#i can see that merlin is trending through so i genuinely just think its because i havent followed any new merlin blogs in a couple years lol

[botanicallyinclinednerd]

I have yet to see anyone reblog the painful bits of Diamond of the Day today and I'm cautiously optimistic about this fact

[perksofbeingatallpotato]

Birthdays

Harry Hart x Reader  Warnings: N/A Word Count: 1060 (see what I did there ;) ) A/N: So, some glitch happened, the draft I saved on my laptop using Chrome got its content erased when I posted it using my phone at about 12mn. My stupid ass made no back-ups because I never had a problem with Tumblr before, but thank God Microsoft Word saved me with its awesome features.  I rushed this fic in time for Colin Firth’s birthday, and I can say with absolute confidence that this is not one of my best works. But I still hope you guys will enjoy reading this. I started writing this last year, it was just sitting in my drafts, collecting dust, until yesterday. It’s not everyday that Colin turns 60, so I wanted to do something. In this fic, imagine Arthur’s Sir Giles, the one from TGC, because he seems pretty chill.  And one last thing, if you’re on Twitter, I hope you join in on making Colin Firth a Trending Topic on his birthday (September 10), and you can also use the #ColinFirthSweetSixty. Stay safe everyone!

As a spy, giving up a normal life is mandatory. One is expected to have little to no ties outside of the agency. Human connection could be a weakness when you are in this line of job, and weaknesses are bad for business. It’s just the safety of the world that depends on the quality of Kingsman's business.

Which explains how Harry Hart was never fond of celebrating his birthday. And he’s still partial to this when you came along.

From what he told you, Harry last celebrated his birthday when he was a teen, before he joined the military. Since then, he only gets a call from his mother on his birthdays and spends an hour or two with Merlin and James, former Lancelot, may he rest in peace, having drinks if they weren’t sent on missions.

Today, you asked Arthur if you could take an early day off at work. There's not much to do, and mainly because you had planned something for Harry's birthday.

It was a slow day. Out of boredom, you decided to stop by Merlin's office and ask if you could help him with anything today.

"Hey Merlin!" The wizard peeled away from the screen to look at you. "Percival, what brings ye here?" He asked. "Anything interesting happening?" Instead of answering his question, you also asked him one too. "Nah, everything seems to be good." "So, no missions for us?" You inquired, to which Merlin chuckled. "Do ye really want that?" "It's in the job description, isn't it?" You said as a matter-of-factly. Which prompted Merlin to ask you again. "You sure ye really want to go on a mission today?" The answer to that is a no, of course, but you decided to keep that to yourself. "I did ask for an early off, but I'm bored." "Right, how 'bout this? Your mission today is to pick up Harry's cake on the bakery just around the corner from the shop." "Oh, baking isn't in the skillset of our resident wizard?" "Unfortunately, no, but maybe you already have one prepared?" Your smart-ass mouth might get you in trouble just about now. "Excuse me?" You raised your eyebrow at his question. He just laughed, he handed you the receipt, and sent you on your way.

You and Harry have been dating for months now. You both decided to keep the relationship a secret in order to avoid complications at work. And that conversation with Merlin implied that he might have an idea that you and Harry are dating. What he actually knows, you’re not sure. Asking any further about what he meant would only confirm whatever he thinks, and that’s the last thing you want to do right now.

You didn't tell Harry you were taking an early day off today; the original plan was to stay at your flat and cook dinner together after work. But you wanted to do something more, you want to spoil your man on his birthday.

Merlin picked a simple but large chocolate cake, enough for everyone at the HQ to share. Just as you arrived back in HQ, Eggsy sent you a message through the glasses saying he already got the gift.

To avoid suspicions, you decided to pitch-in on Eggsy's gift for Harry. He insisted that you guys get Harry a ridiculously large, 3-D butterfly painting so he had it commissioned. Then you and Eggsy started to put up the banners in the dining room. Harry was probably busy with paper works in his office. At work, you both try to keep your interactions at a minimum, as it seems impossible to stay in one room together alone without making out.

The afternoon meeting that Arthur called in for was actually for Harry’s birthday surprise at work. This kind of surprises at Kingsman only started when the younger agents joined the table. Fortunately, Arthur was on board and open to new traditions.

On the way home, you picked up a good wine and few other things you're going to need for tonight. Once you arrived, you immediately started prepare for cooking dinner. You can do a decent meal, but Harry’s still the best cook out of the two of you. You texted him a message saying you’ve already done the groceries, so he’d just go straight to your place once he clocked out of work.

When Harry arrived, the table was already set. He was taking off his suit jacket as he walked to the dining room to start cooking when he saw everything’s already done. You could see that he was genuinely surprised and delighted.

“Surprise! Happy birthday, love.” And you planted a kiss on his cheeks.  

After dinner, the two of you sat on your sofa, your head leaning against his chest. The two of you sat in silence in each other’s presence, drinking wine. Yes, you two are staying at your flat tonight, but this, this is home.

"Y/N, remember when I told you that I never liked celebrating my birthday? I somehow still don’t.” You looked up at him. “But not in a bad way. My birthday reminds me of how old I am. How much older I am compared to you.” You smiled at him. “You know that that never bothers me, right? Starting this year, you never have to worry about that. We’ll celebrate your birthday, even if we’re sent on missions. See, without your birthday I would probably be a lonely old maid.” He chuckled. “We both know that’s not true. You’re not old, not yet anyway, and I happen to know a list of men who would court you if they’re given the chance.” “Oh, are you jealous?” “It was my chest you were leaning against earlier, so no.” That’s good to know, you never want him to be jealous, or even give him reasons to.

“Harry, I know you’re not a huge fan of sweets. But I made dessert.” You stood up from the sofa. “I’m a huge fan of anything you make. But I told you, you didn't have to do anything. Having you in my life is already a gift." And if it was possible to love this man so much more, you just did.

“I just wanted to spoil you on your birthday.” “Any more surprises for tonight?” Harry asked “Maybe.” And you winked

[hansolmates]

junhui; you must be magical, because i've fallen under your spell

summary; there was something about gryffindors that unsettled him greatly.

pairing; slytherin!junhui x gryffindor fem!reader 

genre/warnings: hp!au, yule ball!au, fluff!! jun’s a dumb boy

w/c; 2k

a/n; if it were possible to separate the masterpiece that is harry potter and jk rowling, we would. the only jk we stan in jeon jungkook but anyway!! this fic has been sitting in my drive for 3!! years!!! enjoy this belated bday present to our favorite golden bean. enjoy! please share if you like it 

more in the SVT!hogwarts au: vernon, mingyu, jihoon 

“No.”

“C’mon. Just be my partner, it’ll be totally wicked. We’re the best dancers on the team. We can even break heteronormativity if you wanna put it that way.” 

“That’s not the point.” Minghao grumbled, throwing his dirty practice gear over his shoulder. “We told you to find a partner before the next practice. All you’ve done is complain to me about how awful everyone else is. Is there really not one girl or boy in Slytherin that you can partner up with?” 

Junhui’s bark eyes glazed lazily over the pitch, as if there would be random students just lying around during early morning practice. The weather was definitively awful today, with depressingly muted grey clouds and no trace of the sun ever grazing its presence on campus. He rocked his bat back and forth, letting it bounce on his thigh as they exited the field and neared the viaduct. “There really isn’t,” he drolled, looking disinterested, “I hate all of them.” 

“Awh c’mon, you really don’t mean that.”

“Oh, I do. They’re awful.”

“But—”

“No. Please stop trying.” 

Minghao took an abrupt turn at the end of the cobblestoned viaduct, in the team room where most of the members were off to their own devices. Team Hogwarts was doing relatively well in terms of team relationships, so far there were no petty fights over house competition because their school pride against other schools was currently taking precedence. Junhui was being petty, he knew it. But his pride was his mantle, and if that couldn’t hold him together, he might as well crash and burn down the pitch. 

Minghao started to grumble unintelligibly under his breath, ripping off his blazer and shoving it to one side of his training bag. He looked visibly angry, and Junhui could understand that. Being on Team Hogwarts was stressful enough, and having a friend like him who was heatedly intolerable was just icing on the cake. 

“I know someone who can be your partner,” Minghao finally said, looking away, “She can pick up dances quickly. But you gotta promise me you’ll be nice to her.” 

“Me? Nice? I’m the nicest person you could possibly meet.” Junhui replied loftily, giving a lazy smirk as he relaxed against the bench. “I’ll treat her like a princess if she’s as good as a dancer as you claim she is.” 

“Even if she’s a Gryffindor?” 

“Even if she’s a—” his jaw dropped, and he sat straight, his aloof facade shattered just enough for him to sputter out of control. His beater’s bat slipped like butter from his grasp, causing it to echo throughout the room and multiple members to look at the pair strangely. He ignored all of them like a grain of sand. “Seriously? A Gryffindor?”

“I’m a Gryffindor. What are you trying to say?” 

“I’m saying. It’s fine if pretty boy Chwe wants to go prance around with his stuffy bookworm, that’s expected. But when was the last time you saw a Gryffindor and Slytherin kill it on the dancefloor?” 

“I’m taking a Gryffindor,” Jihoon said levelly, looking over them from the side of the bench. His posture was slumped, his hair windswept and his cheeks kissed with a strawberry red from the nippy weather. He was already in his school robes, tucking in the collar of his emerald knit so it would settle nicely. Running a hand through his sandy locks, he brushed up to them, taking no shame into walking into their conversation. 

Jihoon had a tendency to flit in and out whenever he pleased, and for whatever reason people still liked Jihoon, something that irked Junhui incessantly. But he never dared to ask, considering Jihoon’s own brand of confidence was something to be desired. “But I also like this person a lot, I don’t care that she’s a Gryffindor. So just swallow your pride and be lucky that someone is willing to help you out, especially last minute.”

“Well,” Minghao looked away sheepishly, trying to save face, “she hasn’t exactly said yes yet. I haven’t even asked her, but there’s no reason why she wouldn’t say no.” 

“Alright. Hopefully she says yes then.” Junhui finally said, giving Minghao a small smile. He wrapped an arm around his shoulders, giving a firm squeeze. “Thank you.” 

From the corner of his eye, he saw Jihoon give an inkling of a grin, before turning around and walking back. 

“Thank you for giving people a chance.” Minghao replied genuinely, squeezing Junhui’s shoulders once before changing into his own robes. 

Junhui was nervous. He was nervous and shy and worried that this was going to all be messed up and risk getting kicked off the team. Minghao told him once they entered the practice room, the Great Hall, that his partner would be a little late. It was understandable, it was a last minute thing and he could totally fault himself for that. 

He had to play it cool, he had to. He already brought himself thus far, making it onto the team, and playing it off like it was no big deal. But it was work, all of it. Even the little things like this, dancing some five minute routine for the entire campus to see. There was nothing else he could hold onto at this point, everyone else was partnered up in the room (except Mingyu Kim, but no one else seemed to notice since he was never around) and now he was just left to fidget until you showed up. 

“Where’s your partner, Junhui?” Soonyoung walked up to him, all up in his face, and Junhui fought the urge to push the co-captain back. Soonyoung was wearing Muggle athletic wear, the one with the strangely thin fabric and pants that were too loose at the top and fitted at the bottom. What did Soonyoung think they were, a Muggle boy band? “We’re about to start.” 

“Oh well, she's—”

“Here! Sorry I'm late!” your voice echoed throughout the Great Hall, padding down the linoleum like wildfire. You, a young lady in gold and red dropped her things on one of the dining tables, and surprise surprise, you were dressed exactly like Soonyoung. Your body was a blur as you ripped off your robes, revealing a complete and utter lack of clothing that had Junhui’s gaze burn scarlet. Tight black shorts that ribboned across your thighs, and a white athletic t-shirt that had the same silky material as the Gryffindor captain. 

Soonyoung’s face lit up like the morning sun, his face comparable to diamonds as you bounded  up next to him. He made a show of it, putting his thumb and forefinger together as if he were taking a photograph of the pair. “Wait, seriously?” he balked, and Junhui grew annoyed at how delighted the hyper kid was being. “Oh Junhui you have the best partner.” 

Junhui scrunched his nose, uncomfortable that Soonyoung wanted to be all chummy now that he was doing the right thing. Biting the inside of his lip, he turned to you, who offered him a small smile and an outstretch of a hand. 

He blinked. Oh, you’re gorgeous. 

And when he took her hand and gave a firm squeeze in reply, he could’ve sworn he felt you. That strange, red crackling fire that so many of them seemed to emanate like it was the newest trend, but it was all-encompassing and so definitively you, that he hated to admit he was aching for more. “I’m Junhui Wen.” he drawled, tilting his head to meet his cocoa eyes to yours. 

“I know who you are,” you replied immediately, the subtle jab in your tone pinning him to the floor like it was a glass stake. There was an energy in your gaze, the curious light that was making Junhui spellbound. “We have a bunch of classes together. Divination? Alchemy? Muggle Studies?” 

He could only stare at you, struck. His smirk from ten seconds ago descended in a downward spiral, realizing that wow, he had no comeback for that. It was downright a sin not to notice you all this time, and you were rightfully calling him out on it. Points to the Gryffindor, indeed. 

Gryffindor’s always intimidated him, a secret only a select few has picked up on. His parents were good people, always telling him that confidence is key and he should strive to be more like them. So, he tried. He’s cocky, for sure. A little shit? Definitely. But it’s different when righteousness slaps in the face, a reminder that there’s goodness in his heart and a strive to do better. 

Thankfully (the first and last time Junhui would ever be thankful to Soonyoung) practice had already started and you were late. He felt the grip of your small palm, and you smack his hand to your waist. Is it bad how much he thought how perfect it felt? How he wanted to hold you in his arms forever—

“At this rate,” you cut dryly, voice loud enough for only you two to hear, “we’ll be a centerpiece because you’re not moving a damn inch. Merlin, do you need me to lead?” 

“Oh,” it’s only then Junhui realized that his friends were dancing circles around them, and he’s messed up the formation, “sorry.” 

You two finally step into the piece, thankful that Junhui had quick reflexes. To his chagrin, you’re not too bad yourself. Despite the lightning on your tongue, you held yourself with grace, following him across the floor as if you were floating. Soonyoung was right, he did snatch up the best partner. He owes Minghao a barrel of butterbeer. 

“Hey,” you hummed, voice blending wonderfully between the enchanted piano. “Minghao told me a little about you.”

“All good things, I’m hoping.” 

You snorted, tilting your head so it brushed against his robes. “Maybe. Said that Gryffindors make you nervous.” 

He scoffed, “No, that’s not true.” 

“So, I don’t make you nervous?” 

Whether Junhui said yes or no, he knew that both answers would be wrong. He could tell how much you knew, how easy it was to rile him up. Sweat was clinging to his palms, probably hot and sticky against your thin muggle t-shirt that clings deliciously to your waist (he takes it back, he takes it back! Muggle clothing is wonderful.)

“Whatever you’re trying to do,” he murmured, leaning over your form as he lets your body relax in a dip, “it’s not gonna work.”

Instead of entertaining his sudden accusation, you grabbed his robes, pulling him even closer even though the music stopped and people are listening to Soonyoung’s instructions for next class. “Where will you be picking me up?” 

“What?” 

“For the Yule ball. Jihoon is picking his date in front of our common room. You should come too.” 

“Uh,” he completely forgot that having you as a dance partner coincided with the possibility of you being his date for the ball. He had the opportunity to be in your company for one whole night. Terror spiked in his form, because he realized that he couldn’t mess up this chance. “Yeah, I’ll be there.” he says, and you seem satisfied by his definitive answer. 

You’re still playing with the hem of his robes, tracing your fingers along the Slytherin emblem. There’s no snark, no playful banter like you were expecting when Minghao prepared you for this. You’ll have fun with him. 

“I’ll be wearing emerald, so you should think of matching my robes with yours,” and you smirk at him, tilting your head, “good thing I already know how handsome you look in green, Junnie.” 

The last of his resolve crumbled like a piss-poor treacle tart. 

Junhui’s besotted, attracted by your boldness and craving for more of your attention. The rest of your words were hazy, like he was swimming in the Gillyweed lagoon. Something about how he better not freeze up like he did before, otherwise he’d be hexed like the girl in The Red Shoes. Something about how you’re looking forward to seeing him. He’s drowned, unable to form a coherent reply when a friend comes from behind to snatch you up. They forced you to pack up so you’d get first dibs on tonight’s dinner.  

You send him a wink before you’re forced out the door, and all he could do was wave dumbly. 

“Knew you’d like her,” Minghao slid up to Junhui, punching him in the shoulder. The pain didn’t even register as Minghao continues to tease him, going so far as to pinch his golden skin. “Merlin, do you have a crush already?” he giggled, trying to shake the taller one back to reality. 

No, Junhui was bewitched.

[butyouvealwaysbeenthecaretaker]

Just rewatched Excalibur (1981) - which is the definitive Arthur, as far as I'm concerned. It's wonderful. Earthy and strange and part of that 70s pagan revival trend, with quite the only Merlin you'll remember once you've seen him; and it is also deeply sincere, in a way a lot of modern movies aren't. Like...Excalibur does not hold back emotionally, it just goes for it with the Once And Future King stuff, the Holy Grail stuff, it doesn't have its tongue in cheek, and because of that sincerity it...just gets me, every single time.

Anyway, one thing that struck me this time around is Merlin as a queer figure. I don't think I mean this in a "fucks dudes" way, more of an androgynous/ungendered thing, and an asexual/aromantic/non sexual thing.

A lot of comments about Merlin not being a man (obvs, because he's a supernatural non-mortal; and additionally he's got a learned/non-martial masculinity in a warrior society). One comment about Merlin being both mother and father to a baby. And a lot of...

...one of the (Christian) themes that comes through in Excalibur from the original mythos is that sex is a terrible idea and bad things happen as a result. So, there's a subplot where Morgana is dangling the possibility of a relationship to try and get Merlin's magical secrets - Merlin would no longer be alone, because she is a creature like him. One gets the impression that Merlin is tempted; but he also gives wise words throughout the film about love and lust being a distraction, and there's a sense perhaps that his abstinence is a source of power (because desire leads people wrongly in this universe). Consequently some of the language used about him is very much that used of non-sexual men, with both Uther and Morgana implying there's something actively wrong with his lack of desire; the phrase "you're not a man" being less a comment on his demonic status in this context and more of a plain ole insult.

I have mixed feelings about empowering trans headcanons. I guess because they're such a personal thing that when I see other people's, they don't necessarily work for me, and can often actively rub me wrong. But today (and for the first time), I got a serious "passing trans/gnc person who does not take their clothes off" vibe - whether due to personal discomfort or dysphoria, or because there's genuinely something unusual about his body. Be that, like, an anomalous sex or literal tentacles idk.

(But I suppose there's an underlying question that I can't quite get my brain around at half past midnight about how...being non-sexual is itself a kind of ungendering, the same way as being disabled & discounted as a sexual being can lead to you also being discounted as a gendered being, like um, the subtle disrespect of disabled toilets being neutral gender toilets. I'm not really sure where I'm pointing at with this, because obviously gender has a role outside the bedroom & people continue to have genders persistently. But sex is a context where gender is...extremely loud, if that makes sense, when there are other parts of life when you can do without it or ignore and forget about it.)

(Im very tired, this is vague, it's mostly that bigender/agender/voidgender Merlin is something I can suddenly get behind; and also, for the second time recently, I've suddenly got a magically-infused transmasc image that I really like, so that's intriguing to me too)

[writingwitchly]

The perfect gift

Valentine’s Specials - 3 - Sirius Black

Pairing: Sirius Black x reader Word count: 1,8k  Warning: fluff A/N: no author’s note, please, don’t make me write anymore today, my chuckles hurt (this looks so shallow next to @obsessionsandothersandmore’s last work) Check out my other Valentine’s Specials!

A week. You have been bearing with Sirius’ insistent pestering for an entire week. What you get in return are a couple of reprimands, an awful Potions mark, and a burning sensation in your chest.

   Wednesday 8th of February 1978

“What would the perfect Valentine’s gift be?”

You lift your head up from your Transfiguration essay and look at the boy who asked the question.

He dangerously tilted his chair backwards, crossed his arms, and stretched his legs to rest his enormous black boots, covered in mud, on the table.

Mrs. Pince will be delighted.

“Why do you ask?”

He frowns at you. “Well, because I want to offer a gift to my Valentine.”

You knowingly smile. Sirius has never managed to go out with somebody for more than three days. His current crush will probably never resist a week.

“And do you have one?”

“Not yet,” he grumbles. “Stop laughing! I need your help.”

You sight and lower your quill, the corner of your eyes still wet because of the hard laugh.

“Okay, then. For who is it?”

Your friend bites his inferior lip, frustrated. “I can’t tell you.”

You chuckle. Why so much mystery?

“At least give me a hint about the personality of your not-yet-Valentine.” He winces, so you repeat, “A hint, not their biography. Their gender maybe.”

“I can’t,” he repeats.

“Why?”

“You’d guess who it is.”

You giggle harder. “Sirius, there are at least a thousand of us around here, I will never guess someone by their gender!”

“I prefer to avoid taking the risk. So, the gift?”

Merlin, how stubborn he can be.

“I guess a book always works fine as a present.”

He smiles, as if he hadn’t thought about it, and raises.

“Thanks, Y/N. You’re the best.”

Under your amused look, he runs out of the library, making Mrs. Pince, who was in his way, drop some books and imprecate.

Whomever that person is, they must be very important to make Sirius run like this.

And also very lucky.

   Thursday 9th of February 1978

“Are you sure a book is the best gift?”

Sirius’ improvised question makes you jump. As a result, you drop three leaves of Eucalyptus instead of two in your cauldron.

“Merlin’s night robes,” you mutter, witnessing how your perfectly apple green liquid is turning a fade red.

You glance sideways at where James is consciously gathering ingredients. At his left, Sirius is looking at you.

“Is it really the best moment to discuss this kind of things?” you ask, irritated.

He shrugs, an amused smirk on his lips, as what was supposed to be your Troll bite cure turns blue with pink bubbles.

You roll your eyes. “A rose is great,” you say. “Give them a rose.”

His smirk turns into a gratitude smile and he blows you a magical kiss that reaches your cheek with a loud ‘smack’.

You blush.

   Friday 10th of February 1978

“Isn’t there anything more special than a rose?”

You choke with the mouthful of potatoes you were chewing.

Sirius hands you a goblet of pumpkin juice and sits next to you.   

"Hello to you too, Sirius," you manage to say after recovering your voice.

He lets out a bark of a laugh and apologizes.

"Hello," he finally says. "How was your day?"

For a few minutes, your conversation jumps from random topics to more random topics. When you raise to go back to classes, he grabs your arm, and makes you sit again.

"What?"

"The gift," he simply says.

"Why don't you like the rose?" you ask, a bit surprised by his insistence and the dedication he puts into finding the perfect gift.

"I like it. I just want another idea, in case something goes wrong with this one.”

Sirius Orion Black is definitely the most peculiar boy you’ve ever met.

“You can offer them a jewel. A necklace maybe.”

He seems to think it a bit and then, with a jolt of excitement, he hugs you.

After a quick ‘thank you’, he sprints off toward the exit of the Great Hall.

   Saturday 11th of February 1978

Your Quidditch captain insisted on having an additional practice with the team today.

The seven of you walked on the field at 6 a.m., terribly missing your woolen blankets and warm pajamas. But now, the Sun is at its zenith, and you’d pay ten galleons to have a bit of the early coolness back.

“Let’s try some bludger skipping,” cries the captain, “And then we’ll be done for today.”

Comforted by the thought of giving a last effort, the group parts in two: the beaters on one side and other players facing them.

It’s your turn. You have to fly straight to the opposite side of the field without getting hit by a bludger.

You are already halfway when a voice from down below rings in your ears,

“Y/N! I’m not convinced by the necklace!”

What?

A zooming sound alarms you, and you dodge a ball at the last moment, avoiding a ten-feet-high fall.

You ask permission to your captain to land.

As soon as you touch the ground, you shout at Sirius, “Do you want me to die? That bludger was going to hit me right in the face!”

“You look nice like this,” he says cheerfully instead of answering. “All sweaty, very attractive.”

“Oh, spare me your sarcasm, Black. ‘m not in the mood.”

For a few seconds, you simply look at each other: you, too tired to talk, and him, giving you a break.

“A teddy bear,” you finally mutter. “But-”

You prevent him from running away by holding your palm to his chest.

“Promise me that you won’t come closer than 10 feet to me tomorrow. It’s Sunday and I’d like to spend it peacefully.”

“I promise,” he articulates exaggeratedly.

Before racing away, he does the most unexpected thing in the world: he leaves a kiss on the side of your face.

“See you on Monday then.”

   Sunday 12th of February, 1978

The day went by as calmly as it could. Sirius kept his promise.

As you read a book, comfortably seated in an armchair of the common room, you find yourself wondering what kind of gift you could have advised him today.

A faint ‘squeak’ causes you to look to the ground, from where a mousy-haired rat patiently observes you. It drops a folded paper from its mouth and hurriedly darts away to hide behind a tall shelf.

Curious about the animal’s behavior, you lean forward and pick up the piece of paper. Inside, a messy handwriting forms the words:

Isn’t there anything more original than a teddy bear?

You look at the scrap of paper in disbelief, wondering if Sirius will ever run out of questions. Or if he’ll find the gift that suits his expectations before.

You grab a pencil from the table next to you and hastily write:

Chocolates and sweets

Then, you put the paper where it was on the floor and get back to your reading. A series of tiny steps and weak shuffling confirm you that the rat picked the message up.

As the rodent leaves the room, it doesn’t notice the huge grin plastered on your face.

   Monday 13th of February 1978

“Good morning, sunshine!”

This time, you were ready. There are no Potions cauldrons, nor angry librarians, nor potatoes, nor bludgers around you, threatening your life.

However, you’re a bit disappointed to see James, and not his dark-haired best friend, looking at you.

“Hello, James,” you greet him, lowering your gaze to your backpack. The Charms book doesn’t want to fit in today.

“Is there something you need?” you ask, swinging one of the straps over your shoulder. The boy with glasses is still looking at you expectantly.

“Well, I was wondering, tomorrow is the fourteenth.”

“Yes?”

“Is there something special I could offer to Lily?”

Must be a new trend -- to ask you about Valentine’s gifts. Maybe you should start charging for it.

“I gave Sirius a few ideas these past days,” you answer. “I’m sure that if you ask him, he’ll tell you one. He’s got more than he could need now.”

With a brief, but genuine, smile, you get around the young man and direct your steps toward the Astrology tower.

But if you believed to have convinced him, you were wrong. In two seconds, he catches up on you.

“I don’t trust Sirius. What would you like personally?”

“I’d love to receive a letter. Maybe with a few puns or pick up lines,” you decide after a short pause. “A letter is the best gift you can have. It doesn’t cost money, but time and dedication. And it allows you to understand perfectly how the person that wrote it feels about you.”

You turn to observe his reaction, and he grins at you.

“That sounds like a wonderful idea, Y/N, thanks.”

And, without further words, he walks back toward the class where you come from.

   Tuesday 14th of February 1978

A book, a rose, a necklace, a teddy bear, a box of chocolates and sweets… It’s all there, at the bottom of your four-poster bed.

You can’t believe it. The whole list of gifts you’ve advised Sirius to offer his Valentine is displayed in front of you.

You take your time unwrapping them, attaching the pendant around your neck, hugging the stuffed bear, eating a few of the candies, reading the summary on the back of the book, inhaling the rose’s perfume. All this with the goofiest and the most silly smile on your face.

As the time to have breakfast approaches, you get ready as carefully as you could.

You count the steps to the Great Hall to prevent your heart from skipping too many beats.

Once there, you cross the entrance and scan the crowd of students present.

Finally, you spot him, and a burning sensation, like a ball of fire, invades your chest.

He acknowledges you with a wink and comes toward you. Every one of his moves looks wonderful to you. An aura follows him, making his face glow like the one of a god.

You don’t see him normally anymore. You see him through the eyes of somebody that has been in love for so long and is finally confirmed that the feeling is reciprocal.

“Good morning, sweetheart.”

“Hey,” you whisper, unable to say more.

“Did you like the surprises?”

“I- I loved them,” you stutter, your heart dangerously racing.

“Didn’t you notice that something was missing?”

“Really?”

You dig as far as you can in your memory, but you can’t find what is the missing gift.

“I don’t think so,” you reply.

Meanwhile, your eyes fall upon a huge teddy bear, the size of a house-elf, and the girl to whom it has been offered. Lily Evans looks radiant.

But James wasn’t supposed to…

“A letter?” you ask eagerly.

“You know that I am not talented with words,” he admits. “But I received a message this morning. It was from Cupid... He says to tell you that he needs my heart back.”

You laugh, and it’s the most beautiful sound Sirius has ever heard. He grabs your chin and force you to look at him in the eyes.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, my Valentine?”

“Happy Valentine’s Day, my Valentine.”

Take a peek at my other Valentine’s Specials!

1- Fred Weasley: For a good cause Fred and you are going to be late to Molly’s beloved Valentine’s Day Party! And as if it was not enough, he keeps chatting with the seller of the jewelry shop! This is not a good set-up for the day of love, but what if it was for a good cause?

2- Draco Malfoy: Missing you This year, for sure, you won’t spend Valentine’s day with the boy you love. But you miss him, so you decide to meet him anyway. Your reward? A bump -- and a few thousands of kisses.

4- Regulus Black: A love letter  It’s Valentine’s Day. You didn’t expect any letter. But you got one.

5- Remus Lupin: My last minute Valentine  Dumbledore’s Valentine’s Day Party means watching the happy couples dance together while you sit on a golden chair. Could anything save the day? This unexpected dance partner isn’t what you were thinking about!

Whole masterlist