#not to put on my history student hat

[andyevej]

There can only be one Ra // WIP

still on my grind of never finishing anything

[pizzapottah]

runaway

summary: you and james grew up together, being best friends since childhood, but after you get sorted into slytherin in your first year at hogwarts, it was only a matter of time until it all crumbled down.

pairing: james potter x slytherin!slughorn!reader (no use of y/n)

word count: 3.6k

warnings: like two swear words, sirius and regulus' feud (they're both menaces), kinda mean james, sirius' a dick too, THEY'RE ALL DICKS BUT REMUS YOUR HONOR, a bit angsty

author's note: inspired by runaway by kanye west (don't worry, there'll be homecoming too). slughorn as granpa is going to have a bigger role on the second part i swear (i love granpas and he woud be so sweet) i swear the timeline piece for young love is coming. i don't know when but i'm trying ;-;

runaway | homecoming

To Sirius, it looked a bit obvious that you and James had somewhat of a history. 

They were just in their second year, and as soon as “BLACK, REGULUS” is called and gets put to Slytherin, he turns to his friend, about to start a bashing on his brother's House. “What did I tell you? Of course he would be put there. A little snake, he is, tried to drown me in the bathtub when he was five, Merlin knows what he will be capable of now…”

But as another name gets called to the Hat, James looks like he isn't listening. And as Sirius goes on, stubborn, the boy puts a hand on his mouth. “Shush, I wanna hear.”

Well, that's surely something new. Prongs wanting to listen? That has to be the news of the decade. So Sirius tries to hold back his wounded ego and looks at the chair where the students sit, one by one, to be sorted. There's a girl sitting on it, and as the Hat takes a moment to debate with himself for where to put her, James looks at the girl like she holds on her shoulders the sky and the stars. 

Sirius doesn't really understand - right now he just thinks that yes, she’s pretty, but not that pretty to break his neck just to look at her. (In a few years time, he’ll realise that it’s not because she’s not that pretty. It’s just because he doesn’t really like girls - and maybe, just maybe, at that time he had an itty bitty crush on his friend, but was too young and oblivious to know.) 

James stares dreamily at the girl. “She's the daughter of my neighbours - the girl I grew up with, remember? I told you about her.”

No, Sirius actually doesn’t remember her, but he stares at her and the Hat, waiting for the sorting. “Why is it taking so long? It never takes that long.” At this point he’s just trying to go on like nothing happened, like James didn’t just shut him up to stare at a girl - what happened to the bro code?

“The Hat’s probably settling between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor,” his friend tells him. “To Gryffindor because, well, I'm here, but also to Ravenclaw because she’s so smart- oh, Sirius, when she gets put here, you’ll have to move- could you give your seat to her?”

Sirius stares at him with his mouth open. In front of them, Peter and Remus assume the same horrified face of their friend - James Potter asking Sirius Black to give up his seat beside him? They’re not even sure if they ever saw them sitting apart. The latter seems horrified at the thought of his best friend asking him to move.

And before Sirius can start shouting mouthfuls of insults that a twelve year old surely shouldn’t know, the Hat declares his sentence. “SLYTHERIN!”

A sudden relief fills Sirius. Oh, thank Merlin. James, unlike him, looks outraged and is probably about to have an aneurysm. “WHAT?” he shouts, his protests unheard as the Slytherins claps fill the room as you go sit at their table. “I demand another sorting! The Hat’s broken!”

Professor McGonagall takes no more than a few seconds to shut him up, opting to use magic instead of discussing with a twelve year old with a too-big ego, and James has to sit still, almost chained to the table, for the whole evening, not muttering a single word. Sirius looks at him smugly, silently thinking that he deserves that for even thinking about putting a girl before him, as he glares at her and his brother quietly chatting on the green and silver table.

You don’t exactly remember when you and James Potter actually became friends.

You know your dads went to school together, his in Gryffindor and yours in Slytherin, and your family's cottage and the Potter's farmhouse being only a flower field away, for most of your childhood you were each other’s only friend. But as you grew up and he went to Hogwarts, merely a year before you, you two drifted apart.

It wasn’t anyone’s fault, really. James was a year older than you, already growing faster, and probably needed more friends than just you - not that he had difficulties at that. He was an enthusiast, and put his heart in everything he ever did. During the summer he told you about his new friends - and the strange nicknames they’d given each other - and expressed his excitement over you meeting them.

It all went downhill when you got sorted to Slytherin.

For you, or your family, it wasn’t a big deal. Slytherin is a Hogwarts House as much as any of the others, and many of your family members are Slytherins. But as for you it’s not a problem, James surely doesn’t think of it like you do, and makes no effort to hide it from you. 

(In the first weeks of school, a rumour that he had tried to protest to professor McGonagall and even Dumbledore about your sorting spread around. You just hope it was a bad joke.)

More times than you’d like to admit he has complained about your friends, saying that you should just stick to staying around him and his friends. 

“Yeah, and then what?" You’d say, getting angry. “Spend six hours of lessons alone, not talking to anyone? Spending all my time at the dormitories by staying silent? If you found some friends, why can’t I? You’re not my mother, you can't tell me what to do!”

“It's because they’re bad for you!”

“Oh, so you mean to tell me that Regulus is worse than Sirius?” you’re not sure if he has seen the way Sirius treats you - like a rival, a nuisance that he has to endure until he manages to get rid of it. Just yesterday, when you were by the Black Lake, he made you trip by the river and almost fall in the water. When you confronted him about it, he shrugged it off, blaming your bad balance. James did nothing about it - not that it is his place to discipline his friend, but if he tries to scare off all your friends just to make you stay with his, assuring himself that he treats you decently is the least he could do.

It’s no secret that you and Sirius don’t get along, and as now he’s apparently James' best friend, it’s a problem. Sirius despises you because you’re friends with his brother - who, by the way, never speaks ill of him - and you despise him for the way he treats you. You wouldn’t have anything to do with him if it wasn’t for James insisting on you spending so much time with his friends. 

Peter? Sure, nice guy. Remus? Your favourite. But Sirius? He’s hated you even before you even met, you’re certain. It’s like you were made for hating each other.

But at this time, it’s still just the first year. You and James are both just kids who love each other very much, and surely none of you is ready to give up on the other. Somehow you compromise - you stay with your friends, James stays with his, and you try to avoid the Marauders, especially when you're with Regulus. Him, in fact, is even angrier about the whole situation than you.

“I can't believe it,” he said, once. “He's bashing you for befriending me and a couple of other Slytherins? Sirius goes around the school saying I'm not his brother and that our parents found me in a dumpster. I think it’s him who should revise his priorities.” 

Sure, your friends and his friends hate each other, but for your first year at Hogwarts, the friendship with James somehow remains intact. So by the time summer break comes, it’s like you never argued at school and never grew up from the kids you used to be, spending all your time in the field between your houses and constantly having sleepovers. 

It all comes crashing down in your second year. 

You befriend Severus Snape, a guy in James’ year, while the latter falls head over heels for Lily Evans. The arguments get more heated and frequent, you both just getting mad at each other over nothing, and it’s like all the time you spent together in the damn field is forgotten. 

“Why him, but not my friends?” is a frequent question he asks, worried about you, since Severus wasn’t one of the people he wanted to be around you. 

“Well, go ask Sirius, James!” you would always reply, getting meaner every time this question was asked. Now, basically every time you see each other, you argue, him too proud to admit his wrongs, you too stubborn to give in. 

And, one day, you’ve simply had enough. There’s no energy left in you, and it’s like you’re the only one caring about your friendship, fighting for it. So, since the only times you and James interact it’s for arguing, you start ignoring him. You ignore him when he tries to talk to you during breaks, you ignore him when he greets you in the hallway between classes, you ignore him when he tries to start an argument again.

Soon, the only signs of recognition he gets are from your friends, who send him dirty looks every time they see him. 

James honestly feels even more enraged than before, sure that it’s them who are conditioning you - especially Severus, who never liked him or any of the Marauders, always staring at him up and down like they were superior to him. 

“I think Snivellus’ putting strange ideas in her head,” James announces to the other Marauders one evening, while they’re all huddled in their room. Sirius huffs dramatically as Remus sighs, while Peter just frowns. 

“You have to let her go,” Sirius insists, never having liked you. You’ve never actually done him any wrong, but your House and the fact that you’re dangerously close to James are enough for him. “If she’s ignoring you, that’s her loss, ‘innit? She loses the only good friend she has. Once my brother and the other Slytherins get bored of her, she’ll be alone and will come crawling back.”

Remus and Peter stare at him with their mouths open. “Sirius, that’s horrible,” Lupin says, shocked. He turns to James, not understanding all of this drama, “Why can’t you just accept that she’s made new friends aside from you? Can’t you just be happy for her? Is it that hard?”

James crosses his arms. Right now, he looks like a spoiled kid who’s used to having everyone at his mercy. “I can’t be happy for her knowing what horrible people she is friends with,” he grumbles. Sirius nods, agreeing. “Just leave her alone and give her time to understand her mistake. And once she does, it’ll be too late.”

So he did, leave you alone. Stopped saying hi to you, hoping that like Sirius predicted, you’d come back - except it could never be too late for you. James is sure he’d welcome you back a thousand times, if necessary, even if Sirius is sure that you should learn your lesson by him never talking to you again. 

A week passes, then two, then a month’s passed and you only seem happier, always surrounded by a big group of friends, who now consist of some Ravenclaws, too. They stop glaring at him, finally, but Regulus doesn’t look like he’s going to stab you in your back at any given moment. You two look closer, even.

And when the summer break finally arrives, James thinks that maybe, now that your friends aren’t there to condition you, everything will go back to normal - it already happened last year, no?

Well, nothing goes back to normal.

You don’t show up at the Potter's saturday barbecue - your parents do, though, and say that you simply didn’t feel like coming. James is more than confused - you used to love coming to their barbecues. His confusion only strengthens when later that week he goes to your house to ask you if you want to come with him to take a swim by the lake, and he gets greeted by your apologetic mother, who simply tells him that you are at a friends’ house. 

Defeated, James goes back home, immediately writing a letter to Remus for advice - he’s learned not to name you in front of Sirius - and then slumps in bed, convinced that you’ve started to hate him.

It's monday. On mondays you always go to the lake together. Never missed a day since now.

But James doesn’t surrender. He isn’t ready to give up on this friendship yet. 

He goes to your house the next day - tuesday, usually you play Quidditch. Your mother probably pities him, at this point. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, she’s still at her friend’s house. Her name’s Pandora - a sweet girl from Ravenclaw, you surely know her. She's coming back next week, and the girl will stay with us for a while, too. Hasn’t my daughter told you about it? She probably just forgot.’’

James has actually never heard of this Pandora girl before, even if the name does sound familiar. He's hurt by the fact that you didn’t tell him you’d go away, even if it was for a week, but Remus’ reply to his letter is quick to snap him back to his senses. 

Dear Prongs,

Please, stop thinking that the poor girl is your property. Let her live her life. You don’t have to do everything together and she doesn’t owe you anything. Besides, I'd like to remind you that during the last months at school you two stopped arguing just because she started ignoring you, and you complied, instead of finding a sane solution. She was probably too exhausted to keep fighting with you, and thought that maybe not starting a conversation would be best. If you didn’t like that, you could’ve simply told her. 

In hope that you come to your senses,

Moony.

James' newly return to his senses doesn’t last long, though, as apparently, Remus told what happened to Sirius, too.

Dear Prongs, 

Let her stew in her own juice. You’ll do just fine without her. You still have me, Remus and Peter. Plus, it’s not that big of a loss. In your position, I would never talk to her again. 

Please listen to me, 

Padfoot. 

James is torn. Why are his friends like this? 

He ends up going to your house again, but this time he's sure that you're home and can't avoid talking to him. It's tuesday again, Quidditch again, so he brings his broom and all the equipment you'll need, in hope that you’ll just become friends again without a big fuss. It always was like that - in the past years, the ones before Hogwarts, you two rarely argued, and everything was forgiven without even saying sorry, not even the day after. A kiss on the cheek, two cookies and back to being friends like nothing ever happened.

(James hasn’t brought the entire jar of cookies that his mother just made. No, no, absolutely not. He would never try to bribe you like that, who do you take him for?)

Your father opens the door and forces himself to smile at the sight of Iames. It's kinda hard when he knows the kid has insulted the House he was in for almost two whole years now. “James,” he greets, rather formally than usual. “Good morning. How can I help you?” it is strange talking to a boy he’s seen grow up like this, but he can’t help the awkwardness, especially knowing how James made you feel.

“Is she home?” James doesn’t have to specify who, since he’s always come here for you.

“Well-” 

Before your father can articulate an actual sentence, a familiar voice comes from the hallway, “Who’s at the door, son?”

Your father shifts so that professor Slughorn can see James, clad in Quidditch uniform, looking smaller than he’s ever been. “Oh, it’s you, Potter! What a nice surprise! Why don’t you enter?” not sparing a look at your dad, who’s staring disappointedly at his own father, he welcomes the boy in. “I see you brought cookies! Is your dad home, perhaps? We’re making potions here, thought that maybe he would like to join…” 

In the living room there’s five people seated on the carpet: you, who James recognises immediately, Lily Evans - his heart skips a beat just by seeing her -, the girl who he barely recognises as Pandora and, to his absolute horror, Regulus Black and bloody Snivellus. You’re all seated in front of a cauldron each, and the potion inside them is the colour of an astonishing purple. You’re all laughing and chatting like nothing's wrong.

The fact that you would trade Quidditch tuesdays just to do extracurricular potion lessons with Snape makes him want to vomit. For Lily Evans? He understands, he would too, but Severus?

Once you all notice him, the room becomes silent. Professor Slughorn blinks, not understanding the sudden tension, remembering all the times you and the Potter boy would play outside in the garden with him watching over. He thought you were good friends - and you still are, right? 

You huff, getting up and taking him by the wrist. “Feel free to go on without me,” you say, “I'll walk him home.” 

“Hey, that’s not-” 

But it’s too late, since you’ve already passed by your father who just nods in an approving manner. You get to the door, and James thinks that never, never in almost thirteen years of friendship has he been thrown out of your house like this. You two always tried to spend the most time you could with each other, and when time to go arrived, it was not easily that his parents were able to bring him home. 

It's only when you’ve surpassed the porch that James is finally able to snap out of your grasp. “I don't need you to walk me home like I’m five!” he bursts. You don’t even blink, going for the flower field that sits between your houses, and he has to speed up to catch up to you. “Could you tell me what is going on?”

This time you frown, stopping. “What’s going on?” you ask in disbelief. Letting out a small laugh, you ask, louder, “What’s going on?”

James falters. “Yeah,” he breathes. “You’re not the same.”

He stares at you and for a moment, hoping it’s all a bad dream, because something tells him that this time you won’t go back to being friends thanks to some cookies and a kiss on the cheek. 

Your eye twitches. “I'm not the same,” you mutter. “What nonsense are you babbling about? James, I've tried my best to keep up with you, but I don't think I can do it anymore. At Hogwarts you treat me like I'm a pet, expecting me to do what you say, and when I rightfully don’t - because mind you, I am my own person! - you get mad at me saying I'm stupid!” 

You start walking towards the Potter's house again, letting out a frustrated groan. “I start ignoring you because I'm so tired of the fact that we’re constantly arguing about my friends - people I care about - and every time we talk we just end up fighting again!” you point your finger at him even before he opens his mouth to protest, “And don’t say that’s not true, Potter, it’s been months since we’ve had a decent conversation and now that we’re talking, we’re back to arguing again.”

James stops and suddenly thinks that holy shit, you’re right. He barely remembers the last time you’ve had a civil conversation that wasn’t a screaming match, or the last time he made you laugh or even barely smile. 

But pride is an ugly thing, and he isn’t ready to admit his faults - but is more than ready to point out yours. “So you do admit that you started ignoring me!”

You seem to lose it. “Yeah, douchebag!” you yell. “Don’t you get it? That's why we haven’t fought lately! That’s why we’ve been so peaceful! Because we didn’t talk!”

First James, then Potter, then douchebag. He's about to have a heart attack - he once was JJ and Jamie to you. “Maybe it’s best if we just… stop talking. Like, at all.” he murmurs, almost hoping that you will protest. It’s never really been him the one fighting for this friendship - since the Marauders entered the picture, it’s like he stopped fighting to maintain a good relationship with you, but started to fight to make it crumble to the ground. He’s realising it now, but it’s too late, and unlike him, you’re not that keen on letting him come back. 

Please, he thinks, don’t let me do this.

But instead of protesting, you spitefully murmur, “Yeah, I thought so.” 

And the same field that has seen you two grow up is seeing you two split up, probably for good. 

[matrixbearer2024]

not a request but i just wanna get an idea that i absolutely MUST get out of my brain before it consumes my entire being. So, your “get off my screen series”. You know that trend where ppl put that one vox vid of his face on their tv and put like hus hat and/or body attached to the tv. Imagine vox somehow finds a way to do that and y/n just does this.

THATS IT LMAO ABSOLUTELY LOVE AND ADORE YOUR SERIES. ANYTIME I SEE IT’S UPDATED IT MAKES MY DAY<3

TikTok Trending, Posts and Memes

Vox x CollegeStudent!Reader

A/N: With how many ideas you guys have at this point I might just continue to write short scenarios for this AU with all the ideas you guys are giving me- it's absolutely amazing seeing what y'all come up with and I'm just living for it hahahaha! Thank you guys so much!

The week you had was... interesting to say the least.

Vox had challenged you to at least take up basic programming, claiming you were too impatient to learn.

So you, being the persistent and stubborn you-

Decided to prove him wrong.

Besides, it can't be that bad if he knows how to do it.

You wouldn't tell him because it'd probably make him butthurt-

But you were sure Vox was 1000% more impatient than you.

You took up computer science for extra credit, quickly learning the ins and outs of basic coding.

It was just a world of syntax and numbers but you definitely found it fun.

And useful too-

Especially when you wanted to explicitly screw with others.

Vox may or may not have slightly taught you how to hack.

But you weren't using it for anything bad!

Just to change the final grade of some asshole students so they'd have to repeat the class.

That's what they get for just randomly tripping you in the hall the other day.

Vox was slightly proud but also kind of concerned-

You'd definitely end up where he was at this rate.

Thankfully though, you decided not to do anything too crazy since.

Instead you've been messing around on your devices alongside the tech overlord.

From practicing how to send him encrypted messages-

To straight up just shitposting all over his monitors.

It's not so fun now is it Voxxy?

You would sometimes try to transfer him around to other devices that weren't your own to see if he could actually do anything.

Well, he could- but it only worked if he was directly connected to it.

Meaning he had to be plugged in.

How he was able to connect to all your devices wirelessly without limitation?

Neither of you had a clue.

You both first tested it on your best friend's phone, only for Vox to immediately go back to your computer and blow up your notifications.

"Nope nope nope nope, that's the last time I let you plug me into some random fucking phone-"

"What?? What happened??? And it's not random, it's (Friend Name)'s Phone."

"Dollface, you know Valentino right? The one I told you about?"

"The pornstar? What about?"

You didn't exactly like where this conversation was going.

You had an inkling where it would end and you were already cringing.

"Yeeaaaah, I've known him for quite some time so I would think I've seen nearly everything."

"Get to the point Vox-"

"And yet I am somehow utterly disgusted by your friend's search history."

"Yeah, uh... I'd rather you don't tell me."

"I figured. Though it makes me curious about what yours looks like."

That gave you pause, given how Vox had practically invaded your entire computer-

Hell, he even gave your files a new sorting system-

You were surprised he hadn't gone through your search history.

Of all the things you'd think that was what he'd ransack first.

"You haven't checked my search history yet?"

"Why would I? It's not like I'm trying to find your secret porn stash or something."

"Bruh, why would I even have that."

"Your friend had one, I just guessed."

"Touché."

You were a little touched that Vox cared about you enough not to really dig into your secrets.

Or well, the things you wanted to keep secret.

For a big bad overlord, he was kind of a sweetheart.

"Okay now I definitely wanna see what you've got hidden in there-"

"FUCK OFF YOU STUPID OLD PICTUREBOX-"

"YOU CAN'T STOP ME BITCH-"

You know what, you retracted your previous statement.

He's a fucking jerk.

Vox quickly dug through your search history while the tiny desktop companion in his likeness refused to give you control over the cursor.

You couldn't stop him even if you tried.

His phone blew up from notifications with you cursing at him or just calling him names.

He just laughed at your dismay and continued to dig through.

Okay- wow.

While he didn't initially expect it from you, Vox reckoned he probably should've.

Much like how people had celebrity crushes, he figured you would have your own.

It just so happened that it wasn't a celebrity and it was a fictional character instead.

He kind of felt like someone slapped him in the face actually, even if he didn't know why.

"Soooooo- (Favorite Character Name) huh?"

"Shaddup-"

"This? This is your type???"

"IT'S A FICTIONAL CRUSH GET OVER IT-"

While you were practically steaming from the ears in embarrassment, Vox was just laughing and dealing with his mixed feelings.

On one hand, he found your reactions absolutely entertaining and hilarious.

On the other hand, he didn't even know who or what this character was and he already disliked them.

Just a gut feeling.

He continued to tease you for it though, bringing up more cringe parts of your search history much to your chagrin.

It wasn't really anything bad that you couldn't take, it was just so embarrassing that you'd rather he didn't dig any of it up.

So in the heat of the moment, wanting to get Vox off your computer- you plugged it into the only other active device he wasn't connected.

Your TV.

It was nearly instant, he went from teasing and texting to you to a befuddled face on the larger screen.

But what was more surprising, was he could actually see you this time.

It wasn't filtered over with static like when he'd first met you.

The live feed even had audio, which was just entirely unexpected too.

Who knew, plug a TV demon into his specific medium and he could actually operate properly?

But that's how you guys ended up figuring out how to connect his digital presence to your TV.

By entire surprise and from just fucking around.

"Oh my god that worked-"

"(Y/N)? Holy hell! I can actually see you!"

"I did not think that would work-"

"Wow, are you really that short or is your TV just perched up that high?"

You just flipped him the bird and Vox laughed at you again.

Though, you couldn't help but smile because of it.

Well, at least now he could converse with you "properly" like he'd wanted to for a while.

Even if it did mean he'd need to take up your entire TV.

"Oh- OH WAIT- I've got an idea!"

Vox couldn't even question what you were doing before you ran out of the room and out of his sight.

So while waiting, he took a gander at the room you left him in.

It became abundantly clear that this was your living space too.

From the colors to the patterns, Vox smiled fondly as he recalled your old conversations where you would just tell him things about the things you liked.

Yeah, he could definitely see your touch in how the room was designed.

He raised an eyebrow when you giddily came back into the room with some colored paper, scissors and tape.

What-?

"Okay Doll, just what are you planning?"

"You'll see~!"

Your excitement kept him curious.

What were you drawing over there?

Weird timing for an arts and crafts project if you asked him.

It was only until you approached him and taped something to the screen did he actually grow confused.

He couldn't see what you did despite you doubling over in laughter.

What could've possibly been so funny that had you keeling from it?

By the time you could finally look at Vox without laughing your ass off, you used your phone to take a picture of how he looked.

Approaching the TV to show him just so he could see the photo as well.

Ah.

So that's what you found so funny.

You'd fashioned his outfit-

Poorly made but still recognizable-

Out of paper and taped it to the screen.

His hat on top and his suit dangling off the bottom.

Admittedly, it looked downright silly.

Especially with the proportions being so off thanks to the size of the TV screen.

"Haha, very funny (Y/N). Very funny."

"I'm making this shit my wallpaper, you look so goofy."

Vox just playfully rolled his eyes at you with a smile.

If that was seriously all it took to make you laugh?

He'd do it again no questions asked.

Taking a peek at his internal clock though, he held back his disappointment that he had to leave when you were on such an elated high.

"Sorry to cut this short doll, but I need to disconnect. I've got a meeting in a few minutes."

"Hm? Then go and do what you need to do, I can always just plug you back in later. Good luck!"

The overlord chuckled when you raised a hand to pat the screen, he couldn't feel it but he wished he did.

"I don't need luck, but... thanks. See you."

"See you."

And just like that the screen fizzled out and returned to the smart TV homepage.

You'd sent the picture to Vox through your chats and he replied with a TV emoticon.

You giggled, course he would do that.

At least he didn't take offense to what you did-

Despite your poor art skills-

Maybe he found it as entertaining as you did?

Whatever, you switched the wallpaper on your phone to the new photo you had of Vox and laughed.

His confused expression really sealed the deal with how silly the picture was.

But imagine your surprise come morning when you realized he didn't switch the wallpaper back to his trademark grin.

You sort of expected him to, especially given that he'd done so with all your past attempts to change your wallpaper.

The fact he left it alone made you smile.

And as the day began and Vox left you a morning greeting-

You just shot him one back and got up to prepare for the day.

You figured the day would be just fine.

Yeah, you guys would be just fine.

A/N: Ooough this was a long one but I had a lot of fun writing it! I'll post the masterlist afterwards when I grab all the links to the posts and I'll just be continuing the other interludes before I post the chapter with Reader's death. Either way, I hope you guys enjoyed this one!

[hjparisian]

christmas kiss- harry j potter x reader

p: harry j potter x fem!reader w: fluff, not proofread summary: spending christmas with harry and the gang at hogwarts a/n: lil thing i whipped up, sorry its not the best. happy holidays everyone !

Christmas time at Hogwarts was one of the most gorgeous times of the year. The halls were decorated in holiday glee, Christmas trees lined the Great Hall thanks to Hagrid and the house elves. A white blanket of snow covered the grounds of the school, adding to the winter spirit.

Few students littered the halls of Hogwarts, most returning to homes to celebrate this wonderful holiday with family, but that didn't ruin the Christmas cheer.

(Y/N) (L/N) sat alone in her dorm, doing some very last minute gift wrapping. Her dormmates went home and her parents had something come up last minute which meant she would have to stay at the castle.

She didn't mind though. Especially when Harry was staying along with Hermione and the Weasleys. It was a bit exciting to be able to spend the holiday break with her friends.

(Y/N) was wrapping the last gift, which was a scarf and a broom kit for Harry. The boy had been complaining about the state of his firebolt, so (Y/N) had bought the kit to help him fix up his broom (as well as to stop the complaining). The scarf was something she knitted herself, noticing Harry's slight shiver in the colder months as he lost his Gryffindor scarf.

Harry had always been a wonderful friend to her since they started bonding in their second year. But (Y/N) would be lying if she said she just saw him as a friend. His boyish charm didn't fail to captivate her and his loyalty and kindness was something she had always admired.

Once she finished wrapping the last gift, (Y/N) gathered the rest of the gifts to bring to the Gryffindor common room. After speaking the current password to the portrait of the Fat Lady, (Y/N) spotted the trio.

"Merry Christmas everyone!" (Y/N) announced to her friends.

Hermione was the first to greet her, taking the gifts from her arms before wrapping her arms around her in a hug.

"Merry Christmas (Y/N)!"

Ron came up and greeted her in a hug as well. Harry was last to greet her, but was the best. His hugs felt like home.

"Where's Fred, George, and Ginny?" (Y/N) inquired, noticing the absence of three red heads.

"They're all outside in the snow," Ron told her. "We told them we'd meet up with them in a bit."

(Y/N) nodded. "Well, I have your guys' gifts if you'd like to open it," she said as she began handing them their respective gifts.

Ron did not hesitate to rip the wrapping paper off his, revealing sweets from Honey Dukes, a winter hat, and a poster of his favorite Chudley Cannons Players.

"This is wicked, (Y/N)!"

Hermione unwrapped her presents with care. She received a planning journal and a book of wizarding history.

"Oh, (Y/N). I love it!"

(Y/N) knew Ron and Hermione would enjoy their gifts, but she had a bit more worry on what Harry would think of his. Maybe Harry expected something more. What if he hated his gift?

Finally, Harry unwrapped his present. The corners of his lips turn upward upon seeing what he got. The sight began to put (Y/N) at ease, but her worries still consumed the back of her mind.

Harry grabbed the scarf, feeling the texture between his fingers.

"This is lovely, (Y/N). Did you make this scarf?"

The girl smiled, glad Harry enjoyed his gifts. "I did. Took a while to get it to look perfect."

"Well it look stunning. Thank you (Y/N)," Harry said to her, wrapping her in another hug.

Ron coughed, causing them to break apart. A sly smile appeared on his face.

"Hate to ruin the moment, but I think my brothers and sister are waiting for us."

"Wait, but (Y/N) hasn't opened any of our gifts," Hermione exclaimed. "Oh, but I left yours in my room."

"It's fine Hermione. I can open it later." (Y/N) reassured her. "Besides. I'm ready to go out in the snow."

The four of them went to meet the twin and Ginny out in the castle grounds, where they found them making a snowman.

"Finally," Fred said. "We've been waiting ages for you lot."

"Thought we would have to drag you here ourselves," said George.

"We didn't take that long," Ron huffed at them. "Besides you guys w-"

A snowball hit Ron in the face, stopping his sentence. He wiped the snow off his face, revealing his now slightly red face.

"Oi! What gives?" He said before another snowball hit his shoulder.

"How about less talking," George began.

"And more snowball fighting," Fred said before he and George ran from Ron.

Ron groaned. "Oh alright. Come on guys."

Hermione shook her head. "You guys can go ahead. I'll help Ginny with her snowman."

"Suit yourself," said Ron. "Let's go Harry, (Y/N)."

Ron, Harry and (Y/N) joined Fred and George on their snowball fight. The twins mainly threw at Ron since they thought it was funny, but didn't fail to make an aim at each other or (Y/N) and Harry.

(Y/N) had caught up to Harry, who stood back watching as Fred and George used their wands to cast a pile of snow onto Ron, who began to spit curses at them while digging his way out to chase after them.

"So how has your break been," Harry asked the girl.

"It's been good," she told him. "It's a bit sad I can't celebrate Christmas with my parents, but at least I'm celebrating with you."

Harry flushed a bit. "I'm glad to be celebrating with you too."

"So," (Y/N) began. "Do you really like the scarf?"

Harry nodded. "I love it. I can't believe you made it for me."

"I'd do anything for you, Harry," She said truthfully.

"Anything?"

(Y/N) nodded, feeling her face flush. "Of course. You mean the world to me, you always help me with anything so why wouldn't I do the same?"

"Then you wouldn't mind giving me a kiss?"

(Y/N) was taken back by Harry's words.

"A kiss?"

Harry nodded his head, suddenly feeling shy despite his bold words.

"A kiss. But only if you want to," he quickly said. "It's fine if you don't, we can just forget I even asked. Honestly it's probably silly for me to-"

Harry's tangent was cut off by a pair of soft lips on his. He was a bit shocked by it, not expecting it. He gave in, kissing the girl back.

Unfortunate for him, (Y/N) was the first to pull back, the warmth of her lips leaving his. The two stood in brief silence, staring into each other bright eyes.

"That was."

"Nice," (Y/N) said. "Really nice."

"Yeah, really nice," Harry agreed.

"So, does this mean you like me?" (Y/N) asked. Her heartbeat was racing and it felt like the snowflakes around them were floating in her stomach. This was either going to go good or bad.

"Depends. Do you like me?"

"Yeah," (Y/N) responded. "I do."

"I like you too, (Y/N). Like you for a while actually," the boy admitted.

"Me too." The girl felt herself smiling.

Clapping sounds distracted the two as they turned to see the twins, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, all with grins on their faces.

"Finally," Ron said to them. "I thought you guys were never going to tell each other."

"Thought we were going to have to do something about it, you know maybe a love potion." said Fred.

"Fred!" Hermione scolded him.

(Y/N) laughed a little. "Well I think I'm ready to head back in. Hot chocolate anyone?"

Everyone agreed and began to head back inside the castle. Harry and (Y/N) were at the ending trailing behind everyone, enjoying each others presence. Harry gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Happy Christmas, (Y/N)."

"Happy Christmas, Harry."

[beplerblurbs]

matching hats s.r.

pairing: unistudent!ricky x gn seatmate!y/n

genre: fluff

w/c: 2.1k

warnings: intentional lowercase, reader is shorter than ricky(?), not proofread

prompt: your seatmate ricky. reminds of you of a cat. you like to crochet during lectures and end up making ricky a cat beanie!

you and the rest of the students scamble off the cramped bus rushing to get to your classes. there's been a traffic with freshmen moving in and parents wanting to make sure they're prepared and such.

it was a little annoying because you knew your lecture hall was filling up with every second the bus was trying to reach the university bus station through all the traffic.

eventually you reach your lecture hall along with a cluster of other students for your arts history class, not the most interesting thing on 9 am mondays...

you entered from the back of the classroom, you see the professor preparing her lesson way at the front and the back of many students as they murmur amongst themselves.

with about 90% of the seats already taken, you wouldn't be surprised if you had to sit on the stairs at this point. eyes wandering for an empty seat, blond head stood out with no one beside one of his seats.

walking down the steps to reach the mysterious guy "sorry, but is this seat taken?", oh... he's so cute

with styled bleach blond hair, thick eyebrows, curious eyes, slightly ajar lips and neck tattoo saying 'role model,' you were taken aback by his good looks.

"no, take a seat" a warm smile welcomed you to your seat before he went back to looking at his laptop to prep for class.

just as you get out your notebook, your professor starts the lecture.

"good morning class, hope the travel to class was great considering the beautiful weather today," ironic considering you're actual trip.

the professor goes through the basic course breakdown to help everyone gauge expectations. you're already writing down due dates in your notebook's calendar. the prof seems really chill and you appreciate that.

she switches her slideshow to a large text that says 'introduce yourself to your seat partner and tell them a fun fact'

"you guys see the screen... do it, i'll give you guys 2 minutes" the class giggles at her bluntness.

you put down your pen to focus on this mysterious guy. he's confident and relaxed, he avoids making the situation awkward and goes along with the professor's request.

"hi, i'm shen ricky. i'm an international student majoring in performance arts and... my fun fact is that my friends said i resemble a cat earlier today" he smiles to himself, seemingly unexpected fun fact he chose to share.

"oh? i dont see it exactly... nevermind, maybe i just need to know you more to see it hah."

you on the other hand can't seem to not be awkward, trying to smile through it "uhm anyways, i'm y/l/n y/n, and i'm a student under the entertainment management program and this is one of my electives. my fun fact is that i love to crochet, you'll probably see me do it in lecture at some point."

"ah!" you were startled by ricky's excitement, "crocheting sounds so fun, i need to learn it at some point." you turn slightly pink, seeing someone be so interested in your seemingly boring hobby.

ricky continues on, "i think that just means we have to be friends and sit in class together so you can teach me," suddenly, ricky's hand as his phone out with his new contact ready to be filled with your information.

"sure!... this isn't like flirting or anything right?" as much as you were attracted to ricky's looks, you always set boundaries for yourself for comfort. you wouldn't let some new blond guy mess that all up.

he scratched the back of his neck, "oh no, not at all, but i really apologise that I came off that way. i'm actually interested in crocheting though!" his genuine tone was enough for you to forgive him and give him your contact.

"okay class lets start with the first lesson," before you could even give him your phone to fill in his number, the professor quiet downed the class.

unknown number: hi it's ricky, boy from arts history.

you take a bite of your favourite late-night snack, gummy worms. you had started studying a bit and took a break to go to your closest convenience store.

y/n: hi! its y/n, why are you texting at this hour? lol

you change the contact name,

ricky: sorry are you busy? I just wanted to make sure you still wanted to sit next to me in class on wednesday, if not thats fine!!

you giggle to yourself, why does he text cute too...

y/n: oh no worries, i just got my daily dose of gummy worms haha

y/n: but yeah we can meet up before class and sit together! i'll make sure i'm early next time...

ricky: lol yeah maybe to get a good seat, i'm usually in the library an hour before class

ricky: just lmk and i'll wait for you

and with that the conversation ended just as you re-entered your apartment to get back to studying.

hes seems so sweet compared to his cold appearance.

getting up early wasn't your favourite activity, but ricky said he would be in the library at 8 am (like a crazy man) so you decided to give him some company and teach him how to crochet.

you come in the library with an iced coffee in hand and leftover gummy worms in the other. a distinct blond head and neck tattoo became proportionate as you closer. "how are you so awake at this hour?" you yawn sitting in the chair across from ricky's.

he laughs, "i try to eat a full meal, i don't know if gummies and coffee count as one," you disregard it, "yeah, yeah.”

you set down your food and pull out two small bundles of yarn and two crochet hooks. "one for you, one for me. which colour would you like?"

"green please!" (i miss rijeong) you slid the pale pastel green bundle to his side of the table, leaving you would the baby blue yarn.

an insightful and detailed lesson on crocheting and somehow ricky's chain fell apart 3 times. he was genuinely trying. you thought it would frustrate him but him seeing you giggle at his mistakes made ricky feel warm inside somehow.

you sighed and made ricky put down his hands from crocheting. "we should got go to class now, i'll teach you another time. take notes for me as a trade?" it was an offer ricky couldn't give up, in his head it gave himself a reason to talk to you even more.

ricky simply nodded and put the yarn and hook into his bag. you guys walked out of the library, heading to the library with 15 minutes to spare.

during class, you spent most of it crocheting while taking in the information and ricky took notes on his laptop. yet he was the one not really listening, he was focused on how endearing you looked simply crocheting and listening intently. you didn't notice that though.

you ended up making some cute hand rags that you needed for your kitchen. "thoughts?" you ask ricky while showing off your 30 minutes worth of time. his signature sweet smile arose "very stylish, you're so cool." his non-chalant remark made you blush and shyly put away your pieces as the professor had ended the lecture.

"same time friday?" ricky said standing up, backpack slung over one shoulder, "same time every lecture," you confidently spoke, smiling and quickly going to your next class.

you weren't even in rush, your next class was in 30 minutes. ricky stood still in the lecture hall smiling to himself.

every lecture you began making random pieces, eventually making a sweater, a scarf, mittens, cup holders, and the list goes on. some of these for you, and some for ricky.

you stopped going to your convenience store at night, you became accustomed to ricky getting you some gummy worms the next day. in return, you got him and yourself iced coffees for the day. suddenly being awake at 8 am wasn’t so tough

as well, everyday you and ricky were texting more, hanging out after classes, usually to cafes. ricky was able to make a progress and finish a small square, but the focus needed made him want to take a break from the hobby. he said he preferred watching you crochet anyways.

this is what friends do right? hang out, talk and laugh, share sentimental stories, get each other small gifts, hug tightly goodbye, holding hands...

your boundaries were loosening up. however, with how much you enjoyed ricky being with you, you didn't mind it.

you were tapping your coffee lid as a fidgeting habit, ricky doesn't even acknowledge it. there was a comfortable silence as he scrolled on his phone and you looked out the window with the warm sunlight yet the dead trees and snow in the plant beds. the winter made the outdoors almost unbearable as you hated the cold, but you felt warm next to ricky…

you turn your attention to ricky and his relaxed state, focusing on his screen. "hm." you made a noise that caught his attention, he rose his eyebrows as he shifted his focus to you. he put down his phone and rested his chin on his hand, elbow propping him up.

"what you thinking about?" not phased by his flirtatious antics at this point, you didn't move. "i guess you do look like a cat,” you poke one of his cheeks. now he was confused, "all of a sudden?"

"yeah! like you have big doe-y eyes and your cheekbones kinda resemble the follicle cheeks... you just need the ears and whiskers." you eye-smile at the thought of rickys 'intimidating' face with cute ears and drawn on whiskers.

rickys ears can't suppress his feelings anymore, they grow bright red and he turns away, looking outside to the bright outside. "whatever." you knew he liked it but you let it go.

"we should go to class now," ricky stands up with his bag over his shoulder, waiting for you to pack up and walk with him to class. you reply a quick 'okay' before you stand up.

ricky already has his hand out for you to hold. you intertwine fingers with him and walk to your guys' class.

sitting in class you had some pink yarn in hand but you can't think of making anything other than those cute cat beanies you've been seeing online. mainly because you really wanted to see ricky in one.

it was simple and quick to make so you made two, matching hats make such a cute pair.

ricky was still actively committed to the deal where he does notes while you crochet. you hid the two pieces in your bag when he was focused.

"yah, what'd you make this time, i didn't even notice you finished it early"

you both walk out of class early and felt a strong wind chill hit both of your faces. ricky hides his face in the scarf you made before in class. "its so cold still, are you cold?" you see ricky's breath in the air.

"well i think this will warm us up," you smile pulling out the hats from your side bag pocket.

he makes a little happy 'o' face, ready to cherish the next crocheted piece you made. "ouu, what is it? what is it?" his eagerness made you smile big, and ask him to close his eyes.

he closes them quickly, eager to see what it is. you snuggly put on his cute pink cat beanie on his head, and then your own. "okay! open!"

ricky is completely whipped for you seeing your adorable face and a cute cat hat. "you're so cute, what about me? what do i look like?" he quickly pulls out his phone to swipe to the camera app and see what he got.

"the same one dork, aren't matching hats cute?" you can't even hide your smile, the cold was helping you look like your bright red cheeks were appropriate for the weather.

ricky had slowly begun to recognise your soft, vulnerable side had been coming out when you were with him. you were truly comfortable around him and it made him melt inside.

you suddenly felt your face smushed up against ricky's chest, a warm hug. "thank you y/n. it is cute" his little giggle came out as a vibration against your ear. you were also melting.

you look up at him and everything felt perfect. "hey ricky?"

"hm?"

"i love you."

a moment of comfortable silence, with the warmth of his heart heating up yours, you knew what he felt too.

"i love you too, y/n"

author's note: this ended up being longer than i expected........ i hope u enjoy the ricky fluff </3pls send in requests!!!!

[mybutcheredtongue]

I'll Love You 'til the Grass Around My Gravestone is Deceased

harry potter timeline sirius black x reader

CHAPTER NINE (see full series list here)

1993

You sip your tea, actually up in time for breakfast for once. Because of the night-time nature of your subject, you tend to go to bed later than the rest of the school and wake up later. It means you're especially close to the kitchen's house elves, as they often prepare you breakfast for when you eventually do get up. Especially Bitsy. You've taken to buying her film for her camera every Christmas, but it doesn't last long as she takes pictures of everything, including you.

"You know, I had the strangest dream last night," you say to Remus beside you.

"Oh, yeah?"

"Mhm, I was in a sort of muggle circus tent, right? But it was on fire. And there was this guy there, wearing like a weird three-foot tall wizard's hat that morphed into this odd kind of wig afterwards," you recall. "And then, I kinda thought, 'hey, maybe I should use my wand to put out this fire' but instead of putting it out I transported it to Madam Puddifoot's."

Remus blinks at you, and you try and stop the smile from appearing on your face.

"You know what? That is a strange dream," he responds, shaking his head and you laugh.

"I know! It was so weird."

"Oh, I actually read something about dreams recently," Remus says thoughtfully. "Apparently they reflect things going on in your life."

You snort. "What, my desire to set Madam Puddifoot's on fire? I mean, I suppose it's not wrong..."

There's loud noise at the Gryffindor table, even students from other houses going over to it. You lean your head to the side to see Harry sitting at the table, grinning proudly at his Firebolt. You chuckle, looking down the table at Professor McGonagall.

"He got his broom back, so?" You say and she nods.

"Yes, couldn't find anything wrong with it, thankfully. And I must say, never have I seen a student so happy with something I have told him," she remarks and you grin.

"A Gryffindor win this year, perhaps?"

"Oh, I do hope so."

"You would only be so lucky," Snape says snidely beside her and you scoff.

"Don't need luck with that broom, right Severus?" You say cheekily and he raises his eyebrows disdainfully at you.

"At least my house have skill, and do not rely on their broomsticks to do the work for them."

"You're just jealous 'cause you want a spin on the Firebolt, Severus," you tease, returning to your breakfast.

Later, you sit with Remus in the Quidditch stands, looking out at the pitch in the cool, clear air.

"Merlin, I hope they win. I'm after placing a five-galleon bet with Filius that we win," you say, watching as the two captains shake hands and Madam Hooch blows her whistle to set off.

"You can't say 'we'," Remus says with a sigh. "We're supposed to be impartial, remember?"

"Ah, you hardly think any of these teachers are impartial, do you?" you laugh. "Sure even Dumbledore leans to Gryffindor just a little."

Lee Jordan's voice can be heard over the stands.

"They're off, and the big excitement this match is the Firebolt which Harry Potter is flying for Gryffindor. According to Which Broomstick, the Firebolt's going to be the broom of choice for the national teams at this year's World Championship — "

"Jordan, would you mind telling us what is going on in the match?" interrupts McGonagall's voice.

"Right you are, Professor — just giving a bit of background information. The Firebolt, incidentally, has a built in auto-brake and — "

"Jordan!"

"Okay, okay, Gryffindor in possession, Katie Bell of Gryffindor heading for goal..."

Remus chuckles beside you, nudging you with his elbow. "Mr Jordan reminds me of someone."

You roll your eyes, laughing. "I can't say that you're too far off...he can definitely give me a run for my money. I think my title of Best Commentator in the History of the World is in danger."

"Oh? And where were you given this prestigious award? The Academy of Modesty?"

You cackle, throwing your head back in laughter. "You witty bastard."

You watch as Harry zooms past on his broomstick, the Ravenclaw Seeker, Cho Chang, tailing after him.

"Gryffindor lead by eighty points to zero, and look at that Firebolt go! Potter's really putting it through its paces now. See it turn — Chang's Comet is just no match for it. The Firebolt's precision-balance is really noticeable in these long — "

"JORDAN! ARE YOU BEING PAID TO ADVERTISE FIREBOLTS? GET ON WITH THE COMMENTARY!"

Harry suddenly dives to the ground and you hold your breath, thinking he's seen the Snitch, but then he pulls up sharply and heads for the Ravenclaw end of the pitch, accelerating. Cho Chang follows suit, before she lets out a scream and points at three tall, black, hooded Dementors looking up at Harry.

You and Remus both turn to each other before quickly turning back to the match, just in time to see Harry produce his wand and yell, "Expecto patronum!"

A large silver stag erupts from Harry's wand and throws itself at the Dementors and knocks them off their feet —

Wait, their feet?

As you squint at the dark figures, you make out four young boys tangled in dark cloaks and click your tongue in disappointment, just as Harry grabs the Snitch and the stadium explodes into cheers.

You and Remus stand and leave your seats like the rest of the supporters, the Gryffindors rapidly streaming onto the pitch in celebration.

"You saw what I saw, right?" you ask.

"If you saw four boys playing dress-up as Dementors, then yes."

You find the four boys, immediately recognizing the faces of Draco Malfoy, Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle and Marcus Flint.

"Well, well, well," you tut, hands on your hips as you look down at the heap of Slytherins. "Bet you regret doing that now, eh boys?"

They groan collectively and soon enough, McGonagall approaches with an expression of pure fury on her face. She starts to yell, and then Remus arrives with Harry in tow, and you don't miss the look on Harry's face at the sorry site in front of him.

"An unworthy trick!" McGonagall shouts. "A low and cowardly attempt to sabotage the Gryffindor Seeker! Detention for all of you, and fifty points from Slytherin! I shall be speaking Professor Dumbledore about this, make no mistake! Ah, here he comes now!"

You grin at Harry, whispering, "Excellent Patronus, Harry!"

He beams proudly.

An great victory for Gryffindor indeed, especially considering you're five-galleons richer as you return to your bedroom.

✧⁠*⁠。✧⁠*⁠。

Sharp knocking on your door jolts you awake that night, and you quickly swing your legs over and out of your bed to answer the incessant knocking. Dubh meows angrily at the interruption of her sleep, as if she doesn't sleep the whole day anyway.

"I'm coming, I'm coming..." you quickly leave your bedroom and enter your small office, unlocking the door and swinging it open. "Minerva?"

"Sirius Black has broken into the school again," she tells you quickly. "Ronald Weasley said he was standing over him with a knife not too long ago."

You feel your mouth drop, unable to form any cohesive sentences as your brain tries to wrap around the information you've just gotten. "What?"

She nods, a grim look on her face. "I am terribly sorry about this...but I do need to check your room."

You nod wordlessly, opening the door for her to step in. "Yeah, yeah, go ahead..."

McGonagall does a quick sweep of your office and bedroom, stopping to give Dubh a brief few pets before she returns to your side at the door, shaking her head.

"Nothing here, of course," she says. "Will you accompany me in my search of the rest of the castle?"

You give her a confused look. "Are you sure? I thought Dumbledore doesn't want me to be involved in any searches like this...lest I sabotage it."

McGonagall scoffs. "I trust you. I know you are not stupid enough to let him into the castle, let alone let him out of your sight if you had. "

You give her a small smile. "Thanks." You grab the keys to your room and step outside, closing it behind you and locking it firmly. "Alright, let's go..."

You walk down the hallway together, wands shining light and at the ready. "How the bloody hell did he get into Gryffindor Tower? Did he attack Sir Cadogan too?"

McGonagall kisses her teeth, shaking her head in frustration. "No. Neville Longbottom was so incredibly foolish he wrote down the whole week's passwords and then left them lying around for anyone to find."

You sigh. "Oh, Neville...poor, forgetful Neville."

You scour the halls together, occasionally passing Professors Vector and Flitwick on their own search, but end up finding no trace of Sirius anywhere.

You bid goodbye to McGonagall and return to your room. As you unlock the door, you half expect to find him on the other side, but when you open it there's no one there, just your desk, messily covered with parchment and quills.

You return to your bed, but can't sleep at all so you choose to sit up and read more of the book you've been reading lately. Dubh stretches, jumping up onto your bed to nestle herself in your lap, purring softly. You pause to reach out and scratch her ears, before returning to your book.

Why was Sirius standing over Ron Weasley with a knife? It just doesn't make sense to you. You really are beginning to think he did truly go mad. And there's no way Ron dreamt it because Sir Cadogan confirmed that he did let him in...so why? Why would he do that? He wasn't actually going to murder an innocent boy like that, was he? He wasn't going to really take someone's life just like that, was he?

You reach the end of your page and realise that your eyes are just looking at the words and not actually taking them in. So finally, you step out of your bed and choose to do what you always do when you can't sleep: stargaze.

You shrug on a warm hoodie and a pair of slippers, grab your wand and leave. Dubh decides to follow and the two of you make your way up the Astronomy Tower. You sit beside the railing, legs dangling out over the edge as you grip the railing, looking up into the dark sky above. Dubh wanders around the room, sniffing various objects and rubbing up against them, before eventually she settles on curling up beside you and closing her eyes.

It's a clear night thankfully, and you can see all the twinkling stars perfectly. Beautiful, flaming objects of gas that are millions and billions of light years away from you. It's crazy to think that you are just one small, near-imperceptible speck on the ever-growing canvas of the universe. It's what drew you to astronomy in the first place. The study of space, because that's all it is. Space. That idea that, really, nothing matters at all. The world does not revolve around you. It never has, and it never will.

It's something that's always fuelled you to stop worrying about things. Why spend your time on this earth, your beautiful one-in-an-infinity chance to live, worrying about things? Though you say that, you can't help but worry anyway. You worry about Sirius, you worry about your friends, your family, your students, your godson, your cat, your job. Because even though the world doesn't revolve around you, your world revolves around the things and people you love.

A thin line of light streaks through the sky and you silently wish for peace from the thoughts that trouble you.

✧⁠*⁠。✧⁠*⁠。

Security is noticeably tightened around the castle the next day. Filch is boarding up every crack and mouse hole in the castle; Flitwick teaches the front doors to recognise a picture of Sirius; and with Sir Cadogan sacked and the Fat Lady restored, big security trolls now patrol around her portrait, grunting at each other and comparing the size of their clubs.

You miss breakfast again, and tickle the pear on the fruit painting outside the kitchen, stepping inside quickly. The house elves all look up and greet you, immediately setting to work on something for your breakfast. Bitsy runs up to you excitedly, camera swinging around her neck.

"Hello, mistress!" she squeaks, holding up her camera. "Say 'cheers'!"

"Cheers...?" you say quizzically and there's a flash from Bitsy's camera.

A photo slowly emerges out the end of the camera and she shakes it excitedly, thrusting it into your face. Sure enough, there you are, mouthing the word 'cheers' with a confused expression.

You chuckle lightly, pushing the photo down out of your eye line gently. "Lovely, Bitsy. You could be a professional photographer at this rate!"

She grins wide, her big brown eyes twinkling. "Thank you, mistress!"

"Oh, and the word is 'cheese', not 'cheers', Bitsy," you say with a small laugh and she lets out a loud "Oh!".

Then you're presented with a tray of breakfast from another house elf, and you accept it gratefully as the elf bows. You sit down at a small table, tucking into a breakfast of fruit, pancakes and a great mug of tea.

You drain the mug, though you find you haven't got much of an appetite and give the house elves in front of you an apologetic look. "I'm awfully sorry, but my appetite just isn't there. Thank you all very much."

Bitsy bows with a smile. "That's okay, mistress! Bitsy is happy to help!"

"Bitsy is not the only house elf that prepared mistress's breakfast," another elf says with a scowl.

You chuckle lightly, smiling. "Don't worry, I am well aware. Thank you very much."

You turn to leave but are stopped by Bitsy. "Oh, mistress, the Headmaster told Bitsy to tell you he wants to see you in his office! He also said he really likes Bubbling Bonzies!"

You raise your eyebrows, nodding. "Oh, right. Okay. Thanks, Bitsy."

You leave, knowing well what Dumbledore wants to see you about. It's certainly not a raise in your pay, anyway. As you move through the castle, you pass Ron Weasley standing with Harry and relaying his chilling tale to a few second-year girls.

" — and I saw him standing over me, like a skeleton...with loads of filthy hair...holding this great long knife, must've been twelve inches..."

You continue walking past them, shaking your head, and it's not long before you arrive outside the entrance to Dumbledore's office. "Bubbling Bonzies," you say to the stone gargoyle. The wall starts to move and a spiral staircase is revealed to you. You make your way up and knock on the door to Dumbledore's office.

"Come in."

You push the door open, finding Dumbledore sitting at his desk and sitting in front of him, is none other than the Minister of Magic.

"Minister," you say in slight surprise, walking further into the room. Dumbledore gestures for you to sit down beside Fudge and you do, eyeing him warily.

"Now, Professor...I am sure you know why I have called you here," Dumbledore says and you nod.

"Yes, Headmaster."

"It is my understanding," Fudge says, turning his head to you, "that Sirius Black once again broke into the school and this time he successfully managed to get into Gryffindor Tower, terrifying the students there."

"You'd be right about that, Minister."

"What is your involvement?" Fudge demands, and you turn to him in disbelief.

"What is my involvement?" you repeat, glaring at him. "I didn't have any!"

Fudge scoffs. "It is more than just a coincidence that Black has managed to get into the school more than once! How did he do it?"

"I don't know, ask him!"

"Stop your denying!" Fudge snaps. "I have given you the benefit of the doubt time and time again, but I have had it up to here! Did you help Sirius Black get into this castle?"

"No, of course not!"

"Cornelius, please," Dumbledore intervenes calmly, bringing a hand up to silence the both of you. He looks at you. "Professor, please, can you tell us what you were doing last night after the Quidditch match?"

You sigh, kissing your teeth. "Alright. After the match, I went back to my quarters. I worked on a few things from my fifth-years, then I went to bed."

"What exactly did you work on?" Fudge demands.

"Essays on the relationship between Saturn's moons and its rings," you reply bitterly.

Dumbledore motions for you to continue. "Then, at around half one or so, Professor McGonagall came and informed me of the break-in. Then we searched the castle together, found no one, and I returned to my bedroom. Then I read a book, tried to sleep but couldn't, and went up to the Tower to stargaze."

"A likely story," Fudge mumbles under his breath.

"See, Cornelius? A perfect alibi," Dumbledore says.

"Perfect alibi? She was practically alone the whole time!"

You scoff. "Minister, honestly, what reason would I have to let him into the castle? Do you think I want him to go around scaring the life out of my students?"

"I — I don't know! How else could he have gotten in? He would have needed inside help."

"Take a walk, Minister. Don't you think that a man capable of breaking out of Azkaban on his own is capable of breaking in to Hogwarts on his own?"

"But — the Dementors — "

"If the Dementors didn't catch him then that's not my problem," you snap. "If they're really so hell-bent on giving him that Kiss then they ought to work a little harder."

Fudge doesn't respond.

"A lovely thing, by the way. The Dementors' Kiss."

Fudge makes a noise, halfway between a frustrated growl and a sigh. "He is a murderer. He deserves no better fate."

"No one deserves that fate other than Voldemort himself."

Fudge winces, hissing, "Don't speak that name!"

"Coward," you mutter under your breath, and Fudge doesn't hear it. "You didn't give Sirius a trial last time, why give him one this time? You're so kind, Minister."

"Please, Minister, let us put this matter to rest," Dumbledore says. "I have the utmost faith in my staff. I know she wouldn't do anything to jeopardize the safety of her students."

"I really, honestly, wouldn't," you say to Fudge earnestly. "I love my job and I love this school and I love my students. I would never do anything to hurt them."

It's quiet for a moment, before Fudge speaks, "Do you still think he is innocent?"

You don't respond.

Fudge silently fumes in his seat and Dumbledore says, "I think that is enough. You may go, Professor."

You breathe a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Headmaster." You give Fudge a parting glare and depart from the office, closing the door behind you.

→ all kinds of interaction are appreciated ♡

✧⁠*⁠。✧⁠*⁠。

->-> read chapter ten here!

[raggstorice]

FLASH HEADCANONS!

Where I take a fandom and give a Headcanon for Every. Single. Character.

Twisted Wonderland! #1

Here we go!

Riddle: whenever a bug lands on him he freezes. Just stops.

Ace: His parents always shut down his beliefs. Very much a 'Stay in line and You'll be fine' type of family. (If requested I will rant on my HC Ace backstory)

Deuce: He calls his mother every day and one day she just starts crying and is all like 'Im so proud of you. You've changed so much and I love you.' and Deuce started crying too.

Cater: Does not actually care that much about Magicam. He just needed something to base his personality off of.

Trey: Uses southern insults All. The. Time. People talk to him and he's just 'Well good for you!' and people think he's the nicest.

Leona: If you put a weighted blanket on him he will just fall over like that one scene in Lilo and stitch.

Ruggie: Knows everyone. And I mean EVERYONE. Try to introduce him to someone new and he'll just be like 'OMG my old friend!' yeah.

Jack: Named his cactus Paula. Also Talks to it and uses it like a doll. (Like that one scene in DRDT)

Azul: His first experience with a land dweller was when he saw a coin fall from the surface and he followed it. There was a language barrier so he couldn't talk to them. He wonders how they're doing some days.

Jade: Had a bonding moment with Jack over their love for plants (mushrooms and cacti) also eats mushroom-spinach pizza (like me!)

Floyd: He bites. Also he's banned from playing against other schools in Basketball because of the sheer amount of fouls he gets. Jamil is so done.

Kalim: Will summon a rainbow to cheer someone up. He's precious.

Jamil: Doesn't actually hate Kalim. He just needs to be mad at someone. Oh also he cooks for the Basketball club and brings food to practice. Ace is his biggest fan.

Vil: Godly eye makeup. He's the one who gave Rook his feather in his hat.

Epel: Bad Ass Mother Fucker. He prefers to fight with his tounge rather than his fists. The only one to realize Trey's passive aggressiveness.

Rook: Will bring back fresh meat from his hunts. Him and Jade bring the best ingredients to the Cafeteria and no one knows.

Idia: one time he hid from people in an empty classroom for several hours after school. Ortho almost sent a search party.

Ortho: Spends hours analyzing his friends. Like as a hobby. He brings them perfectly planned gifts and they all love it.

Malleus: Lilia cuts his hair. He also polishes his horns. He secretly really enjoys Sebek's loyalty just wished he was quieter.

Silver: Takes care of the horses so well. They love him and will only accept food from him.

Sebek: He can be surprisingly quiet if you ask nicely. He gets loud again if he gets worked up. Autistic.

Lilia: He loves his sons. He ends up taking care of the whole Campus. No one in NRC can take care of themselves properly so he does it. Mockingbird by Eminem coded

Crowley: He shows up randomly and helps students. Lilia is taking a student to the infirmary? He's there and takes them for him. Leona is asleep in the botanical garden? Crowley kicks him away from the path. The teachers are so done with the chaos and are ready to combust? He's there. He will make the chaos worse and somehow contain it at the same time.

Crewel: He stays stocked up on potions ready to help any students that are ill, tired, or in any sort of pain. He will let you sleep in his classroom and will pull you into his office if he thinks somethings up. Many students have cried in front of him.

Trein: Will go out of his way to include history not taught in textbooks. Stuff about gay rights, racism, trans right, war crimes, fun facts about political leaders, etc. He does it all in the most monotone voice ever.

Lucius: The best cat. Used to be a stray wandering campus. Will bring gifts to students it likes. Recognized Leona as one of its own.

Vargas: Always down to help students. Oh you have Asthma? Good thing I have SEVENTEEN EXTRA INHALERS. You seem to be struggling a little why don't you sit down? Exercise without rest is as good as no exercise at all.

Sam: Will give freebies to students who need it. Oh you skipped lunch to study for a test? Good thing I have a sandwich just for you! Your pen broke? Which one do you want? Also will tell you all the tea.

Grim: Whenever he eats those blot crystals he suddenly knows all of the victims trauma which he reports to Yuu.

Yuu: Has serious conversations with Overblot victims. The best non licensed therapist.

Authors Note: It's 1:23 AM. I'm going to sleep.

[hardly-an-escape]

I saw pictures of Ferdie in a tux earlier today and blacked out and wrote this | rated T for public makeouts | 1445 words

- - -

'cause every Dreamlord's crazy 'bout a sharp-dressed man

- - -

Hob would be the first to admit he isn't much of a fashion plate these days. In fact, it’s one of the things he deeply appreciates about the 21st century so far: just how much easier it had become to simply get dressed.

No more fussing with hose and doublets and codpieces. No more wigs or complicated ascots or fancy hats or cufflinks. Pair of jeans, decent jacket, and you were out the door. And if your shirt didn't have holes in it people considered you fairly put together, all things being equal.

Still, he takes pride in looking well, like he always has. Keeps his hair nice, stays away from crappy fast fashion. And since his TA makes a point of teasing him about how many undergrads have a crush on him (despite the enormous eye rolls that conversation always generates), he figures he must be doing something right.

And before anyone asks, yes, he also finds the juxtaposition with Dream amusing. “Painfully normal history professor on a hot date with an exquisite goth king” is hilarious any way you slice it; in fact, Hob secretly lives for the subtle double-takes when he introduces people to his boyfriend.

Yeah, I pulled that, he thinks smugly to himself. He just couldn’t resist my devastating Levis-and-t shirt combo.

- - -

“I’m off, love,” said Hob, draining his coffee. “Don’t forget the fundraiser tonight, yeah? They're doing it at the natural history museum. Cocktails at 6:00, dinner at 7:30, and you know I can't come home to collect you after that meeting, so please don’t be more than fashionably late and I'll meet you there.”

“Hmph,” said Dream. “Must we go at all?”

“It’s literally in my contract to do one of these a year, I’m afraid,” said Hob. “And I did promise Professor Hathaway that this time, and I quote, my surprisingly dashing partner would be in attendance. Besides,” he added, pausing to press a kiss against his glowering lover’s temple, “you know you love to dress up. Just think of it as your own little Met Gala.”

“And are you wearing... these?” queried Dream, gesturing disdainfully at Hob’s well-loved corduroys.

“You like these trousers,” said Hob with a cheeky grin. “You think they make my bum look good.”

“Hmm.” Dream slid a hand onto Hob’s hip and pressed his nose into the hollow of his throat in a way that never failed to send a shiver down Hob’s spine. “Perhaps I do. Perhaps I could demonstrate. Perhaps we could skip—”

“Nice try, my love,” laughed Hob, and detached himself regretfully. “I will see you at 6:00 o’clock, we will schmooze lovely donors with lots of lovely money, and never fear, I will be wearing something other than my old cords.” He punctuated each sentence with a touch of his lips. “Now I really have to go.”

He dropped one last kiss on Dream’s upturned mouth and snagged his bag on his way out the door.

“No later than a quarter after six! Promise!”

- - -

Dream sauntered up the steps of the museum at 6:33, exactly as he had intended, and followed the sounds of revelry toward the crowd of literature professors, history lecturers, administrators, graduate students, donors, and various hangers on who always seemed to turn up at this sort of event.

The professors and lecturers would be bored, the administrators avid, the graduate students petrified, the donors sleek, and the hangers on clustered around the hors d'oeuvre table. So it always had been and so it always would be. Strange, how the glad-handing traditions of the waking world mirrored so perfectly the events of state he had endured in the Dreaming.

He accepted a plastic flute of sparkling something from a waiter and looked about for Hob.

Dream soon spotted his paramour in the midst of a cluster of people paying court to Professor Hathaway, who liked to surround herself with handsome younger men as frequently as possible (and could get away with it, partly due to being an absolute powerhouse in the field of art history and partly due to being eighty years old and four and a half feet tall in her socks).

Hob was laughing, plastic flute in hand, and even from across the room Dream was so captivated by the sparkle in his eye that it took a moment to realize just what Hob was wearing.

It was an impeccable dinner jacket, nipped in ever-so-slightly at Hob’s slim waist, where a single button closed the front. Stark white cuffs peeked out at the wrist, and a touch of texture on the lapels drew the eye upward, across the snowy dress shirt to the perfectly tied bow tie at Hob's throat.

He twisted to the side to listen politely to the man standing next to him – clearly a donor – and Dream's eye drifted down, where excellently tailored trousers emerged from the hem of the jacket, gave the corduroys a run for their money, and led down to a pair of highly polished Oxford shoes.

Hob's hair was swept back from his forehead, and the five o'clock shadow that had looked a bit scruffy that morning had somehow, by the mysterious alchemy of formal wear, been transformed into something rakish and debonair.

Dream's mouth was suddenly and inexplicably very dry.

Of course, Hob chose that moment to scan the crowd and catch Dream's eye, flashing him that brilliant smile and waving him over to join the group. Dream swallowed half his wine in one go and obeyed Hob's beckoning hand.

"Madam, may I present to you Morpheus, as promised," Hob said laughingly. "I have proved he still exists and must beg your indulgence if he fails to appear at a faculty party for another year and change."

"Professor Hathaway." Dream took her wrinkled hand and bowed low over it. "I am as charmed by your presence as ever. I know I have only just arrived, but would you briefly excuse us? I find I must borrow Robert for a moment."

She tittered and waved them off as Dream neatly excised Hob from the conversational circle and steered them away from the crowd and down an empty gallery.

"Everything alright, love?" asked Hob. "Did something happen while I was at work?"

The tinge of concern on his face lasted right up until Dream pulled him behind a trilobite diorama, divested him of his drink, grabbed him by the lapel of his perfect dinner jacket, and fitted their mouths together with mathematical precision and intensity.

"Ah. I see," said Hob after a long and breathless kiss. "One of those moments. Like the suit, do you?"

Dream considered growling at Hob; quickly weighed and dismissed the relative merits of, in order, demanding where exactly Hob got off looking like that, demanding to be taken home and ravished, and demanding to be ravished on the spot; and finally settled for pushing him back against the glass case and kissing him again, as thoroughly as possible.

It was several more moments before they broke apart, and the white expanse of Hob’s shirt was heaving slightly as he straightened his tie and swept a hand through his hair.

“Are you not going to tell me I’m late?” asked Dream, retrieving his plastic cup and draining the remaining wine, already gone slightly flat.

“That joke’s gotten a bit old by now, hasn’t it?” said Hob. “Besides, I fibbed, because I know you very well. Cocktails didn’t start until 6:30 and dinner’s not until 8:00. Got to let everyone get a bit toasty before the auction starts.”

“Liar. Rogue. Charlatan.” Dream grumbled. “I cannot possibly remain in the waking world that long. My realm requires—”

“Tell you what,” interrupted Hob. “If you stay through the main course, you can plead a headache and we’ll leave when they serve dessert; they won’t need me after the speeches anyway. And then…” his voice dropped lower “...if you don’t mind, all these studs and cufflinks are very fiddly. I may need quite a bit of help getting out of this monkey suit once we get home.”

He leaned forward and brushed a promising kiss at the corner of Dream’s mouth, and something inside Dream shivered in a way he still was unaccustomed to.

“Your terms are acceptable.”

Hob smiled again, one of the soft smiles that Dream had learned were especially for him (and for which he was privately willing to endure many more fundraising galas).

“I love you,” he said simply. “Thank you for coming tonight.”

Dream found his hand and squeezed it gently as they turned to rejoin the party.

“I love you, too,” he said.

- - -

PS: picture, if you will, Lord Morpheus at the fundraising dinner in the velvet Saint Laurent suit Tom wore to the premiere. because it amuses me.

[fitzrove]

I went to the Military History Museum in Vienna! Which was a great experience, it is refreshingly NOT popular with tourists but it's in the former Arsenal complex (= imperial armoury built by FJ in the wake of the 1848 revolution, as a major project to show his power) which looks gorgeous inside and out. Also, one of its first curators was a special special meow meow guy... 😌😌😌

(... fun fact, I got in for free... I asked for a student ticket, the guy asked me how old I was, I said my age, he asked if I wanted to be young again, I said I didn't understand and showed my student card and ID, he said in English "I'll put you as 19 so you can go in for free" LOL)

A curating committee was set up once the weapons museum that had been opened in 1869 (which was threatening to be made redundant by the new Kunsthistorisches museum) began its transformation into the Military Museum in 1885. There were officers in the committee, but also scientific experts. And, you know...

"The son of Kaiser Franz Joseph (1830-1916) and crown prince of the Habsburg Empire, Field Marshal Lieutenant and General Inspector of the Infantry. Rudolf worked from 1885 until his suicide [*] as the first protector of the curatorial board of the Military Museum and took a keen interest and part in the founding of this institution."

* (I can't believe the military history museum - when surely suicide is a much more controversial topic for the military - would be more direct and honest about this vs whatever the kapuzinergruft is doing with their "intriguing mystery" shit lol)

Interesting part from that text: once the curatorial committee began their work under Rudolf's chairmanship, they reordered the collection in chronological order and picked stuff to display according to scientific criteria (vs previously), and it became important to "avoid any decorative effect". Serious Business (tm)

Also um yeah they have a little rudolf display case with a portrait of him and two of his stupid looking fancy commander hats... and a big portrait of him next to that display on the wall xD

altar of the [redacted] waist,,, slay

This is so sad 😭

This is a gun that belonged to him (special extra decorative model made for him) but NOT "the gun".

Whip and walking stick gifted to Bratfisch from Rudolf's personal collection (as ordered by his will, I assume, because his will did mention that)

Cap (!! 😌😂 its so dorky! Maaaybe it's even the one from the portrait 😮) and officer's saber

[draftingteacups]

I understand that Special Events are non-canon in The Eternal Blooming Flower. But say how would you let Glorious Masquerade play out in your What if?

I love the Glorious Masquerade event, but the way that the event would play out in my What-If goes like this:

The first thing that would happen in this universe is the fact that Soni would definitely look around the City of Flowers and go, "This feels very similar to old Kalosian architecture." Makes sense since the movie was based in Notre Dame, which takes place in France

Obviously, she does a little bit of research into the city before she goes there, mostly because she doesn't want to do a social faux pas in a place that really reminds her too much of Kalos. Either way, Soni looked at the city itself for half a second before she gets dressed in an ensemble that would definitely remind her of her more formal attire as the Grand Duchess of Kalos.

I like the idea of a mixture of dark blue and gold accents with black-purple being the main color of the outfit itself. I feel like Soni wouldn't get a mask (mostly because I can see her just taking it off and not putting it back one because she's not a huge fan of masks in general) and get something like a circlet instead (looks like Xerneas' horns with clear crystals on top of it).

Happiny gets taken along because Deuce can't bear to leave her alone for a few days, which means she gets her own little outfit! A small pink mask with little beads that look like Oval Stones and a small hat that allows her little ponytail to stick up. As much as I would love for Happiny to have a little scarf, it'll definitely drag behind her like a little cape.

I could have Sobble here as well as Morpeko, and they would be wearing something similar to what Azul and Ruggie wear respectively. Obviously, the first half of the day plays out similar to the event itself: invitation, gets shown around the city, and then meeting Rollo makes Soni just feel a little uncomfortable, especially when Rollo himself looked into the students themselves to the point of getting Azul's eye prescription because I'm sure that's looking into someone medical history and I'd be wondering why anyone would do that much and even lightly comments on Soni's lack of information in a roundabout way that set off alarm bells.

Rollo: "When making accommodations for all of you to enjoy yourselves to the fullest, I noticed that Miss Monet has made no additional requests beyond what was stated in the itinerary, despite being the sole magicless person of your group. Do you truly not have anything else to add that you may have forgotten to write down beforehand?"

And even when Soni says that she doesn't, Rollo says, "If anything comes to mind, I do not mind making time to discuss any details with you on anything you wish to say."

Soni finds it weird that he points out that she was magicless when most people outside of NRC didn't know that, but that itself could be chalked up to her shared student status with Grim as a two-in-one student. Also Grim might just say that Soni doesn't have magic from the get-go because "the Great Grim ain't a familiar!"

However, that last bit poked at her the most because it implied that Soni withheld information that she didn't want written down.

Which is exactly what she did, but for the reason of her privacy and safety because people looking into Soni would potentially use it against her. Not to mention, she listed any needed information (i.e. medical, emergency contact, etc.) and the like on the papers themselves, so it's not like she needed more than that for Rollo to see. To imply that she still had more to say when she didn't and that Rollo was subtly pushing for more information about Soni while disguising it as a gesture of goodwill makes Soni think of all the verbal maneuvering that she had to do as Grand Duchess with many businessmen doing the same.

When the dance in the city happens, I like to imagine that Soni is made to come along with the others, awkwardly following along to the steps with Grim just spinning around like he does in the rhythm game. Happiny is being danced with by Riddle and Deuce, bouncing around cheerfully in the process.

That's when Rollo appears with a specific look in his eye when he sees NRC using magic alongside the other magicians:

"When you first came here, magic was truly a baffling mysterious force as a magicless person, was it not?"

Soni looks at the guy, her tone neutral as it could be, "It was, but who am I to tell people on how to live their lives?"

"Does it not trouble you? With how dangerous it is?"

Soni shrugs, "I've dealt with worse."

Then comes the night where all the Crimson Flowers are basically everywhere. Students are falling over because their magic is being drained out of them.

Cue Rollo's big reveal, and suddenly Soni understands why he mentioned that. She very much dislikes the fact that everything looks like it is on fire.

When they all fall downwards, Soni releases Dior and Charlie, the former teleporting everyone within reaching distance to the ground and Charlie snatching as many people as possible.

If we want to do the non-Championship Team, Nimbus, being a large puffy cloud bird, basically released a whole lot of fluff from using Cotton Guard as a cushion. Honestly, the idea that everyone just falling from a huge height, only to flop onto a cloudy-like fluff without having to use any magic was very nice.

When the others have to deal with the Crimson Flowers and pull weeds, Happiny is very enthusiastic about it because Happiny picks wild flowers all the time, so this isn't very different from what she normally does.

Ruggie, yanking Crimson Flowers with dirt flying everywhere: "Put your backs into it!"

Epel veins popping out of his head: "I can pull these weeds faster than you can breathe!"

Happiny, literally pulls off an entire cluster of Crimson Flowers with her bare hands: "Hap Hap!" This is fun!

I imagine that Happiny's given chores in Heartslabyul, and one of them is weeding the garden. It certainly comes in handy now that there's a magic flower that's trying to take people's magic away.

Then comes the plan to storm the tower and ring the Bell of Salvation.

Obviously, everyone's got an entire plan, but Soni goes, "You're all forgetting that I've got no magic. Those flowers can't do anything to me. And from what I've observed, they don't effect Pokemon either."

And what they settled on was for Soni basically leading the charge with her Pokemon taking down as many of the Crimson Flowers as possible. Dior using Psychic to physically pull as many Crimson Flowers away as well as assisting any passerby in the process. Charlie obviously uses his Flamethrower to burn away the Crimson Flowers in larger areas and even provides aerial assistance with Epel when the Crimson Flowers try to capture them both.

And Happiny doing her best to weed as many of the flowers as possible. Obviously, she stays behind with Deuce when he gets hurt and basically starts ripping apart the flowers even more when they start trying to hurt him.

And while it would be more heroic for Soni and the others to try climb the tower like they did in the original game, they could just teleport up to the top with the help of Dior or fly up there with Nimbus and/or with Charlie.

And in the process of catching their breath from the few fights that they engaged with on the way to the top, they stumble into the private area where they find the diary of Rollo.

And of course, they still go up against Rollo in the process, covered in flames and all. Hearing Idia's speech is certainly one that Soni understands the core meaning, but it could've definitely been handled better.

Soni looks at Deuce when seeing Azul use Deuce's UM to punch Rollo: "You did what? When did you do that?"

Deuce: "Back in the main area..."

Soni: "I looked away for five minutes-"

Deuce gestures to his leg: "I wanted to hit him, and Azul offered!"

Soni: "And I would've done it for free. We are talking about this later when we aren't at risk of falling off a tower and being roasted alive."

Malleus dealing the final blow with his lightning magic left the thickest smell of ozone in the air with Soni's arm hairs standing up on end.

And skipping to the song that happens during the party, Soni has her time to dance with the others again, although she's not all that good with it. In the background, Happiny and the other Pokemon are equally enjoying their time together at the party.

Side Notes That I Couldn't Put In:

A comical Pokemon for Soni to bring along in this particular event is her Skiddo because one, it's a little goat and they would see such creatures around. Two, it can eat the Crimson Flowers as a free snack. I cannot confirm whether that the Crimson Flower is fit for Pokemon consumption.

Soni using Kalosian and basically finding little to no difference between French and Kalosian; funnily enough, I like to imagine that Soni manages to get better deals this way from people at stalls because she's getting souvenirs for the others (Ace would complain if he didn't get something; Soni bought him a mug that Milcery uses to sleep in).

And that's the general gist of the Glorious Masquerade event!

[swiftieblyth]

The Nightshade Sisters: The Sorting Hat

Warnings- dead mom, abusive dad, raised by aunt uncles and godparents, death eaters, Voldemort, violence and murder, Draco Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy, all other Harry Potter stuff

Let me know if there’s anything else!

Rosie stayed with Ron and Harry as they made their way up to the castle but never talked to them. 

“Welcome to Hogwarts,” an old lady in a which hat said to all the first years. “The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory and spend free time in your house common room. ‘The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule-breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours. The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting. I shall return when we are ready for you. Please wait quietly.” The lady walked away and all the students looked around.

“It’s true then,” a pale, blond-haired boy called, making everyone look at him. “What they’re saying on the train. Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts.”

Harry and Ron looked at each other as the first years started merming around them. Rosie took a few steps back not wanting people to see her with him. 

“This is Grabbe, and Goyle,” the boy continued motoning to the two big boys next to him. He smiled and walked in front of Harry. “And I’m Malfoy. Draco Malfoy.” Ron laughed a little and the blond looked at him with disgust. “Think my name is funny, do you? No need to ask you yours. Red hair and a hammy down robe, you must be a Weasley. You’ll soon find out that some wizarding families are better than the others, Potter. You don’t want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there.”

“I think I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks.” Harry replied, Draco scoffed and walked away. As he turned he made eye contact with Rosie and smiled a bit, making Rosie blush. As Draco walked away the lady with the hat came back in and looked at them.

“We’re ready for you now. Follow me.” Professor McGonagall stated. She led them into the Great Hall and everyone looked around in amazement.

“Ceddie, look,” Lacy called as she saw Rosie. “It’s Rosie.” 

Rosie looked over and saw her two siblings smiling at her, and gave them a smile and a small wave, as they did the same to her. Lacy made a heart of her hands and blew a kiss to Rosie.

“Well don’t embarrass her, Lace,” Cedric smiled.

“I’m sorry, I just can’t help it. I’m so proud of her. She’s gone through so much.”

The group of first years made their way to the front of the room and got ready to be sorted into their houses. “When I call your name,” McGonagall explained. “You will put on the hat, and sit on the stool. Granger, Hermionie.”

“Oh no,” Herminoie breathed. “Okay, relax.”

“Mental that one.” Ron whispered to Harry as Hermionie got sorted into Gryffindor.

“Malfoy, Draco.” McGonagall called, and the boy from earlier made his way up to the sorting hat. Before the hat was even fully on his head it called out Slytherin. The blond smirked, and walked away to sit with his friends.

“Nightshade, Rosie,” McGonagall called. Rosie’s heart stopped as she made her way up, feeling everyone watch her.

Lacy grabbed Cedric’s arm and squeezed it.

Rosie sat on the stool and McGonagall put the hat on her head.

“Hm,” the hat recalled. “Interesting you are. Nightshade, sister of Lacy Nightshade?”

“Yes.” Rosie whispered. 

“Shy, girl, I could put you in Hufflepuff with your sister, but that doesn’t seem right. You’re intelligent like your uncle, definitely have his brains, and it seems more than just that.”

“I don’t have it, if that’s what you’re implying,” Rosie whispered. “I was just born an animagus.”

 “I see. There’s a darker side to you, a mysterious side. Just like your aunt. SLYTHERIN!” The hat yelled.

The Slytherins started cheering and standing up, as McGonagall took the hat off of Rosie’s head. Rosie made her way to the Slytherin table but looked at her siblings at the Hufflepuff table. Lacy gave her a small smile. “It’s okay, Little Ross. We still love you.” Cedric mouthed to her, making her feel better.

“Welcome to Slytherin,” someone smiled, as Rosie sat down at the table. Rosie smiled, but didn’t reply. Someone patted her back, making her flinch a little. She sat down hoping no one saw and looked down at the table.

Lacy saw Rosie flinch and let out a breath, squeezing Cedric’s arm. “Did you see that?” Lacy asked, trying to get a better few of her sister. “Can you see her? Is she okay?”

“She’s okay. She’s sitting. I saw everything happen. Someone just patted her back, and it scared her.”

“Oh poor girl.” Lacy sighed.

A tall wizard with long white hair, and a long white beard stood up and opened his arms, getting everyone’s attention. “Welcome,” he called. “Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!” The man finished, and dishes filled with food of all kinds appeared on every table.

Rosie grabbed some food and started eating, keeping to herself as everyone around her talked with their friends. “So Rosie,” the prefect sitting next to her asked. “Which one of your parents was in Slytherin?”

“Oh um,” Rosie struggled, looking at her food, not wanting to answer. “My aunt and uncle were both Slytherins.”

“What about your parents?” One of the big boys from earlier asked. 

Rosie looked up and saw the two big boys and the blonde looking at her. “W- what?”

The big boys snickered at her response but the blonde just kept staring at her, with curiosity in his eyes.

“You’re parents,” the other big boy replied. “Have you gotten any?”

“Yeah, just not Slytherin.” Rosie lied.

The dinner finally ended and Rosie followed the Slytherins to their common rooms. Rosie went to her room and lied in her bed while everyone else was in the common room talking. Rosie looked at a picture of her and her family. It was taken last year before the accident. The family showed Cedric and his parents, Rosie, and Lacy, their aunt and uncle, and their younger cousins, Hannah and Emma. Emma was just a few months old in the picture, sleeping peacefully in her mother’s arms, and Hannah who was about five at the time was in her father's arms. Rosie put the picture down and started to cry into her pillow. 

After a few seconds Rosie felt something soft cuddling up next to her, Rosie looked up and saw her cat, Brownie, nuzzling her face into her side. “Hi, Brownie,” Rosie smiled, petting her cat.

Rosie fluttered her eyes open and looked around the dark room. She noticed that everyone was there, she didn’t know what time it was but she didn’t care, she got out her book and went to the common room with Brownie following close behind. Rosie sat down on the couch in front of the fire and watched it as Brownie jumped into her lap. 

“I miss him, Brownie,” Rosie whispered, stroking her cat. “He was like my dad. I know he was my uncle, but he raised me after… After what happened with my parents.”

While Rosie was talking to her cat, the blonde boy, Draco, started making his way down the stairs to the common room. He stopped when he heard a soft quiet voice coming from the common room. He peeked his head around the corner and saw Rosie, talking, petting her cat who was on her lap. Tears threatened to fall out of her eyes. 

“Ceddie’s been a huge help to me over these past few months,” Rosie explained to the cat, a tear falling on her face. “I feel so bad for Hannah and Emma not being able to grow up with their dad, when he was actually a great guy. I wish my dad was good…” Rosie got cut off by a noise coming from around the corner. “He-hello?” She asked.

Draco walked around the corner and scared Rosie. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Draco explained. “I heard you talking and I was… Well I don’t know, I’ve barely heard you talk so I was listening.” 

Rosie stared at him with wide eyes, a hint of blush on her face. “How long have you been there?”

“Not long, I promise. I’m sorry, it’s just…” Draco struggled. “You don’t talk much do you?”

Rosie looked down at her hands, and shook her head. “It’s not that I don’t like people,” Rosie explained. “It’s just, they don’t like me.”

“Well, I like you,” Draco stated, sitting down next to her. “And I can talk for you when you need me to.”

“Thank you…Malfoy?” Rosie asked, unsure of his name.

“Draco.” Draco let out, putting his hand out to her.

“Rosie,” Rosie smiled, shaking his hand. “Rosie Nightshade.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Rosie Nightshade.”

“You too, Draco Malfoy.”

“Who were you talking to?”

“Oh, just my cat,” Rosie explained, gesturing to Brownie, purring on her lap. “Brownie. I have the cat and my sister has the owl.”

“You have a sister?”

“Yeah. I have an older sister, two younger sisters, and an older brother.”

“Wow, what’s it like having so many siblings? Is it fun?”

“It can be. My older siblings are both in Hufflepuff, so I don’t really understand why I’m in Slytherin.”

“Maybe there’s a reason you’re here. Maybe we were supposed to become friends,” Draco threw out.

“Friends?” Rosie asked. “We’re friends?”

“Yeah, is that a problem?”

“Well I mean, I’ve never had friends before.”

“What why?”

“No one likes me, when they get to know me, and hear about my life. They just pity me.”

“Rosie, I will never pity you.”

            “You don’t know that. You barely even know me.”

            “Then, let me know you. We could be great friends if you give me a chance.”

            “You have to promise not to pity me.”

            “I promise.”

“My mum died shortly after I was born, and apparently my dad became abusive.”

“Oh, Rosie, I’m so sorry,” Draco let out.

“It’s okay. I don’t really remember him, but my sister does.”

“What about your brother? Does your brother remember it?”

“My brother isn’t his son.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s technically my Godbrother. After my aunt and uncles found out about my dad, they fought to take us in. Once my aunt and her husband had their first kid they decided that we needed Godparents so, it only seemed fitting that they would be my aunt's best friends family. We had all grown up knowing them anyways, and my sister and I had already been really close with their son since birth. How ever, last year my uncle died, so me, my three sisters, and our aunt, and our other uncle, my aunt and mum's brother, moved in with our Godfamily.”

“Oh, Rosie, I’m so sorry.” 

“See, there it is. You’re pitying me, just like everyone else.”

“Rosie, I promise, that I’m not pitying you. I hate that all of that has happened to you, and I want to protect you from the world. If you’ll let me, I want to be your best friend.”

“I’d like that.”

LACY’S POV:

“How do you think she’s doing?” Lacy asked Cedric as they sat in the Huffelpuff common room. 

“Lace, she’ll be okay.”

“I know. But I’m just so worried about her. She was so worried about being in a different house than everyone she knows.”

“Hey, Lace, she’ll make friends, okay?”

“I know, but Cedie, I mean you know how hard things are for her.”

“I know, Lace.”

“And I mean gosh, she’s so close with Uncle Remus, and I know she’s going to hate not being able to be with him and take care of him during full moons.”

“I know. But hey, she’s going to write to him. You know that. She’s going to be just fine. How about you go to bed? We can see her in the morning.”

[arrowofcarnations]

Happy O’Knutzy Week, everybody!!! WOOT WOOT

All credit to @lumosinlove for the wonderful characters we’re celebrating this week, and huge thanks to @oknutzyweek2023 (@awanderingdeal) for organizing the fest!

And a special lil’ thank-you to @fruitcoops for thinking up the greatest possible name for Finn’s owl, which I shamelessly stole for this. xoxo

Day 1: Proposal (A1)

Finn saw a lot of things on his evening rounds as Head Boy: shortcuts and secret passages (handy), countless portraits (befriended), teachers in dressing gowns (unsettling), and no shortage of classmates fooling around in the dark (mostly overlooked, unless you happened to be an asshole). It hadn’t even been two months since the start of his seventh and final year at Hogwarts, but three nights a week of the same hour-long trek plus all the time he spent doing this as a prefect meant that this was already old hat. Even a rogue suit of armor or quarreling pair of ghosts couldn’t cure Finn of his boredom some nights, the library’s restricted section serving as his only salvation.

Tonight, though, Finn was grateful for boring. It meant he could try and wrap his mind around everything that had happened this week.

The announcement of the Triwizard Tournament. Dozens of witches and wizards from two foreign schools walking through the doors of the Great Hall with their chaperones. First the Ilvermorny group in their blue-and-red robes fastened with gleaming gold knots, then the group from Beauxbatons swathed in pale-blue silk. The songs, the speeches, the furtive giggles of his classmates as cute newcomers caught their eye.

And then the goblet. The rules and warnings. Dropping a scrap of parchment into its blue flames while his friends cheered him on, and doing the same for them. Giving Thomas a playful shove and saying “It’s gonna be you, Talkie, bet my fucking broom on it.”

He hoped Talkie wouldn’t take him up on that.

Hearing McGonagall announce Finn O’Hara as Hogwarts’ champion was surreal. He’d barely registered the applause, the joyful shouts from his friends, the back pats and hair ruffles from his fellow Gryffindors. He was happy, sure, but mostly he was…surprised? Confused? He didn’t know. It’d just happened so fast, and it was still happening fast—the first task would take place in one week. In one week, he’d be standing in the middle of the pitch, but not to play quidditch. He’d be doing—well, Merlin knows what, but he’d definitely be playing to win, putting his skills to the test against the other two champions.

Leo Knut and Logan Tremblay. His competition. June had heard from Percy who’d heard from some Beauxbatons bloke called Saint that there were some ruffled feathers over in the Ilvermorny camp about Knut being picked, as he was still sixteen. He’d looked just as shocked as Finn had felt when his name was called, mouth falling open and blue eyes going wide. Finn didn’t know anything about Tremblay yet; he’d also looked surprised for a second before ducking his head to adjust his hat. When he’d looked back up, a small smile had softened his expression, and Saint and a tall brunette boy on his other side were jostling him and talking in a fast flurry of French.

Tremblay looked strong. Finn supposed that was one thing he knew about him. Knut did, too—but Finn was an athlete, he could keep up with them. Besides, it wasn’t all about brute strength. If chapter seventeen of Hogwarts: A History was anything to go by, the tournament would test their mettle in loads of ways.

Finn rounded a corner and found himself in the easternmost wing of the castle, close to where temporary dorms had been conjured for the visiting students to stay in through the spring. He was about to find a comfy ledge and dive back into that chapter when he saw a flash of something in the moonlight.

“Really?” Finn muttered, tailing whoever or whatever it was with long, quiet strides. He wasn’t in the mood to tell off a fourth year on a dare or a sixth year meeting up with their girlfriend.

What he didn’t expect when he ducked around another corner and illuminated the hallway with a nonverbal lumos maxima was to come face to face with—

“Tremblay,” he blurted out.

Dressed down as he was in loose pajamas, he looked much more approachable than he had at the welcome ceremony. His eyes were wide as he whipped around to look back at Finn, looking startled and caught-out; but then his green eyes narrowed as he recognized him, sizing him up with crossed arms and a defiant tilt to his chin.

“O’Hara,” he replied. It wasn’t exactly friendly, but Finn liked the way his name sounded in his mouth anyway, how his accent curled around the H and made it sound brand new.

And Merlin, those eyes were green. He’d have to learn to ignore that.

“Merde, point that somewhere else. Unless you’re trying to blind your competition.”

“What? Oh, fuck. Sorry.” Finn lowered his arm so the light scattered across the floor. Then he realized he was apologizing to someone breaking the rules, so he added, “Don’t need to blind you. Could just let McGonagall know you snuck out and let her chuck you out of the tournament by your ears.”

Tremblay scowled handsomely, which Finn hadn’t been sure was possible before this moment, and took a step toward him. “You’re out, too.”

Finn walked forward, too, matching him step for step. “I’m on rounds, Frenchie.”

Neither stopped walking until they were in each other’s space, sizing each other up. Finn didn’t know when Tremblay had gotten hold of his wand, but they were both drawn, now, Finn’s still illuminating the hallway.

Somehow, Tremblay still managed to be intimidating while wearing a t-shirt and sweatpants and having to look up at Finn. “You don’t—”

“Oh, fuck.”

Both of them jumped, Tremblay wheeling around and Finn gaping over his shoulder at the sudden intrusion. Standing at the end of the hall, also in pajamas, was the third Triwizard champion.

The absurdity of the situation startled a laugh out of Finn. Tremblay looked over at him, then back at the new arrival.

“Knut,” Finn said, gesturing with his free hand as if to welcome him to the corridor. “Join us. We’re either about to have a duel or sneak down to the kitchens for a cuppa. Haven’t decided yet.”

Knut did in fact join them, but didn’t draw his wand, walking with an easy sort of confidence that gave him the air of someone older than he was. “I vote tea,” he said with a sigh. Up close, Finn noticed his eyes were just as striking as Tremblay’s, but instead of a sea of green, he was drowning in an ocean of blueblueblue. “It’s too late—early?—to knock y’all on your asses.”

Tremblay snorted. “Je vais vous assommer tous les deux avant que vous ne puissiez cligner des yeux.”

Knut just smirked. “Essayez-moi, shortcake.”

Tremblay aimed his wand and Finn put his hands on each of their chests, holding them apart. “Oh-kay, let’s cool the hell off, shall we? Did you two forget you’re breaking curfew?”

Tremblay backed off as Knut cocked an eyebrow at Finn. Finn put out the extra light from his wand and tapped the Head Boy badge on his lapel with the end of it.

“Damn,” Leo said quietly, leaning back against the stone wall behind him. He sighed again; Finn suddenly noticed the dark circles under his eyes. 

“What are you doing creeping around the castle, anyway?” Finn asked, though not unkindly.

Knut gave him a tired smile. “Couldn’t sleep.” He looked at Tremblay, who was still eyeing them like they might bite. “You?”

Tremblay hesitated for a second, then nodded, casting his eyes downward. “Same. It’s—not home.”

Finn let that hang in the air for a second as he thought about what to do next. Walk them down to McGonagall’s office was the “right” answer, but part of the whole Head Boy thing was using one’s best judgment, right? Which meant making exceptions. Still, they weren’t his classmates. Worse, they'd be spending most of the year scheming up ways to beat him at every task.

But now that Finn was really looking, Tremblay had shadows under his eyes, too. Guess that made three of them.

“Right, look,” Finn said, pocketing his wand to signal that he wasn’t itching for a fight. He extended a hand to Knut. “Finn O’Hara, from Galway, ‘ve got an annoying older brother and an owl called Archimedes.”

The smile Finn got this time was a little brighter as Knut shook his hand. “Leo Knut, spelled like the coin but sounds like the lizard. I’m from Louisiana—New Orleans. I have a lot of pets back home, but I could only bring one, so my frog Kermit is here.”

They both turned to look at Tremblay; Knut’s—Leo’s—grin turned wry and Finn waggled his eyebrows until he rolled his eyes, smiled, and shook each of their hands. “Logan Tremblay, from Nice. I have three older sisters, and my cat Simone probably took my spot in the bed while I’ve been out.”

They all looked at each other for a moment, the last of the tension bleeding out of the air around them. Finn had made exceptions before, and his heart told him to make one tonight.

“I know we’re meant to be enemies or something, but it would be pretty shit if you got banned from the tournament before I could meet Kermit and Simone,” he said. “So, boys: a proposal. No reporting each other to teachers, no sabotage, no fights. Yeah?”

“A truce,” Leo said, sounding a little surprised. “Kind of you. I’m not going easy on either of you in the tournament, though. I’m here to win.”

“Leo Knut-like-the-lizard-not-the-coin, I’d be insulted if you did.”

Finn was starting to like Leo’s laugh.

Logan only hesitated for another second before nodding. “We’re all here to win,” he agreed. “But...ouais. Fine. Truce.”

Finn clapped him on the back just to made him scowl again. “Love the enthusiasm, Tremblay. Now—kitchens?”

Leo nodded eagerly. “Kitchens.”

“Tea?”

Logan eyed him. “Do they have mint?”

“Oo-way, Frenchie, whatever you want.”

“Shut the fuck up. Allez, let’s go.”

[rakurairagnarok]

Hattricked

This story is heavily, and I mean HEAVILY, inspired by @idesofrevolution so if you like this story I suggest you check out his blog. Enjoy!!!

_________________________________________

The hot pre summer sun beams down on the campus park roads. Dan and Mark slaunter through the dry heat, staring down at the concrete tiles. 

“I'm never gonna make it.” Dan mumbles.

“No don’t say that. You’re my emotional support roomie!” Mark grabs Dans arm and shakes him about.

“No way Mark, I have 3 essays, 2 reports and that massive World History test left…There’s 2 weeks left in the year!”

Dan lets go of his friends arm and begrudgingly reminds himself of his similar predicament. While they weren’t in any way slow students, the amount of work caught up to them and slammed both of them onto the ground. The final weeks of the year were always hectic but the boys had never had this much of a workload.

“Fuck!” Dan looks at his friend 

“You can say that again.” 

Mark state up to the sky. “I would give so much to just be able to relax man…”

As they turn the corner something catches their eye.

There, hanging of one of the benches is a ragged, dirty, old backpack is  one at that, but noone in sight to which it could belong to

Dan walks over and picks it up. “Do you recognize this?” he asks.

“Nope.. can’t say I do” Mark replies. “Maybe there’s a student ID in there?”

Dan nods and opens the bag. Instead of books or a laptop instead all he sees are two beanies and some junk. He grabs the beanies and tosses them over his shoulder. 

Mark grabs the black beanie of the ground and runs the fabric through his fingers. Its really soft, warm and it smells kind of nice. Mark stares at the hat in his hands and slowly raises it to his face.

' Its way to hot for a beanie,' he thinks to himself, 'but it does feel really good.'

He presses the fabric against his nose and takes a sniff. 

"Hmmm" Mark softly moans, his mind crashing to a halt. 

With no more inhibitions, Mark puts on the beanie and his mind goes completely blank. He looks at the other beanie on the ground and slowly picks it up. 

Meanwhile, Dan is still looking through the bag.

“I can’t seem to find anything here man. Do you see a wallet anywhere?” Dan ask as he opens another part of the bag.

Mark stays silent. 

“Dude you with m..Mark…?”

As Dan turns around he sees Mark standing behind him. On his head is a black beanie, one of the two that were inside the bag. Marks eyes are glazed over with a grin plastered onto his face. 

“Mark, are you okay?” 

Mark slowly nods and looks down at his hands, which are holding the other beanie. He then looks back up to Dan and his grin widens a bit. Dan shivers  the grin giving him the creeps. 

Mark does a step forward slowly raising the beanie up.

“Mark, youre creeping me out man…’ Dan says as he slowly takes a step forward. 

Mark then takes two big steps forward and rams the hat straight down onto jis buddies head.

“Yo man what the fuuuuohhhhhh” Dan was about to cuss his friend out but the moment the soft fabric is wrapped around his head a warm, fuzzy feeling spreads all over his body. His arms drop beside his body and his eyes glaze over much in the same way that Marks did. 

Completely in sync the boys turn around and start to head into town. Not a single word is said, but they know where they need to go. 

After about 10 minutes of walking they head into an alleyway , at the end of which is a small second hand clothing store. The boys head inside. Once inside the boys slowly gain back their sense of self. 

The first thing they notice was the smell. The whole store smells like a heavily used locker room, with a tang of weed. Slightly confused they look around and see a big guy sitting behind the counter. His strong intense eyes drilling into the boys' heads. He takes a hit from a blunt in between his fingers and leans back into his chair.

"Hey guys, whats up" the mans deep baritone rumbles through the small space.  

"We uhmm…" Dan stammers

"We just came to look around." Mark interjects.

"Ahh.. I see you guys found the beanies." The man smirks and beckons the roommates over. "In here, I have just the thing" he says pointing towards a singular fitting room. 

Without much say in the matter the boys move towards the fitting room, both going inside as the man closes the curtain behind them. The boys, pressed together, look eachother in the eyes and just stare. 

Dan raises his hand and puts it on Marks chest. Without breaking eye contact Mark puts his hand on his roommates cheek.

"Whats happening to us" whispers  Dan.

"I have no idea" Mark responds softly. He strokes his friends cheek with his thumb as he feels his heartbeat rise.

Dan softly squeezes his friends chest as he starts to feel really warm. 

"Your eyes are… really pretty" Mark suddenly whispers. He moves even closer to Dan, until both guys can feel the others breath on their skin. 

Dan gulps, his throat is dry, hes sweating and he can feel his heart beating in his throat. Lookin at Mark he cant help but admit, his friend also looks amazing. This weird warm feeling in his chest everytime their eyes meet, is completely new. 

"You're also… really …" Dan tries to talk but suddenly his friend presses his lips against his and pushes him against the wall. Dan gasps , but slowly starts to run his hands across his roommates chest.

Outside the fitting room the owner snickers and tosses two sets of worn down, torn, sweaty and smelly clothes over the curtain.

The clothes slowly make their decent towards the two partners, their own clothes seemingly slipping of in their sweaty, sloppy exchange.

As their own clothes fall to the ground, the stall heats up even more. The boys bodies start to glisten with sweat. Dans small belly slowly starts to sink into his body. His flat stomach quickly making use of the lost fat by turning it into hard earned muscle as a tight row of abs pops into existence. His arms slim down, turning his flubby arms into lean muscular logs. His legs tone down, while his ass firms up slightly giving him some perky cheeks. 

Mark experiences the opposite. His skinny body filling out with muscle. His chest fills Dans hands more and more, while his ass starts to jiggle with every breath he takes. 

The boys underwear tries to keep up but before long it disintegrates into nothingness,  as a strong cheesy musk whafts into the air. They boys growing bushes both hold an even bigger surprise,  their small clean dicks are being turned into monsters both in size and smell. Dan cant hold it and runs his hand down to his partners rod, the strong smell making his own twitch and leak. 

The clothes finally wrap around the boys bodies, as the finishing touches set in. Marks jaw fills out with a chin strap beard as Dans skin starts to take on a slight tan. His hair also turns from straight dirty blonde, to curly black.

A pair of moist, sweaty vans slide onto their feet. The slightly squishy sole releasing even more stank into the stall, as their small feet grow into big behemoths, with a stench to smell from the other side of the room.

The two boys let go  and stare into eachothers eyes. 

"Fuck that … was intense" Mark says. He rubs his throat, his voice now an octave or two deeper. 

"Yeah that was insane…" Dan replies with a similar voice.

The curtain gets pulled open and the shop keeper looks at the boys with a content grin. The boyfriends look at eachother and then at the big man standing infront of them. 

"Goddayum… you guys look amazing." He says. He takes a step forward and both his hands disappear into the boys' pants. He grabs their dicks and runs his thumb over both their heads, before pulling his arms back and sticking his thumbs into his mouth. 

"Fuckkk and you taste soooo good." He grins and raises his arms above his head. " You boys deserve a reward… come to Daddy' 

The sweet sour smell that hung in the store gets amplified and Dan and Mark just stare at the sweaty and hairy pits of the man. With no hasitation they dive in and begin endulge themselves in the sweaty prison. Each drop they swallow their worries die down. Each lick slowing down their brains. Each sniff filling their deadbeat brains with new words, skills and memories.

Dane and Mike slowly back away from their boyfriends pits and grin. "Fucking hell Alejandro… you fucking beast…" Mike yells as he walks over to the counter and drops into the chair. He grabs the unfinished blunt and takes a hit. 

Dane walks over and sits on his other boyfriends lap and presses his lips onto his, which resorts in Mike softly blowing the smoke right into his lovers mouth.

"I fucking love you bro…" Mike whispers.

"I love you to babe… " Dan smiles and kisses him again. 

Alejandro grins and walks to the back of the store. "You two close up. Get upstairs quick though…I'd like to continue what we started."

______________________________________

They came out of nowhere,  but they are a common sight nowadays. Dane and Mike like to skate through the streets, only stopping for food, drinks, joints and sloppy kisses. 

[alder-saan]

The Path of Poisons .2

Manchineel

Larissa x gn! oc

The Path of Poisons masterlist . [01] . [02] . [03] . [04] . [05] . [06] . [07] . [08] . [09]

Warnings : none (maybe an hospital can be triggering)

Words count : ~3.3k

Avareida was waiting in the small café in Jericho. They had promised their friend to meet them there, since they had arrived in the city the day before. They yawned. They were tired from their nightly excursion. They crossed their arms on the table, put their head on it, and tried to fall asleep when a waiter appeared.

"Can I get you anything?

"A double long ristretto espresso with whipped cream, but no cream," they grumbled, raising their head.

"There's no such thing," he answered embarrassed.

"I know. A strong coffee without sugar is fine."

"I'll be right back."

He left, they buried their head in their arms again. The door tinkled as it opened. Small heels clicked on the floor. Avareida recognized them as those of Thalia, their friend and history teacher at Nevermore Academy. They sighed and sat down properly.

"You're late, Thalia."

Thalia was a small, pudgy, laughing black woman. Her mother was descended from native Americans, and her father from black African slaves, and she made a point of showing her students all the horrors the colonists had committed in America. Avareida understood. They were a descendant of the Cree.

Thalia always wore very colourful clothes, probably, Avareida thought, because she wasn't that happy after all, and today was no exception: she had put on a yellow dress with white polka dots and a little pink hat to match her tights. Where did she get all her clothes? It was still a mystery.

"Yes, I'm sorry Rei, we had a little trouble at the academy yesterday…"

"What kind of trouble?"

The waiter served Avareida their coffee and they began to drink it while listening to their friend, who ordered a long coffee.

"Well, for a start, our former botany teacher wanted to destroy the school and to do so she resurrected Joseph Crackmore, her ancestor."

"Woah..."

"Three students managed to stop him, but one of the inhabitants of the town, who was a Hyde and who was killing people in the area, associated with this teacher and another student stopped him."

"Well…"

"And finally, the principal, Mrs. Weems, was found overdosed with belladonna, and one of our manchineel plants has disappeared. We suspect that thieves may have taken the-"

Avareida choked on their coffee. They coughed to regain their composure.

"Sorry, what were you saying?"

"It is suspected that thieves wanted to take this plant and came across Mrs. Weems, who then gave them a dose of belladonna, not enough to kill her though. The question is: who stole this manchineel, and for what?"

"Mmh… it's strange, this whole thing…" Avareïda said, looking outside.

Thalia nodded, the waiter gave her her order.

"Especially very dangerous! If this person doesn't know what it is, they could die! And if they know, we can be sure of their criminal ambitions!"

Avareida put down her cup, now finished, with the most innocent look in the world.

"Do you know what a manchineel tree is?"

"To be honest, I didn't know until this morning…"

"Read The Path of Poisons and How to Cure Them, by Avareïda Hydrurga, and you'll never have any doubts about a potentially poisonous plant again."

The teacher laughed a little.

"Haven't you finished your commercial?"

"Hey, my income depends almost entirely on the sale of this book! And I love money!"

Thalia sighed, looking up at the sky... well the ceiling.

"So, how was your trip to the South Pole?"

"Nice, I made a friend. I called her Katia."

"What do you mean you called her?"

"She's a female leopard seal. At first she was a bit aggressive, but eventually she accepted me completely."

Thalia smiled as she watched her friend sink into her seat, gesturing wildly as they explained their encounter with the animal. Rei had that look in their eyes when they talked about their travels… she loved to hear them tell their stories.

"Isn't that your mother's name, Katia?"

"Yeah, because she acted like a mother. She used to bring me food. Which was penguins. And since they're not part of my diet, I had to decline her offer…"

"How do you manage to make so many enemies among humans and so many friends among animals?"

"I'm beginning to think that I'm not the problem… well, anyway. Is your principal okay? I mean, belladonna's a hell of a poison."

"She's in the hospital. I'm going to see her right after. You can come with me if you want. I'll just have to stop by the police station first. As you know about poisons, you could help them, couldn't you?"

"I don't see how I could be of any use to them…"

Thalia got up and went to the counter to pay.

"You underestimate yourself… I'll buy your coffee, a welcome to Jericho gift. And since you don't have any money…"

"Thank you for your great generosity but I can still afford coffee."

"I don't want to hear about it. I'll buy you one."

"All right, all right…"

Avareïda stood up and put their brown jacket back on their shoulders. They ran a hand over their hair, which was still neatly tucked back.

"You'd look good with red hair," Thalia remarked, coming back to her.

"Do you think so? I might try it… But I like my hair black."

"Shall I show you around town, and on the way we go to the police station?"

"Oh, yes, I've always wanted to!" they sneered

Thalia gave them a flick.

"Sorry, I don't have much choice, I've been summoned as a witness… You're lucky you weren't there yesterday. You would have been suspected. What time did you arrive anyway?"

"A little before midnight," they lied.

In truth they had arrived at 9 p.m., but they had nothing to blame themself for and didn't want to get into trouble with the law…

The door tinkled again as it opened. Avareida sighed. They had chosen the wrong moment to steal the manchineel tree…

Thalia pushed open the door to the police station, and was immediately greeted by the sheriff. Rei found the man was sad. There was something tired in his eyes. But they didn't know what. The place was small, smelled of ink and coffee. The policeman questioned Thalia with his eyes after noticing Rei, who was going through all the corners of the police station with a curious eye.

"Avareïda Hydrurga, this is a friend who arrived last night. They were not there on the night of the incident if that's what you're wondering. But they can be a great help to you."

"You're exaggerating, Thalia…"

"I'm curious to see that…" the sheriff said

"All because I know a little about poisons," they sighed.

"Mmh, we'll see. In the meantime, I'll take your statement, Mrs Kedlan."

"No problem. Can Rei come along or do I have to be alone?"

"Since you're not a suspect, you can bring whoever you want."

"Then they're coming with me."

Galpin opened the door to his office and pulled the blinds wide open. A bright light flooded the room. He invited Thalia and Rei to sit down, which they did.

"Well, Mrs Kedlan, tell me what you know."

"Well, the boy who called the emergency room went to warn me and other teachers, and when I arrived, Mrs. Weems was lying in the greenhouse, and a manchineel tree was missing, but there was no sign of a crime. The thief knew the code of where the manchineel trees were put."

"What were you doing before?"

"I was in my classroom, correcting papers."

The policeman wrote everything down on a sheet of paper, Rei was silent.

"Well, do you know if Mrs Weems has any enemies?"

"I don't know of any. And even though we are not necessarily well regarded, she is well respected."

"I see, so you believe in the hypothesis of a robbery gone wrong?"

"I don't," Rei cut in.

The Sheriff opened his mouth and took a few seconds. He leaned back in his chair, put his pen and elbows on the table, put his hands together and intertwined his fingers before speaking.

"Why did he do this?"

"Why, when the thief had a manchineel tree in their hands, would they use nightshade to poison Mrs. Weems?"

"What do you mean?"

Avareida crossed her legs, sinking into her seat.

"The thief knew the code, so they came from inside the school. Mrs. Weems wouldn't have suspected them until they took the manchineel, and so wouldn't have stood in their way. This means that she interfered after they took the manchineel. Now, when you have a manchineel tree in your hands, you don't try to poison with belladonna."

"Why not?"

"If they had just thrown the manchineel at Mrs Weems, she would have been out of the way. For ever. A manchineel tree is toxic enough to poison you if you stay under it. Anyway, you'd better wait for the potential witnesses to wake up. Starting with Mrs Weems. She'll probably know what happened."

The sheriff nodded.

"Of course, but I like to get a head start…"

"It's possible that the botany teacher or the normie attacked her and stole the manchineel tree… That would fit very well with the fact that she attacked her and knew the code. And it would be the normie who poisoned her because…"

Thalia nudged her. Avareida fell silent.

"I have no more questions. You may go."

"Thank you, Sheriff Galpin."

Thalia stood up, Rei followed. They left the place.

"Rei, the normie was her son."

"Oh… Damn. You think I should go apologize?"

"No, it should be fine. You couldn't have known."

"You want to go to the hospital now?"

"Yeah, I'm just gonna stop by and buy her some flowers first. Then I can show you the plant shop, I think you'll like it."

"You know how to talk to me…"

Thalia smiled and walked towards a small shop on a street corner. Huge bunches of poppies, lavender and craspedias indicated that it was the beginning of summer. Avareïda liked poppies, especially pink, wild poppies. They found them particularly charming. They decided to buy some flowers for Mrs. Weems. Their friend went straight to the counter and ordered an assortment of peonies. Rei, on the other hand, walked slowly through the potted plants of different sizes and shapes. Crassulas, bonzaïs of all kinds, everything smelled of soil and humidity. The tables on which large bunches of leaves were placed to embellish the bouquets were made of rough wood. A few everlastings were drying, hanging from the ceiling. They remembered that Larissa had always liked immortals. Rei approached the counter.

"What can I do for you?" the florist asked with a smile.

"I would like a small bouquet of Calendula officinalis and Helichrysum stoechas."

"What colour should the marigolds be?"

"Yellow and orange please."

"Well, I'll make your bouquets, if you'll wait a few minutes."

"No problem," Thalia said

The florist disappeared into the back of the shop. Avareida continued her little observations.

"Rei, who are the flowers for?"

"For Mrs. Weems, I felt bad coming to the hospital without bringing anything."

"But you don't even know her?"

"What's the big deal?"

"And what flowers did you ask for?"

"Marigolds and shrubby everlastings."

"Why shrubby everlastings?"

Rei pointed to the little yellow flowers hanging from the ceiling.

"Because they don't wilt. That way, even if she doesn't wake up for several months, she can enjoy them. The marigolds will be dead, of course. And I like immortals. Besides, surviving belladonna poisoning, although it depends on the dose, is quite an achievement."

"Hm. A student injected her with physo… stuff. Apparently it stabilized her well and kept her from deteriorating."

"Physostigmine. He had the right reflex."

"What's physostigmine?"

"A poison found in Calabar beans."

Seeing the expression of incomprehension on Thalia's face, they continued.

"A vine of the bean family that grows in the tropical forests of Africa."

"But… why a poison?"

"Oh, it's a poison that has the opposite effect to belladonna. Belladonna slows the heart rate, Calabar bean increases it. It's what is used to treat atropine toxicity in general. If he'd put too much on her, it might have killed her, but if he hadn't put any on her at all, she'd probably have died anyway. It was a risk to take. You'll have to reward the boy."

"I see, fighting fire with fire."

"Sort of, yeah."

"So she was incredibly lucky that someone who knew about this came along…"

"You have no idea," Rei murmured thoughtfully.

The florist returned, their bouquets in hand. Thalia paid for her bouquet, Rei paid for hers.

"Say, florist lady," Rei asked, "do you have a loyalty card or something? I might come here regularly."

"Oh, yes, I do."

She pulled out a small card with a sunflower on it from behind the counter and applied two bramble stamps.

"Every 10 dollars you get a stamp, after 10, you get 10 dollars free. The first stamp is automatic."

"Thank you very much."

"You're welcome. Have a nice day."

"Have a nice day."

Thalia and Rei walked out of the little shop, each holding a bouquet. The streets began to fill up slowly. Rei was pensive. He wasn't sure if he wanted to tell Thalia that he knew Mrs. Weems. He was waiting to see if the woman had changed.

"Rei, shall we take my car to the hospital?"

"Shall we? Yes, I don't know where it is anyway."

"It's not far, we could walk but it takes about half an hour. I'd rather take the car, I'm in heels."

"I'm in heels too."

"Perfect, I parked it near the café."

Avareida followed her friend to the car, thinking about her last real conversations with Larissa.

"You can't, it's not normal to be like this."

"I didn't choose, Rissa, I'm sorry…"

"Stay away from me, you're disgusting."

"But… Rissa…"

"LArissa, for you. You know what, don't talk to me anymore. I don't want to be friends with your kind."

They shuddered, hoping that their old friend had changed. After all, they hadn't seen each other for almost thirty years. They couldn't hate her, even after all that time. Larissa had been a great support to them. She had helped them to integrate, which was more difficult with the two classes they had skipped. It was thanks to Larissa that they had a more or less normal school life. They had always gotten along with her very well. A smile passed over their lips as they remembered the nightly trips to the forest, the times they'd skipped school to go shopping, the coffees they'd had together. Rei shook their head. Yes, their relationship had been good for them. Not everything about Larissa Weems was a waste.

"Rei? Is everything all right?"

"Is it? Oh, yeah, sorry. I was just thinking about my years at Nevermore."

"Oh, come to think of it, did you know Larissa when you were there?

"From a... certain distance, I know she was there, I might have talked to her once or twice, but I'm not sure. She was already 18 when I entered the academy, I was only 13. I only had two years in common with her."

"That's right, I forgot that you were younger than me."

"When you're around 40…"

"Shh, don't talk about that, I'm still 20 in my head."

Avareida burst out laughing. Thalia frowned as she unlocked her car. Rei climbed into the front passenger seat.

"And that was an old person's sentence."

"That's right, just mess with me. Just because you're four years younger than me doesn't mean you can. Watch out, time's catching up with you."

"Okay, boomer."

"So, shall we go to that hospital?"

"Well, get going, old girl."

Thalia grunted and turned on the ignition. As the car approached the hospital, Rei became lost in thought again. Thirty years had passed. But Larissa was not a forgettable character. Shit, they thought. They didn't want to risk loving her again. Yet they couldn't help but wonder how much she had changed.

"Say, Thalia. Are you still dating that other teacher?"

"Elizabeth? Yes, still. I mean, it's been a few weeks."

"And… your principal is okay with it?"

"She doesn't know about it. It's still new, we haven't told anyone around here, we don't want it to get out amongst our colleagues. Besides, I wouldn't be surprised if she was a lesbian."

"She? Lesbian?"

"Why does that shock you so much?"

"I don't know, I'd heard stories about her love for Gomez Addams, at the time, that's all."

Rei smiled a little. Of course she were a lesbian. They'd guessed it, at the time. But Larissa had locked herself in her closet so much that they'd come to believe it.

"Mmm… I don't know… But my gaydar rarely deceives me. You know, we're pretty close, though. Larissa is someone I like and respect very much. I think I can count her among my friends. She has a courage that I don't have and…"

Thalia's voice caught in her throat.

"God, I'm so glad she's not dead. The academy wouldn't have been the same without her."

"I hope she wakes up soon, then."

"Yes…"

Thalia parked the car in the hospital's large car park and got out. Rei followed her into the building. The hospital smelled clean and new. There was no smell of dirt, no smell of damp. It was all white. They were given the room number: room 128. They walked to the lift, without speaking.

The room was clean. Larissa was lying on her bed in a white patient's gown, her eyes closed, tubes in her nose and arms. A machine on the side was going "beep…beep…beep…beep…", as the lines representing her heartbeat distorted into spikes. Thalia readjusted her hat, which she had refused to remove at the reception desk, explaining her gorgon situation, and placed her bouquet in a vase, on the small cabinet next to the main one. Rei did the same. And then their eyes roamed over the principal's body. She had changed, yes. But she was still as beautiful… Very tall, too. Rei estimated her at almost 6"3. They were only a poor 5"7 feet tall.

"Get well soon, Larissa. The academy needs you again," Thalia said, as if the principal could hear her.

A nurse entered the room and motioned for the Gorgon to follow her.

"I'll be right back, Rei."

Rei nodded and left. They took the opportunity to take a closer look at their former friend's features. She was beautiful…

"So you're a lesbian, huh? You should have admitted it to yourself earlier, stupid. You'd better get over it soon. I think I'd like to see you again. You're lucky, I could have hated you."

They left the room to wait for Thalia, who soon returned with a smile on her face.

"Her condition is completely stabilised and she is starting to recover. She even showed signs of brain activity in some places that indicate a near awakening. She'll probably be back with us in a few days!"

Rei smiled. They loved to see their friend so happy. And the thought of Larissa waking up made them happy too.

[lividlilgirl]

The Foreigner in Wonderland

(First text post. I just needed to infodump some stuff. I love reading other’s AUs, HCs and what-ifs/Imagines/Scenarios of X and Y series etc. Tried fanfic. My job and life can’t so this IS gonne BE hectic. Hope anyone reading find it as interesting as I did.)

[💟 🦁]  /  🐙 🐍 /

The first thing you notice upon being conscious is being on fire. Next to the torrent of information you’re remembering. Or acquiring.

You are a servant. You’re name is... ███ That is your name right? Even so it feels alien to you. 

Back at hand, the cat-like beast shouts about you suddenly appearing, and for you to give him your robes. You can review the information given to you along the way.

- 

It was easy, getting Grim to settle down, though unwillingly. You meet the Headmage, to his surprise. He ignores you when you tell him Grim isn’t your familiar. Seemingly, more than happy to continue on, and so, the other coffins open up, with no fire this time.

Each student that weren’t a student at NRC already. You’re in timeout, seemingly for bringing a “rowdy familiar” with you, so you go up to the sorting hat last. Huh, another old memory. Your vessel’s chock full of refences.

“My name is  ███.”

“... There is more than one soul with this one. They’re full of magic but of unclear origins. Therefore no Dorm truly suits this one.”

-

Grim saw this as an opportunity to show his stuff. Saying how he should take your place in this school. You weren’t meant to be here anyway. You were summoned here, but by who? Who indeed. Whatever the reason, you know one thing. The will of this land wishes to be saved. So why not?

Headmage Dire Crowley, just as he was about to spout some other nonsense again you speak over him.

“This is a school for those with potential in magic, no? If you’re so gracious, would you allow me to choose my own dorm?”

For some reason, other than the history and facts of this world you also gained knowledge of some people of this land. Mainly The Great Seven and the Headmage. Disney! Somewhere inside you you can’t help feeling nostalgic.

✧*✧*✧

Heartslabyul

You thought it’d be a long process to get sorted into your choice of dorm. Apparently not, maybe cause you weren’t a student yet.

Feeling half sorry and half endeared by Grim, you Gracioused your way into getting him accepted into NRC. Much to your Housewarden’s anger.

Riddle doesn’t know what to make of you. He knows what to do if a student get put into Heartslabyul or chooses to transfer here. Not you though. So he pays extra attention and is slightly more strict towards you.

Ace taunts Grim, he disregards you when you showed to be more knowledgeable than him about the Seven. You defend Grim and it starts a one-sided fight.

Because of your superhuman speed, Ace, You and Grim get to cleaning the cafeteria. Ace does something he isn’t supposed to which brings Deuce to speak up about being good students. A Fight starts and property damage ensues.

By the end of the week though, you four become well acquainted. Because friends is a no no word for the bickering Adeuce duo.

Cater becomes acquainted with you guys easily, even being the one to mentioned the Ramshackle Dorm. Which becomes your hangout spot and where Ace decides to hunker down when he gets collared.

Since your abilities/”magic” or magecraft is different from theirs you speedrun painting the roses instead with just a brush. Cater is intrigued and wants to take more pics with you.

Trey as usual is brotherly to all, and you. He’s extra worried when you decide to challenge Riddle along with Adeuce and Grim.

You easily could have become Housewarden but you just want to prove a point, and it’s just a huge responsibilty. So Riddle Overblots early but no worries, your abilites were practically made to stop this!

In the end, Heartslabyul is just kinda family like to you and you enjoy their companionship fully

Savanaclaw

Leona could care less as long as you don’t interfere. He does know a strong opponent when he sees one. And not smell one, your smell is magic but also not. It also encompasses your entire being so- a headache for tomorrow. 

Ruggie’s tasked to get you to join their team and to go to practice. 

It also acts as a way to keep an eye on you. Thanks! He doesn’t have to baby Leona as much! Now he’s just tailing you. You let him, as he’s no threat to you. Which is also what gets you to eat more and act more human. 

You invite him to join you after a while, to which you become buddy-ish. Even if you hangout with Adeuce or just Grim more. Yeah, Grim is in Savanaclaw with you, so enjoy the catfights over food from Grim and Ruggie.

Jack is distant, he does his own thing. He’s intrigued by you but it’s none of his business. Up until you and Heartslabyul asks him about the potential foul plays. To which he gets roped into our investigation.

He admires your strength, tactical prowess and just overall and actual sense of Justice? He thinks? You say it’s just because you want to but... And as he makes a big deal of calling you an idiot, it’s no less admirable. Unlike the Adeuce group.

In the end you foul Leona’s plans, you still play magift with Savanaclaw which even things out a lot.

Though you do let the other dorms take their out on some of your members a little. Ha! Oh and this one Horned guy that nearly overpowered you during magift. Not that you were paying attention to him. You tried your best and both your houses tied. Phew! that was more of a mental workout remembering all the positions! 

You meet Cheka when you “wake up” in the infirmary. Diasomnia might have won if you didn’t block the last disk shot with your head. to which you “faint” afterwards.

You also take jabs at teasing Leona about being “Unca!” during this, while petting Grim as he got to participate in the matches. He got a little beat afterwards.

So Savanaclaw is just a group of housecats to you, and you enjoy as much of their time as they let you.

[electromignion]

Bridgewater fanart! (Who is surprised? /lh /j)

This fanart has been inspired by Lauren Shippen herself, from the # she put on the reblog she did of my Jeremy Bradshaw sleeping fanart “also: new headcanon I now have vipin started TAing for Jeremy when he was still in undergrad soJeremy also has one photo of the two of them at Vipin's graduation in his office”. So I had to draw it of course, I’m so thankful for Lauren’s support, feeling truly so honoured so this is the least I can do 🤧

This is to me, what Vipin asked to do to Jeremy, and so he did because he has always appreciated Vipin (a beginning of friendship there?? They both cherish that pic for sure and yes I plan on drawing Jeremy’s office, and yeah I only drew this to put it in a small frame in Jeremy’s office, that’s my dedication 😭🤌 I’m putting a read more for a further explanation of my headcanon and also the outfit (regalia, cords, medallions wise) because yeah there is a whole day of research behind this and also finger cramps because my Apple Pencil decided to slowly d word on me as I was trying to finish this fanart so I used my fingers jejdjd)

So: please know that I’m French, so it was very hard to find information about graduation ceremonies: we do not have that in France, so I’m sorry if something is off!

First of all, professors and whole faculty members must wear their regalia at graduation ceremonies hence Jeremy having his academic regalia. And it made me learn that the velvet colour on some parts of it + the hood colour differ depending on the field they had their phd in, Jeremy’s is white because to me he has his phd in history (at least from what I understood, as even in S1 EP01 he talks in his lecture room about getting credits in history) which counts in the “art, social and humanities” section because history counts as humanities which is white. (Which also explains why Vipin’s tassel on his cap is white because to me he also went in that field) Jeremy’s hat is a velvet tam with a gold tassel which is the formal hat for the doctorate level.

Then… come Vipin’s cords and medallions. I headcanon Vipin as a really high achieving student, I might be wrong though, but he is too great of a TA to not be. So as a disclaimer: all the information I gathered there come from things linked to the Bridgewater State University because I really wanted to be accurate as much as I possibly could (Yes I truly spent a day for that and I might have drunk one or two Monsters).

For the medallions: the one with the black neck ribbon is “the Diversity Champion medallion recognizes and honors those students who have worked tirelessly for the advancement of diversity and inclusion during their time at Bridgewater College.” I really see Vipin trying to really be actively trying to make it go for the best in clubs and such at BSU and the second one with the blue/green neck ribbon is “The Alpha Chi medallion symbolizes the honor and distinction of being a member of the national academic honor society.

The supporting neck ribbon is in the colors of Alpha Chi.”

Which brings us to the cords he has on his regalia: the green and blue cords represent Alpha Chi as well.

The gold cord represent his level of achievement it’s for “summa cum laude” (“meaning "with highest praise", typically awarded to graduates in the top 1%, 2%, or 5% of their class, depending on the institution.” Which is the highest distinction one can have when you get a diploma at uni in the US).

Then the red and blue cords “Graduates wearing blue and red cords with mixed tassels are members of the national history honor society, Phi Alpha Theta.” (Which for me also was a good idea as Vipin is truly going through so many documents linked to history for Jeremy, our guy is that interested into academic stuff)

Then for the purple rainbow scarf… it’s a real thing I’ve seen on graduating pictures from BSU!! And I gotta admit… I’m quite fond of the idea of Vipin being pan 🫣 (just my own hc always)

I’m sorry for the extra lengthy explanation but I feel like it was needed (maybe it is to flex my research /j) as I think it was really interesting in the development of the hcs around Vipin and even Jeremy!

And to me needless to say but Jeremy has been greatly moved that Vipin asked him to do a picture together where they throw the cap in the air because to Jeremy, Vipin could’ve done it with his fellow classmates. And Jeremy is fully aware of how much it was important for Vipin. (And maybe own little headcanon: I’m sure Jeremy doesn’t even have much pics from his own graduations)

I truly imagine that during the whole graduation ceremony Jeremy was feeling uncomfy in his academic faculty regalia because it’s way too formal (although it’s quite mandatory to wear it) so he is just 🧍🏻 standing being no thoughts head full of folklore only (he is of course very proud of his students nonetheless) therefore, Vipin asking him to do that picture must have been THE highlight he had during the ceremony (even counting all the ceremonies he ever had to attend to)

And to finish in case you missed it, here’s the fanart Lauren reblogged and where she talked about her new headcanon (saying this like that sounds surreal to me, I’m so honoured once again 🥹): https://www.tumblr.com/electromignion/716771521320878080/i-finally-finished-my-bridgewater-fanart-this