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cursed-ice-spirits · 5 years

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Fairy Lights

First of all, happy fucking birthday Rebecca.

Second of all, I blame @thecursedvaultchild for dragging me into this ship.

Enjoy.

Rebecca put up the last fairy light around the statue and jumped down with a smile.

She had decorated the Courtyard with fairy lights. Where she got them doesn’t matter. All it matters was that her date is coming soon and she’s extremely nervous.

“You can do this, Lord,” she told herself as she tugged at her purple ao dai. It was beautiful, but was she enough for it? No, stop it. “It’s just a date. With Diego. Who you fancied for a while. No pressure.”

Rebecca took a deep breath and thought back to her conversation with Andre before she went on the date.

“You look nervous,” Andre said with a slight smile as he zipped up her dress. “A Knut for your thoughts?”

Rebecca pursed her lips. “I don’t know. What am I doing going on this date? This is Diego, one of the best duelers AND dancers in all of Hogwarts. He’s way out of my league.”

“Stop that,” he snipped, poking at her cheek, before going back to doing her hair. The length made it a bit harder to style it but he can deal with it. “You’re not so bad at dueling yourself. Have you seen what you did to Lockwood last week? That coward ran off with his tail between his legs.”

He saw her crack a smile at the memory and continued. “You’re talented at Charms, you’re a master at art and Arithmancy, you know your way around COMC, and you’re a great dancer as well. I should know this, I was your date for the Celestial Ball, after all. All those things make up for the areas you’re not so good at and it makes up who you are. You need to stop putting yourself down.”

“Harder than it looks, Dre,” Rebecca frowned at the mirror. “I don’t know… there are all sorts of what-ifs. Like—“

“What if this turns out like Charlie?” He asked. “It won’t be. It was a mutual break-up and both of you thought it’s better suited not to be in a relationship. Which is fine. But Caplan? He genuinely likes you. It’s not like, one of his flings or something, but he genuinely likes you. Lana thinks he does anyway.”

“Really?”

“Yup.” He finishes the last touches on her hair and pulled back. “You can do this, Bex, just be your true self. Don’t pretend to be someone you aren’t. Just be happy and believe in yourself.”

“Believe in yourself,” she repeated to herself. “Be your true self. Don’t pretend.”

She sat down at the fountain, facing the entrance of the courtyard and closed her eyes, feeling the wind blowing against her face. It was a beautiful night, a perfect one for a date, and the fact that they weren’t supposed to be out this late gives her a bit of giddiness that comes with breaking the rules.

Given, she’s a prefect, and she shouldn’t be condoning this, but still.

It’s… nice to be out. Forgetting her troubles for a moment, she lets herself smile.

“Your smile is like the sunshine, Sunshine.”

Rebecca couldn’t help but let out a slight laugh as she opened her eyes and looked up, seeing her date smiling down at her.

“That was absolutely horrible,” she said as Diego helped her up. “What do you think?” She asked a bit nervously.

“It’s beautiful,” he said, and he wasn’t looking at the fairy lights decorating the courtyard, no he was looking straight at her.

Rebecca felt her ears redden. “I meant the decorations, you doofus.”

“Who said it was about the decorations in the first place? They can never outshine you.” Diego laughed when she just buried her face in his shoulder in response. “You’re adorable when you blush.”

“And whose fault was it in the first place?” She asked, stepping back to pout at him, but it ruined the effect with the gigantic blush still on her face.

No matter how many times he flirted with her, she still blushes and it frustrates her to no end, because he should not still be having this effect on her after months of pinning and pinning, that’s so unfair.

“Mine of course,” Diego said with a grin as he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “And proud of it.”

“Obviously, since you take great delight in making me blush,” she says, rolling her eyes as she poked at his cheek.

“What can I say?” He grinned as he gently took hold of her hand, catching her by surprise. Kissing every one of her fingers, he looked down at her with a smirk that always drives her mad without fail. “You look gorgeous in red.”

Rebecca’s face turned completely scarlet. “D-D-Diego!” She splutters.

“What? I’m just saying the truth.” Diego took hold of her chin and tilted it up. “Look, there’s the red now.”

“Oh my god,” Rebecca said. “You are impossible.”

“But you love me,” Diego pointed out, laughing when Rebecca didn’t even bother to deny that, since she was the one who confessed in the first place and asked him out on a date, before running off and dealing with Andre making fun of her the entire day.

Imagine her surprise when he corners her the next day and agrees.

“Shut up,” she says instead, swiping at his arm.

“Make me,” Diego shoots back with a smirk.

Rebecca reddened even more if that was possible, but grabbed his collar and tugged him down to her level, ignoring the yelp that escaped, and placed a kiss on the side of his mouth

“Hope that counts,” she tells him as she lets go, then runs off.

“You little minx!” Diego laughs as he goes after her. “Get back here!”

Seems like he was prepared this time, because he easily catches her and brings her out into a twirl, taking joy in her gasp of surprise, before pulling her to his chest. “Gotcha.”

Her face was burning at the proximity. “Ah, so I can’t really pull the same trick twice, huh.”

“Nope,” he said, popping the ‘p’. He tapped her nose. “How bold of you. Did you really try for a full-on mouth kiss? On the first date?” He teases.

“Still, pretty bold.” He runs a thumb over her scars, sending shivers down her spine and looks at her in the eyes with a soft look that made her heart flutter.

Rebecca feels her lips quirk into a smile. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“No reason at all,” he said, curling a lock of her hair around his finger and tucking it behind her ear again. “I was just thinking… the atmosphere is rather romantic, don’t you think? How about we… I don’t know,” he leans down and purrs into her ear, “dance?” He pulls away, smirking at her red face. “If there’s music of course.”

She blinks, trying to regain her composure. “T-That’s what I was planning to do before you decided to make me breathless as always. And I know a way to fix the lack of music.”

Seconds later, music starts “mysteriously” playing in the background. Rebecca grinned up at him.

“A girl has to be prepared.”

“A beautiful girl,” he adds as he lets go. Before she can react, he sweeps into a bow and held out a hand. “May I have this dance?”

Rebecca laughed. “You didn’t have to ask in the first place.” And, with twinkling hazel eyes, she took his hand.

They fit like pieces in a puzzle and danced beautifully. Rebecca was extremely grateful her mother had taught her how to dance, or else she would have tripped over her feet and step on Diego’s foot and that will end up in a disaster. But for now, there was no misstep, or stepping on feet, and she couldn’t help but laugh every time she twirled and twirled, and before she knew it, he was bringing her out into a spin and sweeping her into a dip.

“Oh!” she gasped, finding herself face to face with him. “Hi there.”

His gaze was surprisingly soft as his hand spins into her hair. The smirk that appeared when they were dancing seems to fall away into a fond smile.

It left her speechless. To see that smile aimed at her.

“You missed earlier, y’know,” He said suddenly. “Allow me to fix it.” Rebecca blinked. “Wha--?”

She was swiftly cut off when he brought her head up and pressed his lips against hers and making the butterflies in her stomach flutter furiously.

Warmth seems to spread through her entire body. Starting from her fingertips, all the way to the tips of her toes. She melted in his arms and went to kiss back, fluttering her eyes shut and tilting her head to give him better access.

It was her first kiss and…

Wow.

Unlike the kisses he shared with Summer, it wasn’t hot, passionate, and fierce, it was gentle, sweet, as though she was fragile and he was afraid of hurting her.

(In many ways, that was so so true.)

Her hands slipped from his shoulders to his hair, threading long fingers through the brown locks. She felt him smile against her lips as he pulled her up to her feet, hands lowering to her hips to pull her closer.

Her heart threatened to burst out of her chest. And it was all over too soon.

They pulled away at the same time, panting for breath. He stared down at her as though she hung the stars and moon in the sky.

“Wow,” she said, and that was all she can manage.

Diego’s lips twitched into a smile. “Wow indeed.”

He went to pull her in for more, but then a small meow cut through the air, freezing them in their tracks.

“I guess we overstayed our welcome,” Rebecca said, her hushed voice filled with glee as she flicked her wand and turned the music off. Another wave took down the fairy lights. “Come on, let’s go before we get caught.”

“Definitely,” Diego grinned as he kissed her neck, making her squeak. “Don’t want to get detention, eh, Miss Prefect?”

Rebecca grabbed his collar and tugged him towards her, pressing a kiss on the side of his mouth and smirked when he freezes up.

“Oh look at that, I missed,” she said innocently, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “Race me to the Common Room and maybe I won’t miss.”

He smirked. “Oh, you’re on.”

And they raced out of the Courtyard just in time to miss Mrs. Norris passing by, giggling like the teenagers they are and not the battle-worn warriors that fought and fought against Vault after Vault.

They may have kissed more outside the Common Room.

They may have talked and talked until the wee hours of the morning, before cuddling on the couch.

They may have done both of those things, but all that mattered is that Penny’s squeal of delight after finding them asleep on the couch together woke them up.

Rebecca let out a groan as she buried her face in Diego’s chest and, if possible, snuggled closer to him. She felt him chuckle and reach up to play with her hair, coaxing her gently to go back to sleep.

Tuning out Penny’s excited chatter about whatever she’s rambling about, Rebecca slipped back to the arms of Morpheus.

She’ll deal with the rumors later.

#i am not sorry #happy birthday bex #you'll be 47 if you lived #rebecca lord #diego caplan #hphm fic #hphm fanfiction #hphm #hphm fanfic #diego caplan x mc #diego caplan x jacob's sibling #andre egwu #penny haywood (she shows up near the end but yeah)#i have no one to blame but myself #and AJ

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hollow-plume · 5 years

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Wait...the guy is serious?? It seems he has many girls behind him 🤯

This can possibly happen in the future with MC...

#hogwats mystery #hphm #jacob's sibling #mc #diego caplan #diego caplan x jacob's sibling #diego caplan x mc #diego x jacob's siblings #diego x mc #hphm dating #hphm romance

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zuulosdovah · 3 years

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i saw this and it reminded me of them ♥️

#hphm #hogwarts mystery #hphm mc #jacob's sibling #drakaina malin #hphm merula #merula snyde #merula x mc #hphm diego #diego caplan #dovah draws #comic #diego and merula friendship is underrated and i need More

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alice-beaumont-ravenclaw · 2 years

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Até mais, Rio!

A/N #1: Finally! The final fic of the Brazilian series! Here are all the other fics of the series:

Alice's outfits -> HERE

Let's go!

“Make sure you don’t leave anything behind,” said Alice as she packed her suitcase on the bed.

“More importantly, make sure you don’t leave any dungbombs behind,” shouted Penny, taking a look at Tulip and Tonks in the living room.

“I would never!” exclaimed Tulip, hugging the small supply of dungbombs she had brought with her.

“I’m still trying to figure out what to wear today! If I dress for Rio, I’ll freeze in London. If I dress for London, I’ll combust in Rio,” said Tonks, scratching her head as she stared at the clothes piled up in her suitcase.

“Do what Alice is doing! Wait, unless it’s Andre who thought of this?” said Penny.

“I’m not completely inept in the fashion department!” exclaimed Alice as she made her way to the living room. “Just adapt what you are wearing for today to fit London’s weather once we are at the airport. See, while I’m currently wearing a dress with short sleeves and sandals, at the airport, I’ll add tights, switch the sandals for ankle boots, put on a jean jacket over my dress and change my sunhat for a winter hat.”

“But where am I suppose to put those extra items? I was planning to close my suitcase and not open it until I’m back home as I’m pretty sure all my clothes will come outpouring the moment I open it.”

“Don’t you have a carry-on suitcase?” asked Penny.

“No… and I don’t think my combat boots and my jeans will fit into my backpack. Not to mention my jacket,” said Tonks looking at Alice with puppy dog eyes.

“Ugh, fine, you can put them in my carry-on,” said Alice, shaking her head as she went back into the bedroom.

“Thank you!” said Tonks, dropping unfolded clothes and her boots on the bed Alice and Penny had been sharing.

Penny picked up the boots and placed them on the floor. “So, you and Charlie have a date today, huh?” she asked, looking at Alice with a knowing smile.

“Hmmm? Oh, I mean, I guess. We are the only ones going to the botanical garden. Why did you want to go to the Maracanã Stadium again?” asked Alice, eyebrow raised.

“My father wants me to bring him back a souvenir from it. He’s a big football fan,” said Penny, shrugging.

“Right… What about Tulip and Tonks?”

“Well, let’s just say they had no interest in the botanical garden and that there’s no way we’re leaving them without supervision,” replied Penny as she remembered threatening her two friends if they even hinted at being interested in the botanical garden.

“I see,” said Alice, staring straight at Penny.

“Anyway, aren’t you happy to have some alone time with Charlie before we head back to Hogwarts?”

“Yes, of course, but it’s not like we had zero alone time while in Rio. When we went to eat at the Garota da Ipanema bar, for example.”

“Which was cut short when you came back because Tulip and Tonks were missing.”

“What about that time we spent alone on that trail on Sugarloaf Mountain?”

“Didn’t Tonks and Tulip also interrupt that moment?”

“Ok, what about the moment we had alone at the museum?”

“Because museums are sooo romantic.”

“Oh! What about when he brought me to that gorgeous library? We were not interrupted by the dynamic duo in the other room, and it was really romantic, even if a library may not fit your idea of romance.”

“Ok, so you had one uninterrupted romantic moment. Aren’t you glad you’re getting another one?”

“Sure, of course…” said Alice, looking at the sea over Penny’s shoulder.

“But?”

“It’s just… There’s something I…” started saying Alice.

“Oi! Alice! Andre wants to know if you’re ready because Charlie is done,” shouted Tonks from across the living room.

Alice gave a flick of her wand, making all her clothes, as well as Tonks’, neatly fold themselves into her suitcases. “Tell him I’m coming,” shouted Alice as she grabbed her bag and her hat.

“She’s coming!” shouted Tonks.

“I’m standing right in front of you,” grumbled Andre, rubbing his ears.

“Oops, sorry,” said Tonks, letting out an embarrassed laugh just as Alice passed her.

“Looking good, Alice!” said Andre as he took her hand to spin her around. “Maybe not as good as if I’d prepared your outfit…”

“Andre…” Alice said through gritted teeth.

“But good nonetheless. I’m clearly having a positive influence on you,” he said with a smile. “Now go have fun with your Dragon Boy. He’s waiting for you by the elevator.”

“Thanks! See you both later!” said Alice as she ran to join Charlie before they both entered the elevator.

“I wish I were going to the botanical garden with them,” said Tonks as she watched the elevator’s doors close.

“Didn’t Penny convince you to leave them alone or something?” asked Andre.

“Convinced us? You mean she threatened us!” exclaimed Tonks.

“She said she would make us confess all our pranks to our Heads of House. Though I’m not sure how she could do that,” chimed in Tulip.

“Veritaserum,” said Penny, appearing behind the two girls.

“Gah!” exclaimed Tulip.

“Damn, she can be scary,” whispered Andre as Penny walked away.

“And you don’t even share a dorm with her,” added Tonks.

As Charlie and Alice arrived in the lobby, they saw Alanza walking toward them, two tickets in hand.

“Here you go: two tickets for the botanical garden,” said Alanza, handing both tickets to Alice as well as some money.

“Wow, they were cheaper than I thought,” said Alice as she put everything inside her bag. “You didn’t have to do that, you know.”

“Oh, it was my pleasure. Not to mention, residents of Rio get a better price for those tickets.”

“Wait, but won’t they check at the entrance to make sure we are residents?”

“Nah, you should be fine. Now, go! Go enjoy your last day in the marvellous city,” said Alanza, pushing toward the door.

The young couple got inside a taxi and spent their ride looking out the windows, soaking up the atmosphere and rhythm of Rio. Alice looked out toward the beach as their taxi drove down Avenida Atlântica, while Charlie looked at all the tall buildings on the other side. A lot of people were outside enjoying the beautiful temperature. The beach crowd was so big that Alice couldn’t even see the sea, just a sea of people, with little kids running around. Charlie had a better sight of the buildings, as no matter the number of people on the sidewalk, they couldn’t hide those tall buildings.

They could hear music playing outside from the various kiosks along the beach. Alice thought that the hustle and bustle of Rio was very different from the one in London. Rio’s was more laidback and fun, while in London, it was… grey. Oh, how she would miss the sunshine, the blue sky, and the ocean. No N.E.W.T.s to worry about here. No reputation to live up to. Just life to enjoy…

Lost in those thoughts, she hadn’t noticed that they were now driving on a small street with trees before going on a turnpike. Charlie looked in awe at the sudden open space that contrasted with the narrow streets they had just left. A big lake stood in the middle of buildings and mountains as if they had entered a completely different city.

“Look!” he said, nudging Alice out of her daydreaming.

“Hmmm?” she blinked as she looked toward what Charlie was pointing. “Oh, that’s the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon.”

“You think we could walk around it after we visit the botanical garden?” asked Charlie.

“Sure, I don’t see why not,” she said with a weak smile before looking out her window.

“Hey, is everything okay?” asked Charlie, noticing her far-off look.

Alice cleared her throat before turning toward Charlie with a bright smile. “Of course, everything is perfectly fine.”

Charlie stared at her face. While her smile seemed to confirm she was fine, her eyes betrayed the turmoil inside her head. “Alice, what’s going on? Did something happen?”

Alice shook her head. “It just hit me that this is our last day, and, I don’t know… I just don’t want this to end. Sunday, we go back to Hogwarts, back to studying for our N.E.W.T.s, back to dealing with R, back to trying to figure out my future, back to living up to everyone’s expectations…”

“You’re living up to mine already,” said Charlie, smirking.

“Oh, shut up, Weasley,” replied Alice, letting out a small laugh.

“There’s that laugh. Ok, let’s make a deal. Today may be our last day, but it’s just starting, so let’s enjoy it to the max,” said Charlie, lifting Alice’s chin with his index. “Let’s make some amazing memories so that we can get through that Scottish winter we have to go back to and face our N.E.W.T. preparation. Truth be told, just thinking about those exams makes me want to cry.” Charlie slightly pouted.

Alice looked at Charlie with a playful smirk. “Alright. Let’s enjoy today and not think about the future. Deal?” asked Alice, holding out her hand.

“Deal!” replied Charlie, shaking her hand as he smiled that big smile of his she loved so much. “And just in time as it seems we have arrived.”

Their taxi had indeed crossed a pair of intricate metal gates before stopping in front of the entrance. After paying the driver, they headed toward the gate where an employee checked their tickets. To Alice’s relief, the employee just let them in after briefly looking at their tickets. Either there was no indication on the ticket that it was paid using the price for the residents of Rio, or the employee simply didn’t care. The moment they crossed the gates, they were surrounded by trees and various plants, much to their delight.

“This is quite different from the Forbidden Forest,” pointed out Charlie as they walked down a path.

“I hope so! I don’t want to bump into an Acromantula,” replied Alice, shivering at the idea.

“Even with all those trees, I don’t think they could hide anywhere here,” said Charlie as he looked at all the trees surrounding them. “Truth be told, I always imagined botanical gardens to have more flowers than trees.”

“I guess it depends on the botanical garden. But the actual sight to see here is a row of imperial palm trees.”

“A row of trees is the thing to see here? Can it be distinguished from the other rows of trees?”

“I’ve seen pictures, and it’s truly gorgeous!” exclaimed Alice as she quickened her pace.

“Oi! Wait up, Beaumont!” said Charlie as he tried to catch up to her.

At the end of the path they were walking stood a building, another entrance to the park that gave onto the street. Next to it was a row of palm trees, which, while it did have a certain charm to it, did not impress Charlie. But Alice completely ignored it and instead turned onto the alley facing the building.

“Alice, wait, I think the row of…” started saying Charlie as he caught up to her before looking at what she was facing. “Wow…”

“Told you,” said Alice, holding onto his arm as she looked at the imperial palms perfectly aligned along a path that didn’t seem to end. “Oh! We should ask those tourists over there to take our picture!” she added as she ran toward a couple of tourists.

“Wait, Alice, we don’t have a camera,” said Charlie as he ran after her.

Alice stopped and took out a camera from her bag. “You were saying?”

“Since when did you have a camera on this trip? I don’t think I saw you take one picture this week.”

Alice smiled sheepishly. “Oh, I found it this morning while I was packing. Completely forgot I had brought it with me. That’s why I want someone to take a picture of us here. I want at least one souvenir from this memorable trip.”

Charlie smiled as he shook his head, looking at her talk to those tourists. While Alice was usually the most prepared person he knew, there were times like these when she would completely forget about something and not realize it until the last minute. That was Alice. As much as some of her characteristics contradicted others, that’s what made her so unique in his eyes. He never really knew what to expect from her…

“Charlie!” yelled Alice, gesturing for him to come closer.

Charlie briskly walked to join her. “So, did they accept to take our picture?”

“No, I just decided to give my camera to a random tourist. Of course, they accepted. Now, put your arm around my shoulder, and I’ll put mine around your waist. There!” she said before looking at the tourist holding her camera and giving him a thumbs up. “Ok, we’re ready!”

The man of the couple took a few pictures before handing the camera back to Alice. “Where are you guys from?”

“The UK,” said Alice as she put the camera back into her bag. “What about you two?”

“I thought I recognized the accent! We’re from Georgia,” said the woman with a southern drawl.

“I hear it’s a lovely place. Well, thank you for the pictures and enjoy the rest of your trip,” said Alice before walking away with Charlie.

After walking a few feet away, Charlie turned to Alice and said, “I honestly didn’t think people from Georgia sounded like that.”

“Well, I guess that, even if a country is close to Russia, and was part of the Russian empire and the Soviet Union, doesn’t mean people will speak with a Russian accent.”

“True. I guess it’s something one should be more mindful about.”

With that, they turned onto a minor pathway, still surrounded by trees. Every time they turned onto a new path, they only saw more trees. Despite the lack of flowers, the young couple was still enjoying their time as the trees were of different shapes and sizes, not to mention hiding birds that provided a lovely background noise to their promenade. With the sun rising in the sky, the trees also provided a nice amount of shade, something to not overlook in the Brazilian summer heat.

They eventually arrived at the Japanese garden, which had a dark wood gazebo, a bright red traditional Japanese bridge, as well as a small zen garden and a pond.

“Oh, isn’t it peaceful here,” said Alice, leaning on the bridge’s railing.

“Sure is…” replied Charlie, taking in his surroundings.

“I would love to see a Japanese garden in Japan,” mused Alice.

“Already planning your next vacation?” asked Charlie, smirking.

“So what if I am?” she said as she took his hand, walking out of the Japanese garden.

“I feel you will go from Alice Beaumont, Curse-Breaker to Alice Beaumont, World Traveller,” said Charlie, smirking as he followed her.

“Why not both?”

“Why not both, indeed.”

They walked along another path aligned with palm trees parallel to the street right on the other side of the fence. The traffic noise and the sight of cars felt out of place after all the time they had spent surrounded by trees. Alice and Charlie were happy to turn onto a path that would take them away from the city noises. They were once again surrounded by trees and plants, eventually seeing a small pond with the statue of a fisherman.

They continued walking, getting deeper into the forest of the botanical garden, the diversity of the plants quite more impressive than in the area they were in at the beginning of their walk. While there were still plenty of trees, there were also bushes of various shapes and shades of green. There was also a pleasant smell surrounding them. While not the sweet aroma of flowers, it was nevertheless fresh and clean, a smell that reminded Charlie of the Forbidden Forest, but perhaps more tropical than the one from the forest in northern Scotland.

They arrived at an opening with more grass than trees, allowing for a great view of one of the many mountains surrounding Rio. They hurried their pace, trying to get back under the protective shadows of the tree as the sun was getting higher in the sky. In the cooling shade, they slowed down, trying to absorb as much of that coolness as they could.

They arrived at a large marble basin with a fountain that stood on a pile of artificial stones, in the center, surrounded by myrtles and between marble vases with ferns. There were four diametrically opposed boys at the base who, with vases, poured water into the basin and connected it to the central body by a curved ornament that formed the bottom of a large cup.

“How beautiful!” exclaimed Alice as she approached it.

Charlie wiped the sweat from his forehead. “I wish we could jump in it.”

“A very tempting idea, but I don’t want to spend the rest of my time in Rio being kicked out of the botanical garden,” replied Alice, laughing.

Charlie took a step closer, squinting at the fountain. “Wait, are these old men with long beards spitting water into that large cup in the middle? How odd!”

“Perhaps, but just above there are four statues representing the arts: Music, Fine Art, Poetry, and Drama. It’s those four statues that gave the fountain its name: Fountain of the Muses.”

“And how do you know all that?” asked Charlie, turning toward her.

Alice waved a small booklet. “From the small guide I took at the entrance.”

Charlie chuckled. “Of course.”

They returned to the imperial palm alley, getting deeper inside the botanical garden. Alice used her little guide to fan herself as the tall palm tree provided little shade. They eventually found their way back to a shadier part of the garden with low tropical trees and bushes. They enjoyed the breeze they could feel, the peacefulness, and the birds singing around them. It truly felt like a tropical paradise, even if Alice wished there had been flowers. Perhaps they were elsewhere in the garden, but part of her couldn’t wait for their visit to be over so that they could take refuge inside a restaurant, away from the heat of the Brazilian sun.

They eventually arrived at a pond full of giant Victoria amazonica water lilies. Some had their big white flowers opened, much to Alice’s delight.

“Finally! Flowers!” she said, clapping her hands. “I honestly would have been a bit disappointed if I hadn’t seen any.”

“I’ve seen a flower everywhere we’ve been,” said Charlie, winking at her.

Alice wrinkled her nose. “Charlie…”

“Too much?”

“Definitely. You sounded like Diego.”

“Yeah… I guess it was a bit corny. Just wanted to say that I’ve enjoyed my time with you here.”

Alice kissed his cheek. “That’s sweet and much more like you. By the way, did you know that there’s a legend about those flowers?” she said, pointing to her small booklet.

“No, but I have a feeling you’re going to tell it to me.”

“Right you are. So, the Tupi-Guarani tribe has a legend about the origins of that water lily flower. According to them, the moon, which they called Jaci, was a god that came down to Earth every night. One day, Naia, a young Native girl, fell in love with Jaci. The elders warned her that all the girls taken by the god were turned into stars, but Naia didn’t listen to them and went out looking for him. Night and day, she looked for Jaci, climbing hills to try and catch him, to the point where she became ill. One day, feeling weak, she decided to walk around a lake. In its reflection, she saw Jaci, and giving in to madness, she tried to catch him. She fell in the lake and drowned. Jaci saw her and transformed her into an extraordinary star: she became the flower of those giant water lilies.”

“It is beautiful and sad all at the same time,” pondered Charlie.

“Right? It gives those flowers an air of melancholy,” she concurred, taking Charlie’s hand as they walked away.

Much to their relief, the rest of their visit was primarily done in the shades of the tree. Trees were perhaps not as colourful as flowers, but they did provide more cooling shade, which was a massive advantage in this heat. They eventually reached a small cafe on the edge of the garden, which had plenty of shade, thanks to parasols, an awning, and a big tree looming over it. With the sun at its zenith, they decided now was a good time to take a break and eat lunch.

After they had eaten, Alice made a quick stop at the souvenir shop to buy souvenirs and two bottles of water.

“If we are going to walk around the lagoon in this heat, better to stay hydrated,” she said as they left the botanical garden and headed for the pathway that went around the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon.

They walked past a playground with children playing, both of them wondering how children could play in this heat. But said children were more used to the heat than those two Brits who were more accustomed to the ever-present drizzle of the British Isles.

Finally, the lagoon revealed itself, along with a magnificent view of the mountains, including the Corcovado, on top of which stood…

“Christ the Redeemer!” exclaimed Alice as she pointed at the cross-shaped statue at the top of the mountain.

“It does look small from here,” said Charlie, holding his hand over his eyes to protect them from the sunlight as he stared at the monument.

“It’s hard to believe that the giant statue we saw yesterday is the same tiny statue that we see here. I guess we must look minuscule to the people to the people that are up there if Jesus looks so small to us.”

“They probably can’t even see us,” noted Charlie as they kept on walking.

“True. Still, it’s nice to see it again. Oh! I’ll take a picture,” said Alice, taking out her camera.

“Will we even see it in the picture?” asked Charlie as Alice took some photos.

“Eh, even if we don’t, we can still see the mountain very well.”

With that, they kept on walking, their path crossing the ones of joggers and cyclists. Charlie couldn’t help but smile as he saw people exercising around the lagoon. It was no different than some of his fellow Quidditch players doing the same thing around the Black Lake. It seems like people, no matter where they were from, had a thing for training near a body of water.

Alice closed her eyes every so often to enjoy the slight breeze coming from the lagoon. She’d always felt at peace near water. Maybe it was because her own house was right in front of the Thames, or because her grandmother’s house in Ireland was by the sea, but whatever the reason, it always made her feel calm.

They eventually arrived at a little park surrounded by a low stone wall on which they sat to take a small break. As they drank from their water bottles and enjoyed the shade provided by the trees, they took in the view that stood in front of them: the lagoon, the buildings, the mountains, including the Dois Irmãos hill, the forest covering them, the blue sky with nary a cloud to be seen. Alice let out a sigh as she removed her hat.

“Are you ok?” asked Charlie, looking over at his girlfriend.

“Yeah, I guess so. I never really liked the end of vacations and the idea of returning to reality, but I guess it feels worse this time because it also means that I’m closer to the end of Hogwarts and an uncertain future.”

Charlie wrapped an arm around her shoulders, side-hugging her. "I wouldn’t call your future uncertain. Just one with too many options. But whichever you choose, I’m sure your future will be extraordinary."

“I feel like whichever path I choose, I’ll always end up disappointing someone.”

Charlie kissed the side of her head. “You’ll never disappoint me.”

Alice rested her head on his shoulder. “I hope not,” she sighed.

“I might have something to cheer you up a bit,” he said, taking a little box from his pocket.

Alice’s eyes widened. “It’s not…?”

“What? Oh, no! No, definitely not a marriage proposal. It’s actually what I wanted to give you for Christmas, but I knew what it might look like, and I didn’t want our mothers to get the wrong idea, so I decided to keep it for later.”

“Good thinking. Especially since my mom was convinced you would give me an engagement ring and was utterly disappointed when you ended up giving me The Labours of Hercules.”

“You should have heard what my mother said when I showed it to her. Anyway, remember when we went to that street market last summer?”

“Portobello?”

“That’s the one. There was a stall with a display of antique rings, including…”

“Posie rings! Oh, Charlie, but they were all too big for my fingers, and I didn’t feel right modifying such precious items.”

“I know, that’s why,” he opened the box, “I put it on a chain so that you can wear it as a necklace, close to your heart.”

Alice looked at the ring, the interior engraved with “Forget not he who loveth thee.” She turned around, lifting her braid so that Charlie could attach it around her neck. “I absolutely love it.”

“Glad you do.”

Alice turned around and kissed him on his lips, wrapping her arms around his neck. Charlie wrapped his arms around her waist, ready to deepen the kiss when they heard someone clearing their throat behind them. They broke away, looking behind them, to see an old woman glaring at them and saying something angrily to them in Portuguese.

“Desculpe,” said Alice, her cheeks a bright shade of pink.

The old lady walked away, still grumbling. Once she was clearly out of earshot, the young couple burst out laughing.

“Merlin! I can’t believe an old Brazilian grandma scolded us,” said Alice.

“I know! Now I kinda regret we don’t have that suite anymore,” replied Charlie, wiggling his eyebrows as he smirked.

“Charlie!” giggled Alice, shoving Charlie slightly away. “I think you’ve spent too much time with Diego.”

“He would say that, wouldn’t he? I was joking, though…” he said, grinning.

Alice laughed. “Come on, let’s keep walking,” she said, pulling her boyfriend up to his feet before they kept walking around the lagoon.

Once they were back at the hotel, they saw their friends hanging out in the lobby.

“Look! Our lovebirds are back!” exclaimed Penny, getting up from the sofa she shared with Andre. “How was the botanical garden?”

“It was nice, though not that many flowers,” said Alice.

“But you were the flower in the garden,” said Diego from his armchair.

Alice bit her lower lip, stifling a laugh as Charlie chuckled. “Yes, well, it was nice nonetheless, and then we went on a walk around the lagoon,” said the Curse-Breaker.

“That’s why it took you so long to come back! I was starting to wonder if we should organize a search-and-rescue party to go look for the both of you in the botanical garden,” said Tonks, kneeling on the chair as she leaned forward on the its back to look at them.

“I thought you had abandoned us to elope and live a blissful life in the tropical paradise that is Rio,” said Tulip, petting Dennis.

“Alice is leaving us?” asked Barnaby.

“No, no, but I do think she had a very nice last day here,” said Andre as he eyed Alice’s new necklace, a sly smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Very nice, indeed,” replied Alice, pleading with her eyes for Andre not to say a word about the necklace. “How was your time at the stadium?”

“Oh, I’ll tell you all about it. Now, why don’t we go and pick up our luggage at the reception,” said Andre, linking his arm with hers as they started walking away.

A few minutes later, all their suitcases were at the hotel's entrance being stuffed in the trunks of two taxis as they said their goodbyes to Alanza.

“If you ever need dungbombs, just let me know,” said Tulip before sliding into the back of a taxi.

“And if you ever need the service of a Metamorphmagus, I’m available,” said Tonks as she followed her best friend inside the taxi.

“Thanks,” said Alanza, chuckling before turning toward Barnaby. “I had a marvellous time with you,” she said, kissing him on the cheek.

Barnaby’s cheeks turned a light shade of pink. “Hum, me too,” he said quickly before getting into the second taxi.

“Isn’t he adorable,” said Alanza as she turned to Alice. “I hope you enjoyed your time in Rio.”

“Oh, I sure did. I wish it weren’t already time to say goodbye,” replied Alice.

“Not goodbye, but até mais,” said Alanza as Alice looked at her quizzically. “It means ‘see you later’, as I am sure you will come back to Rio,” she explained.

Alice looked around her. The beautiful hotel, the beach, the blue sky, the sea… “Yes, I’ll definitely come back,” she said, hugging her friend.

Andre pulled her toward the other cab as she was about to enter the taxi in which Tulip and Tonks were. “Don’t think you can escape me, Curse-Breaker,” he whispered, still eyeing her new necklace.

“Wait, why is Alice going into your cab? That means we’ll be stuck with Diego!” said Penny as she hugged Alanza.

“We can make the most of it,” said Diego, wiggling his eyebrows.

“You sit at the front!” replied Penny, pushing him toward the front seat of the girls’ taxi.

After they had all said their goodbyes, they waved at Alanza as their taxis left the hotel, heading toward the airport. Andre was sitting between Alice and Charlie, asking questions about the ring on a chain around Alice’s neck. Alice and Charlie simply glanced at each other and remained silent while Barnaby sat in the front looking outside the window pensively, his cheeks still pink.

Even with Andre’s constant questioning, Alice was glad she shared a taxi with him and not with Penny. Even if the Hufflepuff girl hadn’t noticed the necklace yet, she knew it was only a question of time before she would, and she would not be as discreet about it as Andre. In fact, she found it odd that Andre had noticed it straight away. Sure, he was always aware of what she wore, but he didn’t look surprised when he saw it. He looked more like he was expecting it. She was about to ask about it when their taxi stopped in front of their terminal.

Everyone got out of their cabs and took out their suitcases, placing them on trolleys. Once they had passed security, they went to the bathroom to change and be ready for the English weather awaiting them. Alice stuffed her beanie in her bag, her jean jacket hanging over her arm as she left the bathroom. She joined her friends in the waiting area near their boarding gate, being the last one ready. Alice pointed to her tights when Tonks pointed out how long it had taken her.

“Try to put these on in a tiny toilet cubicle,” grumbled Alice.

“The price of looking cute,” replied Andre.

“At least you approve of my outfit,” said Alice, smirking.

After eating dinner, they were soon called to board the plane, and the flight went without a hitch, most of them sleeping throughout. They arrived in London at noon, most of them feeling a bit groggy from the jetlag. After picking up their luggage, the group divided itself into two: Penny, Diego, Tulip, and Barnaby were heading home, except Barnaby, who was going to stay with Diego, and Alice, Charlie, Tonks, and Andre, who were all going to stay at Alice’s house until the next day, when they would take the Hogwarts Express to head back to school.

As the latter group waited for a taxi, Alice leaned toward Charlie. “Did Andre know about this?” she whispered, touching the ring on her chest.

Charlie bit his lower lip, looking down. “I may have asked for his help when I didn’t know how to give it to you since I knew it was too big for your fingers and that you wouldn’t want to alter it,” he admitted.

Alice nodded. “Explains that knowing smile he had when he saw it.”

“You’re not mad?”

“Why would I be? I would have done the same thing in your stead. He is Andre Egwu: Style Wizard, after all,” she said, a smile slightly tugging at the corner of her lips.

“Speaking of Style Wizard,” said Andre, popping his head between them, “I will use the time I have at your place to plan some fabulous outfits for your final months at Hogwarts. I have missed your closet so much.”

And just like that, Alice’s vacation was over.

A/N #2: And it's goodbye, Rio (for now). Thank you to everyone who has helped me when I was still in the planning stage. Thank you to everyone who came on this journey south of Havana with me, even if it took a million years. Thank you to everyone who has reblogged and commented on the fics of this series, it means the world.

My next series will be about Alice's short Quidditch career, which takes place in her fifth year, so after the Celestial Ball series, but before she starts dating Charlie. Well, at least at the beginning. I will make an announcement on my main as I might need characters to fill out Quidditch teams, so stay tuned!

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incorrecthogwartsmysteryquotes · 4 years

Conversation

Diego: Would you rather carry a ball for three miles or carry the matter baby for three miles?

MC: what’s the matter baby?

Diego: nothing, baby, how about you?

#Submission: pxrplehyacinth #hogwarts mystery #Incorrect hogwarts mystery quotes #Harry Potter #incorrect quotes #hphm #source: ???#mc #mc hphm #jacob's sibling #diego caplan #mc x diego #Jacob's sibling x Diego #shipping #submission

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ramblings-of-a-mad-cat · 3 years

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To the Tulula Anon

Once again, my anon fairy (as someone once called them) has blessed me with numerous asks about my OTP and I decided this would be the simplest method of addressing all of them without flooding the feed. It's so wonderful to hear from you again!

I love this whole concept and I hadn’t ever thought of it before, but you’re absolutely right. Come to think of it...man, why does it feel like it’s been years since I heard the word “Tarasu?” Because it’s a great ship name and I kind of remember it, but I swear I haven’t actually seen the Tulip/Tonks ship described that way in ages. Anyway, I think you’re right. Obviously, MC being friends with Tulip would be a much bigger deal and probably would overshadow any issues that Merula has with Tonks...but like, assuming that MC/Tulip isn’t canon in a particular ‘verse and everyone knows it, then Merula would be upset about both, but they would be very different types of anger.

Yeah, that is exactly what Merula would do and while I doubt Tonks would enjoy it, Merula is ultimately harmless and most people figure that out after a while. She’d be annoyed by the use of her first name and while she might take offense to the remarks about her looks, but honestly Tonks doesn’t seem like the type to be self-conscious about that. She obviously chooses to look the way she does and she chooses her look for a reason. I actually have many, many head-canons about her “true” appearance and why she doesn’t present it on a regular basis. (Psst, it’s Bellatrix. She looks like her mom and her mom is said to look like Bellatrix.) I feel like she’d know Merula was just being cruel and might even be able to guess why, assuming that Tulip could figure it out.

Oh don’t even worry about accidentally sending an Ask more than once. That happens more than you might think, it’s no trouble. I just delete the duplicates. And can I just say that you are absolutely correct and it’s one of my favorite things about their dynamic. I love how Merula tries so damn hard to look powerful and cool but it never works on Tulip because she just knows her better than anyone. There’s no fooling her. She sees right through it when Merula tries to pretend that her vulnerable moment was just a lie during the Frog Choir TLSQ. And I don’t even want to think about how it would feel for Tulip to realize that Merula doesn’t fancy her anymore, if that time ever came.

(Was there a part four? If so, it didn’t come through, I’m so sorry!) Oh, Tulip and her friendships. I feel like she’s a much better friend than she gives herself credit for, absolutely. But I also feel as though she would do exactly what you’re saying. This is such a heartbreaking and not unrealistic way to tackle the subtext that I’ve always felt is there, this kind of awkward and quasi-romantic undertone in the relationships between these three characters. Admittedly, Tulip and MC haven’t had much shiptease since Year 3 (Though I still think that was quite something) but MC and Merula are hinted again and again to this day. The game’s canon suggests that perhaps Tulip has moved onto Tonks by now, but if we suppose she hadn’t, I can truly believe that she would try to assist MC in wooing Merula even if it killed her inside, because she wants both her beloved and her friend to be happy.

Don’t even get me started. Because I agree with you about Tulip being the one to initiate their first kiss, it’s something she would totally do and Merula would be left red faced and spluttering. Mistletoe? Yeah I can totally see it, though based on the two Christmases that we spend time with Merula, she isn’t hanging out with Tulip over the holiday. Still, no reason they couldn’t be. I doubt Tulip actually wants to go home for Christmas, unless she was getting to spend it with her grandmothers. And in that case, I bet she’d invite Merula to come stay with them. Still, I could see a Mistletoe kiss happening. Or maybe the spontaneity of a New Year’s kiss? They’re both excuses to kiss someone and then play it off like it meant nothing if the feelings aren’t returned. As for the “back together” kiss, I like to imagine everything comes full circle and Merula is the one to initiate that and that it’s her turn to leave Tulip speechless.

You are so spot on about the difference between them and in their plans. It’s something that I don’t think people talk about enough. Unlike other chaotic types in this universe, unlike Jae, Tonks, and even Merula...Tulip isn’t impulsive. She’s a planner. Her pranks, her schemes, they’re all meticulously planned down to the last detail because she is a brilliant Ravenclaw and of course they are, she was brought up by strict, lawful parents. If there’s one thing she absorbed from them, it’s that. Compared to Tonks and yes, to Merula...who basically wing it. Merula strikes me as the kind of person who might make plans, but they would never pan out right, so she would eventually stop bothering and just coast on her confidence in the abilities of the Best Witch at Hogwarts.

If there’s one thing I love more than the implicit knowledge that Merula is one of the shortest characters in the entire game and the various headcanons about this, if there’s one thing that could make me even happier...it would have to be your description of Merula as a “gay disaster tomato” I can’t even begin to describe how fantastic that is. Bless her, it’s perfect, and she so is.One other thing I’m always up for is headcanons that make me like Diego more and this is most certainly one of them! He would absolutely be Merula’s wingman in all this. Seriously, their friendship is one I find to be underrated and you could even call it a bit of foreshadowing for how unpopular Diego actually is that he hangs around Merula of all people. Still! It’s a wholesome bond and I can just picture him bouncing around and demanding all the gossip for what happened, his instantly knowing that something did.

Continued in Part 2!

#Tulip Karasu x Merula Snyde #The Tulula Anon #Tulula #Merula Snyde #Tulip Karasu #Nymphadora Tonks #Tarasu #Diego Caplan #HPHM Jacob's Sibling

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ariparri · 4 years

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Picnic dates are a must between these two. Especially picnic dates at night. Much more romantic 🥺😩💞💞

After writing all that ANGST, I couldn’t just leave it there. I needed some wholesome content for Diego x Veruca. Post Hogwarts though because I wanted to try and make a future look for Diego. Still also haven’t thought of a ship name for these two either.

#ariparri #veruca mcquaid #diego caplan #post hogwarts #hphm #hogwarts mystery #harry potter hogwarts mystery #fanart #hphm mc #hogwarts mystery mc #hphm fanart #hogwarts mystery fanart #diego x veruca #harry potter hogwarts mystery fanart #harry potter hogwarts mystery mc #hphm diego #diego x mc #jacob's sibling #dieruca

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autisticarachnid · 1 year

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two dorks spotted on hogwarts grounds

#hphm #hogwarts mystery #harry potter hogwarts mystery #hp hogwarts mystery #my art #hogwarts mystery mc #digital art #digital drawing #digital artwork #fallon byrne #fallon byrne art #fallon x diego #diego caplan #hphm diego #diego caplan x jacob’s sibling #diego x mc #diego caplan x mc

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that-scouse-wizard · 3 years

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Hufflesquad Headcanons

Disclaimer: This is quite specific to my MC, David Willows but if any of you want to adapt these headcanons to fit your MCs, feel free to do so.

-The original Hufflesquad members are as follows: David Willows, Rowan Khanna, Nymphadora Tonks, Diego Caplan, Chiara Lobosca and Penny Haywood.

-Tonks unofficially came up with the name in second year and it just stuck.

-Later on Orion Amari, Amelia Booth (David’s younger step-sister), Beatrice Haywood and Cedric Diggory all became members.

-Orion after celebrating their participation (getting second place behind Gryffindoor) in the Quidditch Cup during second year.

-Amelia when she was sorted into Hufflepuff in David’s third year.

-The above is also true for Beatrice and Cedric during David’s fifth year.

-David and Tonks were each other’s first kiss in third year, they found themselves under the mistletoe. Tonks took the initiative, partly because she thought David was cute but also because she wanted to fluster him. They kissed once or twice after that but both agreed to keep things casual.

-The original members shadowed David and Merula’s first date in fourth year. Tonks, Penny and Diego because they just wanted good things for David. Rowan because she didn’t trust Merula after the Devil’s Snare incident. Chiara got dragged along by Rowan in case there was a repeat of the Devil’s Snare incident.

-Unfortunately, the originals weren’t nearly as stealthy as they thought they were. Essentially, David and Merula ran through Hogsmeade together in an attempt to lose them, it worked. Diego dissuaded everyone from searching for them further, clearly they were having a good time and it was best spent alone without interference.

-Rowan is the best singer out of all of them. She went for frog choir auditions in third year but was beaten by Merula. She got another chance in fourth year and got the part.

-The members of the Hufflesquad are among the first to know of the newest gossip thanks to Penny.

#harry potter #harry potter hogwarts mystery #jacob's sibling #david willows #rowan khanna #nymphadora tonks #diego caplan #chiara lobosca #penny haywood #amelia booth #beatrice haywood #cedric diggory #merula snyde #merula x mc #orion amari

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thecursedvaultchild · 5 years

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The Shortest of Romantic Sparks

After four years of living in the same room as Merula and attending classes with her, most of her snide comments slid right off of Summer. But this one. This one wouldn't leave her alone.

"I thought Selwyns were supposed to be the best duelists ever. Not just good."

She could almost hear her grandfather and see the look of disapproval on his face. A renowned duelist, he had pressured her to follow in his footsteps as one too. She had done pretty well. There wasn't a duel she had lost yet. But she had mostly been fighting other students and often just barely snatched victory through a sudden burst of aggression. There was nothing graceful or subtle about it. And certainly nothing considered worthy of Rodolfo.

That's how after a long absence, Summer found herself back in the Dueling Club. Flitwick of course was delighted to see her again and let her have a corner all to herself.

The training dummy flew back and back again. She went through her whole arsenal. She tried some new spells. She changed stances and approaches. But the frustration only grew until it was nearly bubbling over.

With a loud BANG! the dummy flew back yet again but cracked. And didn't roll forward. Her fist clenched around her wand and she cursed in French. (Surprising it wasn't Welsh. Lau must be rubbing off on her.)

"Reparo."

The crack seamlessly came together and the dummy righted. It was as if it was never broken.

Looking over, there was no one there in the room besides the one and only Diego Caplan in all his glory. A smirk on his face, thumb casually caught in his pocket, and twiddling his wand. The light of the room caught his hair just right and made it appear like warm chocolate. And he was looking right at her.

"Never thought I'd be able to beat Summer Charn to casting a charm. But I don't suppose you were focused on tearing that poor dummy apart. Wish you'd tear me apart that hard sometime."

Oh, the over the top, exorbitant flirting. I hope I don't sound like that when I do it. But if there was ever a hint of a challenge for being flirtatious, she was game.

Tossing her hair behind her, she eyed him. "Where'd be the fun in that? It'd be over in less than a minute."

"If you think me so weak, try me. I might surprise you, Charn." He winked.

"I don't really think anything you could do would ever surprise me, Caplan."

"Really?"

He stepped right up into her space, them almost nose to nose. She closed that distance. Staring him right into the eyes.

"Really."

"If you say so." Chuckling, he stepped back. "But you might at least find a better partner in me than that poor dummy."

"I seem to recall beating you last time."

His bottom lip pouted. "Yes, and I've now lost my title of best dueler at Hogwarts. Merula is very upset with me."

"Hmm."

She looked him over again. Closely. There was no denying Caplan was fantastic at dueling. He was so good that even Merula Snyde sung his praises. Well, more of made boastful comments his tutoring was making her better than Summer. It wouldn't hurt to train with a new opponent.

One who wasn't Bill Weasley. As much as she loved studying that handsome redhead, he was just too easy to beat. She was too familiar with him and his dueling style.

"Tell you what, Caplan. I might, might, just let you have your title again. If you train with me."

"One on one dueling lessons?"

"Are there any other kind?"

"I don't know. You tell me." His eyes sparkled and he winked.

"Oh Diego." She batted her eyes. "Someone might think you're up to something."

"Maybe I am."

"Let's duel, lover boy."

They both stepped back until the right distance was between them, bowed, and held up their wands.

And they dueled. It was long and grueling. Lights flashing, incantations being shouted, the shuffle of feet across the stone floor. He schooled her. Well, not schooled her, but he certainly didn't make it easy. It was apparent when she had messed up by hitting through her defenses. Failure and his smug grin was a much more effective—and motivating—teacher than being told what to do.

It was working. She could see herself getting better. She was quicker. More creative. Able to hold her ground. Her dueling was becoming graceful and refined and subtle. Satisfaction hit her each time surprise flickered in his eyes as she kept getting the upper hand. Without having to use sudden aggression.

Eventually they came to a standstill. Both were doubled over and panting.

"Have you ever been asked to dance?" Diego's gaze slid over to her.

"You saw me at the Celestial Ball, Caplan."

"That was two years ago."

"Your point being?"

A hand emerged into her view. "May I have this dance?"

Her eyes went from his hand up to his face. "All right. Let's see if you're as good as you claim." And she took it.

It was fast, their feet flying, bodies in rhythm with each other like they had been while dueling. A waltz to a tango to a foxtrot. There was no hesitation or misstep. Summer hated to admit it but he was a good dancer. Like, really good. Eager to impress, he kept going faster and faster, now twirling her around. She couldn't help the giggle that escaped as he did so. Smiling, he spun her and spun her around before ending in a dip. And before she knew it, his mouth was smashed against hers.

Surprise melted away into passion. Arms around his neck, she pulled him closer and she felt her body being pushed against his warm chest. Searching for more, her fingers tangled into his hair and she felt his hands slid down her back. It was hot, passionate, and fierce. And all over too soon.

"Hello there, Charn." His voice was husky.

"Hey there yourself, Caplan."

And he pulled her back in for more.

---

The Great Hall was always loud with chatter. But it subsided as Diego Caplan and Summer Charn walked in, arms around the other's waist. Grinning widely at the attention, Diego spun Summer around, dipped her, and kissed her. Right there in front of everyone.

His hand caught her skirt from falling too far down and he quickly righted her. "See you later, Charn."

He winked and headed over to the Hufflepuff table. His prefect, Rebecca Lord, blinked. Clearly shocked.

“Pardon me, what—"

Next to her, Lucia (the Slytherin thought that was her name), commented to Rebecca, "They do fit together but, man, I don't like it."

Summer, calm and pretending not to notice everyone's eyes on her, walked to the Slytherin table and sat down. In between Dahlia Goldman and Liz Tuttle as they seemed the most unconcerned of all her Housemates. She didn't even have a half minute before Lau said something.

He abruptly stood up from the table, shoving the bench (and everybody on it) back several feet. "CHARN! What in the world are you doing?! Dating Caplan?! You know I hate him!" His face was as red as his hair.

Jason just laughed at Lau, patting his shoulder. "The flirts deserve each other."

"Whatever, Novak."

Summer shook her head at him. Firmly ignoring Ann Khanna's wide-eyed, open-mouthed stare, she looked over the day's lunch. Those rolls looked really good. And far more interesting than this talk of her newest boyfriend. She quickly stuffed one in her mouth.

Mmm. Tasted good too. She'd have to compliment Pitts and the other House-Elves later.

Her delicious distraction was swiftly disrupted as Penny squeezed in next to her. The bright yellow amid the sea of green certainly was a sight.

"Summer!" She grabbed her friend's shoulders. "Is it true you and Diego made out in the Dueling Club? And beforehand you had a romantic dance?!" Summer feared the glimmer in those blue eyes. That was the glimmer of gossip. And Penny was an untamable beast when it came to getting the latest tea.

Choking down her roll, Summer coughed and nodded slightly. "Uh, yeah. We kissed. Obviously."

"Was it super long and the best thing ever?! Diego can't shut up about it!"

"It was—wait, what is Caplan saying???"

She peered around Penny's head to the Hufflepuff table. Diego had a large and captivated audience made up of several Houses. More than a few girls were glaring in the Slytherin's direction and some guys doing the same to the Hufflepuff. Her eyes widened as she saw Skylar get up from the Ravenclaw table and march over to the crowd.

"Excuse me! Be right back!"

She shrugged out of Penny's grip and hurried over to the Hufflepuff table. She got there just in time to hear "—but if she cries, you cry. Understood?" Unable to see his face, only Diego's nervous reaction, she tugged at Sky's arm.

The Ravenclaw turned around, demeanor nonchalant. "Oh hey, Sum."

"Hi, Sky." Pulling him away, her expression conveyed her annoyance. "I can handle myself, you know."

"Oh I know. But still." He shrugged, long strands of hair falling in front of his eyes.

"Appreciated. At least you're not yelling at me like Lau is."

"Caplan? Wondered if it'd happen," came a new voice to her side. It was Ethren. He looked… amused.

"Mind your own business, Whitecross."

The Gryffindor raised an eyebrow. "He kissed you. In front of the whole school."

"... fair point."

"Just be careful, Sum," Sky interjected.

"When am I not with men?"

"You kissed me," Sky mused.

"And me," Ethren added.

"And Lau—"

"And Barnaby."

"Remember Winx?"

"Oh! And Rogers."

"Danielson."

"You almost kissed Ben on that dare—"

"OKAY! I get it! I'll be careful!"

She glowered at their matching smirks. It was all too infuriating two of her best friends were ganging up on her.

"I'm leaving this harassment. At least Slytherins have the decency to leave be."

And right then, Merula Snyde's sharp shout echoed across the room. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN CAPLAN AND CHARN ARE NOW DATING?!"

---

The past three days had been a blur. A blurry whirlwind of passion, ferocity, and relentlessly flirting. It was getting old. Fast.

While hanging out in the courtyard with some friends, Diego insisted on sitting right next to Summer. He was so close she could hear his heartbeat without trying. Getting closer and closer, he eventually had simply pulled her onto his lap.

Lau scowled in their direction. His eyebrows seemed to cast shadows across the normally sweet boy's face.

Merula too was not happy with the new couple. She seemed to be taking their intense flirting as competition, what with practically being glued to Ethren. At some point she had even sat on top of him as he'd stretched out of the fountain lip. It was never a situation Summer ever pictured herself in.

And of course, Ismelda was not happy because Merula was not happy. And was spending more time with Ethren. Did that sullen girl not have a life outside of Snyde?

But as the obnoxious Hufflepuff moved to kiss her on the neck again, something within Summer Charn snapped. She shoved him off her, getting to her feet, and whirling on him.

"We're through, Diego Caplan."

It fell across the courtyard and everyone was staring. Diego was absolutely stunned. "¿¿¿Qué??? No comprende." Stunned enough to slip into his native Spanish.

"We. Are. Through."

He scrambled up and reached for her arm. "What? What's going on? Ha ha ha, Summerly, my love. Very funny. You're so mischievous."

She yanked it away and whipped out her wand. "Silencio!"

Blessed silence took this place of his incessant rambling.

"Read my lips: I'm dumping you."

Snatching up her schoolbag, she strode across the courtyard, all too aware of everyone watching. Before stepping back into the castle, the girl paused and looked behind her.

"And you can keep your sweet nothings. They're so full of hot hair; just like you."

And Summer flounced back inside to the sounds of cheering and laughter.

Fin.

#summer charn #diego caplan #diego caplan x mc #diego caplan x jacob's sibling #lol 3 days and sum was Done #even the flirting queen can't put up with him for too long #now they're intense flirt rivals #sum avoids him like the plague #poor flitwick now sum isn't in dueling club again #hphm #hphm fanfic #hphm fanfiction #hphm fic #hogwarts mystery #merula snyde #ismelda murk #liz tuttle #rowan khanna

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