The Quill is Mightier

Hufflepuff alumna. Jily fanfiction Writer. Acid-Rain2912 on FFN. Real-life lover of school and future physician.

[acid-rain2912]

I'm rereading Years Apart and ths slow burn is sooooo good makes me so giddy I'm actually kicking my feet

Oh hi!!!

I have several unanswered questions in here and I love them all so much because they're all super sweet and encouraging and some of them are SO DETAILED they just make *me* kick my feet. Also I've been rereading Years Apart too so maybe I'll say they make me feel like Sirius is coming to visit me and tell me everything's going to be alright.

I just wanted to quickly respond to this post (I mean, actually I wanted to respond to all of them and hopefully I will) to say thanks for the encouragement!! I've been writing all day, which is really difficult when you haven't been writing for ages. So, honestly, knowing that there's even one person out there goes a long way!!

[acid-rain2912]

I WAS SO EXCITED FOR THE UPDATE BUT NOW IM JUST HEARTBROKEN (also I’m dying to see James reaction to Lily going with Dennis) thank you for carrying on with the story!!

Well, I mean, in a way, I’m glad you’re heartbroken??? Sounds so cruel, doesn’t it…

But this was another reason it took me a year and a half to finish this chapter. Every time I would fine a spare minute to write, I would just go, “Why are you doing this to poor Lily?!” 😭 Hasn’t she been through enough already??

I promise there will be more fun in store for the two of them in the next chapter!

[acid-rain2912]

Oh my goodness, AFTER THAT SNIPPET I CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER PLS IM EAGER 🫣

Okay! Done! I can’t promise it was the MOST representative snippet… but I can’t spill all the beans either, right?? I hope it lives up to your hopes and dreams 🥺

[acid-rain2912]

Can we get a snippet from years apart 🥺

Ask and you shall receive! Somewhere on the order of... one and a half years later...

When it was clear they weren’t leaving, she looked up. One was in Hufflepuff, the other Ravenclaw; Lily was vaguely aware of both of them. “Sorry,” one of them coughed as soon as their eyes met. “Do you mind if we sit here?” Lily looked around, appraising the library. It was a busy day, but there were certainly spare tables, and she had no idea why they would want to sit here of all places. Still, it was unthinkable to refuse. “Er, sure,” she mumbled, closing a few of the books she was no longer using them and stacking them to occupy less space. “I’m Cynthia,” the Hufflepuff introduced. “I know,” Lily replied. “We’re in the same year. We repotted mandrakes together, remember?” Lily didn’t particularly care about the answer. She was more interested in why they were going out of their way to introduce themselves to her, but she let it be. “Oh right,” Cynthia agreed with a laugh. “Anyway, this is my sister Mandy,” she said with a nod to the Ravencalw on her right. “Lily,” Lily introduced simply, for lack of something better to say. “We know,” Mandy replied. Alright, well this was all very weird, but if you don’t mind, I have an essay to get back to, she said – internally. She didn’t say anything with her mouth, but instead picked back up her quill. “We had something we wanted to ask you,” Cynthia said quickly. Oh. Lily suddenly understood their true purpose. “Mhm?” she prompted, thoroughly uninterested. The girls looked at each other, seemingly exchanging an entire conversation with their eyes. At long last, Mandy gave in: “Are you dating James Potter?” “Nope,” Lily replied easily, having predicted precisely what they were going to ask her. “We’re just good friends.” The two sisters looked extremely disappointed and Lily couldn’t help but wonder why her answer would impact them at all. Perhaps they too were shy and unpopular and Lily’s supposed relationship success had been giving them hope? She was almost inclined to ask (though, admittedly, she was unlikely to actually follow through), when a voice interrupted: “Well that certainly clears things up.” Lily recognized the voice in its own accord but turned to see the face she knew would accompany it. “Candice,” she said awkwardly by way of greeting.

Because I distinctly remember promising a few people another glimpse of Candice... also ~2 years ago.

[acid-rain2912]

you’re back!!!!!!!

i also can’t believe that has been a year but i regularly checked your page and i’m so glad to know you’re doing well (minus the covid symptoms i know that sucks, get better soon!) 💖💖

Thank you! It's so good to be back, she cries in between coughing. But actually, I'm glad for the symptoms because it did enable a little bit of writing. Who knows, maybe without it, I would have waited another year... (shudder). Anyways, you're the best, thanks for making me feel so loved <3 Hope you're also doing well!

[acid-rain2912]

hey! how have you been? how’s your arm?

xx

(how is chapter 15 going?)

Choosing to answer this one before some of the others because I remember laughing at loud the first time I read it. It was just perfect. (And the fact that I read it at the end of a 24-hour shift didn't hurt!)

Unsurprisingly, after a year, my arm is good as new!

Surprisingly, after only a year, chapter 15 is just about done! (I know, I know, where on earth to I find the time.) In fact, it's completely done. But I'm trying to force myself to actually read it over at least once rather than just impulsively posting it, which would be my preference. (Also trying to make sure there aren't any massive inconsistencies with the previous chapters, because because it turns out it's startlingly easy to forget your own fic).

Thanks for the love and support :) And sorry for being MIA.

[acid-rain2912]

Hiii! It's been exactly an year since you last appeared online and I just wanted to make sure that everything was alright with you, because we're living through such weird and scary times :( I've been worried!

HAS IT BEEN A YEAR?

My god, it doesn't feel like a year. Though I'm inclined to trust you. And actually I'm not sure when you posted this, so chances are it's been more than a year.

So I guess I better start out by apologizing for disappearing for a year! I did actually check in now and again and read the lovely messages in here but didn't have the heart to answer them in light of the ~0 writing that I had been doing. Not that I think any of you would be mad at me because you're all absolutely wonderful people. More that I really really really wanted to give you some good news and used them as inspiration (like a no-dessert-before-dinner kind of approach to recreational writing).

Unfortunately, I don't have any great stories about my year away. I kept writing at a pace of, I don't know, 2 words/month? As a couple of you commented, I do work in healthcare which is, you know... a lot. But I'm alive! And healthy! (Except for my current COVID symptoms, which may or may not be why I have time to write this right now haha.) And I love all of you! So thanks so much for your concern, you really are the best <3

(More responses to follow - many of which are overdue to hilarious and/or epic proportions).

[thequibblah]

WIP tag

ok at long last!!! thank you so much for the tag, @cesays @theesteemedladydebourgh @sirenicc @clare-with-no-i~~ 

tagging @startanewdream @arianatwycross @adenei @alittlebitofeverything23 (i know this has gone around a lot so my apologies if you’ve been tagged already!)

here is an excerpt from the next instalment of wtrf, under the cut because…. Because

Keep reading

[alittlebitofeverything23]

I’m soooo excited to actually have something to share! Thanks @thequibblah and @startanewdream for tagging me!

Tagging @eternal-courage @blitheringmcgonagall and @oyprongs 💕

Snippet of Unexpected Relations Chapter 2: Let Battle Commence

I decide to take my chances and glance across the table once again. I expect to see Potter grimacing as he combs through my perfect proposal, eyebrows pointed inwards and a puzzling look on his face almost as if to declare a surrender. Instead, he’s taken out a red pen - from the worn leather bag which is 1000% not meant to be used for anything past university - and jots down a few words on one of the pages. What in the world is he up to?

[eternal-courage]

Thanks for the tag, @alittlebitofeverything23! Here’s a snippet of Down The Red Carpet.

“Alright.” She gulps as he lets go of her and gestures towards the entrance of the pavilion. He grasps the doorknob and opens the door, revealing a luxury suite with a huge bed in the centre. Just behind the bed, a large glass wall separates the inside from a backyard that contains a gigantic swimming pool as well as a cabana overlooking it. Everywhere she looks is a perfect spot to shag. Lily feels the hair on the back of her neck stand up.

“James Potter, you fiend,” she murmurs as she steps through the doorway, hands lingering on the frame for a second as she passes through the arch. She walks up behind him and places a hand on his waist, pressing her cheek against a trapezius. “You designed this place for sexual activity?”

“Maybe,” he hums cheekily in response. He spins around and cups one of her cheeks, bringing his lips down to hers, but she pushes him away.

“Close the door first. Let’s do this properly,” she smirks. Backing up, she feels around for the doorknob and pulls the door shut behind her shut as James walks towards her, pushing her towards the door. When there’s no gap left in between them, and the only thing separating them is two layers of thin fabric, he traps her in place by framing her torso against the door with his hands.

“Where do you want to do it?” he breathes, inches away from his face. She wants to study his beautiful hazel eyes all night long, but she has time for that later. For now, she puts on a simper.

“The cabana looks like a kinky place to try. Shagging on the chaise lounge there sounds sexy as hell.”

He lifts an eyebrow and picks at the cut of fabric that reveals her chest. “We could just do it here, you know,” he suggests. When she shakes her head, he sighs resignedly, scooping her up in his arms, one hand going underneath her knees, the other under her back. “Fine. As you wish, madam.”

“I’m unmarried.”

“We’re about to fuck. My brain’s messed up.” He pushes the revolving door open and steps into the backyard. He walks past the swimming pool and up the stairs, into the cabana. Then, he gently drops her onto the lounge, stretching her legs out, before climbing on top of her and tangling his fingers in her hair.

Lily’s hands find his arse and slowly trail along them. “Are you sure your parents won’t hear?” she questions anxiously. He shakes his head in response.

“Trust me. They’re probably watching that old people reality show or something. We’ll be fine,” he assures her.

Tagging @acid-rain2912, @softxxclouds, @orderofthepygmypuff, and @joyseuphoria.

[acid-rain2912]

Oh my goodness, thank you SO much for the tag @eternal-courage! I’m so honoured (also so out of sync that it took me a few days to even see this...). Anyways, I’m also ridiculously happy that I actually have something to share. So here’s a - rather long - scene from my companion WIP that may or may not ever get published. So if this is the only light of day it ever sees, it’s all thanks to you! 

“Is this a bet or something?”

Remus stared at his friend blankly. “You want money?” It was no secret – perhaps not to anyone, but certainly not to those present at the table – that James had more money than he knew what to do with.

“Obviously not. Doesn’t mean I can’t think of something else I’d like.” James waggled his eyebrows to show that he had ulterior motives at play.

Remus appraised those present at the Gryffindor table. He had to admit, James’s options didn’t look very good. There were a few stressed upper years who were surrounded by O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. level textbooks. Over on one end were the other fourth-year Gryffindor girls, but they posed a different problem: none of them were speaking to the Marauders at the moment, seeing as Sirius had tried to court one of them for months, then publicly (and drunkenly) made out with a Ravenclaw girl after the last Quidditch match. The only remaining Gryffindor students at breakfast this morning were a handful of first- and second-years they had never spoken to before. No matter who James chose, it was guaranteed to be entertaining. “What do you want?” Remus asked at last.

“A night at Hogsmeade. With drinking. And a certain waitress.”

Remus groaned. The Three Broomsticks had a new part-time waitress and James and Sirius had been spending every spare minute (and galleon) for the opportunity to flirt with her. Remus had repeatedly reminded them that she was only doing it for tips but they remained either ignorant or indifferent to this fact. Thus far, Remus had avoided the whole ordeal, finding it all to be horribly embarrassing. However, he suspected he was be roped in eventually. “Alright,” he said, resigned.

With that, James stood up and looked around. Remus watched in amusement as he looked from group to group, just as Remus had. Finally, he picked one of the younger students who was sitting alone, reading a book.

“You know you’re going to lose,” said Peter.

“I do,” Remus agreed. “But it did get him to shut up.” Peter tipped an invisible hat in his friend’s direction.

“Hello mates,” came Sirius’ cheery voice. He sat down and served himself some breakfast. “Anyone going to tell me what James is doing?”

“Harassing a poor second-year bird,” Remus supplied.

“I can see as much,” Sirius complained. “I thought you might tell me why?”

Remus and Peter brought him up to speed. No sooner had they finished recounting the tale than they were party to James returning. “That was quick,” Peter commented.

“See? Everyone loves me.” James was very pleased with himself.

“How do we know that?”

“She let me eat her toast,” James observed, well aware that this was evidence of very little.

“That sounds more like bullying than befriending,” Remus remarked in amusement.

“She is presently the colour of a tomato,” Sirius observed. “Does that count for anything?” he asked in James’ support. He was, after all, pretty keen on the idea of another night at the Three Broomsticks.

Remus, in turn, pretended to weigh this information. “Sounds like you humiliated her,” he said at last. “Or she’s red with anger. Either way, doesn’t sound like she’s your friend.”

To be PERFECTLY honest, everyone that is running through my mind appears to have been tagged already (and for good reason), but I would quite literally be down to read snippets from any jily WIP, so please please make up for my poor manners and share!

[acid-rain2912]

Very late to the game, but I absolutely loved chapter 14!! Does James even realize how sweet he's being?! I'm also so proud of Lily for finally starting to come into her own, and I love that her family is beginning to acknowledge it as well! Fabulous work, as always!

Oh man, if you only knew the pace at which I've been writing Chapter 15, you would realize that, if anything, you are early to the game (I'm kidding, but also *cough* *cough* sort of not...). Anyways, this is just lovely! Thank you so much! You guys always have a knack for brightening some of my worst shifts. I love James being both adorable and clueless, so I'm thrilled you do too :)

[acid-rain2912]

Hey!! Do you plan on writing YA from James’ POV in the future??

Hey! Great question!!

I've certainly thought about it and... (*looks around, wondering whether or not to divulge*) have even attempted it! (but only the very beginning). If I do it, it's unlikely to be James' POV specifically, but rather the Marauders in general, but with significant insight into James as a result. The plan would also be to make it FAR, FAR more concise, because Years Apart is getting a tad ridiculous in that department.

Is there interest in this?? I can still see myself going either way, so this would be useful information hahaha

[acid-rain2912]

I hope you’re having a great day 🤩😘

Ahhh this is so sweet!! Is there anything nicer than getting asks like this?

My day was super busy, but great! I hope yours was even better :) :)

[acid-rain2912]

PETUNIA JEALOUS OF THE WAY JAMES LOOKS AT LILYYYYY OMGGGGGG YESSSSSSSS! That was brilliant. I love the lingerie too omgggg. Lmao I can’t even lie and say I hope James gets a glimpse of her black lace in someway maybe when she’s leaning over and it’s peaking from her jeans lmaooooo. This story is too good oh wow oh wow yea…I’m starting to become obsessed. Love ya ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Omg, thank you for this!!! You're so sweet and I honesty feel so blessed to have readers like you <3 <3

I'm so glad you liked that part -- I absolutely loved writing that line about Petunia!! I sat there taking enormous delight in how embarrassed she would be if she knew her mum had blabbed...

Btw, in my head (which I guess makes it true?), James definitely caught a glimpse of the lingerie on her birthday.

[thornfield13713]

17 Jily

This one would appear to have got away from me. Sorry about that. And all the meta-jokes and shout-outs. I swear I did not do it on purpose.

Keep reading

[acid-rain2912]

Well hello lovely person that just updated one of the greatest Jily fanfictions out there. Thank you so much for updating, I really don’t know how you manage to deliver every single time you update. And how can you write James like a sweetherat that he is ?? OMG I just want to see them happy together. And Sirius (and the gang) just being the biggest Jily shippers omg, thez know what quality relationships look like c:

But honestly, I really appreciate you making Lily find and appreciate herself more before she gets into a relationship with anyone - which is why I really enjoyed the scene with the underwear gift <3 just *mwah* Thas right girl, you should do nice things for yourself and treat yourself like the queen that you are Lily.

Speaking of which, I also hope you are taking care of yourself, I believe that life can get hard and trying to write and keep up with posting on top of that… I really appreciate it (as well as other people, I am positive).

I really enjoyed the chapter and I CANNOT wait to read more. Cannot wait until James finally gets his shit together, so that they can be happy. Hey, are you planning on including a patronus revelation scene between James and Lily? Or Amortenia or any of the other cliches that we all love so much?

Thank you for being amazing and hoping you stay well <3

@urshy-urska omg this was so unbelievably sweet. Just... everything! The compliments, the super attentive reading of my story, the kind thoughts for my wellness, the seemingly endless understanding for my snail's-pace-updates. You're so unbelievably thoughtful! And I don't even have words to respond to the part where you just casually referred to my story as 'one of the greatest Jily fanfictions out there.' I am swooning.

ALSO, I am so, so happy that you recognize and are enjoying Lily's path to self-appreciation -- because, for me, that was absolutely vital. (and, I will admit, occasionally more important/pivotal than the parts with James, which are fun and light and almost write themselves).

Alright and as for your predictions.... I will warn you that this story is likely going to run at least another 5 chapters. So it MAY take some time, both for the happiness and for James to get his shit together. But OF COURSE Lilly's patronus will be a plot point. Amortentia may or may not make a cameo as well...

Again, I honestly can't tell you how much I enjoyed this one. You're so amazing :)

[acid-rain2912]

I had an incredibly stressful and draining day, but then I see that you updated Chapter 14!?!? And it was AMAZING!! I'll leave another review later when I'm not dead on my feet, because all I've got right now is "!dskdfjieddkjwaie!!" But seriously, SO SO good, I love this story!

Oh my goodness, this was such a cute and amazing thing to have land in my inbox. The idea that my chapter would brighten up someone's day? The idea that my chapter would be a two-review-kind-of-chapter?? I'm actually not sure which is the greater compliment, but I am insanely flattered all the same. I sincerely hope your weekend is relaxing and less stressful and full of people making you feel as great as this made me feel :)

[acid-rain2912]

I just read years apart and it’s totally amazing! I hope the discussion of what happened at the black lake comes up again because I truly think he started having dreams and visuals of Lily after she saved his life and started to see her in a different light as something other than a best friend and that scared him. I feel like they need to revisit that. I wonder if Candice will make a reappearance too even tho they’re over. Or if another girl will try to get a James. But I’m loving this James being jealous for once and not Lily. I hope someone goes up to James and ask if him and Lily are dating because they want to ask Lily out. Like Lily should get a influx of guys pursuing or taking interest in her and James just being unhappy about it cus Lily is finally growing into herself. She’s becoming a women and guys are starting to notice. Hopefully she even accepts one date just to actually give herself and someone else a chance instead of waiting on James to ask if he doesn’t (I HOPE HE DOES). Ooooh and I hope Lily meets Euphemia and Fleamont over the summer! They would love her! I’m so invested in this story

Hey there -- thank you so much for this!! All of you who leave these long reviews are honestly so amazing and deserve do much love <3

All of these are excellent ideas!! The subject of the Black Lake will most definitely be revisited and I am planning (at least for right now) on having Lily meet Euphemia and Fleamont :) I'm definitely getting the sense that people would like a tad more jealousy and another glimpse of Candice -- I'll see what I can do!! (Also, I know that I was super late in responding to this, so I'll just add that I hope you read the most recent chapter!)

Thanks so much again! I can't tell you how happy these make me :)

[acid-rain2912]

Well, well well. If it isn't the Hufflepuff we all despise very much for not updating... Just joking. Work is a bugger, I know this as my cousin hasn't texted since July 31st because she's been working in the ER relentlessly. I want to offer my encouragement, to keep you going, not just with the fanfic, but with work as well. We've all been at the phase where life gives you lemons, so do your best, no pressure, we will all hang on until the very end. Have a wonderful week and we're all here :)

@eternal-courage this was so sweet and inspirational. I was actually hilariously excited when I read the first line -- after all, I don't think it's possible to have made it as a fanfic author without people calling you out for not updating! So now I'm one step closer!

Anyways, thank you so much! This was lovely. Hospital work is indeed crazy (cough, cough, I wrote most of the recent chapter in between pages at 3-7 in the morning), but it's so encouraging that you would understand and wish me well. AND (accepting, of course, that this is a dangerous precedent to set), you did legitimately prompt me to get my act together and finish Chapter 14 hahaha.

I hope you had a wonderful week as well!!