter?"

"We've come to get you," Sirius declared as he walked over to Iris and swung his arm over her shoulder like usual.

"Get us?" Iris questioned once she recovered from her fits of giggles. "What for?"

Sirius smirked, "you'll find out if you come back to the common room with us."

Iris raised an eyebrow and glanced at Lily who was swatting away James' wand as he tried to use a hot-air charm on her to dry her off. "Do you know what it's about?"

Lily shook her head while rolling her eyes at James' actions, "probably some party for our birthday."

"Ah," The older redhead turned up to Sirius and smirked, "guess we should head to the party then!"

With that said, Iris slipped out from underneath Sirius' arm and grabbed it instead. She started to pull him towards the castle as Marlene, Lily and James followed after. The cold wind swayed the damp grass and snowy tree branches as footfalls crunch the fallen leaves resting on the ground. As the two troublemakers ran ahead of their friends, Sirius' bark of a laugh drifted through the air and mingled happily with Iris' own joyous laughter.

---

Students laughed as they enjoyed each other's company in the brightly colored common room. The party that had been thrown for the twins was a complete success! Iris and Lily received quite a few gifts from friends that they enjoyed. Everyone gorged themselves on the food from the kitchens, played different games, and, overall, relaxed from the busy school week.

Iris appreciated the party greatly. Lily had been forcing her to go to the library and study until she couldn't see straight. Her twin had been going crazy with the fact that they had the O.W.L. to study for. She loved Lily dearly, however, she was really regretting going to school with her.

O.W.L.s were an important part of their school career and determined your standings in school and the classes you had to take for the next two years. Yet, Iris couldn't imagine what Lily would be like when the N.E.W.T.s came around in their seventh year. She had a feeling that Lily would keep her awake every day for months leading up to those tests. Merlin, Iris was sure that Lily had started to study for the N.E.W.T.s now.

But she didn't let herself focus on her sister's rigorous study habits for long. Instead, she listened to Wendy as she retold a story from her childhood.

"She had to be the most stuck up woman I have ever met," Wendy said. "I don't know how Uncle Ian put up with her." At the moment, Wendy was telling a story about her Aunt Delores. The woman sounded like a right old misery. The old witch sounded completely mad. And not in a good way.

As Wendy was finishing up telling a story of her mad aunt and the heated argument that she had with Wendy's mother a few years ago, there was a knock at the portrait.

People only paused at the noise for a moment but brushed it off after only a few milliseconds. They weren't sure who it was and were too immersed in their games and conversations to be pulled away by a knock at the door.

There was a knock once again. This time it was a tad bit more urgent and heavy. Iris rolled her eyes. She had a feeling that whoever was on the other side of the portrait hole wanted to get in as quickly as possible. She tore herself away from the couch that she shared with Lily and Marlene and sashayed towards the portrait hole. The annoying knocking continued to hit against the entrance to the common room.

"Alright, alright. Calm down!" She opened the door and was fully prepared to see a scared ikle-first year stuck outside after forgetting the password to the portrait. Though she most certainly wasn't expecting, or happy, to see the slimy-skinned Slytherin who had been acting completely strange since the beginning of the year.

Iris scowled at the boy who stood playing with the ends of his sleeves. "You shouldn't be here," she stated coldly.

Severus flinched at her frigid voice. "I-I just wanted to wish you and Lily a happy birthday-" he pulled out two vials(nearly identical to the ones he gave them at Christmas) from his pockets, "-and give you your gifts." He tried to flash her the most normal and reassuring smile he could muster. Though it did look a tad bit forced.

The redhead eyed the vials that he held out to her with a blank expression. She clicked her tongue unimpressed, "like we want your gifts." She knew that there was something wrong with the perfumes that Severus had been giving them. The migraines that she seemingly got since she had used it were completely suspicious. They have gotten better, however, ever once in a while she would get this itching sensation in the back of her head that drove her mad! She knew something was going on with Severus and the perfumes that he was giving her. She wasn't sure if Lily was suffering the same symptoms, but she could only hope that she wasn't.

Just as Severus was going to try and plead his case to her, a few others came over to see what the commotion was. When Iris hadn't come back to her seat on the couch to hear the rest of Wendy's riveting story about her delusional Aunt Delores, her friends were growing suspicious of her departure. So, as usual, Sirius decided to take it upon himself to go get her. He shouldn't have let her out of his sight, really. He's been all about making sure that his slimy, little brother doesn't get anywhere near his beloved redhead. Yet he just let her wander off towards the portrait hole on her own. He should have known better.

Seeing that Sirius had grown slightly worried about Iris, James tagged along as well. He wasn't gaining much attention from his own beautiful redhead who still continued to ignore him. So he decided to see where Iris had gone.

The moment Sirius and James came to the portrait hole and laid eyes on the black-haired Slytherin who had been the target of the Marauders pranks ever since they were in the first year, their eyes narrowed. Both of the boys came to stand on either side of Iris who was still glaring at the boy in front of her harshly and didn't bat an eye in their direction when she felt their presence behind her.

Severus gulped at their appearance and realized that his plan had gotten even harder than before. He would have tried to convince Iris to take the vials. Severus knew that the girl would have put up a fight and refused to take the vials, but he could have tried to wear her down slowly. Maybe he could have even approached Lily and tried to get her to sympathize with him… Even though she shouldn't seeing as his plans were far more nefarious than Lily would have ever thought. However, now with Sirius Black and James Potter by her side, she would outright throw him out in the corridor and ignore his pleas completely. He needed to get her to take this perfume! If she didn't take it who knows what would happen to him! Regulus and Lucius would be furious with him and no doubt curse him for not finishing the job… Merlin, things were getting more complicated for him, it seemed.

"Problem, love?" Sirius' cool voice asked as his steely glare pinned Severus into his spot.

"No," Iris said bluntly as she didn't pull her chocolate eyes from Severus' squirming form, "Severus was going."

Severus stuttered on his words as they got stuck in his throat. "I-Iris, please, I just want to-"

Iris' cheeks started to glow a bright ruby color as she bristled, "just get out, Snape!" Venom dripped from her lips as her eyes stabbed Severus' chest. "Nobody wants a snake hanging around here."

Severus shook at her words. He knew that Iris had the capability of being scary and intimidating as he had seen her do it to other people. However, he never imagined that he would be on the receiving end of her wrath. Yet he knew that he deserved it. Whether she knew it or not… He most certainly deserved her fury

"I don't want to cause trouble-"

James laughed, "if you didn't want to cause trouble, then you wouldn't be here, Snivellus."

Severus bristled at the name, "now, listen here, Potter-"

Sirius was the one to cut him off this time, "just get out, Snape, before you upset us even further." With that said, Sirius pulled his wand out of his pocket subtly but not subtle enough. Severus' eyes instantly jumped to the wands held in not only his hand but James' and even Iris'.

He gulped, "fine." He slipped the perfumes back into his robe pockets. He straightened himself out and bit the inside of his cheek. "I'll go!"

Iris rolled her eyes at the boy and started to shoo him off with a wave of her hand. "Just get lost."

Severus flashed them one final fleeting look before turning around and meekly stalking his way down the corridor and into the shadows. The pale boy soon disappeared into the darkness that swallowed him like a large, silky duvet.

Iris watched her ex-friend disappear down the corridor with a sneer. Thoughts of how she would curse and hex the boy who was once her friend and who now constantly wouldn't leave her alone even though she made it clear she wanted him to swarm her head. Why couldn't he just leave her alone? Was she slightly overreacting to what had happened over a month ago on the train? Some may say she was. However, for it to nearly happen months ago and Severus tr not to apologize but instead give her perfumes was unacceptable in her mind. If he thought that giving her gifts(that she had a strong feeling we're not just simple gifts) were going to make up for the fact that he didn't stand up for her when she had done it plenty of times in the past. It was absurd!

Sirius saw the flustered and angered look on her face and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Iris looked over her shoulder to allow her eyes to meet his stormy grey ones. She sighed out heavily through her nose and let his calming aura consume her. Yet she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was going on. Though she had a strong feeling that if something was going on that it was bad.

---

Iris listened to the crackling fire that rested in front of her. She bundled herself tightly her new Chudley Cannons jumper that she had gotten as a gift. She found herself reveling in the heat that not only the fireplace provided but also Sirius' arms. They found themselves in the normal position of Sirius' arms wrapped tightly around Iris' shoulders as she rested her head on his shoulder.

Both of them were quite tired due to the festivities that took place. It was actually later in the night, well, morning now. People had stayed up quite late after the party. The reason may have been because of the Firewhiskey that had somehow snuck its way into the common room. Iris was more than happy to get a glass of the burning liquid to show off her wicked fire breathing abilities. However, Lily had been a complete party-pooper and took it upon herself to get rid of the drink before too many people could drink it. Iris didn't even get to drop of it! The only ones who did get to drink some of it were the few seventh years that Iris knew. It was no surprise that Frank Longbottom couldn't hold his liquor. His girlfriend, Alice, had to try and get him to go to bed before he embarrassed himself more than he already had.

Though after the excitement with the firewhiskey, everything went back to normal. Around midnight, the last of the kids had gone upstairs for bed. At least, everyone but Sirius and Iris. They had spoken to each other quietly for about an hour before they grew quiet and just enjoyed each other's company. They honestly had never been this close to anyone in their life! To just sit next to someone and be completely silent but still feel completely comfortable with them, was something they never thought that they would be able to feel so content with someone other than themselves.

Iris sighed deeply as he eyelids started to slide close slightly while her head slide down further on Sirius' shoulder. Said boy looked down at her as the corner of his lips turned up slightly. "Tired, love?"

The redhead hummed, "no." She stifled a yawn that crept up on her suddenly. "Okay, maybe a little." Sirius chuckled as he pulled Iris closer to him. They sat in silence for some time more.

Iris shifted herself to look up at Sirius. His face was illuminated by the soft light from the fireplace. Merlin, this boy is handsome. Iris' eyes widened at her inner thoughts that she was unable to control. Her face became flustered as she looked away from him which caused the boy to look at her.

His eyebrows were furrowed at her rosy cheeks, "you okay?"

"Hm? Oh," she coughed, "I'm fine, fine. Completely." It wasn't easy to get Iris flustered to the point where she blushed so blatantly. He wasn't sure why she was blushing heavily, but he was thoroughly enjoying it. Time for some pay back it seemed.

"Are you sure, love?"

Iris jumped and sat up straight as Sirius leaned down towards her. She was fine with the close proximity of Sirius for the longest time. However, now it seemed like she was growing even more flustered as he tried to get closer to her.

"Darling, I am completely fine," she tried to push him away only for him to latch onto her waist. She squeaked as he pulled her down into hips lap with a chuckle. "Sirius!"

She couldn't help herself but laugh slightly at his behavior. Eventually, it turned into giggles when he started to bark out in amusement. They allowed themselves to be immersed in their moment of complete, undisturbed bliss. Iris finally regained control of her cheeks as they grew back to being pale. When they calmed down from their laughter, Iris snuggled into his chest once she felt confident enough that her rampant thoughts wouldn't wander off anywhere she didn't want.

"You're completely mad, you know that," Iris commented with a smile.

Sirius stared at her breathtaking beauty for a moment and allowed himself to take her in. He was still slightly bitter about the fact that Derek, that muggle boy, had stolen a kiss from her. He couldn't necessarily blame her for the fact that the boy had practically thrown himself at her suddenly, but he still felt slightly betrayed to an extent.

However, he then allowed the bliss he was feeling with her in that moment consume him entirely. It washed over him like a calming wave that warned his entire body and tingles every nerve end in his body.

This moment was his and Iris'. Not Derek's. That thief wouldn't get to spend time with the redhead like he did. He got to see a different side of her every night as he allowed her in on a different side of him. The two of them may have only met a few months ago, however, they were far closer to each other than they were to anyone else, he would say. She was, at this point, his everything. Though he had yet to make that common knowledge to everyone.

With the thought of Iris being his own, Sirius didn't hesitate to lean down and place his lips on hers. Iris' eyes were blown wide open before she relaxed into his hold and placed a delicate hand onto the side of his face. Sirius tightened his hold on Iris' waist as their lips moved effortlessly together. They molded together perfectly like they were always meant to.

Yes, soon enough Sirius would make sure that everyone knew that Iris was his and his alone. Sure, some people already assumed that the two of them were off limits by the way that they acted with each other. However, there was still the fact that they weren't… official.

They broke apart after an undetermined amount of time and breathed in heavily. This time, Sirius knew exactly why she was blushing so heavily. They smiled bashfully together as they leaned against each other. Sirius just needed to make the move that would ultimately seal the two troublemakers together for quite a long time. And he had a pretty good idea on how to.

---

Blog Masterlist | Foxy Masterlist | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

[theweasleysredhair]

Push The Button [F.W.]

Character: Fred Weasley

Word Count: 1509

Requested?: Yes (kinda?)/No

Summary: Fred doesn’t seem to catching all your hints that you like him... maybe you need to be a lil more obvious. Or maybe he has noticed and likes you too. [Based on ‘Push The Button’ by The Sugababes!]

Tags: @gracemayhateyou @criminalyetminimal @angelinathebook @iprobablyshipit91 @potterverseimagine @slytherineheir @kpopgirlbtssvt @rexorangecouny @mytreec @hemmoporro @thisismysketchbook @acciotwinz @shadowsinger11 @aaannabbanana @lestersglitterglue @anyasthoughts @lxncelot @harrypotter289 @slytherinsunrise @valwritesx @hufflrpuffforfred @cappsikle @kiwi-sloan @potter-redheads @pigwidgexn @twinkyjohnson @sarcasticallywitty15 @tinylumpiaa @locke-writes @pussytalenteditdocartwheels @wand3ringr0s3 @ickle-ronniekins @sehunasbitch @cryingforcrystalpepsi @kashishwrites @girl-next-door-writes @susceptible-but-siriusexual @crissdanvers @whiz-bangs78 @heart-of-tempered-steel @oh-for-merlins-sake @heavenlymidnight @aylinw3asley @vivianweasley | message or send an ask to be added/removed!

Disclaimer: Gif isn't mine, credit to whoever made it

A/n: dedicated to my bby zahra @starlightweasley - hope you enjoy lovely!! ❤️❤️

~*~

PLEASE DO NOT REPOST MY WORK! REBLOGS ARE ABSOLUTELY FINE! <3

+ + + + +

“Don’t you look handsome,” you spoke, arriving by Fred’s side as he looked out on the Yule Ball. He turned at the sound of your voice, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth as he looked you up and down, “Don’t you look gorgeous.”

You looked down to hide your flustered expression, smoothing out your dress - red, a colour you knew for a fact he liked on you.

As you glanced back up at him, his gaze was already on you, his bottom lip between his teeth. You reached up to straighten his tie, your face close to his as you kept your eyes on him, a small but confident smile on your lips. You then ran your hands down his chest, feeling the way he tensed under your touch. His hands dropped to your hips, squeezing gently, “Enjoying the ball?”

“I suppose, my date was a tad boring though. He seems to be enjoying himself with one of the Beauxbatons girls now though,” you replied, not at all bothered about the night’s events. You’d only said yes to the boy because Fred hadn’t asked, but you weren’t about to say that to him.

“Trust me, it’s his loss,” Fred said, his voice low, breath hitting your face as he pulled you closer to him. You had hoped he was going to kiss you, but he made no move to, instead pulling you towards the crowd of Hogwarts students to dance.

He never made the move to. No matter how many hints you’d thrown his way, how many flirty comments, how many times you almost blatantly told him to his face that you were in love with him. How obvious should a girl be?

You’d liked him for a while now, he’d drawn you in with his louder than life personality, his pranks, his confidence. He was flirty - this was a given. And sure, he flirted with many girls, but you hoped the flirting with you was different - meant something different.

He held you in his arms as you danced, close to him, yet there was still a small distance - one you wanted to close, but didn’t know what else to do. Didn’t know what you should do.

Of course, you also didn’t know for sure that he actually liked you back. As much as his touches, his gaze, lingered on you, you were doubtful. You’d made it painfully clear how much you liked him - everyone knew, George even joined in giving hints - but he never made a move, never seemed to pay attention.

And as he twirled you, you decided that by Christmas, you’d tell him directly how you felt about him. If he wasn’t taking the hints, he’d surely understand the words.

***

“It’s just a Christmas party! You should come! We usually have one before the holidays anyway, but since everyone stayed behind this year, it just makes sense to celebrate together on Christmas Eve!” Angelina practically begged you, clinging onto your arm as you walked through the hallways towards the Great Hall for lunch.

“I have a lot of work to do, I should really-“

“Fred will be there. Merlin, him and George are organising the bloody thing!”

You halted, making Angelina nearly stumble as she let out a laugh at your reaction. “He likes you,” Angelina said in a sing-song voice, an excited grin crossing her face as she looked at you expectedly.

“He does? How could you possibly know that?”

She nodded, “I heard him talking about you, after the ball. He wants you, he’s just being - I don’t know, gentlemanly? Is that a word we can use to describe Fred? Either way he likes you. So we’re going to this Gryffindor party, and we’re gonna get you with Fred Weasley.”

You raised an eyebrow at her triumphant expression, before shaking your head and laughing, “I might make an appearance, we’ll see.”

***

Christmas Eve arrived quicker than you expected, and you were feeling the nerves for the party and the excitement of Christmas all at once. You’d agreed to go to the party, telling yourself it wasn’t because of Fred - no, not at all. But because it would be fun. Right? Or at the very least, you’d be able to celebrate Christmas with your friends.

“Do I go for black or brown smoky eye?” Angelina called over to you. You looked over at her from sitting on her bed, glancing between the two muggle eyeshadow palettes she was holding.

“Hmm... both would look great! Maybe brown I reckon though. Oh, add the gold shimmery one! That looked amazing last time!”

She nodded, humming in agreement as she began rummaging around to find the gold colour you were referring to.

You turned back to the mirror, placing the last finishing touches on your lipstick - a dark red that made you look much more confident than you felt.

“Black skirt or red dress?” You asked, holding up said garments to Angelina, who looked up at you from putting her eyeliner on. She glanced at both items and pointed to the dress.

“Red dress, definitely,” she answered. You nodded, placing the skirt back down and playing with the hem of the dress. Was it a tad too revealing? Maybe. But you loved the dress, and hoped Fred would too.

You did your hair with a wave of your wand, before pulling the dress on and looking in the mirror. Biting your lip, you turned to Angelina, “How do I- wow you look amazing!”

Angelina’s jaw dropped as she took in your appearance, “Says you? My Godric!”

“Too much?” You asked sheepishly, chewing at your lip for a moment, before remembering the lipstick and sighing as you checked the mirror to make sure none had gone onto your teeth.

“Just enough,” she replied, “You look gorgeous!”

By the time you’d entered the Gryffindor common room, the music was playing loudly, the sound thumping through the walls. Your eyes skimmed the crowd quickly, finding the boy you loved easily among the students, smiling to yourself as you noticed him already looking in your direction.

You kept your distance for a while, sticking with Angelina - and by extension, Alicia Spinnet too - laughing with them and actually, surprisingly, enjoying yourself. A new song came on, one unfamiliar to you but Angelina’s eyes widened excitedly.

“Let’s dance!” She practically screamed over the music, grabbing your hand and Alicia’s and pulling you into the sea of students, making you laugh at her enthusiasm. You danced with her, the song having a good beat, continuing on as the songs changed, completely lost in your own world until you happened to catch sight of Fred leaning against a nearby wall, arms crossed as he bit his lip. His eyes were trained on you, and you began purposely swaying your hips with the music a little more.

Barely a minute later, you felt a chest press against your back, hands on your waist and moving your hips against him. You looked up, smiling as you realised it was Fred, spinning around in his arms and wrapping your arms around his neck.

He was smirking down at you, his hands gripping your hips as you moved against him. He leant to your ear, his warm breath hitting your skin as he spoke, “Fancy seeing you here love.”

“Seems you were having a good time just watching me,” you replied easily, a hand running up into his ginger locks.

He moved your hips against his, hands gripping you as you felt him grin against your cheek, “This show all for me then, yeah?”

“Definitely,” you confirmed, swaying your hips again slowly, almost missing the soft groan that escaped his mouth because of the loud music, “All for you, Freddie.”

He ran his tongue along the shell of your ear, and you leant into his touch, gently nibbling at your skin. You breathed out happily, closing your eyes as he moved to your neck, tilting your head to give him better access.

He trailed kisses down your jaw, before pulling you to one side, away from the dancing students who kept bumping into you both, and towards the spot where he was stood watching you before. You just about saw Angelina’s excited and exaggerated thumbs up at you, before Fred finally - finally - did what you’d been wanting him to do for months and pressed his lips against yours in a heated kiss, holding you between his chest and the wall as you ran your hands through his hair, pulling him against you.

“Finally got the hint, did you?” You couldn’t help but smile up at him, breathing heavily when he eventually pulled away from your lips for air.

He grinned cheekily, “Just about, could’ve made it more obvious for me, couldn’t you?”

Your scoffed, shaking your head at him and he laughed, pressing another soft kiss to your lips.

“Just kidding, you couldn’t have been more obvious if you tried, love.”

[spiltscribbles]

Prompt: remus and lily as siblings or half siblings or biological family in any capacity pls 🥺

Oh God!!! Baby!!!🥺🥺😭 This is such a favorite AU of mine!! I’m literally— sorta— writing a To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before AU right now and they are the bestest siblings in that!!!  They share a little sister and they are just so cute!! And Petunia is conveniently off in university oaiwefjoiaswejfiogreghoij And I just love Remus and Lily both so much it hurts!!! And so I wanna spit out a bullet point Ficlet at you! And I’m not even sorry just because I love you so endlessly for tossing this into my inbox foiwaeifmkaeoirfgjieoarujoidkioweajgh 

So like in my head, becs that Voldy bitch doesn’t know how to actually world build, the Muggle born children who get their Hogwarts letters, are also invited to join this like support group for ordinary folks with magical children. It’s like a thing that’s held in the Ministry of magic over in London once a month, and the parents are taught about the Wizarding world while their children kind of go to this separate room to intermingle and read Hogwarts; A History with one another, and just vibe, because pure bloods and those close to that have always sorta known one another and such, so this is a nice way for the Muggle borns not to feel so excluded.

So the thing is, obviously Lyall was a wizard, but also we all know I don’t fuck with him lmfao. So I picture that after he leaves for the final time when Remus is around nine, and finalizes the  divorce with Hope, she— being the bad bitch that she is, just marches to the ministry with her half-blood, werewolf son, and demands to learn everything about the world he’s part of, because she refuses to let him be deprived of anything. 

Eventually she becomes one of the tutors for the adult section because she’s such a quick study— being a professor herself back in Cardiff and just being an all around bombshell tbh. So one day, in February of 1970, there’s this ginger haired, northerner who stumbles in with his daughter who looks so much like him that it’s crazy— dimples and smile and upturned nose. Though she has her mother’s eyes, who had past away when she was only seven from a freak car accident.

And when he first shake’s Hope’s hand, he’s like kind of mind boggled over how beautiful she is, and thinks that maybe all wizards just put on some sort of charm to look unearthly, till he finds out that she’s as Muggle as he is towards the end of his visit. And he is just entirely love struck tbh.

And for the next couple months or so, he kind of just yearns from afar, and then spends the ride home to Cokeworth listening to Lily’s excited chortling about her friend Remus who’s apparently a half blood and who likes the same treats as her and knows how to draw things so amazingly, and it isn’t until like May, when he ambles to the other room and realizes that Remus is actually Hope’s fucking son, and he already knows that she said she began this group after separating from her husband who was a wizard himself. So Lily’s father— Nate— quite literally just shoots his shot and asks if Lily would like to get ice cream with her new friend since Petunia won’t be coming back from there Grams’s house till late, and Hope sorta smirks from over the kids’ heads because she sees exactly what he’s doing and is impressed that he’s finally done something for fuck’s sake.

And like obviously they fall hard for one another, and they probs get married like Lily’s second year at Hogwarts.

Wait, just Lily’s you ask??

Yes my beautiful duckling,  because plot twist!! (We lovee plot twists!!!)

In this AU i picture that McGonagall kind of visits during the summer months leading up to the children’s first year at Hogwarts, just to give them some supplementary readings and answer the questions for their future schooling, and when Dumbledore tells her about Remus’s full situation with his lycanthropy and all, she does some research, and figures out how Beauxbatons is much, MUCH more accommodating to “dark” creatures, and she’s already pretty chummy with Hope and knows that she’s actually a French citizen herself, the daughter of Algerian immigrants. So Remus technically has the possibility to attend Hogwarts or Beauxbatons, and so Hope and Remus talk on it long and hard, and she knows he’s already become fast friends with Lily and their thick as thieves with one another, but it’s also just so much safer for him.

So the week before Lily is set to go off to King’s Cross, they fly over to France and they get Remus settled in his dorm abroad.

I think while they’re away, Lily and Remus actually somehow become closer, because their parents are still dutifully dating and neither of them are all that familiar with their surroundings, so they send one another so many fucking letters through that first term, that the owls of their schools always give them the dirtiest looks lmfao. And they really catch on like a house on fire, like it’s one of those relationships that is just innate? Like you know when you have a best friend you guys kind of just slip into one another lives? Like even when you don’t talk for a while or whatever, it’s just natural<3 <3 

So neither of them ever spend the hols of winter or spring in Hogwarts/Beauxbatons, becs that’s when they really get to vibe.

They tell one another the different cool charms they’ve learned, and hate that they can’t show them with their actual wands yet. And they watch all their favorite films and almost adopt this secret language that’s only the quirk of their brows and twitch of the lips, and Petunia hates how freakily attuned they are with one another and sneers at them for being such freaks in all aspects. Also in this AU Lily fucks off from Snape wayyyy sooner, because instead of having to deal with that nasty, bigoted, slime ball she has the cutest and funniest and most amazing bestie in Remus!

And before Hope and Nate exchange vows in the winter of their second year, the little family of five go to this tiny park that’s all lush grassland and a shiny jungle gym and a pair of swings tucked away by trees, and they sit at this picnic table, and Hope— with her steady, ever buoyant voice, explains to them why she and Remus decided to send him to Beauxbatons instead of Hogwarts, and Petunia is like gawking in fright, and Nate looks sort of distressed, but Lily just cocks her head and shrugs her shoulders, because it’s still Remus— her closest companion Rem— and nothing could change that. So she takes his hand from where it’s fiddling with a splintered piece of wood on the tabletop and she squeezes it tightly, watches him glance up at her with the late summer wind billowing in his tawny curls and the fear in his honey eyes, and she simply tells him that it doesn’t matter. And Lily will never forget the way his features spasm at that, going suddenly loose and bright and thankful, and then Nate probably tousles his hair and kisses Hope’s temple and shyly asks how they should accommodate once they move in with one another.

And that park becomes sorta special tbh.

It’s in that alcove with the swings and trees where Lily and Remus go when things are becoming too much, or they would just like to escape the world by one another’s side.

It’s where they tried their first cigarettes that Remus had gotten from an older bloke in Beauxbaton’s when they were thirteen and feeling adventurous. And where they go to listen to the releases of their favorite albums, and when Remus told Lily that he’s gay for the first time before leaving to both their fourth years and it’s like one of those spots they both think of and feel golden.

Oh God! Imagine how cute of a celebration that Nate and Hope hold for them both becoming prefects!!! Hope and Nate definitely insist on some sort of summer todo! And they invite their friends and all that jazz and OMFG what if Lily’s wearing some sorta powder blue sundress that matches Remus’s oxford shirt and they both are grimacing in all the photos and are just not thriving foieajfoierjgiearfoijsdkgxh But like they would be doted on rotten that whole day! This is so cute! OMFG! And this probs means James became Prefect as well and so Remus gets to tease her when he sends her some sort of congratulations letter and she’s totally blushing and trying to hide her grin, and Lily retaliates by kicking his ankle tbh bahaha 

Okay also now I’m thinking of like Lily’s like fifth year, and her Muggle studies class is doing some sort of seminar to see if these idiots can actually survive in a totally Muggle area without a lick of magic, so like it’s spring hols, and guess who she’s partnered up with??? 

Cookies for you because we all know she had to work with James and Sirius lmfao!!! 

And she’s totally still trying to hide her crush on James— who’s nearly always leering and winking her way— and she might actually punch Sirius’s face simply because he’s such a smug bastard, and being from a working class family like herself, she’s like always ready to fight preppy rich boys tbh

So James and Sirius decide to plan out the simulation in her house that’s right outside Cardiff and Remus is cackling the entire morning before they’re set to arrive because she’s so pissy about it lmfao

Okay so like obviously the boys end up taking the port key and land in front of her place and it’s Remus who answers the door, still painted with humor because Lily was just screaming about “if Potter brings that insufferable snitch here I’ll bloody shove it up his arse” and James is immediately on the defense because Lily’s only ever talked about her sister and brother who live with her at home, and this dude is golden where she’s pale and has curls over her straight hair and just, obviously they’re not related by blood at all. And for his part, Sirius is like *Oh! Oh! Oh! Pretty!!! Pretty boy!! Muggle boy? Pretty Muggle boy!* 

But Remus obviously knows who they are straight away, so he like waves them inside before rounding to the stairs and calling for her to stop clogging the toilet or something else mortifyingly embarrassing, and Lily promises to put like pickles in the next set of face masks that they do because she knows how fucking allergic he is to them, and she wants her chuckles damn it!!  

“Potter— Black,” is how she greets them with a derisive sort of glower that Remus can completely see through, so he has to excuse himself while laughing over to the kitchen. “You’ve met my delightful brother I see.”

And James’s entire posture relaxes and he’s back to grinning like a dope, and the only weird part is that Sirius has got on the very same face, *Pretty Muggle boy is Evan’s brother* So like they are both scary levels of elated, rip.

But sucks to be Sirius because Remus leaves after that to meet up with a friend from town who’s also the best dealer tbh, and  so he has to deal with James’s awful levels of flirting with Lily while they scrounge up their itinerary to send their professor for the seminar type thing, and he doesn’t even have a pretty distraction XS

But Lily does force Remus to come along with her on the trip to London because “On God, if I spend a day alone with those bellends by myself I will punch a wall” 

And it is literally the worst, but best double date/first date that’s full of Sirius and James fucking up with everything— including asking some poor Tesco employee where are their fudgeflies and giving a homeless man a hand full of galleons and James’s snitch somehow ending up in the meaty hands of some kid at the tube. But also tbh it’s hella cute when Lily lets James give her his jacket when they’re walking along the Thames and it’s getting chilly, and when Remus lets Sirius share his stick of cotton candy and they both sorta stare at the sugar on each of their lips.

But then they go to some tiny museum, and while they’re looking at a impressionist piece, Sirius is totally trying to show off to Remus and is explaining how he could turn the bench their sitting on into a really nice bouquet of Lupins, and in the middle of his stupid showboating, Remus lightly corrects him on some facet of Gamp’s law, and Sirius freezes— shocked still— and he’ sort of gaping like an idiot, before Lily stops his blustering with a scoff “He’s a damn wizard also you arse.”

And Sirius is floundering for the rest of the evening, and he has so many questions, but they all die on his lips every time he glances over at Remus and he’s just smirking at him with this electric glint in his golden eyes

So obviously when they’re back at Hogwarts he pesters Lily every second of every day about Remus, and why he’s not at Hogwarts. “None of your fucking business.” And asking where Remus goes instead. “Beauxbatons, thankfully far away from you.” and he asks her about a thousand other questions that Lily either scoffs at or simply cuffs him around the head for daring to even try getting his address.

And she pokes fun about the situation to Remus and tells him how much more of an idiot he’s acting like, and how hilarious it all is. And she’s shocked when he responds to her letter merely by saying, “Hah- he’s cute.”

And so obviously she shoots back a reply that’s a letter of all his worst traits, mainly that he’s an arrogant toerag, and that he’s a posh idiot who could probably live off his inheritance for three lifetimes without blinking, and about how he doesn’t date anyone for longer than a couple months, and how he’s practically brothers with James bloody Potter, and yet again, Remus just tells her, Hah- he’s cute, before mildly moving to talking about his latest charms paper and how he’s been asked to be their DADA’s professors TA next year, and how Andrew keeps trying to try again with him but Remus would rather poke his eyes out with a spork.

So Lily is totally fuming when she recognizes that she’s lost and begrudgingly gives Sirius Remus’s info, after telling him lowly and with her most menacing glower, “IF you fuck around with my brother I will murder you without a flinch.” And she’s quite literally five feet nothing to Sirius’s broad, six-foot frame, but he knows that she could do it with a snap of the finger, and he promises that it’s not just a gag on his end. And Lily actually believes him.

So Remus and Sirius begin writing to one another a sickening amount, like so steadfastly that it gives Lily a complex whenever she finds Sirius waiting at the Owlry every Wednesday morning for the bird that arrives with two letters tied to it’s leg, one for each of them.

And God, one time, right before they let out for summer hols, Lily accidentally takes the one marked for Sirius— and holy christ!!!, She did not need to know just what exactly her brother has been getting up to in the sex department of things— like she legit contemplated using a memory charm on herself JFC

And Sirius probably ends up on their doorstep again in late July, with James at toe, and somehow their is a small harmony painted between the four of them, and it’s by Christmas of sixth year when James and Sirius begin talking about how amazing it’ll be when they’re actually in-law brothers, and Lily blames Remus for everything when she’s pretending to be cross over it, but then James puts his arm around her shoulders, and she sees how gentle Sirius is when he twines his fingers into Remus’s own, and it feels good, feels right. 

It feels like something that can be forever.

Send Me A Prompt/Chat With Me💜  |  My Wolfstar FIC Masterlist

[ijustwant2write]

Dainty-Fred Weasley x Beauxbatons!Reader

(GIF credit to @fgweasley​)

Tags: @wand3ringr0s3 @obsessedwithrandomthings-blog

Requested by anonymous: ‘Hi!!!! i was wondering if you could do a Fred x beauxbatons!reader during the goblet of fire era and he’s like completely enamored with her and gets super fumbly when she’s around. She’s friends with Fleur and apart of the more popular group so he also gets a bit insecure thinking she wouldn’t like him, but she ends up making a move and they are sad when she has to leave bUT (b u t) turns out she actually transfers to Hogwarts to finish her schooling.’

Characters: Fred Weasley x Beauxbatons!Reader, Fleur Delacour x Beauxbatons!Reader (platonic)

Meanings: (Y/N)=Your name

(Y/L/N)=Your last name

Warnings: Insecurities, feeling left out, mentions of death, lots of fluff

                                      *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It was agitating to the girls of Hogwarts to see every boy fawn over any Beauxbaton girl that crossed their path...until they saw the students from the Durmstrang Institute. It was no surprise that crushes and friendships were formed as the schools joined together for the Triwizard Tournament. Students were able to see other children their age who they had never met, rather than seeing the same people everyday.

(Y/N) sat with her group of friends as they awaited the announcement of each school’s champion. Fleur had confidently put her name in the Goblet of Fire, whereas (Y/N) couldn’t even face the thought of going through that sort of torture. Prior to this, she had a long conversation with Fleur, making sure her friend knew what she was getting herself into. But Fleur was ecstatic to put herself forward. (Y/N) neither had the courage or skill to even consider doing this sort of challenge.

“He’s staring again!” a friend exclaimed, causing her and the others to giggle as they looked at (Y/N).

She suddenly felt on the spot, until she realised they were talking about someone behind her. Hesitantly peeking over her shoulder. It was the tall boy again, the one with long ginger hair. 

“(Y/N), you should go speak to him!” Fleur nudged her.

She faced forward again.“Because that will go really well. You know I’ll just embarrass myself.”

“For a Beauxbaton, you really don’t uphold the name very well.” a friend joked, the girls breaking out into giggles again.

(Y/N) laughed along, though it was forced. Although it wasn’t meant to be serious, it still hurt. (Y/N) wasn’t as polished as she hoped she would be after so many years at her school. The other girls were flawless. (Y/N) had to repeatedly rehearse their entrance to Hogwarts whereas they all got it almost straight away. It was embarrassing at times. Her marks in every class were very good, she wasn’t a bad student. But if you took one look at her, you wouldn’t think she was from the same school as the girls sat around her. They were her friends, they loved her as any friend would. She just wished their jokes weren’t always about her.

They were shushed as the headmaster of Hogwarts caught everyone’s attention, instructing them to sit down. Everyone did as they were told, silence washing over them. Dumbledore announced that it was time for the champion selection, darkening the room with a flick of his hand. Everyone waited in anticipation as he caught the first piece of parchment thrown out, announcing Viktor Krum the champion for Durmstrang (not so surprising). (Y/N)’s friend group burst into cheers as Fleur was chosen to represent Beauxbatons. (Y/N) clapped vigorously and cheered loudly until she realised her fellow classmates weren’t being as eccentric as her.  Cedric Diggory was last for Hogwarts, and now a buzz of excitement filled the room...until Harry Potter’s name was shot out of the Goblet. 

The longest five minutes of silence followed after Harry reluctantly followed the other champions. Students whispered to each other as soon as he left the hall, wondering how the boy wonder got his name in there, and why the Goblet chose two champions for Hogwarts. They were told to leave, and everyone knew the teachers were worried and unsure.

(Y/N) chatted away to her friends, coming up with theories as to why this happened, as well as discussing how they could help Fleur prepare for the challenges. She was so caught up in conversation, she didn’t notice her admirer walking a few steps behind her, his frame towering way over hers. However, her friends definitely saw this, one of them taking the liberty to step on the back of her shoe, causing the heel to slip off. (Y/N) yelped as she stumbled, the heel buckling underneath her. Although she wasn’t going to fall, two pairs of hands steadied her by catching her shoulders.

“Oh!” she exclaimed as she stood upright.“I’m so sorry I-”

(Y/N) caught sight of her group smirking and raising their eyebrows at her as they disappeared around the corner, along with most of the other students walking by.

“-I really need to get some new shoes.”

“As long as you’re alright. Can’ recommend a good shoe shop though. Cause, you know.”

(Y/N) politely smiled, wondering where he was going with this.

“Because...” Fred was trying to come up with his own answer.“Because I’m a boy...man.”

“It should be alright.” (Y/N) said, reaching down to slide the shoe back on her heel.“Thank you though. That was very kind of you.”

“Oh, y-you’re welcome. So, are you from Beauxbatons? Of course you are, that was stupid of me to ask.”

“Did the obnoxiously blue uniform give it away?” she joked.

“I think they’re lovely. Not in a weird way though! Just...um, they’re just different to our drab colours. Everyone blends into one really.”

“I wouldn’t mind that sometimes.”

“Hm?”

“Oh, it’s only...no, sorry, I won’t bore you.”

“You couldn’t bore me!” Fred answered way too quickly.“I’m Fred, Fred Weasley.”

“(Y/N) (Y/L/N). Um, I should probably head back to my friends.”

“Yeah, yeah course. See you later.”

“See you later.”

Both teenagers kept their smiles until they turned away from one other, cringing at how the conversation went. Each thought they had blown it, that the other wouldn’t want to talk to them again (which of course, was the very opposite). It felt silly to (Y/N), but she wanted to know more about him already. He was the first guy to come up to her and actually have a conversation, even if it was awkward. Fred couldn’t believe he had spoken to a Beauxbatons girl, especially one that was friends with Fleur Delacour. He hoped that he would be able to find (Y/N) again away from her friends. Girls were scary when they grouped together.

Unfortunately, Fred and (Y/N) found it difficult to see each other again. (Y/N) was swept up into helping Fleur prepare for the tournament, and Fred was creating more business opportunities with his brother. When (Y/N) first returned to her friends after the interaction with the boy who had been staring at her, she expected them to be waiting with anticipation, ready to throw any questions at her, want to know what happened. But she got nothing. She was slightly disappointed, then felt guilty for wanting attention, when clearly this was Fleur’s day. 

Fred on the other hand was being tormented. The girls thought it sweet he managed to get a few words out, albeit it a bit head on, whereas the boys relentlessly teased him. They would joke it never happened, or if it did, he could surely waltz up to her again and talk to her. Fred wished he never opened his mouth. 

They didn’t speak until after the first task. The pair had stolen glances at each other whenever they could, and (Y/N) couldn’t help doing so whilst the champions faced the dragons, even when Fleur was up. She wanted to talk with him after all four champions made it out alive, but students wanted to go with their representatives to see the golden egg they retrieved. Fred was excited for his friend, though he too was frustrated that his chances (and courage) to speak to (Y/N) again were vanishing.

A few days later, (Y/N) and her group of friends were huddled in the courtyard, gossiping about the upcoming Yule Ball. It was all anyone talked about actually. The faculty found it hilarious and sweet to watch the young students get all flustered over who to ask, how to do it and what to wear, as well as dealing with rejection. 

Fred was shoved forward by George as they saw the group of vultures (girls). He sent a glare back to his twin brother, knowing he had been talking himself up to ask (Y/N) to the ball. He hardly knew her, but it was proving difficult to even have a small chat. His heart was racing as he got closer. What if she said no? Was he being stupid thinking she was interested? Why was he doing this in public and in front of her friends?!

The girls looked up as they saw who was approaching, giggling and cooing at (Y/N). She didn’t take any notice, a genuine smile on her face. That smile dropped when she saw Fred tense up, halting in his steps before quickly turning back around. Her friends burst into laughter, and she sent them a scowl before running after him.

“Fred?” (Y/N) called out as she caught up with him. 

He cautiously faced her.“Uh, yeah, that’s me. You know that’s me, why would I-”

“Would you like to go to the Yule Ball with me?” 

Fred’s mouth was open in shock, wanting to say yes immediately, but surprised she had been the one to ask.“Y-yes. Yes!”

“Great!”

“Yeah, that’s great.”

The two of them could feel their friends watching with eager eyes.

(Y/N) decided to take matters into her own hands.“Can we...can we maybe go for a walk? Now?”

“Let’s go.” Fred was quick to answer.

They walked in silence, somehow knowing where they were headed without a specific destination. Fred took more of a lead when he thought of a place to go. (Y/N) closely followed, spotting a long bridge built next to a viaduct, the cascading water running underneath it. They made it halfway along the bridge before Fred leaned against a post, looking out to the landscape, (Y/N) standing opposite and following his gaze.

“I was going to ask, you know.” Fred started. 

“What do you mean?” (Y/N) looked at him.

“When I walked over. I was about to ask you when your friends...they um-”

“They’re scary, I know.”

Fred turned to face her.“What?”

“Don’t get me wrong, I love them all but sometimes we can look quite intimidating as a group. Well, they do, I don’t.”

“Are you joking? I was terrified to talk to you for the first time!”

“Me? Why?”

Fred didn’t have the confidence to look her in the eye as he spoke.“Because you’re a Beauxbatons girl. I mean, you’re all pretty but compared to the rest of them, you’re gorgeous. And you hold yourself so well, you’re with the popular group, meaning if I did anything wrong, everyone would know within seconds-”

“Fred, are you sure you’ve approached the right girl?”

His head shot up again.“Hm?”

“If someone were to describe me, they wouldn’t use any of those words. I’m an awful representation of my school. It’s a wonder I even made friends, let alone be in the ‘popular’ group. They all think that.”

“Who? Your friends?”

“Yeah. They...I don’t know, sometimes they say these things that I have to laugh off, because it’s not specifically mean, but it still hurts.”

“Well if it’s upsetting you, then it’s mean. Friends aren’t supposed to do that.”

“But they have supported me through a lot. I think they just wish I was more...dainty. I laugh out loud too much, get over excited when something good or fun happens. They rolled their eyes at me once because I used a prank device on them that my cousin got my for Christmas. It was supposed to be funny, but they called me childish.”

“Who doesn’t love a good joke? You really should make some new friends.”

“What’s the point? I’m almost done with school. One more year and then I can make new friends wherever I go next.”

“And where do you want to go?”

“Somewhere where I can have fun and laugh everyday.”

Fred smiled.“I think we have a lot more in common than we thought.”

Fred’s words played on (Y/N)’s mind after their pleasant stroll. Fred had showed her around the castle, or what he could in the small amount of time they had. Both were blushing at times, instantly trying to come up with a conversation starter as soon as a second of silence occurred. Nervous giggles escaped them both at times, hiding their face so the other couldn’t see their blushing cheeks. 

(Y/N) also found herself hanging out with Fred more than her own friends, and she didn’t feel as guilty as she thought she would. It started with one lunch time together, then a full afternoon. Of course she still helped Fleur and tried to have time with her friends, but (Y/N) had another year at school with them, she didn’t know when she could see Fred again. Her group wasn’t too thrilled about that, which (Y/N) could understand; what she couldn’t understand was why her friends weren’t asking anything about Fred. Anytime the others so much as glanced at a boy, they were all over them, shooting out as many questions as possible. (Y/N) secretly felt even worse when none of them discussed what she was wearing to the ball.

Walking at the back of the group, (Y/N) smoothed down her dress, wishing her friends weren’t in such a bad mood with her. Surprisingly, Fleur had been alright with the matter, but (Y/N) supposed that was because she was focusing on the challenges. What if Fred was right? Were the girls secretly being mean to her? Or was that just because he was seeing it from a boy’s point of view? They always had it so much easier.

The girls all turned around to face each other when they reached the doors of the great hall, (Y/N) was relieved when she was involved. Fleur held hands with the girls beside her, everybody copying to form the circle together. 

“This is going to be the best night ever!” Fleur declared, all of them squealing in excitement.“I will see you on the dance floor ladies.”

They all separated, (Y/N) unsure of where to go. She was meeting Fred here, but couldn’t see him, which amused her because of how tall he was, he was hard to miss. Her fingers fiddled together, stopping herself from touching her hair, she had spent far too long on it. Her heart was beating fast, throat feeling choked up as she thought Fred hadn’t shown up. Was this all a joke? He had seemed so genuine. What if her friends had something to do with this? She then felt bad for thinking of them in that way.

“Wow.” 

(Y/N) heard someone gasp behind her, but didn’t turn around. That would be a nice reaction to have though.

“Um, I’ll say it again.” she realised it was Fred’s voice.“Wow.”

(Y/N) spun around, her dress swirling against the floor, grinning as she saw Fred in his suit. 

“You look so handsome!” she exclaimed before she could think, embarrassingly slapping her hand over her mouth. 

“Oh, thank you. I did think I was going to be the best looking here, but you proved me wrong.” Fred was proud of himself when he didn’t mess up that line.

(Y/N) giggled, looking down at the floor.“I’m very excited for tonight. I’m sorry in advance if I step on your toes.”

They both forgot about any nerves, worries or cares once they entered that hall. None of (Y/N)’s friends approached her the whole evening, proving how she really felt about them. She could see them meeting up at times, or some of the pairing up to gossip. But it never bothered her, because she was with Fred the entire time. His friends were with them too, she felt more free, as if she didn’t have to look over her shoulder to see if she was doing every single thing right. Her shoulders weren’t tensed, her posture was slightly slouched, and she could laugh and sing as loud as she wanted to. 

“It was so hot in there.” (Y/N) breathed out as her and Fred left the ball.

“Bloody hell, that breeze is nice.” Fred said as he took off his bow tie.

Their arms were linked as they walked together, slowly traipsing down the halls. They got their breaths back before talking, letting the sweat on their skin dry. (Y/N)’s cheeks were aching from smiling so much. She glanced down to their arms, feeling confident and sliding her hand down to his, linking their fingers together. The pair caught each other’s eye, laughing at the gesture. They found a small, winding staircase to sit a the bottom of, knowing no one would be using them or passing by. They still held hands, leaning into one another.

“Tonight was...amazing.” (Y/N) beamed.

“I’m glad I could cheer you up.” Fred said.

“I’m glad I’m here for a while. It’s just that...” she ducked her head. 

“What?”

“I don’t want to leave.”

Fred lowered his head to meet her gaze, tilting her face up to look at him. He tried to hide that his fingers were shaking.“Me neither.”

“I’ve had so much fun with you in the short amount of time we’ve had together. I feel like we’ve really got to know each other.”

“I think that limited time has made us realise we needed to....uh, we need to um-”

“Cherish our moments together?”

“That’s where I was headed, yeah.”

“How cliche.”

“Y-yeah. But, I don’t mind it.”

“No, I don’t. You know, you’re the first boy I’ve ever da-well, I’ve ever hanged out with.”

“Am I living up to your expectations?” Fred really wanted to know, he wasn’t just teasing her.

(Y/N) glanced down at their intertwined hands as she answered.“You’ve exceeded them.”

There was a few moments of silence before Fred spoke.“W-will you, uh, stand with me for the rest of the challenges? Just so we make the most of it?”

(Y/N) didn’t hesitate to answer.“Of course I will!”

Fred was dazzled by her smile. It made him feel happy, he loved being the reason behind it. His instincts took over as they gazed into each other’s eyes, leaning forward too fast as he went in to kiss her; their teeth hit, both yelping as they pulled away. Touching their lips, they checked for any damage before laughing.

“I really messed that up, didn’t I?” Fred admitted.

She shook her head.“You can try again.”

This time, Fred was more cautious. (Y/N) wished he didn’t take so long, though at the same time, she wanted to make sure she was prepared. They still held hands as their lips met, this time more softly before Fred added more pressure. (Y/N) refrained from smiling during the kiss, not wanting to buck teeth again, or bite his lip by accident. It was short, but neither wanted to point that out, worried that the other thought it was enough. However, as they pulled apart, Fred and (Y/N) realised they wanted more. It was sweet how they exchanged kisses, not talking for the next five minutes. This wasn’t what either had expected to occur during the strange and dangerous competition, although it certainly made things more interesting. 

Although (Y/N) loved being beside Fred throughout the rest of her stay, helping him and George with their bets, the Triwizard Tournament ended terribly. The death of a young boy had happened and Voldemort was back. (Y/N) was relieved that Fleur was alive (and the others, she didn’t want anyone hurt), but found herself looking at the bigger picture. Fred had given her more joy than her friend did in a few weeks. She needed to stop feeling guilty, she needed to think what was good for herself. 

“So, this is it then.” Fred sadly said as they stood in the courtyard with all the other students.

They held each other’s hands as they talked.“Yes. Oh, Fred I don’t want to go!”

She flung her arms around him, hugging him close. He immediately held her tighter.“Hey, we can write to each other. And we said about meeting in summer.”

“I know but-”

“Come on (Y/N)!” Fleur called, signalling that they had to go.

“Don’t worry. I’m never going to forget you. And I’ll write everyday.”

“Me too, Fred!”

Unlike most romantic flings, Fred and (Y/N) kept their word to each other. They wrote constantly, sending each other gifts, updating them about their days. When summer came, Fred was upset that (Y/N) couldn’t make it, though tried not to show his disappointment. It wasn’t her fault, there was a lot going on with her family, and he knew how important that was. Everyone noticed the slump he went into, he wasn’t in a mood all of the time, but there were moments they could see the sadness in his eyes. 

Fred sighed as he followed the rest of his family into King’s Cross, preparing himself for another year of school. This was his last year, the really serious one. However, (Y/N) was still on his mind, especially because her letters hadn’t been as detailed as they usually were. He guessed she was also getting ready for her last year. 

“Fred!” 

He could have sworn he heard (Y/N)’s voice. He looked over his shoulder, still holding onto his trolley, his eyes widening when he saw who was running towards her.

(Y/N) wished her suitcases weren’t so heavy as she pushed it down the platform, her poor parents trying to keep up with her. Once close enough, she forgot about her belongings, so confident that she could just run up and kiss him...until she saw his family. Awkwardly halting, her and Fred chuckled to fill the silence, opting for a simple hug.

“What are you doing here?” Fred asked.

“I transferred here for my last year. I just felt like I should be with people I like and who will support me.”

“That’s amazing!”

“Sorry I didn’t tell you. I wanted it to be a surprise.”

“It certainly is!”

“I don’t mean to spoil the moment love birds, but we’re going to miss the train at this rate.” George interrupted, a cheeky grin on his face.

Fred rolled his eyes.“He’s right, for once.”

“Come on then! I want you to take me all around Hogwarts once we get there!”

“Don’t you worry, I won’t be leaving your side for the rest of the year.”

[vivianweasley]

Pride and Prejudice (Chapter 5)

Summary: Your father is Lucius Malfoy’s cousin, and after the war, it was really difficult for you to find a job because of your last name. So your mother and Mrs. Weasley came up with a crazy idea. A fake marriage between you and Fred Weasley. 

In this chapter: It’s already the last month of your fake marriage. Is all of this really going to end?

Pairing: Fred Weasley X Malfoy!Fem!Reader

Warnings: angst, misunderstanding, insecurity, mean relatives, reader being jealous?

Word Count: 2.5k

A/N: I apologize for not updating for so long cuz I was feeling burnt out. And I apologize in advance for this chapter, but since it’s Pride and Prejudice themed, I had to include a part like this afghjldfk Also, I may or may not named one of the characters after a Pride and Prejudice character:)

Pictures are from Pinterest. Credit goes to the original owners.

Please do NOT repost or translate my work on any platform! Thank you! Reblogs and comments are always welcome:)

Pride and Prejudice Series Masterlist

Sometimes you would wonder what would it be like if you and Fred were friends when you were still in Hogwarts. And as your mind wandered through these imaginary scenarios, you would also daydream about what would it be like if you went to the Yule Ball with him. But regardless, just being in this moment, dancing with him to your favorite love song, was magical enough.

You were invited to Fred’s cousin’s wedding, along with the other Weasleys. Playing the character of Fred’s wife for almost eleven months now made you a regular guest to all kinds of the Weasley family gatherings. 

As the music played and the guests joining the bride and groom on the dance floor, you and Fred decided to join, too. 

“I’m definitely playing this song at my own wedding!” you were excited when your favorite love song started playing.

“And I’m definitely play something livelier,” Fred smiled as he commented.

“Glad we’re not having the same wedding then,” you glared at him, trying hard not to step on his foot. “I have a feeling our idea of an ideal wedding would be completely different.”

“So what is your ideal wedding?” Fred asked. You looked up at him and realized he looked sincere. 

“I haven’t really thought about it, but a small wedding with my close family and friends would be nice,” you answered. You left out one detail. All you could think of now was what would it be like if you could really marry Fred. But of course, you wouldn’t tell him that, “I’m assuming yours would be something more exciting.” 

“Of course!” If you paid attention, you would notice the blush climbing up on Fred’s cheeks, but you were too flustered by your own daydreams. 

“Let me guess, someone would probably turn into a canary.”

“Very likely,” he replied while twirling you around with the music, “and that someone is probably you!”

You laughed as you twirled. You weren’t paying close attention to your steps, and your right foot tripped your left foot. But you landed in Fred’s arm.

You looked up at him as your heartbeat started to pick up. Your lips were only inches away now that you could already feel his breath brushing lightly against your lips. 

You didn’t know how long has passed as you two both froze on the spot. Just a little bit closer and your lips would be pressing together. You never knew you wanted this kiss so desperately until now, and the fact that this was already the last month of your one-year marriage contract made it worse. You would be lying if you say you have never fantasized about Fred reciprocating your feelings, and this fake marriage could turn into a real one by the end of the year. 

“Fred?” A voice interrupted this moment and your daydream.

Fred pulled away awkwardly with the blush still tainting his cheeks. “Mrs. Collins? Maureen?”  You turned and saw the owner of the voice was an older woman and beside her was a beautiful younger woman, who’s about your age.

“Freddie! I haven’t seen you in ages!” Mrs. Collins pulled Fred into a hug, and when she finally let go of him, her eyes turned to look at you.

“Oh, Mrs. Collins, this is Y/N.”

You put on a polite smile and held out your hand, “Hi, I’m Y/N-”

“Malfoy!” she cut you off, without acknowledging your hand, “I’ve heard that Freddie married a Malfoy. How interesting! How did you two meet?”

The way she said “Malfoy” and her question stung you. From past experiences, you knew this conversation is probably not going to end well. “Our parents are actually old friends, so we met when we were still little,” you answered, hands fidgeting and not looking at Mrs. Collins.

“What a coincidence! Cause Maureen and Fred have also known each other since they were kids, isn’t that right, Freddie?”

“Yea,” Fred smiled, not noticing how your expression froze in an awkward state, “Oh, Y/N, this is Maureen. We used to be friends when we were kids until she transferred to Beauxbatons.”

“Hey, it wasn’t like I had a choice!” She slapped on Fred’s arm, causing Fred to laugh while pretending to be hurt.

Watching them interact so naturally, you suddenly felt like you were interrupting something. A horrible feeling crept up in your mind. What if there’s already someone in Fred’s life, yet you still forced him to sign this stupid marriage contract?

“And Maureen’s an interior designer now! So if your little shop needs a makeover, I’m sure Maureen’s willing to help,” Mrs. Collins suggested. Her tone and expression all reminded you of your mum when she tried to set you and Fred up.

“Oh right! Fred,” Mrs. Collins continued, “come say hi to the rest of the family! I’m sure they all missed you a lot.”

“I would love to, but Y/N...” Fred looked at you. You couldn’t figure out what his expression meant? Was this an excuse because he didn’t want to go? Or did he want to go?

You didn’t know why insecurity started to cloud your brain. Growing up, you always thought you’re proud most of the time, but this was not the case when it comes to your last name. You knew you shouldn’t feel ashamed of it. The history and crime this name carried have nothing to do with you. And you knew feeling ashamed of it gives it power over you, but all you could do was retreating to your shell whenever someone brought up your last name.

So your final decision was, “It’s okay, you can go. I’ll go find Ginny.”

“Great!” Mrs. Collins started dragging Fred to her family’s table. Fred was still looking at you, but then you heard Mrs. Collins say, “Don’t worry about Y/N! I know she probably wouldn’t want anything to do with our sort of people, anyway.”

Your stomach sank. What did she mean by “our sort of people”? And more importantly, what did being your sort of people imply?

A few months ago, you thought changing your last name by marriage could solve everything. But the cruel fact was that it changed nothing.

And maybe it was your insecurity talking, but how could Fred not say anything when Mrs. Collins made such a comment? Did he not understand what she meant? Or did he...agree with her?

After they disappeared in the crowd, you immediately apparate back to the apartment like you were fleeing a monster from your nightmare. That was the only logical move you could think of at that time.

~

“Fred,” you kicked off your heels after you got back to the apartment from work and began rambling on about your day, “you won’t believe what happened today. I-” But the words choked in your throat when you saw another person in the kitchen. You recognized it was Maureen Collins from the wedding a week ago. 

You thought you already forgot about what Mrs. Collins said to you at the wedding, but those words immediately rushed back when you saw Maureen again.

“Oh, Y/N, you’re back!” Fred exclaimed, and he noticed the box in your hand, “Is that my favorite pie!”

“Yea, I didn’t know...” It was supposed to be a surprise, but now it just felt extra when it seemed like they were already cooking a meal.

“Oh, Y/N, I’m sorry we didn’t tell you earlier. This was really last-minute,” Maureen explained.

“Yea, Maureen was here to help with the makeover of the shop, and it’s almost dinner time when we were done, so we thought-”

“No worries,” you cut Fred off before he could finish with the explanation. You didn’t like the way he sounded. It almost made you feel like you were a party pooper. 

“We can just eat the pie tomorrow!” You tried to put on a smile when you shoved the pie into the fridge.

“Brilliant! All sorted now! Y/N, come help! Dinner would be ready faster if we had three people cooking.”

“Yea,” Maureen chuckled, “Fred was just talking about the first time you two tried to cook together. It must be difficult having to cook with an absolute idiot, let alone being forced to live with him for one year.”

Your heart sank. Fred told her that the marriage is fake? According to your contract, he shouldn’t have told anyone, unless...

Watching Maureen cooking and laughing with Fred, your mind just couldn’t shake off the images of her living here and being his real wife. You had to admit that you didn’t like these images, but why should you care if someone else is going to live here instead of you. Your mum forced you to live here anyway, and now you could finally go home.

Home. You sighed as the image of home appeared in your mind. And you finally admitted that for the past few months, you also considered this apartment your home.

But you put on the contract yourself stating that you both could date whoever you like during this fake marriage, and you had no business in interfering with Fred and Maureen’s relationship now.

So you picked up your jacket again, “Actually, I’m having dinner with my friend tonight-”

“But I thought you were planning to eat at home,” Fred pointed at the fridge, referring to the pie.

“Oh, that’s for tomorrow,” you lied, even though you knew your excuses didn’t match with what you just said a few minutes ago. You panicked, so you proceeded to say something that you never thought you would say, “Plus, I need to give you two space.” You even said it with a wink, covering for the fact that you panicked, and you just rushed out the door before anyone could say anything. 

~

You went back to your parents’ house for the night and only returned to the apartment the next morning. Knowing the exact time when Fred would usually go downstairs to the joke shop, you successfully apparated into the apartment without bumping into anyone. You just wanted to avoid seeing him.

You decided to start packing up. There are only less than two weeks left, and you didn’t want to occupy other people’s home for longer than you needed. Your pride demanded a graceful exit.

You knew it would be much easier and quicker if you used magic. Just by a flick of your wand, everything would be packed. It would be so clean like you’ve never been here before, but somehow, you just wanted to take your time with it.

And it was until you started packing when you realized how attached you were to this little apartment. One year wasn’t that long, just like what you said at the beginning of all this, but every corner of this apartment had trails of you living here and your memories.

It was just a contract, you tried to convince yourself, and now the time’s up. But it still pained you to remove your every trail. You realized you were not only removing your existence from this apartment but also Fred Weasley’s life. 

“Y/N?” You were so busy going down memory lane that you didn’t notice the series of footsteps coming upstairs. You turned and saw Fred, who looked very confused now as he glanced around and saw the packed boxes. “What are you doing?”

“Just packing up,” you tried to say it as indifferently as possible, “there are only two weeks left, so I thought I should probably start moving my stuff away.”

“Oh,” Fred paused for a moment before the corners of his mouth twitched into an awkward smile, “guess you’re finally free.”

“Yea, and so are you,” you tried to force a laugh, maybe he’s always waiting for this moment, the moment that he’s finally free, “I’ll move back to my parents’ house this week so that the divorce would look more realistic.”

His mouth opened, and you could tell that he was trying to say something. And for a second, you thought maybe he’s trying to think of a way to stop you. To say that he didn’t want you to leave.

But all he said was, “Okay.”

~

It was only around 6:30 am when you woke up. There were too many things on your mind that you couldn’t even enjoy staying asleep at ease. It was your last night here, after all.

Fred was still asleep with both his arm and leg on top of you. He’s an obnoxious sleeper, but you didn’t mind. 

You snuggled closer to him as your mind went through the nights that he comforted you when you couldn’t sleep, the sleepless nights that you would chat and laugh with so much ease, and the mornings when you woke with your limbs tangled together. It all felt like a dream, and maybe now it’s time to wake up. 

But before you do that, before you had to exit from his life, you just wanted to stay in this moment and stay in his arms for a little longer. You closed your eyes as you took in that familiar cinnamon scent and his cologne. Let’s just dream for a little longer.

~

Fred woke up with the other side of the bed empty. In a haze of sleepiness, he thought you just went to the bathroom. You would always come back to bed and try to squeeze in a few minutes of sleep before finally getting up and getting ready. But you didn’t come back today.

In fact, the apartment was awfully quiet today. He couldn't hear your footsteps rushing in and out of the bedroom to get ready for work. And he didn't hear you yelling things like "Did you see my keys?" or "FRED! Where did my apple juice go??"

Fred got up and tried to search for you in the living room, only to realize that most of your stuff was already gone. He collapsed on the nearby couch, not sure if he was still tired or feeling empty that you were gone.

How could you just walk away so easily? How could you just pull away from all of this almost like nothing ever happened? More importantly, how could you tease him about Maureen like it didn’t matter at all to you? And here he thought you two had great chemistry.

But without that and the contract of being fake husband and wife, Fred was confident that he could say you became friends. Even if you didn’t, at least you were roommates for a year, and that should induce some sort of emotion too.

But no, you just walked away, and all he could do was just getting used to not having you in his life anymore.

(to be continued.)

~

series taglist: @ifilosemyselfagain @theweasleytwinsgirl @bookworm06 @unabashedbookscollector @txtdreamss @sagittarius-flowerchild  @rsheridan @ovrwd @anywherebuthere @allaroundaddict @jeminila @secretsofageek @magical-spit @freddieweasleyswife @lilypad-55449 @hufflepuffzutara @honey-honey-5644 @kyloren-peterparker @treblebeth @kyloren-peterparker @fred-sux @rodrickmalfoy @liliputbahn @its-yasbxtch @daydreamgirl8​ @305weasley​ @awritingtree​  (message me if you want to be added or removed!)

(General taglist in reblogged post cuz it can’t fit in one post)

Taglist Form

[h0-e]

Envy & Desire - Fred Weasley

Part 1/2

Part 2 is here!

Summary: With the Yule Ball coming up you hope that Fred, who you’ve been secretly meeting up with the past few months, would ask you. When he doesn’t it, George, being the only person who knows about your feelings, takes it upon himself to make sure his best friend (you) has the time of your life and his brother realizes his feelings.

(Heyyy guys so 1. I really hope that summary didn’t just give the whole story away:(...like the last imagine I said I suck at summaries and I still stand by that! 2. I’ve had this idea in my head for awhile now so hopefully you guys enjoy the story as much as I do. Buuut lastly, please send in any requests you may have!! Honestly all I need is a person and a plot:) doesn’t even need to be a detailed plot but if I don’t start getting something my whole account is gonna be Fred Weasley content and as much as I’m in love with the boy I would love to write about other characters for you guys!!🥺❤️)

flashbacks are bold

Warnings: None

As soon as the Yule Ball had been announced it was all that anyone was talking about at Hogwarts. Who was bringing who? What color are you wearing? What was the theme? It was hard to pretend that you were not as equally as excited as the other girls in your grade, especially when the question ‘who are you hoping will ask?’ came up as often as it did.

All you wanted to say was the name of your best friend, Fred. But no one, not even Hermione or George, knew of your crush on the older twin and you planned to keep it that way until he decided to let the world know what was happening between the two of you. You had been friends with the twins since your second year and their fourth, always helping them get out of trouble, sell their products to the first years, and even going as far as letting them convince you to get detention with them. Your crush on Fred had always been there and maybe it wasn’t until your second year knowing them that you had finally acknowledged it, when his hair started to grow out and his voice started getting deeper. It was as if a bell went off in your head letting you actually feel the emotions that had been growing for the boy.

You don’t really remember when things started to change between the two of you but one day they just did.

———

It was a Sunday night and you were studying in the library, preparing yourself for the test in potions that you had the next day, when suddenly you weren’t alone and you were greeted by Fred.

“Hello, Y/N.” he sat down in the chair next to you, peering over your shoulder and reading out of the book that was opened in front of you.

“Hello, Fred. Where’s your partner in crime?” you closed the book, being sure to mark your page first, knowing that with the boy next to you being here you wouldn’t be getting any studying done. “He’s in detention, didn’t run fast enough from Filch.”

He smiles, obviously amused by the memory and you laughed along with him. “You just left your brother? And you wonder why I won’t help you when it comes to pranking people.”

“Nah, I’d be sure not to leave you.” he nudges your shoulder and you turn your head back to your book and open it again, hoping that the blush that crept to your cheeks weren’t too noticeable. “Well, Mr. Weasley, what can I help you with while your brother is in detention? I have to study.”

“With George in detention and Lee out trying to impress Beauxbatons I have no one to hang out with...” he says this almost shy as if he’s just now registering how it sounded out loud. “Not that you’re my last choice out of people to hang out with.”

I nod my head slowly, followed by a small ‘mhm’. “Come on, you know that’s not how I meant it.”

You smile to yourself, happy with how easy it is to mess with your best friend. “Why aren’t you trying to impress the Beauxbatons with Lee, surely you were happy with their arrival.”

Fred brings his hand up to the table and starts mindlessly playing with the fold on your paper, marking where you stopped reading. “Sure, they’re nice to look at, but to be completely honest they’re kind of intimidating.”

You laugh loudly, earning glares from the few students around you guys and when you look back at Fred you now see a faint blush rise to his cheeks.

“Fred Weasley, intimidated by girls. Never thought I’d see the day. You’re usually all cocky around girls.” As much as it hurt for you to say, reliving the countless times he had come to you about someone he had thought was good looking or was planning on asking out, you had to play it off as if it didn’t matter.

“I’m only cocky around the ones that I fancy, Y/N.” with this statement he holds eye contact with you, your heart starts racing from the intense gaze but you remind yourself that he’s just a friend, a close friend to be exact, so of course he could look at you like that and it not mean anything.

But a little part of you wanted to hold onto that sliver of hope and before you knew it the words were tumbling out of your mouth.

“Then you must fancy me a lot, Weasley.” making sure that you said it in a joking manner, Fred caught on to the slight sound of hope in your voice and smiled softly to himself. “I must then.”

Your eyes snap up to his, trying to see if this was another one of his jokes but when they met with yours you could see that he was serious. You made an ‘O’ shape with your mouth but no words came out. You didn’t know what to do with this information, your best friend, the guy you’ve liked for the last year now, has just confessed and you don’t know whether to just grab him and kiss him how you had imagined all of those times or to run to your room and hide yourself because of your nerves. You don’t do either of those things though and Fred takes this as a sign to continue going on.

“I’ve liked you for awhile now, Y/N. Just didn’t know how to tell you and I get it if you don’t feel the same, and I hope that this doesn’t ruin anything between us as friends. But it also gives me hope when I catch you looking at me from the side or when I see you blush at a comment I make.” he takes a deep breath and looks at you.

“Could you let me know if I’ve made a fool of myself or not?” he lets a nervous smile break onto his face and starts to play with your fingers so effortlessly like he’s done hundreds of times before, but still it makes a swarm of butterflies go off in your stomach. You grin widely at him.

“No, you didn’t make a fool of yourself.” with this statement a wide grin that matches your own makes its way to his face and squeezes your hand. “You have no idea how happy I am right now, love.”

You chuckle at his comment and nod slightly. “I think I have an idea.”

He soon leans in and moves your hair behind your ear. “You know what this means, don’t you?”

Your brows furrow in confusion as you try to think of what he means but it’s hard to concentrate when Fred’s fingers are brushing against your knee as he moves his feet back and forth waiting for you to answer. You shake your head no.

“It means...” he uses his thumb and pointer finger under your chin and directs your face to his. “...I can do this.”

His lips meet your own and you gasp lightly at the soft feeling he leaves behind as he moves his lips against yours slowly. The kiss is sweet and delicate, almost as if you were made of glass and he was scared to break you. His one hand is now fully cupping your face and his other is pressed against the cool desk that you two are sitting at. You don’t know where to place your hands at first but as you get more comfortable with the kiss your arms comfortably rest on his shoulders as you play with the hairs on the back of his head.

———

That kiss had happened at least two months ago and neither of you dared to speak about it in front of anyone, scared it would make things awkward and the thought of sneaking around made it exciting. Nothing ever went past a makeout session between the two of you and though both of you wanted to go farther, something was stopping you. Even though you guys didn’t have a label, even behind closed doors, you still couldn’t hide the jealousy that consumed your being when a girl flirted with Fred or leaned in a little too close to him during potions class.

“You okay there, Y/N?” the glare you were giving to the back of a blondes head was interrupted when George nudged you with his shoulder. Your head snaps to him while he looks at the sight in front of him.

“Hm?” you put on a confused face, trying to hide any emotion you may be giving away. “Yeah, I’m fine. Some people just have annoying laughs, y’know?”

You smile at him then turn back to your paper, copying whatever it is Snape had on the chalkboard. “Is that all?”

You can feel your heart hammering in your chest, scared that George may already know. Why wouldn’t he know? Him and Fred are twins and share practically everything with each other, what makes this different? “Yeah, what else would there be?”

He squints his eyes at you and is soon leaning closer to your face. Your eyes widen when he gets so close to you that you can feel his breath. “You’re not a slick one, Y/N. I know your secrets.”

“I don’t have any secrets.” you say this trying to keep a straight face.

“Ah, but that’s not true, everyone does.” he smirks to himself and leans his elbow onto the desk, holding up his face with his fist. “I see how you look at my brother.”

You laugh at him, trying to remain in character, but before you can respond your name is being said.

“Miss. Y/L/N and Mr. Weasley, do not use my class as a place to prance around in your lovesick bubble. Ten points from Gryffindor.” you sigh and before you go back to writing you make eye contact with Fred as he furrows his brows at you. You don’t acknowledge his look, still slightly affected by the flirting him and his potions partner were doing and continue doing your work.

———

The Snape incident happened a week ago and what made it worse was that you and Fred hadn’t had a chance to be alone since. With the Yule Ball being so close you were hoping Fred would ask you and you guys could finally make things official but with the recent events it almost seemed like the boy was avoiding you.

As you were making your way to the Gryffindor common room, you were greeted by George on the moving staircases. “Hello, George.”

“Y/N, how are you?” you looked at him confused. How is it that the twin you didn’t have any feelings for could tell when something was off with you but the other seemed to have no clue? But still you lied.

“I’m fine, why are you asking?” he sighs.

“So I guess you haven’t heard. Fred asked Angelina to the ball.” that statement made you want to crumble to the floor if we’re being honest. You were hurt and confused. How could he ask Angelina when he said those words to you weeks ago? Was he tired of you already? So many thought were rushing through your head but you tried to not let George see how hurt you really were.

“Well good for him.”

“You know you don’t have to put up a front, I know that it sucks—“ you cut him off before the two of you stepped through the portrait and into the busy common room. “I’m fine, George. Really.”

The common room was packed with all your friends, excited chatter about the ball was the topic for everyone, including the boy you’ve grown to care about even more then you thought you possibly could. The sight of him could’ve made you forget about what you had just heard, with his bright smile and booming laugh that seemed to be the only thing you heard over all the talking. But what was next to him was what made your blood boil, Angelina was the one causing the laughter.

“Oi! Y/L/N, finally come to join the party?” Seamus was the one who noticed your arrival first, causing most of the room to look at you, including Fred who made eye contact with you before you looked away. “I’m gonna have to pass on this one, as sweet as that invitation might’ve been.”

The teasing tone you used with him made Fred visibly tense up and it just made the confusion inside of you grow. If he was affected by how you spoke to other guys why would he ask someone else to the dance?

“Y/N, guess what!” this time the voice belonged to Angelina. It was surprising that she was coming up to you considering you guys weren’t more then acquaintances. You shoot your eyebrows up in surprise waiting for her to continue. “Fred asked me to the ball! Can you believe it? I always thought that he fancied you bu—“

“Good for you, Johnson. Should’ve seen it coming, you guys are quite the pair!” you called the last part out, making eye contact with Fred making sure he knew you were speaking to him as well.

You turn away ready to go up to your dorm and go to sleep, possibly cry. Before you can go though your name is being called for the third time, and it’s by Ron this time. “Do you wanna go to the dance with me? I haven’t got anyone else to go with.”

You give him a tight lipped smile even though you see Fred’s attention has fallen on you and can definitely hear due to the fact that most of the room has quieted down, waiting to hear your response.

“Ron, I’m sure you’ll find someone. You won’t have a good time with me if we’re only going together because neither of us have anyone else. Besides...” you’re sure to make eye contact with Fred again. “...I’m not gonna be anyone’s last choice.”

With that you pat Ron’s shoulder and make your way up to your dorm.

———

A/N: Omygoodness i actually really like how this is turning out and i promise to have part 2 out by saturday!! but please let me know what you guys think and be sure to send in requests!!❤️

[achaoticeternal]

willow // r. weasley

RON WEASLEY X READER folklore/evermore series masterlist

Summary: Ron, Harry, and Hermione have always been your closest friends. But as we grow up and people change, how do our feelings change? Word Count: 3.1k Warnings: time jumps and weird flows but it makes sense so that the story can build. harassment. gushy love stuff (gross) A/N: based on the song willow by taylor swift

As the years passed at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, students would flourish into adolecense making them young fools for years to come. But as you often quoted to your dear friend Hermione, “We are all fools in love” - Jane Austen.

“Well if we are simply all fools in love, then tell me where is your knight in shining armor?” The young witch teased you as you sat in the courtyard, reading and simply enjoying each other’s company. 

“Oh, please, Hermione. You know me better then to be some dimwitted girl who chases around a boy who is oblivious to her affections. In fact, I feel bad for the girls who do, because if they were a little more patient, they would see that good things come in due time.”

“Really? And which prized author said that?”

“I did!” The pair of you snickered as your attentions drifted around to see if you could spot the topic of your conversation.

The two of you seemed to be the only fourth year girls who hadn’t taken fascination with boys in your year or older. Every day in the Gryffindor Common Room, many girls gossiped about the latest drama that had developed and which boys they swear fancied them. And though you enjoyed chatting with your female peers, you and Hermione had felt quite left out of the crushes and strange romances beginning to blossom.

Well, you both were left out until Viktor Krum swept Hermione off her feet, and you couldn’t exactly be mad at her for it. In fact, when she confided in you about her fling with the foreign man, you were completely ecstatic as you both giggled at how the other girls at Hogwarts would react. Jealousy took quite a toll on many girl, and apparently a few men. 

And even furthermore to Ron’s surprise, both of you had gotten dates to the Yule Ball before Harry or himself could ask you. Roger Malone, a kind Ravenclaw who you had Divination with, had asked you and you did have a wonderful evening. Even if Ron persistently made snide remarks about him before, during, and after the ball had concluded.

However, your fourth year and seemingly most dangerous year at Hogwarts, was quickly coming to a close with the students of Beauxbaton and Durmstrang leaving just a few days ago. The Summer Holiday was coming up quicker than you expected and soon your small group of friends would all be returning to your homes.

“Everything is going to change now, isn’t it?” Hermione asked our group of four after our international peers has departed.

“Yes, but we have each other.”

Once you had stepped of the Hogwarts Express, your parents whisked you away to the family summer cottage so that you could forget the grief of the past year. From watching the trials of the tournament, to puberty, and to loosing a classmate; life was quickly moving forward and your parents began to fear the return of The Dark Lord. 

Yet instead of being caught up with family time and walks along the beach, your mind counted down the days until you would be spending time with the Weasley family again before classes started. You always felt welcomed by the family of gingers and were thrilled that you were invited back after attending the Quidditch World Cup with them last summer.

For the last month, you had been owling your friends weekly, yet you seemed to be sending and receiving owls from Ron every other day. He had never been much of a writer, but claimed in his letters that he was extremely bored with the twins now being of age and not seeing his friends yet that summer.

When it became closer to time, Ron wrote to you saying that the Weasley’s had temporarily moved to a town home in the city, but that you were still welcome to join. He then wrote that his mother had owled your parents about the change and your arrangements to join the Weasley’s before school began.

And before you knew it, you were heading the Grimauld Place.

“(Y/N), darling, its time for us to go!” Your father called down from the bottom of the stairs.

You stomped down the stairs in your new summer clothes, rushing next to your parents at the fireplace. Your clothes and bags had already been sent off and now you’re parents would be sending you off as well.

“Change of plans, dear. We will be join you and the Weasley’s until dinner.”

“Alright, is everything okay?”

“Oh yes, everything is fine. We just have to attend a brief meeting and then we’ll be out of your hair.”

You and your parents arrived in the Kitchen of the hidden apartment without a hitch. Both Weasley parents along with their son, Bill, stood closest to you. From where you stood, you could also see Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Professor Moody, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and to your surprise, Professor Snape.

“My heavens, its good to see you, (Y/N). Ron is upstairs, along with Hermione and Harry who only arrived in the past hour.” As soon as you had arrived, Mrs. Weasley had ushered you out of the room and shut the door quickly.

You looked around the dark hallway in order to try and get some idea of the flat you would be staying in for the next couple of weeks. Your gaze moved to the stairs and you began to stalk over to them and slowly make your way up, observing the wall paper and where it started to peel away from the wall. You had made it up the the landing, looking over strange vases and jars. 

Their was a faint whisper that you nearly missed, “Bloody hell.” Suddenly there were foot steps rapidly approaching you, yet your feet remained in place, your body unmoving, “(Y/N)!,” you body turned quickly towards the voice. Ron and you were chest to chest, nearly clashing into each, the red head beaming down at you as he pulled you into the hug. 

Ron had grown quite a few inches over the summer, now making him comfortably taller than you. His once long hair and been trimmed up and framed his face nicely, but still kept a boyish length that matched his personality. His embrace was warm as he pulled you tight to his chest, making your cheeks flush a dusty pink. You took the opportunity to breathe in his scent; cinnamon, flannel, and a crackling fire met your nose. Ron hadn’t completely changed, but he was certainly grown from the boy you had last seen near two months ago. It was new, like the warmth now in your chest.

“Oh-ho, look what we’ve walked into, Fred,” George called out from the end of the hallway.

“The two love birds are reuniting, George, we must not dare interrupt them,” Fred teased, the pair of them now approaching.

Ron had released his grip on you and glared at his brothers, his features showing his irritation, “Will you two bug off?” His freckled cheeks burned a deep crimson, leaving you questioning if it was out of embarrassment or that you two were caught in such close proximity. 

“Don’t be such a git, Fred, now that Angelina has broken up with you, again,” Ginny teased the twin as she approached you, pulling you into a tight hug.

“Harry and Hermione are in the other room,” Ron said and whisked you off after departing for Ginny. His fingers intertwined with yours as he he tugged you down the hallway with dull walls.

After reuniting with your friends and the meeting in the kitchen being adjourned, it was time for the group to either join for dinner, or depart. Your parents decided to depart shortly after the meeting and bidding you a sweet goodbye along with a few other members. However there was still quite a crowd that Molly had left to feed. 

Once dinner had concluded after much laughter and discussing the past summer and what this upcoming school year held, people began trickling away from the dinner table. This left just the Weasley family, Harry Sirius, Hermione, and yourself.

“Well, Ron, it is your turn for dish duty tonight,” Molly told her youngest son while levitating all the dishes towards the sink.

“I can help you if you’d like,” You looked to Ron who was sitting in front of him.

“(Y/N), dear, you don’t have to do that. You are a guest here. Ron will be able to handle it.”

“Well, she is welcome to join me by staying in the kitchen or help,” He smiled warmly at you and a new found warmth spread through your chest. Never had such a feeling come to fruition in you.

The rest of the group departed from the kitchen with only yourself and Ron remaining. Wordlessly, the two of you approached the sink. Ron began to wash the dishes, while you jumped up on to the counter next to him. As he cleaned them, you would dry them. It was a nice and soft moment, the pair of you making light conversation.

“It’s just all crazy to me, how much we’ve grown recently. I mean, this summer has felt like years when it’s really been only two months since I saw you last,” Ron handed you a plate as he complained.

“Well why are you complaining? You practically grown three summers worth in one,” you giggled and he lightly splashed the tap water on you. 

“Do I at least still have my boyish charm?” He stuck his tongue out at you as you squealed and upon settling, sent you a wink. You scrunched your nose in response, as you attempted to distract him away from the warmth that spread across your face, “I’m teasing, I’m teasing.”

All the dishes were soon washed, dried, and placed in there respective cabinets all without the use of magic, “You know it’s nice to have you around again,” Ron spoke, placing the final cup into the cupboard. He then strolled his way over to the counter where you sat, leaning his hip against it as he faced you.

“I love my family, but they don’t give me the same sense of home that you do...” By that time, Ron had managed to snake his way between your legs and then counter. His face was mere inches from yours and you create various constellations with the freckles on his face. The pair of you stayed their in each other’s warm presence, not wanting to leave the situation, yet wondering whether to take it further. 

The tension began to feel overwhelming as you began to get lost in whatever feeling was happening between the pair of you. So you tried to rationalize the situation like you always did and pulled him into a close hug. Your arms held tightly around his shoulders as you felt the same temptation to wrap your legs around his waist. He latched his arms around your waist with the same fever, “Would it be completely crazy that you feel like home to me?”

Soon the summer holiday melted away into another year at Hogwarts, except this year presented itself in stranger circumstances. At the end of term, you were to take your O.W.L.S and prepare for a career in the wizarding world. However, there was yet another new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor who was interesting to say the least. Hermione has whispered to you at dinner the first night that the Minister himself placed Dolores Umbridge at Hogwarts to spy on Dumbledore. 

And to make things stranger, Dumbledore was barely around the castle like in years before and Harry kept having strange dreams about He Who Shall Not Be Named. Umbridge also refused to teach her students magic through practice and so your quartet had taken it into your own hands to begin Dumbledore’s army. All through the fall term and now into the spring, your ragtag group had successfully practiced and avoided the toad discovering your whereabouts; moreover, your relationship with Ron had started to change since summer and it made you nervous. 

When you confided in Hermione after the events at Grimauld Place and her taking notice to both Ron’s and your body language, she tried her best to put it into words for you. “You have a crush on Ron, (Y/N)! And apparently he fancies you, as well.”

“But ‘Mione, I don’t know what to do. I’ve never really had a crush like this before. And I don’t want him to become a distraction with the O.W.L.S at the end of the year,” You tried to reason out things, and make everything seem more logical like you did with every other problem that had faced you before.

“This is one thing that can’t be control with logic and reason. That’s not how emotions are supposed to be felt,” she giggled as she squeezed your hand in hers. 

“I-I know, but I feel like a...a little pixie. constantly hanging around him and in the way of everything and-”

“(Y/N), I think that Ron prefers to have you around,” The bells chimed outside the castle, “I’ll see you at practice after class.”

“See you,” And with that, Hermione left for her final class of the day and you went about roaming the castle on your free period. 

You strolled around, admiring the ancient castle for all her walls had to offer where you now found yourself in the westwing. You were one of few students your year to be allowed to take a free period because of your academic standing and use that time for study or leisure. 

When you neared the hall where the Room of Requirement was, you placed yourself in a window sill to simply enjoy yourself. You pulled out one of the Herbology books you picked at the library and began reading as you relaxed. Yet the moment was short lived as you heard a voice call your last name.

“(Y/L/N), (Y/L/N)!” Draco Malfoy was strutting down the corridor towards where you were seated.

You jumped down from your ledge, giving him a curious look, “Is there something I can help you with Draco?”

“Why aren’t you in class, (Y/L/N)? You could loose points for Gryffindor for not being where you should be,” He snarled at you.

“It just so happens I have a free period to do what I please with myself, so if you will pardon me-” You snatched your bag, but before you could turn to leave Draco snatched your wrist into his hand.

“You’re a terrible liar,” He sneered, his face inching closer to yours.

“Malfoy,” Ron appeared behind you, his presence jarring Draco into letting you go. You backed yourself into Ron’s chest, allowing him to be your protector from the Slytherin boy. He ghosted his hand over your hips as if he were trying to pulling you further from Draco, “What seems to be the problem?”

“(Y/N) here seems to be skipping class, which is such a shame since she’s supposed to be such a bright little witch. I figure a detention with Umbridge should straighten her back up.”

“Excuse me,” you quipped to defend yourself and Draco glared daggers at you.

“See happens to have a free period mate, so just bugger off, mate,” Ron stepped in front of you to guard you from the predator that was in the form of Draco Malfoy, “Why don’t you go perform your prefect duties where there are actually students skipping classes or causing trouble?”

Draco’s eyes flickered between the pair of you, and you couldn’t tell which of you he disdained more in this moment, “Whatever, Weasley. I knew you were ever a filthy Pureblood, but I didn’t expect it from you, (Y/N). Both of you and your families are disgraces of Pureblood Wizards.” With his final blow, Malfoy stomped off in the opposite way to find his next prey.

Immediately, you let out the breathe you didn’t even realize you were holding, “Are you alright, (Y/N)?”

Ron now faced you, holding your arms with his large hands, as his eyes scanned for any outward physical or emotional distress Draco could have caused you. You knew that Ron wouldn’t hold himself back from throwing the first punch if he suspected Draco has hurt you.

“I’m quite alright, Ron. I’m just glad you found me when you did, before Draco could take me to her office,” you shuddered at the thought of Umbridge and what she had done to your peers.

His hand flew to your face as he tucked a stray piece of hair behind your ear. His blue eyes gazed deeply into yours, searching for some sort of answering that hid behind his eyes. “Ron-?”

Before you could continue speaking, Ron pressed his lips to yours and you responded just as quick. A strong feeling in your gut assured you that this is where you were supposed to be, in Ron’s arm, his lips connected with yours. Every emotion that every girl had talked about when being around a boy suddenly made sense, and felt more intense with Ron. After what felt like a lifetime, the pair of you pulled apart from each other. 

He offered you a half-smile as he appeared too love struck to form a coherent sentence, “I-I”, you pressed another kiss to his lips as if to bring him back into reality. After all this time, everything seemed right and perfect in this little moment in time. 

It didn’t matter that Umbridge kept sending out her wolves to discover your little army, or if it was only due time till Voldemort made an appearance. Ron was at your side and you were by his through anything that could possibly happen in this lifetime or any other. 

Once you pulled away, he rested his forehead against yours and giggled, “Is now a bad time to say that I quite fancy you?”

“You’re unbearable, Weasley,” You scrunched your nose and turned, beginning your walk to practice. When you didn’t hear him behind you, you turned to see his standing there with his mouth hanging open. You sighed and offered your hand out, “well, are you coming?”

The red head grinned as he took your hand, taking large strides as he giggled, absolutely over the moon that he had just kissed you and was now holding your hand. The pair of you, hand in hand, made your way to join your friends in the Room of Requirement, preparing for whatever came ahead of you.

           ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

TAGLIST: @solare19​ @amourtentiaa​ 

please message me to join a taglist!!!

[voidstilesplease]

there you are, and I run

pairing: stiles/theo | rating: M | word count: approx. 5,500 (chapter 5) | tags: Hogwarts AU, Triwizard Tournament, Slytherin!Stiles, Durmstrang!Theo, Magic, Witches and Wizards | warning: sexual content (chapter 5)

summary: The Room Where It Happened of Requirement. That's all.

chapter 5/ Read on AO3

---

January 10th – 15 days after the Yule Ball; a month and two weeks before the Second Task

“ In ancient Greek mythology ,” Allison started with a little frown, reading from the tome that Stiles had handed to her as soon as the Slytherin got her alone in an empty classroom. “ – a Siren is a hybrid creature with the body of a bird and the head of a human .” It hadn’t been as easy as Stiles thought, convincing Allison to come with him, which was, really, kind of insulting and maybe a bit gratifying, too (actually, plenty gratifying). She’d warily observed each turn they made even as she focused on Stiles, reading his body movements for any potential assault. Her body was tense the entire trip, arms rigid at the sides, ready to slide her wand out of her sleeve should the need to defend herself arose. If Stiles were Theo, he would understand the suspicion – he would be, too. But what did Allison think Stiles would do to her, seriously ? “ Sirens are dangerous creatures who live on rocky islands and lure sailors to their doom with their sweet song –“ Allison cut off, dropping the book to her lap and raising an exasperated look at Stiles. “Stiles, will you just tell me the point of this?”

Stiles huffed, pushing his back from the door to walk closer. “You French school people are so snooty and impatient.” He muttered as he hopped and situated himself on top of the teacher’s desk, shaking his head lightly. Allison rolled her eyes, mouth twitching a little at the comment, but continued staring pointedly. Stiles exhaled in defeat. “Sirens,” he said, at last, pausing a little. “That’s the next task.”

Allison’s brows furrowed, “Sirens?”

Stiles nodded, reaching inside his pocket for the wing locket – the clue he’d won during the First Task. He showed it to Allison, “I’ve cracked the clue,” he paused, considered it, and amended his statement with a little exhale, “Actually, we’ve cracked the clue – Theo and me.”

The Beauxbatons girl raised both eyebrows at that, looking more skeptical by the second.

“Something about the rune positions, apparently,” Stiles offered in explanation, gesturing at said runes on the locket. “He translated them. And that led to me thinking about the Mirror of Erised at the Room of Requirement . We went there, and the mirror showed me the next task – Sirens.” He crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes a little. “You have heard about both the Mirror of Erised and the Room of Requirement , right?”

Allison bit her lip a little hesitantly, but she nodded. “Lydia has told me about them.”

Stiles knew that. Lydia had mentioned that she had indeed shared to Allison the wonderful mysteries of Hogwarts in exchange for the wonderful mysteries of Beauxbatons. An academic trade was what Lydia called it. She had even suggested that Stiles could use Theo’s inclination for mouthy Slytherin wizards to collect intelligence about Durmstrang and the dark arts. After all, if any school had more mystery than the others, it was Durmstrang Institute. A school that wasn’t on any magical map? Sounds exactly like something right up Lydia and Stiles’s alley indeed. But he had immediately shut her off. Although, if Stiles squinted really hard, he would find he was already doing that, wasn’t he? Not deliberately, no, but all the same. Being around Theo so much, he had already amassed lots about his life in Durmstrang – the rough training they go through, all the commonplace near-death experiences, the impossible expectations sitting in their shoulders, never trusting anyone not to smother you in your sleep. Fun stuff. He had even demonstrated dark magic right in front of Stiles.

“ The Mirror of Erised is a magical mirror that shows the deepest, most desperate desires of the heart.” Allison recited as if repeating the exact words that Lydia had told her. “And the Room of Requirement is a secret room within Hogwarts Castle that only appears when a person is in great need of it.”

“Five points for Beauxbatons.”

Allison rolled her eyes good-naturedly. At least she wasn’t regarding him like a snake about to eat her anymore.

Stiles smiled at her before continuing. “Anyway, that’s how we decoded the clue. We’ve been reading about it for the past two weeks.”

There was a thoughtful look on her face as she silently pondered on the information she was given. Finally, after a long moment, she lifted her eyes and nodded to herself, closing the tome and putting it on the desk before her. “Okay, but why are you telling me?” Allison asked, crossing her arms and raising a questioning brow.

Stiles shrugged. “It seems only fair,” he replied honestly, fastening the locket around his neck. He gave it a soft pat afterward. “Theo knows, I know, so you should, too. Sirens are dangerous creatures.”

“Do you really believe that they are in possession of a live Siren?” Allison gestured at the book. “I know a little about these creatures; we studied them at Beauxbatons, too. They’re truly more mythical than real now, Stiles.”

Stiles nodded in agreement, “And the closest kin we can associate to them are the merfolks, which are very much real .”

“So, the merfolks could be the actual next task?”

Stiles shrugged again, “They’re part of the next task. The last Triwizard tournament coordinated with them for one of the tasks, after all. They could do it again.”

Allison lowered her eyes in thought.

“Look,” Stiles hopped down the desk to stand directly in front of the girl. When she looked up, nibbling on her lower lip, he continued. “I’m not asking you to trust me. I just want you to know, that’s all.”

Allison hummed, giving Stiles a speculative look. Slowly, the slight frown on her lips formed into a smile. “So,” she straightened up, tone light and playful now. “What else did you and the Durmstrang boy do in the Room of Requirement?”

Instantly, Stiles felt his cheeks getting warm. He snatched the book from the table and rushed to say, “ Nothing .”

***

Nothing that he was insane to share with Allison, or anyone else, for that matter.

It had been almost 3 in the morning when the pair of them arrived at the seventh-floor corridor where the door to the Room of Requirement was located. It was harder to escape from pissed Malia and Erica than sober Malia and Erica, apparently. And there was Jackson, completely off his trolley, who attempted the jelly-leg jinx on Theo and backfired tremendously because the tosser had pointed the business end of his wand on himself. They were hollering and hauling Jackson’s body to the sleeping quarters by the time they exited the Slytherin Common Room.

They stopped by a familiar expanse of wall. Theo was the first to break the silence. “Last time we were here, we had an unfinished business.”

Stiles’s lips thinned to a line. He did not want to think about the last time they were there. Especially not after the heated events of the past hour. Stiles was sure that had Jackson not been his usual wanker self, they would have been kissing, tongue and all, right there in the Slytherin Common Room for everyone’s viewing. Or, if they had not been distracted by the wing locket, they would have been horizontal on the bed now, frotting against each other, and Stiles would have lost the challenge – proven to Theo that he had not an ounce of control when it came to him. But they were not there for that . They were on official Triwizard champion duty.

“Last time we were here,” Stiles gritted out, facing away from Theo to hide his inflamed cheeks. “You made up my mind to put my name into the Goblet of Fire.”

Theo scoffed, looking put out, stepping closer so he could confront the side of Stiles’s face. “I told you the exact opposite of that.”

Stiles still refused to look at him directly, choosing to side-eye the Durmstrang boy. “Which is why I did the exact opposite of what you told me.”

There was a brief pause from the other boy before he scoffed again, utterly disbelieving. “You’re so contrary .”

This time, Stiles looked up to meet his eyes in the dimness of the corridor. With a tiny upward tug on the corner of his lips, he repeated Theo’s words from earlier. “It’s part of my charm, though, right?”

Theo did not answer with words. Instead, his eyes fell on Stiles’s lips once more and remaining there until the door to the Room of Requirement appeared.

They both know the answer to their question.

***

When they entered the room, it was like they opened a portal into a dimension filled with all kinds of objects you can think of: broken and functioning, ancient and modern, small and gargantuan, ordinary and dangerous. But the powerful magic surrounding the room, converging from all of the objects it held, even the defectives, was unmissable. It shrouded them like an invisible cloak the moment they entered – as if the very air they breathed was magic. It was very different from the first time they had been there together. Then, there was only a king-sized four-poster bed in the middle of a spacious but otherwise empty room. When Stiles went before that, it was the same, except the bed was sometimes a table and a chair or a cozy settee beside a crackling fire. Now, it was a whole dumpster site of magical items.

There was a wood dresser on the left side overflowing with golden trinkets; hundreds of piles of tomes and parchments; several instruments littered about, including a grand piano with a missing leg, a cello with broken strings, and a rusty harp that was playing music by itself. On their right were potteries in various sizes and shapes and artwork, brimming with sparkling gemstones; a whole cupboard of old broomsticks and random pieces of broken furniture. Even the ceiling had many embellishments hanging up like dozens of old, flickering chandeliers, levitating lamps, and even a lonely, single, time-worn shoe. It was impossible to find anything there – especially something you'd not seen in your life. But the Mirror of Erised was there somewhere, and they had to try. If only Stiles knew a summoning spell that would not call the furniture to crush Theo and him to mangled bones and flesh…

“How are we going to find the mirror?” Theo spoke behind Stiles, gaze wandering the vastness of the room. “This place probably has hundreds of them.”

“The Mirror of Erised is only one,” Stiles responded with more confidence than he actually felt. But he had enough. He already had a mental list of spells they could try. “We’ll find it eventually.”

“Yeah, in a decade, give or take.”

Pursing his lips in annoyance, Stiles turned to Theo. “You can turn back, you know? I’d still tell you the clue.”

“And leave you here alone?” Theo gave him a dry look as if Stiles was daft for even suggesting it. “Yeah, fat chance, babe.”

Stiles sneered at the endearment, but Theo ignored him and walked ahead of Stiles, procuring his wand in his hand. “If you get trapped in here, there are many witnesses that knew I came with you.” Halting in his steps, he wrinkled his nose at Stiles. “I’d rather not be the primary suspect for kidnapping you.”

Stiles snorted, “So you’d rather get stuck?”

“With you,” Theo added smoothly, smiling widely because he knew exactly what that did to Stiles. “That’s the vital bit.”

Stiles wanted to retort with something witty; he was usually good at that. But he wasn’t as sober as he thought he was, it appeared. His brain was still muddled, and Theo was a pretty strong toxin.

Shushing the traitorous uptick in his heartbeat, Stiles rolled his eyes and exhaled a long-suffering sigh. It was not the time.

Pretending he was less affected than he actually was, he took his wand from his pocket and muttered the first spell on his list – an advanced magical-signature tracking spell. Ignoring the wide grin still plastered on Theo’s face, he pushed past the git and barraged deeper into the sea of artefacts without looking back if Theo followed. Of course, he followed. He followed because he was infuriatingly dedicated like that. Dedicated on driving Stiles to the brink.

And Stiles was not far behind.

***

They found the mirror quicker than they expected, which made sense to Stiles because they did seek the help of the Room of Requirement to find it specifically . So, more than likely, the room had opened to the exact section where the Mirror of Erised was nearest. It wasn’t Stiles’s tracking spell that found it, though – not conclusively – but Theo.

Stiles was still walking ahead of the Durmstrang boy, resolutely keeping his distance, as he followed the tug of his magic and checked side-by-side, up-and-down thoroughly, trying his damnest not to pause and gawk at every single fascinating thing he came across. He unveiled every looking glass they passed by, running his tracer magic on each one, hoping to catch a unique signature that would identify the artifact as old, rare, and extremely powerful – anything that would separate it from the other magic in the surrounding. The spell had drawbacks, of course, Stiles recognized that. The room probably had thousands of old, rare, and powerful artefacts (most might even be older than the mirror they came for) – it wouldn’t necessarily isolate the Mirror of Erised from everything with similar magical signatures.

He contemplated switching to the next spell on his list when he heard Theo speak.

“Do you see that?”

Stiles drew away from the set of portraits he accidentally uncovered – everyone in it grumbling and cussing Stiles for disturbing their slumber. Stiles quickly draped the cloth back over them – to look at Theo.

The Durmstrang boy was looking onward, a little farther from where they stood, and Stiles followed his line of sight. All he saw was a darker pathway with more antique broken objects.

“What?”

Theo pointed, “That,” he muttered, walking towards whatever it was that he saw.

Curious, Stiles tailed closely.

Theo had stopped in front of a huge ornate mirror with a gold frame. Stiles inched nearer and almost jumped in glee upon reading the inscription around it: Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi . Unbelievable. It was there; they had found it! A quick tempus charm would confirm that they had only begun searching less than twenty minutes ago. And it was now in their presence!

Stiles grinned, turning to his companion. “This is it! The Mirror of Erised .”

But Theo only stared at the mirror, brows furrowed in deep concentration. Stiles could only see Theo watching his reflection. But from the way his eyes moved around, his face flickering with different emotions (more than he ever saw Theo wear), Stiles quickly realized that the mirror was serving its purpose – showing people their desires. Stiles wondered silently, what could Theo be seeing ? What does someone like him desire the most ? More wealth? Prestige? More possession of the Dark Arts? Does Theo desire something mundane and vague as love and happiness? If so, what scene does he see himself in that includes being in love and happy? Around a family of his own, maybe? A wife, their two-and-a-half children, in a country manor with a vast field of green dragon berry trees?

Stiles broke from his stupor when the Durmstrang boy stepped away from the mirror, eyes alight in awe and trepidation. Then, softly, he chuckled without humor. “This mirror is cursed.”

Stiles glanced at him questioningly. “Because it shows you what you want?”

Theo turned to him, face set in a hard expression. He almost looked pained. “Because it shows you what you want that you evidently can’t have.”

Their eyes met, and Stiles saw the yearning and defeat in Theo’s. It was probably the most earnest he’d ever seen Theo. Something had truly rattled him. What did he see ? He thought again. What did the mirror show him that he – who, on the face of it, has everything – desires so much because he believes he can’t have it ?

Stiles shook his head and replied, “You don't know that,” He pressed on even as Theo scoffed. “If you want something enough, Theo, you devise means to achieve it.”

“Even at the expense of everything else?” Theo challenged.

“Yeah!” Stiles cried out. “Who said ambitions were always smart?”

There was a moment’s pause following Stiles’s statement before Theo lowered his eyes. Stiles wanted to say something sarcastic to break the ice – he wasn’t used to Theo like this – but he didn’t think it would be helpful at the moment. When it became apparent that Theo wasn’t going to say anything more, Stiles decided to take his previous position and face the Mirror of Erised as they came to do. Anyway, if Theo allowed it, they could talk about… feelings , after. Although Stiles reckoned Theo would probably pretend this moment of vulnerability didn’t happen once they were out in the real world, he was oddly hopeful. Because it actually felt nice, even if he would never admit it out loud, to be the only one to see Theo this way. At least, he thought he was the only one.

Stiles internally sighed and shook his head. Emotions were so weird . He was never not conflicted having them – too many and too foreign and always in-between.

He cleared his throat and stood before the mirror, forcing his mind to clear. He heard Theo shuffle behind him but otherwise remained silent, watching Stiles as Stiles had done with him earlier.

Stiles swallowed, taking a deep breath, and barred any other thoughts in his mind apart from one – his longing to win the Triwizard tournament. His victory during the First Task ignited it fully; he wasn’t just in it for the thrill – he wanted the galleons, the look of awe and jealousy directed to him, the pride, the fame, the glory. He wanted to emerge victorious on the other side. And he was going to get that if he knew how to arm himself for the Second Task. He would know how to arm himself if the mirror showed him what he would need to arm himself against. The mirror could show him.

He repeated it inside his head like an incantation.

Soon enough, his reflection started distorting, forming vague shapes like images through water, until it became a vision of him brandishing the Triwizard Cup in the air as fireworks of silver and green erupted in the sky. It was quick, but it brought the biggest grin on his face, then the mirror cleared once more. He was about to think “ that’s it ?” when the wing locket around his neck began unfurling. Stiles’s eyes widen, and his hand immediately flew to the jewelry. When he looked down, however, it was still the same: a pair of wings enclosed together, cold on his skin.

He looked up to the mirror, but his reflection was holding an opened locket. Stiles gaped in astonishment.

“Do you see anything?” Theo asked, stepping forward.

Stiles nodded, eyes still fixed on the figure inside the mirror.

Faintly, the runes glowed, and so did the encryptions that Theo’s spell created on the locket. Listen to the desire of the heart . Belatedly, Stiles thought that the opened locket now resembled a heart, actually. Then slowly, Stiles’s reflection raised the unfurled locket to his ear and held it there. Confused, Stiles mimicked and brought the golden wings to his hear.

Merlin’s fruit basket , Stiles swore, but he could hear whispers from within the locket! Listen to the desire of the heart – Stiles wanted to laugh out loud because that was almost too literal, wasn’t it? Excitedly, he pressed the locket more firmly to his ear, but the melodious whispers, almost as if singing to him, stayed garbled and incomprehensible. He started getting pissed after a moment – he, unfortunately, didn’t speak nonsense – until he caught on to a specific word: Seirḗn .

A Siren.

***

“The next task is a Siren ?” Theo asked dubiously, as they were tracing back to the exit.

“It makes sense, actually,” Stiles replied, glancing sideways at Theo, and his mind wandering to each clue, making sense of them now. “First, this is a wing locket. Sirens are depicted as half-woman half-bird hybrids. Then, when the wings open, it forms into the shape of a heart. The rune on the locket says: ‘ listen to the desire of the heart ’. And sirens are mythical creatures known to sing the yearnings of a person to lure them to their death.” Theo nodded along to his points, brows drawn together in musing. “And now this .” Stiles opened his palm to reveal a small, white object.

Right after Stiles heard his final and most concrete clue, the Mirror of Erised returned to being a simple looking glass, and the wing locket in Stiles’s hand pried open unprompted. A white object fell from the locket and into Stiles’s curious hand.

Theo looked down at it, wrinkling nose. “What’s that?”

“Wax.”

“ Wax ?”

“For noise-canceling,” Stiles explained, giving Theo a dull look. “It was what ancient Greeks used to survive a Siren’s song. You should know it since you apparently read Greek literature.”

Theo returned the look with a mild glare. “I know about that . It's why I also know that a tiny glob of it won’t do any good. It doesn’t even look like there’s enough for one ear.”

“I can make additional, Theo,” Stiles answered, already mentally listing ingredients he thought would be needed. “But obviously, it’ll take time. Thank Merlin, we have over a month to get ready. And we also have to read more about Sirens.”

“Hurray.”

They fell into silence, Stiles drawing a plan inside his head and Theo wordlessly walking beside him. He was more or less back to classic Theo – Stiles was convinced that the brief moment they shared would be pushed down to forgotten lane – and though a part of him was disappointed, it might be for the best. If Stiles were hard-pressed on not crossing the line, then confiding weaknesses should be out of the trade. This tension between them was frustrating, but it was safe. Safe was okay. Safe was preferable.

Suddenly, he found himself being shoved to a wall. He was too surprised and tired – it was past three in the morning – to react quickly. He grunted softly, but the impact hardly hurt. One of Theo’s hands cushioned his head protectively, and he only stared wide-eyed as Theo pushed closer and caged Stiles between a random wall and his body. His really hot body – Merlin, he was a furnace. He knew the Durmstrang delegates could create sparks with the tip of their magic canes, but Theo could make fire . Stiles saw it – many, many times after the Welcome Feast. Theo was always eager to demonstrate. He enjoyed watching Stiles’s open-mouthed response and the way his eyes would glaze over. Theo was always burning, and Stiles would have complained if only the burn didn’t feel perfect.

He only hoped he wasn’t leaning against temperamental portraits who cursed in seven languages because then, it wouldn’t be as perfect.

“What are you doing?” He hissed, but his hands grappled on both sides of Theo’s waist, the wax still clutched in one.

Theo’s other hand curled around Stiles’s neck and started playing with the tips of his hair. His eyes locked on Stiles. “You said that if I wanted something enough, I would have to make ways to get it.”

Stiles’s pulse quickened. “Your heart’s greatest desire isn’t seriously to have sex with me.” He tried to sound jeering, but he had turned into a gasping mess. One of Theo’s knees had parted his legs and pressed their lower halves together.

“No,” Theo’s hot breath fanned across Stiles’s face, his calloused thumb caressing Stiles’s jaw, and his voice dropped to a whisper. “But I want you badly, nonetheless.”

--------

hello! I've reached the maximum limit for a long post, apparently (didn't know there was one!), so I had to cut the scene. Sorry. If you wanna continue reading, it's on AO3! If not, thank you for still reaching this part!

Byeee 🖤

[aquamotto]

Polish School of Magic or what Rowling gets wrong about Poland

In short: many things. 

The only mentions of polish wizards come from two instances - some Quidditch team  (Grodzisk Goblins) and Hagrid’s visit to Europe (with some goblin mention, again). 

Why goblins, anyway? There is no such creature in real polish mythology. Instead, there are much more Harry Potter-esque things such as: Beast of Krakow, Dragon of the Wawel Hill who is the most famous and ferocious creature in all Eastern Europe. The majestic power of this beast can only be matched with majestic power of its city of dwelling - Krakow, to put it simply, is the city of Polish kings.

Below: Krakow, the city of “goblins”, according to JKR:

But let me guess - goblin invokes this image of rudeness and primitivity that probably comes from british understanding of poles as construction workers and such. It is curious that nuanced portrayal of poor people that is reserved for characters like Snape is not allowed to poles. They are “goblins” but Snape is a “working class hero”.  

 What I will describe below, is my headcanon based on what I imagine Wizarding Poland to really be like, sans goblins and other imperialist fantasies but based on my own observation of Poland as both pole and outsider (because, unfortunately, I am both).

Personality,  culture

Quidditch champion image as rude and loud lads couldn’t be farther from the truth. Polish wizards, much like their friends in neighboring Czech Republic, are wise, eccentric, philosophical and brave people. They have been blessed and cursed with difficult history (Such as Partition of Poland and German and Soviet Invasion) and know very well how to operate in secrecy. In fact, they are the most secretive of all european wizards and if muggle were to accuse them of witchcraft, they would deny the fact to their last breath. In the same time, polish wizards love magic and often risk everything to pursue their next magical experiment. They are prone to be idealistic and live with their head in the clouds, sometimes literally, which can lead to both troubles and brilliant inventions.

Some believe that Nicolaus Copernicus, the genius astronomer who placed the Sun at the center of the Universe, was a polish wizard (painting by polish artist Jan Matejko):

This image of genius, sudden discoveries and epiphanies is valued in Poland to the point that students of Polish School of Magic wear stars indicating their year on their uniforms - to honor Copernicus. 

However, poles aren’t Ravenclaws in disguise - they are traditional, obedient and lawful people at the core and no polish wizard, even the smallest first year, would dare to cheek their headmaster or teacher the way Harry and co. do. 

Teacher - student relationship is sacred in Poland and it’s almost like your second parent -  someone to be treated with utmost respect. This can lead to quite harsh hierarchies in Wizarding Poland. 

Looks

Polish wizards dress modestly, colorful suits Weasley Twins style are not for them. They can sometimes even look monk-like (or medieval knight-like) in appearance. Since Poland is filled with minor aristocracy called szlachta (and I am proud to belong to it, too*) many polish wizards openly wear their coat of arms on their clothes. (*If you are wondering whether I have a coat of arms - yes, I do).

Polish School of Magic uses dark red monk-like hoods with more normal suit under as an unifroms.  Since they want to be the guardians of well respected traditions, it fits them. 

This doesn’t mean that poles are somber, though. They can be playful but in their distinct, “I challenge you” way. They can be competitive and fiery to the highest degree, especially when their honor or honor of their school is involved. They are indeed the most patriotic of all wizards, thinking of themselves as separated not only from muggles but from foreigners too.

Relationship with muggles

Polish wizards do not like muggles very much but unlike Britain, it rarely comes in a form of hostility but rather patronizing and light mockery. Rather than valuing pure blood,poles just think of themselves as superior to muggles in intelligence.They are especially suspicious of muggle disrespect of culture and the past which leads to wizards thinking that muggles are morally and spiritually, rather than genetically, impure. However, there was never an attempt to deny muggleborns education - in fact, they are welcomed with open arms and often even relief - “Finally, another one of us!”. This makes them a bit closer to Grindelwald’s idea of superiority than Voldemort’s one.

Music

Anyone knows Chopin, the great french-polish composer and indeed, poles adore music. To the point that Polish School of Magic considers participation in a school choir mandatory. But highest praise is reserved for those who dare and pick up an instrument (be it violin, cello, horn, piano or something else) to join the School Orchestra. If Triwizard Tournament accepted Poland, they would arrive in most curious way possible - operating the giant musical machine which would look like a church organ mixed with piano and other instruments. The headmaster would play it and the students (dressed in cloaks) would accompany him with some strange melody to make the grandest entrance ever. 

Polish School of Magic

Pictured below: Frombork

Thanks to Copernicus, magical astronomy and astrology are best subjects to learn in Polish School of Magic. Unlike their colleagues in Prague who are obsessed with alchemy, potions and dark arts, poles are more interested in the spiritual so they also value divination in any forms and defense against the dark arts. Since living in a country as difficult as Poland forces you to  always be on your toes, teachers consider it important to teach their students nonverbal magic as soon as possible. They also encourage wandless magic and actually had a lot of luck with it (unlike other european schools). Thanks to a certain WW2 incident, they also offer a superior course of arithmancy (If you know what I am hinting at, well done!) 

Pictured: Frombork Cathedral Bell Tower

Since poles are not very practical people, they don’t teach their students about Magical Creatures at all (aside from a side course on dangerous creatures such as dragons in DADA). This just doesn’t fit their heady aesthetics. Being honest and reliable people, they also dislike transfiguration - something about turning things into animals and other things strikes them as unnecessary cruel and even devilish. Being pious at the core, poles want magic to always come from the source of respect and light. That’s why almost all students leave the school with full patronuses - most common of which is a white eagle, of course - the symbol of Poland. Poles are often so patriotic that even their best memories are linked to their national identity!

Poles are also good at charms and make superb magical duellists. In fact, not many nations can best them in this regard, if any. It is thanks to their wandless magic, wordless spells,  quickness of reaction and harsh discipline (almost military-like) instilled in them in their school. 

Talking about discipline... Polish School of Magic’s discipline is indeed very strict. The school grounds are usually quiet, students know best not to laugh too loud, not to pull pranks or fool around needlessly. Spontanous duels are forbidden. Teachers love their work and always keep an eye on misbehaving individuals. Lazy, incompetent or misanthopic teachers don’t exist in Polish School of Magic. Instead they can be overly strict, demanding, mocking, conservative and overly eccentric. (This one is based on real life experience, everyone.)

Below: Ksiaz castle

 Teachers in Polish School of Magic lean old and getting a place there is very difficult and demands tons of connections. They also lean male but not just because of prejudice (although, unfortunately, such prejudice exists - Poland is a country of soldiers in many ways), because DADA course there is especially harsh and physically exhausting. (Some say it’s because they want to best Durmstrang and it comes with knowing your enemy).

Despite the notes of traditionalist gender roles, female teachers are usually well-respected, even more than male ones. And that’s why many female teachers are quite haughty and have queen-like demeanor.

Below: Ksiaz castle room

But when do poles rest from all their strict training? The answer: when holidays come. Holidays are sacred for poles and many missteps are forgiven during them, rules become slightly more relaxed. 

One of the curiously LESS regulated things in Polish School of Magic is love. While british and american wizards such as Snape may get into a puritanical rage seeing two students kissing passionately, polish teachers would just smile sweetly at them and leave them alone. Girls sending boys postcards is not considered cringeworthy as it is in Hogwarts (I am looking at you, Harry) but natural and enviable. In fact, teachers encourage students to dance together and on holidays such as Christmas, they even overlook duels related to love triangles (a rare case of them approving non-DADA duels). Poles can dance well and you can often find them waltzing in the school balroom in their festive robes. They also flirt well and all this combined with the fact how good they are at duelling, makes them formidable rivals in love for students from any other school, including Beauxbatons, especially considering that Beauxbatons boys lean narcissistic rather than chivalrous.

In the end, if Poland did participate in Triwizard Tournament, I think it would charm everyone with their quick wit, intelligence, modesty, good manners and passionate spirit. 

Quite far from the “Goblin” stuff, isn’t it?

Below: various beautiful views from Poland