#magpie watches Merlin

[many-gay-magpies]

i have a lot of feelings about merlin and arthur and magic reveals that i've struggled to put into words in the past, but im currently searching for excuses not to sleep so i figure, why not now?

i said something similar to this in a comment on a brilliant ao3 fic today (this is the fic btw), but there's something that just... rubs me SO wrong about so many magic reveal fics (or, more particularly, merlin revealing his magic TO ARTHUR fics), and its the fact that, in a great deal of them, arthur ultimately changes his views on magic BECAUSE OF or FOR merlin. like, yeah, sure, he ends up realizing in time that the "goodness" of magic overall depends only on how you wield it, but it never feels wholly genuine or meaningful to me.

a line i see used a lot in fics, by arthur in reference to merlin, is "if someone as GOOD as merlin can have magic, how can it be evil?". it may seem sweet on the surface, and in some respects maybe it IS, but it also seems to me like it just... devalues the whole lesson of it? or something? idk im tired. like,, if arthur saw a person he wasnt particularly close to doing magic he wouldnt be having the whole "hm maybe magic ISNT inherently bad or corrupt" epiphany (he actually DID think like this in the earlier seasons, which makes me even angrier with how the later seasons lowkey washed all that away and just made him parrot all uther's ideologies all over again). it takes someone who he believes is unfailingly good and kind-hearted using magic for him to start to maybe, sort of, tentatively changing his views on it-- which leaves the door open for that change to reverse were merlin to do something (or were merlin to reveal something he'd previously done) that tarnished his "good" image in arthur's eyes, thereby tarnishing his fragile perception of magic. "goodness" is a subjective, flexible, and unreliable metric of judgement, and as such probably isn't a solid foundation to build one's drastically-altered worldviews on.

im gonna go ahead and pull in a line that's used in canon: "i use my magic for you, arthur, and only for you" so... what? merlin's magic is ONLY good because he uses it in service to arthur? what does that mean, then, for the other magic-users, the ones who don't use their magic for any big purpose or in service to any particularly noble cause? it allows for the person who uses spells to, like, de-tangle their hair and clean their house to be perceived as evil or corrupt for just existing-- same as it always was. in the end, it's just merlin showing arthur that he's the exception to what arthur has been taught his whole life is the rule-- not that the rule itself is flawed in any way. i recognize that in this scene merlin was trying to protect himself and soften the blow of whatever rejection arthur might give, but a lot of fics (or at least a few i've read recently) borrow the line and use it in THEIR magic reveal scenes, and it just... bothers me a lot.

to me, none of this undoes or reveals the evils uther wrought during his reign-- it just paints over that. in order to do that, arthur needs to confront the full weight of his father's lies and all the grave wrongs he's commited, then work through and accept them so he can change things for the better (which is something i think the fic i linked at the start of this post did brilliantly). my preferred "reveal" would happen in a hopefully safer environment for merlin, where arthur might feel a bit hurt and betrayed for being lied to for so long, but ultimately understands that merlin needed to do it to protect himself, and so doesn't fault him for it.

and thus concludes my sleep-deprived ted talk/meta post/incessant opinionated rambling session of the day! with that, i hope to konk out and not see the light of day for at least nine hours.

#magpie thoughts #ahaha whoops this got long #might edit to clarify some points in the morning (afternoon) but otherwise. yeah #OH ots also worth noting i havent fully watched merlin in a couple years and am at the beginning of trudging my way through a rewatch #SO some of my memories on events and character developments and such might be off. #bbc merlin #merlin #merlin meta #midnight thoughts with magpie #long post

[claypigeonpottery]

Top 5 Birds?

I’m going with favourite birds that I have seen or interacted with because otherwise this would be so much harder to answer

1. pigeons, surprise surprise

(and here’s my favourite pigeon, Albertha)

as a kid I knew all the pigeons who lived on my neighbour’s roof. I gave them names and watched them frequently

2. magpies. they’re playful and silly and smart and I’ve loved them since I was a kid (aaaalmost as long as pigeons)

3. chickens. I saw a lot of chickens growing up, despite not having any of my own. one of my favourite chicken memories is my spouse holding a chicken to catch bugs out of the air lol

4. zebra finches. I’ve had a few over the years. their little beeping sounds delight me

5. ohhh this one was hard, but I’m gonna go with sandpipers. I got to watch them on the beach a few times. so cute, so tiny

really close to coming in at #5: ring neck pheasants, quail, sparrows, grey herons, red winged blackbirds, merlins, flickers and loons.

my grandpa is a huge bird fan, he’d always send me bird identification books and cassette tapes of birdsongs, and whenever we spent time together, we’d go birdwatching

#ask #asks #birds

[seriouslysam8]

Brumous Sneak Peek

Chapter Ten: The Attack

Remus took his normal spot next to Sirius, his gaze focusing on the table as he tried not to look at Nymphadora laughing and chatting with Molly in hushed tones by the stove. Oddly enough, Harry was not seated next to Sirius. Instead, Harry sat smushed between Ron and Ginny, their chairs close together as they leaned forward to all talk to Fred and George. Harry laughed, a wide grin on his face, at something George said. Remus couldn’t help but notice Harry looked far more relaxed than normal, more like the kid he had met a few years ago. 

Remus leaned into Sirius, his chin gesturing towards Harry. “Did he do it?”

Sirius blinked, his eyes glancing over at Harry. “Do what?”

Remus rolled his eyes, his head shaking. “Oh, I don’t know. Be offered a spot on the Magpies,” he said in a sarcastic tone but Sirius only chuckled. “Master Occlumency, what do you think?”

“No, he hasn’t,” Sirius replied. “He’s trying and can make his mind go blank when he knows they are there, but… I don’t know. He needs a wall. At least, that’s what Dumbledore says.”

Remus nodded. “How does one build a wall?”

Sirius snorted. “Funnily enough, that’s what Dumbledore asked me.”

Remus snorted, watching as Molly levitated the food over to the table. Nymphadora skipped over, taking a seat next to Bill who sat by the twins. Molly took a spot between Arthur and Sirius.

“All right, you lot! It’s ready! Dig in!” Molly announced.

The platters and bowls passed around the table. Remus snuck a peek at Nymphadora who pushed Bill in his chair, a loud snort escaping her nose. Remus swallowed, his eyes darting over to Ron next to him to grab the platter of jacket potatoes. He caught sight of Harry shifting in his chair as he leaned in close to Ginny as the two whispered about something. She waved him off, saying something that Remus couldn’t hear. He took a potato before passing the platter over to Sirius.

Ginny cleared her throat. “Looks like everyone is here tonight,” she commented, her gaze catching Harry’s for a brief moment.

“Yes, dear, we do live at headquarters so there’s always people milling about,” Molly replied. 

Arthur smiled. “It’s wonderful! I feel like I haven’t had dinner with you lot since you got back from Hogwarts. I’ve been too busy to even see straight it seems.”

Nymphadora raised a glass. “I hear you there, Arthur! Merlin, I feel like I haven’t even stopped to breathe in the past two weeks.”

Remus felt a bit of tension ease in his stomach. So Nymphadora hadn’t been avoiding him after their little fight. It made sense because Remus realized that he hadn’t seen Arthur around Grimmauld much at all, and he was staying there. Remus hadn’t heard from Kingsley or Tegan or any of Dumbledore’s most trusted members either now that he thought about it. His primary contact had been Sirius and Harry. 

“I mean, I’ve just been around wizards who smell like meat and sweat so much lately,” Nymphadora said in a casual tone, not daring to look at Remus. 

He caught the drift, the implication behind the words. He glanced down at his plate, not giving Nymphadora the satisfaction that she wanted. 

“Who smells like meat and sweat?” Molly asked. 

“Yeah, who you talking about?” George pressed. “That’s just bloody weird.”

“It’s not like I prefer it,” argued Nymphadora, and Remus could feel her eyes on him. “Musty old libraries are so much more divine to smell but they’re also very inclusive and think they’ll break their readers or something absurd.”

“Ah, I think I’m following now,” Sirius mused thoughtfully, elbowing Remus in the side. 

“Can I prefer neither?” Fred interjected. “Both smell disgusting.”

“But books can’t break people,” Nymphadora argued, stabbing her jacket potato. “Books shouldn’t assume that a reader could be so easily broken. The fact that they’re musty is just even more endearing.”

“Wouldn’t you want a non-musty book?” Ron asked. 

“No!” Molly snapped. “How could you say such a thing?”

Ron blinked, his mouth gaping open. 

“I think musty old books should just get their head out of their arse personally,” Sirius said, bringing his wine glass to his lips. “Maybe a book should just realize they’re just a book and good people don’t judge a book by its cover. They should just act like the contents of said book.”

“Maybe a Newfoundland should act like a Newfoundland as well,” Remus snapped, glaring at Sirius. “You know, be sociable and lovable for once.”

Sirius’ jaw clenched. “I see you cannot tell the difference between a grim and a Newfoundland.”

Remus scoffed. “Perhaps, it’s you who can’t.”

“Grims are large and menacing and anti-social. That fits!” Sirius argued. “Nobody wants to be a dumb big Newfoundland!”

“Oi, dogs are dogs,” George interjected. “Newfoundlands are cute! Lee has a Newfoundland.”

Fred pulled a face. “Their slobber is disgusting. I’m more of a small animal lover. Like say a pygmy puff, coming in just one week to Weasley Wizard Wheezes so grab yours before it’s too late!”

“What’s a pygmy puff?” Nymphadora asked, flicking her bubblegum pink hair behind her shoulder.

“Ah, you’d like them,” George said around a mouthful of food. “Peppy little things. Bright colors. Cuddly.”

[jaylikesrainbowtigers]

Merlin Head Canons

But it’s my rewrite.

Arthur figures out that Merlin has magic before he tells him. Because Arthur is dumb but nobody, N O B O D Y, could miss Merlin using magic every 5 seconds especially when they are around each other all the time.

Arthur legalising magic after Uther’s death because of Merlin.

Merlin being like heyyyy, I thought you hated magic. Arthur says well I don’t hate you. Merlin - What? Arthur - What?

Angst occurs, they get over it.

Merlin makes flower crowns for the knights (+ Gwen)

Arthur “hates” them but will “forget” to take it off on the ride back to Camelot.

Gwaine bakes really good bread. Only whilst drunk though.

Leon (very long suffering) likes jewellery. Like shiny things, like a magpie. Can we give him the nice things?

Gwen has forged Morgana jewellery before (and also Leon like once).

Morgana loves when she receives flowers (especially from Gwen).

Arthur is little spoon who insist he is a knife. (Unless Merlin needs comfort then he is big spoon).

Gaius at this point has to be drunk by 11am or he can’t deal with everything in Camelot.

Lance (my sweet baby) loves sweet things. Lots of sweets for him.

The knights song from Horrible Histories is the living definition of the knights of Camelot. If you haven’t seen Horrible Histories please look it up and watch it. Go from the start. If you are British and haven’t watched it you are lying. All British kids grew up on it.

#bbc merlin #bbc merthur #merlin emrys #arthur pendragon #bbc gwen #bbc morgana #bbc gwaine #bbc lancelot #bbc uther #merlin

[exhausted-archivist]

Bestiary of Thedas

From bird to insect, fish to land animal. Every creature mentioned in Dragon Age, blighted and non-blighted, spirits and demon, created and possessed creatures alike are listed along with their breeds, subspecies, or variations.

If you want a more specific list, check out the post for Real World Animals in Thedas

Updated: 2023/11

Amphibian

Frog

Salamander

Toad

Horned Toad

Poison Toad

Birds

Albatross

Black-capped Songbird

Bluebird

Budgerigar

Bunting

Buzzard

Canary

Crow

Dove

Duck

Mallard Duck

Eagle

Falcon

Finch

Goose

Grouse

Gull

Hawk

Kingfisher

Lark

Magpie

Merlin

Mockingbird

Nightingale

Owl

Parakeet

Parrot

Partridge

Peafowl

Pheasant

Pigeon

Ptarmigan

Quail

Raven

Robin

Rock Darter - Native to the Anderfels, an insect eating bird.

Seagull

Simir - A bird hunted in Tevinter for the magical properties in their feathers.

Sparrow

Swan

Swift

Turkey

Vulture

Bald-necked Vulture

Fish and Marine Creatures

Blind Tetrava

Bluefin

Carp

Cetus

Cod

Eel

Lamprey Eel

Jellyfish

Krone

Mackerel

Octopus

Raytooth

River Herring

Shark

Squid

Giant Squid

Trout

Whale

Bony Whale-Shark

Pilot Whale

Whitebait

Crustaceans and Shellfish

Clam

Crab

Giant Swamp Crab

Crayfish

Cuttlefish

Lobster

Mussel

Oyster

Prawns

Shrimp

Insects

Bee

Bumblebee

Honeybee

Beetle

Cave Beetle

Death Watch Beetle

Dung Beetle

Glow Worm

Roof Beetle

Wood-burrowing Beetle

Butterfly

Cricket

Dragonfly

Firefly

Flea

Fly

Blue Flies

Giant Spider

Giant Poisonous Spider

Giant Spiderling

Poison Spider

Gnat

Hornet

Ladybug

Leeches

Locust

Maggot

Scorpion

Silkworms

Slugs

Snail

Spider

Wasp

Worm

Earthworm

Poison Worm

Tapeworm

Mammals

Badger

Honey Badger

Bat

Giant Bats

Bear

Black Bear

Brown Bear

Cavern Bear

Great Bear

Large Bear

Boar

Bogfisher

Bronto

Cat

Cattle

Bull

Cow

Ox

Qalab

Chicken

Cockerel

Cretahl

Dathrasi

Deer

Red Deer

Stag

Dog

Coursing Hound

Ferelden Shepard

Hunting Dog

Mabari

Pug

Rat Terrier

Sheepdog

Wild Dog

Wofun Hound

Donkey

Druffalo

Elephant

Elk

Ermine

Fennec

Ferret

Fox

Gazelle

Ghast

Giant

Goat

Ayesleigh gulabi goats

Mountain Goat

Griffon

Gurn

Halla

Hamster

Hare

Hart

Bercilian Sure-Foot

Greater Frostback Elk

Pride of Arlathan

Red Hart

Royal Sixteen

Tirashan Swiftwind

White Hart

Wild Hart

Horse

Amaranthine Charger

Anderfel

Anderfel Courser

Asaarash

Avvar Mixed Draft

Dalish All-Bred

Fereldan Forder

Free Marches Ranger

Frostback Mountain Horse

Green Dales Feral

Imperial Warmblood

Inquisition Barded Charger

Oath-Bound Steed

Orlesian Courser

Taslin Strider

Hyena

Jackal

Jackrabbit

Lion

Great Lion

Red Lion

Lynx

Marmot

Marten

Mole

Monkey

Moose

Mountain Lion

Mouse

Chip Mouse

Mule

Nug

Nuggalope

Avvar War Nug

Battle Nug

Greater Nuggalope

Greater Mountain Nuggalope

Gwaren Land-Hammer

Knuckled Thunderer

Tiddles Majoris

Otter

Pig

Rabbit

Raccoon

Ram

August Ram

Rat

Giant Rat

Sheep

Snoufleur

Spotted Cat

Spotted Hunting Cat

Squirrel

Tiger

Tusket

Voles

Weasel

Wolf

Black Wolf

Crag Wolf

Great Wolf

Wolverine

Reptiles

Adder

Death Adder

Basilisks

Cobra

Crocodile

Deepstalker

Deepstalker Matriarch - largest deepstalker

Deepstalker Leader - always male, second largest deepstalker

Deepstalker Runner

Dracolisk

Abyssal Hang-Tooth

Basking Longma

Blue River Bane

Desert Lightning

Hunter Shade Dracolisk

Mountain Dracolisk

Primal-Trained Longma

Sharp-Tail

Dragon

Abyssal High Dragon

Fereldan Frostback

Gamordan

Stormrider

Greater Minstral

Guardian of Mythal

Highland Ravager

Hivernal

Hunterhorn Shrikes

Kaltenzahn

Northern Hunter

Sandy Howler

Stonejaw

Vinsomer

Dragonling

Drake

Great Dragon

Guardian Serpent

Gurgut

Lurker

Phoenix

Quillback

Sand Stalker - a small vermin-like creature similar to deepstalkers

Sand Stalker Spitter

Sand Stalker Leader - larger than common sand stalkers

Varghest

Viper

Wyvern

Snowy Wyvern

Created Creatures

Golem

Varterral

Blighted Creatures

Bereskarn

Blight Owl

Blight Wolf

Blighted Werewolf

Bloodcrow

Corrupted Spider

Corrupted Spider Queen

Darkspawn

Archdemon

Broodmothers

Children

Emissary

Genlock

Hurlock

Ogre

Shriek

Darkspawn Magisters (Named and known)

The Architect

Corypheus

Dragon Thrall

Ghoul

Created Creatures

Golem

Varterral

Demons and Spirits

Spirits

Choice

Command

Compassion

Faith

Hope

Justice

Knowledge

Perseverance

Valor

Wisdom

Memory

Wisp

Wraith

Demons

Desire

Despair

Envy

Fear

Hunger

Pride

Rage

Remorse

Shade

Sloth

Terror

Vengeance

Possessed/Magical Creatures

Abomination

Arcane Horror

Ash Wraith

Corpse

Devouring Corpse

Devouring Skeleton

Enraged Corpse

Fanged Skeleton

Shambling Corpse

Shambling Skeleton

Skeleton

Skeleton Archer

Skeleton Mage

Walking Corpse

Dryads

Harvester

Revenant

Rock Wraith

Ancient Rock Wraith

Sylvans

Vampire

Werewolf

Wood Nymphs

Undefined

Glowing Slime

Firesprite

Wandering Hills

Sources

Dragon Age Origins + DLCs Dragon Age Awakening Dragon Age 2 + DLC Dragon Age Inquisition + DLC Dragon Age Inquisition Multiplayer Dragon Age: Last Court Dragon Age: Official Cookbook: Tastes of Thedas Dragon Age Tabletop Core Rulebook Dragon Age Tabletop Blood of Ferelden World of Thedas Vol 1 World of Thedas Vol 2 Dragon Age: Asunder Dragon Age: Masked Empire Dragon Age: Last Flight Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights Short Story: The Riddle of Truth Short Story: Varric Dragon Age Origins Armor: Clamshell Armor Armor: Dalish Gloves Codex: The Bow of the Golden Sun Codex: Bronto Codex: Deepstalker Codex: The Frostback Mountains Codex: Meditations and Odes to Bees Codex: Nug Codex: Rat Codex: The Vaterral Item: Fox's Pendant Item: Golden Mirror Item: Lamb Bone Item: Micah/s Lucky Deer Foot Item: Ox Bone Item: Rat Poison Item: Uncrushable Pigeon Weapon: Cat Lady's Hobble-Stick Dragon Age 2 Armor: Rat-Nibbled Gloves Codex: Broken Dowsing Rods - No Refunds Codex: Carta Bronto Codex: Pride and Rider Junk: Stuffed Parrot Quest: Redblossom Special Weapon: The Tiger's Tail Last Court The Acerbic Dowager The Applewoods The Arrival of the Divine The Boastful Neighbor The Cheery Baron Choose your quarry The Dowager Steps Forward Enlightenment Glass Glassblowers' Anger Graffiti A Life of Toil A Meeting with the Outlaw A Plea for Sanctuary River Herring The Sealed Chantry A Swift Stream Sylvian Raid An Unofficial Meeting The Well-Read Pig-Farmer You have cornered the bear You have the hind in view Dragon Age Inquisition Items and Codex Codex: August Ram Codex: Andruil's Messenger Codex: Bear (Inquisition) Codex: Constellation Tenebrium Codex: Correspondence Interruptus Codex: Crate of the Live Death Watch Beetles Codex: Cretahl Codex: Dirthamen: Keeper of Secrets Codex: The Folly of General Not-Shertan Codex: Ghilan'nain: Mother of the Halla Codex: Hard in Hightown Chapter 15 Codex: A Horsemaster's Notes on Mounts Codex: The Hunt of the Fell Wolf Codex: Journal of Gurd Harofsen Codex: The Lion of Orlais Codex: Moldy Journal Codex: A Nutty Affair Codex: On Avvar Cuisine Codex: The Perendale War Codex: Ram Codex: Scout Lace Harding Codex: Surviving the Western Approach Landmark: Crestwood: The Guide of Falon'Din Note: Charred Note Note: Sera's Cabinet of Wonder Whose it Was Valuable: Carved Cricket Charm Valuable: Cut Crystal Lion Valuable: Eagle Feather Charm Valuable: Falcon Crest Valuable: Glass Fox Valuable: Golden Ladybug Charm Valuable: Grouse Feather Charm Valuable: Raven Totem Valuable: Silver Dragonfly Charm Valuable: Vulture Feather Charm Valuable: Wooden Mabari Figurine Wartable Mission: A Present for Bianca Wartable Mission: Smash

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#dragon age #fauns of thedas #da ttrpg #lore reference #writing reference #da writing reference #da worldbuilding #dragon age reference #fauna fridays #long post #creature: birds #creature: insect #creature: spider #creature: fish #creature: horse #creature: dragon #creature: hart #creature: nug

[thebirdandhersong]

@magpie-trove watching me watch OUAT 🤝 Me watching Magpie watch Merlin :)

#i have no idea what's going on in the world of merlin rn but i'm enjoying reading your posts!!!

[pers-books]

I’ve been feeling stupefied since I got back home from Mum’s funeral (too many people in small spaces), so this evening, after eating, I walked up to the park determined to see what the Merlin Bird ID app could find for me. I was NOT disappointed!

[ID Screenshot of the Merlin Bird ID app listing Dunnock and Eurasian Blackbird.] 

I haven’t heard a Dunnock before!

[ID  Screenshot of the Merlin Bird ID app listing Eurasian Blackbird, Common Wood-Pigeon, European Robin, Eurasian Nuthatch, Carrion Crow and Song Thrush.]

[ID Screenshot of the Merlin Bird ID app listing Eurasian Magpie, Eurasian Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Eurasian Jackdaw and a Eurasian Blue Tit.]

And the jackpot?! This listening session featured so many birds I had to screenshot it in two parts to fit them all in!

[ID Two screenshots of the Merlin Bird ID app listing birds heard: Common House Martin, Eurasian Blackbird, Eurasian Magpie, Common Wood-Pigeon, House Sparrow, Eurasian Robin. Second half of the previous screenshot also showing Common Swift and Willow Warbler (after Magpie, Wood-Pigeon, House Sparrow and Robin).]

I sat and watched the House Martins darting too and fro above my head, catching insects on the wing and uttering their cries as they flew about. I also saw a pair of the Wood Pigeons on my way back home and stopped to take a photo - I didn’t want to get too close since they were also feeding and I didn’t want to spook them:

[ID  Two Wood-Pigeons grubbing on the ground in a local park.]

And finally, I spotted a Grey Squirrel who calmly sat and watched me while I got my phone out and opened the photo app, before he darted up the tree. But he kindly paused part way long enough for me to grab a photo!

[ID A Grey Squirrel up a Horse Chestnut tree.]

#Birbs #Merlin Bird ID app #Wood Pigeons #Grey Squirrel

[unravellingsilencehq]

“Oh, Merlin, tell me, does THE ATHLETE get what she deserves?” She is NEUTRAL & OPEN to finding out. 

— she walks through the world as ;

name → emma vanity pronouns → she/her identification → cis female year of birth → september 1953 - september 1954 face claim → bianca santos blood status → half-blood sexual orientation → up to applicant occupation → chaser for the montrose magpies in the british and irish quidditch league future information → n/a

— she is best described as ;

DETERMINED as a bludger soaring to see its ends met, she is the GLORY of a victory yet the CAUTIOUS APPREHENSION in its dawn. She is wrapped in GREEN and SILVER, secured in a small TRUSTED circle, but is better seen as a RAVEN hidden amongst poisonous vipers. While STRATEGIC nature safeguards from UNRAVELED SECRETS; their ASPIRATION to wait for the right card to play may lead to their downfall.

— her story starts with ;

Born to a beautiful muggle by the name of Audry Knotts and a fine young wizard named Thorn Vanity, Emma grew up with a foot in both the wizarding world and the muggle world. Most mornings of her childhood were spent exploring the nearby muggle centers with her mother while her evenings were filled with extravagant stories of her father’s time at Hogwarts. Both of her parents never wanted to limit her knowledge or put down expectations that she had to follow them in their footsteps. They enrolled her in muggle primary school, encouraged her to join the community sports teams, had lessons on the basics of magic, and even made weekly trips to Diagon Alley. It was during one of these trips that nine year old Emma found herself the proud owner of her very first broom, a gift from her parents for managing such excellent grades in school. While she had found herself enjoying time playing on her muggle football team with her friends, Quidditch always held the biggest piece of her heart. Before her Hogwarts letter arrived, she’d come home from football practice and head straight to the backyard with her Nimbus 1700 in hand, ready to practice all her new plays and tricks.

When the time came for her to follow in Thorn’s footsteps and attend Hogwarts, she was disheartened to hear that she couldn’t immediately join the Quidditch team for her house but her parents reassured her that when the time was right, she would be an excellent addition to her house team. The witch was a bit nervous for the sorting ceremony after all the stories her father had told her. It took a few moments of the hat sitting on her head, whispering about ambition and resourcefulness, before exclaiming she’d be joining the Slytherin house for the next seven years. Despite the rumors and stories she heard, Emma walked to the table of green and silver with her head held high, determined to make the best of the situation. She just never realized just how hard it was going to be. It was within her first couple of weeks as a Slytherin that Emma experienced the prejudiced attitudes of her fellow housemates. BELLATRIX BLACK adversary] and her merry band of followers targeting individual students, calling them names and harassing them in between classes.

It didn’t take long for her to realize being a half-blood in the house of the snakes was putting a target on her back, so she kept quiet. All she could do was keep her head down and focus on her classes until she watched the Slytherin team destroy Huffepuff’s in the first Quidditch match of the season. Having only ever heard of matches through the wizarding radio back home, witnessing one in person was a whole other world for her and it was one she desperately wanted to be a part of. The determined eleven year old witch approached STEVEN LAUGHALOT [mentor] about a week after the match, firing off questions to him about how she could increase her chances of making the team. Steven agreed to helping her train in private lessons and thus began their Sunday meetings. She practiced day and night during her summer break, working hard enough to gain the position of Chaser come fall term as a second year. She was quickly assimilated into the Slytherin Quidditch team, becoming fast friends with beaters ERIKA RATH [close friend] and LUCIAN BOLE [close friend]. The two of them being the first people Emma felt comfortable enough to tell of her blood status and the disclosure of her secret only allowed them to grow closer.

Of course she still actively avoided some of her housemates, Emma shifted her main focus onto being a great addition to the team. And she was an excellent player, pulling out all the stops to help Slytherin come out on top so by the time her fifth year came around, her school letter was accompanied by a shiny new captain badge. She was captain for her last two years at Hogwarts, earning a reputation that had her scouted by the British and Irish Quidditch League as soon as she graduated. Joining up with the Montrose Magpies as a chaser, Emma realized just how integrated her life had now become. She was working with muggle-borns, pure-bloods, and half-bloods alike, and there was no problem amongst any of them. Feeling comfortable enough to reveal to her teammates that she was a half-blood, it felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. And it was that revelation that led her to form a close connection with Magpies’ keeper JASON SAMUELS [friend/potential love interest], a fellow half-blood. The two had been able to swap stories of their childhoods with a foot in each world and one could now find them taking the occasional trip into the Muggle world together to relive those memories with the other.

But even as she grew comfy in her friendship with Jason and the rest of her team, the world started to get darker as mysterious forces moved in. Citizens were going missing with no explanation from the Ministry, there was a culprit at large that the Aurors were no closer to catching, things were turning into complete chaos. Then the disaster that was the 1983 Solstice ball happened, the world Emma had grown up dreaming of fell into a pit of darkness. It felt like there was no middle ground for anyone anymore, there were two obvious sides. Those that were for the objective of these dark forces and those that were against. Soon enough she started hearing whispers of her former classmates joining the crusade of a darker world, students like LUCIUS MALFOY [adversary] and DOMINIC TRAVERS [adversary], who had both been on the Slytherin team with her at one point. Lucius had even been Seeker when she had been captain, they spent years in each other's presence and he had been all about blood purity when they were children so it was now obvious that growing up hadn’t changed him. Knowing the reputation her house had back in school, she was worried which of her previous schoolmates would be joining up next.

With how public her job is, Emma is aware that every little thing about her is written about. Information about her Hogwarts life, about where she spends her free time, about if she was or was not shacking up with KALEB JOHNSON [friend]. That story in particular had been a stretch even for RITA SKEETER [adversary] but it had brought a few good laughs. It was all out there…even the truth about her blood status. If this force was prone to using violence to extinguish the existence of half-bloods and muggleborns, they wouldn’t care who got in their way. It didn’t matter how famous or influential she was. While it had been easy in her childhood to keep her head down and go about her own way to avoid bullying, she knew that couldn’t be the case as the playing fields were very different now. Emma viewed it like a quidditch match she was about to partake in. She has to know her enemy, know the usual plays and tricks they like to use, know that she had to have backup plans if anyone was coming to steer her astray, it was her survival at risk here. One wrong play and that would be the end, but it was always common knowledge that Slytherins are known for their self-preservation.

— she is a LEVEL 6 WITCH & readied for war ;

#marauders rp #marauders rpg #literature rpg #literature rp #emma vanity #1953 to 1954 #tw: death #open #open witch #open neutral #neutral #montrose magpies #quidditch #m bellatrix black #m steven laughalot #m erika rath #m lucian bole #m lucius malfoy #m dominic travers #m kaleb johnson #m rita skeeter

[daimaoryu]

if i end up watching merlin let magpie know it was bc of her

[llamagirl28]

How would the ROs feel about a Mordred they have a crush on who flirts alot with people?

I was inspired so have these snippets 👀

Gawain's infatuation for Mordred was both sweet and agonizing. And now, as the knight winked at the server, it felt like the latter.

Gawain put on an affable smile as he said, "You're quite the flirt, aren't you?"

Mordred turned to him with wide eyes, before their lips broke into a tantalizing smirk that made his heart beat faster.

"Why?" They asked, leaning in. "Jealous?"

Heat rushed to his cheeks as the question hit the mark. "Yes," Gawain replied dramatically, bowing their head to hide their blush. "So much so that I'll be fleeing to my chamber to write a broken hearted ballad."

"Oh, poor boy," Mordred cooed. "I gotta cheer you up."

Agravain was glaring at the blushing server, whose eyes glimmered like a magpie's who has found something glittery in the grass. Greedy eyes, all over Mordred.

And Mordred was looking back, just as sweetly.

Like a poisoned dagger plunged into their heart spilling venom into their veins, jealousy fed their sharp words as the server left.

"They should be doing their job, not flirting with patrons. You know that's how they trick you into leaving tips, right?"

"I don't know," Mordred shrugged. "I think their interest is rather genuine. They chatted me up once, after work. Are you bothered, Agravain?"

They clenched their fists. "Yes, I'm bothered because we're supposed to have a friends' night out, and you're all over the server."

Mordred leaned in, smirking. "When I should be all over you?"

Agravain's face heated up, and everything inside them yelled YES. But Mordred's words hold no promises - just honeyed words, and Agravain needs more than that. Instead, they looked away, crossing their arms. "I just really want to spend some time with you, Mordred." Their voice came out soft and quiet. As vulnerable as they felt.

"I was just teasing." A worried note had slipped into their tone. "Here," they reached out to lightly tip Agravain's face towards them, a fond smile on their lips. "I'll give all my attention to you."

Elaine watched as Mordred winked and the server giggled, fleeing away with the tray and a blush on their cheeks.

Elaine reached for her cup, a wry smile on her lips. "They seem to really like you."

Mordred turned to her with a teasing smile. "Jealous, Lainey?"

Elaine scrunched up her nose - but she liked the way the nickname sounded when Mordred said it, drawled and sweet. She playfully nudged Mordred's leg under the table, as retribution for the quip. She wished she knew if Mordred was simply teasing, or if they really cared.

Elaine fell silent for a moment as Mordred sipped their drink, before she blurted out. "What if I was?" She met Mordred's confused gaze. "Jealous." She felt warmth rush to her cheeks. When the knight continued to look at her with wide eyes, she quickly tried to retreat, laughing nervously. "I mean, you flirt so much, surely you must have broken a lot of hearts. What do you do then?"

"Well, I know there's one heart I hope I'm not breaking," Mordred said softly.

Galahad frowned.

There must be something wrong with his stomach, the way it's twisted.

Mordred winked at the server, and he felt it twist again, a painful knot.

How he wished it was the food.

As the server left, Galahad's frown persisted.

"Why are you so sullen?" Mordred asked, concern clear on their face. The corner of their lips tugged up teasingly. "We'll have fun, I promise. And we'll make sure Lancelot doesn't see us, if that's what you're worried about. So," Mordred's smile widened as they leaned in, placing their index on Galahad's brow. Electricity jolted through him at the touch, but his face betrayed nothing but a brief surprise as Mordred continued. "Loose that frown."

Slowly, as he stared into Mordred's eyes, so close to his, sparkling deviously, his brow smoothed.

Isac looked at Mordred from under his hood, at how the knight winked at the server, a smile tugging at his lips. As the server left, Isac scooted closer to Mordred.

"Such a charmer," he drawled, propping his elbow on the table, chin in palm. "Almost as charming as me," he teased, quirking an eyebrow.

"Almost?" Mordred scoffed playfully. "I'm just as charming, if not more so, than you." They gave him a proud grin. Oh, they're charming alright. He couldn't blame Mordred for flirting with the server - they were a pretty thing, giggly and bright - but, as he stood in the corner of the seedy tavern, all he could focus on was Mordred. Their smile, their eyes, the lines of their jaw, wishing to drink it all in.

Nimue watched the flirtatious exchange between Mordred and the server with an eyebrow quirked. Mordred is always flashing a pretty smile and hurling charming words at people. The knight tried their charm on Nimue too - and she saw disappointment mixed with intrigue in their eyes when the girl only replied with an amused smirk to their teasing; and when she teased back, their smile brimmed with delight.

It seemed like harmless fun to Mordred, going around flirting with people, and it suited Nimue fine. After all, attachments were a most terrible idea for her, and she didn't necessarily crave romance.

That was what she thought until Mordred entered back into her life.

There was something about the knight that made her chest fill with warmth, that made her smiles genuine, that made her hurt knowing pursuing them was not adviced - not with Merlin scheming against Mordred, expecting her to be his pawn, planning all her moves. Not when she knew what she wanted - needed - to do, and any distractions would put her in a precarious position.

So she didn't mind Mordred flirting with other people... That much, at least.

Mordred turned to Nimue, and the cheeky smirk they've been giving the server turns to a genuine grin.

Nimue's own lips tugged up as she leaned over the table. "I'm starting to think you only wanted to go out so you could flirt with the server."

"Are you jealous?"

Nimue let her gaze trail over Mordred before meeting their gaze with half-closed eyes.

"You want me to be?"

"Maybe," Mordred retorted playfully.

Nimue leaned back in her chair, shaking her head. "Well, it's not working."

"The table is sticky," Sophie complained, her mouth twisting in a grimace as she quickly pulled back her hand, leaning as far back in her chair as she could.

Sophie felt a little bit rebellious tonight, and decided to go out with Mordred - but caution was still needed, so they chose a seedy tavern where no one would question someone wearing a hood.

"I hope my company will make up for it, princess." Mordred smirked, and Sophie rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hold back a smile.

The server returned with their drinks, their eyes trained on Mordred. The knight has given them a sweet smile when they ordered, a bit of a flirtatious quip, and they were charmed. They direct that charm at her, too, and she indulged, enjoying the flirty banter they'd bounce back and forth.

Mordred is definitely not the type of suitor her nobles envisioned when they sent her to Camelot - but it doesn't matter, since Mordred isn't courting her. She knows their flirtation means nothing to Mordred. And it's better that way, because in a few months she'll be back to her kingdom, hopefully with no husband.

Yet, there's a pang of pain.

"Your company will certainly make up for it," Sophie said, "If you lay all attention on me."

Mordred smirked. "Gladly."

#the bastard of camelot

[many-gay-magpies]

ah fuck if i get as obsessed with doctor who as i feel like im going to i can ABSOLUTELY see a merlin crossover cropping up

#mainly for the comedy factor of the doctor saying 'im 900 years old' expecting merlin to freak and merlin just goes 'oh really? im 1500' #magpie thoughts #midnight thoughts with magpie #bbc merlin #magpie watches doctor who

[comfortwriting]

Stop Crying Your Heart Out - G.W

George Weasley X reader imagine/one shot inspired by the song ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ by Oasis

A/N: This is dedicated to those who experienced loss, whether it was in 2020 or at any other time in their life. I have PTSD and struggle with survivors guilt due to my dads passing, so if you need anyone to talk to my inbox is open, always.

About: George adapting to life after Fred’s death over the years until he becomes an old man and the reader, his girlfriend supporting him through it all.

Theme: Death, Loss, Greif, Mental Health, Recovery.

Warnings: Mentions of PTSD, Self Harm and Suicidal Thoughts. Depression, Survivors Guilt, Therapy Sessions and Anti-depressants.

On May 2nd 1998, your boyfriend, George had his life changed forever. His best-friend, partner in crime, his twin brother was killed in an explosion during The Battle Of Hogwarts. 

You and the Weasleys were in pain, so much pain that it drove Molly to murder Bellatrix to save her daughter Ginny, Ron being blinded by rage and vowing to take down whichever Death Eater he came across. George couldn’t bear to be around his family anymore, he couldn’t live above the flat either. 

George fell apart completely, he couldn’t eat, he couldn’t sleep, he lost himself - he couldn’t turn up to the shop knowing his brother wouldn’t be there to crack a joke as soon as the door opened. You spent so many nights holding him in your arms as he cried, cursing Merlin for taking Fred away, cursing him even more for not taking him instead.

With the money you saved up you managed to buy a house, where George could felt comfortable but even then George covered every mirror in the house. 

Passing Fred a cup of water, he sat up in bed and out stretched his hand, his sleeve riding up his arm. Noticing the red lines on his wrists you knew what he had done, and your heart yet took another blow. Before you could utter another word George took the glass from you and asked you to leave the room.

Hold up Hold on Don't be scared You'll never change what's been and gone

After the first six months you were able to convince George to see a muggle therapist, you assured him he wouldn’t need to go over the details to a muggle who wouldn’t believe such a thing as wizards and witches, so he agreed and decided to get help; the flashbacks, the guilt, his panic attacks and self-harm wasn’t getting any better and you couldn’t lose him, not after all the losses you couldn’t prevent.

On the days George could sleep, he would wake up screaming, shaking and with tears in his eyes, hyperventilating, struggling to figure out where he was and what was real. 

Unfortunately, George had to go over each and every detail, his head banging, his heart pounding, his chest in agony, his body shaking; but this was the start of his journey to recovery and a certain Magpie would be with him every step of the way. Although he didn’t mention word of the wizarding world, everything else that would make him seem sane to a muggle he brought up into the air.

“After our sessions together and your evaluation, it is very clear to us that you have PTSD and Survivors Guilt, Mr Weasley. You have gone through a horrific event and you are suffering because of it, many patients who have gone through similar events in life experience such conditions and it is our job to help.” 

George shuffled in his seat, the ticking of the clock sounding like stamping feet going up and down stairs. His hands went clammy and he felt ashamed. 

“It is nothing to be ashamed of Mr Weasley, there are plenty of other out there who are living their lives day to day with PTSD. The death of your brother is not your fault and you have no reason to feel guilty, you have every right to continue living your life. You have a girlfriend, you’ve got your family, and I’m sure they will be more than understanding.”

May your smile (may your smile) Shine on (shine on) Don't be scared (don't be scared) Your destiny may keep you warm

A year on from George’s diagnosis he was taking medication prescribed from his therapist, he felt ashamed at first but you were understanding and supported him, and so did his family. He started to eat and shower more often but the mirrors still stayed covered.

George started making huge steps, he managed to leave the bedroom and go for walks outside in neighbourhood. Once a week straight after his counselling sessions, the two of you would spend the evening at the Weasley’s for dinner; George could finally look his parents and siblings in the face for the first time since his brothers death. 

Every now and then George would flash a smile at you and would laugh, although it was rare, when he did it would brighten up the world you were living in, it would patch up the injured parts of your heart. 

Stepping out into Diagon Alley, George took a deep breath and a firm grip on your hand. “It’s okay if you aren’t ready” you reminded him “we can go back home”

George pondered for a moment, his head screaming at him to go back home and to get in bed and to never come back out. Then out of nowhere a single Magpie flew past him, landing right in front of him. The beautiful little bird turned around to face him, staring at him and then flying in the direction of the shop.

George took a deep breath and swallowed hard “I’m ready” he replied and followed the bird.

'Cause all of the stars are fading away Just try not to worry, you'll see them someday Take what you need, and be on your way And stop crying your heart out

Five years on, George still woke up through the night in cold sweats, sometimes he would go for days without eating or showering but on other days he would work at the shop alongside Ron feeling Fred’s presence surrounding him; he would also spend time with his two year old son, he named after his brother who had the same mischief brewing inside of him.

The guilt didn’t eat George up the way it did before, the pain was still there - it never went away but he made room for it, learning what to do with it: improving the shop and increasing sales, spending more time with his family, going out on more adventurous date nights with you, now his wife; and finally accepting that he has every right to be alive.

George would stay up at night, worrying that he would never see Fred again, even after his own death. Late at night, he would stand in the garden, talking out to Fred as if he were stood next to him. One evening in particular, George spent hours outside, talking and laughing out loud, only to be followed by cries and wearing. 

The next morning, George and little Fred were playing in the garden, George wowing his son with magic tricks. Watching the two of them through the kitchen window drinking a cup of tea, a magpie flew into the garden, soaring around little Fred and then around George. The two of them distracted by the magnificent bird before it departed, George turned around and looked at you through the window, smiling wide. 

“That was him” he mouthed. 

“It always will be” you mouthed back. 

Get up (get up) Come on (come on) Why're you scared? (I'm not scared) You'll never change what's been and gone

“I can’t believe how fast he’s grown” you smiled, looking at your son sleeping in your husbands arms.

You walked over and sat next to them on the sofa, the warm fire making everything feel calm, still and safe. George was slowly making progress, he worked at the shop once a week and would see the rest of his family on weekends bringing his son to see his grandparents.

“He’s growing a little too fast” George whispered, stroking his sons head “I want him to stay little forever” he mumbled in a sad tone.

The two of you stood up and put your son into his bed, tucking him in, you switched on his night light and went to your own bedroom. 

Sitting on the bed next to George you placed a soft kiss on his neck and held his hand. 

“Please don’t be scared of him growing up, he’s not going anywhere.” You reassured George.

George nodded but the worries of losing his son flooded his mind. 

“D-do.. w-would you like to have more children?” George asked shyly, finally looking into your eyes.

“With you, of course I would.” You smiled at George, rubbing his cheek.

'Cause all of the stars are fading away Just try not to worry, you'll see them someday Just take what you need, and be on your way And stop crying your heart out

Ten years on, George started to see his therapist less often and his medication was on a lower dosage. He still had flashbacks and still felt guilty but for the first time, the covering was pulled off each and every mirror. He spent more time working at the shop with Ron and the Weasleys were around more often.

Your son Fred was now at Hogwarts and was making his father proud, “He’s just like his father, even more so his uncle!” you were told in letters that were sent home.

Your three daughters, especially the youngest gave George the motivation to keep going, to keep living, smiling and laughing on the days which felt like the hardest but George still couldn’t help feeling like time was going too fast and that Fred had been forgotten.

Looking in the mirror George noticed his first few strands of grey hair, his heart dropped realising that he had only seen Fred as an old man once in his life with long silver hair and a impressive beard, at the time he wouldn’t have guessed for one moment his brother wouldn’t make it to 21 - had it really been that long since his brother had been taken away from him? 

George stopped staring and searching himself in the mirror and burst into tears, wanting to hide himself away from the rest of the world.

We're all of the stars, we're fading away Just try not to worry, you'll see us some day Just take what you need, and be on your way And stop crying your heart out

Sitting in the front room surrounded by your kids and their children you cried into a tissue, unable to wrap your head around that your life long partner had passed away. Your youngest grandchild in her last year of Hogwarts walked up to you, knelt beside you and wrapped you in her arms. 

Ron, Ginny and their families were coming over to help sort out George’s affairs, they knew that you couldn’t do it alone - especially after how close you and your husband were after the death of his brother.

Washing up the pots and pans in the kitchen with your youngest daughter casting magic to do the sweeping and mopping, she pointed out of the kitchen window, amazed at the sight in front of her.

“Mum, look.” 

Looking up from your muggle distraction you almost dropped the dish in the soapy water, your mouth wide open.

Outside in the garden, two plump magpies were hopping around the garden together, searching for shiny materials. 

Deep down in your heart you knew that George was finally at peace, he was with Freddie and he wanted to let you know that he was okay and that you didn’t need to hurt for his departure.

“That's them, mum.”

Tear of happiness welled in your eyes and spilled down your now wrinkled and age spotted cheeks.

“It is.”

Stop crying your heart out Stop crying your heart out Stop crying your heart out

#george weasley #george wealsey x reader #george wealsey imagine #george weasley fanfiction #fred weasley #one shots #oneshot #imagines #fred weasley imagine #x reader #Weasley #sadness #emotional #song prompts #harry potter fanfiction #harry potter

[the-once-and-future-love]

12. Good Merlin Fics I've Read Recently (7/2/20)

A month, a day by TheAsexualofSpades

a river of need, a sea of want by Charmsilver 

Across a Dream by thenerdyindividual

All Fools' Day by equestrianstatue 

All Things Bright and Beautiful by Skitz_phenom

An Accidental Union by acciomerlin

An Easy Choice by Mayarene Rose [gen]

Balancing the Scale by ironspidereilish

Betray or Be Tortured by DwaejiTokki [gen]

Bloodletting by a_chilleus [gen]

Carpet Burns and Carousels [series] by tbmd1066

each nearly, each almost by clasch 

Fools and Kings by yourlocalai  [Merlin centric with canon Gwen/Arthur]

For When He Wakes by FervidAsAFlame

For which love is the honey by evie_everyday

I Owe Every Breath to You by Skitz_phenom 

"I quit" by TheAnonPen    [gen,canon Gwen/Arthur but its not the focus]      

In the Darkness, You Are My Light by Seravia 

Into the Forest by stellaisnotamermaid

it's a love story, baby (just say yes) by schweet_heart

Let Go and Watch the Sunlight Bend by cherrybina  

Magpie by Excaliburstark 

Merlin cannot defend himself, and how Arthur discovered he can by ticketyboo00

merlin, mon amour by tentatively

Merlin's Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day by seapotato

Night Sky Changing Overhead  by roughandtumble

Of a single soul by evie_everyday

Possibility by wryter501 [gen]

Rest by kriadydragon [gen]

Spell Your Truth On My Skin by Padraigen 

The Baring Of One's Heart by Chechilia

The Engraving by kathkin 

The King's Wish by Whoareyou0000

The Kingdoms Behind Their Eyes by whatthedruidscallme 

The Technicalities of Family by CaffeinatedFlumadiddle [gen]

Together by Solemnly_Swear (Fitzsimmonsx)            

Tread Lightly On My Ground by 0hHeyThereBigBadWolf

Troubled rest by TheAsexualofSpades

Virulence by StilinskiDreams  [gen]

Wait For You by FutureAlien

When You Know, You Know by CaffeinatedFlumadiddle

whisper to the flame by MissFaber 

With the roar of the fire my heart rose to its feet by 0hHeyThereBigBadWolf

[Last list]

#merlin bbc #bbc merlin #fic recs #merthur #fic rec #long post #cupid.txt #txt

[rons-hermiones]

Come Find Me

Come Find Me

by rons-hermiones

Summary: Unplanned, Hermione is forced to spend Christmas at the Burrow due to her grandmother falling very ill. After being ignored by Hermione for weeks, Ron is determined to show her how much she means to him. Just before he gets the chance to tell her, Bellatrix Lestrange shows up with other plans for Hermione. Can Ron get to her before it's too late? (Ron/Hermione Half-Blood Prince AU)

Rating: M for language & dark themes in later chapters.

Chapter Thirty Three

Crack. 

They ignored the sound and continued their descent back to the flat. 

Today they closed the shop early. Neither had the mind to work, minds too occupied with other matters. Those more pressing than selling Skiving Snack Boxes and love potions. 

In hindsight closing early might’ve not been the smartest move considering now they had nothing to do but worry. 

They knew the raid was happening, probably at that very moment, but of course, they weren’t permitted to go. Only Charlie and Bill were granted that mercy. Some rubbish about how the twins were still too young, despite all they’ve done recently. 

They were the ones who got the bloody apparition point. 

No matter, George suggested they take a stroll down to Fortescues for a bite to eat. They recently added sandwiches to the menu and George figured the two could use the fresh air. 

Diagon Alley wasn’t really like anywhere in the Wizarding World as of late. It was the one place, save for Hogwarts, that most wizards and witches felt thoroughly protected. With all the constant hustle and bustle, a supporter of the Dark Lord would be mad to try anything, it would be near impossible to not have any witnesses. 

“Oh hello there Mr. Weasley! Lovely seeing you here, my son can’t get enough of your shop.” Fred heard a familiar voice say to George who was some meters behind him. 

George stopped to speak to the man, “good to see you too Mr. Kettleburn. Dewey is surely one of our best…” 

Fred let their voices float away and he continued on the path back to Wheeze’s. He was hungry as a Hippogriff. 

It wasn’t until George was out of sight and the shop was right in front of him did he realize his twin brother was hoarding the bag of food. 

“Shite.” He groaned to himself, turning around. 

This time however, Fred decided to take a shortcut he knew, a few alleyways between shops. George was never fond of the route, saying it was ‘creepy’, but he wasn’t here at the moment. 

Whistling to himself he turned down a darkened stone lined path. Unable to see, he casted a quick lumos, igniting the tip of his wand. 

As the end lit up the narrow pathway he spotted something a little ways down. At first, he paid no mind, but as he leered closer he realized this something was no something at all, but a someone. 

He then concluded whoever they are, is simply sloshed and passed out, or is someone from Knockturn Alley looking for a place to hangout for the night. 

But no matter how much he told himself this, something about the form felt so… familiar. 

“Lumos Maxima.” He whispered. 

Crouching down next to the body, he moved some of their dirty matted hair. Fred almost pulled his hand away at the sight of blood sticking to him, but continued nonetheless. 

He stuck his wand closer to their face. It took him a few moments to put it together, but he nearly toppled at the sight. 

“Shite. Fuck. Fuck. Shite.” He cursed to himself standing up abruptly. 

Closing his eyes Weasley did his best to produce a patronus despite his shaking hands and whirling mind. 

And by some miracle he does. 

“Between Gambol & Japes and Magical Menageries, hurry!” He said to the wispy magpie as it fluttered away. 

Taking a shaking breath, he dropped back onto his knees and began to inspect her further. She was cold to the touch. Fred soon realizes that she’s not wearing anything, but you wouldn’t know at first glance. Her body is splattered in bruises, marred with cuts, and smeared in blood. 

Instantly, he shrugged off his dragon skin jacket, not giving a shite how expensive it was, and draped it over her. 

“Come on, wake up, please wake up.” He whispers like a mad man, tears stinging his eyes, “open your eyes, alright? You’ll see Ron, Harry, Ginny. Come on.” He begged. 

“Fred!” He heard a voice call from behind him. 

He turned his head to meet George who ran over and observed the scene. 

“Merlin. Fuck. Is that…” It's like he couldn’t believe it. 

All Fred could do was nod. 

The twin dropped to his knees next to his brother, “shite. Hermione.” He cried out. 

George’s hand began to rove around her until he found the side of her neck. The pulse was faint, but it was there. 

Fred heard him sigh in relief and turned to him, “what do we do?” He was shaking his head frantically. 

George shrugged off his own jacket and placed it atop the one already on her, knowing she could use the warmth. 

“We need to go to Mungo’s now.” He said. 

Fred started wiping his hands excessively on his trousers, wanting to get rid of the red on them, “yes. Yes. You’re right. Yeah.” He muttered. Then he turned to his brother, “Georgie I don’t think I can disapparte, fuck, my hands are shaking so much.” 

“It’s okay.” He assured, “I’ll do it, you side along. Hold her tight. Alright?” George’s voice was now nothing but a quiver. 

“We need to tell someone. Send a patronus.” Fred said, now sensing his twin's fear. 

The other nodded and began wielding his wand, until Fred stopped him. “Not to Bill or Charlie. If-if they're still there it could blow their cover and hers. Dad should be with the others waiting for news.” 

Suddenly, a horrible thought came to George, “fuck, what if- what if this is a set up? What if they’re coming.” He began shaking. 

“Just cast the patronus and we’ll get out of here. She’ll be safe at Mungo’s.” Fred said quickly, still trying to figure out the best way to go about picking her up, not wanting to hurt her worse. 

“St. Mungo’s now. Can’t explain in case this is intercepted.” George told the white wispy animal before it disappeared into the night. 

“Merlin, she weighs nothing.” Fred almost whimpered as he settled the witch in his arms. 

George felt a tear stream his face, “just give me a second to focus.” He pleaded. 

His brother nodded in understanding and turned his attention to the witch, “you’re gonna be alright Hermione. You’re gonna be fine. You can’t die. Our baby brother needs you. Harry needs you. We need you too. The whole wizarding world does.” He cries into her hair. 

The words falling past Fred’s lips seemed to ignite something in George. They needed Hermione, the people they love need Hermione. Hell, he thinks if they want to win this war, Wizarding Britain needs her too. So he’ll be damned if she gets taken away from any of them. 

“I’m ready.” He said, grasping tightly onto the pair of them. 

Fred responded by wrapping an arm around his brother while pushing Hermione further into him, holding onto her much like a parent to a sleeping toddler. 

George began turning, pouring all his focus into his movements. 

Destination. Destination. Deliberation. 

Crack. 

They were gone. 

... 

As they landed, they stumbled but wouldn’t let her fall. It was a miracle no one was splinched. Or maybe Hermione was. They wouldn’t be able to tell. 

Rushing through the doors of St.Mungo’s they were meant by the chaos of the waiting room. However, they both ignored it, pushing past the injured people and toward the welcome desk. 

“Help! Somebody, we need help!” Fred cried out in the midst of the crowd. 

No one came. 

“Please help!” George now called. 

A nurse looking at a cliff board huffed, “sir you’re going to-“ then she stopped to look up at them.

At the sight of Hermione, the woman paled. A nurse at a hospital, who's probably seen everything, paled at the sight. 

Merlin this was bad. 

She instantly conjured a stretcher, “quick put her down!” The old woman yelled as the twins did as she said. “Martin! I need you to page Healer Padmore now! Or Jamison! Anyone!”

A small man in blue robes nodded and ran in the other direction as the nurse began floating Hermione away. 

“Where are you taking her?” George questioned. 

“She needs to be tended to immediately!” The woman said without turning, “you two stay put!” She commanded before running off. 

As they watch Hermione be carted away the pair both share the same thought. How the hell did Hermione get to Diagon Alley? What if they were coming? 

Then it dawns on them. 

There’s a war brewing. 

Nowhere is really safe anymore. 

...

Arthur Weasley ran into St.Mungo’s eyes scanning the mass of witches and wizards for a pair of twin redheads. 

Having no luck of spotting them amongst the people, he ran to the welcome desk. 

“Can I help you sir?” A kind young woman asked. 

“Yes, yes, I’m looking for my sons. They’re twins. Red hair.” 

She seems to ponder on it until realization strikes her face, “oh yes, I remember them. Last I saw they were going down the corridor leading to the East Wing. Leads to the Spell Damage ward.” She informed. 

Arthur smiled out of gratitude more than anything else, “thank you. Thank you so much.” And with that he was off. 

He didn’t spot Fred and George until some ways into the wing for Spell Damaged patients. They were sitting in a row of uncomfortable looking empty chairs. 

“Boys!” He called as his shoes squeaked against the floor. 

At the sight of their fathers face the twins jumped up, instantly engulfing their dad in a hug. At his touch they melted, weeping into his shoulder. 

“It’s alright. Everything’s alright now.” Arthur whispered. 

Fred pulled away and wiped at his eyes, “but it’s not dad.” He said croakily. 

The older man's cocked brow silently asked for more. 

George decided to fill in, sniffling as he spoke, “you should’ve seen her. She didn’t even look like herself. Merlin the blood-“ he choked. 

“Hey, it’s okay, you got her here. That’s what matters.” He reminds tentatively squeezing his son's shoulder. 

“What happened at the raid?” Fred whispered. 

Arthur shook his head at the memory. “I got a patronus from Charlie saying that when they showed up everyone cleared from the manor, but Hermione wasn’t there. They said they’d be back soon, I came by to make sure it was really you two with Hermione before I told anyone. Just your Mum knows.” He explained. 

They nodded in understanding, you could never be too sure these days. 

“I should go back to the Burrow, they’ll be back any minute now, they’ll need to be briefed. Everyone will have to be. I’ll send your mother in my place.” 

“Thank you Dad.” George breathed. 

He gave them a proud smile, “no need. Thank you to the two of you, you’ve made me so proud today. You’ve done a brilliant and brave thing.” Mr. Weasley said a little misty eyed. 

They embraced their father one more time before he slowly started walking away, until he abruptly turned. 

“What’s up dad?” Fred asked curiously. 

“You two don’t have any idea how she got there do you? Was there anyone around? Anything?” He asked in a hushed desperate whisper. 

Briefly the twins exchanged a look before Fred pulled something out of his pocket. It was a long dark wooden thing. Delicately carved designs into its handle. 

“You don’t think-“ Arthur began in disbelief. 

George shrugged, “we don’t know. I mean it’s possible right? Can you check at the Ministry?” 

It took him a moment but Mr.Weasley nodded at the idea, “yes. Yes, I’ll be sure to ask Kingsley. Any idea whose wand it is?” 

They both shook their heads. 

“Alright. I’ll figure it out. I’ll be back soon enough.” He promised his sons. 

“Dad, wait.” Fred stopped. 

“Yes?” 

“You’ve gotta tell him- Ronnie.” He gulped. 

“Of course.” Arthur agreed, “I’ll have Minerva alert them.” He had promised Ron to keep him involved after all. 

“No you don’t understand. The sight of her, it’s gonna break his heart. He’ll blame himself.” Fred admits in a broken whisper. 

His dad could sense the anguish in both boys' eyes and stepped forward one last time, “then we’ll have to hope she pulls through. She’ll help him as much as he’ll help her.” 

With that he walked away before offering his sons a small smile. 

It isn’t until Arthur was out of sight until the twins even spoke. 

“They love each other.” George says like it just now dawned on him, “she loves him back, just as much.” It’s not a question. 

“Yeah Georgie.” Fred whispers, “yeah, she does.”

#Ron Weasley #Ron and Hermione #ron x hermione #rons-hermiones come find me #Hermione Granger #romione fanfic #romione #hp fanfic #hp #sixth year

[floorcoaster]

31 and 36 from the ask list please! Could you do Dramione?

Hey! Sorry this took so long, I hope you enjoy it!

***************************************************

“Is that my shirt?”

Hermione blinked at the wizard who’d just entered the kitchen. Harry’s kitchen. Harry’s kitchen where she was just helping herself to a large piece of pie. Ringing in the New Year and whatnot. She hadn’t seen Draco Malfoy since they’d both sat for their N.E.W.T.s three years before. Before she could think about why he was right there, right now, she glanced down at the faded gray t-shirt with the logo for the Montrose Magpies splashed on the front. She had put it on after Ron spilled his hot chocolate all over her brand new sweater, grabbing it from a pile of clean laundry in Harry’s room.

It was the softest thing she’d ever felt on her skin.

“I—I don’t—” she stuttered.

At that moment, Pansy Parkinson shoved her way around Draco, as though his presence in her boyfriend’s flat wasn’t an aberration. Pansy busied herself with preparing another bowl of her surprisingly amazing 7-layer dip.

Hermione stood awkwardly in the shirt and her jeans while Draco watched her with an unreadable expression on his face. Finally Pansy finished, and on her way out of the kitchen, she patted Draco on the chest.

That was it.

Hermione then blurted, “Why was it in Harry’s laundry?”

Draco shrugged and finally moved, opening the fridge and poking around. He removed a bottle of beer and a bowl of olives. “Maybe Pansy’s had it? I thought I’d lost it years ago.” He opened the bottle and went to take a long drink, pausing with the bottle halfway to his lips. Then he set it down. “Do you mind if I….” He made motions with his hand to indicate that he wanted to enter her personal space.

She nodded numbly and he neared her, approaching cautiously as though she might lunge and bite his hand off. She didn’t know exactly what he wanted to do, and he stepped perilously close, so close that his unique scent entered her orbit and she closed her eyes, remembering.

He chuckled deeply and she snapped her eyes open with annoyance. He reached up slowly, his gaze locked with hers, and she thought he was going to touch her hair but he stopped, the slightest frown dancing on his lips. Then he reached behind her to grasp the shirt where the tag was. After a brief glance, he backed away to the other side of the small space.

“That is mine. There’s a very small, silver ‘D’ stitched into the corner of the tag. Huh.” He then took a long drink of his beer, studying her as though she were some fascinating specimen he’d never before encountered.

Hermione let out a shaky breath, surprised and frustrated at how affected she’d been by his nearness. “Why are you here?” she asked, unable to stop herself or keep the annoyance out of her tone.

“Pansy invited me.” He popped an olive into his mouth.

She rolled her eyes. “I mean, here in England.” She huffed and crossed her arms, then remembered that the shirt she was wearing was his. She let her arms dangle awkwardly, feeling ridiculously self-conscious, though she knew she had no reason to. He seemed perfectly as ease, leaning against the counter and facing her, one ankle resting on the other and an amused smirk on his stupidly handsome face.

“I wanted to come back,” he replied after completely finishing another olive.

“Just like that?” she asked, skeptically.

“Just like that.” He grinned and pushed himself to standing, grabbing his drink and the bowl of olives. “Better head back in there. Keep the shirt. It looks better on you than me. Or Pansy.” He frowned. “Or… Potter. I don’t know. Anyway.” With a brief wave, he was gone.

Hermione’s heart was racing. Draco Malfoy had all but fled England after sitting for his N.E.W.T.s, and not a word had been spoken about him in the general wizarding population of Great Britain in the years since. Not that she’d been looking for his name. Or thinking about him.

It was stupid, really. She’d told herself hundreds of times since she last saw him that it had been stupid. Then, and now. In fact, it had been nearly three months since she’d even thought about it. Or was it two and a half? Why she even thought about it at all had always baffled her.

Sure, it had been quite a night. And it had started while studying for the last day of the exams. No, it had started with the bi-monthly, Ministry-provided study sessions in the months leading up to the exams. Really, though, the details didn’t matter. She and Draco had been growing increasingly civil, though she wouldn’t have said friendly, until the last night before the last exam. They’d been in the study room, sitting at the same table with an empty seat between them. She’d been focused intently on her notes, checking over every single little thing that she thought might be important.

Out of nowhere, he’d cleared his throat, breaking her concentration. When she looked at him, he was scowling at her. “Stop, will you?”

“What?” she asked, oblivious.

A few others near them shushed them.

Draco glanced around, then leaned toward her. “Just… stop biting your fucking lip, would you?” He turned his attention back to his notes and muttered, more to himself, “it’s driving me mad.” His tone hadn’t been annoyed, not really, and something about it wrenched Hermione’s concentration away from what she was doing and onto him.

What happened after that study session, she could only ascribe to the intense pressure of studying for and taking the last exams of her student life. He’d been waiting for her when she left the building and pulled her into a searing kiss. Stunned, she didn’t respond at first, but then quickly returned it. Somehow, they’d ended up at his flat in London, and it had been the best night of her life, the one to which she had compared every single other night since. They’d spent the night together, alternately sleeping and shagging, and after a shared breakfast, had agreed never to speak of it or repeat it once they left the flat. They’d both felt that the strain of exams had led them both to something rash—amazing, incredible, transcendent, but rash.

After one more round in the shower while getting ready, they’d arrived at the Ministry together and taken their tests. He’d finished before her and gave a small, civil wave as he left the room. Hermione didn’t see him again.

Now he was here. Right here, right in the other room, and suddenly, she felt very warm. It was true that she hadn’t been able to truly rid herself of him after that night, despite making a pact with him that it had meant nothing and would mean nothing as long as they both lived, something about him had taken hold.

Hermione was jostled out of her reverie by a shout from the other room.

“Ten!”

Merlin, it was almost the New Year.

“Nine!”

She didn’t know what to do, suddenly wishing she was home, alone, curled up with a good book.

“Six!”

Just then, Draco reappeared in the doorway with a glass of champagne in each hand.

“Five!”

He shook his head, smiling wryly. “You and that fucking lip.”

“Four!”

Hermione’s eyes went wide as he kissed her—he didn’t even wait for the countdown to reach the end.

When everyone else was shouting, “Happy New Year!” Hermione was delightfully wrapped in his arms, thoroughly snogging the best shag of her life, and hoping against hope that she’d get a repeat of the best night of her life.

And thinking that maybe, just maybe, it had been his, too.

[fishoutofcamelot]

What are your thoughts on gwencelot?

[Send me a ship and I’ll give you my brutal opinions about it]

Again, in case people don’t wanna hear me rag on their ship then I’ll keep my criticisms under the cut-off.

Now bear in mind that I haven’t watched BBCM in about a year, so my opinions about the Gwencelot dynamic might be a bit off. 

Unlike other ships I’ve been asked to review, Gwencelot doesn’t make me uncomfortable. It just makes me sad. Very, very sad. Not just because of the ship itself, but also because of how the fandom misunderstands it.

Lancelot was a hopeless romantic. He loved a lot of people - Gwen, Merlin, arguably even Arthur and Percival. Lancelot gave his love freely and quickly. Despite knowing Gwen for only a short while, he had already determined he was in love with her. He was also SUPER melodramatic about it, and really about everything for that matter. 

But this was less a matter of actual romantic feelings, and more about him craving to be loved and fill the hole left by growing up as an orphan. History has never been very kind to orphans, especially in the past before the invention of systems to take care of them (systems that don’t always work very well). His family was killed when he was young, and it’s implied that he was alone after this, so it makes sense that he would long for the kind of affection he now lacked. But Lancelot misinterpreted his feelings for Gwen and believed he felt romantically for her when really that wasn’t the case.

Gwen, I would argue, also wasn’t in love with him. She may have had a bit of a puppy-crush fling with him early on, but she eventually grew out of it, even if he didn’t. 

And people get on Lancelot’s case about leaving, stealing Gwen’s agency over who she was allowed to love. The claim is that if Lancelot had stayed, she may have chosen him over Arthur, and him leaving was an act of taking away her choice. But I actually disagree on two fronts.

1 - Lancelot actually did the right thing. If you love someone but see them pursue another individual romantically, it’s not your place to interject and turn that thing into a messy love triangle. If my best friend wound up in a relationship with someone, I’m not gonna start trying to woo her. If my crush decided to date and/or marry another individual, I’m gonna sit back down and accept that my feelings aren’t requited, and move tf on. While deciding to go back into exile was melodramatic, as is Lance’s M.O, the core of it wasn’t inherently wrong.

2 - I’m actually a bit disturbed by the opinion that Lancelot leaving was the same as him pushing her into a relationship with Arthur, or that he was taking her romantic agency by eliminating her option to choose him. That’s not true! Women aren’t magpies that chase after the closest shiny boyfriend. That mindset, dictating that Lancelot’s actions will determine Gwen’s romantic decisions, legitimately does strip her of any agency. It’s basically saying she’s a mindless love-drone that would hobble off to ship herself with the closest, nicest guy who wins the fight for her affection. If she loved Lancelot more than Arthur, or had at least been interested in pursuing him romantically, she would have waited for Lancelot instead of settling for Arthur. And she didn’t have to ‘choose’ either of them, anyway. She could have started a relationship with someone else. She could have chosen not to start a relationship at all, and just been happily single. 

Women aren’t things you can woo and expect to follow you. It’s not solely up to the man in the relationship to do all the relationship-building and fighting and whatnot. If a woman loves someone, it’s equally her responsibility to strive towards making it work. Women aren’t just pieces of cardboard to receive your flirtations and, if you give them enough shiny compliments, give you the keys to their Sexy Spot.

Imo, Gwencelot isn’t a story about forbidden love or whatever the kids are calling it these days. It’s about a man who got sad about being in the ‘Friend Zone’, a man who has had such little affection in his life that he resorts to puppy crushes and thinks it’s true love. It’s about a woman who once had feelings for him but grew out of them, only for her agency to be stolen by pushing her together with the man she’s no longer in love with (the affair incident). 

Thanks for the ask! <3

#bbc merlin #merlin bbc #merlin #bbcm #ask #fish post