unknowncountrygirl

[unknowncountrygirl]

Hiii, just dropping in to say i loved reading Interment, think you wrote barnaby really amazingly!!

Thank you so much, it’s encouraging to hear people actually read and enjoy what I write!

[unknowncountrygirl]

Curse Breaker’s Gambit Ch 8

Final Chapter 

The team clanked their glasses together.

“Thanks for the drinks, Murphy!” Iris smiled after taking a sip.

“I should be the one thanking you, I still can't believe we're wizard chess champions! When we set out to compete, our odds were 10.6%!” Murphy cheered.

“Shows you how far those predictions will get you.” Tulip chuckled. “Because Celine and her team have been unseated, and we're the ones with the large trophy.” She patted the five foot tall trophy that was sitting on the table. “It really is large, isn't it?” Iris laughed looking up at the large trophy.

“I wonder if it was hand sculpted or if they used a mould.” Badeea pondered as she ran her fingers over the joints of the trophy.

“Either way, it's ours! And I think we can all agree, it's all thanks to Iris.” Tulip cheered.

“Thank you Tulip, it wasn't easy to defeat her, but somehow I pulled it off and I think the only reason is because of the three of you.” Iris lifted her glass of butterbeer. “To our chess team.”

“Here's to you Iris, and those lucky enough to have you at our side.” Tulip cheered as they all raised their glasses and clanked them together again.

“Badeea outfoxed her opponents by using her imagination.” Murphy said. “Tulip proved playing from the heart is as important as playing with your head.” He looked to Iris, “and you helped me realize my dream without letting my enthusiasm get in the way of the team.”

“And just like those fickle little pieces on the chess board, we needed a leader, a Queen if you will, who understood our unique abilities well enough to turn them into strengths.” Badeea added happily, looking towards Iris.

Just as she was about to say something, the door opened, and a bunch of Hogwarts students came in, cheering loudly, Penny leading the way.

“Your Patronus said you won! I thought you guys deserved a party!” Penny smiled as she walked up and gave Iris a hug. “It's party time!”

The party was loud, everyone was happy that Hogwarts had brought home another trophy for the case and had taken it away from Beauxbatons. Murphy talked t anyone who would listen about how the team had managed to come up with a way to counter the dreaded Dragon defense, and how Iris had executed it beautifully.

Skye was currently drinking the Slitherin boys under the table with spiked butterbeer, and Iris was chatting with a few of her female friends, along with Tulip and Badeea. Murphy's eyes happened to be burning and he more then likely had bloodshot eyes to match how lousy he was feeling at the moment.

There was a lull near the fireplace, and he took the opportunity to roll himself near the fire. Murphy parked himself in the corner by the fire, and transferred from his chair to the booth, and leaned back. He had hardly slept the night before and just wanted to close his eyes for a moment.

“Sleeping during a party?” Iris asked him, and he peeped one eye open.

“Well, I didn't exactly sleep well last night.” He admitted to her as she slid in next to him. “I like your skirt.” He grinned.

“I know you do.” Iris smiled, taking a sip of her extra sweet butterbeer before pulling at the bottom of her sweater, pulling it over her head to show that she had worn the matching top underneath. “I also know you like this top too.” She winked, and Murphy could do nothing but smile like a fool. His favorite outfit, on his favorite person, in the glow of a fire... It all was just everything he could have ever imagined it would be. He was just about to lean in and try to give her a kiss when she said, “you know. I wish it would have been you.”

“What?”

“That faced Celine. It was you who had the dream of playing in the tournament, and you were such a fan of hers. I wish you could have had your moment in the spotlight, to show everyone how great you are for once.” She told him.

“Well, regardless, you took her on and you won with grace.” He told her, “and I'm proud of you for being not just my friend, but for making your name in the Wizarding chess world.”

“I wouldn't have done it without you-”

“Iris!” Murphy and Iris's attention was pulled from each other to the wizard coming their way. Archie Brewer, captain of the Slytherin team, beater, six foot five inches of muscle, and hair of a golden retriever. “You're looking good as ever.” He greeted, pulling up a chair to sit across from her and Murphy.

“Hey, Archie.” Murphy said through pursed lips. He knew that Archie had a thing for Iris, well, most people had a thing for Iris so that wasn't the only reason he didn't like the guy. It was he was charming, and handsome, and the kind of guy that all the girls swooned for.

“What's up?” Iris asked kindly.

“We're about to take this party upstairs, gonna' do spin the bottle.” Archie smiled at her.

“That's a problem, since I can't go up the stairs.” Murphy pointed out.

“I was talking to Iris, not you.” Archie explained further. Murphy felt Iris let out a long huff and sat her drink down with a clank.

“Now, Archie.” She began, and Murphy saw her sit up a little straighter and place her mug of butterbeer down. “Why would I go upstairs, and take a chance of kissing the guy I want, when's he's right here?” Archie's smile grew from ear to ear, and Murphy felt increasingly uncomfortable. “Murphy?” Iris looked over at him, leaning towards him, “you want to snog?”

His brain. Shut. Down. He knew he sat there for a second, lips flapping in shock at the blunt question, before his brain caught up with the rest of him.

“Yeah.” He nodded, wrapping his hand around the back of her neck, pulling her to him. He had heard the ballads of first kisses feeling like fireworks and the palpable energy one feels and he thought that it was all just blowing smoke.

Until he kissed Iris. He swore he saw stars.

He felt one of her hands on his chest, and then the warm fingers of the other caress his face. He tried not to get distracted by that, and focus on her soft lips. With that said, he also had to squelch any temptation to open his lips and french her straight away. So he pressed his lips against her's, alternating between light brushes of and more powerful kisses, the latter Iris seemed to enjoy a bit more.

Murphy's head spun when he felt a light brush of Iris's tongue along his lips, a non-verbal way of asking permission to take the kiss further. He weighed the response of continuing in public, or if he wanted to sneak away somewhere a little more private.

“Do you... Uh, want to-” he tried to articulate the words he was looking for but found himself just starring into Iris's blue eyes.

“Do I want to...?” She asked.

“Uh... Privacy. You want to find somewhere more private?” He finally asked.

“Well,” Iris looked around the tavern. “It looks pretty dead in here since most everyone went upstairs.” Murphy peered around and indeed, there was just a few people in the pub, none of which were looking their way.

“Well then.” He cleared his throat, “before we get back to that, does this mean... You and I are... Ya know....”

“Well I sure would like to think so.” Iris told him, running her fingers over his cheek, her nails lightly tickling his skin. “You?”

“There is nothing I would like more, my Queen.” He winked, wrapping his arms around her tightly, just enjoying being close to her.

“Just so long as you never call me that again.” She said in his ear.

“No guarantee's, afterall, chess is what finally brought us together.”

“Then it's only fair I call you the King.” She joked.

“I think it's fitting since the Queen is more powerful then the King.” He pulled back enough just to press a kiss to her forehead. She smiled, but shook her head, instead of keeping the conversation going, Iris pressed her lips against his again. They sat cuddled in the corner until Madam Rosemerta kicked them out and they had to return to Hogwarts, trophy in tow.

In Murphy's mind, he had two trophy's to show off to the world, one was meaningless metal, and the other was Iris.

His Queen.

#hphm #hphm murphy #hphm murphy mcnully #hphm hphm murphy mcnully murphymcnully #murphy mcnully imagine #hphm mcnully #Murphy mcnully #murphy mcnully x jacob's sibling #murphy mcnully x mc #Iris Rosewood

[unknowncountrygirl]

Curse Breakers Gambit ch 7

Flourish and Blotts had been closed to the public, and when they entered the store, there were mix matched tables and chairs set up throughout to host the schools participating in the chess tournament along with a matchup board with all of the students names, along with a second with each school and the total number of wins.

“Iris,” Tulip turned to the blonde once they were inside. “Did you figure out how to get Badeea's set o cooperate with one another?”

“I did, and what's more I learned that it's the exact same secret to own own success here today.” Iris began. “Each of us has a unique approach to chess, and we need to embrace that difference if we wish to succeed here. Murphy is all theory, Badeea looks to the big picture, Tulip you think out of the box, and I take a more traditional route. If we all did the same thing the other teams would be able to pinpoint that weakness and destroy us in the first few rounds.”

“You're absolutely right, iris. I feel terrible that I almost broke up this team for not seeing that. Despite McGonagall's warning, I cracked under the pressure. Girls, please forgive me.” Murphy asked for each of their forgiveness, and they all muttered affirmations that he was forgiven.

“What matters is that we are all here together in the moment that counts the most.” Iris smiled to each of them.

“I'll say, and just in time for the tournament, too! I just-” Murphy stopped talking as the door opened. All the girls followed his gaze to see a group of rather all attractive students wander in. Specifically a golden brown haired girl in a blue tweed dress. Everyone suddenly went silent and there was muttering from corners of the store. “It's the Matagot of Wizard Chess! Celeine Castillon!” Murphy told the girls excitedly.

“That's the top ranked student player in the world?” Iris asked, and narrowed her eyes at Murphy who seemed to be awestruck.

“I imagined she would be taller.” Tulip gave Iris a knowing look and Iris just rolled her eyes.

“I don't think I've ever been so starstruck,” Murphy said airily and Iris nearly thumped the back of his head. “Not even when Ethan Parkin showed up to coach Gryffindor. I'm trying to calculate the odds of us taking on Celine's team and winning but my mind is drawing a blank.”

“Well I'm confident our team can beat Celine and her mates.” Iris said sternly, placing her hands on her hips, “we can achieve anything we set our minds to.”

“your confidence is inspiring, Iris! And you're absolutely 100% correct.” He beamed at her, but she was still a little irritated. “Our team has already come this far, let's take it all the way!” Just as he finished, Madam Villanelle ran a bell to gather everyone's attention. “Thankfully none of us have to compete against Celine, but I do have to face one of the players from Beauxbatons.” He explained, having already looked over the playing order. “Tulip you play against Uagadou, Badeea against Ivermorny, and Iris has to face Durmstrang.” Which he did not like because he saw just how strong and brawny they all were. “Good luck ladies.”

With that, they all found their respective opponents. Murphy peeked from the corner of his eye and witnessed Iris offering her hand to the Durmstrang boy for a handshake, but he nearly saw red when the young man took it, but instead of shaking he kissed the back of her hand.

Within minutes Murphy heard Celine declare-

“Check mate. My strategy ees' impeccable, eet' simply cannot be beat.” She said, and her opponent shook his head. Murphy though gave himself a pat on the back, because in less then ten moves he himself had his opponent in a check.

“Check mate.” Murphy cornered the boys King. Celine and Murphy were the first to topple their opponents, and Murphy looked over to watch his name exchange spots on the scoreboard, and for Hogwarts to be equal with Beauxbatons.

“Check mate.” Murphy heard Iris's sweet voice call out suddenly above the other voices. Just like that, Hogwarts moved above Beauxbatons. Murphy and Iris stood on the sidelines after their matches, and watched Badeea and Tulip in their matches. Murphy smiled when he saw the Queen on Badeea's board nearly jump for joy as the girl said-

“Check... Mate?” She asked more then stated, and the girl from Ivermony slap herself on the forehead.

“It is!” Murphy called out to Badeea who looked at him, then back at her board, then back at Iris and Murphy with a smile.

“Check mate!” She announced happily. As they watched Tulip's game, they soon realized that she was just toying with the girl she was playing. Murphy mimicked tapping a watch, and Tulip nodded, and within four moves, she was was announcing-

“that's check mate.”

“You were toying with me!”

“I was, and you fell for it.” She smiled.

Throughout the day, one by one, they managed to succeed in 24 of their 28 matches, Badeea loosing two, and then Tulip and Iris loosing 1 each. Murphy had managed to not loose one and he was ecstatic. That evening, over a celebration dinner at the Leaky Cauldron, Murphy filled “his” girls in.

“Great job today girls, we were nearly perfect!” He announced, pulling out the standings sheet. “We are going to be progressing to the final rounds tomorrow.”

“Brilliant! I was confident about our chances of winning the tournament, and now it's truly within our grasp.” Iris smiled, sipping on her tea.

“The way it's adding up it looks like we will have to face Uagadou and Durmstrang, and then if we make it past that... We will face Castillion and Beauxbatons.”

“We each beat our opponents from Uagadou, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang though, so that's good.”

“I lost one one my matches though against Durmstrang.” Badeea told her.

“And I lost mine against Beauxbatons.” Tulip mentioned pouring herself a cup of warm tea.

“What's more on that note,” Murphy stacked his papers, “I have some troubling news.”

“What's that?” Iris asked as the waitress came over with their plates of food. Murphy waited until the table was covered in the plates and bowls, before he continued.

“I was saying, I studied Celine's moves when I managed to finish before her, and I uncovered something disturbing about her strategy-”

“Oh sweet Merlin this is good.” Tulip mumbled as she shoved a spoonful of her food in her mouth.

“Celine is implementing the Dragon Variation of the Slytherin Defense.” Murphy finished. Iris finished chewing and asked,

“isn't that the rare and devastating strategy that Aberforth said he used to crush Brian Gagwilde?”

“One in the same, it's virtually unbeatable.” Murphy told her, and watched as Iris shrugged.

“Then we need to come up with a strategy to counter Celine's seemingly unbeatable technique and fast.” She stabbed at her dinner, “I wonder if Aberforth can help us, he's a master of the tactic so maybe he has a way to counter it?”

“Going to the Hogs Head Inn during the day is creepy enough, let alone at night.” Murphy huffed.

“But we don't have to compete in the wildcard rounds, we are already in the finals, technically our games don't start until after lunch.” Iris reminded him, “if we get up early enough and use the floo we could go see him, and try to figure out a way to beat it, and get back to Flourish and Blotts in time.”

Murphy almost kissed her square on the mouth right there in the middle of the restaurant.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning, bright and early, Murphy and the three girls floo'd to Hogsmead. Once in the Hog's Head, Murphy was delighted that there was virtually no one in the place so early in the morning.

“Back again, are we? If you're looking for more lost chess pieces, I'm afraid I can't help you this time.” Aberforth laughed as he cleaned up the bar.

“We aren't looking for chess pieces, we're actually looking for some help.” Iris explained to him. “We've made it to the final round in the tournament, but we are concerned about our opponent Celine Castillon, who happens to be the best student player in the world.”

“Celine is planning to use the Dragon Variation of the Slytherin Defense against us in the final rounds.” Murphy told him further.

“I see why you'd be concerned. As I told you last time, that strategy is not one to be trifled with, it's far too powerful.” He told them as Badeea and Tulip took a seat at the closest table.

“Well... We were hoping you'd teach us a way to counter her strategy?” Iris inquired to him with her kindest voice.

“I wish I could. But Unfortunately a counter to the Dragon Variation doesn't exist.” Aberforth told her.

“Aberforth is right, Iris. In all my reading, I've never come across an effective counter for it either.” Murphy moaned.

“Why don't we just... Invent one?” Badeea offered.

“You want to invent a counter strategy to the Dragon Variation of the Slytherin Defence?” Aberforth asked surprised.

“Yes?”

“Why not!” Iris encouraged.

“It's a delightfully mad plan, but I detect a 3.87% chance it may just work!”

“Then let's put our heads together and figure out a counter strategy they won't see coming!” Iris said enthusiastically.

So that's what they did, they pulled out a chess board from the bowels of the Hogs Head, blew off the dust, and went to work.

----------------------------------------------

“According to the Dragon Variation, Celine will castle Kingside in order to capture our most powerful pieces... But unlike Celine we will not overlook our pawns.” Murphy moved in the way to fullfill the Dragon Variation.

“So while she's distracted trying to capture our Queen on one side of the board... We will aggressively push our pawns forward on the other side, and capture... her King! Check mate.” Iris finished and looked up at him with a smile. Murphy looked down absolutely awestruck at the fact they had indeed made a move to counter the Dragon Strategy.

“I stand corrected, apparently a counter strategy to the Dragon Defense does exist after all.” Aberforth was astounded.

“Girls this is brilliant!” Murphy beamed up at Tulip, Badeea, and Iris. “I predict a 76.1% chance that it will work against Celine in the final round. But... Brilliant as it is, our strategy is missing one very important element.”

“What's that?” Tulip asked him.

“It's missing a name.”

“I think... That considering everything, Gagwilde's Return would be a great honor.” Iris suggested and both Tulip and Badeea nodded.

“I think Brian would very much appreciate that gesture, from the bottom of my heart, I heart I appreciate it too.” Aberforth told them, patting the center of his chest.

“We've come up with a promising strategy to counter the Dragon Variation, but now it's time to put it to the ultimate test.” Murphy told them. “Ready girls?”

“Ready!” The three of them smiled and told him happily.

-------------------------------------------------------------

They made it back to Flourish and Blotts with little time to spare. Iris had to run back to the Inn and insisted that she change, because she had soot and floo powder on her. In truth, she was changing into another distraction dress, as Murphy called it. Murphy nearly hot the floor when he saw what Iris had chosen.

The pompom fridge black skirt. Instead of wearing the matching top though, she had instead went for a black slightly oversized sweater... And knee high boots.

What was funny, was that all the girls seemed to take a page out of that book. Badeea had changed into rather cutesy red dress, and golden silk hijab that complimented her eyes, along with having her makeup done. Tulip wore a Hogwarts sweater, but also noticed that she had some makeup on as well, not as much as Badeea and Iris, but some, along with adding a little curl into her hair.

The three girls walked ahead of him, heading to the store and he couldn't help but notice the glances that the three of them got, and while his heart belonged to Iris, he pelt himself feeling proud as a peacock because he had not just the smartest team, but he had the prettiest in his mind.

“I think I have the prettiest team in the competition.” He told them with a smile once inside Flourish and Blotts.

“Even better the Beauxbatons?” Tulip smirked.

“Even better then Beauxbatons, look,” he pointed towards the French team, who's two male competitors were looking the three girls up and down.

“See something you like boys?” Iris smiled, which made them turn red and look away quickly.

“Well, ladies, this is it! The moment we've all been waiting for, the final round of the tournament is about to begin!” Murphy prepared to give them a pep talk.

“Yes! I just hope the strategy that we invented will be enough to beat Celine and her team.” Badeea mentioned as Madam Villanelle passed out the matchup papers for the day. Murphy took it and then his face went white.

“Murphy? What's wrong?” Iris asked him, putting her hand on his shoulder.

“Iris... You'll be going against Celine Castillon.” He looked up at her. He had to admit, he was a little let down, he had hoped to have the honor of playing Celine. He shook off his disappointment and patted the back of her hand. “The Matagot and the curse breaker, a chess match that's not to be missed.” He smiled at her hoping he reassured her. “How do you feel?”

“Focused. I'll need to perform at my very best if I hope to unseat Celine from her throne.” Iris told him.

“You have all the tools to beat her, Iris. Just keep your head in the game, and you'll do great.” Murphy encouraged her. “You do your best to beat Celine, and while you're doing that, we'll do our part to take down the rest of her team.”

“Sounds like a perfect plan, Murphy... Now let's go out there and play our hearts out.”

“We can win this thing Iris! I know it in my heart.” Tulip clapped her hands on Iris's shoulders, shaking her lightly.

“If we do win, I know what my next painting is going to be.” Badeea smiled.

“Bring it in ladies,” Murphy held his hand out in the middle of them, and each of the girls laid a hand over his. “Hogwarts!”

“Hogwarts!” Their voices followed after him as they looked to find their respective partners. Iris was directed to go to the extra large main board in the middle, where Celine had been playing most of her games. Murphy did his best to get his game over with as quickly as he could, but in doing so it caused him to make a few mistakes that cost him time.

As soon as he was done, he wheeled over to watch Iris and Celine play each other. Iris was quiet, and seemed very focused while Celine looked extremely confident... Almost an arrogant air about her. Badeea came over and tapped Murphy on the shoulder,

“how's she doing?”

“Good, she's keeping very level headed.” Murphy explained to her. “Did you win?”

“I did!” She told him excitedly, but not loudly.

“Good, so did I!” Tulip announced, crossing her arms and plopping them ontop of Murphy's head. “What about you, saucebox?” She asked.

“I happened to as well.” He assured them, not even bothering to push Tulip off of him. In fact, he found the fact that she and Badeea seemed to be so comfortable around him now very endearing. “Celine is playing right into her hands, Iris just need to keep pressing her.” Murphy whispered to Badeea and Tulip.

Then, Celine made the fatal error and it was everything in his power not to shout in excitement.

“Ha! Now zat' I have captured your precious Queen, ze end of zis games ees nearly upon us.” Celine smirked.

“You're right.” Iris nodded, and moved her last pawn into play. “Checkmate.” The look on Celine's face was nothing but shock.

“What? Ze Dragon Defense cannot be beat! Zis ees simply not possible!” Celine stomped, pointing a accusing finger at Iris. “You cheeted'!”

“I did not. You only use the Dragon Variation so my team came up with a counter strategy.” Iris explained to her, putting her hands on her hips.

“But eet' doesn't ave' one!”

“It does now!”

“Judges! Judges, check her! I believe zhe' cheeted'!” Celine shouted to the judges.

“Miss Castillon we watched the entire game, Miss Rosewood never cheated, she simply tried a different strategy.” Madam Villanelle told her, but the young French girl shook her head.

“No! Zhe' must have cheeted'. Zere' iz' no way that anyone can beat the Dragon Variation!”

“Look, Miss Priss.” Iris shook her finger at her, and looked Celine dead in the eyes, “there's no cheating. You lost fair and square. You can either do that with grace and respect or you can ruin your name and be known as the temper tantrum queen.” The look between the two girls was deadly, and Murphy enjoyed every moment of it. He could already see the piece he was going to write for the Hogwarts gazette.

There was more words exchanged, and Celine and Beauxbatons implored the judges to go over the game again. Murphy nearly blew a gadget when the judges actually indulged her and had the pieces go back and go through the game again, watching for any sort of foul play involved on either side.

None of course was found, and finally they called Iris the true winner of the match... Much to the dismay and fit of Celine. Honestly his admiration for Celine fell away the moment that he saw just what a hissy fit that she threw when she lost. Iris watched her meltdown with nothing but pity and disgust, and Murphy felt the same. The blonde walked over to where Murphy, Badeea, and Tulip stood and just shook her head.

“It is with great pleasure that we award Hogwarts with the Wizarding Chess Trophy.” One of the lead male judges announced as he handed the trophy over to them. “Finishing with a 28 out of thirty two wins. Congratulations.” All four of them were able to put their hands on the trophy, and smile for pictures from the press. It was all exhilarating and Murphy beamed with pride.

“Gagwilde's return worked beautifully, Iris. It's a true underdog story if I've ever heard one, but we actually pulled it off! I'd say this calls for a celebration!” Murphy smiled. “Drinks on me at the Three Broomsticks!”

#hphm murphy #hphm mc #hphm mcnully #hphm murphy mcnully #hphm #murphy mcnully x mc #Murphy mcnully #murphy mcnully x jacob's sibling #Iris Rosewood

[unknowncountrygirl]

Curse Breaker’s Gambit Ch.6

How Iris managed to get Badeea's spark back, and get Tulip's anger to simmer down... He wasn't sure, but that night they managed to have another practice.

With that said, Iris had given him a stern talking too that he had to treat them with kid gloves and if he started to act up she was going to elbow him in the ribs as a reminder to calm down.

He managed only three elbows. They practiced every night the rest of the week as their schedules allowed, weather it was thirty minutes or two hours. Thankfully Iris and Murphy were able to practice together in the Common room, and Tulip and Badeea were able to do the same after curfew.

It was Thursday night, they were leaving in the morning to head to Diagon Alley, and instead of playing chess Murphy and Iris were both in the library hunched over their respective books. Murphy had his nose in a chess theory book he had only recently discovered, and he managed not to chide Iris as her's was currently in a book about David Austin roses.

“So are you packed yet?” Iris asked as she looked up from her book.

“I'm 91.7 percent packed, all except my toiletries.” Murphy told her not looking up from his book.

“I still need to pack, honestly I should be doing that instead of reading.” Iris said as she flipped her book shut. “I still have no idea what to wear. How are you dressing for this?”

“I'm just wearing my slacks, and my usual button up, but I'm wearing a chess piece pin instead of my snitch pin Mum sent me.”

“Hold the presses! Murphy is switching up his pins!” Iris joked. “So like, if I wear a dress or a skirt I'll be fine? So long as I don't wear anything to distracting?”

Distracting. Murphy suddenly got a brilliant idea and he wasn't sure why he didn't think if it sooner.

“No... I think distracting is perfect.” He said slowly.

“Have you gone mad?” She asked, looking at him oddly.

“I think distracting them would be beneficial, like in a subtle way that won't make everyone think we're trying to distract our opponents.” Murphy told Iris quietly.

“Oh? You think?” She leaned in, excited to hear what he had come up with.

“You know that skirt you wore to the party in the boathouse-”

“You remember that skirt?”

“Everyone remember's that skirt.” Murphy told her pointedly.

“Was it... That ugly?” Iris asked. Murphy gave her a look of someone disgusted, and bewildered.

“You're joking, right?” He asked, “the black skirt? With that matching blouse that showed just the slightest bit of your ribs? With the pompom fringe?”

“Yeah, I thought it was cute.”

“It wasn't cute.” Murphy said bluntly, and Iris's eyes doubled. “It was sex appeal at its finest. Take it from someone who is ass level with the world, your bum is the bum everyone wants, and in that skirt you made a lot of people very jealous... And or horny.” A blush crept across her cheeks and her ears.

“Well now I am most certainly not wearing that skirt!” Iris shook her head slapping her book shut.

“Fine. How about your high waisted jeans? With that blue cropped sweater you have?”

“Murphy!”

“Like I said, I'm ass level with the world and I consider myself fairly qualified to judge bums.” He told her pointedly. “Again, yours is a top quality bum.”

“Well I wouldn't know, I've never seen it.”

“Shame.” He shook his head with a smile, “so will you consider the jeans-”

“You're on thin ice pal.” Iris shot him a mock angry look, but the two both chuckled lightly. “Honestly though, I should probably go pack.”

“I'll head back to the tower with you, so long as you don't mind the company.”

“I never mind your company.” Iris told him sincerely and that same little part in his chest that felt warm, felt warm all over again.

“Well, thats very kind... Usually people get sick of me talking.” He told her honestly as he slid his books into his bag as Iris collected her books that she had checked out.

“I feel like with other people you seem to have diarrhea of the mouth-”

“Iris that's disgusting!” Murphy shook his head at her imagery. She laughed and explained herself more.

“Hear me out, with other people you're constantly on analytical alert, and it just seems like with me... You're more relaxed and aren't always thinking about numbers and trying to impress me. If you don't mind me saying, it feels like you're the most comfortable around me then anyone else.”

“It's because you are.” He told her honestly. If Iris had figured it out, there was no reason to hide anything from her at this point. “I've said it before, and that's that I have to put all of me out there al the time so people don't just see the guy in the wheelchair. You came into my life and for the first time I didn't have to do that, because you actually just saw Murphy McNully. The chair was secondary to me.” He and Iris stopped in the hallway, looking at one another, and truthfully Murphy had never felt more vulnerable.

“You have a lot to offer the world, Murphy, and the people who don't see that don't deserve your attention or your effort.” She told him wholeheartedly.

I'm going to marry this girl, and I'm going to protect her from all who mean her harm, Murphy told himself in that moment. No one else had ever said that to him except his Mother and his Gran. Iris could preform magic without a wand, she could conjure a full corperal patronus, she was an animagus, she had broken the six cursed vaults that haunted the school and broken the chains of bondage that lurked everywhere. She stared down evil witches and wizards and kept her ground, kept fighting and yet never lost herself. She had some of the top marks in their classes, she was a jack of all trades when it came to Quiddicth.

Peacemaker. Breaker of chains. Reliable. Honest. Breaker of curses. Saint. Steadfast. Faithful. Will of iron. Resolute. Unyielding. Unbending. Forged in fire, with the face of a doll.

Then he had a thought, and wondered...

“I could say the same thing for you. Your worth is intangible, and I wonder if you understand just how precious you are.” He told her, and by the look on her face... She had not heard such words spoken to her before. “Your friends, including me, have failed you if you don't know that about yourself.”

He could almost see the last remaining wall between them come crumbling down in front of him. The wall that kept whatever this was between them platonic, and opened him up to a whole knew world of possibly gaining what he thought of was ultimate happiness, or ultimate destruction.

“You've never failed me.” Iris said so quietly he almost missed it. “In my deepest darkness, you were the only one there.”

“I'll always be.” He promised her, and in the most heartbreaking confession he had ever heard-

“And I believe you.” How many broken promises had people made to her that she had to acknowledge that she believed what he was saying? “Thank you, Murphy.”

“Thank you, Iris.” There was a few moments of silence before Iris broke it.

“I have to tell you something... About when we first met.” He felt his heart speed up, wondering what it was she was about to tell him, “in truth, the first thing I saw was a pretty face.” She smiled, lightening the mood. He couldn't help but smile back just as bright.

“Are you saying you think I'm a pretty boy, Iris?” He placed his hand over his chest, and wiggled his brows at her.

“It's the least I can do, since you told me I have the best bum.” She smiled, slapping her butt. “It is pretty good isn't it?”

“Absolutely!” He laughed. “I know my butts.” The two laughed together, just enjoying the moment and being purely happy.

----------------------------------------------------------

The plan was to meet in the courtyard around 8am, and head together to the Three Broomsticks, and use Madam Rosemerta's floo to get into Diagon Alley by way of the Leaky Cauldron. McGonagall had made plans for them to stay in the Inn at the Leaky Cauldron on Friday night so that they didn't have to travel back and forth Friday night and Saturday morning for the tournament.

Murphy was the first one in the courtyard, thirty minutes before the meeting time because he was so excited to get going. Badeea and Tulip arrived together with their overnight bags. The three chatted for a few minutes before Iris arrived.

Murphy had to smile when he saw Iris walking down the hallway to meet the team, wearing the high waisted jeans... And a cropped white cardigan. Her makeup was done and her hair was done up in a half up high ponytail that made her already thick hair look even more full.

“Fuck, Iris looks hot.” Tulip whistled.

“Yeah she does.” Murphy nodded in agreement before he realized it was Tulip who had commented on Iris's looks. Oh my God... A realization suddenly hit Murphy, and that was he was not the only one to see Iris for her beauty and her mind, and that didn't just include the male portion of the dating pool.

“Iris is always as lovely as a painting, you seem as though you are just now realizing her beauty.” Badeea pointed out to Tulip.

“Trust me, I'm not just now realizing it. If Iris played for the other team I'd be all over her.” Tulip admitted to Badeaa and Murphy. “She made it clear to me though before, that she is very much heterosexual and we are just friends.” Murphy felt like he could breathe again, it was worrisome enough to think about competing against the guys, let alone the girls as well.

“On the topic of Iris's beauty, do you think her hair has magical properties?” Badeea asked the two of them.

“What do you mean?” Murphy asked her.

“Well Veela's have magical hair, other countries use Veela hair as wand core.” She told him.

“I would assume so, considering that Iris's own wand core string has her own hair in it.” Tulip mentioned. Badeea looked stunned for a moment.

“Iris's wand is made from her own hair?”

“Yeah, Ollivander doesn't work with pure Veela hair, but he suggested trying Iris's since she's half Veela and it worked amazingly.”

“Iris is half Veela?” Murphy was less interested in her wand and more interested in that portion of information.

“Uh, yeah? Have you ever like even looked at her?” Tulips laughed loudly. “Typically people don't have hair that white without there being something in their blood.”

“Who's blood are we talking about?” Iris asked as she came up to the three of them.

“Yours.”

“Mine?” Iris questioned Badeea as the four of them began to head towards Hogsmead.

“About how you're half Veela, and your wand.” Tulip told her.

“Ok, that's not really interesting.” Iris chuckled.

“It is for people who had no idea you were Veela.” Murphy told her.

“Oh really?” Iris asked him, “people gossip about me so much I figured everyone knew. I'm sorry you're the last to know.”

“Honestly, I should have put it all together. Veela's are harpy like creatures when they're mad, I mean the puzzle just fits itself.” He joked and she narrowed her eyes at him, but had a smile on her lips. “It brings a whole knew meaning to the fact that you're a Harpy Eagle in your animagus form.”

“Oh my gosh I never thought of that!” Tulip laughed loudly. The conversation was light, and they shared a lot of laughs on their way to the Three Broomsticks.

Murphy though was waiting for his moment to comment of Iris's choice of clothing. It was rather funny to him that they were all dressed more scholastically and Iris had opted for her jeans.

After Badeea and Tulip had disappeared into a green blaze, Murphy took his moment.

“So uh... You're wearing the jeans-”

“Sod off... These happen to be my favorite jeans.” Iris cut him off, a grin on her face. Oh... She knows exactly what she's doing, he thought to himself.

“Mine too!” He laughed loudly, enjoying their flirting. Yes, flirting, this was exactly what it was and he was not going to act like it wasn't. Their little flirtations had changed the night previous in the library, this was just plain out loud flirtation and if Iris was willing to dish it out just as much as he did... Who was he to stop.

Murphy had to smile, but leaned back just a little to admire her bum as she grabbed a handful of floo powder.

“I saw that.”

“I meant you to.” Where that answer had come from, he had no idea.

“Oh you're cheeky today.” She wagged a finger at him accusingly.

“Haven't a bloody clue what you're talking about.” He grinned up at her.

“I'm surprised you don't slap it for good luck.” Iris turned around, floo powder in one hand and hand on the hip.

“Is that an option?” Murphy grinned, holding his hand up, wiggling his fingers.

“Murphy!” Iris shrieked, shaking her head. “Leaky Cauldron!” She smashed the floo powder to her feet and disappeared in a blaze of bright neon green.

#hphm #murphy mcnully x mc #Murphy mcnully #hphm murphy #murphy mcnully x jacob's sibling #murphy mcnully imagine #Iris Rosewood

[unknowncountrygirl]

Curse Breakers Gambit Ch. 5

Murphy knocked on McGonagall's classroom door and sighed in releif when he saw her still at her desk.

“Mr. McNully, I'm surprised you aren't at dinner.”

“I actually have a problem that I'm hoping you can help solve.” He had only got the sentence out when the door opened and the girls walked in.

“Hello Professor. Thanks for meeting us on such short notice.” Iris greeted as she, Badeea, and Tulip walked in. McGonagall raised her eyebrow and nodded.

“It's my pleasure, Miss Rosewood. How are preparations for your tournament coming along?”

“We're making progress, as you can see we have recruited enough teammates to enter the competition.” She gestured to Badeea and Tulip.

“Yes, it appears you two have been busy since we last met. You've assembled a fine team.” McGonagall smiled.

“We almost have enough chess sets for each of us to use, but that brings us to te reason we're here.” Iris explained as she looked to Murphy, who puled out the chess set and placed it on the desk in front of McGonagall.

“It's lovely.” She commented.

“Except it's missing the Queen. We were told it once belonged to a master.” Murphy explained to his professor.

“We were hoping you may recognize it, and be able to help us find the Queen.” Iris almost begged as McGonagall picked up a piece and studied it closely.

“I can recall every wizard chess set I've ever played against, each one is unique in it's own right. I've played against many great masters over the years.”

“Well then if anyone can identify them, it's you!” Murphy said excitedly, feeling hope raise in his chest.

“This is the set you two found for me?” Badeea asked as she picked up one of the pieces gently, turning it over in her hands as she admired the rose golden set. “These pieces were carved by a true artist. The attention to detail is stunning!” She fawned over the set and smiled to Iris and Murphy. “Thank you both so much.”

“Don't thank us yet, it's useless if there's no Queen.” Murphy told her.

“I believe I may know who these used to belong to.” McGonagall announced.

“Oh that's wonderful!” Iris nearly jumped in place from excitement, and Murphy couldn't help but smile fondly at her, not caring if anyone else noticed.

“But if I'm correct about the previous owner's identity, and I'm quite sure I am... I would be very curious to learn how this rather unique set of pieces came into your possession.” She stated while giving both Iris and Murphy a stern look. Murphy looked to Iris and felt the color drain out of his face as if he could see himself thrown in detention-

“We bought them from Jae.” Iris said simply. “We knew we didn't have time to go to Diagon Alley, and figured he may have a set.”

“Hm... Pitts came by my classroom earlier. He was on high alert in search of the ever elusive Mr. Kim.”

“That was the last time we saw him.”

“I cannot say I condone your methods, but I do appreciate your honesty, Miss Rosewood.” She tutted and Iris nodded, bearing the weight of McGonagall's disapproval. Murphy almost interjected and told McGonagall that it was his idea and that Iris had nothing to do with it, but Professor continued. “This particular set of pieces once belonged to Brian Gagwilde, a former headmaster of Hogwarts.”

“A former headmaster? Just like Walter Aragon!” Murphy erupted, feeling excited at the thought.

“Yes, Mr. McNully. The two were actually contemporaries, and fervent wizard chess competitors as well.” McGonagall explained.

“If only Brian Gagwilde was here now, we could ask him what he did with the lost Queen.” Iris shrugged, looking down at the incomplete set.

“Perhaps there is a way we could ask him, Iris.” Tulip looked over at the blonde.

“Oh? How is that? He's been gone for decades.”

“He may be gone, but his portrait is still in the Grand Staircase.”

“That's amazing, Tulip! How did you figure that out?”

“While he was also a headmaster and chess master, he was also a master prankster.” Tulip smiled. “He even wrote my favorite book on the subject, 'Jiggery Pokey and Hocus Pocus', he's a bit of a hero to me.”

“Great, let's go!”

“I would like to accompany you ladies, but unfortunately the stairs are not exactly my friend.” Murphy told them, and he was surprised when all three girls looked rather upset.

“No problem, Murphy, why don't we take this chance to go over some strategies with Professor McGonagall?” Badeea asked with a kind smile, “if you don't mind Professor, I could use all the help I can.”

“No trouble at all Miss Ali.”

“Well Tulip and I will head to the portrait and see what we can find out!” Iris waved as she and the redhead left the room quickly. Murphy found Badeea to be a very kind young woman who was eager to learn about chess and strategy, he understood why Iris enjoyed Badeea's company. Less then twenty minutes later, and arely halfway through a game, Iris and Tulip returned with bright smiled on their faces.

“Professor, can Murphy and I have permission to head to Hogsmead early tomorrow morning?” Iris asked. “Because we know where to find the missing Queen!”

Everything was starting to fit together and Murphy breathed a sigh of relief.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Early the next morning, with now just five days before the tournament, Murphy and Iris arrived at the Hog's Head Inn. As soon as they were in, Murphy felt his lips curls downwards, there was a odd arrange of smells and the entire place just felt dirty. He and Iris stuck out like sore thumbs in the place, but to his shock, Iris seemed perfectly at ease.

“Aberforth is nowhere to be seen.” Murphy mentioned as a dark wizard looked their way.

“I'm sure Aberforth will be along soon, he's probably just helping a patron.” Iris said off handedly as she rested against the bar. The place put him on edge, and seeing another dark wizard look their way and give Iris the most grotesque smile almost made him beg her to leave and forget the Queen.

“We're the ones who should be busy now, training to beat Celine Castillion and her team.” He muttered under his breath. “If we hope to hold our own we have a lot of work to do. But instead we're tracking down a lost chess piece in the middle of Hogsmead. The tournament is closer than ever and I'm starting to worry.”

“We have to be patient, Murphy. Everything works out in time. Yes we're here, but Tulip and Badeea are getting some lessons from McGonagall, and once we get the Queen we can practice as a team. It will be fine.” Murphy rubbed his head.

“Yes, I suppose you're right. I just have a long way to go before I have the patience of a saint like you do.”

“I do not have the patience of a saint, but thank you anyway. Isn't there some Quidditch player you can take a lesson from?”

“Oh good idea! I can channel my inner Glynnis Griffiths, the seeker who once waited seven days to catch a snitch!”

“Seven days?” The deepest voice Murphy had ever heard said from behind him, “I certainly wouldn't keep you waiting that long. What brings you two to the Hog's Head?”

“We had a chat with Brian Gagwilde's portrait, who told us you might have something we're looking for.” Iris told Aberforth honestly.

“Iris... A lot of people come in here looking for a lot of things, you'll need to be more specific.” He crossed his arms over his wide chest and belly.

“A chess piece, a Queen to be exact. We need it so our teammate will have a complete chess set for a tournament we're in on Friday and Saturday.”

“Brian Gagwildes said he surrendered it to you a long time ago, after a crushing defeat.” Murphy added hoping to jog his memory.

“Ah, yes. I used the Dragon Variation of the Slytherin Defence. A complex strategy but devastating when used correctly.” Aberforth nodded. Murphy felt himself have a inner moment of fandom.

“That's quite an understatement, I've read about that legendary strategy in many of my chess theory books.” Murphy told him, shocked he used it correctly. “But I've never actually seen the Dragon Variation of Slytherin Defence used successfully in practice before.”

“I was wrong to use it against my friend, that defeat crushed Brian's very will to play chess.” Aberforth warned Murphy.

“It sounds like that match has weighed heavily on both of you, Aberforth.” Iris mentioned, noticing the difference in Aberforth's tone.

“Not a day goes by that I don't think about it, try as I might to forget.”

“Well this may bring you some piece, we want to bring Brian's chess set out of retirement and back into play. Our friend thinks it's a work of art. But we need the Queen he gave you.”

“Nothing would make me happier than for you to take that pice off my hands, Iris.” Aberforth told her, heading behind the bar. He dug around for a moment and then pulled out the rose golden ornate Queen. “As promised, the piece is now yours.” He handed the Queen out to Iris who gently took the delicately detailed piece.

“This is brilliant, now that we have it we can bring this set out of retirement and use it in the tournament.” Iris told him as she turned and dug around in the bag attached to the back of Murphy's chair, securing the Queen.

“A word of caution, however, that when it comes to wizard chess not all sets are created equal.” Aberforth warned.

“We are aware that each set has its own personality, and a player's bond with their pieces is key.” Iris nodded, zipping up Murphy's bag.

“Well... If I remember correctly, Gagwilde's army will not be an easy one to command.” Aberforth told the two of them, and Murphy suddenly felt trepidation. “But if you manage to achieve mastery over these pieces, then your friend will be able to handle any challenges that come your way during the tournament.”

“Thank you so much Aberforth, we'll keep that in mind as we deliver this to our friend Badeea.” Iris told him, “I hope you have a good day!” Iris waved as she and Murphy headed out. As they headed back towards Hogwarts, Iris held up her wand,

“Expecto Patronum!” Murphy watched in awe as a beautiful silver and white harpy eagle burst forth, flapping it's grand wings in the air. “Go find Badeea and Tulip, and gather in the great hall.” Iris ordered as the eagle gracefully turned in the air, and Murphy could not help but reach out and touch it's wings as it headed off on it's quest.

-----------------------------------------------------------

“I have great news! Murphy and I have the Queen to your set Badeea!” Iris said, presenting the piece to Badeea who smiled and took the Queen with grace.

“Oh Iris, Murphy, thank you both. This means a lot that you would go through so much just to get this for me.” She said, hugging Iris tightly.

“Well, lets set up a board, and see just how well that new set does for you.” Iris told her. The four of them each pulled out their sets respectively. Badeea, her new rose gold set. Tulip a polished pewter. Murphy a shining silver. And Iris, a golden set.

“Iris, it's just beautiful!” Badeea spoke, seeing her set all together for the first time. “Where did you find the Queen?”

“We got it from Aberforth Dumbledore at the Hog's Head Inn.” Iris told her simply. “Now,” she clapped her hands together and smiled, we have a ton of catching up to do.”

“Yes! Let's get some good practice in ladies!” Murphy smiled. “I trust that while Iris and I were gone, you two read my assigned literature on chess theory?” Tulip laughed boisterously.

“Hard pass, Murphy. The only thing those boring books could ever help me with is a good night's sleep.”

“I tried to read them, Murphy, really I did... But I found them to be a bit confusing.” Badeea told him honestly, her joyous attitude fading fast.

“The tournament is coming up soon, very soon! We're running out of time to get this team up to speed,” Murphy told them, exasperated, and a little peeved.

“Then we better get to it!” Iris announced loudly, “there's nothing better than good old fashioned playing to help us practice.” Iris held her hand out to Badeea, “I'll give you the first move.” With grace Iris was able to quell the looming argument and get them back on track.

Then everything imploded.

The chess pieces refused to cooperate and follow Badeea's commands, and Murphy felt his blood pressure raising with how Tulip played chess. He had to loosen his tie and undo the top button from the heat he was feeling.

“Something wrong...” Iris drawled sounding hurt and confused. “The pieces are refusing to answer the commands.”

“It's the Queen, the pawns are mad she's abandoned them for all these years.” Badeea explained, trying to sooth her rose gold pawns.

“Well yeah, I would be mad too if I were those pawns and the Queen was acting all high and mighty.” Tulip told them, “it's hard not to hear them bickering.”

“We need to figure out how t get them to work together and quickly.” Iris said, studying Badeea's set. That was when Murphy finally snapped.

“I agree, Iris. But Gagwilde's pieces aren't the only ones who aren't working well together.” He knew he glared at Tulip, because of the look she gave him. “Tulip is showing blatant disregard for standard chess theory, and Badeea is still making rookie mistakes!”

“Look, I joined this team to play chess, nit get bossed around and told to read some dumb theory books!” Tulips clapped back at him sharply. Iris and Badeea just looked on, horror written on their faces.

“Dumb theory books?!” Murphy almost yelled, and Iris noticed a vein throbbing in his head. “They were written by the greatest minds in the Wizarding world!” He slammed his hands on the table and Iris and Badeea both jumped at the thump.

“All I know is that this team isn't at all what I signed up for, so... I quit!” Tulip jumped up and looked at Iris, “I'm sorry Iris.” She said pointedly.

“Tulip, wait! Please, don't leave, we can talk this over-” Iris stood and tried in vain to keep Tulip from leaving, and sort things out but Tulip marched away quickly. “Tulip!” Iris tried once more. Instead Tulip disappeared and left Iris rubbing her temples.

“Iris?” Badeea pulled Iris from her thoughts and drew attention to her. “I hate to say it... But I think Murphy is right. I amstill making basic mistakes, and I'm dragging the team down.” Murphy suddenly felt extremely guilty when he realized he had crushed Badeea's spirit, and noticed her eyes looking a bit glassy. Badeea was in that same group of people that Iris was in, and that was if you hurt their feeling's you felt like you just kicked a puppy. “I'm not cut out to be a chess player, after all. I'm sorry, Iris, but I'm out too.” Badeea gave one last pitiful look at her beautiful chess set, and let out a long breath, leaving them with Iris and Murphy.

The two blonde's sat abandoned at the table.

“Well...” Iris started. “That escalated quickly.” Murphy plopped his head in his hands.

“This is all my fault, Iris. I just couldn't keep my big mouth shut.. Now, just as Professor predicted, our team is in shambles.”

“It's.... Good to speak your mind,” she began as she started to pack up the pieces to her chess set and Badeea's, “with that said... I would have been more tactful rather then so blunt with Tulip and Badeea.”

“It doesn't change the fact our team has gone to pot.” He tipped his King over, and listened to the little thing start yelling at him wildly. “I am truly sorry for making them feel rotten, and I wish there was a way to let them know that.”

“There's still time for us to make things right.” Iris told him, reaching hand out to rest on his shoulder. “We may loose a day of practice, but I think it will be fine. I'll try and patch things up with them, ok?”

“You're a saint, Iris.” He told her, unable to meet her gaze from his guilt. Iris was always the fixer, and he hoped that the chess tournament may be a good distraction for her... Yet here she was trying once again to mend another's problems. He reached his hand up and patted Iris's hand, which was still on his shoulder.

“I'll find you later ok? Can I leave you to take care of the chess sets?”

“I can manage that.” He nodded as she stood up, and slid her hand off his shoulder. He watched her as she left the Great Hall and all but banged his head on the table.

#hphm #murphy mcnully x jacob's sibling #murphy mcnully x mc #Murphy mcnully #murphy mcnully imagine #hphm murphy #Iris Rosewood

[unknowncountrygirl]

Curse Breakers Gambit Ch. 4

The following Friday afternoon, between classes, Murphy was able to catch up and make a plan to schedule the first official meeting Saturday evening before dinner. That way whoever wanted to join wouldn't have to miss the Hogsmead day, which would more then likely kill any chance that they had on growing the team.

Murphy had decided not to go to Hogsmead that weekend, and instead studied up on some chess theory and read a book from a wizarding chess master, he then arrived early with reading material, some lists, and set up his own chess set. He was eager to please, and as now the tournament was not even a week away... He could hardly stand it.

Between his thoughts of Chess, was the kiss on the cheek Iris had given him. He couldn't get it out of his mind, because it wasn't romantic in nature, but one does not just kiss each other's cheeks in passing do they? He noted to read some more books on body language later and instead smiled brightly when Iris and Badeea entered the Great Hall.

“Welcome ladies to our first official team meting! How'd the posters come out, Iris?”

“They were brilliant, Murphy! Badeea did a stunning job painting a poster for us, just as I suspected she would.” Iris praised her friend, who turned pink at the praise. “And what's better, she's decided to join our team!” the blonde was practically beaming, and while Murphy just wanted to stare at her all day and bask in her radiance, he knew he had to say something.

“that's a twist I didn't see coming! That puts us 75% of the way towards a full roster for the tournament. Welcome to the team, Badeea.” He welcomed her, and she smiled meekly.

“Thanks, Murphy. I've been wanting to learn chess for a long time, and now I finally have a reason.” While the girls still radiated joy, Murphy felt the color drain from his face.

“Wait... You've never actually played chess before?” He asked, clarifying what she had said. Badeea looked a bot nervous and so Iris answered.

“Badeea was a bit nervous at first, but I assured her that she'll catch on to the game quickly.” Iris attempted to smooth things out. Murphy leaned over the table towards Iris.

“I hope she catches on faster than a Chaser on a Nimbus 1700! She'll need to if we hope to beat Celine Castillion!” He whispered to Iris, through gritted teeth. Iris pursed her lips and blinked hard at him a few times, showing her disapproval non-verbally. “The good news is, anyone can become a great chess player if they're willing to put the work in.” Murphy instead said to Badeea, who was looking increasingly uncomfortable. Murphy looked over and reached towards the stack of books.

“You want me to read... All of those?” Badeea asked sheepishly. Murphy handed her two of the books.

“These strategy books are just the tip of the iceburg! But this selection should be enough to get you started.”

“Uh... Murphy, what;s the note laying on top of your theory books?” Iris asked him, pointing towards the note that looked like it had been pulled off scrap paper.

“That's odd. I haven't the foggiest idea how it got there. Perhaps an owl delivered it right before the two of you arrive.”

“What does the note say?” Iris inquired.

“They didn't leave their name. Just says that they'll be a little late to the first meeting.”

“Well, that's fine. Hopefully they will be along soon.” Iris smiled.

“I'm just glad the posters worked.” Badeea said off handedly as she picked up a chess piece and studied it.

“I just wonder who it is, can I see the note, Murphy?” Iris asked, holding her hand out. Murphy handed it over and then turned his attention to his pile of books. “The handwriting looks familiar, but I can't quite place it.”

“You know, Iris, we're going to need another set of chess pieces and a board.” Murphy told her as he picked up a smaller book and opened it to the page he wanted to show Iris.

For the next hour, Murphy felt like he prattled on about strategy's to Iris and Badeea while the girls looked vaguely glassy eyed. Iris helped explain things to Badeea using terms she would understand because Murphy had used the slang and terms that someone better associated with chess would use. He calculated that with Badeea being a novice, that shrunk their probability of even reaching the final round down 53.7 percent, because he was taking into calculation that the other mystery person was well versed with chess. He knew he could beat his opponents that he faced to make it to the final round, and he knew that Iris could more then likely do it with a 90.2 percent chance so long as neither of them were pitted against Castillion.

If the mystery player happened to be a novice like Badeea, his confidence shrunk, because that would lower their chances of making it to the final round down to just 23.4 percent and he wanted to bang his head onto the table. Iris explained what he thought to be a beginner level rule and play over for the second time and he nearly snapped.

“This team meeting is almost over, and our mystery teammate still hasn't arrived!” He slammed his book shut and huffed. “If this note turns out to be a prank... I'm going to be 97% devastated.”

“Did someone say prank?” Tulip joked as she came up to the three of them with a smile.

“Tulip! Are you the one who left this message? I thought this handwriting looked familiar!” Iris asked, holding up the note.

“I certainly am, Iris Rosewood! Saw one of the posters by the Ravenclaw common room. Thought I'd give it a shot.” She smiled as she placed her hands on her hips.

“Brilliant, have you played before?” Iris asked, and Murphy felt like he may loose his lunch.

“My grans taught me when I was 8, and I found I have a real knack for it.” HUZZAH! Murphy screamed mentally. “Haven't lost a match ever since.”

“Impressive! But I doubt that your grans are as hard to beat as Celine Castillion and the team from Beauxbatons.” Murphy said as Tulip sat down next to him.

“Please, if Rosa and Mary are only half as good at playing wizard chess as they are cooking, then I'll bet they're great!” Iris mentioned, “remember the cook off we had?” She reminded him, and he nodded. He still was not totally convinced because he never actually saw them cook just judge. “Now that there are four of us, we now have enough players to officially enter the tournament!”

“Yes, but there's still one tiny, Reducio-sized problem we need to solve before we can start practicing, Iris.” He pointed out, catching all the girls attention.

“What's that?”

“We must all posses our own army of chess pieces in order to play.”

“Ohhhh.” He was met in unison.

“A player's bond with their pieces builds over time, and it's vital to mastering wizard chess.” Murphy told them.

“Well I have set of pieces from Professor McGonagall that she gifted me.” Iris mentioned.

“And I have a special set that I got from my grans as a kid.” Tulip told him.

“But I don't have a set.” Badeea commented sadly.

“I've borrowed Penny's before, the first time Murphy and I played it was with Penny's set.”

“I'm one step ahead of you, Iris. Unfortunately Penny said hers was damaged by a first year, and she sent it off to be repaired.” Murphy told her of the conversation he had with Penny earlier that morning at breakfast.

“Well then we need to track down a set in order for us to train.” Iris said resolutely. “I think I know where to get one too, from our friendly acquirer of rare items, Jae!” She stood up and looked towards Badeea, all smiles. “We will get you a chess set! Don't worry a hair on your head.”

It dawned on Murphy that this the most he had saw Iris smile in weeks.

“I have to go to my art club, are you sure you can do it without me?” Badeea asked and Murphy quickly chirped.

“I'll go with her. Gotta' make sure that our team has a classy set.” He winked at Badeea who smiled happily.

“Thank you, both of you, truly.”

“It's our pleasure, and the least we could do!” Iris told her, waving her and Tulip off as she and Murphy headed out.

“You seem happy today.” Murphy broke the silence.

“I... Feel happy.” Iris told him. “This has been nice.”

“Well, I'm happy you're happy, pray tell though where are we headed?”

“It's daylight, on a weekday after classes, Jae will be in detention.” Iris chuckled.

“Ok, I've never been to detention before so this will be an experience.”

“Oh Mr. Goody two shoes over here never been in detention.” She said in a deep, playful like voice, which caused the two to cackle. The tempurature dropped when they entered the dungeons, but warmed back up once Iris opened the door to the kitchens.

“So this is what detention looks like! I was 84.3% certain it would involve shackles!” Murphy laughed.

“No shackles, just sandwiches. Lots and lots of sandwiches.” Jae said as she spread some mustard across a piece of bread.

“We are actually here to inquire if you by any chance have a set of chess pieces we could acquire.” Iris got to the point quickly. “We need one rather quickly so that Badeea can use it for a wizard chess competition we are going to enter. Next weekend.”

“Oh yeah, I got one. Even if I didn't, I'm Jae Kim, I can find anything. I have a beautiful set for you. I'm even told that it was once owned by a wizard chess master.” He told them, and Murphy found himself both intrigued and suspicious.

“Smashing! I had a feeling you'd come through for me.” Iris smiled, and the way Jae smiled back... Murphy narrowed his eyes and studied the two... Were they... Flirting? Oh he almost put a halt to that right there, just throw Iris over his shoulder and roll out of there as fast as he could. “Where is the set now?”

“Well... That's where we may have a slight hiccough.” Jae pointed over Iris's shoulder, towards the large stone oven that a giant cauldron of soup simmered... And where Pits fiddled with a chess set. “I had them on me, in my bag, and Pitts confiscated them. Now he's watching them like a hawk. There's no way we'll be able to get those pieces back while he's standing there guarding them.”

“It sounds like we need to come up with a proper distraction is all.” Iris shrugged. Murphy nodded, it seemed easy enough.

“It would be unfortunate is one of those copper pots spilled over...” Jae mentioned with a grin.

“How hard would it be to tip over one of those pots?” Murphy asked.

“I'll make the two of you a deal, manage to distract Pitts, the chess pieces are yours.” Jae smiled but Iris crossed her arms, and raised an eyebrow at him.

“I feel like that comes with a hitch... Like Manage to distract him enough for you to escape detention?”

“You are a smart witch.” Jae winked at her devilishly as he leaned over the table towards her. “As smart as you are foxy.” Murphy narrowed his eyes once again at Jae. Foxy like cunning, or foxy as in sexually attractive. Iris was both, but if anyone was going to-

“Oh shush Jae.” Iris smacked the palm of her hand against his forehead and pushed him back. “You only compliment me when you want something.”

“I'm a simple man.” He shrugged. “What do you say Iris?”

“I say those sandwiches over there are looking a bit undercooked.” She looked down at Murphy and grinned, a twinkle in her eyes that he just knew meant she was up to something.

“The thought of pulling off a heist with you is so exhilarating, Iris!” Murphy told her honestly, admiring her in that moment. He had not seen the more rogue side of Iris, and the more he saw it the more he fell deeper for her. “I agree, Iris. I do believe they could use a light char! There's a 37.3% chance we'll get caught, but that's a risk I'm willing to take. We need that chess set.”

“I'll cast incendeio to light up the sandwiches and distract Pitts, you grab the chess set.”

Then Iris did the one thing that was more then likely the most impressive feat that Murphy had watched her pull off. With her arms still crossed over her chest, she pointed one finger towards the platter of sandwiches, and whispered Incendio, causing the platter to burst into flames.

Wandless. Fucking. Magic.

Murphy sat there for a moment, just processing what he had seen. He knew Iris was a talented witch, but this... She was a powerful witch. One that could be, would be, terrifying to come up against and he realized just how the cursed vaults had formed her. Like a diamond formed under pressure to become the worlds hardest stone. He had always been impressed by Iris, but right now he was truly in awe.

Pitts quickly ran and grabbed a pail of water that was sitting nearby, and doused the platter quickly to extinguish the fire.

“Later guys.” Jae said quickly high tailing it towards the door. “Good luck at the tournament.”

While Pitt's questioned which house elf had been foolish enough to place the sandwiches that close to the open fire, Murphy and Iris quickly went to the chess set.

“Do you think these pieces will do the trick?” She asked quickly, putting the pieces in their case before Pitts noticed.

“It's beautiful, the craftsmanship is quite exquisite.” He noted as he watched her place each piece in the case, until he noticed one fatal error. “There is a slight hitch though, only 96.87% of the pieces are accounted for... The Queen is missing.” Iris stopped and quickly counted the pieces, before she noticed the empty space where the Queen would rest.

“Damn it Jae!” Iris slapped the case closed.

“Jae really rooked us right proper on this one! We can't play chess with an incomplete set!” Murphy huffed as the two made their way past Pitts and towards the door.

“No we can't, but Jae did mention that this set once belonged to a wizard chess master.” Iris offered as she opened the door so they could make their escape. “If we can figure out the identity of the previous owner, maybe it will help lead us to the missing Queen.”

Murphy could understand where she was coming from, and he appreciated her dedication but the days were dwindling. It was Saturday, Friday morning they would be heading to Diagon Alley to the tournament. That gave them Saturday through Thursday to practice, and that was if one of them didn't have a club meeting or heavy homework.

“That's a great idea in theory, Iris, but how do you propose we do that?” He asked her.

“Let's regroup the team and take these pieces to Professor McGonagall to see if she recognizes them.” Iris proposed, and he nodded. The theory didn't sound impossible.

“I really hope she does, and fast too. Because we can't practice until we find the missing Queen. Our team needs every precious moment of training time we can get if we hope to win the tournament.”

“We have time, Tulip and Badeea are probably at dinner by now. I can go grab them, and you can take this set straight away to McGonagall.” Iris held out the case pertaining the set and he took it from her. “I'll be quick.” She assured him and took off on a quick paced walk towards the Great Hall.

#hphm #hphm murphy #Murphy mcnully #murphy mcnully x mc #murphy mcnully x jacob's sibling #murphy mcnully imagine #Iris Rosewood

[unknowncountrygirl]

The Christmas Spirit

Watch out y’all, I’ve been listening to Christmas music... You know what that means.... I think this might be time to drop another HPHM Christmas story. 

Who do you want to see?

#hphm #hphm barnaby lee #hphm charlie #hphm murphy #hphm christmas

[unknowncountrygirl]

Curse Breakers Gambit Ch.3

Iris cracked open the door to make sure that McGonagall didn't have any students, and instead nearly squealed when she saw McGonagall setting up one of her chess sets.

“She's setting up a chess set!” She whispered to Murphy quietly.

“No way!”

“Yes way!” Iris knocked and then opened the door, letting Murphy roll past her before she walked in herself.

“Miss Rosewood, Mr. McNully, what a pleasant surprise.” She greeted. “Here for a bit of extra credit?” She asked as the two stopped in front of her desk.

“Actually, it's more of an extra curricular endeavor we'd like to discuss with you.” Iris told her.

“How intriguing. What exactly do you have in mind?” She asked them. Murphy pulled the paper he got from Flourish and Blotts out and handed it to McGonagall.

“You may have heard that the Walter Aragon Wizard Chess Competition is coming up, and being held at flourish and Blotts.”

“And we were hoping you might grant us permission to form a team to represent Hogwarts in the tournament.” Iris explained.

“Oh!” McGonagall seemed pleasantly surprised as she looked over the paper that Murphy had handed her. “Hogwarts does have a long legacy of producing excellent chess players. Even the great wizard chess master himself, Walter Aragon, had a quite heady history with this school.”

“He was a headmaster here, wasn't he?” Murphy asked, wanting to get confirmation. Iris looked down at him and he looked like he was beaming, and she couldn't help but smile.

“Yes he was, Mr. McNully. Many years ago.”

“He was? That's brilliant.” Iris then had a thought, “but.. If Hogwarts has such a teriffic record for producing great wizard chess players... Why don't we compete in more chess competitions? Or have a team, or at least a chess club?”

“Because the last time Hogwarts students entered a wizard chess competition, it did not end well.” McGonagall warned the pair.

“What happened?” Murphy asked, “did they lose the tournament?”

“Yes, they suffered a heartbreaking loss to a school with a longstanding rivalry.” She explained, and Murphy nodded, rubbing his chin in thought.

“I'm 93.2% certain that I know which rival school you're referring to. Was it Beauxbatons?” He asked. She nodded sadly.

“Beauxbatons Academy has remained undefeated, and unchallenged by Hogwarts, ever since.” She picked up one of her chess pieces and let out a long sigh. “But far worse then our loss to our rival, was the pressure to compete that ultimately consumed the team. Causing the students to turn on one another.”

“It reminds me of the founders of our Clubs, during the trials of Iron, Oak, and Flame.” Iris mentioned.

“It is indeed. If I were to grant you this request, to enter the competition, my concern is that history will repeat itself.” She told them of her misgivings and Iris felt her heart sink, and the way Murphy's shoulders slumped, he was equally saddened. “What assurance do I have that the same fate won't befall you and your teammates?”

My adoration for Iris, Murphy thought, and almost said outloud. He could not deny the physical attraction he had for her, hell anyone with eyes would be attracted to her in his mind, but over the years he had grown a even deeper respect for her. As a person, a Quidditch player, and someone worthy of any and all happiness in the world.

“I give you my word, Professor. History will not repeat itself under my watch.” Iris said, her voice becoming very even and sharp as she locked eyes with McGonagall. “The whole point of entering this tournament is so I can spend some quality time with Murphy.”

McGonagall interlaced her fingers in front of her face and quirked an eyebrow at the two of them from where she was sat behind her desk, her elbows propped up on the wooden desk.

“It's true. Iris is my friend above all, a true, trusted friend.” He assured McGonagall, hoping that this time with Iris wouldn't be pulled out from under him. Iris placed her hand over onto his shoulder and gave him a gentle squeeze, causing him to look up at her.

“I will make sure this experience brings us closer together, rather than driving us apart.” She swore to him.

“That is a vow easier said, then kept.” McGonagall said, pulling their attention from each other to her. “But I do believe your vow to one another to be sincire. I have the utmost faith I your determination to keep it.” She smiled. McGonagall then clapped her hands together and stood. “Very well. After careful consideration, I have decided to grant you permission to compete.”

“Brilliant!” Murphy pumped his fists in the air, “what an absolutely riveting turn this day has taken! We're going to form a chess team!”

“Thank you, Professor McGonagall. You won't regret this! I swear!” Iris chirped, nearly dancing in place.

“Well, I certainly hope not. Please do not hesitate to ask if there;s any way I may assist you in your preparations.” She opened the door for advice.

“Well, actually now that you mention it... There is one more thing you can help us with.” Iris gave a smile, “since you're the best wizard chess player I've ever gone up against...” She looked down at Murphy and gave him a playful grin.

“Hey now.” He winked back at her.

“I wonder if you might be willing to give is some pointers to improve our game?” Iris asked sincerely.

“Absolutely. Pull up a chair Miss Rosewood, and we can discuss some proper techniques.”

Time seemed to stand still as he, Iris, and McGonagall chatted about his second passion. A few times he noticed Iris's knee bump into his leg, and all he could do was stare and let out a small sigh.

“Thank you for the tips, Professor. Our training for the tournament is already off to a great start!” Iris smiled as they finished up their forth game.

“It's my pleasure, Miss Rosewood. It's clear that the two of you exhibit great potential.” She assured them. “I look forward to watching you and your teammates grow as players, and hope you'll make Hogwarts proud.”

“We will do our best to represent Hogwarts with dignity and honor, and make you proud Professor.” Iris promised their head of house. “But,” she looked over towards Murphy, “before we can do that, we need to recruit some more teammates to round out the rest of the team.”

“You're right, but there's just one problem.” He told her, and she genuinely looked concerned. “Only 0.018% of the school's population is even aware we're forming a team... And they're all here in this room.”

“I have an idea to get the word out. It'll require the assistance of my most artistic friend though.” She winked, “I was thinking about seeing if Badeea would paint a poster that we could hang up.”

“Oh I like that idea!” He smiled.

“Care to come with me? Usually she's in the courtyard painting by this hour.” Iris told him. He was almost about to tell her yes, when McGonagall cleared her throat.

“I might remind Mr. McNully that it is the first Thursday of the month.” Murphy felt his heart sink. He had a afternoon full of doctors that would be poking and prodding him.

“What's the first Thursday of the month?” Iris asked innocently looking at Murphy.

“It's my doctor visit, physical therapy, and psychiatrist day.” He told her. “I'll be gone til dinner.”

“Oh, that's to bad. Those are super important for you to do, I can handle talking to Badeea.” Iris assured him as they went to leave the classroom. “I... Murphy...” She fumbled when they were out in the hallway.

“Yeah? You alright?” He asked her, wondering what had caused her concern.

“You're not... Sick are you? I know Muggles get cancer and-”

“Woah now.” He held up his hands and waved them, assuring her that was not the case. “No, I'm not sick. I'm not going anywhere so don't think you can get rid of me that easy.” He joked, but Iris didn't look to be in the joking mood and so he let out a long sigh. “You want the truth? It's not pretty.”

“Yes. I can handle it.”

“The doctor likes to have frequent appointments to make sure I don't have any bladder or urinary infections, or pressure injuries, and to make sure my blood pressure is ok because sometimes my body has a hard time regulating it because I'm paralyzed. The physical therapy speaks for itself, and the shrink is to make sure I'm all squared away in the head and I'm not at risk of depression or suicide that can follow this kind of injury.”

“But, weren't you paralyzed in the war? When you were like six or seven?”

“I was,” he nodded. “But those things don't go away.” He shrugged. It sucked, horribly, but he had learned to accept it and live with it. Sitting before Iris, and seeing the concern on her face made him infinitely aware of all the details of his physical health she hadn't thought about. He was about to make a joke when Iris suddenly said-

“you must be the most truly valiant person I have ever met.” He nearly choke on the air in his lungs. Me?! Me the most valiant person you've ever met? He thought to himself as he stood before the world's most couragouse woman in the world. The curse breaker, the problem solver, the tryst ender. For the second time, he had found himself speechless at something Iris had done, and actually found himself oddly emotional about the statement. “I don't want to make you late, I'll see you later.” She told him, and then bent over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. He nearly wept. “I'm really proud of you.” She told him with the warmest smile he had ever seen. He believed her, and that caused a heat to bloom in his chest like nothing ever had before.

“Thank you, Iris.” Was all he was able to say as she waved and turned to head towards the courtyard.

#murphy mcnully x mc #Murphy mcnully #hphm murphy #murphy mcnully x jacob's sibling #murphy mcnully imagine #hphm

[unknowncountrygirl]

Curse Breaker’s Gambit Ch.2

The weather outside was rubbish, and he found himself throwing a pity party in the great hall, his chess board set up in from of him.

A hand on his shoulder startled him but then he heard-

“Murphy?” Iris called his name, in such a sweet tone he felt his shoulders relax. She sat down across from him, “are you playing wizard chess... By yourself?” She asked him. His heart nearly sung her a song when he laid eyes on her. She looked well rested, and was wearing a dress. It was silly, but he knew that recently Iris had been sliding by and letting her feminine side hide under baggy clothing and dark colors. It was a olive green color, but it was better then the sweaters and sweat pants she had been in. She looked like she was blooming again and he felt ease overwhelm him.

“I'm running through some potential new strategies in my head. Afraid to say I've been doing that a lot lately. You've been busy and I haven't had a worthy opponent to play against, Iris.” He told her and she chuckled, picking up and moving a pawn. He felt himself smile as he moved his first piece.

“I've been the one in a glum mood, but now it seems like it's your turn. You're not acting like the fast talking, statistic slinging guy I know.” Pawn to D3.

“Well, now that you mention it... I am feeling 36.8% more glum than usual.” He told her honestly, moving his pawn to D6.

“Do you want to talk about it?” She asked him honestly, and he rested his head on the back of his hand, looking at her fondly.

“If there is one thing that always makes me feel better, it is talking.”

“Then tell me what's on your mind.”

“Well, I went into Diagon Alley, I had to replace my Transfiguration book.”

“Did Kneil get another one?” She asked laughing.

“Indeed he did,” he moved his knight to counter her rook. “Well, Flourish and Blotts is hosting a chess tournament.”

“That's sounds perfect! Why aren't you happy?”

“I want to sign up for the tournament, but I can't. It requires a team of people, not just one person.”

“That's it?” Iris asked, catching him off guard.

“That's it? This is a big deal, a huge deal! This isn't some old men sitting in the park kind of players! Celine Castillion is the top-ranked player in the Wizarding World and she will be there! She's the number one student player in the world! The world! They call her the 'Matagot of Wizard Chess', because she's such a beast when she competes!” While he couldn't read her thoughts, he almost swore he saw Iris's eyes grow dark at the infatuation he showed towards this other girl.

“I see.” She stamped her queen down on the board a little roughly. “Check.”

“I've been following her rise to stardom for years, and I'd give anything to see her play.”

“Then you should play.”

“I would if I could, but it would take a team of four people.”

“You and me, that's two, we're halfway there.” Iris told him as he quickly ducked out of her check. “We an form a chess team to represent Hogwarts.”

“Iris, that's brilliant! You would do that for me!”

“Of course.”

“Well, forming a top notch chess team will be more difficult than a Seeker trying to catch a Snitch in their sleeve! It's really sweet, but I know you have a lot going on right now, why go to such great lengths to help me, Iris?”

“I want to spend time with you.” His heart nearly soared when she told him that. “Life has been busy, and I think the distraction would be good. Plus, I can tell that this chess tournament is something really important to you.” She told him with a smile that seemed to light up her face. “This should be some quality bonding time together. The last time we spent one on one time together was... Well, depressing.”

He nodded, remembering it solemnly.

Rowans funeral had happened, and he had watched Iris stand at the front of the congregation of students, lacking any of her usual light. When it was over, the crowd disbursed into silence, heading back to their respective houses. He had tried to find Iris amid the forest of legs and students but lost her. Once in the Gryffindor tower, he was able to ask around and found out that she had went to meet with a few of the Professor's and Dumbledore. So he parked his wheelchair in front of the fire and waited.

He hand't cared how long he had to wait, someone was going to be there for Iris when she returned. He had watched Iris over the years bear the burden for everyone in her life, weather it had to do with the cursed Vaults, or Quidditch, and even getting pulled into matters that had nothing to do with her. Iris was there, she was the one everyone turned to when they needed help or a problem solved. It was her turn to have someone be there for her.

It was well past curfew when Iris finally stumbled through the Fat Lady portrait. Because it was so quiet, he could hear her quiet sobbing as she tried to catch her breath. He turned in his chair and saw her close the door behind her.

“Iris?” Watching her visibly jump because she thought everyone would be in bed made him feel worse about the whole situation. Everything about her face looked so ill fitting for her, everything was swollen, her eyes, her cheeks, even her lips. Her light blue eyes were bloodshot and had dark rings under them, making them appear sunken and sickly. He could see her fumbling with words but eventually just give up as her bottom lip began to quiver. He quickly rolled over towards her and when he was close, her legs gave out beneath her and she just toppled into his lap and began to wail. She was draped over his legs and gripped onto the bottom of his shirt and one of his pant-legs to keep herself fro falling completely to the floor.

Murphy blinked back his own tears, her grief broke his heart. He cradled the back of her head in his hand, while the other rubbed along her shoulder. She eventually tilted her head up and the two of them locked eyes, her chest heaved from gasping for air and she actually tried to speak.

“Murphy, I...”

“Shh. You don't need to explain anything to me or apologize for anything. I'm here, and this is the only place I want to be right now.” He assured her. There was relief across her face and she was able to push herself up enough to wrap her arms around his neck and shoulders. He pulled her legs up over the arm of his chair, and cradled her like a parent comforting their child.

“Well, I'm honored you want to spend what little free time you have with me.” He told her backing her King into a corner. “I'm happy o report that the feeling is 100.1% mutual. Let the McNully-Rosewood adventure commence. Check.”

“Where shall we begin, Murphy?”

“We have a lot of work to do before we'll be ready to take on Celine Castillion and her team at the tournament. Our first step though will be getting a Professor's permission.”

“Oh, I know! Professor McGonagall will be perfect! I know she loves wizard chess, because I played it with her during the Teacher Appreciation Celebration.”

“Yes!” He agreed excitedly. “McGonagall is a brilliant strategist and a wizard chess master in her own right, she'll be perfect!” He pounded his hands on the table, and watched as a twinkle returned to Iris's eyes.

“Then let's pay her a visit, and see if she'll give us permission to form a team!”

“Right now?”

“Right now!” Iris stood up and flicked her King over. “You have me in a check mate anyway.” She winked. The pair quickly packed up his chess set and headed out to the Transfiguration classroom.

#murphy mcnully imagine #hphm murphy #Murphy mcnully #murphy mcnully x jacob's sibling #murphy mcnully x mc #hphm

[unknowncountrygirl]

Curse Breaker’s Gambit Ch. 1

Murphy had simply needed a new copy of A Guide to Advanced Transfiguration. His had been destroyed completely by Kneil. Why his Kneazle had such a hatred for books was beyond him, yet there it was, basically confetti at the foot of his bed. So he had to get permission to head to Diagon Alley instead of Hogsmead that Saturday.

When he arrived at Flourish and Blotts, he nearly fell out of his chair.

Notice: Flourish and Blotts will be closed to the Public

This upcoming Friday and Saturday

We will be hosting the annual Walter Aragon Wizard Chess Competition

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Murphy could not get inside quick enough to find out more information, all he wanted in that moment was to know how to sign up and possibly have a chance to make a name for himself in the Wizard Chess world.

But upon getting his hands on the leaflet, he felt deflated. In order to sign up, you must have a team of at the very least... Four people. He could barely find one person to play chess with, let alone three more people who were... Ok at chess. The person he enjoyed playing the most with was Iris, for more then just one reason, but she had been up to her ears in other things.

Rowan had passed away a few weeks prior, and Iris had not been the same since. He racked his brain trying to actually remember the last time they had hung out with one another, and he drew a blank. He remembered sitting with her on the common room couch as she cried either the night or the night after the tragedy, but he didn't count that as time two friends spent together.

His heart broke for her, but he knew it was not a time to be selfish, and he wanted her to do what she needed todo to feel better, but he missed her.

#Murphy mcnully #murphy mcnully x mc #hphm murphy #murphy mcnully imagine #murphy mcnully x jacob's sibling

[unknowncountrygirl]

Sand Through the Hourglass ch 4

Chapter 4: Ice 

He got a letter from Iris, delivered by her tiny little owl, asking if he would meet her. How could he say no, he owed her that much.

At the agreed on time, he waited for her in the Great Hall, eating a light lunch. Iris all but skipped down the lanes of tables and sat down across from him.

“Thanks for meeting me, Ben.” Iris greeted happily.

“Of course Iris. You're one of the people I'm least uncomfortable around.” He laughed through his uneasiness.

“I'm going to cut to the chase. I need your help.” Iris said bluntly.

“I owe you for saving me from Merula. As long as it isn't anything too dangerous.”

“It's not too dangerous... We're going to a forbidden corridor where we'll have to sneak past Mrs. Norris before entering a locked door.” He nearly fainted on the spot at her description. Did she not know who she was talking to? He was the worlds most cowardly student to ever grace Hogwarts.

“You and I have a very different definition of dangerous. Why do you want to get inside the door?”

“It's a long story, Ben.” She sighed. Then a second thought hit him... She came to him, knowing how he was... Iris trustedhim.

“If you really want to convince me to go with you, you're going to have to tell me the whole thing... And calm my nerves.” He told her honestly, hoping she could explain his worry away. “I don't know if I'll ever feel like I belong but at least I have a friend like you. I don't want to let you down, Iris. I always let everyone down.”

“Don't be silly Ben, I'm glad you're my friend. You've never let me down yet.” She smiled at him and his heart fluttered.

“Thanks, Iris. I feel a lot better about being at Hogwarts, I'm afraid of everything, but knowing I have a friend like you makes it easier.” He told her as he put his sandwich down, knowing he wouldn't be able to finish, and even if he did... He would just be heaving it up in the toilet later.

“I've seen you in charms, Ben. You're a powerful wizard, wether you think so or not. Between Mrs. Norris, the locked door, and whatever is on the other side, I'd feel a lot better having you there with me and Rowan. Truly. I need you there for me.”

I need you there for me. He had heard those words before, as his Grandmother held a hanky in her hands, weeping. I need you there for me, she had told him, referring to the funeral of his Grandfather. Few people have ever said they needed him and before he could think anymore about it-

“Ok... I'll go.” He told her, and watched as she lit up.

“Amazing! Thank you Ben!”

“Thank me if I don't flee in terror at the first sight of Mrs. Norris.” He half joked.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

That night, after curfew, Ben slipped out of his dorm and down the stairs to the common room to meet the girls. Few words were exchanged and they slipped out past the fat lady, into the dimly lit castle.

“I'll admit this is more terrifying than I ever imagined. And I spend a lot of time imagining terrifying things.” Ben admitted when they arrived in the corridor. “I'm even more confused by you saying this wouldn't be dangerous, Iris.”

“I said not too dangerous.” She reminded him as they all looked down the corridor, seeing Mrs. Norris grooming herself. “Is everyone ready?” She asked Rowan and Ben, giving them a chance to back out. Ben almost let his feet lead him back around.

“I'm ready to run at the first sign of danger.” He told the two of them.

“I spent all night studying maps of this section of the castle, and going over the plan, Iris. I'm as ready as I'll ever be.” Rowan affirmed, confident.

“I tricked Filch into staying in his office, but we should still hurry. Snape might return any minute.” Iris warned. “Ben, you'll watch for anyone coming, Rowan you'll give the sleeping draught, and I'll unlock the door.”

“I've read a lot of books, but no one ever explained how to make a cat drink a potion.” Rowan told her, concerned the plan may not work.

“Penny and I mixed it with milk. Just pour it near her and she should lick it up.” Iris explained, pulling out the vial of potion that was a milky pink color.

“Tasty.” Rowan joked as she looked at the mixture. “I imagined myself doing all sorts of things at Hogwarts, but I never thought I'd be giving a cat a sleeping draught.” She mentioned as she and Iris made their way to the door while Ben tailed them, looking for any shadows. Rowan popped the lid and poured the mix on the ground while Iris slipped behind Mrs. Norris who sniffed, and began licking the mix. The cat almost immediately passed out while Iris worked on the door. “Brilliant! You have a real gift for this, Iris, of wizarding doesn't work out you could easily become a burglar!”

While it was suppose to be a compliment, the looks that Iris and Ben gave Rowan were one of confusion. The lock clicked audibly, and Iris smiled. Ben watched her hands as she did the charm and then as she went to take the lock off the door, missing a single shadow approach.

“Flipendo!” Ben was knocked on his bum. “Flipendo!” Then Rowan. Iris turned on her heel and was promptly met with a jinx, and she was knocked down to the ground in front of Ben.

“Iris?” Ben reached out and puyt his hand on her shoulder as she sat up a little.

“Only an idiot like you would invite a spineless Mudblood to keep watch, Rosewood.” Merula sneered at her. “I was wondering how to unlock the door, and get past that nasty cat. All I had to do was follow you and wait for you to do it for me.” She stepped over Iris and then looked back before opening the door, “a cursed vault could be inside, and no one is going to reach the cursed vaults before me.” The door slammed shut behind her and Iris got to her feet, helping Rowan and Ben up.

“Have I mentioned how much I hate Merula?” Rowan said, rubbing her hip.

“Are you all right Ben?” Iris asked him. He was rubbing his head where it had bonked against the stone wall when he fell.

“Now I know the exact pain you saved me from when Merula was bullying me.” He answered her.

“What are we going to do Iris?”

“I can't let Merula find the cursed vaults before me. She could ruin my chances of finding my brother.” Iris told her, placing her hand on the door knob.

“And we don't even know what's inside. What if it's an all powerful artifact? Can you imagine a all powerful Merula? I'm right behind you Iris.” Rowan promised her.

“I'm afraid of what might be inside, but I'm even more afraid of being all alone in this corridor.” Ben admitted. Iris nodded and pushed the door open, inside, it was rather dimly lit, so Rowan pulled out her wand and lit up the room with a bluish hue.

“This is too good!” Rowan laughed loudly, and Iris herself snickered at the sight. Ben just found himself frozen.

“The ice st-stuck m-me t-to the f-floor, and k-keeps sp-preading over me!” Merula shivered, explaining what had happened. Ben watched as Iris's face suddenly fell, like she had seen a ghost. He almost asked her what came over her but Merula snapped, “it's spreading over the door too! Get m-me out of this ice b-before I j-jinx the three of you!”

Behind them, there was the sound of cracking, almost like rocks sliding down a great hill. Iris, Rowan, and Ben all turned to see the ice grow wildly around the door and freeze it shut.

“The door is frozen shut!” Iris announced as she tried to pry it open.

“Iris help!” Rowan yelled frantically, and Iris and Ben turned to see the ice taking over Rowan's feet and ankles.

“Hold on, Rowan!” Iris assured her, pulling her wand out and blasted it with a few spells, “the ice is growing faster than I can destroy it! Is it cursed or something?” She asked to anyone who would listen. Ben, who only watched Iris, suddenly became aware of freezing cold around his own feet. “Rowan are you ok?” Iris asked, blasting the last bit of ice off her.

“Don't worry about me, we have to help Ben!” She pointed over Iris's shoulder. The two girls raised their wands and blasted the ice away fairly quickly, as it hadn't grown much on Ben.

“Thank you, I was afraid I would freeze to death.” He thanked then, feeling his heart beating nearly out of his chest.

“No one c-cares about y-you! S-save m-m-me!” Merula howled.

“Why should we?” Iris shouted at her. “This is going to hurt, Merula.” She warned, raising her wand.

“What are you t-talking about!? What are you g-going t-to d-do?!” Merula asked and Iris smiled.

“Flipendo!” Iris cast the spell and while it blasted the ice away, it also blasted Merula on her bum.

“Owwwww!” The Slytherin whined.

“Hurt doesn't it?” Rowan rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Now, we have to get out of the room.” Iris turned, “we have to cast the knockback jinx on the door.” Iris and Rowan cast their jinx's, with some of the ice breaking away but not enough.

“The door is still stuck! What do we do, Iris? The ice is spreading fast!” Rowan shouted, trying unsuccessfully to open the door and let them out.

“It's hopeless.” Ben murmured and then Iris spun around and looked at him wide eyed.

“Ben! We need you! I know you know the knockback jinx and Flitwick even said you have some of the strongest casts he has ever seen!” Iris encouraged him.

“Iris... I-I don't know if I can do it!” Ben told her sadly. He knew Iris believed in him, but if he let her down-

“Worthless Mudblood.” Merula rolled her eyes. Iris turned and glared at her.

“Would you shut up!” She shouted at the Slytherin and then turned and looked back at Ben. “Don't listen to her, Ben. I know you can do this, you just have to try. Please. For your friends... For me.” Iris's eyes were so open, wide in belief that he really could save them. She believed in him, possibly the only person to believe in him this entire school year. He nodded at her.

“I'll try.” He stood in front of the door, “get behind me Iris.” She shuffled from his side to his back and he lifted his wand. “Flipendo!” He cast the spell, and the bright light popped out of his wand like lightening. The ice burst into a million tiny shards, raining down on them.

“You did it!” Iris cheered, wrapping her arms around his shoulders from behind, giving him a tight hug. Ben was simply shocked at himself.

“I... Did it.”

“Yes, now lets get out of here!” Rowan said, opening the door, little bots of ice cracking on the hidges.

“Do you think the ice will spread through the rest of the castle?” Ben asked Iris as they went to leave.

“I don't... Wait, look at this.” Iris pointed up above the door frame.,

“What is it?” Ben asked, looking at the scratchings on the wall. Their conversation stopped Rowan, and she turned back to look at what they were studying.

“It's some sort of code. Someone left a message in the ice...” She studying the letters that a[[eared to be in another language.

“I wish I had something to write it down, I doubt I'll get the chance to come back.” Iris admitted but Rowan waved at her.

“I have it memorized, let's get going.” She encouraged Iris and Ben. Once they were out and shut the wooden door behind them they all took a sigh of relief.

“I should have known better than to follow you idiots. I'll find the real cursed vaults by myself.” Merula scowled, walking away from them.

“You're welcome!” Iris shouted back at her.

“That wasn't a cursed vault, was it?” Rowan asked Iris as the three Gryffindor's started to make their way back to their dorms. “It doesn't seem likely, but the ice itself did appear to be cursed. Maybe it's protecting a vault? Or somehow escaping from one?” She mused as Iris listened, and Ben just walked along holding his head down in awkward silence. “Deciphering the runes could give us a clue. Either way, it seems like your vision was some sort of prophecy. The ice is spreading, almost like it could engulf all of Hogwarts.”

Vision? Ben found himself asking. Iris had a premonition about the cursed ice? He suddenly found himself feeling incredibly small, as if Iris didn't trust him enough to tell him that information.

“We can try and figure that out later, let's just get back to the tower before we get caught by Snape or Filch.” Iris shook her head. “There's not much we can do, the end of the school year is Friday, so I think we should just enjoy the last few days of our first year.” Iris told them.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Ben found himself in a very loud train car suite, with Iris, Penny, and Rowan. They were all giggling and laughing about the looks on the Slytherin table when they came in last in the House Cup finale. He had to admit, it was pretty sweet seeing Merula scowl and pound her fists on the table in frustration when Slytherin was announced forth, and then the look of horror when Gryffindor took 1st.

Iris sat next to him and he couldn't help but smell her perfume or her shampoo, whichever it was very fragrant and floral. It was nice, it reminded him of a perfume his mother wore. He could hardly wait to see his Mum, and his Dad, but most importantly his Nana. He couldn't wait to see her and tell her about the school, his classes, the fun spells he learned, and then... About Iris.

When the train came to a stop at platform 9 3/4 Ben followed the girls off the train to collect their bags. His parents, who already had eyes on him, were shocked to see their little wallflower chatting with three girls.

“Bye Ben! See you in September!” Iris waved enthusiastically after he headed towards his parents. Ben knew he turned red as a beet but waved goodbye to her just the same, and to Penny and Rowan who were smiling happily, waving and standing near Iris.

“Friends?” Marie asked her son. Ben almost quickly said no, but instead nodded.

“Yeah they are.” Marie and Jack exchanged looks, and Marie mouthed three girls to her husband who nodded and smiled happily. Their little wall flower had became friends with not one, but three young witches. They knew their son enough not to press, but hoped that they would hear more about the three young girls who had befriended their sweet son.

The end of year one

#hphm #hphm ben #hphm ben copper #ben copper imagine #ben copper x mc #ben copper #ben copper x jacobs sibling #iris rosewood

[unknowncountrygirl]

Sand Through the Hourglass ch 3

Chapter 3: Opals

Iris had just received her test back from Herbology, and had actually talked with Professor Sprout who encouraged her to join the Hippogriff club or the Herbology club, as she was a talent I have not seen in years. Iris felt joy into her very soul at the compliment and wanted to find Rowan to see if she would join Iris in one of the clubs.

The blonde turned a corner and headed into the courtyard where she saw a fairly large crowd of first years and second years gathered around. She spotted Rowan and headed to her side.

“Rowan, what's happening?” Iris asked as she tried to peek between students.

“Merula is threatening Ben Copper, he keeps trying to walk away but she won't let him.” Rowan told her, and watched as a more stern face fell over Iris who then proceeded to push her way through the throngs of students.

“You're an embarrassment to everyone in our year!” Merula sneered, holding her wand out towards him.

“Just leave me alone!” He was trying his best to walk away. He really was, and that only irritated Iris more.

“Disgusting Mudbloods like you shouldn't even be allowed in Hogwarts! Leave the Magic to the real witches and wizards-” Iris stepped in between them, and actually wrapped her fingers around Merula's wand, causing the Slytherin to look mildly panic stricken that she may break her wand.

“If you want to fight someone, you can fight me.” Iris dared her.

“You never learn do you Rosewood? Why don't you be more like your mad brother and go missing?”

“You're the person everyone wishes would just go away.” Iris spat back quickly.

“Make me, Rosewood.” Merula snatched her wand away from Iris's hand and pointed it straight at the blonde. “Flipendo!” It wasn't strong, because it didn't knock Iris off her feet, it was only just enough to throw her off balance. Iris, expecting something, immediately beat her to it and cast-

“Rictumsempra.”

“HA-HA! The tickling charm! You'll HA-HA have to HA-HA do better than that! Flipen-!”

“Expelliarmus!” Iris was not going to engage in a long duel, especially with other students so close.

“How'd you learn that spell already? No fair! You can't be better than me! No one can be better than me!” Merula both shouted and whined. It was quite unnerving. Ben watched from behind Iris and nearly cried in relief that there was indeed someone who could take Merula down a peg.

“I beat you Merula, fair and square. Now apologize to Ben and promise to stop bullying everyone.”

“I'll never apologize to you losers and Mudbloods! I'm Merula Snyde! Forth generation Slytherin! The greatest witch at Hogwarts! I do what I want when I want! I run this school! I-”

“Ahem.” A deep voice cleared his throat to make his presence known.

“P-Professor Snape!”

“I suspect this is your fault, Rosewood. Are you aware of Hogwart's policy on unauthorized dueling?” He asked, looking directly past Merula to Iris.

“Yes, sir.” Iris addressed him.

“Did you cast the first spell, Miss Rosewood?”

“No sir.” Iris admitted truthfully, for what good that would do.

“She didn't!” One of the students yelled.

“Professor Snape, Miss Rosewood was merely protecting herself if she did not cast the first spell.” Flitwick informed him, coming up to the group. “I saw the beginning of this duel from my room.”

“Report to the corridor, I intend to punish both of you.” Snape scouled.

“Professor Snape,” Flitwick began, looking up at the man. “As I said, Miss Rosewood-”

“Still dueled without permission.”

“Thank you Professor Flitwick.” Iris turned to him and gave him a small smile. “I'll go to detention, if it means doing the right thing.” Flitwick smiled, he was not one for favorites but Miss Rosewood was quickly becoming one of his.

“Very well.” He watched Merula and Iris follow Snape and then turned his attention to Ben. “Mr. Copper, are you alright?”

“Yes sir.”

“Come with me, there's a few things that I think you should know while you continue your education here.” Flitwick told him, and motioned for Ben to follow him. “Miss Rosewood can only do so much to help protect her friends, she will not be around every moment of everyday,” Flitwick said as he closed the door to the Charms classroom behind them. “So, for the next few weeks I will personally teach you some charms that will help you should you find yourself on the wrong end of a wand. Now, raise your wand, I'm going to teach you some protection spells.”

--------------------------------------------

Ben was hiding in one of the back corners of the library, reading up on some more of the protection charms that Flitwick had suggested.

“Hey Ben,” a voice called out and he looked up to see Iris. He let out a sigh of relief and closed his book. This was the first time he had seen her since the duel between her and Merula. “What's wrong? You look worried, I mean, more worried than usual.” She asked as she took a seat next to him.

“I don't think I can do this anymore Iris.” He put his head in his hands.

“What do you mean?”

“I don't belong here at Hogwarts. I thought I would be able to adjust, but the longer that I'm here, the more I find to be afraid of.” He looked up at her and pleaded, “how do you do it? How do you stay so brave?”

“Well, I'm afraid too.” She admitted, shrugging lightly. “I'm afraid people will compare me to my brother and judge me prematurely, but when I find myself doubting I try to focus on learning new spells and potions that make me feel more prepared.”

“Trying new spells and potions is the thing I'm most afraid of.” He told her truthfully.

“I have an idea.” Iris stood up and held out her hand to him. He had no idea what she had in mind, but something in him reached up and took her hand. Iris and Ben walked through the corridors until she reached a simple wooden door down the hall from the Great Hall. “This is called the artifact room. It's more like a storage closet, but it's quiet.” She explained. “If you need a place to hide, you can come here, and if I can't find you, I know where to look.”

Iris pointed her wand at the ceiling and cast a spell, and before his eyes, Ben watched as the ceiling opened into a deep, dark swirling galaxy of stars and planets. It was beautiful. He and Iris found a blanket and a couple bags that were soft enough to lay their heads on, and laid there stargazing in the middle of the day. It was the most relaxed he had felt in a very long time. Iris pulled out a small book, and he and her searched for certain constellations and tried to find planets that were mapped out for a while before they turned to small talk.

“Iris, can I ask you something?”

“Of course you can, Ben!” Iris smiled, rolling over onto her belly, propping herself up on her elbows, she rested her chin on the back of her hands and looked down at him. He was still laying on his back, looking up at the ceiling, but now Iris was in his view and he felt a cold sweat.

“Why... Do you look the way you do?” He asked, hoping not to hurt her feelings or worse, make her angry. “I thought it was magic when we first met, but-”

“I'm half Veela.” She told him simply.

“Veela?”

“Yeah, they're semi-human, with white-gold hair, or in my case, white-silver.” She sat up on her bum and pulled out a book, Fantastic Beasts and Where to find them, and opened it to the page and showed Ben, who sat up and took the book.

Veela are semi-human magical beings; beautiful women with white-gold hair and skin that appears to shine moon-bright. When angry, Veela take on a less pleasant appearance; their faces elongate into sharp, cruel-beaked bird heads, and long scaly wings burst from their shoulders. Native to Bulgaria.

Their looks and especially their dance are hypnotically seductive to almost all people attracted to women, which caused them to perform foolhardy and impulsive actions to get closer to, and to receive admiration from the Veela.

Veela hair is a magical substance, suitable as a core for wand crafting. Renowned wandmaker Gerrick Olivander noted that he personally never used it, as he found the result to be temperamental.

Reading what he did, it made a lot of sense to Ben actually.

“So, your Mum is a Veela?”

“She is.” Iris nodded. “They don't marry humans often, but it happens.” So this is why Iris seemed to other worldly, because she was basically a faye. “That doesn't scare you does it?” He knew what she was getting at, if it scared him enough to keep him away from her. In truth, he couldn't think of much that would keep him from Iris if she wanted him around.

“No,” he shook his head. “It actually doesn't bother me at all, actually.” He told her honestly, for the one simple fact that it was Iris. The smile she gave him made his stomach flip a bit.

“I'm glad to hear that.”

“What's your favorite color?” Ben asked her next, wanting to know her better.

“Yellow, but not like butter yellow, like daffodils and the center of a daisy. You know, the happy yellow.”

“Like your wellies?”

“Yes! Like my wellies.” Iris agreed enthusiastically. “You know, my parents bought me grey ones, but McGonagall helped me learn the color changing spell, and we made them yellow.” Ben smiled, listening to her happily chat about colors and wellies. Things that were so simple but brought her joy, Iris was just such a happy person that Ben couldn't help but be happy around her. “What about you? What's your favorite color?” He could tell by the way she asked, that she genuinely wanted to know what his favorite color was and it was not her asking the question back to be polite. He thought for a split second and answered,

“blue.” He watched her eyes blink a few times, “like the sky... Or an opal.”

“Opal's are really pretty, they're one of my favorite gemstones.”

“Mine too.” Ben told her. Iris smiled and looked down at her book, continuing where they had paused. Yeah, an opal, he thought watching her read the passage.

#hphm ben copper #hphm #hphm ben #ben copper imagine #ben copper #ben copper x mc #iris rosewood #ben copper x jacobs sibling

[unknowncountrygirl]

Country Roads: Chapter 10 The Rowan Tree

Christmas Eve arrived, and it was a formal affair, Iris had been told. It was also lightly snowing, which Iris couldn't have asked for a better Christmas Eve. Before they had left Hogwarts, Iris had visited Andre to make her a special dress in more Muggle fashion, which was something he had never done and happily took the job.

She twisted her curls and tied and tugged until they were in a ornate bun on the back of her head, with a few of her front pieces pulled out to dance around her face. She opened the small box that Andre had sent and saw a pair of earrings and smiled, placing them on. Then she pulled out the dress and put it on, hoping it would meet the expectations.

Ben was ready, and stood at the bottom of the stairs waiting for Iris while his parents and Nana finished up a couple things before they headed to the church. There was the sound of heels clicking against the wood floor and Ben looked up to see Iris descending the stairs in her Christmas dress. It was Gryffindor red, which happened to be a lovely Christmas color, that hugged every inch of her curves without being overtly sexy. It hit right below her knees, long sleeved, with a boat neck that showed off just enough neck and shoulder to make Ben's ears turn red.

“Do you like it? Andre made it for me.” She told him.

“Remind me to thank him when we get back to school.” He told her, holding out a small plastic box towards her. “I got you this. It's a muggle tradition.” In the box was a tiny flower arrangement, with a red rose, holly springs, and evergreens on a stretchy ribbon. “It's a corsage.”

“It's beautiful, how thoughtful.”

“I put an everlasting charm on it, so it won't wilt.”

“Thank you, Ben.” Iris reached up and kissed his cheek.

“I have to go to the church early, want to come with me?” He asked and she nodded happily.

“Of course, that's why I got ready early!” She told him. He announced to the household that they were heading to the church and that he would see them soon. Freshly fallen snow covered the ground and people's houses, and it made the lights twinkle all the more in Iris's eyes. Everything seemed so idyllic and she loved it, the village reminded her of something straight out of a storybook.

When they arrived at the church, some of the attendants at the church were in robes and smocks, recreating a live nativity, complete with some smaller farm animals, the woman playing Mary even had a small baby who was happily sitting on his mothers lap smiling at everyone that past by. Iris suddenly felt a desire to have a tiny baby all her own, and imagined herself with one.

The smell of hot cider drifted from inside and Iris was surprised to see cider and sweets set up for everyone to enjoy before the service. She was handed a cup without having to ask and thanked the man who handed it to her, and then helped herself to a sugar cookie with traditional red and green sprinkles.

Ben let her know he had to go practice and she nodded, watching him go as she enjoyed her cookie.

“Iris! Good to see you!” A booming voice greeted. When she turned, she saw Amos again and smiled bright at the older man.

“Good to see you too Mr. Amos.”

“I have a question for you, and feel free to say no, but could you help me put the little cardborard disks on the candles for the service?”

“Uh, sure. I'm here, I might as well be helpful.”

“Fantastic, I have to get the communion ready and then help with the lights and sounds for the choir and preacher Davis, so that is one less thing on my plate. Thank you so much.”

“No problem.” He ushered her to one of the pew's near the front and showed her a box of little disks and a box of white candles. She simply had to slip the disk onto the candle and when people came into church they could grab one for the service.

She had a front pew view of the choir practice and Ben on the piano. It was a task that didn't take much effort but it was time consuming. There was happy chatter and banter between everyone in the choir and Ben between the songs. The main woman was very picky about how the songs were done, but she was also effortlessly kind about how she went about her critiquing.

She was done with the candles and looked around for Amos, wanting to offer her service to do something else. The next task she was given was lighting the candle in the lanterns that lined the cobblestone path up to the church. Iris had to go and ask Ben how she was suppose to do that with a box of small sticks.

He explained that they were matches, showed her how to use them, striking them against the box and causing a spark that lit them on fire. There were many things that Iris loved about the Muggle world, and that she felt was far greater then that in the wizarding world... Matches was not one of those things. She swore under her breath as she attempted to light the small candles. Finally she checked her surroundings and pulled her wand from her sleeve and quickly lit the path before anyone could see.

By the time she was able to find Amos again, people were beginning to trickle into the church, the choir finished practice and Ben played a gentle melody on the piano. She decided to sit down with him on the piano bench and just keep him company as he played, his fingers moving along the keys as though he had done it forever instead of just the last few years.

When his parents and Nana arrived, Iris was ushered into the pew with them and waited for the service to start. The choir sang, the musicians played, and Iris watched Ben. Nana also watched him closely, proud as a peacock. Iris heard people whispering how good it was to see Edward's grandson playing, and how good Ben was, a natural, just like his grandpa, one said.

Warmth blossomed in her chest. She had never felt such love for a single place in her life, and for people she honestly barely knew.

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Ben was up early Christmas morning, with his dad making breakfast with everyone when there was a knock on the door. Mrs. Drumman stood at the door with a beautifully decorated cake, with red poinsettia's and green leaves.

“Good morning, Ben, I wanted to come over before the day got busy, but I made this for Iris.” She handed the cake over to Ben, “she just could not stop complimenting me on my red velvet cake, so I wanted to make her one for Christmas.”

“Thank you! She'll love it, and probably not share.” Ben joked. Iris chose then to come down the stairs and see Mrs. Drumman,

“good morning! How are you Mrs. Drumman!” Iris greeted happily.

“Good morning dear, I brought you over your own red velvet cake for Christmas.”

“REALLY!” Iris squealed as Ben showed her. “It's so pretty! I don't know if I could eat it! No... I'll take that back, I can still eat it. Thank you so much, you honestly didn't have to go to all this trouble.”

“Well, it was for a reason, I actually had a question for you.”

“Oh? What's that?”

“I saw Mrs. Sindegaurd at Christmas Eve, she mentioned you gave her something for her arthritis?”

“Yes, it's my school project.” Iris nodded.

“I was wondering, it did so much for her in a short time, if you could make some for me? I will pay for it of course, but my mother has arthritis in her hands and enjoys cross stitching and I would love for her to be able to keep doing it.”

“Sure!” Iris shouted perhaps a little to excitedly. “I can make it either today or tomorrow and bring it over!”

“Oh bless your heart, I don't want to interfere with your Christmas though.”

“Oh you won't it doesn't take a very long time, it's mostly simmering.” Iris informed her. She and Mrs. Drumman spoke for a few more minutes before she wished her a happy Christmas and headed home.

“Well, looks like I was wrong.”

“About what?” Iris asked Ben.

“I wasn't sure how receptive people would be about “holistic”,” he gave her a wink, “medicine. But it seems like people are actually interested.”

“Because it works. I don't care how we have to label it, if I can help I'll be happy.” She told him, placing the cake in the middle of the kitchen table.

“Good morning everyone!” Mrs. Copper greeted as she arrived in the kitchen, “it smells wonderful dear!”

“Of course, it has to be one of the best breakfasts of the year.” Mr. Copper smiled, giving his wife a kiss.

“Are we going to be that mushy when we're older?” Iris whispered to Ben.

“More then likely.” He nodded, grabbing some plates to make the table. Iris decided to go outside and find some fresh greenery and winter flowers to make up a bouquet for the table. Her search lead her to the front of the old goat farm again. She held the greenery in front of her and looked at the old white farmhouse.

She could almost see it in her head, the fields of flowers and color that would grow in spring. The farm animals that she could have roaming the grounds, and the family that she could have here with Ben. Perhaps it was too soon to be thinking about such things, but she couldn't help how her mind wondered.

It was an abandoned piece of property, and Iris decided to try her luck opening the gate. It opened with a long screech of old metal, and she stepped into the property line.

She walked around and looked at the stone fireplace on the outside of the house, it was in need of attention, but not all in all in bad condition. Iris then made her way towards the back of the house, and froze in her tracks.

While bare of leaves, flowers and brightly colored berries, she knew exactly what kind of tree she was looking at. It was by far the largest, and more then likely oldest, Rowan tree she had ever seen.

She knew the folklore behind them, and knew that people planted them beside their homes in old celtic songs and fairytales. This home she would assume would go back to being built by someone of celtic descent.

Iris walked up and placed her hand on the tree trunk, and felt tears come to her eyes. It was the most clear sign to her that this was where she needed to be, and set up roots. Rowan had been ready to protect Iris with her life, and had actually laid down her life for Ben.

“Iris! You back here?” She heard Ben call from around the front of the house.

“Yes! I'm back here!” She called out to him. Soon enough, he appeared from the side of the house and walked over towards her.

“Breakfast is ready, we were just waiting for you.” He looked at the bare tree that Iris had her hand on. “Do you know what kind of tree this is?”

“It's a Rowan tree.” She informed him. Ben was silent for a moment, the only noise was the wind across the snow and rustling the branches.

“You're really thinking about this.” Ben stated, looking up at the tree..

“Yes.” Iris nodded.

“We would be next door to my parents.”

“We?” Iris asked, looking up at Ben with a smile.

“I'd marry you today if we weren't underage.” He admitted. “I love you.” Iris reached out her hand, and grabbed his.

“I love you too.” She told him, leaning into him, both for affection and warmth.

“Let's get back, you're starting to shiver, you didn't dress for trekking through the snow.” He urged. “We can talk more about this tonight, ok?”

“Ok.” She nodded, taking one last look at the tree before her and Ben headed back to the Copper house.

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Pancakes, bacon, sausage, potatos, eggs, juice, coffee, and the red velvet cake. Their bellies and hearts were equally full as they sat down to open presents by the tree. Iris and Ben sat hip to hip on the couch as presents were handed out and Iris was flattered to see a knitted stocking hanging from the fireplace with an I on it, full of candies and small gifts.

“This is for you, Iris, from me.” Nana told the blonde as she handed her the large box.

“Oh, wow! Thank you, I really wasn't expecting anything.” Iris told her while all eyes had turned to her. She gently unwrapped the bow and tore at the paper to reveal a dark green box that looked rather old but well taken care of. She made sure that all the wrapping paper was removed and placed the box on the table to remove the top of the box... Which revealed white tissue paper. “Wow! Paper!” She joked, causing everyone to chuckle.

Ben turned his eyes between Iris and Nana, knowing just how much this gift meant to her and how much it meant that she was passing it onto Iris.

Iris folded the paper back and laid her eyes on the gift inside.

“Nana... It's beautiful!” Iris stood and pulled the long, pure white, fur coat from the box. She quickly slid it on and adjusted it on her frame. “I feel so sophisticated.” She admitted.

“It's perfect for you.” Nana told her. “My father was a trapper and made this coat for my mother as a wedding present. Edward and I were married in the winter, and then my mother passed it on to me. I always thought I would pass it on to my daughter, but we had a son, and then I thought I would give it to my Granddaughter, but we were blessed with Ben.” She stood up and ran her weathered hands down the white fur on Iris's arms. “And Ben blessed me with you, I feel it's fitting that you wear it now.”

Iris looked at Nana, her face a mix of confusion and shock.

“It's a family heirloom... I don't know if-”

“You are family, Iris.” Nana assured her. It was words that Iris actually took to heart. Family, she was seen as family. For so many years she felt like a stranger in her own home, and the one member of her family she could rely on was Jacob. After he disappeared things got worse, and even after she free'd him from the vault things were... Different. They still loved each other but the dynamic had changed, she was no longer a young child anymore and he had essentially stopped aging in the portrait, making them roughly the same age.

She had searched so hard, put everything and everyone on the back burner for her brother only for him to disappear again within hours of being free from the vault. Iris had never felt more alone in that moment in her entire life... Until she lost Rowan. Iris had hit her lowest then, and sank so far down into a pit of depression and turmoil that she feared even if someone noticed she was sinking, no one would be able to save her.

Ben had aided in her drowning in his own ways, from harsh words or actions, but he had been the first to hold out his hand and offer to help her back onto her feet. Then behind him was Nana, his parents, and finally the entire Village. Iris felt like she finally was genuinely happy, and wasn't having to search for happiness. Just existing was wonderful and fulfilling enough, she could finally see a light, a future, and it was like she could breathe again.

“Thank you Nana.” Iris smiled, stepping over to hug the older woman tightly.

This is what love was.

This was what life was suppose to be.

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Their friends were all super supportive of Iris buying the farm and starting a business, Penny was especially excited because she could get any and all ingredients fresh from Iris's farm. Barnaby and Liz also saw it as an absolute win for the same reason, fresh ingredients or food for the magical creatures was an amazing thing to have on hand. Tonks was the most upset, in a disappointed way, because she was really wanting her and Iris to be one of the best Auror duos in the Ministry.

Professor Sprout was the most ecstatic about the entire idea, loving the idea of mixing herbology with Muggle botany. She had long thought that not exploring the other naturals of the world was something that was foolish and had been insistent that Iris write her to tell her of her studies and successes. McGonagal was disappointed because she felt that Iris's other stronger talents were being forgotten, but told her to take a deep breathe and enjoy herself.

Everything was going smoothly. Until Iris turned down the Ministry jobs. Mr. Diggory was as kind and cordial as always, expressing his sadness that she wouldn't be joining the Creatures Department, but wished her well and expressed there was always an open door.

Fudge and Mad Eye had other more explosive words for her. Fudge had expressed that this would be the worst decision of her life and that when she crawled back begging for a job her status would be no good and there would be no welcoming comity for her. Mad Eye had all but guilted her into joining the Auror's, saying that anymore innocent blood would be on her hands because she could actually be of service and help to the world if she hunted Dark Wizards and Witches. Iris had almost changed her mind, expressing the guilt she felt for not becoming an Auror and almost wrote that she would accept the job, but Ben had reminded her that she had hated working in the Auror department. That she would have to live in that world everyday from here on out and there would be much harder and heartbreaking work ahead of her, also reminding her that the stress and heartbreak was what she wanted to get away from.

The howlers she received were burned upon delivery.

Ben and Iris were engaged before the end of the Graduation feast and planned a winter wedding for that years winter. Iris wanted nothing more than a white Christmas wedding, so she could have an excuse to wear Nana's coat. Ben would have been happy with a quick run to the Ministry, but he wanted to make Iris happy no matter what. In his eyes she deserved the world and he would do his part to give that to her.

Their life was just beginning, and all looked bright.

#Hphm #hphm ben copper #hphm ben #ben copper imagine #ben copper #ben copper x mc #ben copper x jacobs sibling #iris rosewood

[unknowncountrygirl]

Country Roads: Chapter 9 The Letter

The house was still except for Ben and Iris who were still awake. The fire was crackling, dying down just a bit, the telly was on with some Christmas movie, and the tree was still lit. This was all unnoticed, as Ben and Iris were in the middle of a snog.

One of Iris's hands caressed Ben's jaw and his neck, almost sitting in his lap. Ben held her close, one hand wrapped around her waist and one around her shoulder's. He was sitting in a way that hid a very certain part of his anatomy that he would rather keep hidden, but Iris's attention to his jaw and neck was making it increasingly difficult. She ran her lips over a spot where his jaw met his ear and a chill went down his spine, and he heard her let out a quiet snicker before she nipped at the spot again.

“That's cruel.” He murmured to her.

“Oh? Why don't you sneak upstairs with me then?” Iris pulled away enough to ask. Ben froze and looked at her. Her lips look fuller then normal, and her eyes looked at him in a way that felt like she was stealing his soul.

“Are you inviting me to sleep with you... Or, um, sleep with you?” He questioned, head pounding. Iris gave a little smile, running her fingers over his face and jaw, truly just admiring his face for a moment. From his golden blonde hair, to his big, round brown eyes that reminded of the sweet little doe's that ran along the edge of the forest in spring.

“While the thought of making love on Christmas Eve, after such a magical holiday seems very inviting and lovely... I think we need to wait to find a place that if we're caught it won't emotionally scar your family.”

“Yeah, they really like you, I don't want Nana to beat me if she thinks I'm the one mauling you.” Ben joked, causing Iris to smile. He felt his lips curl at her laughter, her hands still on his face.

“It's good to see you smile.” Iris told him, “for years now, you've always been so sad and angry, and it's hurt me to see you like that.” Ben felt his head pounding again, but for a different reason. “I worried for you, that maybe I did something that damaged you so bad that you would never be happy again.” She admitted to him.

“Iris, the only reason I even had any happiness was because I had you.” His hands hand migrated to rest on her back, near her shoulder blades, and he could feel her heart beating extremely fast under his fingertips.

“Ben, I'm the reason you lost yourself for a while.” She said, with glassy eyes. “If I hadn't been involved with the cursed vaults...” She genuinely blamed herself for what emotional and mental turmoil he had been through, and nothing he said at this moment would change her mind. It dawned on him that there was something that he needed to show her.

“Wait here, a second. I need to go find something.” He told her, begrudgingly pulling his hands from her, and letting her hands fall from his face. He trudged up the stairs and went into his room, pulled out a notebook from school, opened it and pulled out a neatly folded letter with Iris's name on it.

There was a couple oddly colored stains on it, he tried to tell himself it was dirt but he knew it was owl poop. The letter had been hidden in the owlery for a long time before he retrieved it so no one would find it, including Iris.

When he returned he found Iris making a cup of tea for her and him in the kitchen.

“Do you remember right before we went into the buried vault I said I was late because I was writing a letter to an important witch?” He asked as she placed the teabags into the two teacups she had grabbed.

“Yes, I do. You were late, and I was kind of relieved that you may not go with us.” She told him honestly.

“Well, the important witch was you.” He held out the latter, stained and wrinkled from years of being unopened and unread. “I think you should read it.” Iris took the letter from him and took a seat in one of the kitchen chairs so she could open the envelope and pull out the parchment. There was a charm on it and it dawned on her that-

“This has the death notice charm on it.” She stated, looking up at him.

“It was suppose to reveal itself to you upon my death.” There should have been not one, but two occasions that Iris would have read the letter in his mind. When he died in the buried vault, like he originally thought, or when he confronted Rakepick in the Forest Grove... Only it had been Rowan, not him. His heart still tightened with guilt and pain at the memory.

Iris was gasping for breath from the curse hurled at her from Rakepick, and he had instinctively jumped in front of her. He knew in his mind that one day he would die because of R, and if he died saving Iris then so be it. The green glow, the feeling of cold enveloping him... He had made peace with death. He knew the letter would reveal itself to her, and honestly he had a wonderful last memory with her. He closed his eyes, and pictured it, he and Iris in Jacob's old room. He had told her a small part of how he felt and she had given him a hug that was practically ecstacy to him.

At least with the killing curse, it would be over in an instant. Instead, it was Rowan who laid on the ground, her eyes looking up unblinking. The strangled cry that Iris gave out when she watched Rowan fall was a sound that would haunt him until the end, and watching her bent over, holding onto Rowan's robes, wailing in a way that made it seem like she wished she would have died right along side of Rowan.

A little sob pulled him to the present and he looked at Iris, who had tears running down her face, one hand placed over her lips, sobbing quietly as she read the letter he had given her.

“Oh Ben...” Iris managed to say. “This is beautiful.” Ben stepped behind her and hugged her around her shoulders, resting his chin on her shoulder as she finished the letter, folded it and hugged it to herself.

“I love you.” He told her and she nodded, tilting her head to rest against his. If Iris wasn't ready to say it back, he knew that he could live with it because-

“I love you too.” Iris said. This is what she needed, the getaway from Hogwarts, the village the people, Nana, the Copper's, Ben, and this letter. It had made her realize she was more then her magical abilities, and that people could care for her just for herself. “This was the best gift, anyone has ever given me.” She told him, pressing a kiss to his temple.

“I was thinking the same.” He muttered, squeezing her a little tighter.

#hphm #hphm ben #hphm ben copper #ben copper x mc #ben copper #ben copper imagine #ben copper x jacobs sibling #iris rosewood

[unknowncountrygirl]

Country Roads: Chapter 8 Gumdrop Nugget Candy

“What is arthritis?” Iris asked suddenly on the way home from Choir practice.

“Oh, it's like when your bones get achy from age, and sometimes it makes it either hard or impossible to move.”

“Impossible?” Iris questioned, “why don't they just use a simple serum of nettles?”

“Well, Muggles tend not to use the stuff that you find in Wizard apothecary cabinets.” Ben told her truthfully. “Skelegrow, Memory potion, even something as simple and serum of nettles isn't something you can get, let alone find, in a Muggle village.” The two walked, and Iris was deep in thought.

“What if it could?” Iris asked him. He shrugged.

“I honestly don't know how much they would use it.”

Iris looked down at the path they were walking and thought. She was relatively quiet for the remainder of the walk home. If she could get this village to trust her, then she could help them with the most basic of potions. She loved the fact that Ben was playing the piano, and following in his grandpas footsteps, but the woman he took over for... Not being able to walk or move without pain, all the time... That hurt her heart. She knew that mixing the Muggle world and the Magical world was a very fine line, but she had always been one to walk the lines between rules and rule breaking.

That night, when the Copper house was quiet, Iris opened a window and pointed her wand into the air.

“Expecto Patronum.” She cast, and a blue and silver Harpy Eagle sprang forward in all it's glory and flew across the sky in a way that simply looked like a shooting star across the dark backdrop.

The next morning, sitting on her window sill was her tiny owl Heuchera, with a neat bunch of Nettles, fresh from Snape's storage, with a note wishing her endever well from Dumbledore.

There were no cauldron's in the Copper house, but there was a stove and a pot, so that would work. She carefully created the syrup, ran it through a strainer, boiled it more and more, ran it through a strainer again, added the other common ingredients, and boiled again.

Nana was the first to wake up and find Iris in the kitchen with a cup of tea and already working on something. They exchanged greetings and Iris actually asked Nana what she knew about arthritis. Nana told her about the same as Ben did, but added that she had it flare up on exceptionally cold or rainy days. Iris knew that the amount she made would be more then enough for the two women to try. So when it was finished, it was not a complicated potion, she poured it into two glass milk bottles and let them cool on the window sill.

She yawned and sat in her chair, she had been up before dawn and was sleepy, but she felt this was a tiny sacrifice for what all this place had done for her. Ben was the next to get up, and smiled when he saw Nana and Iris in the kitchen talking and enjoying one another's company. The morning passed, they wrapped presents, Iris and Ben took a walk, snogged a bit, and then watched another Christmas movie on the telly before they were ready to head down to the Hall and judge the baking competition.

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Iris, Nana, and gentleman who was introduced to her as Daniel, walked around the brightly decorated hall with Mr. Amos flittering about and socializing. The baking competition was a wonderful event, it was $5 at the door for anyone to enter, and they were able to get all sorts of sweets that had been donated to the event which was in honor of keeping the local food bank stocked.

It shocked Iris when she heard that there were people out there that were hungry, children who didn't know where their next meal would come from. Even the lowest income families in the wizarding world always had food on the table, mostly because they could transfigure just about anything into something. What she thought was amazing, was how people came together to take care of each other, that was something foreign to her. The wizarding families rarely intermingled with those of lower class or income, the fact that she had been friends with the Weasley's infuriated her parents. Hell, her being friends with a Muggleborn infuriated them as well, when word got back to them that she was in a relationship with a Muggleborn she could expect a howler.

Orange rosemary cookies, chocolate covered coconut macarons, hot cocoa peppermint cookies, raspberry thump print cookies, Iris couldn't help herself but eat whole cookies without pacing herself. She nearly cried at how delicious the cookies were, and she had a hard time deciding which was her favorite. Ultimately the coconut macaroons won out, mostly because she had never had anything like them before.

Then there was the cake round, carrot cake, eggnog cake, candy cane cake, spice cake which to her tasted a lot like pumpkin, and then the one newest to Iris, red velvet with cream cheese icing. Her eyes nearly rolled back in her head, and it won in her mind heads down.

The last round was the candy round, and it was by far the most insane of the other two rounds. There was taffy, chocolates, toffee, something called buckeyes, turtles, chocolate covered cherries, meringues, fudge, truffles, Iris was walking in candy land. Then there was the gumdrop nugget candy, that neither other judge seemed to like, but Iris had exclaimed how much she had liked them. The older woman who had made them nearly lit up at Iris's excitement.

Nanna pulled Iris away and finally explained that no one really likes the candy, people just eat it so they don't hurt Mrs. McDugles feelings.

“But I really liked it.” Iris explained, and while Nanna seemed a bit skeptical, she let the topic go.

The three judges compared notes, Iris ate another piece of cake, and they came to the conclusions of who had won what.

“Are you alright? You look a little woozy.” Ben asked when he saw Iris after the judging.

“Yeahyeayeah, finewhydoyouask? Ohhhh isthatmilk?” She asked quickly, taking his glass of milk from him and nearly chugged it. He snickered to himself, knowing exactly what was happening. Nanna and Daniel had paced themselves, allowing only one taste of each item... While Iris had indulged and at the entire cookie, the entire slice of cake, and at last two pieces of candy of each things she judged, to “be certain” which was her favorite.

“Let me go get you another glass yeah? And a cup of tea.”

“Sounds great, thankyousomuch.” Iris nodded, as she sat down at a table, feeling suddenly woozy.

“Iris?” A voice called out, and when she turned and looked, she saw the woman who had made the candy no one really liked but pretended to.

“Yes, that's me.” She forced her voice to come out more even.

“It's so good to see some young people out here, you just seemed to breathe new life into this place today.”

“Oh! Oh, thank you!” Iris was rather shocked to just be praised, no strings attached, no issue solved, no catastrophe averted... “Thank you so much.”

“I haven't met someone who enjoys my candy as much as you, so I would like you to have it.” She held out the plate, a faded picture of a deer with a candy cane in its mouth peeked through the candies left on the plate. Iris didn't know why, but the gesture had brought tears to her eyes.

The conversation that she had with Ben a few nights before came to the forefront of her mind and it dawned on her, that she had so few experiences the last few years of just genuine kindness that it had made her numb.

“You honestly don't know how much this means to me.” Iris admitted as she took the plate of white candy, polka dotted with green and red. Mrs. McDugle wasn't sure why the candy had brought the young lady to tears, but when Iris reached out and hugged her, she was compelled to hug the young woman back just as fervently. Ben walked up to scene with the milk and tea, and stopped, watching the two for a second. While genuinely confused as to what had happened that quickly, he decided to just let the two hug it out.

A voice came over the PA system, announcing that they needed the judges near the stage so that they could announce the winners and award the ribbons. Iris pulled away from Mrs. McDugle and thanked her again for the candy, then asked for Ben to hold it for her while she went to announce the winners.

First, second, and third place winners were announced. The coconut macaroons won for cookies, Iris's favorite red velvet won cake, and the german chocolate truffles won candy. Iris handed the blue ribbon to the cake division winner, and then was asked to take a photo. She was informed that the woman had won the cake division for the last twenty years.

The way her cake tasted, she believed it, and wholeheartedly believed that she had made the best cake Iris had ever tasted. Photos were taken by family, friends, and the local paper. Iris thought it was all so charming that people wanted to read about their fellow neighbors in a good light rather than the garbage that the Prophet posted. She fell more and more in love with this village as time went on.

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Iris grabbed the bottle from the window sill, and had Ben take her to Mrs. Sindagaurd's house later that evening. Iris walked up to the house with Ben at her side, hoping that they would hear her out. If she had Ben with her, she hoped that would give her some credit.

An older man with large glasses opened the door and smiled.

“Little Ben Copper, how you doing son?” He greeted, “come on in, come on in.” The two teenagers stepped inside the little Tudor house and saw Mrs. Sindagaurd in a chair.

“Ben!” She greeted. “How are you?”

“I'm fine Mrs. Sindagaurd, I heard you're not so good though.” He told her. She nodded.

“Getting old sucks.” She said so bluntly that it caused everyone to chuckle. “Who's this lovely girl with you?”

“Mrs. Sindagaurd, I'd like you to meet Iris, she's my girlfriend.” He finally said the word out loud and it made his stomach do a flop.

“I actually brought you something,” Iris held out the bottle.

“Is it Moonshine?” Mrs. Sindagaurd asked with a smile. Iris laughed and shook her head,

“no, I'm sorry.”

“Damn, could really go for some Moonshine right about now.”

“It's actually a-” Iris thought of a word or a way she could call this. “homeopathic syrup. It has some nettles, and lavender in it that should help your arthritis.”

“Oh?” She took the glass bottle offered to her. “Are you studying medicine at school?”

“I'm actually studying botany,” Iris smiled. “It's my best subject and I am hoping to make stuff that can help people rather than just pretty flowers. If you want to try it, it would be great, that way I know if it works at all.” She left out the fact that she knew it worked, and that it had been a potion recipe for a couple hundred years. “You may have to take it for thirty days before you feel anything different, but by then we will be back at school.”

“Well I could always write, the Copper's know how to get ahold of you two while you're away.”

“They do, yes.”

“Well young lady, I'll be you're test subject, can't hurt can it?” Iris breathed a sigh of relief. She had one foot in the door, and that was something. “Thank you, young lady. It isn't often that people care for strangers this way.”

“Funny, I'm been thinking the same thing about all of you since I arrived.” Iris told the woman. Soon, the conversation turned to an invite for tea, which Ben would have politely declined but Iris was ever the extrovert and happily agreed. She showed how much of the syrup to use at a time, and that she could mix it into her tea for a subtle flavor rather then sipping it straight, which was quite bitter. Mr. Sindagaurd offered a plate of scones, and Ben could see the internal struggle on Iris's face, trying to decide if she had room in her belly for anymore baked goods.

Ben offered to split one with her and she agreed happily. Before it was too dark, they excused themselves to head towards the Copper house, and wished them well until they saw them Christmas Eve. They walked through town, looking at the lights again, before Ben took her down a country road that looped outside of town and up to the backside of the Copper's property.

They stepped over crunching snow and pebble, shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand. It was more idyllic then Ben could have imagined.

“This house is really close to yours, but I've never seen anyone here.” Iris mentioned as they passed an old Farmhouse to the south of where the Copper's lived.

“It's been empty for years. It was an old goat farm.” Ben told her when she stopped and looked at the house.

“It's pretty.” She remarked. The house itself was fairly simple with it's white facade and thatched roof. It was the amount of land and the old barn in the back that attracted Iris to it. Her mind began to spin of everything she would be able to plant and grow, all of the simple remedy's she could make that could help people in this village.

It was also close to the Copper's from this area on the hill they could see the chimney and smoke coming from the fireplace. To her, she could not have asked for a situation more perfect.

She would need to see how she could convert galleons and sickles to Muggle money when she returned to school, because she was beginning to make plans for what she was going to do after graduation. And her heart soared.

#hphm ben #hphm ben copper #ben copper x jacobs sibling #ben copper imagine #ben copper x mc #ben copper #iris rosewood

[unknowncountrygirl]

Country Roads: Chapter 7 Church Pew

*If Badeea can be Muslim, then Ben can be Protestant. Fight me.* When they arrived home, Mrs. Copper asked for Iris's help in the backyard.

“Ben tells me you are exceptionally gifted with plants, could you look at my tulips and tell me what I can do to get them to actually bloom bigger then a thumb?”

“Oh! Sure! I love bulbs, show me the way!” Iris told her, following her out of the house through the backdoor. Ben watched his Mom and Iris through the door before he turned to make himself a cup of tea.

“Ben, dear, could you do me a favor?” Nana asked him as she poured a little cream into her tea.

“Sure, what do you need?” He asked.

“While Iris is out with your Mom, could you go into the attic and pull down my large green box?” She question, and he nearly choked on his tea as he took a seat next to his grandmother at the table.

“You mean the-”

“Yes. I plan to give it to Iris for Christmas, and I need to wrap it for her properly.”

“But Grandma...” Ben started, sounding just the slightest bit concerned. “That's, well... That's a family heirloom and... I mean, I love Iris but I don't know-”

“Yes you do.” She told him gently, placing her hand on his face. “Before you ever brought her here to meet us, I knew. She's your Edward.” Ben smiled and grabbed his Grandmother's hand. She was right of course, if Iris would agree, he knew he would marry her tomorrow. “Please, Ben. Get the box.”

His biggest weakness in the world was his Grandmother. Iris was a close second, right there with his Mom, but he had never been able to tell his grandma no or do anything against her wishes. He placed his teacup down, and stood up to go to the attic. Ben worked quickly so that he could find it and hide it in Nana's room before Iris came back inside with his mother. He took a peak out the attic window and saw the two were elbow deep in the cold dirt with the bulbs and knew that Iris was in her happy place and was going to be a while.

He looked through the attic and found the emerald green box that Nana was speaking of and opened it to check and make sure it was still in tact after being in the attic for years. He ran his hand over the still pure white fur of the coat. While he knew that the practice of getting furs was controversial, this coat was close to being 80 years old, belonging to his Great Grandmother, made from furs that his Great Grandfather. He had been a German trapper and had actually trapped, skinned, and made the coat himself as a wedding present for his wife. She had then given it to their daughter when she got married, that was Thelma. His Nana. He knew that Nana always wished to give it to her daughter, but she and grandpa had only one child, his Dad.

The coat had been offered to his Mother but she had insisted that Nana hold it for her granddaughter, but instead they had only had Ben. The gesture of Nana giving the coat to Iris held such a deep meaning in their family, that he hoped Iris would see past the bloody end of the foxes. He remembered when he was little he would just run his hands over the coat every time Nana wore it because it was the softest thing he had ever touched. He also remembered how lovely she looked when she would walk hand in hand with his grandpa in the white coat with the white snow.

He could just imagine Iris in it, the white coat, with her almost white blonde hair... It was a lovely vision in his head. He closed up the box and took it down to Nana's room, placing it on her bed for her to wrap later on.

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That night they all had an early dinner so that Ben and Iris could get to the church for practice on time. They left about twenty minutes before six, and decided to take a little stroll before heading towards the church on the other side of the village. It was just getting dark when the street lights came on, and Ben stopped walking.

“You remember how much you loved the Christmas tree right?” He asked her.

“Yeah?”

“Just wait.” Ben smiled as he held Iris's hand tighter. Slowly, one by one, the shops flicked on their Christmas lights, colored, blue, white, all different strands of colors. The garland that was hung over the street turned on with their white lights gleaming off the green and red ornaments adorning them. Trees flickered on with their twinkling white lights that the people had wrapped them in. Icicle lights hung from some of the stores, and Iris's eyes nearly doubled in size.

Then at the end of the street, the large Christmas tree that was in the middle of the village lit up, in all the same multi colors as the Coppers tree back at home.

“Oh my.” Was all she could mutter as she looked down the street, completely adorned with lights. It was the one thing he adored about his little muggle village, was how they went absolutely as big as they could for Christmas. “I love it.”

“I thought you would.” He wrapped one of his arms around her shoulders, and she in turn wrapped him in a hug, with her head turned to the side so she could still take in all the marvelous lights.

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The church, they had passed, but Iris really took the time to look at the old church that Ben had attended since he was a child. There was a simple wooden fence of posts going around the property, and two bare gigantic trees that flanked the front of the stone church. The stones were well taken care of and clean, even leading up to the tall steeple with a large iron cross adorning it. There was a half circle stained glass window up above the two wooden doors with black iron work. It was more then likely here before the rest of the village was.

Ben opened the door and let Iris inside first, where she removed her hat and gloves, tucking them inside her coat pocket. It seemed that where ever she went, the Muggle's own version of Magic amazed her. Her entire life, she had been taught that Muggle's were lesser humans. They were slower, dumber, people that had so much less then those in the magical world. She looked up at the ornate wooden ceiling with it's crown moulding and ornaments... To the stained glass window that took up the entire wall behind the pulpit depicting the seven days of creation... Standing here, in the old Cathedral, she found herself feeling like she was the lesser human being.

There was warmth in her heart that she had never felt, being with the Copper's, being in this village, being in this building surrounded by strangers. This was life, how it was suppose to feel. This is what she had spent so many years searching for-

“Iris?” Ben called her name, pulling her from her thoughts. “You alright?”

“Never better.” She told him honestly, as a few people trickled in behind him, all of whom seemed to know him. He was greeted with handshakes and hugs, she was then introduced and she was awarded the same affection from strangers as Ben had. Mr. Amos walked in with a tall slender woman, who he introduced as his wife, and Iris was immediately pulled into conversation about how she and Ben had met. The two women sat down in a pew as the choir began their practice with instruments and voices.

Ben sat at the grand piano to the left of the pulpit and choir, his fingers moving across the keys with ease. The songs, the words, the feeling, and the sights all captivated her in a way unlike most Wizards view Muggles. This was not some interesting thing to study or a quirk she enjoyed.

Yes, Iris thought to herself, this is what home feels like.

#hphm #hphm ben #hphm ben copper #ben copper imagine #ben copper x mc #ben copper #ben copper x jacobs sibling

[unknowncountrygirl]

Country Roads: Chapter 6 The Pianist

When Iris came downstairs that morning, all dressed and ready to go with Nana, she found she was actually the last to arrive. She had her hair pulled back into two french braids and smiled warmly when she saw everyone.

“Good morning!” She greeted, feeling a bounce in her step. Ben crossed the kitchen almost immediately as his parents and Nana greeted Iris, but he greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. Had he actually had any thought he would have stopped himself, not wanting to possibly put Iris on the spot... But his brain only supplied you can kiss her now, which is what he did.

“Good morning.” He smiled down at her in a star struck way, both smiling at one another. The kitchen fell silent. Ben and Iris looked at them, wide eyed and obviously wanting answers but not quite sure if they should. Ben let out a long breath and smiled as he chuckled, placing and arm around Iris's shoulders. “We had a chat-”

“Oh my goodness!” Nana shouted like she was a schoolgirl again.

“And we-”

“Yes!”

“Are together-”

“AHHHHH!” Both Nana and Mrs. Copper exclaimed, both running over to hug the two. Ben felt slight embarrassment due to the outpouring of affection but seeing Iris wrapped in tight hugs with his family melted the feeling away. They began a rattling off questions and Ben and Iris did the best to answer the questions while Mr. Copper sipped on his coffee with a smile and read his paper.

“Ben, why don't you walk Iris and I down into town and so we can sign her up to be a judge?” Nana asked as she went to the front door to slip her coat on.

“I can do that.” He agreed, watching Iris pluck her coat and scarf from the rack and slip it on. He could hardly believe that she was his girlfriend, out of everyone she could have chosen at Hogwarts she had chosen him. He opened the door for the two and waved his parents off for the day before following Nana and Iris down the cobblestone walkway.

“Oh, Ben, Iris, remind me that we need to stop at the shop and grab a couple things for Christmas dinner that your mom was missing.”

“Oh? What is she making?” Iris inquired, grabbing Ben's hand. That simple gesture sent a spark up his spine, and the thought of oh, we can do that now. He squeezed her gloved hand, as of sending a silent message to her.

“We always go all out, the Copper's are known for their Christmas dinners.” Ben told her, “a couple of the neighbors always come over so Mom and Nana make enough food for a whole army.”

“Well I would always rather have more then enough food to send leftovers home then not have enough food for everyone to eat.” Nana chirped. “We have the turkey, potatoes, stuffing of course, Yorkshire pudding, and cranberry sauce- oh- and we can't forget the gravy!” She listed the food while counting on her fingers. Ben looked down at Iris, who had a content smile on her face while she listened to Nana list off all the food they would be having for Christmas dinner.

“And for dessert?” She asked.

“Mince pies, and divinity.”

“Divinity?” Iris questioned.

“It's an American candy, my grandpa spent time in Savannah, Georgia when he was in the Navy and had it there. He had Nana make it every Christmas for us.” Ben told her. “You'll like it, it's super sweet and will give you a cavity just from the smell.” He joked.

“Sounds like my kind of candy.” The three were about to walk into the building where the baking contest would be held when a man started waving at them.

“Could you give me a hand?” He called, and they saw that he was attempting to load a extremely large tree to the top of a tiny car.

“I'll meet you two inside.” He assured them as he walked over and started to help, begrudgingly letting go of Iris's hand. Nana and Iris stepped inside the building, and Iris followed Nana down a hallway before she was lead into a large open room. There was about a dozen people setting up chairs and tables, laying out table cloths and decorating. Nana walked over to a gentleman who was looking a little tense but had a smile on his face.

“Amos!” She called, heading his way.

“Thelma! How are you?” He asked greeting her with a hug. “You look radiating.”

“Oh you're so sweet. I was coming to see if you still needed a judge for the bake off?”

“I do! Do you have someone in mind?”

Nana turned and waved Iris over. “Amos, I would like you to meet Iris... She's Benjamin's girlfriend and is joining us for Christmas.”

“Pleasure to meet you Iris.” He stuck out his hand and gave her a hearty shake and just and hearty of a smile that was half hidden under a thick mustache. “You're dating little Benny? That makes me feel old, I remember when he was still in nappies.” He told her with a smile.

“I am, we have been friends for a while though. We met at school.” She worded her sentence carefully.

“Oh yeah? That's how I met my wife, forty years ago though! Well, Thelma you helped me find the third judge, you know anyone that plays the piano? Mrs. Sindagaurd dropped out of the Christmas Eve service and I am in need of a pianist on short time. Poor thing, her arthritis has flared up again.”

Iris was thrilled to tell him that actually Ben played, but also wondered what arthritis was and why it was so bad that the woman couldn't play the piano.

“Ben plays!” Nana told him happily, “he's been taking lessons at school.”

“Do you think he would be interested?”

“I think we could talk him into it.” Iris assured him.

“Oh bless you, that takes a huge load off my shoulders, I know we only have a few days to practice for Christmas Eve but if he's anything like his grandpa then he only needs a couple days.” Amos stated.

“Did he play the Christmas service before he passed away?” Iris questioned. Nana nodded.

“Played for years! After Edward left the Navy, he joined the church choir. He played until the week he passed away, he loved the piano and we all were just blessed to get to hear him play.” Amos told Iris. Not for the first time, Iris missed a man she never met.

“I wish I could have met him.” She admitted.

“Anyone that met him loved him.” Amos clapped his hands together, “now, you had said you were interested in being the judge for the bake off?”

“Yes!”

“And what are your qualifications?” Amos asked, causing Iris's eyes to go wide.

“I love sweets.” She said with authority, causing both Amos and Nana to laugh.

“Good answer, now just a warning, your clothing may fit a little tighter after judging.” He joked.

“I think that's gonna happen anyway with Nana and Mrs. Copper's cooking.” Iris assured him.

“Good, be here around two tomorrow, and I'll explain everything. Sound good ladies?” Both nodded, and then Iris noticed Ben walk in.

“Oh Ben! Come here!” She called, waving him over. Just as he saw her, he seemed to light up, and Nana smiled to herself. “Mr. Amos said that they need a pianist for the Christmas Eve service, would you do it?” She asked him.

“Uh, sure? I don't know many songs, but the majority I know are Christmas songs.”

“Excellent!” Amos beamed, “it's good to see you Benny, you good, happy.” He told the young man, clapping a hand on his shoulder. “Would it be too much to ask of you came by the church tonight? We are doing a practice, and it would be great if you came, Iris if you'd like to come and get a taste of our Christmas service, you're more then welcome.”

“Thank you for the offer, I think I will.”

“I'll be there, six? Like usual?”

“Ha! You remember! See you then, I have to go make sure the lights in the tree are working, it blew a fuse last night, excuse me.” Amos excused himself and the three made their way to the shop to get the last few things for Christmas dinner.

#hphm #hphm ben #hphm ben copper #ben copper x mc #ben copper #ben copper imagine #ben copper x jacobs sibling