#He was quick to believe that Sirius was guilty because he had no confidence in himself to make his own judgement

[acewitch-writes]

I love Canon Remus and all of his flaws. Enough of this "Casanova of Gryffindor Tower" BS, Remus is the cowardly lion of Gryffindor tower. He values bravery because it is something that he lacks and yet still strives to be. He has an ingrained sense of shame and self-loathing and an inferiority complex that stems from society's contempt and marginalization towards Lycanthropy, a condition he was cursed with from a very young age. He wasn't a leader, he was a follower. A blind follower who believed to his core that he was unworthy of love and respect because of what he was.

Which opens the door to what I believe to be Remus' greatest flaw: His unwavering, unquestioning devotion to Albus Dumbledore.

I think Remus saw Dumbledore as the perfect encapsulation of Good. He was everything that Remus desperately wanted to be, everything that society was determined to believe a werewolf could never be. And maybe, if Remus could earn (and cling to) Dumbledore's favor and make him proud, he would prove to the world and himself that he is Good, too, in spite of his lifelong curse.

Remus felt that he owed Dumbledore a debt he could never hope to repay for allowing this chronically ill little boy into his school when no werewolf before him had ever been given such an opportunity. So many of Remus' choices in canon stem directly from this imagined debt that he had dedicated his life to paying. Hell, he didn't even hold a grudge against Snape for OUTING HIM to the entire wizarding world simply because Dumbledore trusted him.

Remus trusted Dumbledore wholeheartedly. And Dumbledore personally saw to Harry's placement with the Dursleys. Why should Remus have considered, for even a moment, that Harry wasn't safe? Certainly far safer than he would have been with a monster in close proximity, as Remus believed himself to be. In his mind, staying away from Harry was what was best for Harry. Until Dumbledore needed a favor, that is.

It's reductive to suggest that Remus failed Harry (and by extension, James) for putting his trust in Dumbledore to do right by Harry. James and Sirius trusted Dumbledore, too. They all did. Stripping away all of the nuance and blaming the abuse Harry suffered on Remus is simply unfair. NO ONE helped Harry, not even those who were fully equipped to do so, and Remus was the farthest thing from being equipped to take that on, what with being an impoverished werewolf living in a society that reviles his very existence. The only person who could have saved Harry from the abuse was the very man that placed him in that home, the very man that Remus revered with blind conviction.

#canon Remus is so complex and interesting #he's spineless and soft and consumed by self-loathing and fear #I think he was drawn to Sirius and James and Gryffindor House in general for the same reasons he was devoted to Dumbledore #He was quick to believe that Sirius was guilty because he had no confidence in himself to make his own judgement #He considered himself to be an inherent monster battling endlessly to supress his evil nature #and therefore placed all of his faith in those he believed to be Wholly Good #Reducing his character to “selfish manipulative coward” is a disservice #Also erasing these flaws in favor of the Fanon cocky asshole alpha male wattpad werewolf Remus is a massive disservice #remus lupin #marauders #character study #Canon Remus Defense Squad #i could rattle on and on about this topic for hours

[unnecessarywriting]

How Did You Come to That Conclusion - Sirius Black

Request: Hello!! If you have time, would you be able to do a Christmas themed one where Sirius and the reader are long time friends with mutual crushes on each other and they kiss under the mistletoe by accident and then some misunderstandings and then some fluff?

A/N: Merry Christmas. I hope you all enjoy. There are 2-3 more fics coming out today. My gift to you all!

Italics are Flashbacks

How Did You Come to That Conclusion

The common room during Christmas break was typically the most soothing place to be. Most students wanted to get back to their families. You, on the other hand, were perfectly okay with staying with the quiet warmth. Typically the only sounds were the fire crackling, pages turning, cups clinks, and the occasional laugh from one of the other students that stayed at Hogwarts. This was usually the only time of year that you actually saw Mcgonagall relax. This year however, a particular group of boys chose to stay too.

Most days, you didn’t have any problems with the boys. Oftentimes, you were around them and you could even be considered one of their friends. In fact, James knew a lot about your life that you wish he didn’t. See, at the beginning of this school year, he caught wind of what you were feeling for a mutual friend. 

“Ohh, is Ms. Y/L/N feeling a bit jealous of Sirius?” James teased. 

“Haha,” you awkwardly laughed away your blush, “as if I would ever be jealous because of someone like him.”

“Merlin! You really do like him don’t you? Oh, I can’t wait to tell Sirius. This is going to be -”

“This is going to be nothing Potter. You are not going to say a word about this to Sirius or to anyone,” you were practically growling through clenched teeth. 

“Or what? Listen Y/N this could be great for -”

“For no one. Please James, I’m begging you to just forget about it.”

“Forget about what?” Sirius appeared beside you. You looked to James who sighed. 

“Forget about nothing. Don’t worry about it.” You breathed a sigh of relief at James’ response. When you looked away, you missed the subtle wink sent to Sirius that told him he would find out soon enough. 

You and Sirius had been pretty close friends since the beginning of your time at Hogwarts. As he grew older, and hotter, his fans became more present in your life. You eventually took a step back to avoid the constant hateful glares sent your way for studying with a longtime friend. You didn’t stop spending time with him entirely though. He was still your friend, and if you were being honest, you liked knowing that you had his attention. It didn’t hurt any less, though, when he could be found around the school with any one of the girls in your year. 

Since you were spending your Christmas break with the Marauders at Hogwarts, you decided to make the most of it. You would join in some of the pranks, and you would sneak out a night with one of the boys to go down to the kitchen. With the help of their map and James’ cloak, you were all practically unstoppable. Christmas Eve was no exception. That night, you and Sirius were sent down to grab some food from the kitchen. It was late, and you were all planning on staying up past midnight to start your day off right with each other. 

In the common room, James was forming a plan. He was going to get the two of you together. He knew that you two liked each other, and he wasn’t fond of being caught in between something that could be solved if either one of you had the confidence to tell the other. 

“Moony, you think this’ll work right?” Remus looked at his friend and nodded slowly. 

“I guess it could, but I think this is something that should happen naturally. Why force something on them? This could also push them apart and make things more awkward.”

“That won’t happen though. My plan is foolproof.” James heard a snicker from his friend.

He had told them almost immediately after you had told James. He couldn’t hold it in for very long. Typically, he was good at secret-keeping but this time he needed to let loose. Remus wasn’t all that surprised and Peter seemed unaware of how Sirius felt. 

Down in the kitchens, you and Sirius were joking around. The two of you always managed to have fun together. It was almost like getting caught would be worth it if you were going to be with him. You didn’t know, but Sirius was thinking the exact same thing. 

“You know, if you wanted to get me alone, all you had to do was say so.” You laughed at his remark. 

“So shameless. Remember Sirius, James is the one who sent us. I didn’t make this decision by my own account.” Your relationship was full of flirtatious and witty remarks. It was a part of your charm. He most certainly was attracted to it. 

One of the many things Sirius liked about you was that you were willing to talk back to him. Most of the other girls would just crumble at everything he said to them. Not you. You would come back with something witty or sarcastic. Of course, this was only one of many things he adored about you.

As you two were returning to the common room, there was this energy between you two. Something told him that it was now or never. You said the password to enter the portrait hole. 

“Listen Y/N, I need to talk to you.” You stopped and told him to continue. Then he started to lean in for a quick peck on the lips. It was short and sweet, but he hoped that it got the message across that he liked her. When his eyes met yours, he was met with hurt. Your eyes were slightly glossy and were looking past him at James, who was smiling at the two of you. Then he heard you speak. 

“You know, I thought that you were a good guy. I truly believed it, but this is just cruel. Most pranks, well, most pranks I can handle. I’d like to think that I’m a good sport, but this was too far. James, I trusted you with my secret, and clearly you ignored my wishes. And you,” you pointed your finger at Sirius’ chest, “you had no right to follow through with such a stupid idea. What, did you think it was funny to make fun of the girl who likes you? Is it really that amusing to play with someone’s emotions? And what do you know, you had an audience too. You’re the worst Sirius Black. I don’t know what I ever saw in you!” You stomped your way up to your door and slammed it shut as the tears streamed down your face. Your salty tears would be the only thing offering comfort that night. 

The common room was silent for a moment. The boys had never seen you completely lose it like that before. Sirius was confused to say the least, but then he looked up above his head. The mistletoe that was hanging above his head suddenly burned to ash as he sent a charm that way. He turned to look at his best friend. 

“Prongs, why did you think that this would be a good idea?” James looked incredibly guilty and full of regret. 

“Padfoot, I just wanted the two of you to finally get together. I thought that this would push you in the right direction, but it clearly didn’t work out that way. Plus, she kinda had a point about me breaking her trust.” 

“What did you do Prongs?” Sirius was getting angry.

“Well, she kinda let it slip that she has feelings for you, and well I told these guys without her permission, or knowledge.” James looked down guiltily. Sirius couldn’t believe the situation, but now he understood how this hurt her. He was going to fix this, but he just needed her to leave the room.

 You were in your dorm crying in both embarrassment and pain. How could James betray your trust like that? And how could Sirius play into such a stupid prank? You thought that maybe, just maybe, you could have a chance with him, but of course he had to turn around and be a jerk. You were hurt, but you also couldn't stop thinking about his lips on yours. Before you realized what was going on, you were in heaven. They were just as soft as your thought, and he tasted slightly like peppermint from the candy cane he was eating before you made it back to the common room. 

Sirius stayed in the common room for hours. He was hoping that he would catch you coming down from the dorm. He was falling asleep when he finally heard you. You thought that you were being stealthy, and you were, but when the portrait closed behind you, Sirius was startled back to consciousness. He wasn’t sure if it was you at first, but he needed to make sure. He grabbed the map from the table and saw your name retreating to the kitchens. Of course. You left the common room before you could eat any of the snacks from earlier. You had also mentioned needing to make the trip to Hogsmeade to get some more sweets because you had run out a few days before. He got up abruptly and stumbled out into the hall to catch up to you. 

It was almost 3 AM by the time you had escaped the common room. You saw Sirius asleep on the couch, and you couldn’t help but thank Merlin for letting you escape him. You most certainly were not in the mood to deal with him. You were exhausted, emotional, and more importantly, hungry. You made it to the kitchens and started scouring for anything that you could get your hands on.

“Excuse me Miss, but it appears that you might need some help.” The second you heard his voice, you felt the anger bubble within. You didn’t say anything in return. If there is something that Sirius hates more than anything, it’s being ignored. 

“Ignoring me eh? I guess I deserve that, but that works because I just need you to listen to m- Hey where are you going?” You started to walk out of the kitchens. You had lost your appetite. He grabbed you by the wrist and pulled you back towards him. 

“Stay put and listen, will ya?” You nodded reluctantly knowing he wasn’t going to let you go. “I get why you’re mad, but you don’t know what happened. I didn’t know what James was planning. I was trying to tell you how much I like you. I think you’re the sweetest, smartest, most beautiful girl in the entire world. You make my heart beat faster every time you look at me, and you take my breath away every time you laugh. I am falling hard for you Y/N and I don’t want James’ stupid attempts at getting us together to push us apart. If you want to be mad at Prongs, then be mad at him. Hell, I’m mad at him too, but trust me when I say that I want to be with you.” You stayed silent for a moment and processed everything. Okay, so maybe you jumped to conclusions a little quickly, and Sirius did sound quite, well serious. 

“So you like me huh?” You said cheekily. You might as well play it cool since you were lowkey freaking out inside that he actually really liked you.

“How did you come to that conclusion?” He pulled you closer towards his body and smirked as he leaned down for a real kiss. It was like a fairytale. You smiled into the kiss, and pulled away. 

“This is great and all, but I’m still hungry.” He laughed and helped you find some food. 

The two of you retreated back to the common room, where you met James. He went to speak, but you put your hand up to stop him.

“I’m not happy about the trust thing, but you did have good intentions. Happy Christmas James. My gift to you is forgiveness. Take it.” He smiled and sighed out in relief. 

“Thank Merlin!” He pulled the two of you into a hug. “So, you two are together?” You and Sirius just smiled at each other. He was the best gift you could have received.

#sirius black imagine #sirius black x reader #harry potter imagine #harry potter x reader #maruaders imagine #young remus x reader #young sirius x reader #young sirius imagine

[lupin-for-president]

The Incident: Aftermath

(It was requested that I write a part two so this is after the night in the astronomy tower)

(tw)

—

It was the morning after his attempt when Sirius Black found himself next to a sleeping Remus Lupin.

Even with his eyes still closed, Sirius could tell he wasn’t in his own bed, this one wasn’t nearly as soft or comfortable. He strained to push his eyes open, blinking slowly out of his sleep and into consciousness once again. Looking blearily around the room, he found himself to be in the hospital wing.

When he glanced down, he felt his heart skip inside of his chest.

Sitting in a chair pulled up next to his bed, snoring softly, was none other than Remus Lupin. His head was resting against Sirius’ leg and both of his hands were clasped tightly around one of Sirius’ frail ones.

Sirius felt tears spring to his eyes as the memories came flooding back. The very vivid memory of Remus stopping him, just before it was too late, ran relentlessly through his mind.

The sound of sniffling woke Remus up, eyes droopily drifting up to Sirius’ face before completely shooting wide open.

“Are you alright? Are you hurting?” Remus asked, clearly panicked, as both of his hands reached up to cup Sirius’ face.

Sirius just smiled, tears rolling swiftly down his cheeks, and shook his head ever so delicately.

These tears weren’t like the ones he had been shedding for months, these tears were because he felt so overwhelmingly grateful. He couldn’t believe that he had been given a second chance, one he thought he didn’t deserve in the slightest.

And Sirius was happy to be alive.

—

It was four days after his attempt when Sirius Black found himself sitting in the common room with James Potter’s arm around his shoulder.

After Remus explained how he had found their dear friend, the other two were quick to destroy all of the barriers between them. Wrapping Sirius in overly tight embraces —and crying into him— they told him just how much he was really missed.

They were inseparable for the days that followed.

The four boys —along with Lily, Marlene, and Dorcas— were just chatting around the fireplace, an activity that suddenly seemed so foreign to Sirius.

He had missed this, more than he could express in words. Something about just being able to be around his friends brought comfort to him, comfort he had been lacking for so long.

He let himself lean a little more into James, pressing further into his side. James paused his words briefly to flash a smile down to his brother, ruffling through his hair, before returning to his conversation.

Sirius smiled, a real genuine smile that caused his eyes to crinkle at the corners and his dimple to dip in his cheek. He looked across the room to Remus, who was already looking at him, a warm grin resting on his lips.

The two of them weren’t back to how they were before, and Sirius doubted that they would ever be, but just being able to be the reason for Remus’ smile was more than enough for him.

Just knowing that Remus no longer hated him was more than enough for him.

And Sirius was happy to be alive.

—

It was three weeks after his attempt when Sirius Black found himself sharing a cake with Remus Lupin in the Great Hall.

It was dinner time and —as much as he hated to admit it— Sirius still struggled to regain his proper eating habits after going months with hardly consuming anything at all.

Remus noticed, James noticed, Peter noticed, hell even Lily noticed Sirius’ lack of eating, but it seemed that no matter what they did they just couldn’t get him to eat.

Until Remus made an offer.

“Share this cake with me, yeah?” Remus asked him, sliding the plate between them with a smile.

Sirius had hardly touched his own food, and the thought of eating honestly made him sick to his stomach, but he couldn’t bring himself to refuse this offer from Remus.

Especially not with that sweet and soft look that Remus was giving him through his thick lashes, eyes sparkling brightly.

Remus smiled to himself as Sirius took a bite, swallowing it down with a forced gulp. If seeing Sirius eat again meant that Remus had to share all of his meals, he would happily oblige.

The action made Sirius feel guilty at first —after all, this was Remus’ food— but for the first time in months he was able to eat something without instantly throwing it up afterwards.

Sirius laughed when Remus wet a napkin and wiped the corner of his mouth, dusting off crumbs from the cake he had devoured.

And Sirius was happy to be alive.

—

It was a month and sixteen days after his attempt when Sirius Black found himself with a wand pressed to his neck.

He was just trying to walk to class —hands fiddling through his bag as he looked for the paper he knew would be due— when someone pushed him swiftly against the wall, forearm pressed firmly against his throat.

Sirius felt his airway close up under the pressure as he stared down at one of Snivellus’ cronies. He did his best to keep a straight face, trying to appear unfazed, but his struggle to breath was causing his facade to crumble.

“You worthless blood traitor,” the Slytherin seethed, weilding his wand so that it dug right beneath Sirius’ jaw.

Sirius couldn’t say anything, he simply gasped for air. His body was still too weak to push the boy off of him, and he internally cursed himself for allowing himself to become this helpless.

Just seconds later, someone yanked his offender back, causing Sirius to slump to the ground.

“Oi, sod off!” Peter shouted, landing a punch square to the other boy’s jaw, sending him staggering back a few steps.

Sirius stared up at Peter in awe, hand holding his throat as he gasped for the air that his lungs had been so rudely denied. He smiled at the blonde, pride swallowing him as he watched his shy and innocent friend sneer at the Slytherin.

Peter whipped back around as the boy fled, his confident attitude immediately diminishing as he stared down sheepishly at his gasping counterpart.

“You got one nasty right hook there, Pete,” Sirius chuckled as Peter pulled him up from the ground.

And Sirius was happy to be alive.

—

It was three months after his attempt when Sirius Black found himself swimming in the creek with his best friends.

They had been out of school for only a week, when James proposed the idea of inviting Remus and Peter over, and of course Sirius thought it was genius.

The four of them were excited to go swimming in the creek, but Sirius just couldn’t help but feel a small tinge of dread as they walked barefoot through the grass.

He was suddenly self conscious, completely the opposite of how he used to be just a year ago.

It was almost hard to believe that the boy who used to run around shirtless in the common room just to get on Lily’s nerves was the same boy who was nervously gripping at his baggy tshirt now.

James and Peter wasted no time shedding their shirts and diving into the water, instantly starting a splash war. Sirius gulped as he looked down nervously, knuckles turning white against the cloth.

“You don’t have to take it off,” Remus said softly, startling Sirius.

The sandy haired boy reached a hand up and cupped the side of Sirius’ neck, brushing his thumb along the skin gently.

“If it’ll make you feel better, I’ll leave mine on too,” Remus offered with a smile, hand dropping from the boy’s neck, only to lace their fingers together.

Sirius was caught off guard by Remus’ returning affection, something he had been so starved of for so long. He smiled gratefully at him and nodded his head, letting Remus tug him towards the water.

And Sirius was happy to be alive.

—

It was four months after his attempt when Sirius Black found himself kissing Remus Lupin in his backyard under the stars.

Euphemia was the one who suggested Remus come over to James, the both of them having noticed Sirius’ sudden loss of appetite again. So, Remus came over for dinner and Sirius was completely and utterly thrilled.

That one meal was the most food that the three Potters had seen Sirius eat in the last week, and there was no way to describe the amount of relief that they had felt at just the sight of it.

When Remus had to leave, Euphemia hugged his neck, trying to fight back the tears in her eyes as she thanked him for taking care of her son.

And she didn’t mean James.

Sirius smiled warmly at the sight —eyes dripping with love— before he made his way to the backyard, Remus following close behind. He would be apparating home, and Sirius wanted to see him off.

“Thank you, for coming,” Sirius said softly, staring down at his feet.

He hated that he was so nervous, he felt incredibly stupid for it, actually. In all honesty, he was glad how dark it was outside, that way Remus wouldn’t be able to see the blush tinting his cheeks.

“I know I really messed up, Moons, I know I did. Thank you for forgiving me when you didn’t have to a-and for saving me in the astronomy tower and for being here when I—”

But Sirius couldn’t finish due to the soft lips that were suddenly pressing against his, arms winding tightly around his waist. It took him a solid three seconds before he finally registered that Remus was kissing him, and he finally allowed himself to kiss back.

He couldn’t even begin trying to explain the warmth that exploded inside of his chest as he wound his arms around the other’s neck, pulling him in even closer.

And Sirius was happy to be alive.

—

It was five and a half months after his attempt when Sirius Black found himself snuggled up next to Remus on the Hogwarts Express.

Summer had finally come and gone and Remus nearly fell backwards when Sirius tackled him in a hug, littering kisses all across his pale cheeks as he stood in the compartment doorway.

“I love you, I love you, I love you,” Sirius said between kisses, a grin painted on his lips.

Remus simply laughed, hugging Sirius back tightly before prying the boy off of him. “I love you too, Pads,” he chuckled, pressing a single kiss to the tan boy’s forehead.

James faked a gag at the two of them, but the happiness he felt over the fact that they were back together was very apparent on his face.

The three boys settled into their compartment —Peter joining them just a few minutes later— and began talking about what they believed would be happening during the upcoming school year.

Remus had an arm wrapped securely around Sirius’ waist, holding him flush to his side. Sirius couldn’t help up smile, relishing in the warmth and comfort that Moony gave off, soaking it all in as he held onto his boyfriend’s sweater.

He stared up at Remus while he talked, admiring the features he loved oh so much, making sure to take a mental image of this perfect boy.

When Remus finally looked down, his eyes went a little wide, a faint blush trailing across his scarred nose. He raised a hand up to brush some of the hair out of Sirius’ face, tucking it behind his ear.

“What?” Remus asked, smiling widely.

Sirius let out a breathy laugh, pulling Remus’ face down to press a soft kiss to his lips. When he pulled away and their eyes met, he finally felt as if everything was going to be alright.

“I’m so happy that I’m alive.”

#remus lupin #moony #sirius black #wolfstar #padfoot #remus x sirius #the marauders #marauders #moony x padfoot #wolfstar fluff #wolfstar angst #james potter #peter pettigrew #james & peter & remus & sirius #lily evans #lily potter #the incident #wolfstar headcanon #young marauders #harry potter #remus john lupin #sirius orion black #wolfstar angst headcanon #fifth year #young remus lupin #young sirius black

[unfortunatelysirius]

DATING HARRY POTTER AS A HUFFLEPUFF WOULD INCLUDE:

NOTE: Hey, apologies for going AWOL. I’m back to ruin fanfiction.

❁ Oh Merlin, there’s a lot of stereotypes about Hufflepuffs. They’re pushovers, they’re losers, they’re cowards, they’re useless, they’re lousy at duels—all sorts, none of it really true. Even the Golden Trio was guilty for thinking it! Ah, Hufflepuff, seemed like the lesser House from afar.

❁ Then Harry met you.

❁ Harry only knew what his friends told him of Hufflepuffs. Hermione didn’t really have an opinion, just that she barely saw their work ethic and suspected they spent a lot of their time with the kitchen elves. Ron was bold with his, claiming they didn’t have a courageous bone in their body. With a lack of any real friends from Hufflepuffs, Harry didn’t disagree.

❁ One day Harry saw you sneaking into the restricted section of the library. You went undetected and looked like you’d done it hundreds of time when you snagged a book Harry couldn’t read the name of then went on your way. Harry was baffled. The only indication of who you were was the yellow tie he saw before you went dancing into the night. And Hufflepuffs? They didn’t seem like rulebreakers and risktakers.

❁ Harry told Hermione and Ron about what he saw and neither of them believed him. So he honestly believed he was seeing colors and the person that stole a book was from another house, not a Hufflepuff. But his curiosity got the better of him so he looked at every person he saw to see if they matched the figure he saw that night. The figure was lithe and limber, able to not make a sound.

❁ Not looking for a Hufflepuff in particular really failed him… none of the other houses had someone with behavior even close. Then again, he didn’t get a chance to truly analyze the figure before it was gone. He was grasping for straws with what little he had to go on, but he was just so damned determined to find out who it was. The figure was graceful and if he had to go with a fifty-fifty, he wanted to say the figure was a girl. Yeah, he’d go with that to cut down half his prospects.

❁ Harry had you in his Transfiguration class. He didn’t give you the light of day until one fateful class period when you got up to hand in an essay and Harry’s eyes followed you up the aisle. You were light-footed and quick, a grace to you unmatched by the identity-less night thief. That’s when he hit him—you were the culprit and he wasn’t imagining things about a Hufflepuff tie!

❁ He confronted you after class. It didn’t go so well. You didn’t like the idea of him seeing you take a book and tried to play it off like you’d never do such a thing; sadly for you, the Chosen One was chosen in what he’d “let go.” That was one of the few things he wanted to pursue. It became a cycle: you tried removing yourself from his radar, he reappeared to interrogate you, you’d threaten to hit him with a knee-locking spell, he’d back off and it started again. He was cute and aggravating, neither so good together. You grew frustrated and Harry? He was like a damn dog trailing after a slab of meat.

❁ Finally after weeks of enduring him following you wherever you went, you had finally had enough. You slapped him in the face and told him to bugger off before you turned him into a toad. All these threats aside, you thought maybe he’d leave you alone if you were to outright say it, but Harry hadn’t gotten his answers yet—and as a bloke who’d investigate his heart out for the right price, nothing could break his stride… or his pride.

❁ Ugh, how was he not bored yet?

❁ You gave him an ultimatum: if you told him the name of the book you stole and why you even took from the restricted section in the first place, he needed to forget you existed and stop being your shadow. Harry agreed. The two of you went somewhere alone and out of earshot from his nosy buddies and anyone else who loved to overhear things they shouldn’t, and once there, you told him your motivations. You needed a book on the history of dark magic because you were learning how to withstand Dark Arts curses in the case the war tried taking you as a casualty. You explained how your father was killed when you were a month old because of dark magic and you didn’t want to have that happen to you or your family again.

❁ Harry could see this was personal so for once, he was pretty serious (but not serious Sirius). And to your shock, he apologized for basically being your stalker. Then to your immense displeasure, he informed you of something else: he didn’t want to forget your existence.

❁ “What the bloody Hell, Harry? We agreed to this!” you cried out in protest.

❁ The arsehole didn’t look fazed. 

❁ Harry very suavely told you he fancied you and for the last few weeks he was only following you around because he felt leaving you alone would make you never give him the time of day again. Truthfully you probably never would have—he was a Gryffindor and Gryffindors did ridiculously stupid things and acted like bastards half the time. All houses had their flaws but Harry was many things: brave, oblivious, mad, and arrogant. A lot of those traits were none you particularly fancied yourself… but upon Harry’s confession, you could see yourself looking past all that.

❁ You agreed to let bygones be bygones and give Harry a chance to show you that he was more than your weird stalker/frenemy… Would you regret it? Yeah, probably. If he drew his friends into messes that were potentially lethal, you sure as hell would get the same bewildering stories to tell your future children.

❁ Good thing Hufflepuffs were badasses, too.

❁ Story aside, the two of you are a power couple.

❁ Oh, who thought a Hufflepuff couldn’t be powerful? Slytherins, Gryffindors? Well, they’re wrong.

❁ You’re an absolute beast at magic and yeah, Harry’s the Chosen One, but you’re only the tiniest bit beneath his level; he’s got the title but a match-up between you and Harry is not something anyone has the balls to face.

❁ You guys are the cute, playful couple and the warriors-on-their-way-to-battle couple.

❁ Your favorite place to go on dates to is the Three Broomsticks for Butterbeer and to people-watch. Harry’s a nosy Norman and likes to eavesdrop (and secretly, you’re not so opposed).

❁ He can be shy. He’s confident most of the time, then there’s these moments of vulnerability where he’ll go on self-pity tirades that he doesn’t deserve you and he hates putting you in danger. Cute of him to worry, but you’re a badass, remember? It’s up to you to remind him you’d leave if you really wanted to, but sometimes it’s good to let him see that himself. Bad bitches do what they want when they say they want.

❁ You hate Cho Chang with a passion when she starts making eyes at Harry. If you didn’t value your education or fear Umbridge, you’d relinquish any dignity you have left and start a cat fight.

❁ Harry’s loyal and sweet. You’d think he wouldn’t be, being the cocky prat he is at times, but damn, he knows how to defy expectations. When the two of you are together he has no eyes for anyone but you.

❁ He says, “I love you,” first. Big surprise.

❁ He’s a really passionate lover. Like, really passionate. He doesn’t give off the vibe, but man, oh man… he’s got moves.

❁ Harry truly takes every predisposed thought you had of him and basically shoots them all to Hell—just as you do his expectations of Hufflepuffs.

❁ Perfect match made in Merlin’s cauldron, huh?

❁ Nah, perfect match made in Hell.

#Harry Potter x reader #Hufflepuff reader #harry potter fanfiction #harry potter blog #Harry Potter imagine #Harry Potter oneshot #hp #hp fanfiction #golden trio #golden trio era #Hermione granger #ron weasley #gryffindor #ravenclaw #slytherin #harry potter #Harry Potter headcanon #headcanon #imagine #x reader #would include #dating Harry Potter would include #hope you enjoy but you probably won't tbh

[imaginejamesandsirius]

Hiya!! Sorry to bother but I was wondering if you could do a fic where james comes back to life and he (james) and Sirius have a cute little meet up in front of the order of the Phoenix again sorry to bother hope you have a wonderful day/afternoon/night 👋👋

James was practically bouncing in place. He was like a toddler, tugging on Remus's sleeve because he wanted to "-go already, Moony! It's been ages." Without the war, this was exactly what James had been like when he was excited. That this was about going to see Sirius made it even worse than usual-- although Remus remembered James acting almost exactly like this the last time they'd gone to Diagon Alley together and he'd wanted ice cream. "Come on, come on, come on! We're wasting time, let's go." 

"James, for Merlin's sake, you're twenty, not two. Bloody calm down and let me talk." 

James pouted. Honestly. Stuck out his bottom lip, the corners of his mouth turned down. "I'm twenty one," he muttered petulantly. Then he brightened. "How about you finish here, and I go see Sirius?" 

"I'm afraid we can't allow that Mister Potter," the Unspeakable said, and Remus could've told him it was a bad idea to tell James what he could and could not do-- especially when it came to Sirius-- and that was even before James started to glare. 

"It'll only take a minute, right?" Remus hurried to ask. 

The Unspeakable glanced at James, Remus, James, then back to Remus again. "I... can do a quick scan, but he'll have to come back tomorrow for further tests." 

"What kind of tests?" James asked defensively. 

"Nothing invasive. We're not planning on experimenting on you, Mister Potter, but we need to ascertain what happened and if it will reverse itself." 

"Reverse itself?" Remus repeated, stomach sinking. "You mean he could vanish?" 

"Unlikely, but possible," the Unspeakable admitted. "You can understand why we'd want to run tests to be sure. You're the first person to come out of the Veil. We need to know how being dead has effected you and if this will happen again." 

James wanted to say no and then skip away, but he knew that it would rip everyone in two if he started to settle in and then vanished. "Fine. But can't we do that tomorrow? I'm alive right now, and that's good enough for me." 

"We can do most of it tomorrow, but if this is timed, we need to learn as much as we can." 

James bit back a reply and gave a tight nod. If this was timed, he wanted to see Sirius again. Hug him. Remind him that he loved him. Maybe kiss him again if he had the time, but it was surprisingly hard to kiss someone when they were hugging you like their life depended on it-- a situation he had plenty of time experiencing where Sirius was concerned. Not that James minded the hugging. It was quite nice. Sometimes he wanted to kiss Sirius, and he didn't always get what he wanted, which was a damned shame in his opinion. "You're staying, right Remus?" 

"'Course. You want everyone else to leave?" Most people had gone back to Grimmauld, but a few had hung around to make sure that everything with James would be okay. 

"They don't need to stay," he said, which was good enough as a wave goodbye. He wasn't going to kick them out, but he also didn't need them to stay the way that he needed Remus to. 

"Alright. Give me a second. I'll be right back." He gave James's arm a comforting squeeze, then walked over to where Kingsley and Dora were standing. It had made the most sense for them to stick around since they were Aurors, but it had been a long day for everyone that had shown up to help. They probably weren't going to get any rest when they headed to Grimmauld Place, but it would be easier than standing vigil here. "Me and James are going to stay here for a little bit while they run some tests," Remus said in an undertone. "It shouldn't take too long, so you can go back to headquarters." He chewed on the inside of his cheek for a moment then said, "The others might have told Sirius, but can you make sure that he knows? It's really James, he's alive, all that?" 

Kingsley nodded, clapping him on the shoulder. 

"Thanks." He gave a slightly awkward nod to Dora, then he went back to James and they left. 

*

"I still can't believe Sirius is a fugitive," James said, walking so fast to the Ministry's exit that Remus had to jog to keep up with him. 

"I don't see what's so hard to understand about it," Remus said. "He thought that Pettigrew had killed you. By all accounts-" including Sirius's own "-he'd gone mad with grief." He wouldn't have been surprised if Sirius had been guilty of it, but he knew better than to say that aloud; he was pretty sure that James would punch him. "When you see him, maybe don't lead with that." 

"Fear not, my dear Moons. Talking about him not being able to leave the house is over half an hour into the conversation." 

"Is the first twenty minutes just you two gushing over each other?" It had driven him batty while they were at Hogwarts, but his heart was light imagining it now. The Unspeakables had tentatively given James a stamp of approval, saying that it looked like he was here to stay-- albeit fourteen years or so younger than he should've been. 

"Maybe. There's no telling. It all sort of depends on how tired he is. Do you think he'll be tired?" 

"I think he'd stay up for the next forty-eight hours straight to talk to you if you asked him to." 

"That is so not the point." James knew that Sirius would stay up if he asked, but that wouldn't make Sirius any less tired. James had fifty different things he wanted to do with Sirius, and almost none of them would work if they went to sleep right after he got there. 

"It was my point," Remus muttered. 

"You're grumpy now. Is Sirius as grumpy as you are?" 

"Worse." 

James sniffed, turning his nose into the air as they walked. He had this innate confidence about him that Remus had nearly forgotten about, but it was glaringly obvious now that he was back. He'd been declared dead over ten years ago, and now he was alive again, walking through the halls of the Ministry like he owned the place-- given the historical wealth of the Potter family, maybe he did own part of it. "Liar." 

"Are you going to say that for everything I tell you about him?" 

James considered this. "Yes." They made it to the floo and hopped in-- James had been let in on the secret for the Fidelius half an hour ago when Dumbledore visited them before going back to Grimmauld to be with the rest of the Order (he'd also told them that the kids were in bed, which Remus felt was a good thing as James wasn't going to be likely to entertain anyone at all with Sirius in the room even if the person wanting attention was his own son). 

James had gone through first, and when Remus came out, he saw James carelessly dusting the ash off of himself and looking around like he expected for Sirius to pop out of the floor. Honestly, it wouldn't have surprised Remus if Sirius managed to make it happen. He'd always done things like that: break the normal rules for what was possible just to make James smile When James didn't see him, he turned to Remus. "Where is he?" 

"Dining room, probably." 

"Probably?" James repeated, disgruntled that he wasn't certain. He took off in the right direction, which confirmed Remus's suspicions that James had visited Sirius at his over the summer when they were young. "You shouldn't be guessing; you should know." 

"How should I know? I was with you the whole time." 

There wasn't a good reply to that since he was right. "Hmph." He pushed open the dining room door, then slowed to a halt when he saw Sirius. The room quieted when they entered, and when Remus glanced at James, he was grinning. 

Sirius had been told that James was alive. He knew for a fact that this was really James, and surely that's what they'd been talking about when James and Remus walked in. He should've been prepared for it, but it was obvious from the look on his face that he hadn't dared believe it was true. He was frozen where he was sat at the table, and James didn't let that bother him at all. He strode over and plopped in his lap, hugging him tightly. "Merlin, I missed you so much. Did you know that Moony is still grumpy?" 

"Yeah," Sirius said numbly. "I think it's because he refuses to eat chocolates." 

"Still? I guess there's no getting through to some people." James pulled back enough to look at his face. He had no problem admitting that he got a little misty-eyed. "Look at you," he whispered. Sirius had went and gotten older without him. James had missed so much. "You let your hair grow out." 

"Yeah," Sirius said again, slightly choked. "You always thought I should." 

James's smile widened. "Obviously. It's called having taste, Sirius." 

Sirius pulled him back into a hug, holding onto him so tightly it had to hurt. "I missed you so bloody much," he whispered. 

"So are the rest of us here right now, or...?" Bill asked, a small smile on his mouth. 

"Hi, hello, nice to see you all again," James said, not budging an inch. 

*

"Are they always like that?" Harry asked lowly. By the stove, James and Sirius were moving like they were two bodies with the same mind. Touching, teasing, laughing. Sirius looked lighter than he had since getting out of Azkaban. 

Remus smiled at the sight. "Yes." 

James grabbed Sirius for a quick kiss, and then they were back to making muffins. 

"No one told me they were together," Harry said. He didn't sound upset by it, necessarily, just a little thrown. Surprised. 

"They were. They are," he added after a moment. "It was complicated back then. Honestly Harry, I sort of forgot that you didn't know. It's..." he gestured at the pair, "obvious. I think we all forgot that you wouldn't have known on your own." 

Harry hummed, tilting his head a little as he looked at them. "I've never seen Sirius so happy." 

"It's been a long time since he was this happy." 

"Since before Dad died?" Harry guessed, and Remus nodded. 

"I don't think you're supposed to add the butter in yet," James said, peering into the bowl. 

"The recipe said to add the butter after the sugar." 

"Yeah, but it was supposed to all be mixed by then." 

"Are you sure?" Sirius asked, bumping their hips together. 

"Well. Pretty sure." James looked to Remus and Harry, who startled a bit. They'd both thought that their presence had been forgotten as they got wrapped up in each other. "Either of you know?" 

"What happened to 'get the hell out of our way, Moony'?" Remus asked, raising an eyebrow. 

"We're not asking you to get in the way; we're asking if you know what the recipe means. There's a difference." 

Harry, the little traitor, snickered. "I think the butter's supposed to go in after it's all mixed," he offered. 

"Ah bugger," Sirius said, looking into the bowl. He looked up at James, and their eyes locked. There was a wealth of information that passed between them in that instant, and they both shrugged. "Too late now." He went back to stirring. 

#prongsfoot #marauders #fanfic #james potter #sirius black #remus lupin #harry potter #second war #established relationship #james lives #siriuslystarbucks #Anonymous

[twoidiotwriters1]

Pure Blood 17 (Sirius Black x F!Oc)

Words: 2,239

Masterlist:

Chapter 16 / Chapter 18

"What?" I look at him in horror and he nods.

"I thought I had mistaken her for someone else, but I swear it's her!” He shivers.

"You got to be kidding me…”

"Believe me, I wish it was just a joke,” He peeks a little out of the window frame where he can see undiscovered. In a quick movement he hides again. "Here it comes…”

I don't move and I think we both hold our breath. The others act normally, several students pass and I turn in my place and carefully peek through the frame.

"I think she's gone," Sirius checks. We both get up.

"Okay, that was kind of weird, but I really have to go, tell me later, Padfoot," James says, then leaves.

Remus, Peter and Lily approach us. I look at Sirius.

"Are you sure it was her?"

"I swear, if I was kidding, I wouldn't bother doing all this!”

Oh no. This is bad.

"Are you going to explain or not?" Remus says, totally confused.

I sigh and turn to them.

"Trixie is... a bad person."

“She's the devil," adds Sirius.

"Oh come on, it can't be that bad.”

"Yes it is,” Sirius and I say at the same time. I feel a shiver as I remember the moments with Trixie.

"Okay Remus this must be important if Persephone and Sirius agree on something that isn’t part of the plan," says Lily.

“Well, we met Trixie when we were kids, I think we were about nine or ten years old, she’s a pureblood, so her parents and ours were… friends. The thing with that girl is that- "

“She's the devil" Sirius interrupts again.

"Black, if you keep saying that, they won't believe us!” He rolls his eyes.

"No one will do it anyway, they didn't believe us back then!"

"Nobody believes children,” I shake my head and continue. "Anyway, at first we thought she was a good girl, always helping everyone, she was laughing at our jokes and she even helping in some mischief, but it was all a hoax.”

"She has this ability that… I don't know, she plays with your mind, then she starts acting strange and does something horrible, but it makes it seem like it was you!”

We were silent waiting for some reaction from the others. Remus's laugh surprised us.

“Wow, that was incredible, it almost made me think that all of this is true. Did you used to do this when you were children?”

"Remus, it's not part of a game, it's the truth!”

"Even I find it hard to believe it too," starts Lily. "If all that were true. You’re no longer children, perhaps the girl has changed. It was just that, some children are mischievous."

"Oh no… We were naughty, she was another level.”

"Stop laughing, Moony!" Sirius complains looking at Remus.

“I can't help it, your face is priceless. It reminded me of the time James accidentally shaved your eyebrow,” Remus lets out another laugh and Sirius growls.

"You don't believe us, right?" I say looking at Lily while Sirius fights with Remus.

"Let's say I believe a 50%"

I grimace

"Anyway, I have to go, if it's really Trixie, I want to get away as much as I can,” I say goodbye to them and leave the two boys fighting.

I get into the Slytherin the common room, but before I can continue to my bedroom, I hear giggles as I pass by some girls. I stop and see them, as soon as they realize it, they laugh. I frown, but I don't care.

"Look who came. The lioness pretending to be a snake,” says a blond boy. Thorfinn Rowle. I look at him raising an eyebrow.

"What are you implying, Rowle?"

"Oh, nothing, Singh,” The other students in the common room laugh. "Look at her, she's confused!” He says, then laughs like a sick seal, causing more laughter.

"If you're not going to say something smart, I'll go…” I fake a smile and return to my path, but the boy intervenes.

"Where were you now, Singh? With Lupin? Evans' dirty blood? Or did you have bigger plans with Black? ”

"Surely she was with Black!" Someone says in the distance, everyone laughs again.

"Do I have to tell you all my moves, Rowle?" All I want is to go to my bed.

"Not necessarily, we all know what you’re doing,” He crosses his arms and smiles as if he had said something interesting.

"Then why do you ask?" I say fed up. His smile disappears for a second, but he pulls himself together. "Is this your biggest attempt to make fun of me? really?"

"You are a traitor, traitors don't deserve to be in Slytherin.”

"Oh yeah?" I smile. "And why do they think I'm a traitor? because I don't make fun of others anymore? Because I’m not mad at losing Quidditch matches? Because anyone else is more interesting than an entire Slytherin room?”

Nobody responds.

"It's because you turned your back on your blood, on your family," says a male voice behind me. I turn to meet Snape. I laugh.

"You must know the importance of blood, right, Snivellus? Right, halfblood?”

“A halfblood who knows his place. You’re the one who wants to be part of something that is not,” I approach him.

"I don't think you know what you're saying, Snape. Do you know what your place is? I don't think so, right now you're aiming way above it,”

I smile. “If you knew your place, you wouldn't be facing me. Better go back to your potions and play for a while in some corner.”

I take a few steps back and look around me, all eyes fixed on me.

“Does anyone else have a problem with me? Because believe me, I don't care in the least, if I didn't care before, now less. Get into your own affairs, make a life and leave mine alone.”

Everyone is silent. I clasp my hands and bow to Snape, finally going to my bedroom.

I have to admit that I’m quite proud of myself for what just happened. Although my life has hit me hard, I must admit that my confidence was reeling, I didn’t feel completely comfortable with the attention of so many people, something I was used to before, but now… it seems like a great step.

I have to tell Jenna this, and then Remus.

—————————————————

"Is it my imagination or did I just see Trixie Jones?" Regulus says sitting down across from me at the Slytherin table.

"Where!?" I squeal as I duck under the table, revealing only part of my head and eyes. Reg laughs at my reaction.

"Don't tell me you’re still afraid of that girl.”

I look everywhere and little by little I sit again, but I'm still attentive.

"It is not fear... it’s- agh, it doesn’t matter. You won’t believe me, you didn’t do it back then…”

"Well, forgive me for not believing that a 10-year-old girl was guilty of my house catching on fire," I cross my arms and pout.

"I'm sure it was her, but, anyway, where did you see her?" He turns a little and points to the Ravenclaw table. I nod. "It makes sense.”

"Haven't you said hi?” He says in a mocking question.

"Very funny.”

"You know you're not 10 years old anymore, right? Could you talk to her?”

"Sure and suddenly I cut off my head,” I say. ”No thanks, I want to live.”

He rolls his eyes.

"I remember she was good to me, and she gave me sweets," He says, smiling.

“That's part of her plan, Reggie. First she has to win you, then she makes her malicious work.”

“You’re impossible. Can we go to class?"

I growl and nod.

—————————————————

The rest of the day was pretty calm... until it was time for potions class.

“Very well, welcome to a new school year, my students. As you know, the most important exams are this year, so I will do the buddy assignment from now on.”

The teacher began to say names and each one sat down with his partner, Jenna had Lily, that's fine. I feel déjà vu, but this time it is much worse.

"Remus Lupin with... Trixie Jones"

I feel a strong pain in the chest. Damn, me worrying about protecting Remus from my family, I didn't see this coming.

The brunette is a few places ahead of Remus, so she turns to find her new partner. Remus, as he is a damn good person, raises his hand to meet her. She smiles and sits down next to him.

"Sirius Black with, well, this is no surprise to anyone, but since last year, I have found my best students," He laughs as he touches his belly, but seeing that no one else is laughing, clears his throat. "Sirius Black and Persephone Singh.”

It doesn't take long for Sirius to run to my place, he practically throws his books on the table and sits down.

"Am I the only one who heard the tragedy?" He asks agitated

“Trixie's with Remus. He’s going to die, Black,” We both look at the couple, but suddenly the brunette turns and sees us. Neither can react, Trixie smiles and waves at us and then returns to Remus.

"Oh, he's so dead," adds Sirius.

The class continues and during all the time I couldn’t concentrate on what Slughorn says, my gaze always returned to Trixie.

Who sometimes giggles and gets very close to Remus, while he just blushes and laughs too. I clench my teeth every time I hear them. Sirius is also tense with this situation, and he growls as he sees them.

Potions ends and everyone begins to leave. Sirius and I are waiting for the others outside the room and as soon as I see Remus, I run to him and hug him. The brown-haired man seems surprised, but accepts it.

"Everything okay, Percy?"

“Are you injured? Did she do something to you?”

"Oh, don't tell me that this Trisha was in class," says James coming to our side along with Peter, then Lily and Jenna arrive.

"Her name is Trixie and yes, she is... Remus' new partner" I say when I separate from my friend, who scratches the back of his neck, a little nervous.

"Guys, I know what you think, but it doesn't seem like such a bad person. It was actually fun talking to her,” I look at him take a few steps back.

"That is her move, Moony,” Sirius points out. "First she’s a good person, when she’s confident and have some secrets from you she’s going to wait for the right moment to attack."

"Isn't that the snake's move?" says James.

I roll my eyes and ignore it.

"Don't you think you’re exaggerating a bit?" Lily adds.

"Wow, wait," says Jenna, stepping forward and looking at me. "Trixie Jones?" It seems the memories come to her. "You've already mentioned her before, P... Are you telling me that that sweet girl is the same monster that you told me about?"

"Sweet?"

“Yes, I’ve also spoken to her. She was just transferred from Beauxbatons, she looks like a pretty charming girl. ”

"Nobody listens to us?" Sirius complains.

"I can't believe it," Says a different voice. We all turn to see her. Trixie Jones. "Sirius Black and Persephone Singh!” The girl smiles, then jumps in place and claps her hands with joy.

Oh, this is my end.

The girl approaches until we’re in front of her and analyzes us from top to bottom, she stops at Sirius.

“Wow, time has been an ally for you. You were cute when we were younger, Sirius, but now,” She approaches him. “You’re handsome. Look at those eyes! Surely many girls are behind you. Well, that's what they told me and I was not surprised,” Now she observes me. “And you, my dear Persephone, as beautiful as ever, knew that you were going to become a charming woman.” Those comments are usually made by our aunts.

She stays in the middle of both and then she raises her arms and wraps us in a big hug. Touching part of her skin, I can't help but feel a chill. The hug did not last long and sets us free.

"H-hi Trixie," I say with a fake smile. "I thought I would never see you again."

She laughs, seems not to notice that my comment was not friendly at all.

"I know, since I moved to France we haven't been able to communicate, but don't worry, princess!"

I groan at the stupid nickname she always used with me. I never liked it.

"I'm back, I’ll continue my studies at Hogwarts.”

Neither responds, it seems that we were frozen in our places, so the others decide to interrupt.

"Trix, let me introduce you to the others,” Jenna begins. Wait a second, Trix!? "This is Lily Evans, this is Peter Petitgrew, James Potter, and I guess you already know Remus,” Remus blushes a little.

"Yes, I already know him,” she says looking at him with a shy smile. “It's a pleasure to meet you, I hope we can be friends," Some Ravenclaw girls come up and say something I don’t hear. "Oh, I have to go, I guess I'll see you later" She turns back to us. "It's good to see you guys again.”

Taglist:

@treestarrrrrrrr @siriuslysirius1107   @thagreenmoon   @madmaiden2890 @bloodorangemoonlight   @ren-ela  @avipshamitra  @lizlil @siriusmuch   @may-rapp @chloe-geoghegan1 @reverse-hxlland  @auroraawrites​  @findzelda  @littledeadgirlwalking​

#Pure Blood #hp fanfic #Sirius Black #Sirus Black x reader #James Potter #Remus Lupin #Lily Evans #Harry Potter #Harry Potter fanfic #twoidiots writing

[siriusmuch]

Friday I’m In Love | Chapter Five

series masterlist here

word count: about 2.6k

warnings: it gets a bit depressing when the reader’s sister is brought up, but overall, it’s a pretty hurt/comfort chapter :)! and it’s super fluffy ;)

taglist: @interestingthingsthings @siriuslysirius1107@scaredofvscogirls @lizlil @themihala @mainstreambitchlife @phenylethyllamine @jellyfishbeansontoast​ @accio-rogers​ @blackpinkdolan​ @nickangel13​ @witchywrter​ please message me or send an ask if you’d like to be added to the taglist! if you didn’t receive a notification, it’s because i can’t tag you.

a/n: i’m SO excited for this chapter and honestly, i was planning on writing more for this, but hopefully this is good for now !! thank you all for being patient with me :) 

-

“You’ve got the wrong person, Princess.”

Your hair hit your face as you whipped around. Almost immediately, your eyes met with gray ones, and your eyes narrowed. The last person you expected was Sirius, and you scoffed.

“Did I not tell you that I’m done with you, Black?” Your voice was icy, but you couldn’t help the pounding of your heart. The tiniest of urges to thank him was immediately pushed down by your grudge. You watched Sirius carefully, and you could see his eyes widen for a fraction of a second. Did he really expect you to go running back at him with just a prank?

“I seem to have a reputation of not following rules. Did you not expect me to do something?”

Your emotions were bubbling, and it took everything in you to contain them. “Well, you seemed to follow the unspoken rule of Gryffindors hating Slytherins quite well... And you even pulled a stereotypical Gryffindor move and decided that all Slytherins were bad.”

You watched Sirius stiffen up the more you spoke, and part of you felt guilty. Despite being a Slytherin, you weren’t as prideful as some of your other house members, and all you wanted to do was jump into his arms and tell him you forgave him. But you refused to let yourself sink to that level — you were ignored for five years. It wasn’t even that you didn’t try reaching out to him.

“Moony, could you give us a minute? You’re done with detention, right?”

You hadn’t been talking to Remus for the past few minutes, but you wished he would stay. He looked over at you, silently asking whether or not you wanted him to stay. You hesitated, before nodding. This was a conversation for you and Sirius only, and as much as you started to let Remus into your life, you knew this was something you needed.

Right before Remus left, he gave you a quick hug, whispering a quick word of assurance before stepping out the door. You watched him leave, nerves starting to build up. You felt much more confident while Remus was in the room. And although Sirius hadn’t talked to you for years, he always had a knack to be able to read you.

Were you even ready to have this conversation?

This was something you’d hoped to have for years. You couldn’t list the amount of letters that you’ve composed, begging for something, anything, from him that you’d burnt up. Or even the ones that you’ve sent for a few years before you realized he’d never read any of them. Or the gifts you got him, the ones that you had spent hours agonizing over before sending him. Everything you did for the first few years during Hogwarts was for him.

You wanted this so badly, but now that you were face to face with Sirius, all you wanted to do was run. 

“Look, (Y/N)...” Sirius started, breaking the silence between the two of you, “Honestly, I don’t know what to say. I’ve been an asshole for the past five years, and you didn’t deserve that.”

“Damn right,” You muttered under your breath. “I can’t... deny that you haven’t been. I’ve been hurt over and over by you, and I didn’t deserve that. No matter the house I’m in. Hell, we’re starting to talk right now, and I still have no clue what you want from me.”

You looked up at Sirius, trying to figure out what was going on behind his eyes. He opened his mouth a few times to speak, although no words came out.

“Alright. I’m going to assume nothing then, or at least nothing important. I can’t tell if you’re not saying anything because of your pride, or if it’s because this entire thing was on impulse. I’m going to go.” Any anger you had was quickly filled with disappointment. You could hear your father’s voice in your head, telling you how all Gryffindors were the same and how they were making a fool out of you, and in turn, you were making a fool of your bloodline.

“No!” Sirius reached out and took a hold of your hand, and you almost jumped at the sparks. You turned to look at him, and you were surprised at how genuine he seemed. “Please don’t go. Not yet, just. Give me a bit,” Sirius begged.

Your eyes softened as you continued to stare at him, and you knew that Sirius knew. His grip on you loosened, but he never once looked away from your eyes. Neither of you spoke, and you knew a thousand messages were being exchanged between you. Your hand was still in his, and you just waited.

“I can’t expect you to forgive me. At least, not yet. But I’m sorry, (Y/N). I’m truly sorry for ignoring you and making it out to seem like I haven’t given a fuck about you for the past five years. When I first started, it was because I was so angry yet so scared, scared that you wanted to talk just so you could break off this friendship,” Sirius paused, and you nodded at him to continue.

“That’s not an excuse for anything, I know. You don’t have to tell me. But then, as time went on, I was so ashamed of doing it and I didn’t know how to stop doing it. And I guess eventually, before this year, I started believing that you were just like everyone else in my family. I mean, you hung around Snivellus and at any house parties I saw you in, you always seemed like you were being the perfect daughter. And... once, a group of Voldemort supporters were at my house, and your parents and sister were there. So I just assumed. But after I saw that howler you got, I got reminded of just how similar you and I were. You hated my parents more than I did, and I completely forgot that we were in the same boat.”

You frowned at him, but you squeezed his hand gently to reassure him. The two of you stood in silence for a moment as you tried to compose all your thoughts.

“Siri,” You started, before hastily correcting yourself, “Black.”

Before you even had a chance to say anything else, Sirius cut you off. “Sirius is fine, (Y/N). Please don’t call me by my last name. I’ve always been Sirius to you, and I don’t want that to change.”

You smirked a bit at that, but you continued speaking. “Sirius, I don’t know what to say. I can’t forgive you,” you paused when you noticed his frown, “but it doesn’t mean that I won’t in the future. I’m a little scared that this is going to be a one time thing,” you confessed.

“It’s not! I swear to Merlin, it’s not.” Sirius quickly jumped in, and you squeezed his hand again.

“And I can’t tell you that I believe that that’s true right now either. It’s been five years, Sirius. Even though we were close before, it’s going to take a while before I allow myself to fully trust you again. It’s not that I don’t want to, because believe me, every ounce of self-control is thrown out the window when it comes to you. It’s taking me everything to not just forgive you on the spot,” your voice was somber as you continued to speak, “And I don’t think anything is going to be the same as it once was. You might think you miss me, but I’m different now. I’m not the same naive child I once was, nor are you. You might realize that you don’t want to be friends with me anymore.”

“I’m sorry, (Y/N). I really am,” Sirius brought his free hand up to your cheek, wiping away the few tears that escaped your eyes. You hadn’t even realized that you started crying at some point. Your eyes flicked down a moment as you tried not to close yourself off, but with one glance up at Sirius, you realized that he was about to cry as well.

“And, about the Voldemort supporter thing? I can’t deny that my parents don’t support him. They do, and there’s nothing I can do about that. Nothing I can do would stop them from doing so.” Your nose crinkled in disgust.

“If you couldn’t tell already, mine do too.” He gave you the slightest of smiles, and suddenly, you burst into laughter, instinctively leaning into Sirius. Seconds later, Sirius did the same, and the two of you just couldn’t stop. There was someone who truly understood what having Death Eater parents was like, and you felt the slightest of weights on your shoulder being lifted. Every time you and Sirius looked at each other, you both couldn’t help laughing even harder.

Within the next few minutes, you were finally able to calm down from laughing, the slightest of chuckles still lingering. The awkward atmosphere in the room had long left, and the two of you were closer than you had been in five years. You welcomed this feeling back with a grin at Sirius.

“I have a question, though,” Sirius started. You lifted an eyebrow, waiting. “That day in the hospital... You mentioned that you wish you were in your sisters place. And during the Hallowe’en Feast, you let it slip that your sister was dead. Are you... Nevermind, that’s a stupid question. Do you want to talk about it?”

You couldn’t stop your shoulders from tensing up. You sighed, looking away from Sirius before he gently nudged you, trying to get you to look back at him. You took a moment to ponder whether or not you really wanted to say anything about what had happened.

“Not... really,” You sighed, “I don’t like thinking about how it happened, or even why it happened. But I was telling you the truth. There’s been plenty of times I wished it were me. And when I said that it was your fault, don’t blame yourself too much. You didn’t know, no one did. Plus, it wasn’t entirely you. There’s been... other things.”

Sirius nodded, and he mindlessly ran his thumb against the back of your hand. It was like he was doing it out of comfort, like how he used to when you were younger, and you appreciated that he still remembered. Or at least, even if he didn’t, that he still knew to do it instinctively. 

“I don’t like thinking about her. I know you used to look up to her when you were younger, but don’t think she was a Voldemort supporter. I know you saw her with my parents, but she didn’t have a choice. She’s like me, a bit. We both don’t have the courage it takes to be like you, Sirius. You stand up against your parents, or, as well as you can, from what Reg tells me. I’ve never been able to do that as well as you have.” You sighed, “But enough about that.”

Sirius’ lips pursed, and you could tell that he wanted to say more. To ask about what happened, to get everything out of you. But you couldn’t — even if you felt more comfortable with Sirius than you had that morning, you still felt just the slightest bit uneasy thinking about telling him what’d really been going on in your life for the past five years.

“That day in the hospital... You also happened to mention something else,” Sirius started, and you tried racking your brain for what it was, “You said that you were trying to get over me... Platonically and romantically.”

Oh.

You blinked owlishly at him as the memory settled in your brain, and you could feel your cheeks start burning red. You tried pulling your hand away from his, but Sirius held on a bit tighter. “I’m not judging, Princess, but...” Sirius raised an eyebrow at you.

You bit your lip, swallowing nervously as you looked anywhere but at Sirius. You knew he was seeing you vulnerable, but your hand was still in his. You didn’t want to pull away from the feeling just yet, but you were so jittery.

“Well...” You started, “Um. I may or may not have been in l-love with you for the past few years. Or maybe my entire life. I can’t remember not being in love with you.” You admitted, your voice growing quiet as you tried your best to control your stammer.

The silence between the two of you was practically destroying you, so you rushed to continue speaking, “I-I mean, I don’t expect you to feel the same for me or anything like that. We haven’t talked in five years, and like, I heard you and Marlene had a thing for a while, so. Plus, I only mentioned it because I thought you hated me and that we’d never speak again after it, and I thought getting it off my chest would help, but...” You laughed nervously, and you hated how it sounded like one of the girls who’d fake giggle around Sirius.

“I’m sorry, (Y/N).” Sirius said, and your heart dropped. You hadn’t even realized that you were holding your breath, or that your hopes had gotten up a bit. You didn’t even realize that Sirius’ grip had loosened, so you pulled your hand away and wiped them on your robes. “I hope you still want to be my friend, or at least, still want me to try and get you to forgive me. But I just don’t feel the same way.”

If you’d been looking at Sirius, you’d notice that he silently had smacked his face. But instead, you were staring across the room, your eyes darting around and at anywhere but at him.

After a moment, you finally looked back up at Sirius. “It’s alright, it’s what I expected. But now that you know, I can finally get over you in peace,” You nudged him, trying to bring back the ease from earlier. But, it seemed to had the opposite effect. Sirius crossed his arms and had an obvious sour expression on his face, and for the life of you, you couldn’t tell where you went wrong. Your brows furrowed, and you wished you were able to read him as well as you used to be able to — it sucked, not knowing what was going on in his head.

“It’s... not because of you or anything. I just don’t think I’d be able to settle down. And from what I can tell, that’s what you want, right?” Sirius lied, not that you would know. You nodded, a sad look on your face, but you didn’t blame him. “You’ve always been important to me, (Y/N), and even though I haven’t been able to show that, you’re not like everyone else. I don’t want to give this a try and disappoint you.”

You nodded again, reaching out to grab onto Sirius’ hand. You hoped that your eyes conveyed just how understanding you were about all of this. Even though he didn’t want to give a try, nor felt any romantic sparks towards you at all, it was just nice to have him back in your life. Nice to have someone who knew you and knew you better than you knew yourself. Nice to have someone who truly cares and understands.

And when Sirius gave a gentle squeeze back, you knew that maybe it was okay for you to hope again.

#friday i'm in love #sirius black #sirius black x reader #remus lupin #remus lupin x reader #sirius black x reader x remus lupin #marauders #marauders era #marauders x reader #marauders era x reader #journal of joyivos

[cyborgsquirrel]

Sanctuary: Chapter 4

Pairing: Wolfstar

Summary: The epic tale of Remus Lupin and Sirius Black, from their first meeting until their happily ever after.

Link to Prologue

Link to All Chapters

September 1st, 1971

Remus had checked his trunk four times that morning, but he checked it again, just to be sure everything was there. He couldn't quite believe it was true. He was going to Hogwarts. To learn magic. With other people his age. Like a normal person. He glanced around his room, looking for anything he might have left out, but saw nothing. It was unlikely he would have forgotten anything if he were honest; he'd been making lists for weeks.

'Remus, are you ready? It's time to go,' his mum shouted.

His heart leapt with excitement. Grabbing onto the end of the heavy trunk, he dragged it into the living room where his mum was waiting for him by the fireplace. When he reached her, he bent over with his hands on his knees to catch his breath before returning to his room for his owl. She was already perched in her travel cage, and she whistled at him softly when he picked her up.

'Don't worry, Rieka. You won't be in there for long. You'll have the whole owlery at Hogwarts and the freedom to go for a fly whenever you like.'

She whistled again, and he assumed she understood and wasn't mad at him. He carefully carried the cage out to where his mum was waiting for him, trying not to jostle her.

They were taking the floo to Platform Nine and Three Quarters, much to Remus' dismay, but nothing could spoil his mood today. He placed the cage down and grinned up at his mum.

'Ready!'

The two of them travelled through the floo and emerged on the platform at quarter past ten. It had been Remus' suggestion to arrive early to avoid the crowds, and his plan had worked out well. The platform was almost empty. There were only a few early arrivals dotted about, and it was close to silent, so his mum crouched down to speak to him.

'Now, remember, you need to be careful. Try to eat your meals when there are fewer people in the hall and avoid crowded places.'

'I know, Mum. Don't worry.'

He was getting annoyed with the constant reminders. He knew what he had to do to stay safe. It was his life on the line if he messed up, not hers. Yet she kept telling him again and again like he was stupid.

'Good. But try to have fun too, sweetheart, and don't forget to write.'

Remus nodded.

'I'll owl you tonight.'

'I'll look forward to hearing all about it then. You better get on the train before more people arrive. I love you, and I'm so happy for you.'

She stood up and smiled at Remus, clasping her hands to her chest. He smiled back, feeling a tad guilty for his uncharitable thoughts a moment ago and wishing he was allowed to hug her. But knowing it was impossible, he turned and grabbed his trunk and his owl instead, hauling them onto the train in search of a secluded compartment.

-o-o-o-o-

Sirius was running late. Kreacher had apparated him to the platform at 10:55 am, despite Sirius having been ready since ten o'clock. The crotchety house-elf had deposited Sirius' trunk next to him and disapparated without a word, leaving him alone on the platform.

The place was crowded, people swarmed the platform in groups, talking loudly and pushing trolleys full of belongings. Sirius couldn't see anything. He didn't know which direction the train was in, and he only had five minutes to board. He panicked.

'Don't I know you?' a female voice said close to his ear.

Sirius whipped his head around in surprise and saw an old woman with grey hair. She was bent low to speak to him. He didn't recognise her, but she might be able to help him.

He gave her his most charming smile and said, 'I don't think so, ma'am, but if you would point me in the direction of the train, I'd be grateful.'

She stared at him, her eyes roaming his face.

'Yes. I do,' she said thoughtfully. 'You're Walburga's boy, aren't you? The train is this way, dear. Is that your trunk?'

He nodded to both questions, and she shrank his trunk down to the size of a small suitcase with a quick Reducio. He picked up the now miniature trunk and followed her to the train, grateful that at least some people were kind and helpful. Unlike his bitch of a mother who had purposefully made him late to the station "so he wouldn't have time to disgrace himself."

'Oh look, there's my James. Why don't you go with him? James!' she shouted, waving at the messy-haired boy with glasses who stood near the train.

He was dressed in muggle clothes, which looked very comfortable to Sirius, and was standing next to a much older version of himself, most likely his father. Next to him was a very expensive-looking mahogany trunk. Sirius sized him up in a moment and was left confused. He had the air of a wealthy pureblood about him, but his muggle attire didn't fit. Blood-traitors, then? Excellent, his mother would be furious.

'There you are, Mum. We thought you got lost,' James said with a grin. Spotting Sirius next to her, James turned his attention on him. 'Hi there. I'm James Potter. Who are you?'

Ah, a Potter, that explained everything. They were wealthier even than the Blacks, but they were muggle-lovers, a disgrace to their name if you asked his mother. Which he didn't. Ever. He couldn't let a Potter outdo him in confidence though, so he stepped towards the boy.

'My name's Sirius,' he said, purposefully leaving out his surname.

He flashed his trademark grin and held out his hand to shake.

James shook his hand and leant forward.

'Do you like pranks?' he asked, in a whisper.

Sirius thought back to the dungbomb at his mother's party. All the guests had been stinking like dragon dung when they left. It was brilliant. He smirked at James.

'Who doesn't?'

'Excellent!' James said, clapping his hands.

He grabbed Sirius' arm and dragged him towards the train.

'Let's go to school,' he said, and then much quieter, and for Sirius' ears only, he added, 'and become pranking legends!'

Sirius laughed. James' exuberance was a little overwhelming and not the kind of behaviour he was used to. The people in his family were all sedate and dignified. Passion was not a trait the Blacks were known for, not in public at least. But it also pleased him to have found a potential friend so fast, and a Potter no less. That would piss his mother off more than anything. Well, not as much as if he befriended a mudblood or some filthy half-breed, but it was a close second, and the best part was she couldn't object because the Potter's were higher up the social ladder than the Blacks.

Mrs Potter waylaid them in their quest to board the train, grabbing James by his arm and pulling him in for a hug.

'How dare you try to leave without saying goodbye,' she said, showering kisses down on his head.

James struggled in her arms.

'Mum! Not in front of Sirius,' he whined.

Sirius would prefer it if she stopped too. Not because he thought James had anything to be embarrassed about, but because the display of affection reminded him how little of it he received in his own life, and the pang of jealousy didn't sit well with him. He was the Black heir; he shouldn't be jealous of anyone.

'Oh, don't be silly. Why should you care if your friend knows I love you?' she asked, laughing. 'Go on then. You can leave. Don't forget to write!'

She unshrunk Sirius' trunk, and they both dragged the heavy boxes onto the train and into an empty compartment.

The train ride passed uneventfully, mostly. There was an argument with a greasy, dark-haired kid and his red-headed girlfriend about Slytherin. It seemed like James really hated Slytherins, and that knowledge made Sirius' gut ache. He didn't think he would be placed in Slytherin, but if he was, would James still want to be his friend? From what he'd seen, he doubted it. They had only known each other for a few hours, but already he felt a deep bond with the other boy. A fellow heir to a high-ranking house and a sizable fortune even bigger than his own. He didn't want to lose his friendship so soon.

There was also a minor incident with a firecracker in the bathroom, but that had nothing to do with them, honest.

When they were roaming the corridors, Sirius had kept a look-out for Remus, the boy from the apothecary. But he didn't see anyone who resembled him in any of the carriages they explored. Maybe at the welcome feast, he thought hopefully.

They disembarked from the train at Hogsmeade Station and joined the other first years gathering around a giant man covered in more hair than any animal Sirius had ever seen. He introduced himself as Hagrid and led them to the edge of the Black Lake. Apparently, they were expected to get to Hogwarts by crossing the water in rickety old boats that looked ready to sink.

Sirius boarded a boat with James and gingerly took a seat, hoping it was clean and dry. How embarrassing would it be to arrive at the feast with a dirty wet patch on his ass? He scanned the bank and the other boats for anyone who resembled Remus but came up empty. It wasn't long before they were joined in their boat by a plump boy with a round face. He said his name was Peter, and he was dressed decently, even if his robes weren't quite the quality of James' and his own.

A few minutes later, a small boy with long tawny hair and robes that were two sizes too big approached them. His face was gaunt, and he had dark circles under his eyes. He looked like a strong wind might blow him away. Sirius put on his best haughty expression and spoke with the perfect enunciation of a pureblood who had received speech tutoring since the age of two.

'Can we help you?'

He even managed to look down his nose at the strange boy despite being at a lower elevation. His mother would be proud.

The boy seemed to quake a little, but then gathered courage from somewhere and spoke in a soft, clear voice, 'Oh, um, I was hoping I could ride with you?'

'I'm afraid not. This seat is taken,' Sirius said, before turning away in dismissal.

He watched out of the corner of his eye as the boy's shoulders drooped and he wandered off to find another boat. Sirius felt a little bad for being so rude to him, but he needed to save the seat for Remus in case he was here.

'Who are we keeping the seat for?' James asked.

'Someone I met when I was younger. I was hoping he'd be here, but I don't see him. His name's Remus,' Sirius said.

A few minutes later, the bank was clear of students, and the boats moved off across the lake. He scanned the boats again and caught the eye of the strange boy from before. He was in the same boat as Hagrid, and he looked terrified. His knees were pulled up to his chest, and he appeared to be trying to make himself as small as possible. A flash of guilt shot through him, and he looked away.

The boats took them to a docking area on the other side of the lake, and Hagrid led them into a compact waiting room, told them to wait and left. Sirius and James made their way to the back of the room with Peter following like a lost puppy. Sirius noticed the sickly boy had huddled himself into the back corner of the room. With the better lighting inside, he looked even more unwell, and he was watching his surroundings in a way that felt familiar. He was scanning for danger.

The door to the little room opened, and a severe-looking woman walked in. She had her dark-brown hair secured in a bun at the back of her head, and she peered at them over her glasses. The story of her life was mapped onto her face in wrinkles, and her hair had streaks of grey. Her appearance was so unlike that of Sirius' family. He liked her immediately; she looked so real.

She introduced herself as Professor McGonagall, gave a speech about the houses and said something about rule-breaking and house points that Sirius didn't catch. When the tedious speech was over, she took them through to the Great Hall for the sorting ceremony. James and Sirius stayed together as they entered the hall, and Peter continued to trail in their wake. They waited while a decrepit-looking hat on a stool sang a song about the four houses and what they stood for, and then McGonagall started talking again.

'When I call your name, you will sit on the stool and place the sorting hat on your head. When it calls out your house, you will join your housemates at their table.'

Sirius cringed at the thought of putting that ancient thing on his beautiful hair. How many other students had it touched in all the years since the school opened? How many of those people had had dirty, greasy hair? He shuddered. Professor McGonagall started reading out the names, and the hat sorted each one. It took longer with some than others, but each one brought Sirius closer to his fate. He was so nervous now that he was sweating in his robes.

'Black, Sirius,' she called.

'Good luck, mate,' James said, patting him on the shoulder.

Sirius glanced at his friend, keeping his expression smooth and free of the anxiety he was feeling inside. He ran a hand through his hair, stuck his chin in the air, and with all the pretend confidence he could muster, he strode up to the stool, picked up the hat, sat down and placed the disgusting thing on his head. Not Slytherin, he thought, please not Slytherin.

'Not Slytherin?' a voice said in his head. 'Well, isn't that unusual for a Black? Let's take a look at you then. No ambition as such, unless you count a desire to cause trouble. But plenty of cunning. You would do well in Slytherin.'

No, anywhere but Slytherin, please, Sirius thought.

'Well, if you're sure. Let's see where else you could go. Ravenclaw would not suit you. You certainly have the intelligence but not the desire for knowledge. And Hufflepuff is definitely out. But maybe Gryffindor. You have bravery in abundance, that much is clear from your request. Going against your entire family takes courage, and might also be considered rather reckless. I think you're right, young man. You're not a Slytherin at all. You're one hundred percent GRYFFINDOR!'

The hat screamed the last word, and Sirius sat there for a moment in shock. His heart leapt; he wasn't in Slytherin. School might be even better than he thought. Not just a brief reprieve from his parents, but an actual pleasure. He yanked the hat from his head to stunned silence in the Great Hall. There was a smattering of applause from the teachers' table, and a few students were clapping, but the majority just stared at him. All except for a lone voice coming from the group of waiting first years. James was at the back of the crowd, and he was jumping up and down, whooping and clapping enough for the entire hall. Sirius grinned at his friend, hoping James was right to believe himself a Gryffindor.

He stood up and walked to the Gryffindor table, head held high despite the silence of the hall. There were a few calls of 'traitor,' from the Slytherins, but that just made his grin bigger. He glanced over to the snake's end of the hall and caught the eye of Lucius Malfoy. The Slytherin prefect shook his head at him and averted his gaze. He was no longer welcome there then. Shrugging off the rejection, Sirius found a seat near the middle of the table and waited for James.

The sorting continued, and he was thoroughly bored. And hungry. It was taking forever. Name after name, child after child, was called and sorted. It all blurred together. Then he heard a name that made him sit up and pay attention.

'Lupin, Remus.'

Sirius craned his neck to see the stage and waited impatiently for someone to step forward. For the longest moment, no one moved, and Sirius' heart sank. He wasn't here; he hadn't come. His heart sank even further when a boy finally did move. He walked up to the Sorting Hat in his far too long robes, tripping on the way, and sat down. Well shit, Sirius thought, if this isn't the most stupendous fuck up of my life.

-o-o-o-o-

Remus had been terrified when Hagrid said he could ride with him. The man was humongous, and Remus had to curl himself into a ball to make sure he didn't touch him. He had made a very uncomfortable journey across the lake, catching the eye of the horrid boy who had been rude to him before. They still had an empty seat in their boat. They hadn't been waiting for anyone. It had been a lie. They just didn't want to ride with him, and he couldn't blame them.

He was relieved to reach the other side and escape the cramped confines of the boat. The relief was short-lived though. When he saw the size of the waiting room, he groaned. Why was everything so small? It was a castle for goodness' sake. Shouldn't everything be big? He crammed himself into one of the back corners out of the way and hoped no one would come too close.

Thankfully, they weren't there for long and were soon led through to the Great Hall for the sorting. Remus was glad to see the size of the hall but eyed the tables nervously. The bench seating would make things difficult. He would need to sit at the end so he could quickly slide off if someone sat too close, he decided.

The rude boy from the boat was sorted into Gryffindor, and Remus hoped he would be placed somewhere else. Anywhere else. Unfortunately, he had already deduced Gryffindor to be his probable destination. He was smart enough for Ravenclaw, but it would be dangerous to be surrounded by people with too much intelligence. Slytherin was out since he was a half-blood and a dark creature to boot. Hufflepuff was unlikely because, again, dark creature and that all left Gryffindor. Although he didn't really consider himself to be brave or reckless either. Maybe the hat would just send him home.

The professor continued calling out names, and the closer she got to the Ls, the more nervous Remus became. Would the hat know he was a werewolf? Maybe it would refuse to sort him. Horrific visions flew through his mind. The hat screaming out, 'werewolf,' repeatedly while Remus was chased from the hall by students shooting spells at him. Remus sitting for minutes on end, surrounded by whispering students as the hat stubbornly refused to speak his house until Dumbledore came and led him away. Oh, Merlin, this was a mistake. He should never have come.

'Lupin, Remus,' McGonagall called, tearing him from his anxious thoughts.

Remus didn't move at first; he was frozen with fear. He took several deep and calming breaths before taking a step towards this fate. Once he had taken the first step, the second was easier, and he approached the stool and took his seat. He placed the hat on his head and waited.

'Well, well, well, what do we have here?'

The hat spoke in his head, making Remus jump. He hadn't expected it to talk to him.

'A young werewolf, coming to school to learn magic. This is new.'

Don't tell, please don't tell, Remus thought frantically, tears burning his eyes.

'Don't worry, little cub, I couldn't even if I wanted to. And I don't. You're a brave little cub, aren't you? I can see that, the way you walked to your first transformation, and your efforts not to scream. If I had eyes, it would be enough to make me cry. I have no problem sorting you. You're a GRYFFINDOR!'

The hat shouted the last word, and Remus pulled it off; he tried to wipe his eyes discreetly, but he was sure everyone saw. He put the hat down on the stool and hurried to the Gryffindor table, hating the sensation of everyone staring at him. The rude boy from earlier seemed to be beckoning him. Sirius Black he was called, Remus ignored him. There was no way he could sit in the middle of the bench even if he did want to sit with him, which he didn't. Remus took a seat right at the end as he had planned and turned his attention to the stage.

A few more students were sorted into Gryffindor, including Black's friends, James Potter and Peter Pettigrew, before it was over. Dumbledore stood and welcomed them to the school before announcing the feast. At his words, the tables filled with overflowing dishes and Remus' belly growled at the sight. He had never seen so much food in his life.

Remus eyed the food as he waited for the flurry of reaching hands to die down. What he really wanted was the roast beef he could see further down the table, but there was no way to get to it without risking contact with other students. So he settled for the mushroom and rice dish nearest him, wrinkling his nose at the taste. He hated mushrooms.

Dessert was a vast improvement. He was able to snag a piece of chocolate cake, and he ate it slowly, savouring every bite of its heavenly flavour. When everyone had finished eating, the prefects of each house led the first years to their common rooms. Gryffindor's was located on the seventh floor behind a portrait of an overweight lady in a pink dress. They were led inside, Remus waiting until last, and given a lecture about curfews and other rules and pointed towards their dormitories. Remus watched Black and Potter racing each other up the stairs, Pettigrew trailing behind, and decided to wait a while before going up himself, finding a quiet corner to curl up in.

When his eyes began to droop, he decided it was time to find out where he would be sleeping and headed for the stairs. He soon found the door with his name on it and groaned when he saw he would be sharing it with Black, Potter and Pettigrew. He was disappointed, but not surprised. It was typical of his luck.

He took a deep breath and gripped the door handle. He turned it and pushed. As the door swung open, he heard the unmistakable voice of Black proclaim, 'Ugh, this is a nightmare!' and his face warmed. The boy could only be referring to having to share a room with him. He decided the best course of action would be to keep his head down and stay out of the way. He didn't want any trouble.

-o-o-o-o-

Over dinner, Sirius had told James the story of how he met Remus. James was a pureblood and well aware of the Black family's reputation, so he had no trouble believing the tale regarding how vile his mother was. What he struggled to believe was Remus' part in the story.

'That sickly looking kid? He kicked your mum and shouted at her?' he had asked, looking at Sirius as if he'd said dragons were no more dangerous than a fluffy kitten.

'Well, he didn't look sick back then,' he'd replied.

Now they were in their new dorm room, which they would share along with Peter the excited puppy and Remus, who probably now hated him.

'I've screwed everything up, James. What am I going to do? He hates me now!' Sirius said, pacing the room like a caged hippogriff.

'You'll just have to show him you're not really a cold, upper-class dickhead,' James said with a shrug. Which was extremely unhelpful in Sirius' opinion. 'Unless you are a cold, upper-class dickhead, of course. Are you a cold, upper-class dickhead, Sirius?'

He looked up at Sirius from where he sat, cross-legged on his bed, with an expression of genuine curiosity on his face.

'No more than you, you wanker,' Sirius said before flopping dramatically onto his own bed. 'Ugh, this is a nightmare!'

At that very moment, the door opened, and the object of his distress tripped into the room. Remus' face was flushed crimson, and his gaze darted around frantically until he spotted his trunk at the end of one of the beds. He stumbled over to it, rooted through the contents and pulled out a wad of blue material before climbing onto the bed and drawing the surrounding curtains without saying a word to any of them.

Sirius glanced at James and flung his hands in the air in the universal sign language of, 'What the fuck do I do?' James just shrugged and started getting ready for bed. Sirius scowled at him and stared at the closed curtains for a minute, trying to decide whether to try talking to Remus now or wait until morning. Deciding to wait, he changed into his pyjamas and climbed into bed.

Chapter 5

#fanfiction #harrypotter #marauders #wolfstar

[violet-knox]

Poisonous Friendships

Year 4 - Chapter 9

Summary: You eavesdrop on Lily and Severus who are in a heated argument. After you watch Lily walk away, you approach Severus in an attempt to comfort him. 

Word count: 1311

A/N: This chapter is based on one of the memories from the Deathly Hallows (The Prince’s Tale) and is told from the point of view of the reader. As a quick recap, the memory involves Lily and Severus arguing in the courtyard. Lily tells Severus that his friends are evil and he confronts her about James.

Previous Chapter - Chapter 1

~

As the days went by, you finally had to admit to yourself that you had indeed grown to care for Severus as more than just a friend. But every time you thought of acting on your feelings, you couldn’t help but think of how he acted around Lily the night of Slughorn’s party. He had never looked at you that way, in fact, you had never seen him looked at anyone that way.

“I thought we were supposed to be friends,” you heard a familiar voice say as you read in the corner of the courtyard, hidden from view. You peered over and saw Severus and Lily in a heated argument walking away from you. 

You hesitated a moment before deciding to follow them in the shadows to see what was going on. You listened intently as Lily told Severus how she disapproved of his friends and although you agreed with her words, you couldn't help but feel sympathetic for Severus when he spoke of Potter. You knew that he tormented Severus and you saw the jealous look in his eyes whenever James tried to woo her. 

Eventually, Lily left Severus and you watched as his rage grew. Against better judgment, you decided to approach him to try and provide a bit of comfort, despite his tempered state. 

“Severus?” you spoke gently as you approached him. He turned around, surprised to see you. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” he said coldly, feeling on edge from the discussion he’d just had with the girl he’d been in love with since he was ten. It was unfair for her to yell at him for what his friends do when Potter and her other housemates were fine with sending him to his death. If only she knew what they had done. If only she knew the truth.

“You don’t look fine.” Afraid of upsetting him further, you stepped back a little. “If you want to talk, I’m here to listen,” you said as kindly as you possibly could. You wanted to be there for him, but you didn’t want to push him to open up to you as you knew that sometimes when you were this angry, all you’d want to do is lock yourself in your room.

Severus glanced at you, curiously, examining your expression. He’d never been offered such a thing before. To have someone be there for him like you were just now. Squinting, he tried to search for the reason you were standing beside him in a comforting stance, thinking perhaps you wanted something of him. 

“Do you hate my friends as well?” his tone hadn’t cooled as he was clearly still upset from the conversation he’d had with Lily, a conversation you had to pretend you didn’t hear. “Will you leave me as well?”

“No, Severus,” you said wide eyed, shaking your head, fearing hid misunderstood and thought you’d taken Lily’s side or something. “I’m not going anywhere. And, as for your friends, I think you could pick a better crowd to hang around. But then again, who am I to judge, you are my only friend.”

Your last sentence took him back as he never thought about who you hung out with when you weren’t with him. He then realized that you would mostly sit alone during class and always kept to yourself when you sat at the Gryffindor table during meal times. He looked down and debated whether confiding in you would be a good idea. You are a Gryffindor, as is Lily, perhaps you could help mend his friendship with her.

“Lily thinks Avery and Mulciber are bad company, but won't admit that the same can be said about Potter,” you were about to reply but he kept going. “She thinks just because Potter and his friends don’t use Dark Magic, that makes what they do to others okay.”

“Severus, I doubt that’s what she said-” 

“So you’re taking her side?” he could feel his anger bubbling to the surface now. How could you turn against him as well?

“No, that’s not what I mean. What James and his friends do to others- to you, is not okay. I agree with you there, but Dark Magic, Severus, it shouldn’t be used! Ever! You need to be careful around those friends of yours.”

Severus didn’t know what to say. You had no reason to hate his friends as Lily did, so why were you saying these things?

“Severus, I’ve heard them talking. The way they think they are superior because they are pure-bloods is horrible and I think you can do a lot better than them. I think you are a better person and you surely don’t agree with their blood status views.”

While it was true he detested muggles, he understood that muggle-born witches and wizards were no further inferior than those born as pure-bloods. He knew this all too well as he grew up befriending a muggle-born, not to mention his own blood status as well as yours showed that half-bloods were also just as powerful. 

“They are part of Slytherin, as am I. Shouldn’t I be friends with them, take part in their activities, share their views?”

“Just because you are in the same house, doesn’t mean you have to be friends or have the same views. Just as being from different houses doesn’t mean you can’t be friends,” you said with a smile, hoping your words were enough to convince him to distance himself from the students who were so obviously on their way to becoming Death Eaters and in consequence, hopefully strengthening your own friendship with him.

You tried to read the expression on his face for the next few moments and although you could tell he was seriously considering what you had said, you weren’t sure whether you had made any difference in his future choices.

“What are you thinking?” you asked curiously.

“I think,” he said, taking a step towards you. “That I’m glad we are friends.”

You smiled and gently took his hand in yours. “I’m also glad that we are friends,” you replied with a giggle. 

You let go of his hand and told him that it was getting late and that you should both head back to your dorms. He agreed and said farewell as he turned to head to the dungeons. As you walked to Gryffindor Tower, you replayed all the things Lily had said to Severus until you had every word memorized. Why had she been so crud to him? What had he done to drive her away like that?

You were aware that he had a deep fascination in the Dark Arts, but surely he had more sense than to actually perform any Dark Magic. Slytherin house had a bad reputation as many dark wizards had been placed in that particular house during their Hogwarts days, but you refused to believe that that meant every student in Slytherin should be considered a potential dark wizard. You had grown so close to Severus, you knew him better than that. 

As the days went by, you noticed him talking less and less about Lily, and although you were glad he seemed to be getting closer to you, you couldn’t help but feel guilty about his dimensioning relationship with the girl he was in love with. You had also begun to notice his lack of interaction with his Slytherin friends. While he still sat with them during class and meal times, he seemed to be spending most of his free time with you rather than them.

With the exception of James and Sirius’ harsh comments, the rest of the school year seemed to go much smoother for you. You grew closer with Severus and as the last day approached, you hung around him as much as you could, realizing you wouldn’t be seeing him during the summer.

~

Next Chapter

~

@hoppingsnape @dusk-realm @a-slytherin-sin​ 

#severus snape #severus x reader #severus x gryffindor reader #severus snape x reader #severus headcanon #snape imagine #snape x reader #snape x gryffindor reader #half blood prince #young severus snape #young snape #gryffindor reader #young snape x reader #fanfic #snape fanfiction #fan fiction #my fanfic #snape x you #pro snape #snape x y/n

[flirtingwitharson]

drunk remus plz

contrary to popular belief, I haven’t died, just am trying to find time and motivation you mega nerds

Remus Lupin wasn’t exactly one to get drunk. It was honestly difficult to get him even bordering on inebriated, considering his metabolism was extraordinarily quick, what with his lycanthropy and everything. It took some rather strong whiskey and arseloads of convincing to make it happen, really. Luckily enough, in all matters concerning whiskey and Remus Lupin, Sirius Black was very, very gifted.

“Remus John Lupin, you are not bailing on your own fucking birthday party,” Sirius scoffed, strolling dramatically into the common room and simultaneously scaring off children in younger years with the stomping of his heavy boots. “A little birdie called James let loose that you said to him that you ‘weren’t really feeling it this year’, or whatever bullshit excuse you gave. Not feeling it, my arse.”

Giving a world weary sigh–having only picked up just a hint of Sirius’ dramatic tendencies over the years–Remus uncrossed his legs and gently placed his bookmark inside his novel, preparing himself for the skirmish Sirius was surely about to stage. “You’re causing a scene,” were the words that came out of his mouth first, taking the form of a half-assed attempt to stop Sirius’ idiosyncrasies before they even got started. 

“As if,” Sirius replied, his drama increasing as his irritation increased as well. “Moony, you are turning eighteen, the big one-eight, Mr. Adult, you can’t just not  have a party. I won’t hear anything of it.” 

“It just gets boring, having all these parties all the time, you know that’s not my kind of fun, Sirius,” reasoned Remus tiredly. It was true; Remus was always the odd one out of their tight little group. He liked to go out, sure, but all of these grandiose parties with drinks, and people he’d hardly ever even talked to, it just wasn’t his scene. However, James and Sirius were quite the opposite: they loved to entertain, and host, and simply just have loads of fun, so organizing huge ragers in the Gryffindor common room and getting drunk off their arses was right up their alley.

“Moony, Moony, Moony,” Sirius crooned. “I’ll make it fun, I promise. Since when have I ever let you down?”

“Well–”

“Don’t answer that.”

The conversation seemed settled, and Remus was one hundred and one percent positive that he would resent his inability to say no to Sirius for the rest of eternity.

Sirius and James made it their goal for the evening to finally, for what might be the first time, to get Remus Lupin properly and totally pissed. Being the rich, unknowingly privileged people they were, they went out and bought the nicest, strongest alcohol they could, fully determined to make the one to remember–or get so drunk that they couldn’t. They snuck the crate they had gathered into their dormitory under the invisibility cloak, knocking it off their to-do list as they headed out to spread the word of  “Mr. Moony’s Birthday Banger” (not their most creative title, but it would have to do last minute.

“How do you figure you’ll even be able to convince him to drink?” James asked curiously as he walked besides Sirius, handing out flyers to all sixth and seventh years they came across. 

“Oh, some jealousy, a lap dance, and whispering dirty things into his ear should do the trick,” Sirius smirked devilishly, the unsurprised sigh that James emitted satisfying him.

“Why of all people he chose to fall for your sorry arse, I’ll never understand.”

“I’m irresistible, Jamesy, how could I blame him?”

The party was a roaring success, as was any event organized by the daunting duo of Padfoot and Prongs. The gift table was sneakily placed next to the drink table, encouraging everyone to not only spoil the birthday boy, but to get spoiled on the plethora of alcohol they had provided. Remus sulked nearby in an armchair, wearily smiling and conversing with all who were courteous enough to wish him a happy birthday, even if most were just there for the booze. Sirius tutted at the sight, and set off to begin step one of Mission Get Moony Hammered. He took a swig of the beer he was starting out with, and sauntered over to Kingsley Shacklebolt, one of the only other students besides Remus and himself that was out as a queer man, barring Marlene and Dorcas proudly announcing themselves as lesbian (far, far too publicly). He made eye contact with Remus from across the room, grinning mischievously before laying his hand on Kingsley’s shoulder. “Hey, Shacklebolt,” he said in a low tone, shooting him a well-practiced smile, “care for a dance?”

“What will the boyfriend say, Black?” Kingsley laughed back, knowing full well what Sirius’ end goal was, because they’d been down this road before.

“This time I’m not trying to get him to shag me–well, yet,” Sirius insisted. “I just fancy seeing him drunk off his arse on his eighteenth birthday, surely you understand what amusement that long-concealed knowledge could provide.”

“Very well,” came the reply as Kingsley allowed Sirius to drag him off to the makeshift dance floor and place his hands on his lower back. Sirius was confident that this would at least get Remus started, and surely enough, when Sirius looked back over ta his lover, their was a beer in his white-knuckled fist as he conversed with Frank Longbottom. Sirius knew that it was a bit sick to make his boyfriend jealous just for a drink, but Remus always pulled the same tactics when he wanted something out of Sirius, and the whole population of Europe could deduce that Remus and Sirius were madly in love and that their teasing and shenanigans meant nothing in the slightest.

“Thank you, Shacksy my dear,” Sirius smiled as he slipped a cheeky grab of his arse in before departing. “He better be good in bed!” Kingsley called after him halfheartedly, Sirius hardly having heard him as he made a beeline for Remus. He sat right on his lap, completely ignoring the conversation that he was interrupting while he tilted Remus’ chin up to make him focus on him alone. If he was honest, Sirius was already a bit tipsy, for he and James had ‘sampled’ everything before people arrived. 

Frank got the message and went off to go join James in a heated argument about the Quidditch World Cup, leaving Sirius and Remus alone in a rather small chair. “Enjoying yourself, Moon man?” asked Sirius, smiling down at his boyfriend happily, if not a little sneakily.

“Why do you always have to tease,” pouted Remus, furrowing his brow as he stared at Sirius  right back. 

“You and I both know it’s the only way to get you to have a little fun,” replied Sirius quite simply, ducking to peck the pout off of Remus’ lips.

“Don’t think I didn’t realize you bought particularly strong beverages this time around, mangy mutt.”

“…Okay, guilty, but I resent the mangy bit,” Black insisted. “Aw, c’mon, Moons, lighten up. It’s one night, and we leave here in three months for the last time, and everyone will forget all about us and no one will give two shites about that one birthday party they were at in March of their seventh year.”

Remus looked across the room, back at Sirius, and sighed. “Fine, then. Pour me a drink, you bastard.” Sirius could have sworn his grin reached his ears.

Two beers, one whiskey, and a multitude of birthday shots later, and James and Sirius were sure they reached their goal. In fact, they knew they finally had, but were quite honestly a bit frightened about what drunk Remus might entail. After all, he wasn’t used to it–he was almost never, ever drunk. 

Currently, Remus was dancing with an equally drunken Lily…shirtless, the both of them, on top of some table on the other side of the room. “Er, Prongs?” Sirius asked hesitantly. “Is it just me, or is that-is that Lily and Moons on that table?”

James’ eyes widened as they flicked from Sirius to the table and back to Sirius again. “I fucking believe it is,” he replied in awe. “Hell, Moony’s hammered! He’s got to be, he never even takes his shirt off in front of me, much less in front of loads of randos.” After the shock settled down a bit, James and Sirius raced over to go convince their significant others to put their clothes back on and drink some water, as Sirius and James had been doing for the last half hour in order to be good hosts.

“Pads! Oh, you’ve got to dance with me up here, I’m a much better dancer than Kingsley,” Remus whined gleefully–and rather bluntly at that–his voice surprisingly slurred. 

Unlike Remus might have done if the situation were switched, Sirius gave in. He let Remus pull him up to the table, and was happily shocked when Remus hands immediately slipped down the back of his pants. It was quite the spectacle, but Sirius was always one for causing scenes. James had already persuaded Lily off the table and to the staircase to sit her down and give her water–for fear of another embarrassing situation (she was a wild drunk). 

“Moony!” Sirius yelped, jaw falling open when Remus slipped his hand down further and squeezed his arse. “There are prying eyes!” Remus shrugged and simply pressed his body closer to Sirius’. Sirius made eye contact with James and grinned, mouthing ‘holy fuck’ as Remus continued to borderline grind on him, acting much unlike himself. 

“Mm, I’ve the hottest boyfriend in the school,” Remus mumbled lowly in his ear, ignoring Sirius’ half hearted attempts at prying him off. All of their friends were catcalling them and cheering them on by now, but Remus was completely and utterly oblivious. 

“Moony, as much as I love what you’re doing, you can’t do…whatever it is you’re trying to do in front of half the school,” Sirius reprimanded, taking a deep breath and internally believing that he should earn some type of award for the amount of strength it took to not give in to Remus right then and there.

“You…are an awfully boring boyfriend, s’not fair,” Remus pouted, trying to tug Sirius’ shirt off now too. When Sirius didn’t give in, Remus huffed and stepped back, subsequently falling off the table. “Fuck,” he groaned, trying to stand up, yet falling right back down. Sirius covered his mouth with his hand and laughed in surprise at Remus’ expense, but stepped off the table when he realized he should probably be a gentleman and help him up. 

“C’mon, pup, let’s get some water in you,” he suggested, crouching as he sat Remus up and stroked his hair. Remus looked like he was about to protest, but was interrupted as he leaned over and vomited all over Sirius, then passed out.

Maybe this would be a night to remember after all.

#this kinda sucks #but hey its long #wolfstar #wolfstar fic #harry potter #remus lupin #sirius black #james potter #peter pettigrew #lily evans #kingsley shacklebolt #moony #wormtail #padfoot #prongs #marauders #marauders era #mwpp

[philipronans]

something tangerines (2/7)

it’s sunday, which means it’s something tangerines day!!

this was meant to be a fun, happy fic and for the most part i think it still is but just be warned that there are mentions of homophobic language via snape bc he’s a grade a citizen.

as per usual there’s james/sirius in this part, although it’s mostly done to piss snape off, so it doesn’t have to be read that way??? idk if you wanna go on believing they weren’t at least 90% In Love that’s your prerogative

part one | part three

.

2007 The classroom they decide to use for the Christmas party is an old one, tucked away on the bottom floor of the art block. The building itself is a relic of a time long passed, looking like it belongs in a BBC period drama more than as a functioning art block. But no matter how pretty the outside might be, the inside always smells musty; hundreds of years of recycled air packed into tight hallways and tighter classrooms. James’ nose wrinkles as they step into the room. It’s usually used for Drama classes, and the combined stink of age and teenager sweat invades his personal space pretty much immediately. Two years of secondary school should mean he’s used to it, but it still sucker punches him every time. Sirius coughs behind a cupped palm as he toes off his shoes. He kicks at them in a futile effort to make them line up straight, but all he gets for his trouble is untied laces and mud on his socks. James watches him for a few moments, eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiles. He looks away when Sirius glances at him, pretending to be interested in Benjy Fenwick making rude gestures at Bertha Jorkins. The huff Sirius lets out suggests that he hasn’t bought it, but James is already strolling across the room, hands tucked in his pockets.

Sirius follows him, because Sirius always follows him. They’re like magnets, drawn together regardless of anything standing between them. Or so Remus says. Remus, who is already sat in their usual place by the fire door, his gangly legs stretched out in front of him. There’s a book in his lap, long, thin fingers playing with the corners of the pages as he reads. He looks up at their approach, frown morphing into a small smile when he sees who it is. Befriending Remus had been an endurance test in every virtue James knows. Just when he’d thought he knew every vital thing there was to know, something else had revealed itself and knocked him off kilter. He hadn’t been above using the onion line from Shrek to prove his point on multiple, separate occasions.  “You’re late.” Remus says, pragmatic as almost always. He closes his book, top corner folded neatly when he slips it back into his bag. He raises an eyebrow when neither of them answer, and James shrugs noncommittally.  “Got held up.” Is all he offers, because there’s no way he’s telling Remus that Flitwick kept them back for flicking elastic bands at the back of Lucius Malfoy’s head. Again.  “‘Course you did.” Remus says, eyeing them as dubiously as a thirteen year old can manage. Which, James figures as he shifts around uncomfortably, is a lot. Sirius flops down next to Remus, shrugging out of his coat and scrunching it up for a pillow. There’s a tiny Christmas tree in the corner, half of the lights are either broken or missing, and the ones that aren’t are barely functioning. Sirius looks at it disdainfully, eyes narrowed as if the sight of it personally offends him.  “What are we even here for?” He grumbles half-heartedly. He lays down properly when James lowers himself to the floor, and barely complains when James rests his head on his stomach. “No one wants this stupid party; we could have just finished for the holidays yesterday.”  “There’s that Christmas spirit.” James says, voice muffled by the arm he has thrown over his face. He shifts slightly as his glasses dig into the bridge of his nose, and yelps when Sirius pokes him.  “Christmas can bite me.” Sirius says. There’s an edge to it, soft and subtle as it might be, and James lowers his arm to his chest.  “You still going to France for the holidays then?” He tries not to sound disappointed, because the sense of loss he feels at the idea of not seeing Sirius for three weeks is stupid. It’s not even like three weeks is that long, in the grand scheme of things. But being without Sirius is what he imagines waking up to find yourself missing a limb would feel like; he can function (regardless of what his mother says, he’s not completely hopeless), but it’s difficult, the world feels more oppressive, more hemmed in.  “Yeah.” Sirius grunts. He doesn’t seem to notice the hand that works its way into James’ hair, fingers gently combing through the tangled mess. “I don’t even know why; they hate it. I hate it. Reg hates it. It’s just three weeks of us being pissed off at each other.”  “Misery loves company.” Remus murmurs. He’s leaning on his hands, head tipped up to the ceiling as he studies the cracks in the plaster. “At least you’ll get to go outside.”  “At least you’ll have people to talk to.” Sirius counters, but he looks sheepish, and he pats Remus’ knee sympathetically. Remus’ proposed stint in hospital for testing is a black cloud on the horizon, creeping ever closer no matter the three of them try and pretend it isn’t happening.  “I can’t wait for three weeks of being asked the same questions four times a day.” Remus smiles, as much as Remus ever smiles anyway, lips twitching at the corners but never quite pulling up.  “Hey,” James says, reaching over Sirius’ skinny chest to nudge at Remus’ hip, “at least you’ll have me coming to see you.”  “The biggest gift of all.” Sirius can’t avoid the fingers jammed into his side because James’ head is pinning him place, so he lets out a bark of laughter.  “Shut up, you’re just jealous you have to wait until January for your present.”  “If you’ve bought me another Terry’s chocolate orange, I swear to God, James.” Remus says warningly. James tilts his head so he’s looking at Remus upside down, and frowns.  “One time. You try and be nice one time and see what it gets you. Two years of bullying. See if I bother this year.”  “You left it lying on the radiator.” Sirius says, body shifting under James’ head as he shrugs. “And were surprised that it had melted?”  “I wasn’t a smart eleven year old, alright?” James says defensively. “But never fear, Lupin, it’s not a chocolate orange.”  “Because that fills me with confidence.”  “It should. I’m great at presents.” Sirius snorts, the sound completely undignified, and it sends the three of them into giggles.  “When d’you reckon Slughorn’s lot are gonna show up?” Sirius asks when they’ve finally calmed down.  “Buggered if I know.” James answers around a yawn. “Wish they’d hurry up though, I’m hungry and they’re the ones bringing food.”  “Classy.” Remus says, lifting an arm to cushion the back of his head.  “Well, we all know you want them here for the dancing.” Sirius grins. James’ hand lands on his wrist, in a pathetic attempt at a high five. Instead of trying again, he just leaves it there with his fingers measuring the fluttering of Sirius’ pulse under his fingers. Sirius keeps very still, as if scared that moving will alert James to what he’s doing and stop.  “Remus,” James says thoughtfully, fingers tracing patterns into Sirius’ wrist, “if I gave you a fiver would you ask Dorcas to dance?”  “Not a chance.” Remus’ reply is rapid-fire quick. It comes out of him like a shot, rocking his body with the force of it, and they all stop for a moment to stare at each other.  “I mean, only if you’re sure, Lupin.” Sirius says with an almost straight face. It takes him mere seconds to break, face cracking into a smile despite the obvious effort to contain it. Remus laughs, a quiet huff of a thing that fills James’ chest with satisfaction. “If you buy me a coke, I’ll think about it.”  “Just one? You cheap bastard.” James sniggers. Remus hums, not really bothering to deny it. Even if he were, the door opens not long after and in trail the unhappy looking faces of 9HS. James isn’t sure… anyone… likes 9HS. They’re a form group made of thugs and liars, each and every one of them guilty of at least one case of bullying. They’re all growing up to be the worst kind of bigot, and James hates them more than he’s hated anything. Why 9MM is forced to spend time with them is anyone’s guess, but the faculty of Hogwarts Secondary School seem determined to make their students suffer at any and all opportunities. The air in the room seems to disappear when they enter, the atmosphere tense and uncomfortable even as they kick off their shoes and settle down on the other side of the room. Lily Evans bounds across the room, from where she was standing with her friends Marlene and Dorcas, to stand in front of one of them. Severus Snape is, in James’ opinion, one of the worst of the lot. He has a way of twisting his way out of trouble; feigning ignorance and innocence to the things he does, even when there are witnesses.  “I wasn’t expecting you to be here.” Lily says, smiling. James wishes he could block this conversation out of both his retinas and his eardrums, but they’re standing right there, so there’s not much he can do besides grit his teeth and ignore the way his blood is boiling.  “Slughorn let us out earlier than he said he would.” Snape answers, and if the look he shoots over his shoulder at Mulciber and Lestrange is uneasy then Lily doesn’t appear to notice.  “Well, you’re here now, I s’pose.” The smile remains but it becomes a little strained at the edges when Snape does nothing but stare at her for a few moments. “Or you can. Stay. With your friends.”  “No, I.” Snape’s words seem to trip over themselves, and he has to stop for a second before trying again. “No, I’ll be over in a minute. Promise.”  “Okay.” Lily says. She turns on her heel, shoulders slumping slightly when she meets Marlene’s eye. She catches sight of James and Sirius still tangled around each other and snorts, completely inelegant. “Comfy?”  “Quite.” Sirius says, grinning cheekily up at her. “Wanna join?”  “As tempting as that is,” Lily’s lips twitch, eyes creasing at the corners, “if I get down there I’m not getting back up.”  “A shame.” Sirius lets out a mournful sigh, stroking a hair through James’ hair and huffing when said hand is batted away. “It’s nice.”  “Poof.” It’s not loud, is the thing. It’s quiet, clearly not meant to be heard, but whilst James’ eyes might be shit, his hearing is not, and he freezes. He clambers to his feet, joints popping as he stretches and he levels an unimpressed look at the boy in front of him.  “Something wrong, Snape?” He asks, voice quiet and stern. It means trouble, and Sirius stands up immediately, ready for wherever this might go. Lily hasn’t moved either, has turned back to watch them with her arms crossed tight across her chest.  “Nothing.” Snape sneers, and it’s an ugly look. One full of hate and scorn. “But if you’re going to be gross, take it somewhere else.”  “You’re still here, so why should we?” Sirius says, shifting so he’s shoulder-to-shoulder with James. James still hasn’t let go of his hand, and it’s only because he can feel how sweaty his palms are that he can tell James is nervous. Snape narrows his eyes into a glare, which would have a lot more effect if he weren’t so scrawny.  “Now I know you don’t know what it’s like to feel love, Sniv, but that’s no reason to take it out on other people.” James says, voice managing to sound almost kind, even as his knuckles tighten around Sirius’ fingers.  “Potter,” Lily begins, stepping forward, ready to intervene when and if necessary, but Snape cuts her off.  “At least I don’t repulse girls to the point I have to turn to boys.” Snape says, sneer still in place even as his face pales.  “No, you just repulse everyone. Equal opportunities, and all that.” Sirius snaps back, voice tight. James snorts and squeezes his hand. Sirius squeezes back and stares at Snape in annoyed defiance.  “You’re disgusting.” Snape eventually settles on, lips pressed into a thin line. “People like you are disgusting.”  “That’s rich coming from you, Sniv.” James clears his throat, very much aware that Lily is standing not too far away and that he must be careful in how he says things, for her sake if nothing else. “Heard you said some nasty things about Ameena Patil the other day.”  “I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true.” Lily shoots him a disapproving look, and steps back a little. It means she’s closer to James, and he is sorry for this, but attempts at comfort wouldn’t be welcome right now, so he keeps his hands to himself.  “Heard you made her cry. Making an eleven year old cry; that’s real big of you.”  “Gentlemen, I trust that there aren’t any problems over there.” McGonagall’s voice floats across the room, and James turns his head to see her standing in the doorway. She has her hands on her hips, a ceramic mug filled with tea hanging precariously from two fingers, and how she’s not spilling it is honestly magic.  “None at all.” Sirius says smoothly, angling himself so his arm’s around James’ waist, and he’s placed himself in front of Snape. “Just a difference of opinion.”  “Undifferentiate.” McGonagall says, voice brooking no argument, and it almost makes James smile.  “Of course.” He meets Sirius’ eye, sees the mischief in them and nods. It doesn’t matter what Sirius plans to do, he trusts him enough to go with it. Sirius leans forward, eyes boring straight into Snape’s, and presses his lips to James’. It’s not that James had been expecting it, exactly, but he isn’t surprised. So it doesn’t take him long to lift a hand to the back of Sirius’ head and lean into it, noses bumping and glasses scratching as he moves. There are no butterflies, and no fireworks. There’s just warmth, and hot air, and the brush of Sirius’ eyelashes against his cheek. But it’s good. It’s enough.  “Thank you, gentlemen.” McGonagall says, and it makes James pull back enough to look at her. She’s got an eyebrow raised, but there’s a tilt to the edge of her mouth that makes him think she’s fighting a smile. Benjy wolf whistles, sending those from 9MM into amused titters. The other side of the room looks on in varying levels of disgust, and Sirius smiles at them. James’ gaze flits to Lily, and she’s watching them, her brow furrowed. She tucks her bottom lip between her teeth, and then meets his eye. She seems surprised to find him looking at her for she flushes lightly and ducks her head, before shaking herself and stepping back.  “I’ll be over in a minute.” Snape promises, and Lily offers him an aborted attempt at smile. It looks far more like a grimace than anything, and she shakes her head.  “It’s okay, you can stay with your friends.” With that she calmly walks back over to her own friends, head high as she goes. James watches her go and can’t help but feel that he’s let her down somehow.

#jily #prongsfoot #james potter #lily evans #sirius black #fyjamesandlily #gxldentrio #hp fanfic #something tangerines #vic writes