#lily’s writing

[swiftsgirlfriend]

𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝖽𝗈𝗐𝗇 𝗍𝗈𝗇𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍.

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𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾𝗌&𝗐𝖺𝗋𝗇𝗂𝗇𝗀𝗌. bradley bradshaw x reader, no use of y/n mentions of alcohol, swearing, allusions to sex, mentions of porn/pornstars, fluff, 18+ only, mdni

𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗆𝗈𝗈𝖽𝖻𝗈𝖺𝗋𝖽.

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You sigh and roll your eyes as yet another cheesy fake 70s party song comes on. (a.n: yk the songs that arent from the 70s but sound sort of disco-esque so they’re on every 70s party playlist ever. those)

This was certainly not what you were expecting when you decided to go to The Hard Deck’s “70’s themed night” although you scold yourself for not knowing better. 70’s themed nights are never what you hope they’ll be.

You look around at everyone happily dancing, clad in their god-awful hippie and disco costumes and wish you were back home. At least then you could listen to some good music. But you’d already had a couple drinks, and were warm in your barstool so decided to stick it out for a bit longer.

You felt so out of place in your outfit (an actual vintage 70’s outfit) and the music was almost literally making your ears bleed. One more drink you tell yourself. Then you can call a cab to go home.

You swivel your barstool around and ask Penny for another drink.

“Hey, Penny, next time you have a decade-themed night, please let me be in charge of the music.” you tell her, only half-jokingly as she begins making your drink.

“Terrible isn’t it.” a voice says, startling you.

You turn your barstool around to see a tall, handsome man, standing behind you.

“The music I mean.” he continues “Most of it isn’t even from the 70’s.”

As you listen to him, you notice what he’s wearing. He may be the only other person who isn’t wearing a silly costume and is actually dressed like he was from the 70’s. You also notice his thick moustache, which makes you laugh a little. He really could be from the 70’s with that thing.

“I know right.” you answer. “Honestly it’s like no-one appreciates the art that is true 70’s disco.”

He smiles and chuckles, and it makes you smile too. It also makes your tummy flutter. You turn around to get your drink to avoid the embarrassment of him seeing your rosy cheeks.

“So what are you supposed to be? A… groupie for Led Zeppelin?” he asks teasingly.

You turn back around and say:

“What are you supposed to be? A pornstar from the 70’s?” you say, smirking.

That makes him laugh even louder which, consequently, makes the butterflies in your tummy flutter even harder.

“Exactly.” he replies, playing along. “The best in the business.”

“Oh really?”

“Really. I mean, are you surprised? Who wouldn’t want to see all this.” he says while gesturing up and down his body.

“Oh no, I get it” you start, standing up finally. “That moustache just really… does something to me.” you say flirtatiously, not really lying. You wouldn’t mind feeling that moustache in… places.

He smirks.

“Hey well, maybe you could be my co-star then.”

“Bold thing to say when you haven’t even told me your name yet.” you reply.

“Bradley.”

“Nice to meet you Bradley.”

“So what’s your name, baby?” he asks back.

Oh fuck. The word baby coming from his mouth made you weak behind the knees.

You tell him your name almost stuttering as you do so and he smiles his pretty smile.

“How come I’ve never seen you here before?”

“I’ve only been here a few times.” you answer honestly. “I’m sort of, new to Miramir.”

“Well, I’ll bet you’re glad you moved here. Now you can say you’ve met the best pornstar on the West Coast.”

You giggle. He likes that sound. He could get used to hearing it.

“Oh I’m extremely glad… what’s your name?”

“Forget already?” he asks, sort of disappointed.

“No I mean your pornstar name. You gotta have one.”

“Rooster.” he answers quickly.

“I feel like you’re trying to tell me something here.” you say, eyeing him suspiciously.

“No.” he laughs, “No, it’s my callsign.”

“Ohh, I see. You’re a flyboy.”

“Precisely.”

You’re honestly not surprised. Half the population of Miramir (aka Fightertown) is aviators. Plus, you could imagine him being in the Navy. Tall, broad, most likely muscular judging by the way his arms bulge out of his button up.

A silence falls between you for a moment, before Bradley speaks again.

“What do you say, me and you have a little boogie. Show them how it’s done.” he says, nodding his head in the direction of the people currently on the dance floor.

“You know, I really would, but this music is like, impossible, to dance to.” you say.

You cannot dance. And this man is basically perfection. There is no way you’re embarrassing yourself like that.

“Right, yeah fair enough. But just to be clear, if there was good music, you’d dance with me?”

“Of course I would.”

“Okay… you know what, I’ll be back in a second.” he says before hurriedly walking off.

Fuck. You think. He wanted to dance with you and you turned him down. Are you actually stupid. He’s probably not coming back.

You take a long sip of your drink, finishing it off, and just about ready to call a cab, when all of a sudden you hear the start of a familiar song.

You smile as the intricate and funky guitar solo of Get Down Tonight by KC & The Sunshine Band plays.

Then Bradley is in front of you again.

“Wanna dance?” he says, feigning nonchalance, and holding his hand out.

“Fine. But only because I really like this song.”

You take his hand and he brings you ro the dance-floor.

“Just a fair warning though, I can’t dance. Like at all.” you tell him.

“Sure you can baby. Everyone can dance. Did you not watch Dirty Dancing.”

That makes you laugh, and he swears he feels his heart melt a little.

“Just follow my lead. I’ll teach you.” he tells you reassuringly.

At first, you’re hesitant to let yourself relax, but the longer the song goes on, the longer he’s looking at you with his puppy-dog eyes, the more difficult it becomes to stay tense. After a minute or two, you’re lost in the song and the feeling of his hands on your hips goes straight to your head, making you feel more tipsy than you are.

When the song finally ends, you’re hot and sweaty but also extremely giggly and honestly impressed with your and Bradley’s dancing.

He takes you back to the bar, both of you laughing.

“Baby, I thought you said you couldn’t dance! You were amazing!” Bradley tells you.

“It was all you!” you tell him.

“Nah. You’re a stellar dancer, babe.”

“Maybe it was the song. Brings out the best dance moves in us.”

“I knew you’d like it. Honestly thank god you did because I paid that DJ $10 to put it on.”

“You paid him? Why?”

“Well, he told me he couldn’t change the setlist but I wanted to dance with you.”

“Bradley you didn’t have to-”

“Give me your number.” he interrupts.

“What?”

“You know, as a thanks. Since I taught you how to dance and all.” he responds, almost shyly.

He gives you those puppy-dog eyes again, and well, how could you say no?

“Okay.”

He smiles his gorgeous smile for the millionth time that night, and you have a feeling, a nice warm feeling and you’re sure you’ll be seeing that smile a lot from now on.

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(top gun) mutuals:

@notroosterbradshaw @sunlightmurdock @floydsglasses @its-dee-lovely @tongue-like-a-razor @teacupsandtopgun @hangmans-wingman @roosterbruiser @roosterforme @southpawbitch @sebsxphia @mak-32

[usernoneexistent]

Once Rowan has recovered and heads into the new year, Juniper and Rowan discuss what their next moves are and who could possibly help them.

Warnings: one use of bad language

A week passed, and Rowan mostly recovered, albeit with the occasional chill. Still, by Madam Pomfrey's standards, she was healthy, which was good enough for Juniper, and the blue tinge on her skin had faded entirely. During that time, Juniper brought chocolate frogs, star charts, books, and the missed assignments to occupy Rowan's mind. Juniper shared her concerns that they might have a traitor in the midst who tried to sabotage her. They immediately ruled out Badeea because she would have no motive and was often seen painting in her own world, whereas Tulip was tricky. Depending on the offer, her alliance could change on a dime, while their other dormmate, Skye, could have framed Juniper. Still, she isn't that sneaky, nor would she ally with a Slytherin to get back at Juniper. She could do that all perfectly on her own.

However, Rowan pointed out that a Prefect could have just as easily snuck in and avoided suspicion. Prefects check in on the younger students all the time. With that, they were bad to square one, but something in her was nagging that it wasn't perfect.

Rowan is slightly tired by Juniper's hovering. She appreciated it, but it can be a lot, too, from Juniper.

Juniper knew how to take care of people, and that's for sure. Looking after her mum had been her job since she was six.

"I just want tae make sure that you're okay."

"I know but I also feel so useless." Rowan lamented.

Juniper sat beside her, resting her head on Rowan's shoulder. "You're not useless at all, Rowan. You saved me; remember that, at least."

Rowan smiled, but she didn't seem entirely convinced. "We'll see."

Winter was approaching faster than Juniper could anticipate. The dreaded Christmas holidays were going to be spent with her father, whom she was not pleased to see. She wrote lots of letters to Rowan and Ben. Basem was away on holiday with his family in France, so she was alone, and to add on everything else, she caught a cold. Juniper wondered if it was the rain or a build-up of stress causing her blocked nose and itchy throat.

She recovered with the help of mint teas and caught up on lost sleep. Juniper returned tired but ready to continue her quest for that cursed vault.

Dumbledore's welcome-back speech again reminded students to stay safe and report any strange activities. There was an unsettling feeling in the air. Did something happen over the break? Did Merula get to the vault while she and Rowan were gone?

"Do you think he's onto tae us?" She whispered, trying hard to hold in that cough.

Rowan leaned, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, and whispered, "I don't think so, or at the very least, I hope not."

Juniper caught the stares of another intruder in their conversation. Dark eyes matching Juniper's darted away, and red hair swished as Tulip moved her head away from Juniper and Rowan.

Juniper's hunch was correct. Dammit, Tulip is too much of a wildcard to understand her intention. The self-made chaos followed that girl. Juniper could never recall if she hung out with anyone or if Tulip even had friends. The only thing that assured Juniper was that if Tulip pointed fingers at her for the Slytherin attack, she would implicate herself.

In the common room at their corner, Rowan and Juniper just chatted. It was the furthest away from everybody; they had claimed it since the first year. It was nice having their own space. She found her fellow Ravenclaws less hostile, but they ignored Juniper. Those points of redemption really helped her image.

"Do you want to return to the cursed vault?" Juniper inquired, wondering if she might need to continue independently. She didn't like to ask Ben again, nor did Juniper want Penny injured under her care.

"Hmm. I don't think so," Rowan noticed Juniper's face dropping. "Or, at the very least, I don't think I'm ready now."

Juniper rested her face onto her hands. Her face was stiff from overthinking. "I don't think I can ask Ben or Penny to help but even if I took one of them, I don't know if they want to or if that's even enough to fight that door."

Rowan crept up and bared a broad, thin smile. She had something handy up her sleeve.

"Luckily, you have a friend who makes multiple lists on everything. I've spend countless hours alone in my room making lists of the most powerful students at Hogwarts based on various factors."

"What's your recommendation?" Juniper perked up.

"Ben is an obvious answer, but we both know he might not want to get involved again. Merula, we can forget about it. Both were no-brainers, and she felt her heart sink, but Rowan came to the rescue. "There is someone more powerful than you, Ben and Merula, who could maybe help."

"Who?"

"Bill Weasley."

Juniper's eyebrows furrowed in as she searched through her brain. Of course, she knew of the Weasleys, and there was a Charlie Weasley in her year. Maybe a brother or cousin?

"I ken the name but I don't ken the person."

"You've never heard of Bill Weasley?! He's one of the most popular boys in school! He's one of the most powerful wizards in his year!" A creeping pink colour filled her cheeks as she rambled on about him. "He's sure to be a prefect and head boy, and everyone says he's one of the bravest students at Hogwarts!"

"Sounds like you fancy him," Juniper teased her, taking the opportunity there.

"I, ah...I don't..." Rowan mumbled, her face flushed to a bright scarlet. "I think he's cool that's all."

"Aye, okay," the girl said, shaking her head with a cheeky grin in disbelief. "And how will we get him to help with the cursed vaults?"

"Well wouldn't the sound of adventure be appealing for anyone brave ?"

"Maybe a gift too?"

"Oh, you could get him this book by Patricia Rakepick. She's a world-renowned curse-breaker and current head of cursebreakers at Gringotts Bank." Rowan rambled on a little more, but Juniper didn't mind. She's amazed at how much Rowan knew. She is the walking embodiment of the lexicon. "It's in line with Bill's interests."

Juniper teasefully nudged. "I take it you have been watching him for a while."

"You're enjoying this far too much aren't you?"

"You know me too well," Juniper quipped. Even Rowan had to chortle. It felt nice to laugh. It had felt like forever since she had been able to laugh about some normality.

Juniper found out more from Rowan. She explained Bill's training schedule, so Juniper selected a weekend as the professors slowly started to cascade down homework and assignments. It was the freest time she could get. She thought the first year was terrible, but the second year was worse.

If there was any proof, Snape would double their workload. Juniper thought she might have some sanctuary because of Merula's lies. Still, Merula's mood soured more due to the detention given by Professor Snape.

According to Rowan, Bill occupied the training grounds to practise his duelling. Juniper avoided the weekend training in the first year due to the senior students taking claims. She had Ben or alternative dummies to practise with.

A tall and lanky boy was whipping about his wand. His shoulder-length red hair swung with his movements. All spells targeted the dummy perfectly. Juniper was impressed that he could even do it verbal less; she wasn't at that stage yet.

"Um...Bill Weasley?"

Bill Weasley stopped what he was doing and turned his attention towards the second year before him. His eyes patiently waited for her.

"Did you get my owl?"

"Yes, what can I do for you, Juniper Moss?"

Juniper tried not to look surprised; she shouldn't have to be. Her name was well known throughout Hogwarts, but it was still shocking to have someone immediately know her. Juniper felt it robbed the joy of getting to know someone on a fresh slate.

"I can tell you're wondering how I know you, aren't you?" He laughed, flashing a bright white brick wall with a smile. "Your brother was the talk of the Weasleys household when the Daily Prophet printed his search for the cursed vaults. Rumour mill is that you're following in his footsteps."

Jacob's shadow struck again. Juniper didn't want that to bog her down. Instead, she realised the gift. She held out the book in hand.

"I brought you a gift...It's a book about a witch named Patricia Rakepick. Rowan says she's one of the world's most famous curse-breakers." Juniper trailed off. She searched for any reaction on the older Gryffindor's face.

A broad smile formed. "Thanks, Juniper. You didn't have to do that. I want to help anyway I can with the cursed vaults."

"You really sure about that?" Juniper still had to ask despite him already agreeing to help her out. "You could get hurt?"

"I'm aware, but I want to become a curse-breaker," Bill said with determination. "And if I want to be the best curse-breaker, I need to have experience."

"Sounds like a cool aspiration."

"I think you would make a great curse-breaker, too with your experience with the cursed vaults."

"Well, I don't know what I want to do yet after Hogwarts." Juniper shrugged. Her plan after Hogwarts was just to get a good-paying job; besides, she had other matters to worry about. "Also, any advice on improving my spellcasting?" The Ravenclaw queried.

"I would focus on your charms, transfiguration, and DADA classes. Always practise your spells there first before practising outside. Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall can help you practise safely." Bill pondered more, his hand resting on his chin. Okay, maybe not DADA. That was bad advice. The Professor is terrible."

"Tell me about it; he's constantly disappearing. It's like he does nae want to teach." She rolled her eyes. She quickly fixed her scarf, pulling it up to her chin to keep warm.

Bill chuckled, "I think we both can agree on that. How does Saturday at noon sound for training?"

"With you?"

"Of course, who else? After all, you came to me for help and this is me helping." Bill proudly said.

"Sounds like a plan, Bill."

***

"So how was meeting Bill like? Learned any cool spells? Was he cool? Did you guys discuss the weather?" Rowan immediately showered Juniper with questions to satisfy her unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

"Aye, he's cool, Rowan." Juniper smiled. "He agreed to help me but first we're going to practise our duelling every Saturday until I'm as good as him."

"I'm so jealous. Did he ask about me?" Rowan looked eager like a cruppy.

"I don't think he knows who you are..." Juniper trailed off. She had mentioned her friend's name in passing, but that's it.

"Oh..."

"But if you want me to, I could mention you more." Juniper threw out the suggestion, eager at the idea of helping Rowan. Rowan looked almost as keen on her idea.

"You can tell Bill Weasley to send me an owl if he ever wants a study partner," Rowan suggested, shrugging awkwardly. "Or just someone to hang out with."

"I'll be sure to tell him that. Maybe you'd could even join one Saturday? That way you meet him in person."

But her friend shook her head shyly in refusal.

"I don't think I'm that ready to meet him." Though the intense stare from Rowan was rare. "But can you promise me that you'll tell him that we can be study partners."

Juniper laughed; there was nothing she wouldn't do for her best and first friend.

"I promise."

The weeks passed quickly as Juniper found herself occupied by quidditch practice after lessons and weekends spent with Bill Weasley. Her skills improved as she honed into this new routine, yet her motivation waned. She would tell herself that she was a Tern. Tenacious. Nevertheless, she felt pressured by all the different responsibilities and the nagging voice in the back of her head about the faux Slytherin attack.

In her Quidditch, Skye gave many valuable pointers in return for Juniper aiding—more like writing—her charms homework. However, Roan Smith often grunted about helping the green players. Juniper and Andre decided to teach each other and gather information from Murphey McNully, who had unlimited information on Quidditch.

"Earth to Juniper," Skye waved.

"Yeah, I'm listening," Juniper pretended that she did.

"I'm seriously doubting that," she raised an eyebrow. "You've been distracted lately, and we need everyone prepared for the match against Slytherin."

That worried her: Slytherin would retaliate because of the accusations. People still whispered about the November incident, which would be all her fault if that did happen.

"Don't worry. I am taking it seriously. Look at the long way I've come." Juniper mustered a feeble smile though the training was evident. Her arms grew dense as once-nonexistent muscles formed. She even managed to lift a stack of heavy textbooks without relying on Charlie or Andre.

"Well, you're less likely to land on your arse, that's for sure," Skye said, which garnered a frown that quickly turned to a chuckle from Juniper.

"I don't think I'm that bad," Juniper said, to which Skye raised an eyebrow.

"Also, I have been doing my own investigation. I'm following several of the Slytherin players, especially Erika Rath to see if I can catch them cheating."

A lump formed in Juniper's throat. Deep down, she knew she had to finally say something or else Skye could do something drastic, which could lead to an actual dispute as if there wasn't enough animosity.

Skye hesitated, "I won't expect you to help but I don't mind having extra help. If you can make sure not to have conflicting schedules."

Juniper quickly turned down the offer. "No, I'm too busy."

"Alright, your loss then," Skye said as she went to put her broom away.

Juniper should be happy that she has gained Skye's trust, but she really needs to put a stop to this. Let the truth come out, but Juniper knew Skye would not react well. Understandably so because Juniper had deceived her, but her lips were ready to slip out everything.

Considering all her options, she turned to the one person who could possibly help. Juniper went to the pitch; she walked up to where Orion was meditating on the field.

"Hey, Orion," Juniper sounded unsure.

"Greetings Juniper, I sense that you are not coming for a social visit." Orion greeted her with an all-knowing yet amiable smile.

"Aye, I need to discuss something important with you," Juniper cracks her knuckles. "I did something, and I'm not sure how to undo it if you know how."

"This is regarding what has been weighing on your mind," Orion responded. Not even the slight breeze could shake him. Juniper nodded as Orion continued, "I have noticed that you have been slightly off balance even after you and Skye have found peace."

"I guess you could say that," Juniper acknowledged. It must have weighed heavily if her captain could see the scales of a guilty conscious tipped heavily to one side. "I am a numpty; I did something incredibly idiotic -and reckless-" she quickly added. Orion's gaze fixated on her as he attentively listened. "I was the one behind the Slytherin attack. But I had never intended to create discord between the houses. I just needed a distraction for another matter, and I thought it was the perfect plan. Well at least I thought so at the moment. I can see now how incredibly stupid it was of me."

Orion paused; Juniper could see him pondering behind his eyes. His calm smile remained. "First, I want to applaud you for taking the initiative to admit a transgression. It is difficult to acknowledge a fault that many others would not admit."

"I'll understand if you want to kick me off the team," the reserved player mumbled.

Orion shook his head. "You possess an untapped potential, but I fear you tend to stand in your own way. Naturally, you will have to make amends for the people who are hurt because of your actions. How you handle it is up to you, and the first step is to redeem yourself."

Juniper, ashamed, had to nod in agreement. She knew Skye would be very hurt, as would the Slytherin quidditch team, who had been unjustly criticised because of her.

"What the hell, Juniper!" She looked down at the source of the loud voice. Skye was standing below them, with steam blowing out of her ears. "That better not be true!"

"I know who I need to apologise and explain to first, and thanks, Orion," Juniper braced herself before going down. The captain nodded sympathetically and let her go. She took a deep breath in before facing Skye, "It's true I was behind the Slytherin attack, but it was not-"

"You lied to me! How many more lies have you told, huh?" Skye accused. "And to use foil a quidditch match on top of that, too! Quidditch may be a joke to you, but it isn't to me! I can't believe this!"

Juniper wasn't sure what to say. Any action she takes will make it worse, but not doing anything will also make it seem to Skye that she doesn't care when she actually does. Maybe she doesn't take Quidditch as seriously as Skye or Andre, but she still finds it necessary and has grown fond of the sport.

"All I can say is I'm sorry. The only thing I wanted you to know was nae to undermine or deceive you initially," Juniper gulped, fighting back her undeserving tears. I lied because I was scared you would react and lose you as a friend."

Her words don't have any effect on Skye's demeanour.

"If you were truly a friend, then you would nae have done it in the first place," her icy gaze turned to Orion, yelling at him for allowing her to stay.

Juniper knew when she overstayed her welcome. She got changed and knew her next steps were to explain to the Slytherin team. She put her face into her hands, trying to not weep over her actions. The consequences would come sooner; maybe it was best that it was now.

She quickly wiped away her tears. She couldn't let anyone see her like this. Nor does she deserve to cry over her own stupidity. Instead, she left before having to continue to witness Skye's wrath.

After hiding out, Juniper went to practise with Bill to ensure she looked okay. Saturdays have become her busiest days. She needed Rowan to remind her of all the assignments and second-year exams they needed to revise.

Her aim was sloppy during practice, which Bill immediately picked up on. She didn't want to repeat the whole story, so he seemingly understood that something was bothering the young witch and tried to direct her focus on something else.

"I hope you're up for proper duelling." His red eyebrows raised in concern, though his tone was light. "I'll go easy, no worries."

"Then you're making it too easy." Juniper dryly chuckled. She had already had too many trips to the hospital wing and probably couldn't handle it anymore.

"You sure? We can continue practising with dummies." Bill suggested, but the girl was adamant that she would see this through.

"No, I can duel with you."

"I know that you're no stranger to duelling after that fight between you and Merula."

The fight from last year, Juniper, was over Merula's hunger for power and quest to stop the Ravenclaw. She knew she took things too far when she used the banishing spell, but an eye for an eye sometimes was necessary.

"I hope I wasn't too bad." Juniper joked.

"Oh, I didn't see it but my little brother, Charlie told me. He's a second year like you."

"Aye, I think I know him. He's pals with Ben Copper." Juniper mentioned. She had heard about Charlie in passing, and they shared a few classes but had yet to interact with one another. "What'd he tell you?"

"That you were a brilliant dueller. Especially the way you knocked down Merula." Though the smile faded. "A little harsh but I get it. You were saving your friend."

"Not my finest hour but I couldn't just let her continue and terrorise Hogwarts."

"Agreed and it seemed to have work for the most part." A crooked grin formed.

"But just made her attitude worse."

"Oh, absolutely," Bill agreed. "Let's get this duel underway then."

Juniper pulled her wand from her pocket. "Ready to go."

"Rictusempra!"

"Alright, on the mark of one." Bill counted down, "Three, two, one."

"Protego!" Bill immediately countered her spell. There goes disarming him with laughter.

"Tarantallegra!" Bill cut off Juniper. Her instinct was to dodge. She knew the dancing feet spell as it was recently covered in charms. However, she had another ace.

"Reducio!" she charmed herself. Juniper almost laughed in surprise at Bill's widening eyes before a surprised grin followed.

Insect Juniper now had the advantage of being hidden out of sight in the tall wet grass. She hadn't expected the droplets to easily drench her. She sprinted, got behind Bill, and caught him off guard. Bill had a watchful eye speculating her position.

"Engergio," Juniper muttered, pointing the wand to herself. Bill swiftly turned on his heels the moment she grew. "Nice try, Expelliarmus!"

The wand flew forcefully out of her hand. Juniper tried to rush to grab her wand but tripped over her shoes and fell face flat into the grass. Her hat fell off.

"Blimey, you alright?"

Juniper groaned in pain. Bill rushed over and helped her.

"Are you okay? Do you need anything?"

"No, but thanks, Bill. It was just a fall. Nothing serious."

Internally, she was relieved because she didn't want to go to the hospital wing. Still, simultaneously, she didn't like to remain seriously hurt.

"I think it's safe to say, you're not a novice." Bill chuckled; his blue eyes were bright. "You could give me a run for my money."

"I don't think I'm that good."

"You give yourself less credit than you actually deserve."

"Really?"

"Yeah really. Wanna have another go?"

"Aye definitely."

They resumed their duel, Juniper trying to produce the less powerful spells, which made them more refined and focused. It helped to distract her and clear her thoughts. Maybe she could even start using them nonverbally.

They continued dodging, ducking, and casting until they collapsed on the frosty grounds—so much for not overdoing it.

"I'd say we've did some great progress."

"Yeah, I would say so too."

The sound of the heavy breathing was somewhat amusing. Bill couldn't help but laugh at their hopeless state.

"We're going to break into the ice vault surely."

"Ice you say?"

"Aye."

"Well I was doing some thinking when you said it and I figured a good spell for you to study is the fire making charm, incendio."

"Who would have thought that a fire spell is great against ice." Juniper said in a joking manner. Bill rolled his eyes playfully at her sarcasm. "But that's good to know. I can study with Rowan, she'll have it somewhere within her six editions of charms textbook."

"Six editions?"

"Oh, for history, she has fifteen editions and a photographic memory." Juniper used the opportunity to praise her friend as she had promised.

"Sounds like someone who would be a great study partner."

"Rowan would nae having a study partner, you could always owl her." Juniper figured it best not to add the other statement about following around.

"Thanks, I might take her up on that."

Juniper felt she was finally getting somewhere. There was a stride in her steps and a noticeable shift in her energy. Her mind was clearer, and she managed better with her school work, Quidditch and duelling practice. Though nothing good lasts forever.

Previous chapter: chapter 16

Next chapter: chapter 18

[stxrslut]

guys I love babydaddy!rafe so here’s a thought for you…

calling him in the middle of the night, crying because you’re so tired and you can’t get comfortable and everything is hurting. he’s up in an instant, holding his phone in the crease of his neck as he pulls on his clothes, simultaneously trying to soothe you, “okay- okay I’m on my way kid, stop cryin’.”

him turning up at your door in a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie, rubbing at his eyes that are red from sleep. you just throw yourself right at him, clinging to his big frame.

he murmurs and brings a hand round to rub your back “you’re fine.” he chastises, but he doesn’t linger on it because he knows that you really are in a lot of discomfort. “you wanna let me in?”

you nod and take his hand, moving to sit on one of the kitchen stools while he begins to rummage in your cupboards, as has become nearly routine for you both.

“what’s goin’ on this time? you nauseous again?” he asks as he fills you a glass of water and brings it over to you, cupping the back of your head so as to help you drink some.

you nod to his question when you’re finished, “yeah… n’my legs are hurtin’ real bad.” a small pout is set on your lips as you speak. he nods and takes the hairtie off his wrist to pull your locks back and out of your face.

“and you’re feeling too hot right?” he questions, already knowing the answer by the sweat that’s sheened across your forehead. you just groan and lean into him. his lips are pursed in thought as he strokes your back absentmindedly.

“okay… think you can keep some food down?” he looks down at you, his hand on your back stilling for a moment as he waits for your answer.

“don’t think so… m’stomach is turnin’” you inform him and he nods, jaw ticking slightly, purely with frustration at the situation. you know he hates it when he can’t fix a problem.

“right, that’s fine.” he brings his hand from your back to rest on your growing bump. “little girl really isn’t givin’ you a break huh..” he chuckles quietly.

you giggle a little too “can tell she’s gonna be a handful when she’s born.”

“yeah,” Rafe laughs, “just like her mama…”

[mournfulroses]

Vladimir Mayakovsky, from a letter featured in "Love in the Heart of Everything; The Correspondence between Vladimir Mayakovsky & Lili Brik, 1915-1930,"

[shares-a-vest]

Update: 29/04/24 Now turned into a 1.9k fic here

Eddie begins making a Hellfire t-shirt and declares it is for Steve.

The Corroded Coffin boys oscillate between teasing and confused horror. Dustin is annoyed that it is Eddie who has managed to convince Steve to finally join a campaign, while Lucas is elated and beyond excited.

Mike and Will of course, do everything in their power to stop such a nightmare, including some ill-conceived scheming that is thwarted at every turn by Lucas.

But they needn't worry.

Because Eddie is just simply making Steve a Hellfire t-shirt to sleep in. It's a size too big. He paid extra for the softest cotton and it has short sleeves and a loose scoop neck so it doesn't scratch Steve's scar.

All so Steve can get a cozy night's sleep.

[whoopsiesnodaisies]

Hear me out, hear me out!

No death Jegulily AU where Harry is still the "chosen one" but Lily and Regulus are professors who have to keep their son alive, and James (the professional quidditch player) is constantly called in for the weirdest parent-teacher conferences cause it's just Lily and Regulus being like "You have to control your son!" and James being like "Now he's MY son, but when he got an Outstanding in Tranfiguration last week he was OUR son!"

[lilybug-02]

You’re making a lot of promises there Chara…

Part 24 || First || Previous || Next

—Full Series—

I enjoyed doing this little Flashback scene. We’ll be back to our regularly scheduled freakout session soon. Having monochrome color is very nice.

Here is a gif of Chara spilling their water because YES. And I spent way too long on it :)

Wow technology is so cool.

[akajustmerry]

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

‘Killers Of The Flower Moon’ Can’t Escape Its Own White Gaze by Merryana Salem / Killers Of The Flower Moon (2023). Dir. Martin Scorsese

[otaku553]

Ok so I have been stewing this crossover au in my brain nonstop for the past few days and. I am nothing if not committed to the bit, so. Volume cover redraws :)

Here are the originals:

If you want to read more about my one piece spy x family crossover, keep reading!

So the idea is simple! Crossover reincarnation au where ASL is reborn in Spy x Family. They’re each born separately and none of them are born with the same names as their previous lives, and with no way of finding each other, they each find their own thing to do in the world.

Sabo, too used to the dangers of being a spy, eventually finds a cause to devote himself to again, in preventing war from engulfing the country he was reborn in. Ace, drawn to fire as he was in his previous life, used arson as a means to rob rich people for sustenance and survival, and is eventually scouted and hired by Garden as a fire specialist and assassin. And Luffy, though born in perhaps the poorest condition, grows up happily and takes whatever part time jobs he wants to do.

The thing about Sabo is that, as much as he seems like a young man of good repute and high standing within society, everyone in WISE knows that he is a massive nuisance. Nobody knew in the beginning how a child less than half the age of most of their veteran agents could have the same skills and knowledge in their profession. Sabo was— and still is— hyper competent, and by the time WISE figured out just how much of a menace to society he was, it was too late.

Ace forgot for the first few years of his new life that he wasn’t made of fire, and consequently, received multiple accidental burns. This did not deter him, however, from growing up to be a very skilled arsonist, well-practiced in every which way to start a dumpster fire or house fire. As a teenage he would use this often to draw attention as he robbed rich people blind. When he was caught, he was given an ultimatum by Garden: join them and receive payment for starting fires and causing problems under contract, or face the government and authorities for his crimes. Begrudgingly, he joined Garden, but eventually comes to appreciate that he can make substantial money in his element.

Luffy is Luffy. No telepathy or experimentation, no fancy schools, no gimmicks or secret identities. But he has still lived an extremely colorful life in this world, full of fascinating and kind individuals who have helped him grow up healthy and relatively happy. He goes where he is free, and he takes whatever part time jobs he wants in order to make the minimum he needs to survive.

Ace and Sabo find each other first, in their late teens, and neither of them realize that the other remembers their previous life, but both refuse to separate. (Sabo thinks Ace doesn’t remember, because Ace didn’t recognize him. Ace never saw Sabo grow up past 10, however, so he doesn’t recognize older Sabo immediately. By the time he does realize who exactly Sabo is, Sabo has backtracked and pretends to know Ace from a dream, or from somewhere else.)

Sabo’s attachment to Ace, predictably, causes problems between Sabo and WISE, but by then, Sabo is indispensable to the organization, and they make an exception for Sabo to be able to remain with Ace, so long as Ace never finds out what Sabo’s actual job is. Ace, on the other hand, hides his job because he doesn’t want his brother, who he has just found and who does not know Ace well enough yet, to know that he makes a living from killing people.

And they find Luffy sometime afterwards, prior to the beginning of the Spy x Family canon. Luffy figures out, not long after moving in with his brothers, both of his brothers’ secret occupations and the fact that both of them remember their past memories. He thinks it is common knowledge, however, and so he never brings it up.

[dollkisses05]

This is overwhelmingly relatable

[legendary-cookies]

I've been working on this on and off for like a long time and honestly I kinda hate it now, but this is like a revamp of these but with the Beasts too lmao

This also has a headcanon I have of if the Legends had virtues like the Ancients and Beasts

Also yes I'm aware Fire and Moon might fit more if they switched but I have lore reasons leave me alone

[swiftsgirlfriend]

‘𝗍𝗂𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖽𝖺𝗆𝗇 𝗌𝖾𝖺𝗌𝗈𝗇.

─────────────────

𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾𝗌&𝗐𝖺𝗋𝗇𝗂𝗇𝗀𝗌.i started writing this at the beginning of this month but i never ended up finishing it so i thought i would post it anyway as a wip. one last holiday post before i become obsessed with summer ig! jake seresin x reader, no use of y/n

─────────────────

Texas is big on Christmas. Jake is very much reminded of this as he drives through his hometown.

It seems that the smaller the towns get, the more the people love to celebrate. That certainly rings true when he thinks about the cities he’s lived in, how big they were, and much Christmas seemed to go unappreciated in them.

This is why Jake is very excited to be returning home for Christmas for the first time in years.

For a couple years now, he hasn’t had the opportunity to come back for the holidays. Always deployed, on a mission or forced to spend it with a girlfriend’s family.

However, this year, no mission, no deployment, no girlfriend. And now, he’s here, being reminded of just how much he himself he loves Christmas.

As an aviator, Jake is stone cold. Frigid, unforgiving, known to leave people hanging - hence his callsign. Despite how he acts as a pilot wherever he is stationed, coming back to Austin, brings back the old him. The sweet Jake. The family-man Jake, who loves his mother and sisters. The Jake that is still in love with you. Though, the more he thinks about it, the more he thinks he’s always at least a little bit in love with you.

You were Jake’s first love. His high-school sweetheart. Although you were young when you were together, it felt like so much more than just puppy love. It was more than that. Anyone could see it. You were infatuated with eachother. Until, Jake left for college. And you didn’t.

Unlike Jake, you weren’t restless. Unlike Jake, you hadn’t been aching to leave town, and move on to something ‘bigger’. Unlike Jake, you were content where you were. It was the hamartia that destroyed your relationship from the inside out.

So you broke up, both of you knowing deep down that long-distance would never work.

When Jake came back for holidays during college, you would always find your way back into each-others arms, each-others beds. You never put a label on it, but it still ripped both of your hearts out when he left again, again.

But now, it’s been years since he’s seen you. As he gets closer to his home, his mind falls down a rabbit-hole, of you. He knows you still live here, through the grapevine. He wonders if you still hang with the girls you did in high-school. He wonders if you still live with your parents. He wonders if you miss him, like he misses you.

Suddenly, he turns a corner, and the familiar, old house that he grew up in comes into vision. It is already clad in colourful lights and copious amounts of Christmas-themed decor. He smiles to himself and parks the car.

He swings his car door open and is engulfed by the harsh, Texan winter. Should’ve brought a hat, he thinks to himself, as he walks to the boot, to retrieve his suitcase. He slams the boot shut, almost as a pre-warning to his family to get ready, Jake has arrived! He knows, just mere feet away, his mother and sisters are scrambling to tidy up the last remnants of wrapping paper, toys, and all the other delightful messes that come with family, kids and Christmas.

His boots trudge through the thick snow as he makes his way to the front door. He notices the wreath, obviously made by his nieces and nephews. His heart breaks a little bit when he is reminded of how long its been since he’d seen them last. He hadn’t even been here for his youngest-older sister, Lucy’s, first child’s birth.

He knocks on the front door, with all the strength he can muster whilst being so cold, and immediately the heavy door swings open, and Jake is greeted with the faces of everyone he loves. However, he can’t look at them long, as he is soon swept inside and into a bone-crushing hug. From everyone, at the same time it seemed.

He hears a chorus of ‘Oh Jake, we’ve missed you’ and ‘It’s been so long’ and ‘Hi Uncle Jakes!’ and his heart swells about 10 sizes. He feels a bit like the Grinch right about now.

His bags are swiftly snatched from his arms by his sisters, and he is lead into the kitchen by his mother. In his house, being the man never meant being in charge, necessarily.

He takes a minute to revel in the scent of homeliness. The scent of something always baking. The scent of the pine tree. The scent of fresh linen and moth balls from the old sweaters dug out for Winter.

“Oh Jakey…” his mother began, as he sat down at the kitchen island. “It’s been so long baby.”

“I know momma.” His southern twang creeping back. “I’m sorry. But I’m here now. So let’s play catch-up.” There was bound to be a plethora of situations he’d missed out on.

“Well… obviously Lucy had her baby. Baby Charlotte is upstairs sleeping now, you can meet her later. What else… Oh Your father got a job at the market, it’s much better on his back, he’ll be home soon. Leonard’s son, Tom, finally divorced that gold digger. Always knew she was no good.”

Jake chuckles, remembering his mother’s long-term distaste for Tom’s now ex-wife.

“Anything else?” Really, he just wants to know how you are.

“Nothing important, just small-town drama really.”

“So nothing’s changed?”

“I don’t suppose it ever will.”

Some nights, when he gets homesick and can’t sleep, Jake struggles to remember why he left. Right now, surrounded by the beauty of the country, his family, the cosiness, he was struggling to remember why he left. That snapped him back. Nothing will ever change here. Maybe when he was a kid, that was good. Simplicity. Consistency. But the older he got, the more he longed for something more. Maybe the town had always been small, and he was only just noticing, maybe the town had shrunk over time, most likely it was Jake who changed, who got bigger, and found himself desperately trying to keep fitting in with the town, like trying to fit into an old t-shirt.

Usually, from around the age of 16, when he had sleepless nights, trying to find a way to fit in, trying to fathom reasons to stay, he had you, cuddled up next to him, to ground him in the moment, to keep his head screwed on. And when he was 18, and told you he was leaving, and that he wanted, needed, you to come with him, he’d lost that. Because you’d said no.

“Cookie?” His mother offered, ripping away from his gut-wrenching thoughts.

“Sure.”

─────────────────

(top gun) mutuals

@sebsxphia @roosterbruiser @roosterforme @teacupsandtopgun @hangmans-wingman @mak-32 @southpawbitch @notroosterbradshaw @floydsglasses @sunlightmurdock @its-dee-lovely @tongue-like-a-razor

[usernoneexistent]

Juniper and Rowan finally get the chance to uncover why Ben was in the corridor and how is it linked to the cursed vaults.

Warnings: injury, more hospital phobia

Juniper took a deep breath as she and Andre sat on the bench. She could see the mist out of her mouth through the cold November. Despite all that practice, blood, sweat and tears she shed, it was thrown for sitting on the bench for their first match. Orion tried his hardest to keep the team's focus on balance and harmony. Still, the friendly competition has grown fierce since the previous game. On the bright side, Juniper wanted to see it as unlikely to be sent to the hospital wing.

Whispers about someone intentionally sabotaging the Gryffindors caused tensions and accusations between the houses and the quidditch teams. Juniper laid low, hoping no attention or clues would land on her.  

Orion, Skye and Lucas played hard against the Hufflepuff team. Using the thimblerig shuffle, which she learned from Skye, dazzled the other chasers. Still, what the Hufflepuff lacked with their chasers was made up for with their talented keeper, Morris Beetle. The fifth-year made it challenging, with the points being neck and neck until the Ravenclaw seeker, Roan Smith, took the team to a win. 

Dots of blue and bronze were in motion, cheering as Roan Smith held up the golden snitch in victory. This win had just bought them second place on the leaderboard behind Gryffindor. Their next match was with Slytherin, which Juniper was dreading. Her stomach would not stop twisting in knots as when Professor McGonagall. The Professors had cleared Slytherin of guilt and said the sabotage was likely from a third party. However, it didn't stop the resentment and mistrust between not only Slytherin and Gryffindor, but it was affecting the other teams too. 

She knew she had to do what was right and eventually say something. It was ruining the game and mostly gnawing away at her consciousness. Still, it would also mean unravelling her openly secret investigations with the cursed vaults. Skye would also accuse her of not focusing enough on quidditch. Maybe Skye was right? Juniper only joined because it seemed fun and valuable. Instead, she has become a hindrance.

While quidditch was slowly making her burdensome, Juniper found some success in Transfiguration. Over a month of handing homework with extra pages and practising her spells, Professor McGonagall finally sent that all-so-important owl.

Juniper jumped for joy and almost gave Rowan an unnecessary heart attack before she joined in. It meant being able to open that passage shortly before Christmas.

"Miss Moss, welcome in."

"Hello Professor McGonagall." Juniper observed the cup with a rat tail on her desk. "Thank you for this private lesson."

"You've earned it, especially with your work ethic over the past month. There has been a great improvement in your classroom and private work." A faint smile formed on the Transfiguration's teachers.

"So, do I finally get to learn Revelio?"

"You do indeed. Please pay close attention." Professor McGonagall pulled her wand out of her dress. "The Revelio charm is used to show the true form of things, and to make the invisible visible. Let us begin."

She had a book on her desk, which they used as an example. The Professor made her practise her forms first, getting her pronunciation and flicks right.

"Well done, Miss Moss. Lets try it on this book."

Juniper inhaled before focusing on revealing the book. She visualised it like she was mentally pulling an invisibility cloak away and showing the book.

The book flickered before finally fully revealing itself. Good, but not perfect enough. Juniper needed to master it, as she would have to cast a spell on a large wall area. 

"For a first attempt that was well executed for an advance spell." Professor McGonagall encouraged. Juniper felt a little more confident.

After an hour of constant practising, she got it nearly perfect. The Professor seemed to approve, and Juniper thanked her for the lesson.

She rushed to the common room to find Rowan sitting with her feet tucked on the blue armchair, scribbling down on the parchment. At the foot were her shoes, while on the small dark table was a stack of books with a few open. 

She looked so serene, even with scrunched eyebrows; Juniper knew that Rowan was lost in her mind while studying. 

"I've learned Revelio. Just had my lesson there with McGonagall." Juniper whispered. Rowan perked with a wide smile. She couldn't let Chester overhear their plans of sneaking out. Once the Prefect hears, he'll never let the girls out of his sight ever again.  

"Oh perfect, Juniper. That means we can visit as soon as tonight."

"Good we can't wait any longer."

"What are you two up to?" Chester stood in front, one hand struggling to hold all his textbooks and the other on his coffee mug.

"Nothing."

Chester shifted his eyes between the two.

"It better stay that way." He said sternly before leaving them.

Rowan and Juniper locked eyes with a serious yet worried expression. They might want to reconsider their sneaking technique if Chester was onto them, especially since Skye also mentioned noticing their disappearances in the night.

Later that night, Juniper was more acutely aware; now she crept, each movement more carefully, including ensuring that Skye didn't hear them. Night patrol had increased, but they managed to narrowly avoid them. Rowan ensured they wore more appropriate clothes, later with jumpers and scarves to handle the cold.

"Alright, let's do this." Juniper got into a ready stance. It's one step closer. The cursed vault was just behind that wall within her reach.

"Just be careful, Juniper." Rowan situated herself behind her friend; she had her wand ready, too. "We need to be ready for anything because we have no idea what might appear."

Juniper flicked her wand exactly like Professor McGonagall taught. She imagined the brick wall revealing the cursed vault. She had to get creative; it was small and claustrophobic, but her brother was there. The cheeky grin, that mischievous glint in his eyes, and his blue hair falling onto his face.

"Revelio!"

The wall disappeared and...It revealed a staircase, to her disappointment. Not precisely the cursed vault she had hoped for, but there was something familiar. 

"By merlin's beard, Juniper! You unvanished a secret staircase!" Rowan's eyes were wide at the unveiling.

"It's the same staircase from my vision," Juniper said out loud. She subconsciously took a step forward, somewhat drawn by the stairs, but recalled that after the stairs was an ice knight. But another part wanted to run up and ask if she could find Jacob.

"And most likely the same staircase from the message we found carved in the cursed ice," Rowan recalled, but she hesitated. "Where do you think it leads?"

"Don't know, but we have to check it out. It could be the cursed vault." Juniper said excitedly. Goosebumps formed from the increased cold, the thrill, or both; she couldn't tell.

"Are you sure? The message also that the ice knight guards stands guard past the vanished stairs."

"Nope, but we have to see where this goes. Lumos!" Juniper was getting ahead, and the footsteps of the other Ravenclaw followed suit. "Wait for me!"

Rowan caught up; her breath could be seen in the freezing cold.

"We just discovered an unexplored section of Hogwarts, Juniper. Do you understand how amazing that is?!" Rowan took a deep breath filled with excitement. 

"We're making history here. You better note it down for when you write your first history book." Juniper joked as Rowan rolled her eyes in return. They knew she would note it done once they returned to their beds. 

As they reached the top of the stairs, Juniper felt her joints stiffen as winter-like weather hit them like a tidal wave. What's worse was they came prepared, which seemed insufficient. They reached the archway, where ice covered every inch of the room, and it was reminiscent of the ice room with the runes in year one.

"It's so c-c-c-cold...Unnaturally cold..." Rowan's teeth chattered loudly. They were faced with a cloud of blue mist. Juniper buried her face into the scarf to block the cold, hoping the wool's warmth would be enough. 

"This must lead to one of the cursed vaults." Juniper knew deep down in her gut that this was the cursed vault. Something here in this chilly room called to her. 

"Let's hurry and see what we can find. And come back later with a warm coat...." Rowan snapped Juniper out of her weird trance. "Let's go now, Juniper."

Juniper wasn't ready to leave. Even when her fingertips' turned blue, she needed to press further. Strange patterns formed on the ground caught her attention.

"Footprints. Someone else was here, Rowan." Juniper informed as Rowan's head snapped to where her friend was pointing.

"Who? What? How? When? Why?" Rowan replied with a battery of questions.

"I don't ken, but we have to see where it goes."

Rowan was shivering, using her scarf to wrap around her body. "It's freezing...I don't know if we can walk through this, Juniper."

"We don't have to," Juniper smirked, whipping out her wand. "Flipendo!"

The mist cleared and showed steep stairs leading to the large iced snowflake covering a large door. A knight statue stood guard at the side of the door. The ice was crackled and frosted, but some parts were so reflective she could see herself.

"Whoa!" Juniper and Rowan stared in awe at the small pathway to the large door.

"This has to be the cursed vault." Juniper found herself hypnotised. Her hand reached out like an electrical impulse.

"Juniper, I think it's best if we analysed the situation first," Rowan warned. She tried to physically stop her, but Juniper's hand was faster.

"I need to ken, you ken? I don't care about the curses."

Her mind grew cloudy as images flashed throughout her mind. Like a bird, she viewed these rooms in shadowy clouds. Juniper's eyes flickered open with Rowan holding her head.

"Juniper! Are you okay?!"

Juniper was lying on the ground. She seemed to have collapsed like last year; only Rowan caught her time.

"I'm fine, but I had another vision." Juniper clutched her head as a mild but irritating ache spread.

"What did you see?"

"Two rooms. One was dark, and filled with books. The other was cluttered, with a door outlined in chalk." She listed, trying to retain every detail of that vision.

Rowan helped her up. "Well, at least this one doesn't seem as threatening as your last vision." She tried to joke, but Juniper was concerned about the last vision.

"There was one other thing...."

"What?"

"You-Know-Who."

Rowan's face looked like it was hit by the freezing charm stuck on stun and worry. A loud bang from behind the door 

"We'll talk about this later. We should go, Juniper. This strange coldness, this entire place, I think it's having a bad effect on us both."

Rowan was right. Their fingertips were blue -purple- even with their darker skin. Juniper licked her chapped lips, already missing the warmth of the Ravenclaw common room despite winter being one of her favourite seasons. However, this is different from the winter she wants. 

Ice spat out from the door, narrowly grazing Rowan's arm.

"It must be enchanted!"

"Great now, so the door is attacking us instead. Where's the ice knight?"

"The ice knight is the least of our worries right now. I would rather be fighting an enchanted door," Rowan responded. 

Before Juniper had time to think of a witty response, Rowan shoved her body to the side. "Watch out, Juniper!"

Juniper let out a loud groan; her sides ached. Next to her was Rowan's body splayed as her dark hair covered her face. Motionless. 

For a second, Juniper forgot to breathe. 

"Rowan!"

The Ravenclaw scrambled to get up to avoid the incoming ice attacks. Juniper managed to drag Rowan by her arms while dodging the spears of ice until she was safe away. Juniper used all her strength to pull Rowan over her shoulder despite her lanky friend towering over her. 

She found Professor Flitwick on night patrol by pure chance and luck, who immediately took the unconscious student. Juniper wanted to follow her to the hospital wing, but Chester, called down by the head of the house, escorted her back to the common room.

"Didn't I say not to get up to anything mad or reckless?" Chester huffed out as the young Ravenclaw followed in tow.

"I ken," Juniper said quietly, fighting back her tears.

"You're lucky that you ran into Professor Flitwick."

"I ken."

"If you had run into Snape or Filch on patrol, you would be in a lot more trouble than you are right now."

"I ken."

"Can you stop saying I ken?!" Chester snapped. The floodgates of her tears were wide open.

"I'm sorry." She sobbed, causing the Prefect to startle and stop in his tracks. 

"I...only wanted to...to find my brother...I did nae think that R-Rowan would...get hurt!" Juniper hiccuped through her tears. As much as she tried to wipe them away, they kept returning, slowly decreasing in volume. Chester awkwardly patted her shoulder as she cried in the common room.

"...I'm sorry that I upset you." He tried to comfort her, and Chester quickly conjured a hankie for her. Juniper dried her tear-stained cheeks.

"Thanks, Chester." She sniffled as it seemed she cried out everything she had. "It seems like I'm committing one disaster after another."

Chester sat them on the sofa, and the fire nearby kept them warm.

His dark brows knitted in. "What do you mean?"

"Well, I...well, as you ken, Rowan is hurt because of me. Ben disappeared and was found with no memory. I thought I could help Skye and ended up making things worse with her." Juniper incoherently rambled on. She omitted the specific details about her involvement with the Slytherin attack and her findings with the cursed vault but summed up everything else.

Chester sighed, which made Juniper nervous. Was he going to get her into trouble? Did she admit too much?

"Sounds like you did a lot, especially dangerous things but I think I get it." Chester sympathised; he clasped his hands together. "I mean, my little brother Roger would do the exact same thing if I disappeared."

A small smile formed at Juniper at Chester's admission.

"But you wouldn't. You would never chase after the cursed vaults. My stupid brother just had to disappear, didn't he?" She cried and laughed. Words that she had never dared to breathe around anyone before. She was Jacob's only line of defence, ensuring a few people knew her brother wasn't mad or dead. That someone hadn't given up yet; she wondered why it was so reliving to call him that. 

Her shoulders felt light. Confiding in Chester helped her a lot. In his own way, he comforted her. Chester made her hurry back to her bed, where she heard rustling inside the dorm.

Juniper quickly rushed inside, but the person must have leapt into one of the bunks. As if her night couldn't be any worse. 

She couldn't remember much once her head hit the pillow, but the morning before class felt lonely. Not even Penny could fill that void, who came rushing with Tonks to the Ravenclaw table who somehow already heard about what happened. Juniper spilt all the details of her and Rowan's excursion, minus the tears from last night.

"Rowan is going to be fine, Juniper." Tonks munched through her cereal.

"I can check in the hospital wing for you if you need me to," Penny discreetly offered. Juniper didn't want any more people to know of her slight phobia.

Juniper shook her head and determined that she would make it to Rowan's side for Ben.

"No, I'm going to check on Rowan during the break."

"Are you sure?" Penny said softly. Her soft blue eyes looked at her, full of worry. "Why didn't you tell me? I could have provided with extra help."

"I don't ken. I have been so distracted by everything. Sorry, I did nae ask." Juniper admitted.

"You know we're here for you, Juniper."

"Yeah, you can't have all the fun adventures by yourself. Sharing is caring, right?" Tonks winked, which caused the other two to giggle, which was what Juniper needed before heading to her first lesson. 

Juniper couldn't focus in any of the classes. Especially since neither Ben nor Rowan was with her. At the break, she mustered enough courage to waltz into that hospital wing...was what she had hoped for. Instead, her legs seemed controlled by an immobolus jinx. She spent her entire break staring at the entrance as the nauseating smell of cleaning products hit her. Madam Pomfrey used the same ones as the St. Mungo Hospital she connected. Juniper determined to make a later attempt at lunch.

Her legs refused.

Juniper wanted to scream and cry at her body for why she couldn't simply see her best friend. Madam Pomfrey noticed the young Ravenclaw lingering.

"If you're going to loiter about, then I suggest you, Miss Moss." The Matron said sternly. She was much more likeable as the patient than the visitor.

"I really want to visit my friend Rowan but I..." Juniper started her knuckle cracking, and her heart was racing. What could she say? That she has a fear of hospitals. "Hospitals make me really uncomfortable."

"I have noticed." Madam Pomfrey sighed. She knew that Juniper desperately wanted to see her friend, so she made a suggestion. "Would a calming draught help?"

Juniper nodded. She hated that all her life; she had avoided using calming or sleeping draughts like her mother, yet Juniper found herself requiring the aid of those dreaded potions to even be able to stand in a hospital on her own.

The wave of calmness washed over her. She understood more and more why her mum would constantly take them. Madam Pomfrey guided her over to Rowan, who sat up and met her with an awkward grin.

"Rowan! Are you okay?" Juniper rushed in and smothered Rowan with a hug. It earned her a tut from the Matron, and she commented about being careful with her patients.

"I feel like I got run over by the knight bus." Rowan wheezed while receiving a disapproving stare from Madam Pomfrey. "How did you manage to get in here on your own?"

"Madam Pomfrey gave me a calming draught before I came inside."

"They work wonders, don't they?" They heard a voice pipe up. Juniper pulled the curtains and found a much healthier-looking Ben. "Sorry, I just overheard you guys." Curiously, he glanced at the witch. "Why do you need them, Juniper? I mean, you're so brave, so I never thought you would need something like potions to help you stay calm."

Juniper stared between her two friends. Rowan arched an eyebrow to indicate she could not conceal her fear for long from Ben. 

"I'm terrified of hospitals, actually," Juniper said in a low voice. 

"Oh, I didn't know. That does kinda make me feel better," Ben admitted. 

"Speaking of feeling better." Juniper quickly changed the conversation. "When are you going to be let out?"

"Tomorrow, hopefully. I have so much to catch up on school work." Ben was rubbing his temples. Worry creases formed already for the young Gryffindor.

"I can help you with that," A gleeful Rowan determined. Of course, schoolwork would bring the biggest smile to the studious Ravenclaw. "Juniper knows where I keep all my notes, so you can use that to help."

The worry lines didn't disappear, but they were more faded. They chatted for a bit longer. The Ravenclaws updated the boy on their findings in the forbidden corridor and again asked if he had any recollection before being found again. 

The next day, Juniper was so happy to finally have at least one of their friends back. She missed having someone to chat with between corridors and whisper in classes, passing notes. Though she dreaded attending potions class alone. She would have to suffer the unbearable Merula, who was surprisingly quiet for the past semester.

"I haven't had to see much of you outside of class, Moss. What have you been doing?"

Juniper rolled her eyes and ignored the Slytherin. She pulled out her textbook and the half-written homework. She knew she would receive a big fat zero on the essay from Snape, but Juniper had more pressing concerns than a five-page essay on swelling solution.

"Avoid me while you can, Moss. When my plan comes to fruition, no one will be able to ignore my power." Merula was annoyed by the cold shoulder. Juniper accidentally let out a snicker at her childish sayings. She was so tired of everything.

"You do realise how stupid you sound? Is it because everyone is ignoring you so you need some attention?" Juniper mocked, pretending to make a sad face for Merula. "I wonder why you don't have any friends?"

"Shut up, Moss!" Merula hissed, clearly upset at Juniper's verbal attack. "I do have friends! Actually I have a friend helping me to find the cursed vaults before you and your stupid friends do. That cursed vault is mine you hear?"

"What was that?" Juniper covered her ears. "I could nae hear you."

Merula looked like she was ready to pounce on Juniper. The girl knew she may have taken it too far. Still, she noticed the uncomfortable stares of Professor Snape throughout their lecture. After the lesson, he informed Juniper to stay behind. Merula bared a pearly grin. Juniper knew that the devious imp had a hand in whatever trouble she would find. Juniper worked hard to keep clear of Professor Snape's radar, who was eager for any reason to hand out punishments. 

"You are in for it now, Moss. I wonder...will Professor Snape expel you, or murder you?" She said sinisterly.

"Not long ago I visited your dormitory, Moss." He stated monotonously. Juniper couldn't get a read on his mood. 

"Why?"

"I received information that you have been stealing supplies from my classroom."

Juniper was stunned. Yes, she has done mad things, but directly stealing was something she hadn't done. "That's ridiculous. Why would I do that?"

"I can think of a multitude of reasons like you thought it would somehow help with your foolish pursuit of the cursed vaults? Because like your brother, you insist on testing the bounds of school rules, and my patience?" Snape listed. Unfortunately for Juniper, some were entirely plausible reasons. "I have no desire to know what goes on in your warped, tiny mind. Explain why there were stolen potion ingredients in the drawer next to your bed."

Juniper glared at the grinning witch and pointed to her. "Merula obviously put them there. She sabotaged me before, and she'll do anything to get me expelled."

"How would Miss Snyde even get into the Ravenclaw common room?" Professor Snape argued.

"I wouldn't put it past her to bribe or blackmail or trick someone into helping her." The Ravenclaw argued back. Wait, that night she came to her dorm after visiting the cursed vault, someone was rustling about in her dorm.

"Is this true, Miss Snyde?" His eyes looked bored by this line of questioning.

"Of course not." Merula's voice squeaked. "I want to see Moss expelled, but only because he's disgrace, and a danger to everyone at Hogwarts."

The potions professor sighed. Juniper's heart started to race.

"I geniuenly wish you weren't lying."

"Excuse me?"

"Your eyes dart back and forth ever so slightly when you aren't telling the truth, Miss Snyde. You are an absolutely atrocious liar. Particularly for a Slytherin." Snape berated her. Juniper stifled a laugh from the imp being found a liar finally. "You will stay after class every day for the remainder of this year to clean and organise organise my supplies as punishment for attempting to frame Moss. Dismissed."

He didn't need to remind her twice as Juniper sprinted out of that potions class. But it left her with an important question. Who in her dorm would want to work with Merula? Or better yet, who would want to frame her?

Previous chapter: chapter 15

Next chapter: chapter 17

[stxrslut]

Rafe x chronicmigraine!reader headcannons

🎀 I feel like he’d be so so in tune with you, waking up one morning while you’re still asleep and he can just see your eyebrows furrowed in premature discomfort.

already getting up and fetching your painkillers, ice pack, sick bowl, snack, and anything else he deems you’ll need. making sure to be quiet while he dims the lights and shuts all 4 blackout curtains.

when you start waking up he’s kneeling right there, already rubbing your temple gently as you let out a cry, “hey hey, I know sweetie, you’re okay.”

🎀 he definitely gives you chocolate syrup after you’ve swallowed a pill cause he knows you hate them and the way they taste.

🎀 Idk about you guys but whenever I have a migraine I will literally be vomiting at random times with no warning.

feel like Rafe has absolutely dad reflexes when it comes to it tho. just randomly appearing with a bowl under your chin, pulling your hair back, instructing you to “open your mouth sweetie. you got it.” as he starts to run a hand up and down your back. and you’re just like ?? how tf did u know.

🎀 cupping the back of your head when he makes you drink water!! and best believe he’s setting a timer every fifteen minutes so he doesn’t forget to remind you!!

🎀 if you ever get a migraine in public and there’s not really away to get you out of there he is mad at the world. snapping at everyone but you.

just finding the most secluded place he can and holding you to his chest so your eyes are covered, big hands over your ears to try and make you as comfortable as possible while you just cry cause you’re in so much pain :( talking to you in that soothing voice he reserves only for his favourite girl.

🎀 he’s definitely getting up at whatever time in the night to get you some warm milk to soothe you. also replacing your heat / ice pack while he’s there.

🎀 he loves you so much. he is the most patient, never complains. he is always always understanding, will always do everything to help you.

you are Rafe Cameron’s soft spot.

[mournfulroses]

Vladimir Mayakovsky, from a letter featured in "Love in the Heart of Everything; The Correspondence between Vladimir Mayakovsky & Lili Brik, 1915-1930,"

[shares-a-vest]

Wayne shuffles to the door, desperate to answer the incessant knocking that sounds like whoever is on the other side is going to beat the exterior fly screen straight off its hinges. He is greeted by Claudia Henderson, clutching her handbag strap tight across her chest and looking very serious.

Although it might just be his sleep-deprived inability to gauge the emotions of chipper 9-to-5 receptionists who wear cosy sweaters. He checks his watch. He’s only been asleep for about an hour after getting home from night shift - what with waiting for Hurricane Eddie to finally head off for the garage.

“Hello, Wayne,” Claudia nods and purses her lips.

He scrubs a hand over his face but steps back nonetheless to let her in. Claudia is one step in the doorway anyhow.

“Coffee,” he not-so-much asks as he moves to the kitchen.

“No, thank you,” Claudia says politely, “I usually wait for my morning tea break.”

He looks over to find her pulling out his assigned chair at the breakfast table. She looks nervous, if a little pissed off as she gathers her handbag up on her lap. He blinks harshly and pinches his nose enough to press his forefinger and thumb into the inner corners of his eyes. He really needs to wake the hell up a little more, it appears.

“What did Eddie do?” he sighs, looking over the drying rack on the sink for one of the mugs he has in his rotation at the present time.

“Oh, Eddie hasn’t done a thing!” she insists, a smile evident in her voice, “I’m here about Steve.”

Cubs mug it is then...

He frowns again and turns back to Claudia, confused. And the woman looks like she was expecting such a reaction because she huffs and straightens up, looking like she is readying herself to give a sermon on the kid.

“I need you to help me convince that boy to move in with Dustin and me,” she explains, promptly holding up a defensive hand, “Now, I know he stays here, mostly This isn’t about anything to do with you… Or Eddie…”

She tacks that last mention of his nephew on with a tone and a knowing look.

Wayne clears his throat. It’s certainly far too early in the morning for the ins and outs of that conversation. He flicks the kettle on to drown out the awkward silence between them.

“Have you uh...” he hums and scratches the back of his neck as he searches for words, “Have you talked with him about this, at all?”

Claudia squeaks out a noise he assumes is a negative as he quickly spoons coffee into his mug. He’ll settle for black coffee for now - he really cannot be assed to stand up for much longer, even if he did have the sense to quickly step into his comfy slippers when Claudia came a-pounding on the door.

“And you want my help specifically?” he says, raising his voice above the steaming kettle that is whistling away in boiling readiness.

“Yes!”

He waves a hand in the air, “Well, what about Robin?”

“Oh, gosh, no! I can’t talk to that girl,” he barks a laugh that makes Claudia startle in her seat, forcing her to clarify, “I mean she is a steel trap about that boy!”

Wayne smirks and nods as he heads for the table with his piping hot - and hopefully, heavily caffeinated - beverage, “He’s not the biggest talker when it comes to himself.”

“I’m not one to speak ill of other mothers,” Claudia says in a hushed tone, “God knows, I am not perfect. But where are his parents?”

She rocks a little with each word like she has needed to ask that question for a good long while. Of course, Wayne thinks about Steve’s parents. A lot. Because the boy almost never mentions them.

He shrugs, “He says they stayed away on business.”

“After everything that has happened in this town?” she argues, voice growing shrill with worry, “Did he tell you what actually happened with the mall fire? It was more of that other dimension nonsense!”

He almost chokes on his coffee. He knows a little - there was no way around it with Eddie in the hospital surrounded by all those secret nurses and doctors. But he didn’t know Claudia Henderson knew about some of it too. Still, he decides to remain cautious and gestures for her to continue.

“And he’s been concussed more times than he can remember!”

She slumps back in her seat with a look of such horror, Wayne thinks the sweet woman sitting opposite him considers it her closing argument.

Wayne taps on the rim of his coffee cup. They would have to tread carefully, not ambush the kid.

“He does get a lot of migraines - ” is all he can think to say.

“ - And he has dizzy spells,” Claudia cuts in, leaning forward. He can see tears starting to well up, “I just want him to be looked after. I know he’s a young man with his own life and everything, but he still needs a parent to care for him, to support him.”

“Yeah,” Wayne nods firmly, “Yes, he does.”