#harry proceeds to go to Dumbledore with evidence

[musicfeedsmysoul12]

Ok for the au stories fullmetal alchemist/ Harry Potter… Ed adopting a female Harry and teaching her to be a badass

Female Harry loves her grandma Izumi

Harriet Potter was an odd girl. She looked normal. Long black hair always in a braid, a fondness for red that occupied her wardrobe, big green eyes. But the fact was she was odd. She wore red yes but also the strangest sort of jewelry. Huge skull rings, tacky necklaces and clothing that one Muggleborn commented looked like it came right from Hot Topic, whatever that was.

She was ridiculously smart, and fond of debating with her teachers about everything. Her reaction to Transfiguration as a loud ‘what the actual fuck’ lived on in Hogwarts history but she also excelled in it. She even did well in potions despite Snape being… himself.

She was foul mouthed but incredibly polite to McGonagall, Pomphrey and Sprout. She always was writing in her notebook and loved to study but also tossed the books to the side to have fun.

Ron liked it. Hermione, other then disliking the cursing alongside the lack of respect for the male teachers, liked Harriet to. Or Harry as she told them to call her.

“Wait what?” Harry said as she flipped through a rather large book. “What the… fucking hell!” She jumped up and took off. “Gotta Owl my dad!”

“Who did take her in?” Hermione wondered out loud. “According to everyone she lived with her aunt and uncle but she said she was taken from them by the authorities.”

“Huh?” Ron hadn’t heard that. Hermione nodded.

“I asked her some stuff about London and she told me she’d lived in Amestris since she was six because a Military Officer took her from her relatives when they were being arrested,” Hermione said.

“Amestris?” Percy asked, having been walking by. “The only All Magical country?”

“Harry says it does have Muggles they just don’t hold with keeping magic a secret because they’re under a military dictatorship and most magical people have to register,” Hermione said. “She did say the laws are loosening after a revolt about fifteen years back…”

“Seventeen,” Harry was back with her owl on her shoulder. The girl sat down to begin to write. “Can’t believe a Philospher’s Stone…” she muttered.

“Oh! Nicholas Flamel! Yeah he’s right famous for being the one person-“ Percy began but Harry snorted.

“Amestris has a few people who made one. My dad even figured it out.” She told Percy bluntly. “And it’s foul.”

“Wait, really?” Hermione asked in surprise. Percy didn’t look like he believed it as Ron simply watched Harry.

“Yeah. Also, turn lead into gold?” Harry stopped writing to grab a new piece of paper she drew a circle on and then wrote what looked like runes down. She grabbed a pencil lead Hermione had (she used something called mechanical pencils which were kinda cool) and placed it in the circle.

Harry clapped her hands and touched the circle, causing a blue glow to envelope the lead. When it was done, a golden rod lay where the lead was. Percy stared in open mouth shock.

“Gold isn’t hard for any alchemist to do. It’s just illegal in Amestris and England actually. The only good thing Flamel did was claim the Stone was the only way,” Harry said. “I have to turn it back, but you can scan it to prove it.”

“Why is it illegal?” Ron asked, staring at the lead hungrily.

“Economics. To much gold added to the economy causes prices to rise,” Harry explained. “Things get more expensive and money becomes useless.” She let Percy verify what the thing was before she turned it back to lead.

“What else is wrong with the Stone?” Hermione asked.

“How it’s made. My dad and Uncle figured out how and were so disgusted they backed out of their goals,” Harry said grimly. “Alchemy is equivalent exchange. I can’t make things out of nothing. Conjured items here don’t last either,” Harry sounded relieved when she said that, “as you’re offering energy. But Alchemy is a science. Not magic. My other Uncle, Roy, he’s a Muggle but he can use Alchemy. All you need is what goes in.”

“Whoa!” Ron was impressed but then a thought struck him. He felt his face go pale as Hermione asked about what kind of Alchemy Roy did. “Wait… what’s Equivalent for a long life?”

Harry looked at him grimly. “A few hundred years ago Xerxes was destroyed in a single night. No one knew who had done it, not until seventeen years ago when Amestris nearly met the same fate. A man, no a monster had done it. Created a Philosopher’s Stone. He used Xerxes.”

“No…” Ron said as Hermione huffed.

“What does that mean?” The girl asked.

“A life for a life,” Percy said, his voice shaking. Harry nodded.

“So if Flamel is over six hundred years old… who did he kill for his Stone?” Harry asked quietly.

[pro-dumbledores-office]

Dumbledore's Robes - A Break Down

Throughout the first two Harry Potter films, the costume designer did a great job capturing Dumbledore's wardrobe. In a conversation with JK Rowling, she discovered that the headmaster has a real fondness for clothes - following this lead, the films proceed to dress Dumbledore in an array of stunning outfits. Here is the breakdown of each of them.

1. Privet Drive

Due to the darkness on Privet Drive (thank you Deluminator) it is hard to get a good look at Dumbledore's robes in the opening scene of the film. However, they appear to be a royal purple color. I always thought they were the same robes he wears to the welcome feast that year but just obscured by the dim lighting. However, after watching the scene again, I have come to suspect they are a much bouncier velvet ensemble that is not seen again in the films. The robes are paired with a tall green pointed hat trimmed in purple velvet and adorned with gold astrological symbols along the velvet. The hat has a small twist at the very top and a tiny gold button in the middle of the brim - small touches that really elevate the classic wizard's headwear.

2. Start of Term Feast (1991)

This is the movie's version of Dumbledore's classic look from the book. His outer robe is a deep purple with finely sewn symbols all along it. The robe is trimmed in a black fur. The hat is a reddish purple and adorned with gold stars. The hat is conical - like all of Dumbledore's hats in the first two films - but bent backwards. Though we do not get a good look at it, the under robes seem to be a dark satiny brown that is fairy standard for Dumbledore.

3. Halloween Feast (1991)

Dumbledore's Halloween robes are just perfect for the holiday. A thick red outer robe with a subtle floral pattern that in some lights looks almost orange. This is paired with a pitch black hat covered in gold symbols and a matching dark black under robe. The flash of lightning right as he stands sadly makes it hard to get a clear picture of the whole outfit.

4. Quidditch Match

These are my favorite robes because they are stunning and so under appreciated. They also are the clearest sign of something that should be increasingly evident as we go through these outfits - Dumbledore dresses for the occasion. Sneaking around Privet Drive on a clandestine mission? Dark robes. Halloween? Reddish orange and black. Anyway, the robes that Dumbledore wears to the Quidditch match seem specifically designed for the outdoors. They are thick and the wizarding version of a gentleman wearing tweed in the country. The outer robe is made out of a thick multicolored material reminiscent of a tapestry and trimmed in fluffy black fur. His under robes are no less intricate - covered in rich Celtic symbols with a plummy base color. The hat matches the under robes and is vivid purple with gold stars and black fur trim.

5. Mirror of Erised Room

Once again, poor lighting and the fact that Dumbledore is walking or moving in every part of this scene makes it hard to get a good look at the robes and even harder to get a good picture. However, the robes seem to be the ones he wore to the start of term feast (and are thus maybe the ones he wore to Privet Drive). Other than that, there is not a lot more to say since its hard to get a good look at anything else.

6. Hospital Wing

Here we see Dumbledore at his most casual: his hair and beard are not groomed back, there is no hat, and you get the strong impression he just wandered over from his office after reading and writing all morning. The robes seem to be the same ones he wore at the Halloween feast, but here we get a longer look at them. This scene confirms to me that they are more red than orange. Also, we can see that they have incredibly long sleeves with an astrological gold design running along them. The under robe is a lovely warm brown with gold leaf designs on it that are only visible in certain shots.

7. End of Term Feast (1991)

For the end of term feast, Dumbledore's pulls out all the stops - donning what are almost certainly his flashiest robes. A black velvet like material forms the bulk of the robe and is overlaid with faint gold bars in a pattern reminiscent of Argyle. The trim of the robes is a magnificent purple with a hint of brown (in fact in some lighting they just look brown) covered in intricate Celtic flower designs, that I almost guarantee were sewed on by hand. His hat matches the robe in composition almost exactly and must be designed for this particular ensemble. Beneath the robes he wears a delicately patterned deep gold set of silky robes bound by a rounded belt buckle.

8. Start of Term Feast (1992)

Like a lot of well dressed gentlemen, Dumbledore seems to have a couple of well-tailored and hand made pieces that he cycles through in a number of different combinations. This becomes increasingly apparent in the second film since he wears to the start of term feast in 1992, the exact outfit he wore in 1991. So not a lot more to say here.

9. Halloween Feast (1992)

This is the first of Dumbledore's outfits that is unique to Chamber of Secrets. The outer robes are a dark reddish brown with a pattern of bars similar to the dress robes he wore to the end of term feast. Carved between the bars seem to be a variety of symbols. The trim is a dark brown fur. The under robes are brown (though red looking in the picture above) and the hat is a burgundy one bent stylishly bent backwards.

10. Hospital Wing (Night Time)

Personally, I have never been able to decide if in this scene we are looking at Dumbledore's night clothes - a heavy dressing gown - or his robes. Either way, it seems as though they are brown and intricately carved with a trim from the same material. Any more detail than that is hard to acquire in the dark. Even the color is hard to say definitively since they could easily be dark gray or black.

11. Dumbledore's Office

Here we see Dumbledore in the same robes he wore at the Halloween Feast and to visit Harry in the hospital wing all in the preceding year. He pairs it with a rather plain brown under robe with some gold filigree along the buttons. He wears his bent back burgundy hat again.

12. Hagrid's Hut

The night Dumbledore is removed as Headmaster he is wearing his tried and tested purple robes with intricate designs carved into them and black trim. He seems also to be wearing the hat from when he dropped Harry off at Privet Drive, though the cone is flattened out quite a bit more. His under robes are brown with gold inlay.

13. Dumbledore's Office

Upon his return to the school Dumbledore is wearing the exact same outfit as the last time Harry entered in his office. So not a lot to say about it this time I am afraid.

14. Celebration Feast (1992)

Here at the end of Harry's second year, Dumbledore once again dons his fanciest robes in celebration. This reveals just how much Dumbledore dresses for the occasion since just hours before he was wearing an entirely different - and far more casual outfit - and has now exchanged it in favor of this more celebratory garment.

[hollowed-theory-hall]

Justice for Barty Crouch Jr: Part 2/2

(Part 1)

So, what was Barty's plan? Why did he care about Harry? And what about what he said under Veratiserum?

What I'm going to do is go through the final scenes in the GoF relevant to Barty's characterization and then write down all the conclusions together. For more of the evidence that led me to this point, see Part 1.

After The Third Task

Barty (as Moody) takes Harry away to his office the moment he returns with the cup. And there are quite a few interesting things to note in this scene...

“In here, Harry . . . in here, and sit down. . . . You’ll be all right now . . . drink this. . . .” Harry heard a key scrape in a lock and felt a cup being pushed into his hands. “Drink it . . . you’ll feel better . . . come on, now, Harry, I need to know exactly what happened. . . .” Moody helped tip the stuff down Harry’s throat; he coughed, a peppery taste burning his throat. Moody’s office came into sharper focus, and so did Moody himself. . . . He looked as white as Fudge had looked, and both eyes were fixed unblinkingly upon Harry’s face. “Voldemort’s back, Harry? You’re sure he’s back? How did he do it?” “He took stuff from his father’s grave, and from Wormtail, and me,” said Harry. His head felt clearer; his scar wasn’t hurting so badly; he could now see Moody’s face distinctly, even though the office was dark. He could still hear screaming and shouting from the distant Quidditch field. “What did the Dark Lord take from you?” said Moody. “Blood,” said Harry, raising his arm. His sleeve was ripped where Wormtail’s dagger had torn it. Moody let out his breath in a long, low hiss. “And the Death Eaters? They returned?” “Yes,” said Harry. “Loads of them . . .” “How did he treat them?” Moody asked quietly. “Did he forgive them?” But Harry had suddenly remembered. He should have told Dumbledore, he should have said it straightaway — “There’s a Death Eater at Hogwarts! There’s a Death Eater here — they put my name in the Goblet of Fire, they made sure I got through to the end —” Harry tried to get up, but Moody pushed him back down. “I know who the Death Eater is,” he said quietly.

(Goblet of Fire, pages 673-674)

Now, this scene is after Voldemort came back. Barty is about to tell Harry he's the death Eater who put his name in the goblet. I already covered how he didn't actually act like Moody throughout the book, and I don't expect him to start now once the charade is over. So, in this scene, we have Barty at his most honest. Just him and Harry.

and what is the first thing he does?

Give Harry a Pepperup Potion.

The peppery, burning taste Harry describes along with the calming effect after he drank it fit the description of the Peperup Potion. It's a healing and warming potion meant for the common cold, but would generally make the drinker feel better. What's interesting here, is that the first thing Barty does is give Harry a healing potion, why? he's about to reveal himself; all he needs is for Harry to tell him if Voldemort is back or not, he doesn't need Harry calm for that, not really. He still goes out of his way to help Harry, even once he really doesn't have to.

The second bolded part is Harry's description of Moody. He is pale and terrified. Why is he scared? Harry already told him Voldemort returned, isn't that what he wanted?

Well, I don't think so. I think that the fear he sees on Barty/Moody, that is a fear of Voldemort. He fears Voldemort's return just like Fudge (well, maybe not just like, but you get the gist). Barty proceeds to assert Voldemort is indeed back. And he's scared by Harry's answer that yes, he is.

He then asks about the Death Eaters, and some of it is still his envy, but part of it now, is fear. He knows another war is coming and he's scared. He doesn't actually want the death and torture. The only death he actually wanted was his own father's, not anyone else's. Not even Harry's.

I think Barty is similar to Regulus in that respect.

He joined the Death Eaters willingly, for his own personal reasons (spiting his father, rebelling against him, but also trying to get his father's attention), and then realized what he got into and had no way out. And even worse, he ended up in Azkaban for it, for Death Eater crimes, he personally didn't commit.

I mean, why would Barty hiss in sympathetic pain at seeing Harry's injury moments before he tells him he's a Death Eater? The only explanation is that it's real. That it isn't an act. That he does sympathize with Harry's pain and doesn't want this 14-year-old hurt.

Look at how he says he knows who the Death Eater is. It almost looks like regret and shame. Because it might very well be just that.

And what does he do then, after he tells Harry? You'd expect a loyal Death Eater to take him straight to Voldemort, maybe kill him himself. But that's not what Barty does. Barty starts monologing:

“You didn’t . . . it — it can’t be you. . . .” “Who put your name in the Goblet of Fire, under the name of a different school? I did. Who frightened off every person I thought might try to hurt you or prevent you from winning the tournament? I did. Who nudged Hagrid into showing you the dragons? I did. Who helped you see the only way you could beat the dragon? I did.” Moody’s magical eye had now left the door. It was fixed upon Harry. His lopsided mouth leered more widely than ever.

(Goblet of Fire, page 676)

Barty explains to Harry everything that he did. Every part of the ploy he was so obvious about it's a wonder Dumbledore didn't call him out. But why? What's the point in telling Harry if he's about to die?

I wondered this and I noticed the sentence I bolded. His magical eye was looking at the door.

So what? he was watching to see if he had time to kill Harry. He couldn't kill him if he got caught.

The thing is, I think it's the opposite. I think Barty planned to get caught. I mean, why else would he spend so long monologing? He's buying time.

Moody’s wand was still pointing directly at Harry’s heart. Over his shoulder, foggy shapes were moving in the Foe-Glass on the wall.

...

The foggy shapes in the Foe-Glass were sharpening, had become more distinct. Harry could see the outlines of three people over Moody’s shoulder, moving closer and closer. But Moody wasn’t watching them. His magical eye was upon Harry.

(Goblet of Fire, pages 677-678)

Moody's eye is magical, if the Foe-Glass saw the professors coming, Barty saw them too when he looked at the door. And yes, he's pointing his wand at Harry, but he isn't actually doing anything. Just pointing it and buying time, like he's waiting for Dumbledore to arrive and stop him.

The same way he bought time this whole year. I think the reason the plan took the whole year to execute was mostly this. Barty had plenty of opportunities to get Harry to Voldemort, but he didn't. No, instead he helped him through all the tasks while doing a really bad job of acting like Moody. I think he took so long because he wanted to be caught. He hoped someone would catch him and stop Voldemort from returning — Dumbledore mostly.

After all, we see Barty is scared of Voldemort's return, not joyous.

Veratiserum

So, now we need to talk about the scene where he was questioned under Veratiserum. Veratiserum is a truth serum that forces the drinker to only speak the truth.

A note about the evidence received with the use of the Veratiserum: The potion can't be legally used for testimony since some wizards can resist it. It is considered: "unfair and unreliable to use at a trial". This is the same as lie detectors (like a polygraph test) being generally not admissible as evidence in court here in the real world.

As such, anything Barty says under the influence of Veratiserum comes with the caveat of it potentially being a lie. Considering he did learn to resist the Imperius Curse marginally and thought Harry to resist it as well, it is possible he can resist Veratiserum as well. We even see hints, that he potentially does resist it.

Crouch’s son opened his eyes. His face was slack, his gaze unfocused. Dumbledore knelt before him, so that their faces were level. “Can you hear me?” Dumbledore asked quietly. The man’s eyelids flickered. “Yes,” he muttered.

(Goblet of Fire, page 683)

Here we have the description of how someone should look under the effects of Veratiserum. The drinker would have a blank face and expression, gaze not focused on anything. They are emotionless and hazy. Remember that description for later.

“And what did your father do with you, when he had got you home?” said Dumbledore quietly. “Staged my mother’s death. A quiet, private funeral. That grave is empty. The house-elf nursed me back to health. Then I had to be concealed. I had to be controlled. My father had to use a number of spells to subdue me. When I had recovered my strength, I thought only of finding my master . . . of returning to his service.” “How did your father subdue you?” said Dumbledore. “The Imperius Curse,” Crouch said. “I was under my father’s control. I was forced to wear an Invisibility Cloak day and night. I was always with the house-elf. She was my keeper and caretaker. She pitied me. She persuaded my father to give me occasional treats. Rewards for my good behavior.”

(Goblet of Fire, pages 684-685)

This is Barty's explanation of how his father controlled him with the Imperius. But I want to point out one odd part here. The part I outlined is odd because Barty hesitates. there are three dots indicating a pause like he is considering his words, something that shouldn't be possible under Veratiserum. And notice what he talks about when it happens. He talks about Voldemort.

I am uncertain why he would choose to lie about that... I assume it's out of fear. Knowing the way Voldemort tracked down and killed Karkaroff when he turned traitor, I assume Barty knew his fate would be the same if he betrayed Voldemort. After a whole year of trying to get Dumbledore to notice he wasn't acting like his friend, Moody, and failing, I don't think he trusted Dumbledore's ability to protect him from Voldemort.

This is also why he didn't just openly tell Dumbledore what was going on. He was scared of a fate much worse than what the ministry would throw at him if he was found by Voldemort to be a traitor. But also, if he turned traitor, nothing would stop Voldemort from sending someone else to finish Barty's mission, someone who'd actually want to do it. By pretending to be loyal, Barty is ensuring he can buy Harry time. Time, Dumbledore isn't using.

“Now it was just Father and I, alone in the house. And then . . . and then . . .” Crouch’s head rolled on his neck, and an insane grin spread across his face. “My master came for me. “He arrived at our house late one night in the arms of his servant Wormtail. My master had found out that I was still alive. He had captured Bertha Jorkins in Albania. He had tortured her. She told him a great deal. She told him about the Triwizard Tournament. She told him the old Auror, Moody, was going to teach at Hogwarts. He tortured her until he broke through the Memory Charm my father had placed upon her. She told him I had escaped from Azkaban. She told him my father kept me imprisoned to prevent me from seeking my master. And so my master knew that I was still his faithful servant — perhaps the most faithful of all. My master conceived a plan, based upon the information Bertha had given him. He needed me. He arrived at our house near midnight. My father answered the door.” The smile spread wider over Crouch’s face, as though recalling the sweetest memory of his life. Winky’s petrified brown eyes were visible through her fingers. She seemed too appalled to speak.

(Goblet of Fire, pages 687-688)

Again, before talking about Voldemort, he thinks of his words. He stutters and pauses his speech. He changes his expression, he's grinning. Veratiserum should keep the drinker's faces slack and emotionless. To me, this indicates something suspicious, not Barty's insanity.

Especially when considering his behavior throughout the books that indicates he's trying to sabotage Voldemort's resurrection.

“And what did Lord Voldemort ask you to do?” said Dumbledore. “He asked me whether I was ready to risk everything for him. I was ready. It was my dream, my greatest ambition, to serve him, to prove myself to him. He told me he needed to place a faithful servant at Hogwarts. A servant who would guide Harry Potter through the Triwizard Tournament without appearing to do so. A servant who would watch over Harry Potter. Ensure he reached the Triwizard Cup. Turn the cup into a Portkey, which would take the first person to touch it to my master. But first —” “You needed Alastor Moody,” said Dumbledore

(Goblet of Fire, page 688)

Again, his speech is odd for Veratiserum. He speaks with convection and emotion, repeating his statements, his language is more flowery and not short and truthful, all things I wouldn't expect from someone dosed with Veratiserum.

Also, risk everything? What did Barty have to risk? He was a prisoner under the Imperius Curse in his father's basement. He had nowhere worse he could go.

He was desperate to leave the hell that was his life for 12 years, he'll tell Voldemort anything he wanted to hear. And, well, it's not like he could say no to Voldemort, could he?

“For a week I waited for my father to arrive at Hogwarts. At last, one evening, the map showed my father entering the grounds. I pulled on my Invisibility Cloak and went down to meet him. He was walking around the edge of the forest. Then Potter came, and Krum. I waited. I could not hurt Potter; my master needed him. Potter ran to get Dumbledore. I Stunned Krum. I killed my father.”

...

“You killed your father,” Dumbledore said, in the same soft voice. “What did you do with the body?” “Carried it into the forest. Covered it with the Invisibility Cloak. I had the map with me. I watched Potter run into the castle. He met Snape. Dumbledore joined them. I watched Potter bringing Dumbledore out of the castle. I walked back out of the forest, doubled around behind them, went to meet them. I told Dumbledore Snape had told me where to come. “Dumbledore told me to go and look for my father. I went back to my father’s body. Watched the map. When everyone was gone, I Transfigured my father’s body. He became a bone . . . I buried it, while wearing the Invisibility Cloak, in the freshly dug earth in front of Hagrid’s cabin.”

(Goblet of Fire, pages 690-691)

I have two main notes about this part. The first is about not hurting Harry because Voldemort needs him. That explanation is bullshit. Barty said he stunned Krum, nothing stopped him from stunning Harry, it wouldn't have actually harmed him. A single, not very powerful stunner would've been nothing. I wouldn't really consider it harmful. Barty just didn't stun Hary because he didn't want to.

The second is when he speaks about how he hid his father's body. The reason I bolded it, is because it shows Barty is reasonable (to a degree) and intelligent. He is magically talented enough and smart enough to come up with a great plan to get away with his father's murder. It shows that all the odd inconsistencies, his choice not to act like Moody, to help Harry when he doesn't have to, to not stun Harry with a stupid senseless excuse, monologing to give Dumbledore time to catch him — it was all deliberate.

He's too intelligent for it not to be deliberate. And here too, we see that pause again. Like he was considering whether to reveal where his father was buried or not. He decided to reveal it because they could dig up the bone and check his testimony, and he needed them to believe him. So he had to be mostly truthful, just cover up some of the minor details, like what he thought about Voldemort.

I believe, that when he chose to get caught, he knew he was likely to die. But a quick death is probably better than the treatment of a traitor Death Eater.

Conclusions

Barty Crouch Jr didn't torture the Longbottoms.

He joined the Death Eaters to spite his father. He realized he was not cut out for it, but it was too late, he was already marked.

He was then sent to Azkaban for a crime he did not commit. He was then broken out only for his father to keep him imprisoned. Both weighed on his psyche heavily.

In the Quidditch World Cup, Hermione theorizes the person who cast the Dark Mark tried to scare the attackers away — she was probably right and that was Barty's intention.

He didn't go searching for Voldemort, Voldemort came for him, not giving him a choice but to comply.

So he went to Hogwarts, but he went far beyond necessary to protect Harry and encourage him. Along with giving him advice that Harry continues living by even after learning Barty's true identity. Showing Barty did truly care for Harry, at least to some degree.

His plan, during the year, had two layers: The first was to ruin his father's reputation (the reputation his father cared about more than his son). The second is to drag Voldemort's mission for him as long as possible with the hope of alerting Dumbledore without alerting Voldemort. All this while helping Harry along the way as much as he could without revealing to Voldemort he is a traitor.

Barty was terrified of Voldemort's return and actively worked against it, if in a limited way.

When what he feared (Voldemort's return) did come to pass, he bought as much time as he could, at the cost of his own life, so Harry and he could get the word out.

[peregrinvs]

@iamnmbr3 exactly! The Parallel withHarry is damning because both are similarly traumatised, emotionally and materially deprived kids, but their introduction to the wizarding world coukdn't be any different. The first wizard Harry meets defends him against his persecutors, brings him a birthday cake and shows him a world where he his famous, wealthy and loved.

By contrast, the first wizard Tom meets drops the reassuring façade the second Ton says something he doesn't like -calling himself special- and then proceeds to put him in his place. Dumbledore lords his powers over him. He can see into Tom's mind, uncover evidence of any wrongdoing, withhold his acceptance from school, force him to address him a certain way, not-so-subtly threaten to repprt any future misconduvt to the authorties, etc. Sure, Tom did ask him to show his power, but it's very telling that instead of say, conjuring a frog or turning the curtains blue or something, he chooses to do something that says "You can't keep anything from me, i know you're up to no good and i will keep an eye on you, i can make you do as you're told or you will face consequences." Thing is, Tom as a child who lives in an institution as a recipient of charity is already at the very bottom of the social ladder. (In a way Harry, who still has a midddle class upbringinf despite the abuse, isn't). Children from orphanages and homes in the 30s were seen as socially undesirable and future criminals. What Dumledore shows Tom here is that he's going to be seen the same way in the wizarding world. He isn't whisked into a world where he's special and loved, he's being told he's still a charity case, he isn't special and he's alredy been catalogued as trouble.

TL;DR No wonder Tom thinks he's going to have to become stronger than everyine else, Dumbledore's introduction to magic hasn't given him any reason to think the wizarding world will be any different from the Muggle one. (I think one underlooked aspect of voldy is his class resentment but that's for another post).

"Yes, Riddle was perfectly ready to believe he was - to use his word - 'special,' " said Dumbledore.

-- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

I know that he's trying to imply here that Riddle already had budding megalomaniacal tendencies. But come ON. His powers were highly developed. He could move things with his mind. It's not unreasonable for him to conclude that he is special and can do things others cannot; that's just the literal truth. Also, I'd like to point out that Riddle actually first says "I knew I was different." But I guess Dumbledore wants to skip over that bit.

And over the implications. Riddle is, as far as he knows, the only person who can do what he does. He knows nothing about the magical world or what he is. For all he knows he really is haunted or possessed by a demon or something. Part of him must have wondered if he really was mad and imagining it all. His initial, violently fearful and aggressive reaction to Dumbledore when he thinks he's a doctor certainly is very telling and has a lot of implications about the treatment he's experienced during his first 11 years of life.

[pet-genius]

Obsession or Love?

Here's a (lightly edited) reddit post I had way too many opportunities to copy/paste, in my humble opinion a successful refutation of the idea that Snape's love for Lily was obsessive:

Let's end this obsession theory forever.

We have three interactions between Snape and Lily from the time they're not children. In one, he says they're "supposed to be friends", and she confirms. Interestingly, she does accuse him of obsessing - over Potter and his mates, so not over her. In interaction 2, he calls her a mudblood, in interaction 3, he attempts to apologize. At no point does he ask her out or say she owes him anything or act entitled to her affection, unless apologizing is an act of entitlement (if you think so, I am sorry for you). Further, Harry goes through his potions book with a fine tooth comb, and nowhere does he find a scribble of her initials or anything like that.

Sirius and Lupin, meanwhile, as adults, never say Snape tried to pursue Lily or stalked her, or that they ever spoke, including in the context of listing reasons why Snape was jealous of James. You KNOW they would have. When Lily asked him to, Snape left her alone.

Then she is put in the crossfire because of Snape's actions. Well, wanting someone not to die is not obsessive. I know people read a lot into Dumbledore's "you disgust me" comment, but that comment only proves that Dumbles is manipulative.

Then she dies anyway. Snape is feeling expressly suicidal, as many non-obsessive people do when someone they love dies and it's their fault. Dumbledore leverages his guilt into recruiting him to spy. He proceeds to keep his love/"obsession" a secret from everyone but Dumbles for 17 years, and in fact talks a lot about James, so it still looks like his "obsessions" are toward those he hates.

People say the "always" line is obsessive. Nope. If Dumbles had to ask "after all this time", then clearly Snape very much shut up about Lily, even when speaking to him. It's said in response to Dumbledore's explanation that Harry must die, which Snape perceives as a betrayal of his deepest motivation - protection, as opposed to vengeance.

People say it's obsessive that he stole the letter and the picture. Having one lousy souvenir of a dead loved one isn't obsessive. Needing something to give you the strength to keep going when you've just killed your only ally and mentor, a kind of talisman to remind you why you're putting yourself through all this pain, is not obsessive. I feel sorry for anyone who thinks in these terms, honestly. As for tearing the photo up, ofc he won't walk around with a picture of James. This isn't symbolically tearing apart the Potter family, as protecting its legacy is Snape's literal mission in life. This interpretation is patently absurd. Ofc he won't carry a letter that says "dear Padfoot." So in summation: no behavioral evidence of obsession in his behavior, only of love, remorse, guilt, and grief.

Magical evidence: the Patronus is a symbol of positive feelings, not obsession, unless Harry was obsessed with his dead dad and wanted to bang him, which is perhaps a creative interpretation but not an entirely accurate representation of Harry's feelings. Harry's stag was a representation of his inspiration and ideals and values, just like Snape's Doe. Further: Snape managed to hide his "obsession" from a mindreader, Voldemort. Obsessions are something you can't control by definition. You KNOW Voldy questioned him about that, probably in a way that involved torture, since Snape asked him to spare her, thus directly causing to Voldemort's first downfall. When Harry occludes Voldy successfully for the first time, it is at a moment of grief, guilt and love - over Dobby. Was Harry obsessed with Dobby? No. He felt responsible for the little guy's death though (and guilty and indebted, most likely). Snape's unequaled talent for occlumency should prove that he loved and grieved Lily, which is precisely the thing Voldy can't access and understand.

The author herself denied that Snape was obsessive, but frankly, even if she had said he was, what she wrote is very different. It also makes no sense that the big reveal and Voldy's downfall are because of some obsessive incel who wanted to bang Lily, in a CHILDREN'S BOOK about the power of love. Interpretations that don't completely undermine and contradict the central themes and messages are typically preferred.

Let's stop talking about the supposed obsession forever and instead wonder why some fans cannot wrap their heads around any explanation of anything that isn't gross and irrelevant.

[bisexualbumblebee-writes]

Trial- Barty Crouch Jr x OC

Barty Crouch Jr x Adina Black

Description: The trial to determine whether Barty is a free man after his honorable acts goes better than expected.

Word Count: 1.4k

“Bartimus Crouch Jr, please enter,” Abelardo Hildebrandt called from his place on the judge’s stand. Usually it would be Barty Sr sitting in his place, but this trial was under special circumstances.

In September of 1994, Barty Crouch Jr had escaped Azkaban with his father’s help after Bellatrix Lestrange managed to escape its clutches. Her plan was to help the Dark Lord kill Harry Potter after the final task of the TriWizard Tournament, and Bart had escaped with intent to stop it. During his efforts he had kidnapped Alastor Moody and impersonated him so no one could recognize him. Though he hadn’t succeeded in catching Lestrange or Voldemort, he still managed to save Harry Potter. Today was the trial to determine whether Crouch Jr was going back to Azkaban. Since his father aided his escape, he could not be on the stands.

Adina watched Barty walk in with sad eyes. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment as he passed by the stand she was in. She offered him a reassuring smile before he was nudged to sit down in the chair facing the judge’s stand.

“Bartimus Crouch, you have been brought here so we may determine your fate. Whether you go back to Azkaban, get the Dementor’s Kiss, or be set free depends entirely on the testimonials and evidence shown in court today. Until then you are to remain, in the eyes of the Ministry, a convicted Death Eater. Do you understand these terms and wish to proceed?” Judge Hildebrandt asked in a formal tone. Barty nodded nervously and said he did. With one nod, the trial officially began.

The time seemed to drag on as easily admissible evidence began being held against Barty. Adina frowned as she heard a Ministry member say he deserved the Dementor’s kiss.

“Excuse me, Mr. Hildebrandt,” she stated as she stood, ignoring all the eyes on her and only focusing on the judge. “I believe we should wait until after all the evidence and testimonials have been administered. Shouldn’t you call on witnesses now?” She asked professionally, crossing her arms in front of her chest. The man nodded quickly, he always had a soft spot for Adina. She found it creepy, but now she was ready to use it to her advantage.

“Of course,” Abelardo said, grabbing a paper from the man beside him and clearing his throat as he looked it over. “Here to witness for the defense are the following: Adina Black, Alastor Moody, Albus Dumbledore, Amos and Cedric Diggory, and Harry Potter.” Everyone seemed surprised by the names listed, obviously not expecting them to be said.

“Adina Black, please step forward and state your testimony,” Abelardo continued. Adina stepped down from the stand with Mad-Eye’s help and walked over to the chair, standing beside Barty with her head held high.

“I am fully aware of Mr. Crouch’s past crimes,” she started after taking a deep breath. “I mean, I was personally in attendance when he was accused by Igor Karkaroff.” No one could take their eyes off of her as she spoke about good deeds he had done in not only the past, but now as well. It was inspiring to everyone in the room.

“What he had done to Frank and Alice Longbottom more than a decade ago was heinous and terrible, but that doesn’t mean that people can’t change. Barty Crouch Jr breaking out of Azkaban with the sole goal of saving Harry Potter from the likes of Bellatrix Lestrange showed not only that he changed, but he changed for the better,” she finally included. The Ministry seemed to be considering her words, but she wasn’t stopping now. She had recruited so many people to help and she planned on driving the point home.

Harry talked about how he, as Moody, saved him from Voldemort’s grasp. Cedric backed him up for it, then Amos mostly spoke about how Barty had saved his son and thanked the man profusely. Dumbledore spoke about how brave he had been to go up against such a dark force alone and how that in itself should free him. Finally, Moody stepped forward and said while at first he had been understandably upset about what happened to him, he knew that Barty had done it with no ill intentions against him. Moody harbored no ill will against Barty Crouch Jr.

“Alright. All witnesses and the defendant are excused from the room while the Council deliberates,” Abelardo said before tapping his gavel on the stand once. The others walked out obediently, but Adina chose to wait until Barty stood before walking out, making sure to keep close to him. As everyone waited outside, Adina watched Moody pace back and forth from where she sat beside Barty.

“I don’t understand,” he grumbled, pacing in front of her. “I said that I had no ill will towards Crouch Jr. Why do they have to deliberate?”

“Calm yourself Alastor. The Ministry has always been particular, even if the answer is obvious to everyone else. Just have patience,” Dumbledore responded calmly. Adina could still sense Barty’s nervousness. It practically radiated off him. After an internal debate, she gingerly took his hand. He flinched at the contact, making her want to let go, but he squeezed her hand before she actually could.

“Sorry, “ he muttered quietly enough for only her to hear. “Not used to human contact like this.” She smiled kindly at his words and squeezed his hand in return.

“It’ll be okay. I just know it,” she whispered back. He gave her an appreciative smile in response then looked down.

When they were called back in, all the witnesses elected to stand around Barty, though they had the option to sit down. Everyone seemed surprised by that, but no one said anything before Abelardo spoke.

“In the case of Bartimus Crouch Jr, by unanimous vote, the Council has come to the conclusion that what you had done was brave enough to move our hearts. Mr. Crouch, you are hereby released from custody and Azkaban. You’re free to go,” he announced. The group let out a joyous yell and immediately began celebrating. Adina had no time to think before Barty had pulled her close to him and placed a kiss on her lips. They pulled away seconds later and Adina laughed as she pulled the man into a tight hug.

Barty didn’t know what to do when they returned home. He was surprised to see that she still lived in the house they shared all that time ago. It looked like almost nothing changed, the only exception being that most of the pictures had been taken off the walls and shelves. It seemed that all of the missing pictures were ones that he was in. He later learned that she hadn’t actually thrown them away, just put them in one of the spare rooms they didn’t use.

Barty stayed in the dining room while she made lunch. Since it was an open concept he could see her no matter where she was in the kitchen. Which was good because he didn’t have it in his heart to look away from her. After being away from her for so long, saying that he had missed her was an understatement. The only time he looked down was when she finally faced him. Adina giggled from her spot then picked up the two plates and walked into the dining room, setting one in front of him.

“Your father wanted to have a welcome home party for you, you know,” she mentioned softly as she sat across from him. A wave of deja vu hit him as he looked at her once more.

“Oh really?” He asked, a hint of hopefulness in his tone. She nodded and smiled.

“Yeah. My brothers wanted to see you as well,” she responded. He groaned at the thought of talking to her brothers. It wasn’t that he didn’t like them, but there had been tense feelings between all of them after his conviction. He nearly flinched when she reached across the table and took his hand like she had in the Ministry building.

“It’ll be fine Barty, I’ll be by your side the entire time,” she offered kindly. He shot her a hopeful look.

“Promise?” He asked. He sounded like a lost child if Adina was being honest, but she understood why. Before Adina had come along, he hadn’t received much positive and loving attention from- well, anyone really. His father was never there and his mother was, for the most part, emotionally unavailable. He didn’t have many friends and until she had come into his life, it had stayed that way since he was a child. She took this into consideration as she smiled and nodded at him.

“Yeah, I promise.”

[dropsofnightshade]

Recapping Chapters 66 - 70

Back at school after the April holidays, Harry, Daphne and Neville take turns monitoring Quirrell using the Map. Neville observes Quirrell leaving the castle and entering the forest, returning just before dawn. The following week Harry and Daphne overhear Hagrid talking about something being dead in the forest. They decide to question him with Neville, and although the man is delighted to talk to Harry and Neville, he is cold to Daphne once he realises who her father is. They learn from Hagrid that he found a dead unicorn in the forest, and it appeared to have been hurt badly by something. He had noticed deep cuts over the creature, but not much blood, so he figured it must have been injured somewhere else and moved before dying. 

Harry suspects Quirrell killed the unicorn, but he doesn’t know why. The trio begins researching why else a person might kill a unicorn. Blaise and Tracey find them in the library, and Harry decides to share with the pair the news of the dead unicorn. It is Blaise who surprisingly shares that there is an unknown third precious ingredient you can obtain from a unicorn — the blood. The group realises whoever killed the unicorn harvested its blood, given the unusual lack of blood around the body where it had been found. 

Harry is keen to find evidence that Quirrell killed the unicorn and harvested its blood, but Daphne and Neville discourage him from following the man under the Cloak. Instead, Harry decides to investigate the man’s rooms during class, feigning a headache and sneaking to the teacher’s chambers. He can’t get in, but he reaches out with his magical awareness and senses what he believes to be unicorn blood inside the rooms. 

With no idea how to proceed, he decides it’s time to tell his guardians. Sirius and Arcturus are furious and upset that Harry had not trusted them with his suspicions. Sirius prohibits Harry from using the Cloak or Map again, and he will face further punishment when the school year ends. Arcturus decides to approach Dumbledore directly, but not to implicate Harry in any way.

Meanwhile, Quirrell meets with his contact, who communicates directly with the Dark Lord. Quirrell has never met the Dark Lord, and has no assurance that the man is even still alive, but the contact is not to be trifled with regardless. When they first met, the contact carved a string of runes into his arm, which if activated will kill him instantly. Quirrell has come with the latest shipment of unicorn blood for the contact, however, his contact is not interested in the vials, and instructs Quirrell the Dark Lord has no more need for the supply. Quirrell is ordered to remain at Hogwarts and collect intelligence, and to standby for further instruction. The contact leaves Quirrell with a final warning; Harry Potter’s fate is for the Dark Lord alone to decide. Quirrell recalls his punishment for casting the Broom Jinx against Harry, which he had decided to do of his own volition. After Quirrell leaves, the contact, who is Barty, considers the future. The Dark Lord will not be returning to Britain once he regains his body - he has his eyes on Europe. 

Arcturus meets with Dumbledore and warns him that Quirrell is dangerous. He accuses Quirrell of being the one to kill the unicorn, for the purpose of harvesting its blood. Dumbledore is shocked and defensive of one of his staff, insisting he cannot investigate the man on a baseless accusation, without evidence. Arcturus claims he was warned by someone he cannot disclose the identity of, and Dumbledore wishes to speak with that person, but Arcturus refuses, given the person is actually Harry. Realising the Headmaster is not going to do anything, Arcturus lies and claims this person also insinuated that Quirrell was somehow tied to Voldemort. That catches Dumbledore’s attention. Dumbledore investigates Quirrell, finds evidence of the unicorn blood, and refers the matter to the Aurors. During Quirrell’s arrest, he suddenly dies the moment the Auror handcuffs touch his wrists. 

Rosie is called in as one of three Runes experts in Britain, to investigate the body, as the Aurors find a string of runes on Quirrell’s inner left forearm. She deals with an abrasive fellow Runes experts, Mr Anderson, who has never liked her. Rosie is eventually brought in to see the body, and she is awed at the complexity of the rune sequence. She concludes the design is Master level work, but she notices discrepancies with the application that indicates to her the person who actually did the runecraft was not a Master. She believes the person acted under instruction. 

Shortly after, Harry is requested to see the Headmaster, and when he arrives he sees his guardians are already there and the Head Auror, Scrimgeour. He panics, thinking his involvement has been uncovered, but instead is taken aback by Scrimgeour informing everyone they have identified Quirrell as the culprit for casting the Broom Jinx against Harry. Dumbledore announces that he believes Quirrell has been associated with Voldemort, but when Scrimgeour presses for more information, Dumbledore stays silent to protect Arcturus, who was the source of that information. Harry is horrified a teacher tried to kill him, and his guardians insist on taking him home to process the disturbing news. 

Severus visits the Malfoys later that night, and although Narcissa wants to remain in the room, Lucius asks her to leave when Severus name drops Voldemort in front of her. She is furious at being sent away, and now deeply suspicious that her husband might be hiding something from her, but she does leave. Severus confronts Lucius, asking him bluntly if Quirrell was a Death Eater, or otherwise associated with Voldemort. Lucius is confused and seems genuinely baffled at the question, denying any knowledge. He is angry Severus mentioned the Dark Lord in front of Narcissa, and reminds Severus of their agreement to maintain their friendship and never discuss matters concerning Voldemort with each other. Severus warns Lucius if he ever knowingly puts one of his students in danger, he will end their friendship without hesitation. This is particularly poignant, given Severus is the closest thing Lucius has to a brother — they share blood, with Severus being a Prince and the Prince family being an offshoot of the Malfoy family. 

Harry takes a week off school, struggling with nightmares, processing the realisation that a teacher tried to kill him. Sirius informs Harry he will allow him to return to Hogwarts to finish his end of year exams, but after that, he wants to enrol Harry at a new school. He asks Harry to consider three options, and after some thought, Harry picks Durmstrang. Harry negotiates with Sirius that if things have settled after his second year, he wants the choice to return to Hogwarts for his third year onwards. The media are in a frenzy, especially after it is leaked that Quirrell attempted to kill Harry last year at school during a Quidditch match. 

He returns to school, and breaks the news to his friends that he won’t be coming back next year. They are disappointed, but supportive of his situation. Harry sits his final exams for the year, and hosts the last Heritage Society meeting. He and Daphne break the news to the group that there won’t be a HS next year, but there will still be rituals led on the sacred days. Everyone is disappointed, but keen to keep some traditions alive next year. Snape asks Harry and Daphne later why they aren’t continuing the HS, and they give him vague answers. He seems to suspect something, but says nothing. 

On Harry’s final day at Hogwarts, he is standing on the Quidditch pitch, where Blaise finds him. They have a strange conversation about death, Durmstrang, and the dangers that lie ahead for Harry in navigating new friendships with people who might not be offering friendship for the right reasons. During the closing feast, Dumbledore announces the Ministry has decided to implement a new mandatory class for first year students, to teach them about wizarding traditions, which will be taught by Umbridge. 

Harry leaves Hogwarts, and has the impression Snape suspects he won’t be coming back. He tells Flint on the train home that he is heading for Durmstrang, and although the older boy is disappointed to be losing his Seeker, he wishes Harry well. Harry is grounded until he is to travel to France for the DAYS gathering. He spends his time struggling to make progress with Occlumency. 

Remus visits after an Order meeting, confirming it was chaos after Dumbledore broke the news that Harry had been withdrawn from Hogwarts, and no-one knew where he was being sent. Sirius informs Remus Harry is attending Durmstrang, and is surprised when his friend reacts negatively. Remus thought Harry would be attending Ilvermorny, and is concerned by Durmstrang’s reputation. Sirius points out the school teaches the exact type of magic that best suits Harry, and Ezra teaches there. Sirius also broaches the topic of therapy with Remus again, sensing his friend’s exhaustion and his anxiety over the poor progress of Gareth’s proposed bill to improve the lives of werewolves. Remus indicates he will consider it. 

Harry is permitted to leave his grounding to attend his appointment with Skarde, his guardians and Aunt Cass attending with him. He comes prepared with a contract to negotiate with Skarde, which has been prepared by lawyers. It will regulate ownership rights around the Core Crystals. Harry explains he is willing to limit his own ownership rights, to honour the respect and loyalty the goblins have shown to his ancestors. Skarde is interested, but cannot negotiate the contract as he is only a banker. He claims the contract will need to go through the goblin diplomat to Britain, and then onto the Queen for consideration. Harry is daunted at the thought of it going up so high, and the warning from Skarde that Harry might be called upon at some point to attend upon the goblin court. Given no Core Crystals will be removed in the meantime, Skarde implies a goblin research team might be persuaded to assist the Danish wizarding team to further their research, given what Harry is offering the goblin nation. 

Harry meets with Ezra, who lets him know what to expect from his classes, and outlines the interesting electives Harry can choose from. He can only pick three electives, and Harry has a difficult choice to make. After he leaves the room, Ezra and Sirius talk about some more intimate matters, but Sirius shuts down the conversation because he is not ready to consider what Ezra is offering. Ezra is disappointed, but understanding. 

Narcissa visits her sister and brother-in-law at Azkaban, at long last to provide Bellatrix with a year’s worth of treatment for her Bloodbane. During her visit, she realises Bellatrix knows that Ted Tonks developed the treatment, and Bellatrix also accuses Narcissa of turning her back on her. There is a terse exchange between the sisters, and Rodolphus too, and Narcissa, already suspicious that Lucius is hiding something from her, tries to get information from her sister on whether the Dark Lord has returned. 

Rodolphus prevents Bellatrix from saying anything, but Bellatrix does say amusedly to Narcissa that her husband is keeping things from her. Before she leaves, Narcissa witnesses Bellatrix drink one of the vials, and realises her sister is preparing herself, even if it means bending her pride to consume something a Muggleborn prepared. 

Harry travels to France with his guardians and the Greengrass family. They end up in Nice, where they meet with Karin Weasley, her husband, daughter and her uncle, Otto Battenberg. Over dinner, Karin tells Harry and Daphne a bit more about the DAYS gathering and how sponsorship works. The adults ask about the other six families who make up the Dark Alliance council. It comes out that the Altomare family remain very controversial, because they supported Grindelwald. 

Harry and Daphne attend the DAYS gathering at the Vayssière estate, escorted by Karin. They meet some friendly faces from the Polish delegation, and learn the check in process involves casting a token into the fountain in the courtayrd, which draws its water from a sacred spring. They will make a promise of confidentiality with anything they learn or observe during the gathering. Harry has a strange interaction with another boy his age who goes to Durmstrang, Finn Vogel. 

He and Daphne spot Blaise, but the other boy seems unpleasantly shocked to see the pair. They are both unsettled at his reaction, but the welcoming feast is starting, so they can’t do much about it, or talk with acquaintances around them. 

Harry meets two older boys sitting across from him at the Battenberg table, Karl and Paul. Karl is a Quidditch fanatic like Harry, and they get along well. Harry informs them he is coming to Durmstrang, and quickly the whole table hears the news. Again, he notices Finn seems to react in an unsettling way, smirking at Harry. He realises the DAYS gathering is not going to be all smooth sailing.

[thecarnivorousmuffinmeta]

So what do you think was going thru dumbledores head when he made that silly little puzzle for harrys first year? I mean, if a bunch of first years can get through it its really not very secure. Obviously most of fandom now think it was all planned (idk how the other teachers didnt question it tho??) and tailored to them but probably jkr just wanted a fun adventure for the first book right? But then it backfires and makes dumbledore look so weird lmao

I mean, you're talking to someone who thinks Dumbledore is a bastard man. You'd be better off, here, I think talking to someone who doesn't believe Dumbledore is... what I believe Dumbledore is.

To me, this is typical Dumbledore, he pulls this shit all the time. Pretty much every year.

What the Fuck Was Dumbledore Thinking

Dumbledore treats Hogwarts, the institution and population, much like he treats everyone else: as a pawn. Dumbledore is willing to risk student and teacher lives so as to draw in what he believes (with no evidence mind you) is the undying spirit of the dark lord into the castle.

He then proceeds to ignore direct attacks on a student (Harry in the quidditch game which he knew was caused by someone on staff as Snape's out there muttering counter curses), students almost getting very injured (Harry with the three headed dog and nearly getting eaten), and something murdering unicorns (about the most evil and dangerous thing that can be done spelling bad news for everyone).

He, in fact, allows Hagrid to send out eleven year olds into the woods during detention to hunt down said unicorn killer.

The next year, Dumbledore hires Gilderoy Lockhart, knowing the man is a fraud, in the hopes that Hogwarts will eat him (he cheers when, in fact, Hogwarts does).

Dumbledore then hires a werewolf, yes, Lupin's life sucks, but he hires a werewolf and thanks to this nearly three students are eaten/turned.

Then look at fourth year and... No, pretty much any action Dumbledore takes ever. This is what he does.

Using his entire staff/student body in a wild scheme to catch a spy? That's Dumbledore's m.o.

Okay But Why Did He Make it So Easy?

I imagine to make the staff feel like they were involved/on board. The only real protection the stone had was the mirror. The mirror is what would stop Quirrell and anyone else from getting the stone. Now, obviously Dumbledore needs a way to eventually get the stone out, so we had that weird loophole of (only if you don't want to use it/don't want it for yourself) and that did backfire a bit when Harry got all the way through.

But nevermind that.

The rest of the protections didn't matter they were a) meant to fool Quirrell/Tom into thinking there were protections b) an invitation of sorts to draw the spy in.

I'm... not actually sure it was intended that children could get through.

Dumbledore ultimately wanted Tom/whoever to get through and get trapped in that room. So it had to be hard enough but not too difficult to actually stop whoever really wanted the stone. If someone actually did their research into Fluffy/had a well rounded education they should make it to the end.

Unfortunately for the staff, they made the bar too low in part because they got lazy and used items they had on hand for classes (the devil snare) or went "eh, I'll make it a logic puzzle" (Snape). This backfired immensely.

What Did JKR Want?

Probably a fun adventure that the heroes could conceivably solve. But I'm not here for what JKR wants or thinks.

Conclusion

This is Dumbledore's thing and not the only time in the series it backfires either.

[theoriginalcarnivorousmuffin]

In your latest post, you said that Dumbledore MEANT to put Harry in a abusive household. That, or when he found out he did nothing to stop it. Why is that?

You’re going to get a lot of people angry with me. Well, I suppose they’re already angry. Somewhere out there, on the wider internet.

Right, anyway, the evidence of Harry’s abuse is so overwhelming that it seems improbable to me that Dumbledore wasn’t aware of what was happening. More, every interaction he has with not only Harry, but characters in similar circumstances, lends me to believe that in the event that Dumbledore does know he’d take no action.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: Scene 1

We start out the entire Harry Potter series with Minerva and Dumbledore waiting in the early dawn for Hagrid’s arrival and to place Harry with the Dursleys. Minerva immediately announces her discomfort with this, 

She specifically says the following:

"You don't mean — you can't mean the people who live here? Dumbledore, you can't. You couldn't find two people who are less like us."

Lily Evans’ relatives are infamous enough such that Minerva McGonagall, who is presumably not as close as her like aged peers (i.e. Sirius, Remus, and Peter) knows about them.

Granted, some of this is anti-muggle sentiment. Minerva isn’t sure that suburban muggles raising a magical child like Harry Potter is a good idea. Nevertheless, she has deep misgivings, and relays them to Dumbledore.

We know from further evidence that Dumbledore is perfectly aware of what Petunia and Vernon are like as well. He gives Harry to the Dursleys anyway.

Dumbledore, for his own reasons, chooses not to listen.

Dumbledore’s Letter to Petunia

Dumbledore writes a letter to Petunia, knowing it is highly necessary, as he gives Harry to the family. The letter is... vaguely threatening but in a very polite Dumbledore way. It pretty much implies “Take Harry, or else, also be nice to your dead sister.”

The point is, Dumbledore is aware that this letter is highly necessary. And then... other things happen.

Dumbledore Sends Hagrid

Dumbledore sends Hagrid to pick Harry up.

Ordinarily, in such circumstances, Minerva is sent to introduce muggleborn children to the Wizarding World. “Perhaps she was busy,” you say, too busy for Harry Potter? Wizard Jesus and the child of perhaps her favorite students who she openly favors throughout the series?

“Perhaps Dumbledore was being nice to Hagrid, and he had an errand to do anyway,” well, it’s all well and good to be nice to Hagrid, but is he really the best guy to introduce anybody to the Wizarding World?

This is Hagrid, the likelihood of him having taken Harry to an exotic pet shop where Harry then gets eaten by the Chupacabra is 95%. The 5% where it didn’t happen is because Hagrid went to the pet shop alone and some, distant, rational part of his brain told him that Harry would want the pretty owl vs. the one-eyed blood sucking rat demon in the cage next to her.

You don’t send Hagrid if you want a child returned to you with all its limbs intact.

So why do you send Hagrid?

When you want someone who’s so painfully oblivious, loyal, and stupid that they could stare a hellscape in the face and wouldn’t even notice.

Hagrid gets a firsthand view of Harry’s living conditions. He learns that Harry’s relatives have been actively blocking Harry’s letters, that they have run across the country to avoid them. He sees the state of Harry’s clothing in comparison to Dudley, how thin Harry is in comparison to Dudley, and the way the family interacts with each other.

Harry’s child abuse is staring Hagrid right in the face.

Minerva would demand that Harry be placed somewhere else, they can find some other means of protecting him.

What does Hagrid do?

He gives Dudley a pig’s tail illegally and proceeds to tell Harry that Dumbledore is the greatest man who ever lived. 

Other Evidence Comes to Light

Other characters start getting pretty big warning signs that all’s not right at the Potters.

Ron and Hermione know the situation is “bad” and that Harry’s relatives “hate magic”. They’re also kids and don’t really understand what this means, the idea of being abused and hated by your guardians is unthinkable to them and Harry doesn’t come out and just say it.

That said, they’ve seen enough that they drop hints to those around them. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley are told about the bars on Harry’s window. Ron was so concerned about Harry in the summer after first year that he steals his father’s car with Fred and George to go pick him up. That is not normal behavior, that is deep concern for your friend.

Despite all of this... nothing happens.

Hermione spends far more time at the Weasleys then Harry ever does. Every summer, he returns to Privet Drive, and it’s likely if Arthur and Molly did have concerns Dumbledore told them off.

Arabella Figg

Arabella has been keeping an eye on Harry for years. She’s noted some very disturbing trends and been witness to years of the Dursleys interacting with Harry Potter.

She passes this information on to Dumbledore.

He knows how bad it is.

Harry Potter

Harry tells Dumbledore he does not wish to remain at the Dursleys, he notes that they don’t like him and he doesn’t like them. Now, he tries to downplay it, but this is a child saying some pretty disturbing things. You don’t brush this off.

Dumbledore does.

Dumbledore Visits the Dursleys

In book 6, Dumbledore visits the Dursleys and sees, in person, how bad it is. However, he shows no surprise, only vague disappointment in Petunia. Tsk, tsk, Petunia, I thought you were better than this.

He offers a few threats and then he and Harry go on their merry way.

Severus Snape

Snape is Dumbledore’s spy who reads Harry’s mind for half a year. Granted, Snape is a bastard who loathes Harry Potter, but he sees evidence of the Dursleys abuse of Harry.

We know, from what he relays to Dumbledore later, that he had at least some concern for Harry and was very disturbed by Dumbledore’s plan to murder him in cold blood due to the horcrux.

I think it’s very likely Severus Snape knew and told Dumbledore that Harry was being abused. I’m sure Albus’ response was, “Bitch, I know, would you like a lemon drop?”

Point being, there is no conceivable way that Albus Dumbledore, even if he was the world’s dumbest man, didn’t know exactly how bad it was. He let’s it happen anyway.

But What About the Blood Wards?

Dumbledore eventually tells Harry that the reason he can’t run away from Privet Drive is because of the blood wards created by his mother. They can only be applied if he lives with blood relatives and protect the Dursley house as long as Harry considers it home.

Now, this is a bit suspect given that Harry really considers Hogwarts his home, Privet Drive is just that hell hole he has to go back to every summer. Even the Burrow is more his home than Privet Drive so... That doesn’t sound right.

More, though, there are other means of protection.

There’s the Fidelius which Dumbledore casts on Sirius’ house in book 5. Given that, Harry really could have lived with Sirius (well, Sirius is not in a good place to have a kid around and that would be a disaster and a half). Point being, Harry could be raised elsewhere and there are wards that could protect him.

More, Voldemort and the Death Eaters are out of commission for thirteen years. Indeed, we see Dumbledore up Harry’s security detail by secretly assigning the Order to tail him after fourth year.

So, for a very long time, it’s not about Harry’s protection and when it does become that we see Dumbledore make significant changes.

So, what could it be?

Well, let’s look at Dumbledore’s other actions. Dumbledore prevents Harry from becoming prefect because “he thought it would go to his head”. Which, Harry should absolutely not be made prefect at all, and Ron’s a laughable candidate too but...

To me that’s very telling.

I hate to say this, but this is Dumbledore, but I think he has a very similar reasoning behind Harry going to the Dursleys.

He doesn’t want Harry to be corrupted by the Boy Who Lived persona. He wants him in a certain state of mind when he enters into the wizarding world and... Frankly, he wants him vulnerable. Dumbledore, in time, will need to either murder this boy or have him kill himself. If Harry has a halfway decent guardian, that task becomes a hell of a lot harder.

Harry has to love the wizarding world so much, trust Dumbledore so much, that these things are worth dying for.

You Mentioned Something About Dumbledore’s Other Actions?

Dumbledore has no sympathy for victims of child abuse.

Tom Riddle, an impoverished orphan loathed by those in his orphanage, he thinks is the very devil and sends him back into the Blitz with a smile and a wave. Enjoy the bombs, Tom, hope you die.

Severus Snape, the half blood child of an abusive muggle father and absentee mother, who is nearly murdered by Sirius Black via Remus Lupin, is told to shut the fuck up and sit down before he ruins the lives of his betters.

Dumbledore has a very bad track record with this and, well, Harry Potter is not an exception.

To be fair, I think the wizarding world has not concept of CPS or even child abuse. There’s no hint of a foster system, you go to the closest relative of the godparents. So, I think to them, you’re stuck with whoever you’re stuck with and if your uncle rapes you then it sucks to be you.

[alexbritishlit]

Week seven blog, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, J.K. Rowling

Week 7 blog 

Word count- 594

Pages read 190- 220

Summary

It has been dawned upon Gildroy Lockhart that the students of Hogwarts should get some combat and defending practice. With the help of Professor Snape they have the kids partner up and duel with each other. Lockhart and Snape demonstrate to the class how it should be done and naturally Snape out duels Lockhart to the amusement of the kids. Of Course Harry gets paired up with Malfoy and the two duel it out. One of Malfoy’s spells spawned a snake and Harry could speak to it to the displeasure and disbelief of the rest of the class. And due to this fact many believe that Harry is the heir of Slytherin and is evil. Among the students at Hogwarts there are rumors that Harry is evil and who will be his next victim. Nearly headless Nick is the next victim of this shocked to death state and of course Peeves the poltergeist is messing with Harry saying that ghosts can suffer such a fate and that no one is safe from it. Professor McGonagall came to see what all the commotion was and saw Harry around the center of all this chaos and took him away to where you ask? Why to Dumbledore himself. Harry was fascinated by the many items and nik naks in Dumbledore’s office. There Harry found the sorting hat that put him in Gryffindor and the hat quips that Harry would have done well in Slytherin and made Harry sick. Dumbledore’s Phoenix Hawkes was on the verge of death and dies in front of Harry and the headmaster assures him that it's just a part of life. Christmas came and went and it was at this time when Hermione finished the Polyjuice Potion and this was their opportunity to get some information out of Malfoy and his lackeys. In order to fulfill this plan they needed the hair of Crabbe and Goyle who were Malfoy’s best friends. 

Critical Analysis

“Oh, Potter, you rotter, oh, what have you done, you're killing off students, you think it's good fun,” is the quote that I chose to do the critical analysis on because this is the song that is sung by Peeves the Poltergeist who loves to mess to people and loves to get on people’s nerves and he sings this to Harry after he finds Nearly headless Nick stunned by who he assumes was Harry because one, of all the rumors going around and two, he just wants to mess with Harry. Peeves just saw one of his ghost friends just get stunned and proceeds to sing to annoy poor Harry who has already been through alot… what a dick.

Personal Thoughts

After making the Polyjuice Potion the duo, now in disguise, goes to the Slytherin common room to get some info from Malfoy. The gang is back to their antics of getting into trouble and making up schemes in order to get into said trouble. I like seeing these kids get into mischief and being innocent and slowly get depressed and lose innocence, but hey that's just a part of growing up. Also Harry wondering whether he is in Slytherin is funny because there is a bunch of evidence that says that he is in fact the heir, like how he can talk to snakes, the sorting hat wanting to put him in Slytherin, and him supposedly stunning all these people. I feel bad for Harry and I just want the kid to catch a break, and be a hero. 

[twoidiotwriters1]

Written In The Stars CXV (Harry Potter xF!Oc)

A/N: I like my book and I’ll write the plot however I want but at the same time I want everyone to like my story pls like my story -Danny

Words: 3,849 

Series’ Masterlist

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

Listen to: ‘No Goobyes’ -By Dua Lipa

Chapter Thirteen: Dumbledore's Army.

As soon as she sat down next to Ron, a head popped out of the fireplace.

"Sirius!" Ron and Mel exclaimed together.

"Hi," He smiled.

"Hi," They all responded, kneeling around the fire.

"How're things?"

"Not that good," said Harry. "The Ministry's forced through another decree, which means we're not allowed to have Quidditch teams —"

"— or secret Defense Against the Dark Arts groups?" said Sirius.

A second passed.

"How did you know about that?" Harry demanded.

Mel pulled Grey away from the fire while Hermione kept Crookshanks far from it as well.

"Who didn't know about that?" Mel said grumpily.

"You want to choose your meeting places more carefully," said Sirius, his grin only getting wider. "The Hog's Head... How's your Grandad, Mel?"

Ron and Harry, who had no idea of what that meant, turned to look at her with confusion. Mel let out another groan.

"I had to play dumb and pretend I didn't know him," She looked at the boys with a tense expression. "The bartender's my grandad."

"What?!" Ron and Harry asked at the same time.

"Well, it was better than the Three Broomsticks!" said Hermione. "That's always packed with people —"

"— which means you'd have been harder to overhear. You've got a lot to learn, Hermione."

"Who overheard us?" Harry demanded.

"Mundungus, of course," said Sirius laughing. "He was the witch under the veil."

"That was Mundungus?" Harry said. "What was he doing in the Hog's Head?"

"What do you think he was doing?" said Sirius. "Keeping an eye on you, of course."

"I'm still being followed?" asked Harry in outrage.

"Yeah, you are, and just as well, isn't it, if the first thing you're going to do on your weekend off is organize an illegal defence group."

"Why was Dung hiding from us?" asked Ron. "We'd've liked to've seen him."

"He was banned from the Hog's Head twenty years ago, and Mel's gran' got a long memory. We lost Moody's spare Invisibility Cloak when Sturgis was arrested, so Dung's been dressing as a witch a lot lately... Anyway... First of all, Ron — I've sworn to pass on a message from your mother."

"Oh yeah?" said Ron fearfully.

"She says on no account whatsoever are you to take part in an illegal secret Defense Against the Dark Arts group. She says you'll be expelled for sure and your future will be ruined. She says there will be plenty of time to learn how to defend yourself later and that you are too young to be worrying about that right now. She also advises Harry and Hermione not to proceed with the group, though she accepts that she has no authority over either of them and simply begs them to remember that she has their best interests at heart. She would have written all this to you, but if the owl had been intercepted you'd all have been in real trouble, and she can't say it for herself because she's on duty tonight."

"On duty doing what?"

"Never you mind, just stuff for the Order," said Sirius. "So it's fallen to me to be the messenger and make sure you tell her I passed it all on because I don't think she trusts me to."

"What does my mum says about it?"

Sirius smiled again.

"She said 'Why do I even bother?' "

Mel snorted.

"So you want me to say I'm not going to take part in the defence group?" Ron said sadly.

"Me? Certainly not!" said Sirius, raising his eyebrows. "I think it's an excellent idea!"

"You do?" said Harry.

"Shocker," Mel replied sarcastically.

"Of course I do! D'you think your parents and I would've lain down and taken orders from an old hag like Umbridge?"

"But — last term all you did was tell me to be careful and not take risks —"

"Last year all the evidence was that someone inside Hogwarts was trying to kill you, Harry! This year we know that there's someone outside Hogwarts who'd like to kill us all, so I think learning to defend yourselves properly is a very good idea!"

"And if we do get expelled?" Hermione asked.

"Hermione, this whole thing was your idea!" said Harry.

"I know it was... I just wondered what Sirius thought," She shrugged.

"Well, better expelled and able to defend yourselves than sitting safely in school without a clue," said Sirius.

"We won't get expelled," Mel rolled her eyes. "Not as long as my uncle is Headmaster. He won't throw us out knowing we're being hunted. We're safe as long as we learn how to play our cards."

Sirius gave her a funny look.

"You've been practising your skills, little Em?"

Mel winked at him.

"So," said Sirius, "how are you organizing this group? Where are you meeting?"

"Well, that's a bit of a problem now," said Harry. "Dunno where we're going to be able to go..."

"How about the Shrieking Shack?" suggested Sirius.

"Hey, that's an idea!" said Ron excitedly, but Hermione clicked her tongue.

"Well, Sirius, it's just that there were only five of you meeting in the Shrieking Shack when you were at school, and all of you could transform into animals and I suppose you could all have squeezed under a single Invisibility Cloak if you'd wanted to. But there are about thirty of us and none of us is an Animagus, so we wouldn't need so much an Invisibility Cloak as an Invisibility Marquee —"

"Fair point... Well, I'm sure you'll come up with somewhere... There used to be a pretty roomy secret passageway behind that big mirror on the fourth floor, you might have enough space to practice jinxes in there —"

"Fred and George told me it's blocked," said Harry gloomily. "Caved in or something."

"Oh..." Sirius frowned. "Well, I'll have a think and get back to —"

His eyes widened slightly, and he turned his head to the side as if hearing something.

"Sirius?" Harry asked quietly. Sirius' head pulled back abruptly. "Why did he — ?"

A hand had appeared amongst the flames, groping as though to catch hold of something; a stubby, short-fingered hand covered in ugly old-fashioned rings...

The four of them stood up and ran, Mel and Harry both stopped and looked back at Umbridge's hand in the fire. Both frightened, wide-eyed, before disappearing into their rooms.

"Hermione," Mel whispered so Parvati and Lavender wouldn't wake up, closing the door behind her. "I talked to Erick today."

"About what?"

"I think we solved the communication problem," She said, pulling out her watch and handing it to her friend. "But I'll need your help."

"Silencio!" said Hermione hastily, pointing her wand at Harry's frog, which deflated silently before them. "Well, he mustn't do it again, that's all. I just don't know how we're going to let him know. We can't send him an owl."

"I can send one to my mum," Mel objected, silencing her raven with one swift wand movement.

"I don't reckon he'll risk it again," said Ron. "He's not stupid, he knows she nearly got him. Silencio!" Ron's raven only sounded louder. "Silencio! SILENCIO!"

"It's the way you're moving your wand," said Hermione. "You don't want to wave it, it's more a sharp jab."

"Ravens are harder than frogs," said Ron. Mel gave him a look as she held her mute raven.

"Fine, let's swap," said Hermione. "Silencio!"

The raven stopped making a sound.

"Very good, Miss Granger!" said Professor Flitwick. "Now, let me see you try, Mr Weasley!"

Mel snorted, earning a nudge from Hermione.

"Wha — ? Oh — oh, right," said Ron. "Er — Silencio!"

He poked the frog in the eye; it gave a deafening croak and jumped off the desk.

"I already told you I'll help you with charms!" Mel exclaimed, trying to aim to Peeves, who was floating above them and attempting to throw an ink pellet at the students.

It was raining hard outside, so they were left to hang out inside the classrooms with little to do.

"Like you helped me last week?" Ron asked bitterly.

"I said I was sorry, all right?" She rolled her eyes. "Lost track of time..."

"You didn't want to help me," He argued.

"Don't be silly," She retorted. "Watch this..."

She flicked her wand and shot a splash of ice-cold water towards Peeves' butt. The Poltergeist yelped and turned around, but Mel had hidden her wand and was now looking at Ron, pretending to be focused on the conversation. Peeves left the classroom fuming, once gone, they erupted into cackles.

"You shouldn't taunt him, Mel," Hermione warned her. "He can be cruel if he wants to."

"Me too," The girl smirked.

"I've got permission!" Angelina ran into the classroom. "To re-form the Quidditch team!"

"Excellent!" said the boys.

"Yeah, I went to McGonagall and I think she might have appealed to Dumbledore — anyway, Umbridge had to give in. Ha! So I want you down at the pitch at seven o'clock tonight, all right, because we've got to make up time, you realize we're only three weeks away from our first match?"

She left as quickly as she had appeared; Peeves flew back in, his arms carrying a bunch of new ink pellets to throw at them. Mel felt the slightest sting of worry.

"Hope this clears up..." Ron said looking out the window. "What's up with you, Hermione?"

"Just thinking..."

"About Siri... Snuffles?"

"No... not exactly... More... wondering... I suppose we're doing the right thing... I think... aren't we?"

Harry, Mel and Ron looked at each other.

"Well, that clears that up," said Ron. "It would've been really annoying if you hadn't explained yourself properly."

"I was just wondering," She said, clearer this time, "whether we're doing the right thing, starting this Defense Against the Dark Arts group."

"What!" said Harry and Ron together.

"Hermione, it was your idea in the first place!" said Ron.

"I know, but after talking to Snuffles..."

"But he's all for it!" said Harry.

"Yes! Yes, that's what made me think maybe it wasn't a good idea after all..."

Peeves floated above them, all four lifted their bags to cover their heads.

"Let's get this straight," said Harry, once again in a bad mood, "Sirius agrees with us, so you don't think we should do it anymore?"

"Do you honestly trust his judgment?"

"Yes, I do! He's always given us great advice!"

"You don't think he has become... sort of... reckless... since he's been cooped up in Grimmauld Place? You don't think he's... kind of... living through us?"

"What d'you mean, 'living through us'?" Harry retorted.

"Oh, yeah he's definitely doing that," Mel admitted. "But what's wrong about it?"

"I mean... well, I think he'd love to be forming secret defence societies right under the nose of someone from the Ministry... I think he's really frustrated at how little he can do where he is... so I think he's keen to kind of... egg us on."

"So what?" Mel frowned. "It's still the right thing to do, him having no power over his life it's exactly where we are as well. The difference is that we have a chance to do something, and he wants us to take it."

"But there's so much at risk!"

"Sirius is right," Ron said in disbelief, "you do sound just like my mother."

Hermione didn't speak to them after that.

The next day Harry told them all about Dobby's visit in the middle of the night, waking him up after falling asleep in the common room by accident. He told them he'd found a room where to hold their meetings, which was great news, considering the girls had figured out a way to communicate without being too obvious.

The walls were lined with wooden bookcases, and instead of chairs, there were large silk cushions on the floor. A set of shelves at the far end of the room carried a range of instruments such as Sneakoscopes, Secrecy Sensors, and a large cracked Foe-Glass that Harry was sure had hung, the previous year, in the fake Moody's office.

"How wonderful!" Mel walked towards the bookcases.

"These will be good when we're practising Stunning," said Ron, looking at the cushions.

"And just look at these books!" said Hermione standing beside her. "A Compendium of Common Curses and Their Counter-Actions... The Dark Arts Outsmarted... Self-Defensive Spellwork... wow... Harry, this is wonderful, there's everything we need here!"

There was a brief moment where Mel and Harry looked at each other, both with the same excited expression. Harry was about to say something when someone knocked on the door. Ginny, Neville, Lavender, Parvati, and Dean had arrived.

"Whoa," said Dean. "What is this place?"

Harry explained everything to their classmates as more started to arrive. At eight o'clock the place was full, every cushion occupied. Harry closed the door and turned the key. Everyone looked at him and Mel. Hermione set her book aside. Mel got up and stood next to Harry, feeling strangely out of place after all that time away from him.

"Well," He said. "This is the place we've found for practices, and you've — er — obviously found it okay —"

"It's fantastic!" said Cho.

"It's bizarre," said Fred. "We once hid from Filch in here, remember, George? But it was just a broom cupboard then..."

"It changes depending on what you need it to be," Mel shrugged. "It became a toilet room for my uncle once."

Many laughed at her statement.

"Hey, Harry, what's this stuff?" asked Dean.

"Dark Detectors," Harry moved towards some objects. "Basically they all show when Dark wizards or enemies are around, but you don't want to rely on them too much, they can be fooled..."

"Well, only the sneakoscopes, really," Mel added. "The Foe-glass is harder to trick, only if you know your way around technicalities..."

"Well," The boy looked at her carefully, then moved his gaze to the group. "I've been thinking about the sort of stuff we ought to do first and — er —" Hermione raised her hand. "What, Hermione?"

"I think we ought to elect a leader."

"Harry's leader," said Cho at once. Noticing the way some stared at her, she blushed and added. "Mel too, of course!"

"Yes, but I think we ought to vote on it properly," said Hermione. "It makes it formal and it gives them authority. So — everyone who thinks Harry and Mel ought to be our leaders?"

Everybody put up their hands.

"Er — right, thanks," Harry blushed madly. Mel scolded herself for thinking how cute it was. "And — what, Hermione?"

"I also think we ought to have a name! It would promote a feeling of team spirit and unity, don't you think?"

"Can we be the Anti-Umbridge League?" said Angelina.

"Or the Ministry of Magic Are Morons Group?" suggested Fred.

"I was thinking," said Hermione, "more of a name that didn't tell everyone what we were up to, so we can refer to it safely outside meetings."

"The Defense Association?" said Cho. "The D.A. for short, so nobody knows what we're talking about?"

"Yeah, the D.A.'s good," said Ginny. "Only let's make it stand for Dumbledore's Army because that's the Ministry's worst fear, isn't it? And after all," She smirked at Mel. "A Dumbledore is our leader."

Mel grinned, a couple of students laughing along and agreeing with Ginny.

"All in favour of the D.A.?" said Hermione. "That's a majority — motion passed!"

She grabbed the parchment with all of their names on it on a wall and wrote DUMBLEDORE'S ARMY at the top.

"Right," said Harry, then he turned to Mel, "shall we get practising then? I was thinking, the first thing we should do is Expelliarmus, you know, the Disarming Charm. I know it's pretty basic but I've found it really useful —"

"Sure," Mel shrugged. "Could do it in my sleep..."

"Oh please," said Zacharias Smith with annoyance. "I don't think Expelliarmus is exactly going to help us against You-Know-Who, do you?"

"I've used it against him," said Harry sharply. "It saved my life last June. But if you think it's beneath you, you can leave."  

No one left, of course.

"No objections then," Mel continued, "stand up, hope you brought your wands with you, otherwise it'll be a very boring night..."

"Okay," said Harry. "I reckon we should all divide into pairs and practice."

Mel was kind of used to being listened to at that point, after all those weeks being the centre of attention of her new group of friends. Harry was a whole different story, he would usually try to hide and be quiet when he didn't want to be noticed, and she could tell he was having a hard time being the boss. She took the matter into her owns hands and paired everyone up, Neville was the last one standing, so Harry and she took turns with him.

"Right — on the count of three, then — one, two, three —"

Glancing around he thought he had been right to suggest that they practice the basics first; there was a lot of shoddy spellwork going on; many people were not succeeding in disarming their opponents at all, but merely causing them to jump backward a few paces or wince as the feeble spell whooshed over them.

"Merlin..." Mel was divided between shock and amusement.

"Expelliarmus!" Neville yelled without warning and Harry's wand flew out of his hand. "I DID IT! I've never done it before — I DID IT!"

"Good one!" said Harry. "Listen, Neville, can you take it in turns to practice with Ron and Hermione for a couple of minutes so Mel and I can walk around and see how the rest are doing?"

Mel took one side of the room and Harry the other. For a group of beginners, she thought they were doing all right. Harry and Mel met halfway and stopped to watch everyone side by side.

"What are your thoughts on this?" Harry asked her.

"I think you should've let the twins mess with Zacharias Smith a bit longer, he definitely needs to be humbled down..."

"We have weeks to do so," He replied casually.

"Ginny's doing great though, she did it in her first try!"

"I suspect Michael is only pretending to suck."

"If he is, he's doing the wrong thing to impress her," Mel smirked. "Anthony tried to show off when I walked past and he threw his wand directly at Smith's face!"

"Sometimes I want to throw a wand at Smith's face.."

Mel laughed, locking eyes with Harry. Her chest tightened at the sight of his silly old grin, and for a moment she felt like maybe not all hope was lost. Maybe they could find a way to be friends again.

"Er," She cleared her throat. "We should give them new directions now."

"What? Oh, right. Okay. Stop!" Harry shouted a bit clumsily, turning to look at their classmates. "Stop! STOP!"

"There," Mel nudged his arm and pointed to the whistle on the bookcase next to him. Harry took it a blew it.

"That wasn't bad," said Harry once they all stopped, "but there's definite room for improvement. Let's try again..."

As they continued to help around, Mel noticed he was letting her take care of Cho and Marietta. This, of course, reminded her that even though she was still having a hard time getting over him, Harry had long moved on from their... thing. So she avoided the pair until Harry had no choice but to go to them.

"Oh no," Cho blushed furiously as he approached. Mel lingered a few feet away, pretending to examine the Creeveys' techniques. "Expelliarmious! I mean, Expellimellius! I — oh, sorry, Marietta! You made me nervous, I was doing all right before then!"

Mel rolled her eyes at that. It wasn't that Cho was annoying, it wasn't even that Cho deserved to be disliked, but Mel was barely keeping it together every day and now she had to stand there and watch as Harry flirted with his crush twice a week.

"That was quite good," She heard Harry lie, after a second, he corrected. "Well, no, it was lousy, but I know you can do it properly, I was watching from over there..."

Marietta looked at them with exasperation and turned to leave. Mel watched as Cho leaned closer to whisper something to Harry's ear and that's when she decided she'd seen enough. The girl turned around.

"Hey, watch it!" Someone yelled at her.

Mel drew out her wand and stop the projectile before it stabbed her in the eye. She picked up George's wand from the ground and handed it back.

"You guys are doing great," She teased.

"Thanks," Said George. "Fred's enthusiastic."

"Talking about enthusiasm," Fred discretely pointed towards Harry and Cho with his head. "What's that about?"

"I don't care," Mel replied, making a face. "As long as it doesn't distract him from what we're doing here..."

"He looks distracted already," Fred raised a brow. "Want me to bring him back to earth?"

He waved his wand as if to jinx Harry, Mel grabbed his arm and moved it away, giggling.

"I'm afraid you're not allowed to hurt your teacher," She replied humorously.

"If you're done flirting, it's my turn to practice!" George called out.

"We're not, actually," Fred put an arm around her shoulders and pointed to George with his wand. "You're going to have to kill me first!"

"No killing tonight!" Mel laughed, stepping away from Fred's grip. "Stop fooling around, keep practising!"

"Sure thing, Professor!" The twins replied.

Ten minutes later, when Harry and Mel finally called it a night, everyone looked flushed and tired, but happier than they'd looked in months.

"Well, that was pretty good, but we've overrun, we'd better leave it here. Same time, same place next week?"

"Sooner!" said Dean.

"The Quidditch season's about to start, we need team practices too!" Said Angelina.

"Let's say next Wednesday night, then," said Harry, looking at Mel for her approval. She nodded. "And we can decide on additional meetings then... Come on, we'd better get going..."

"You all were brilliant," Mel smiled. "Hope to see you all again next time!"

"That was really, really good, guys," said Hermione when they were finally the only ones left in the hall.

"Yeah, it was!" said Ron. "Did you see me disarm Hermione?"

"Only once! I got you loads more than you got me —"

"I did not only get you once, I got you at least three times —"

"Well, if you're counting the one where you tripped over your own feet and knocked the wand out of my hand —"

"No bickering tonight, guys!" Mel said brightly. "The whole point is for everyone to learn and be better! I'm really proud of everyone– Neville especially, he looked so sure of himself!"

Mel glanced at Harry and found him staring at the Marauder's Map, his finger hovering over the dot with the tag 'Cho Chang'.

Next Chapter —>

Taglist.

@dee123ksha @vampiregirl1797 @siriuslysirius1107 @stardusthigh @mikariell95 @vernon-dursley @thesuitelifeofafangirl @tomshollandz @kylosleftbuttcheek @reverse-hxlland @bloodorangemoonlight @omiwashere @t-rexs-world​ @sarcasticallywitty15 @21bruhs

[cocos-cocoapuffsarenotforsale]

Sectumsempra

MASTERLIST

Pairing: Draco Malfoy x Potter 

Summary: Your boyfriend, Draco has been acting off most of the year. Your brother Harry thinks he's joined the Death Eaters and you refuse to believe it, leading to many fights. What happens when Draco finally confesses what he has been hiding to you in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom and then Harry bursts in? 

Tags: Swearing, Canon-Typical Violence, Gryffindor!Reader, Potter!Reader, Harry’s Sister!Reader, Scared!Draco, Nice!Snape, Caring!Snape, Lil bit angsty but has a Happy/Hopeful Ending, Canon Divergence, Lil bit of an AU

Taglist: @chewymoustachio, @peachsnyder138 

A/N: Vulnera Santeur is the spell that repairs Sectumsempra (according to google lol)

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“Hey, babe!” You greet Draco. Pressing a quick kiss to his cheek, you quickly take a seat beside him at the Slytherin table. This earns you a few odd looks but you ignore them. You were used to being gawked at by now. You were the Chosen One’s sister, after all. 

Harry, Ron, and Hermione, your brother and best friends, had not been happy when they found out about your relationship. But after he helped you guys (along with Luna, Ginny, and Neville) get away from Umbridge last year, allowing you to get to the Ministry, they had made their peace with it. At least until this year when Katie Bell was cursed. Harry immediately accused Draco, leading to many fights between Harry and yourself.

While you acknowledge that there was something going on with Draco, you couldn’t believe that he would intentionally hurt Katie. That was part of the reason you were sitting with Draco this morning, last night you and Harry had gotten into a particularly nasty fight regarding Draco’s involvement in the strange occurrences this year. 

“Morning love,” Draco replies with his typical greeting. But it’s different, he’s different. His normal cockiness is missing from his voice and his plate is completely bare. No remnants of food. Normally by now, Draco would be loading up his plate with seconds. This was something you have been noticing more and more often lately.

“Are you feeling alright, Draco?” You ask, watching him fidget with his hands nervously as he refuses to meet your eyes.

“Yeah, I’m fine love,” he replies earnestly but you can hear the emptiness in his words.

“You sure?” He just nods in reply still refusing to meet your eyes. 

“Did you hear? Katie Bell’s back.” Blaise announces sitting down across from you and Draco.

“Really?!” You ask, unable to hide your excitement. Katie and you had been friends for years, the two of you had grown especially close after you joined the Quidditch team in third year.

“Yeah, it looks like your brother is talking with her already,” Blaise replies motioning towards the Gryffindor table. You turn to see Harry in deep conversation with Katie and you have a feeling you know what they’re talking about. Harry had been trying to prove Draco was up to something pretty much since you all came back to Hogwarts this fall but after Katie’s attack, he had become obsessed with proving he was right.

Draco stands abruptly and storms out of the hall after seeing Harry talking with Katie. You rush off after him knowing something was really wrong. Draco had always been a bit of a drama queen but you could tell this was serious. 

When you finally catch up with Draco you find yourself in Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom. Shit, Myrtle. You despised the ghost, when you had first met her you felt bad for her, but after dealing with her for six years, you were over her shit.

“Draco?” You call looking around for him. You are answered by a quiet sniffle and you walk over to the stall where noise had come from.

“Alohomora,” you whisper before gently pushing the door open. Draco is standing with his back to the door and his shoulders are all hunched over.

“Oh baby,” you croon, you walk over to him and wrap yourself around him from behind. 

“C’mon,” you murmur after a couple of minutes. You grab one of his hands and tug him out of the stall and over towards the sinks.

“You gonna finally tell me what’s been going on?” You ask as you conjure a towel and wet it down with cool water. You proceed to dab his eyes and cheeks, trying to erase the evidence of his tears.

“I’m one of them, Y/n,” he croaked looking away from you.

“One of who baby?” You ask though you were pretty sure you already knew the answer.

“I’m a bloody Death Eater!” He shouts pushing you away and roughly pulling up his left sleeve to show you his mark.

“Oh, Merlin,” you breathe, you had suspected he was being pressured by Death Eaters or even Voldemort to accomplish some mission. But you hadn’t expected him to have joined up. Harry was right.

“What are they making you do?”

“He-he wants me to k-kill Dumbledore,” Draco sobs, dropping his head to his hands. Holy shit.

“The necklace, the mead, it was you,” you mutter, finally putting it all together. He hadn’t been targeting Katie or Ron or even Slughorn but Dumbledore. Of course, Voldemort would want Dumbledore dead and of course, he wouldn’t want to do it himself. He was such a coward he would send a sixteen-year-old to do his dirty work.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. He said he’d kill her, he said he’d kill my mum. And-and,” Draco takes a shaky breath before continuing. “And he said he’d kill you too. I had to. I couldn’t let either of you get hurt.”

“Draco-” you start but are soon cut off by the slamming of a door. Harry bursts in looking enraged before shooting a spell off at Malfoy. 

“Harry wait-” you try to defuse the situation but it’s too late and before you know it they are shooting hexes and curses at each other.

“Cruci-” Draco starts and that’s when you step in. You jump in front of Harry making Draco pause. Unfortunately, Harry was too quick.

“Sectumsempra!” Harry roared just as you stepped in front of him. He freezes when he sees the blood, so much blood. You crumpled to the ground, blood rushing from your pale form.

“NO!” Draco shouts rushing over to you, eyes full of terror. Harry stands there in shock before he is pushed aside by Snape.

“Vulnera Santeur, Vulnera Santeur,” Snape whispers over your unconscious and bloody form. Harry and Draco both looking on in horror.

“We need to get her to the hospital wing. She is stable for now but she will need tending to. Both of you follow me.” Snape orders, both boys were so mortified they followed his command without a second thought. Once you arrive in the Hospital Wing you awake to find yourself surrounded by Harry, Draco, and Professor Snape. While he always hated Harry, Snape always was fond of you, you were so much like your mother, Snape felt a tremendous sense of responsibility for you. While everyone else always fawned over the Boy Who Lived, Snape focused on you.

“Y/n, can you tell me what happened? Or at least what you remember?” Snape asks in the kindest voice you had ever heard from him.

“Katie came back today, Harry was talking to her, Draco got upset. I followed him to Myrtle’s bathroom, we were talking and then Harry burst in. They started throwing spells at each other. Then when I heard Draco-when I heard Draco start to cast an unforgivable I stepped in, Draco stopped before he finished casting but Harry had already sent his off. That’s all I remember,” you reply truthfully, not having the energy to make up a lie to protect both boys.

“Mr. Malfoy attempted to cast an unforgivable?” Snape asks and you reluctantly nod deciding the truth was your best option right now. “And Mr. Potter cast a dark spell as well?” Again you nod in confirmation.

“Detention, both of you, the rest of the year and I shall be speaking to the Headmaster regarding your actions,” Snape growled, sending nasty glares at both boys before turning back to you.

“Rest up Ms. Potter. Madam Pomfrey wishes to keep you overnight for observation but you should be released tomorrow morning. You should be mostly healed but it’s best to be cautious when dealing with dark magic,” Snape says, shooting the boys another death glare. “If you need me do not hesitate to ask. And try not to intervene in any more fights.” Snape sends you a small smile and then he’s gone.

“Y/n, I’m so sor-” 

“Don’t you dare speak to her!” Draco hisses, his voice like venom.

“Draco-” you try to intervene but Harry cuts you off.

“She’s my sister!” Harry growled, his hands curling into fists.

“ENOUGH!” You shout, making both boys turn and look at you in shock.

“I’m sick of it! Just stop fighting! Harry, I know you didn’t mean to. It’s ok. Both of you are in the wrong. Draco just because you stopped sooner doesn’t mean much. You were both casting dark spells. You both were wrong. Now can we please move on?” You plead, tired of all the arguing and fighting.

“Y/n, he could’ve killed you,” Draco protests.

“And you could’ve hurt me and potentially killed me too. You both were trying to severely injure the other. Draco you almost cast an unforgivable don’t forget that.” You remind him and he winces at the memory.

“She’s right,” Harry mutters. “We need to stop this petty feud we have. We were both wrong. We need to grow up.” Harry walks over to Draco and offers him his hand. Draco glances back at you before accepting Harry’s hand and shaking it.

Harry walks over to you and presses a soft kiss onto your forehead after, whispering, “I’ll give you guys some time.” And then he leaves you and Draco alone.

“I’m sorry, I failed you. First I fucking join up, trying to protect you and now I can’t even do that right. And from your own brother!” Draco exclaims, throwing his hands in the hair.

“Draco, I’m fine. You can’t protect me from everything. I’m a big girl, I can take care of myself.” You say trying to soothe him but instead, his eyes darken at your words, his muscles tensing.

“You shouldn’t have to. I should be able to keep you safe! And now I’m one of them!” His voice cracks at the end and his rant.

“We will fix it. We can go to Dumbledore, he’ll know what to do. I promise I will help you. I will get you out. We can run away together if it comes to that. I will not abandon you.” You vow, grabbing his hands that were currently fisting his hair and placing them in your lap.

“I love you.” You say bringing his hands to your lips and softly kissing them.

“I love you too Y/n/n,” he replies as he sits down next to you on the bed. You readjust yourself so you are resting against Draco’s chest rather than the pillow.

“We’ll figure it out.” You assure him once you settle in.

“Together?”

“Together.”

[goofygomez]

Why do people hate on Ron? Like bruh, he Is a good friend

Thank you for asking, anon! Any excuse to rant about Harry Potter is good for me.

People like to cling to the few times in the books that Harry and Ron's relationship took a dip without looking much further than surface level. They usually list "a bunch" of examples of Ron being a bad friend (he's not) but they mostly agree on two distinct moments: In Goblet of Fire when he's tired of being in Harry's shadow, and in Deathly Hallows when they fight and Ron ends up leaving.

Ron haters like to cling to these particular moments because, at face value, they paint a really bad picture of Ron, especially in comparison to the ever-perfect Hermione, who stood by Harry on both occasions. But if you dig deeper, there are very real and understandable reasons for what Ron did, and very real arguments to be made that he's an even better friend for rising past those reasons and deciding to come back to Harry.

Adding a read more because this will go on for a bit.

In Goblet of Fire, Ron has already been best friends with Harry for three years. Keep in mind, this is a guy who: sacrificed himself in first year, faced his greatest fear in second year, and stood up to an alleged mass murderer in third year. Ron is incredibly brave and selfless. On the other hand, Ron is a very insecure person from the moment we meet him. Overshadowed by his older siblings, he feels the need to rise above them and prove his worth (even though no one should have to prove they matter, but that's beside the point). He feels inadequate, both at being a wizard and being Harry's friend because once again, he's the "weak link" in a relationship. Harry's fame and popularity, both positive and negative (see Chamber of Secrets), always puts a strain on their relationship, but they always face it together and their bond is made stronger each year. But in fourth year, Harry is chosen as the mysterious fourth champion, unbeknownst to wizards such as Dumbledore and Fudge, and most certainly, Ron. He feels betrayed by his best friend, but not because he doesn't trust him. Their entire arc fighting is the culmination of years of Ron's insecurities holding him back and convincing him he's "not good enough". It takes his best friend almost dying to the dragon for him to be the bigger person and admit his mistake, and then proceeds to try to make it up to Harry all year, even going as far as offering his own body as a metaphorical and literal punching bag when Harry is practicing spells for tasks 1 and 2. He's Harry's best friend and makes sure to remind him of that through his actions. Also, for those unfamiliar with the books (because the movies made such a poor job of showing this dynamic), Harry and Hermione were barely able to hold conversations without Ron during their separations. Harry himself says she's a great friend, but "she's not Ron".

Now, in Deathly Hallows, people love to point out Ron leaving them but fail to realize two key elements that, while not excusing Ron's actions, put them into perspective.

1. At the point where they fight, Ron has been wearing the Horcrux for an entire day, even longer than they usually wore it in shifts (and I still maintain that they should have kept it in Hermione's bag, but that's J*R creating stupid conflict). But Gomez, I hear you say, the other two had been wearing it just as much as him. While that is true, it is very obvious that the Horcrux affects Ron's mind even worse than his friends. That is not to say he's weak, far from it, but it is evident that the locket tries to push you away from people and poison your mind and soul by drawing from things such as your insecurities, of which we have established Ron has an abundance. Harry and Hermione are spending a lot of time together, and while neither of them thinks about the other that way, Ron's insecure mind doesn't know that. Plus, Ron has been established to be the equivalent of "street smart" and at the moment, book smarts are much more prevalent as they are researching really old magic and, essentially, magical history (Voldy's past). Once again, he feels inadequate in his standing within his friend group, and the Horcrux takes advantage of that.

2. Something people don't usually realize is that, while his sentiment is flawed, Ron's words aren't entirely without merit. That is to say, Ron reminds Harry that both he and Hermione thought Harry had something more to go on than "we must find various objects". That is obviously not Harry's fault (once again, blame Dumbledore for that one), but the truth is still there, albeit magnified by the locket's power. Ron feels like they're making no progress (because honestly, up until that point, they weren't doing very well). As an aside, the movies paint Ron's argument as much pettier than it actually is in the books, namely by changing this line:

"My parents are dead!" Harry bellowed.

"And mine could be going the same way!" yelled Ron.

which basically frames Ron as being worried about his family, a VERY prevalent fear of his. Remember that, while Harry's family is dead and Hermione's is safe in Australia, Ron's are out there in the open, some even actively fighting Voldemort themselves. The movie, unfortunately, twists this into:

Harry: You think I don't know how this feels?

Ron: No, you don't know how this feels! Your parents are dead, you have no family!

This just invalidates his entire motivation, and frankly, his entire character in the past 6 years. It makes Ron seem like an unsympathetic character. Instead of having Harry bring out his parents as an argument for him having it bad, Ron does so to highlight that Harry does not know what Ron is feeling and that he doesn't have a family, even though they've already established that Harry is essentially already part of the Weasleys.

All in all, there are many smaller moments, both in the books and in the movies, where Ron's character is put into question (as with every character) but people don't like to acknowledge all the good qualities he displays in between those moments. It is in part Steve Kloves' (writer for all movies but one) fault for giving A LOT of Ron quotes to Hermione and turning him into a bumbling buffoon who just wants to eat and is a somewhat funny comedic relief, instead of the sarcastic genius he is in the books.

[chaoticowlpost]

Okay since we both love Harry Potter and captive prince what about a ficlet where drarry try to learn about historical gay figures (cause it’s pride) and they learn the story of Lamen and they fall in love with it (cause let’s face it the story shares similarities with drarry) and then maybe Harry gifts Draco a golden cuff bracelet or a sapphire earring or something like that to show him his love.. idk I just think it would be cute to see these two fandoms collide!! Xx

oKAY SO I HAD TO REALLY THINK ABOUT THIS bc like everything I thought of is gonna end up really long; it’s inevitable. ALSO I ended up changing details of Captive Prince so it would fit (even if u don’t actually see all the details) (but the idea of the story stays the same) and omg there’s so much world building I thought of that weren’t included but I hope you like it kdsjjhfgbfdg

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“I found one! It’s perfect!”

Harry looked up from the book he was scanning and turned to face his boyfriend, who was waving a book excitedly in the air. They were partners for 5th Year History of Magic, because they were dating, so it was only natural, and had to create a paper on historical figures.

And, to their mutual agreement, they wanted to find gay historical figures that made an impact on history because they felt like there weren’t enough that were well known. That, and because they were sick of seeing the erasure of gay relationships in the past and they wanted to present something that was indisputable. 

“Can I see?” Harry asked, making his way over to where Draco sat himself on the library floor. The book, much to Harry’s relief, seemed reasonably long. Reasonably, meaning long enough to provide them with enough information but not too long that it would want to make Harry smash his head against it. 

“It’s set in the 1700s, when monarchies were still a thing for both Greece and France,” Draco explained, pointing at the lines in the book where it was stated. “Apparently, their two kingdoms disliked each other quite a lot”

“Dislike seems to be an understatement,” Harry snorted his eyes scanning the page. 

“Not the point,” Draco waved him off, eyes still gleaming wildly with excitement, making Harry smile fondly. “Look! So both monarchs were, evidently, wizards, and there was some plot to overthrow Damianos - a crowned prince - by his brother.”

“His brother?” Harry frowned. “That’s awful.”

“It makes sense for their time, I suppose,” Draco shrugged, giving him a sidelong glance. “He ended up being sent to the Kingdom of Vere as a slave to their crowned prince.”

“And he didn’t just ask for help because….?” Harry asked.

“Because they hate each other,” Draco reiterated patiently. “He thought he’d get killed faster by revealing who he was.”

“Just how badly do they hate each other for them to kill him on sight?” 

Draco paused for a second to scan the book before looking back at him. “So, he killed the real Crowned Prince of Vere, his older brother, and apparently they were very close.”

“I.. I see, then,” Harry sighed, finding himself more and more invested in their story. “And you’re telling me that they become lovers?”

“It sounds quite unlikely,” Draco nodded in agreement. “But that’s what happened, as it were. Here, it’s written in the text that they were what brought peace back between the two countries.”

“Huh,” Harry said, both somewhat stumped and impressed. “Alright, this story will work, I suppose.”

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“I would like to speak on behalf of Draco Malfoy.”

There was a collective gasp from scattered members of the audience after seeing Harry Potter practically force his way into the courtroom. Ron and Hermione, ever the good friends they are, were standing behind him as well.

The judge looked at a loss for how to proceed, considering that he wasn’t officially listed as a witness for the case, and practically stared at the man who was now considered a war hero. Clearly, the judge was fighting an internal battle on whether or not he could waive those rules in this case.

However, Harry didn’t even notice. No, his eyes bore heavily into Draco Malfoy’s own eyes, dulled and exhausted but still staring back at him before looking back down. He looked unsure of himself, and unsure of why Harry was standing in the room, demanding to be allowed to defend him. It was understandable, considering everything he’s been through.

Everything Harry had just discovered.

“We will make a consideration for you to speak on behalf of Draco Malfoy,” Kingsley’s voice boomed through the near-silent room. Harry shot the newly appointed Minister a gratuitous expression with a wordless thanks and took a seat, waiting for the witness before him to finish her statement.

“Draco Malfoy bears the mark of a Death Eater, that much is confirmed,” were the first words out of Harry’s mouth. It was evident from many of the faces that they were starting to doubt whether he was really there to defend Draco, his former lover.

“But does that make him a real Death Eater?” he asked. Louder whispers erupted from the audience, loud enough that the judge had to call for silence in the room. “What I mean by that is: Did he uphold their values? Did he partake in their violent raids and contribute to the torture of countless victims?”

Dubious glances were exchanged, because they’ve all heard the previous witness statements. He was present, yes, but Harry knew for a fact that they never said he actually cast spells that hurt them.

“Draco Malfoy is a good man.” At this, Draco’s head snapped up to look at him, disbelief and shock written all over his expression. “I know the man I dated before 6th year, before you started distancing yourself from everyone and disappearing.”

At this point, he wasn’t even talking to the audience anymore. He was talking to Draco, who looked at him with the uncertainty that made Harry’s heart ache, because he doesn’t believe him. 

“From what we’ve heard from the previous statements, he was present - yes - but he never actually cast the spells that hurt them,” Harry pointed out, this time talking to the crowd. “He wouldn’t. He can’t.”

“What makes you say that, Mr. Potter?” the judge asked him.

“He couldn’t cast a killing curse on Albus Dumbledore,” he said. More shock from everyone listening, including his own best friends. “He didn’t, I was there when Death Eaters invaded Hogwarts.”

That ruled off one of his accusations, but Harry knew that there was still more convincing to be done. 

“He told me that his au- Bellatrix tried teaching him to cast a Crucio over the summer before our 6th year, but it would never work,” Harry added, remembering the detailed letter that made him want to wretch.

It was during their 6th year that they broke up; after Draco had been avoiding him constantly and sneaking around. Harry knew there was something wrong, especially since he knew his Aunt was hiding in the Manor, but he didn’t know that Draco was already on a mission then.

“He only became a Death Eater to protect himself and his mother,” Harry said, watching as Draco’s eyes grew wider. “If a person, more so a minor, is coerced through violence, and possibly death, can you blame him for taking the mark? Especially when his father was a part of the people that threatened him?”

Clearly, some people were beginning to think about the situation more. There were some casting odd glances at Draco, who dutifully kept his eyes on Harry. 

“And what of his presence at all the attacks?” the judge asked him. “Maybe he didn’t cast the spells, but as a witness who allowed this behavior to occur, there are still repercussions.”

“Might I also be allowed to add, in defense to Draco Malfoy?”

Luna’s airy voice floated through the hall, making Harry jump slightly from surprise at her silent entrance. He let out a small sigh of relief upon realizing that she had finally arrived, just like she said she would.

“You may,” Kingsley said before the judge could even speak, possibly to repeat the same words he spoke to Harry when he first barged in.

The judge asked if Harry was ready to step off, to which he nodded and made room for Luna to pass.

“Draco was very kind to the people they tortured.” Despite the light tone she used, her face was slightly more grave and gloomy compared to what it normally was when they were back in school. Either way, she radiated the same, kind energy she always did.

“Whenever he had the chance, he would take care of those who got hurt,” she said. “I should know; I was kept prisoner in the Malfoy Manor.”

That wasn’t a public secret, but the knowledge that Draco Malfoy had taken care of them must be a surprise. It certainly was when Harry found out.

“Can you confirm that, to your knowledge, he has never caused harm to another person throughout your captivity?”

“Yes,” she replied almost immediately. The judge seemed to consider this for a moment before directing his attention to the Wizengamot. Harry, however, was already distracted, looking towards Draco, who was no longer meeting his eyes. 

There were a few more questions asked, but Harry had already zoned them out. He just wanted Draco to look at him, to comfort Draco so that he knew that he would be taken care of, and that everything was going to turn out alright.

“-that Draco Lucius Malfoy will be subjected to probation for 2 years and the payment of reparation fees.”

Harry practically jumped out of his seat once the jury was dismissed, running straight to Draco, who was patiently waiting as the spells around his wrists were undone.

“Draco,” he said softly. He didn’t even wait for a response before wrapping his arms around the blond, who felt concerningly thinner in his arms. 

“I’m sorry,” Draco breathed out shakily. “I know- I didn’t-”

“Shh,” Harry hushed, running his hand soothingly over Draco’s back. “I know. I understand, and I’m sorry too.”

“Why are you sorry?” Draco asked incredulously, pulling away from the embrace. 

“I’m sorry for letting you go so easily,” Harry said honestly. 

“I’m sorry for pushing you away,” was Draco’s response.

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“I missed you,” Draco whispered into Harry’s chest. They were seated on his bed in Grimmauld Place, just 2 months after the trial. Even though they’ve been inseparable all that time, Draco still said those words often.

“I missed our conversations.”

Those words made Harry’s heart hurt, reminding him of the pain that he felt when they broke up before.

“You have me now,” Harry said in the same, whispered tone. 

“It was hard,” Draco added after a few beats of silence. “Not knowing whether you were okay.”

“I know,” Harry said, the sound of his heartbeat beginning to thunder in his ears. “I’ve been doing some research.”

“That’s new,” Draco teased, looking up at him from where he laid his head on Harry’s chest.

“Prat,” Harry rolled his eyes fondly. “I mean - and you don’t have to do this, I completely understand, - but, well, there’s this spell…”

“Yes, Harry?” Draco urged, clearly becoming impatient.

“It’s not a bonding spell! Well, kinda. It’s like, a spell that lets us know how the other is doing. Health-wise!” Harry rambled, sounding less and less appealing with every word.

Draco chuckled softly, his shoulders shaking against Harry’s body.

“It sounds… nice,” he said eventually, giving the idea some thought.

“Yeah?” Harry asked. “Because I’m not really done researching it so there’s still a lot to be learned- if that’s alright? I know it’s probably not the most-”

“Harry,” Draco said softly, a small smile on his lips. “I’d love to try it out. We can do the research together.”

“Brilliant!” Harry exclaimed, probably a bit too enthusiastically. Draco was smiling, though, so it was okay. “But I should probably warn you that it leaves gold markings on your wrist - that’s how we monitor each other - so if you don’t want anyone to see it, then I get it and we don’t have to-”

“Harry,” he repeated, looking more and more amused every second. “It’s alright with me.”

“Okay,” Harry said, letting out a small breath of relief. Then they sat quietly, simply enjoying each other’s presence.

“Do you remember those Kings we did research on back in 5th Year?” Draco asked.

“Yeah,” Harry nodded slowly, unsure as to why he was suddenly bringing their old project back up. “Why?”

“Oh, nothing,” Draco singsonged. “It’s just, you seem to have taken quite some notes from them recently.”

Events from the past few months flashed through his head before he broke into a wide grin.

“I hadn’t realized,” he laughed. “Does this make you my captive prince?”

“No longer captive, love,” Draco laughed, the term of endearment making Harry feel giddy inside. 

“Besides the point,” Harry waved off. Even the spell they were planning to cast was oddly reminiscent of the story. 

“Well, I did rather enjoy your grand entrance during my trail, I suppose,” Draco hummed. 

“I did too.”

“Idiot,” Draco laughed fondly, hitting him lightly before pulling himself closer to Harry.

“I love you,” he whispered softly, only for Harry to hear despite the fact that they were alone in their room.

“I love you too.”

-————————————————-

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JDDKFGK I WISH I COULD GO DEEPER INTO THE WORLD BUILDING BECAUSE THERE’S SO MUHC BUt i didn’t so kdbfhdf Thanks for reading <3

[curlyq03]

I know the Draco simps are going to come for me on this one but Draco was literally a terrible person. This cannot be overlook and glossed over.

He rentlessly bullied everyone around him. He enjoyed the power trip of being able to hurt others. This is plainly seen throughout the series.

Having bad parents does not excuse what he did. It explains his actions but it does not mean he cannot be held accountable.

Also saying the he was only did everything he did because he “was scared” his parents is such a copout. Draco adored his parents. He mother doted on his every need, want, and desire. Draco wanted to be exactly like his father. This is evident in Chamber of Secrets.

Draco WANTED to be a deatheater. He WANTED to hurt muggleborns and muggles. Just because he didnt want to kill Dumbledore that doesn’t make him a good person. Literally anyone who isn’t completely horrible lacking morals would not want to commit murder. This is not a redeeming quality. Yes, he did not truly understand what it meant to actually be a deatheater, but he knew enough. He knew enough for him to not be considered a “good person” or “confused”.

Not only that but there comes a point when you can no longer blame your parents for how you are. He made the active choice to be an abusive, bigoted bully everyday. He made the choice the call Hermione the wizard equivalent of the n word every chance he got. He made the choice to wish death on her during their second year. He made the choice to provoke Buckbead, and then go to his father to try to get him killed. He made the choice to mock patients at St. Mungos who had been permanently disabled by magic, and then proceed to immitate disabled people (which is an extremely disgusting display of ableism!). He made the choice to be a terrible person to everyone even though he was free from his parents influence. He liked having power over others and wielded it like a whip at every chance he got.

At Hogwarts, he could have chosen to be different. His parents weren’t there, who would’ve snitched on him for not being a jerk? By saying that his parents influence on his alleviate him of all responsibility, you perpetuate the idea that privilege people do not need to be held accountable.

I think the point of his character was to show that yes, your parents and how you are raised have a large influence on how you become, but at the end of the day it’s your choice. You can disagree but that’s just my opinion. This is partially why I think it made sense for him to not have a redemption arc. So many people claim that “he didn’t know any better” when Harry’s upbringing was unarguably worse. He was physically, mentally, and emotionally abused his entire life by the Dursleys. This is a cannon. Any abuse that Draco might have faced is speculation at best. We know for a fact that Harry was in an extremely toxic environment for his entire and yet Harry is still a good person. He notes in Goblet of Fire when Mrs. Weasley is hugging him in the hospital room that no one had ever hugged him like that before, with parental or more specifically maternal affection. And what about Sirius? He was also in a much worse situation, which ultimately led to him getting disowned as a teenager, and still knew that blood supremacy was a joke. Or Androdema, who also left her family?

I think it’s time to admit that the main reason people are so willing to forgive Draco is because Tom Felton, his actor, is attractive. Not every villain needs a redemption arc, and that’s okay. Maybe he could have gotten one especially over an abusive incel like Snape, but to say he DESERVED one is a stretch. Draco was awful, plain and simple, and to deny that would be a complete mischaracterization of him.

[mfingenius]

Oh my god I love your Veela AU, please tell me you’re planning on writing more

Part 1    Part 2

Harry uses the cape and the map to get Draco alone after the first few days of the school year because he can’t take anymore worrying 

Draco flinches when Harry appears out of nowhere and Harry’s immediately on him, grabbing his arms and his face and looking at him to make sure he’s alright 

Draco’s very tense, and after they became friends he’d never tensed up when Harry touched him and now he did and that’s how harry knows something is wrong

still, he can’t really say much when Draco says ‘get off me’ and leaves immediately 

Draco avoids him

it’s killing him bc he can see how unhappy harry is and he needs to make his mate happy but he can’t bc how the hell is he going to explain harry what happened during the summer?

after he crucioed the muggle he couldn’t manage it again and voldemort started punishing him for it 

he has crucio scars 

he’s terrified of anyone seeing them so he drops out of quidditch and keeps his shirts and robes buttoned down from head to toe to wrist even tho it’s burning hot 

harry is getting more and more frustrated bc he doesn’t understand why draco doesn’t want to talk to him anymore? 

and it’d be easier to believe that draco was a death eater after all and he’s just gone back to them but he’s still passing information on to hermione (even tho he doesn’t talk to her either anymore, he does keep giving them information)

and it’s november by the time harry just snaps

he corners draco in the bathroom and demands an explanation bc ‘how fucking dare you you prick i thought you were dead and now you come back with no explanation and refuse to even look at me?’

draco stays quiet, and harry finally notices that he looks terrible

he’s stopped eating and he looks like he hasn’t slept in days and his eyes are terrifyingly blank and not at all how healthy veelas look

‘are you alright?’ 

Draco is evidently taken by surprise and just starts crying 

Harry’s sort of very freaked out bc ???

although they’re friends he’d never seen Draco cry before and it’s very odd

still, he awkwardly hugs draco and tells him that it’ll be alright and pets his hair

and he asks draco what happened during the summer and draco refuses to tell him but he finally stops avoiding harry and they begin to get together in the room of requirement wednesday, friday, and sunday nights just to talk or sometimes just sit together even without talking 

in one of those nights draco finally tells him everything 

he tells him about dolohov and that he crucioed him and then about the muggle and how he still remembers how they screamed and that he killed them

he breaks down crying again 

harry feels sick and furious and it’s not at draco

it’s at voldemort, and at dolohov, and even at dumbledore bc he knows for a fact that when draco started spying for the order dumbledore promised him safety and this? this is not safety and this is his draco and he deserves not to be crying over killing people when he’s sixteen

harry hugs him and pets his hair again and draco’s wings come out again - it had been at least a year since that had happened - and so harry pets them too and he doesn’t say anything bc he doesn’t know what to say

draco kisses him while he’s still crying 

then he proceeds to freak out and get up and try to get away but harry catches his wrist and kisses him agian 

it’s the first time they kiss but it is so definitely not the last time

their meetings turn into something different 

they still sit together and talk and read and do everything they did before but now it’s also peppered here and there with light kisses or makeout sessions and draco in harry’s lap, laughing, and smiling, and happy for a few hours 

draco’s wings come out very often during those times 

and harry knows there’s a war going on and that he probably has better things to do than be taking naps with draco and hugging him, but at the same time he thinks ‘fuck it’ because he deserves this 

still, they don’t tell anyone excpet ron and hermione (and sirius bc harry freaked out after their first kiss and flooed him)

harry’s visions keep getting wrose and worse (as does the pain in his scar) and so dumbledore suggests the occlumency lessons with snape 

Draco’s already been taught by his mother and bellatrix (who sneered and insulted him the whole time but at least draco learned enough to keep harry from voldemort during the summer)

draco ends up being a lot more helpful than snape is (even tho harry doesn’t manage to quite grasp occlumency) but it’s snape who sneers at harry and tells him that it’s a two-way thing and voldemort might also be getting visions

and harry’s stomach drops

bc if voldemort’s even managed to get a single peak of blonde hair and grey eyes and red-kissed lips he’ll know 

and harry can’t think of a single scenario where draco gets out of this alive 

so he goes to one of their usual meetings with the full intention to break up with draco 

and he explains the situation and tho draco goes incredibly pale he says - quite firmly - that if it’s done, it’s done, and he’d rather spend time with harry than be worried about what might happen next summer 

harry lets himself be pulled into a kiss, and then another, and then another 

and he tells draco that there’s no way he can go back to the manor, that he won’t let anything happen to him

and so draco doesn’t go back to the manor

the weasley’s welcome him - bc him and ron are actually friends now - and everything’s good for a bit 

harry thinks they’re safe

they start talking about leaving to look for the horocruxes and harry agrees that draco will come with them bc even if he hates the idea of draco in danger he doesn’t think draco will be safe at the weasley’s either

so they plan to leave together

draco knows better than to think everything will go according to the plan

he goes to hermione and he tells here that there will be some sort of attack soon, bc there has to be bc there’s no way they won’t try to attack harry during the summer 

and he tells her that should that happen she should get harry to safety even if it meant that they had to leave draco behind 

she tries to argue with him at first but he insists until she promises

then the wedding happens 

and hermione, ron, and harry apparate away before harry can reach draco

the last he sees him a death eater was shooting an avada kedavra at him 

and it takes ron hitting him with a stupefy to stop him from going back for draco

and then hermione reveals that draco had known this could happen all along and that he made her promise

and harry’s furious at her even tho he understand that it’s impossible to get an idea out of draco’s head once he gets it there

so he resolves to find all the horocruxes as fast as he can bc he 

1. refuses to think about what might be happening to draco even if he is alive rn

and 2. is going to kill voldemort for even daring to think he could take one more thing away from harry 

meanwhile at the manor 

draco was taken hostage

voldemort knows now about them and he’s guessed that harry is draco’s mate (even if harry himself hasn’t figured it out)

so he keeps draco alive bc he thinks harry knows and having his veela mate under his power is much more convinient than killing him 

so he tells the death eaters not to kill him 

he doesn’t thell them to keep him well tho

so he’s being tortured every day

for fun 

and the only reason he’s even survived this long is bc he knows that harry is out there and he can’t bear the idea that he’s already seen him for the last time 

so he survives 

and survives

and survives

and then Luna’s brought and it’s not much better bc they’re both still prisoners but at least he has someone to talk to now 

Harry listens to potterwatch every day to make sure draco’s name is still in the ‘missing’ and not in the ‘dead’

when the snatchers get them and take them to the manor draco’s brought up 

two death eaters are grabbing his arms and the others sneer at him as he passes

‘is it potter?’

greyback runs his teeth along draco’s neck and reminds him what’ll happen if he lies 

draco can’t even feel how terrified that threat makes him over the relief of seeing harry, here, alive

harry’s in a similar state of relief, except that fernir puts his teeth on draco’s throat and harry very nearly snaps

something in draco’s eyes keeps him from doing so 

‘i can’t be sure’

bellatrix is furious 

she raises her wand and crucios draco

draco screams 

harry does snap then

his magic just bursts from him and all of the windows explode and the death eaters are all unconcious and bleeding

he gets to draco’s side and grabs his terrifyingly limp body bc even tho he knows that his touch will bring more pain to draco after the crucio they need to leave now

hermione grabs luna 

dobby apparates in then, and ron grabs both him and harry

dobby also grabs luna’s hand 

they all apparate out of there and dobby doesn’t die thank you very much

at bill and fleur’s fleur takes care of draco very carefully

harry’s nearly going out of his mind in the first seventy two hours bc draco barely wakes at all

he asks luna to explain to him what has been going on at the manor 

luna explains everything 

by the end of it, harry’s entirely ready to storm into the manor and kill all of the death eaters himself

he doesn’t, bc draco wakes up then 

‘are you alright?’ 

it’s draco who asks the question, even tho he’s the one currently bandaged up in a bed while harry sits on his bedside

harry kisses his knuckles and promises him he’s never letting him slip out of his sight again 

except

hermione brings up the fact that they have to go back to hogwarts for the rest of the horocruxes

and now harry isn’t so unwilling to let draco out of his sight bc he definitely doesn’t want draco in hogwarts, in battle, too little after what’s happened to him 

they argue over it even tho draco’s practically falling asleep again 

the potions and the healing spells are leaving him too tired

harry, ron, and hermione leave when he’s asleep

when they get to hogwarts guess who greets them

the entire gryffindor common room

and draco

‘you’re an idiot if you thought i wouldn’t find my own way potter’

harry’s furious but at the same time he knows he can’t decide for draco and if he’s honest he’s very good help 

he was imprisoned with death eaters for months after all, and none of them cared much for what they said around him bc no one expected him to get out of it alive

the battle of hogwarts begins and draco and harry get separated

draco knows harry is still alive just like he knew all those months in the dungeons of malfoy manor bc veelas can feel when their mates die and draco doesn’t know what that feels like but he knows he hasn’t felt it yet 

harry on the other hand has no idea whether or not draco’s alive so whenever he manages to catch sight of pale-blonde hair he takes a deep breath and makes it last so he can push forward until he can see him again 

draco saves fred 

he’s still wounded but not dead 

neither are tonks and remus 

when voldemort calls for harry’s surrender draco finds him immediately

‘don’t you dare’

harry doesn’t say anything

they both already know what he’s going to do, so draco changes tactics

‘i’m going with you’

harry immediately refuses

‘well, then, potter, you better choose one or the other bc you’re not leaving without me’

harry’s tired, and frustrated, and sad bc he fucking loves this infuriating veela and so he kisses him 

harry pulls away slightly 

‘incarcerous’

draco’s eyes widen and he starts crying and begging harry not to go and struggling with the bonds

‘i love you, draco’

harry leaves

draco doesn’t stop struggling and yelling for help for a second even when harry’s gone and he gets more and more desperate over time 

draco feels him die

it feels like someone’s killed him, like someone’s ripped out his entire heart and there’s nothing left anymore

he feels empty

he stops struggling 

sometime later ron finds him

he ends the spell and then sits with him, both in a trance-like state

ron’s left his family by fred’s bedside for a bit bc harry had told him to come find draco an hour after he had gone 

he can’t think bc his best friend is dead and he’s sitting here with malfoy who somehow became draco along the way and seems at least as heartbroken as ron himself is and if anyone had told him that this would be how it ended when he met harry in the train at eleven he would’ve left and never met harry in the first place to spare himself the pain

as it is, if someone gave him a second chance and he could go into another train compartment, he’d still go into harry’s

neither of them say anything nor move until mcgonagall screams

though they’re both pretty sure of what’s happening, it doesn’t make seeing it any easier

draco doesn’t cry 

he thinks he would

instead he just blinks 

he doesn’t think he can feel anything at all anymore

and then

then harry rises

and draco knows the battle’s far from over and that this doesn’t make up for any of the pain or the deaths that have and will happen, but for a second everything is perfect bc his mate isn’t dead and draco can feel him again and he’s here

soon the battle is raging fully again

draco kills the death eaters he encounters without thought or remorse

he sees them and sees months he spent living in fear and disgust and everything they’ve done to him, to others, and he doesn’t doubt it for a second before the ‘avada kedavra’ leaves his lips

and then they’re winning and this is all almost over and there are more of his classmates and teachers than there are death eaters

and there’s his father

he sees his father and everything stops

his mother - dead, a long time ago, bc she tried to protect him - loved this man, and draco can’t for the life of him feel the same thing

still, he stops for long enough that an unkown spell hits him straight in the chest

he doesn’t know who it is that kneels beside him until he catches sight of a determined face and firey red hair

ginny weasley casts a shielding charm around the both of them and begins casting healing charms in earnest, tight-lipped and white faced

she’s not a healer, but thanks to her healing charms draco survives long enough to make it to madame pomfrey’s when the battle is over

there’s a blurr of healers and classmates and teachers above him but harry’s there, and draco anchors himself in the way harry takes his hand tightly 

when madam pomfrey finally declares he’ll live (there are bandages and gauze and a frightening amount of blood on the floor and she looks exhausted, even as she goes to the next patient) harry kisses him roughly and makes him promise to never, ever put himself in danger like that agian

draco giggles 

it’s a sideffect of the blood loss

and he says ‘i felt you die, you know? it’s what happens when a veela’s mate dies.’

and then proceeds to immediately fall asleep from sheer exhaustion

Part 4

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