#maker: practicecourts

[jilychallenge2023]

27 December 2023

Today we have a fix- it fic written for @jamesunderwater because of this Tumblr post by @practicecourts Do You Want To Build A Snowman? ⛄⛄⛄

And we have some more lovely Jily tunes for you, enjoy this amazing Finnish song (on youtube) rec'd by the lovely @chierafied Thank you!

[jilymicrofics]

@practicecourts how dare you end it there?!

Moody March day one (let's see how far I get).|| Troubled || @jilymicrofics || 149 words Lost Count on ao3 or below the cut

Four walls of grey stone.

A small stone. 

No wand.

A bed of straw.

Three openings that let light in, enough to separate the days from nights.

Sixteen rows with four marks crossed by a fifth each and three marks makes eighty three days since she was put here. 

Eighty three days since her capture. 

Eighty three days since she’s seen anyone other than the grim wizard who levitates food and water into her cell. 

Eighty three days since she last washed.

She smells bad. So bad it makes her sick to her stomach. 

She has no idea what goes on outside these walls, other than that her husband must be looking for her. 

She doesn’t doubt it, he will come for her. He will find her, if it’s the last thing he does; she knows this. 

She’s troubled by another number. 

She’s more than a hundred days late.

[jilymicrofics]

Year In Review 2023

Wow! What a year it has been. A little idea turned big real quick. I could never have imagined a year ago that today we would have a bustling discord community of writers, readers, and artists. We have amassed over 400 followers, created a second blog for all the oops that exceeded the word count limit, have a thriving AO3 collection, and have hosted two special events - Mystery Microfic May and the Jily Gift Exchange. 

In December 2022 I promised myself I’d run this thing for a year no matter how much of a flop it may be but you all have blown me away. I genuinely don’t have the words to express how much this space and all of you mean to me. But of course, there are some special shout-outs: @abihastastybeans for being our biggest cheerleader, first to follow, first to join the discord, a prompt list completer, and record maker with 69 MICROS!! You’re honestly a superstar and I officially crown you Ms. Microfic 2023 @athenasparrow another massive supporter with her sprinkles in tow. Not only did you complete a prompt list this year you also supplied us with July’s prompts. @practicecourts & @oneofthesirens for being the first to post micros! 

@ohmygodshesinsane blew us away completing a prompt list and a whopping 68 micros this year! @petalsinwoodvale gifted us our shorts micro this year with 36 words. Closely followed by @uncertainwallflower with 37! And last but certainly not least @annasghosts for blessing us with our first official micro-oops with The Golden Couple. Thank you all for this year, whether you be a fic writer or an appreciator. I really can’t thank you all enough. Fingers crossed 2024 brings us more micros, more fun, and records to beat! 

~ Ray Your friendly jilmicrofics admin Signing off for 2023

[jilychallenge2023]

Day 21

Happy Midwinter to you all, The longest night of the year (on the Northern side of the world, I hope all of you on the other enjoy the longest day of your year.) Read today's fic "Midwinter Magic" by @practicecourts on ao3

[jilymicrofics]

Going for the shortest micro award @practicecourts 😉

short and sweet today because real life is taking all my energy (and I fell asleep when I put my kid in bed last night. lol) Anyway... still on track

@jilymicrofics || Moody March day 6: Zealous || 24 wrds || read under the cut or on ao3

"I am a zealous supporter of miniskirts."

"Could have fooled me."

”Me wanting to take them off, doesn't mean I like them less."

[jilymicrofics]

Where’s the meme when you need it… it’s all about the James 🤌

@practicecourts

She never calls me... on ao3 || @jilymicrofics || Moody March day 3 || Horrified

She never calls me...

“James…”  He turns around so fast that she has no time to stop and runs straight into him. His arms unfold and hold her steady. She looks up from where she near collided into his chest to his face and sees his eyes are wide and... to her bewilderment... horrifed.  “What’s wrong?” he asks, his voice filled with concern.  “Nothing’s wrong,"she answers, suddenly flustered. "I just wanted to tell you I got an interview with the Stokers Brewery. And well, I think your dad’s letter of recommendation really helped with that. So I wanted to thank you for asking him to do that for me.” Lily trails off. He’s still just staring at her, and it’s more than a little unnerving. Just as she’s about to shake him to tell her what on earth has him this rattled, it seems her words have trickled their way into his conscience. His face relaxes. He looks genuinely happy now.  “Congratulations, Ev… Lily.”

She blinks... He never calls her... Oh. 

[jilymicrofics]

Everybody knows 🥰 @practicecourts

Day 2 Infatuated on ao3 || ~ 200 words || @jilymicrofics

Infatuated: Marked by foolish or unreasoning fondness

Sirius is the first to notice it. James makes a mistake. Lily recovers their near failure, because if there’s one student who can salvage a potion from an accidental overdose of Trickle-seed it’s Evans. That’s nothing noteworthy, the fact she does it without scolding her inattentive partner, is.

Remus catches on at the same time Camilla does. They watch Lily stare out of the window, vaguely in the direction of the Quidditch pitch during Ancient Runes. Her parchment remains empty, apart from some vague doodles that look like the letters P and J.

Penelope is next. For as long as she has known her dormmate, she’s never cared to understand the rules and tactics that make Quidditch the brilliant sport it is. Today, as they watch the Gryffindor captain deftly pass the Quaffle to Penelope’s younger brother who scores, she patiently explains the Robertson’s maneuver for the fourth time that day.

To absolutely no one's surprise, the two Head Students spend the next Hogsmeade weekend together in the Three Broomsticks, though neither will call it a date. There’s no need, everyone knows.

[jilymicrofics]

A jilymicros + Jilytoberfest mash up!

An Idiot in Love || Read on AO3 || 1,3 K words Written for Jilytober Masquerade 2023 with several @jilymicrofics excellent words from the July prompt list 💘 and completely ignoring the prompt @joyseuphoria handed out, but that's another story ;-) as a gift to Joy and @athenasparrow. 25% of you guessed correctly!

With his heart in his throat his foot in his mouth he lost all control and removed any doubt and I'm writing a story about an idiot in love

James slipped off his Invisibility Cape as the portrait closed behind him. This late at night, the Common room was empty as usual, the embers still smouldered in the hearth. The last of the night hawks had only just left for their dormitories.

Silence hung in the Common Room like a soft cotton blanket. Out of habit rather than necessity, he stealthily walked over to the stairs and that’s when he heard it. Her.

Her voice, Lily, unmistakable, undeniably her.

He knew her every tone by now, wasn’t proud of his familiarity with her icy hisses, aggrieved shouts and sharp acidic reproofs, but over the past year he had learned by heart her gentler tones, patient explanations, curious questions, poor concealed amusement, even supportive yet firm words for a friend in need. He couldn’t help it; he had meticulously committed the full range of Lily Evans’s timbres to memory.

continue reading

[jilymicrofics]

@practicecourts ! This should definitely become a micro-oops- I’m enthralled!

Jockey - microfic 15 August

“Oi, what’s that jockey think he’s doing? She’s not gonna keep the lead with a whole mile to go, she’ll fade for sure,” James said, shaking his head at the display of stupidity on the racetrack.

Sirius looked incredulous through his binoculars. “It’s as if he thinks he’ll be done before the bend, innit? But there’s still half a lap to go. Remind me to look up who that is, so we won’t let him near any of our horses.”

Remus leaned over the bar, in breeches, his riding boots muddy. “I heard about this filly, Ted bought her, she might…pull through.” 

James scoffed. “‘S not likely, no three year old filly has that much stamina.” Then he looked at the course again. The horse was still in the lead, its rider, a slim slight figure in the colours of Tonks Stables bouncing up and down thrown forward along the neck of the plated horse, as if he was pushing it himself over the course. 

“Lily did the pre-purchase sale for it, she’s been giving advice about her training too.” Remus said, carefully picking a bit of straw apart. 

“Shows what she knows, don’t it? More like the American ways, race them like this and replace when they’re burned up. I’m surprised Ted went along with,” James replied, through gritted teeth.

“She’s going to make it.” Sirius whistled.

“No way, mate. There’s no way…” James’s voice trailed off when the horse turned into the corner, legs stretched and frothing at the mouth but not losing speed, the cadence of the hooves didn’t slow.

“Look at her, she’s not losing speed, and the others are choking already. I think unless we get one from the back… but it’s almost become too long a sprint now…” Sirius voiced what they were all seeing before their disbelieving eyes. 

“She’s not even carrying a whip.” Remus said not looking away from the colourful streak that was racing still towards the finish post.

“Wait, you know who’s riding, then? Out with it.” Sirius turned on Remus with narrowed eyes. 

Remus looked away, his hands wringing together. “I just thought he looked…”

Sirius looked suspiciously from the horse to Remus. 

“Don’t bullshit me, you know. It isn’t…”

Remus nodded, his eyes on the racecourse.

Sirius hissed “That’s Andromeda? What’s she doing racing for him? Oh, shit, hell, bollocks. If her Dad hears about this, she’ll have some serious explaining to do.”

“Well, she’s going to win this so he’s going to hear about it. And Demona is not even in the first three.” Remus said. Sirius gripped the rail, his knuckles went white. 

James looked away from Sirius's anger to the blur now about to thunder across the finish line. The jockey looked backwards and a fist went up in the air. The second horse only crossed the line long seconds later. It was truly a spectacle.

He picked up his binoculars, the horse was still moving, he could see the expression of defiance, and elation on Sirius’s cousin's face. She was clearly recognisable now despite the goggles.

And then there was Ted, running on the track, Andromeda was hugging him, awkward as she was still atop the horse but then more people arrived and he had her in his arms. Hugging. Kissing… well shit, James thought, this was really going to upset the Black’s dinner conversation. 

Then his breath hitched as he moved towards the stable side. A flash of red flaming hair accentuated by the sun’s beams peeking through the clouds. Her face was bright. She looked happier than he’d ever seen her, which made him realise he’d only seen her polite and reserved, well, and absolutely livid. Even that one time, before he’d known who she was, she hadn’t looked as carefree and jubilant as she did now.

Flashes came unbidden but with force, her lips, sensual, soft. The way he’d laughed at her witticisms, the thrill when she’d changed her mind and decided to play along with his flirting. Flashes of the night she’d spent with him, her soft curves, a flip of her vibrant hair, those dazzling eyes and something entirely new; she’d been guileless, when she had come with him she’d not done so because of his name, money, or status, but because she’d found him attractive. Whatever he had called her and accused her of, he knew she spoke the truth. She hadn’t had a clue who he was then. 

Her face became a mask, all happiness gone in a flash. It was as if the sun had stopped shining. James blinked, his father’s face appeared at the railing next to Lily. 

@jilymicrofics word Jockey (august 15 🏇)

sorry might be an oops as I didn’t count words)

[jilymicrofics]

Adorable 🥰 @practicecourts

@jilymicrofics Moody March 16 Mellow

Read on ao3 or under the cut

Mellow

It’s a Saturday and the Common Room is packed. There’s plenty of firewhisky, someone’s found a record player and charmed it to play. People are drinking, talking, dancing, snogging, sleeping. It’s chaos.

“Evans, dance with me?”

Green eyes, that used to flash at him with anger or annoyance, now sparkle with very different emotions. He's absolutely powerless to stop his lips from curling into a smile in response to the warmth in her eyes. It’s like a Pavlov reaction. A reaction he doesn’t ever want to change, James thinks, as her hands go around his neck and their bodies instinctively move with each other, to the mellow music. 

[jilymicrofics]

Where’s Lord Potter to put an end to this and save the poor girl? @practicecourts

Word day 22 March Moody Microfics || Surprised|| @jilymicrofics

Read A Particularly Exquisite Vegetable (day 22 Surprised) on ao3 or below the cut.

A Particularly Exquisite Vegetable

The Greengrasses were popular and they enjoyed company as much as their guests enjoyed their feasts. So the whole of the Hogsmeade Assembly gladly accepted the dinner invitation to celebrate the engagement of Miss Lyra Bones to the Greengrass's heir.

Lily found herself seated next to Mr Snape. She was not happy about it. His condescending and frankly rude remarks after she’d literally saved his skin from a sure beating by Mr Potter and the younger Lord Black, still stung.  Really, having heard some of the abhorrent opinions of the man, she would not have bothered, but at the time she had not known him well. She had simply stepped up for a man, who looked to her, in physical appearances, to be the weaker party. 

This evening she was no longer surprised when he stated his concerns for the felicity of Mr Greengrass, since he considered Miss Lyra to be in possission of several serious defects of temper; she was headstrong and had a foolish interest in inappropriate subjects such as Philosophy and the running of her future husband’s estate.  Lily suppressed the urge to quote Socrates to him or mention how her father used to discuss every decision about his tenants with her.

When she pretended he wasn't actually here at all, she found Mr Snape to be less intolerable.  Mr Snape, however, did nothing to make it easier for her to ignore him.

“The potatoes are without a doubt the best I’ve ever tasted. Surely, you agree, Miss Evans?”

“Hmm... I suppose they are…well done,” she answered, wondering if the man was a secret potato fetishist. He seemed to be happy enough with her answer so she let her mind wander to more palatable subjects. Like Lord Potter, who she now noticed, sitting only a few places to her right.  

Meanwhile, Mr Snape kept his inane and one-sided conversation going.  “I’m proud to tell you I’ve been personally invited to the Deed’s club. Of course, I am not about to get blackballed, unlike those two scoundrels, Lord Potter and Black.”

Lily looked up at Lord Potter at that, she wondered if he could hear what was being said about him. The thought almost made her speak up against Mr Snape’s disparaging remarks. She didn't want Lord Potter to believe she was in agreement with Mr Snape, but he was not to be silenced, if anything he seemed to have found new energy to unleash his next words.

“I realise that you, my dear Miss Evans, are well aware of the success I am about to become. Which brings me to a delicate and private matter. Lord Riddle, has advised me to find a suitable wife, a woman such as yourself, to be the proper and dutiful mistress of my home.”

Lily choked on her potato. 

[jilymicrofics]

We will never complain about “early” posting @practicecourts 😉

day 11 Moody @jilymicrofics is a little early (maybe I'm getting reckless, we will see, also I've not forgotten day 10...)

and since it's for day 2 of @mppmaraudergirl's Alight With Happines fest - The Doe-mestic moments I decided to post it now rather than wait to tomorrow ;-)

Read the Shit Show on ao3 (tw: mentions of - you guessed it- poo)

The Shit Show

With a flick of her wand the water in her mug came to a boil. Lily carefully dropped the heartshaped tealeave holder into it. Just looking at the silly thing brought a smile to her lips.  James had found it on a day out in Muggle London. Sirius got some excellent additions to his Record collection, and her husband had bought this trinket for her. He’d been proud as a peacock for finding such an excellent addition to their kitchen utensils, a tea maker for his love. It was barely light out, through the kitchen’s window she saw their garden turn from grey to green.  Slowly, she made her way up the stairs. The silence was deep, comforting and serene. The door to their bedroom was ajar, she peeked inside and frowned when there was no sign of James in their bed.  The small cot was empty too. Leaving her mug on the bedside table she pushed the door to the bathroom. A deep humming greeted her. In the shower the water rained down. The small room was filled with misty steam. James’s briefs lay on the floor, together with a small bodysuit, with a large yellow stain that caught her attention.  She leaned against the wall and tugged at the shower curtain, there her men stood, her baby boy safely in the strong arms of her husband. James’s hair was plastered to his head, Harry’s wide eyes peeked over the shoulder of his father. She reached a hand and touched his small hand. “Ah, Harry, is mummy there? Good for us, son. I always forget to grab a towel when we take an emergency shower.” “Ah, another shit-show then?” Lily giggled as Harry clasped at her finger fiercely.  “Oh, if you didn’t know better,"James said, sounding more proud than anything else, "you’d think he does it on purpose love, but yes, just like yesterday morning, he was up to his neck in it.”

[jilymicrofics]

Thank @practicecourts! It is a very Sirius Black word isn’t it?

half way through Moody March (in microfics, I know it’s the 30th today ;)

And we’re 2 weeks and a day down! Sorry this one is a day late, had stuff to do ;-)

@jilymicrofics Contemptuous (which is a very Sirius Black word if there ever was one ;-)

Read yesterday's micro Deja Vu on ao3.

"Run, Lily, I'll cover you," Sirius Black shouted and Lily didn't argue.

Their mission was supposed to be a dud, pretend to be a loving couple out for drinks. The barman had looked through them, his face bland and uninterested. Still, they had ordered their shots of Firewhisky and sat at a table. Well, he was clearly imperiused for the Death Eaters had shown up before they could have so much as a sip of their drinks. Ill-timed bastards. 

They hid under the table for a while, the chaos of the full-out brawl shielding them more than the wood. Until an explosion set most of the bar on fire and they were forced to move out. 

Apparition was impossible. 

Lily sucked in a breath as she saw six hooded figures working to take out drunk wizards and witches one by one. They worked systematically.  As if they were looking for something specific.

That's when she realised, "They’re looking for us. Someone told them we'd be here."

Sirius cursed out loud and threw a complicated series of hexes that forced three of them to leave their positions. He pushed her out of their hiding place and told her to run, so that's what she did. 

continue reading

[jilymicrofics]

More regency Jily you say? 🍽️ @practicecourts

No good choices (Moody March Microfic day 13: lonely)

Another @jilymicrofics in the Regency AU where Lord Potter should take his horse’s advice and Miss Evans realises she’s none too fond of men, in general, or is she?

Read on ao3 below the cut (700 wrds)

No Good Choices

… Lily, it is high time you gave up on the ludicrous idea of finding a paid position. Instead, you had better find yourself a proper husband, ensure your future by any means necessary, compromise a gentleman in a public setting, or sprain your ankle. Most firstborns are born early, it’s a fact of life in our social circles. You’re too pretty to be hired as a governess, no Mistress of a respectable house in their right mind would take you on. So stop hiding from the balls. I can’t have you live off me and Mr Dursley, so find yourself a husband that will provide for you. I’ve no interest in accepting that Mr. Snape on your behalf. Believe it or not, but I think you could do better. Just know, I will have no other choice, if you don’t act soon… 

The words in Petunia’s handwriting blurred before her eyes. The implications of her elder sister circled her mind like a flock of vultures.  Lily shuddered, the idea to trick a man into marriage, a bond that would last until either of them died, horrified her. She could never. She’d much prefer to stay alone, then suffer to feel lonely in an unsuited marriage. Besides, how would she even manage? Would she really dare approach a man? Grab a wandering gentleman by the lapels of his jacket, fling herself in unsuspecting arms, kiss an unattached Lord on the lips, let her fingers wander, and risk losing her virtue in the hopes he’d not walk away after she gave him what he desired? A man could after all, and no one would ever treat them less. Whereas she’d be ruined, without any chances for the future, just because she was a woman.  The memory of her overhearing Lord Potter’s complaints about his poor predicament (his estate and title required him to take a wife in order for him to secure an heir) and his laments over the many ladies looking to seduce him to be their husband. He’d even gone as far as say he wanted to have a choice in such a personal matter, and he felt robbed of one.  Oh, how angry she still got just thinking about it. How did he dare complain so vehemently, when he had all anyone could wish for? Good health, good fortune, title and lands to his name, proper education. She’d give a lot to be allowed to gain more knowledge.  How could the man think he was without choice. What highborn lady would refuse him? A man of his stature and fortune, with great posture and good looks to boot. Lily had to admit she enjoyed looking at him. She even found herself day dreaming about him, his thick dark hair, attractive to her probably because it was a little too wild for society’s standards. Often her thoughts would wander to his eyes that could burn with their intensity, the severity of his look had the power to decide an argument.  She’d also seen how they would crinkle just before his lips would quirk into a smile. Oh, how she’d started to look for that beginning of his smile, to see it just before it transformed his face like a sunset changed night into day… Oh, oh.

And just like that, Lily’s jealous anger morphed into something different, still heated, still burning, longing even; she desired Lord Potter, she wanted his smile, his look, to be only for her.    What would it be like if he were to kiss her…What would it be like? She ran her finger over her lips, absentmindedly, before she shook her head, embarrassed for imagining he would ever kiss her.

For Lord Potter had made his opinion on women trying to seduce him perfectly clear.  And as she was a woman with no fortune, no powerful relations, even when she would somehow find herself alone with him, even if he’d not walk away but instead do the honourable thing—Lily felt her face heat up, she put a cold hand on her cheeks—it would be to no avail, he’d forever think her mercenary, he’d be disgusted and loathe her for the rest of her life. He’d rightfully blame her for ruining his life.

That would be infinitely worse than being alone, but Lily wasn’t sure if it would be worse than living her life as Mr Snape’s wife. Spinsterhood sounded more and more appealing. 

[jilymicrofics]

We’re human and would do anything to protect our babies @practicecourts

day 10 Shame @jilymicrofics Day 4 of @mppmaraudergirl Alight with happiness (but it's so moody that I hardly dare say that;-) Our little Family Read Only Human on ao3 or under the cut

We're Only Human

He finds her in the back of their garden. She’s holding herself as if the wind might blow her away. “What’s wrong?”

She sniffs and rocks back and forth without answering.  He sits down next to her and puts a hand around her shoulder. “Come on, you can tell me.”

She shakes her head. “You’ll think me a monster.”

“I could never think that. Never, Lil, c’mere.” She fits perfectly in his embrace, even with her growing belly. “Tell me what you’re thinking, please. You're my wife, nothing you say will make me love you less.”

He doesn’t mean for it to sound like a challenge, but her eyebrows raise as she looks at him for a second, a hint of a smirk on her lips. It’s not enough to pull her out of what’s bothering her, for she purses her lips and looks away. Her hand rests absentmindedly on the curve of her belly.

It’s both mesmerising and terrifying to know there’s a child, their child, growing inside of her. 

For a long time they just sit side by side, not speaking. He doesn’t push, he has learned sometimes it’s best to wait. 

At last she starts to speak, a whisper, barely louder than the rushing of the leaves above. “Every day, James, every damn day I wish it is someone else, them, anyone, just not us. Not us. I don’t want it to be us.”

He turns and takes in her pale face, it's only the beginning of spring and her freckles have faded during the winter months. He could look at the patterns across her face for hours. 

“And I hate myself for thinking that," she says, not looking at him. "We made our choice and I would not change it. We knew about the danger, and I believe we are doing the right thing… But now… now we have to think about this little one, and that makes everything different," she rubs her hand over her stomach. "I know we are fighting to make the world a better place for our child to live in. Still, the risks we’re taking, the risks we run seem too high when it could hurt...more than just us. I feel like I’m losing control."

Lily shifts next to him, her gaze fixed on the camellia, whose large petals are shifting from red to yellow-brown.

“James, I’m disgusted with myself. You would too, if you knew what I’m willing to do to keep our baby safe.” 

He doesn't say anything at first, just holds her.

“Lily, I feel the same way, and not just about this little one,” he says, as he presses a kiss to her hair. "About you too."

“There’s no shame in wanting your loved ones to be safe,” he says, mouth still pressed to her hair. “To wish it more for us than for anyone else, it makes me love you more. We’re not saints, Lil, we’re human.”

[jilymicrofics]

Ah pregnancy… and all the things you can’t eat @practicecourts

@jilymicrofics Moody March day 9 Resentful

For the @mppmaraudergirl’s Alight with Happiness fest- day four - (I’m a wee bit early, but you can’t plan things like pregnancies;) - our little family.

The Bigger Person (on ao3) or under the cut

The Bigger Person

“James, I want to be the bigger person here.” Lily says. James opens his mouth. A finger presses to his lips. “Nggggmh”

Lily rounds on him, “Don’t say it. I know I look like I swallowed a Romanian horntail’s egg.”

“Nmmmmmmnng.” Her finger is still pressed against his mouth.

“I’m unfairly resentful, and I bloody well know it and I hate it, but I can’t help myself, James.”

He tries another mumbling attempt to calm his wife down, all he manages is “Lily,” before she cuts him off. “I never even liked them, you know? And now that I can’t have them, they’re all I can think about. I dream about them, baked, cooked, scrambled, poached, even roasted ashwinder eggs.” Lily pouts and James hovers uncertain of what to do. “A mean ashwinder egg pancake would be just the thing…”

Before he has too much time to think of something to say, or do, she smiles brightly at him (he’s still not used to these mood swings, if he’s completely honest). “Slithering Skittles, I know I can have those, I can even have them raw. Oh, I love how they crunch between my teeth.”