Welcome! My name is Madeline! Twenty Two! Percy Jackson! James Potter! Jaime Lannister!
My end goal is to ruin your sleep schedule :)
old masterlist. fic recs. new masterlist below.
PERCY JACKSON
- s e r i e s
001. percy's adventure to the top of the world; ย in which percy jackson hasnโt seen Y/N L/N in over two years, but once they meet again, heโs already one ferris wheel ride away from falling in love with her all over again. COMPLETE! (personal favorite)
002. percy is a boiled egg; in which reader is forced to tag along on the quest to alaska.
003. peter johnson and the flying water bottles; in which percy jackson meets his new neighbor by accidentally almost killing himself and her multiple times in the process.
- o n e s h o t s
001. criminal girl likes garfield; in which reader is percy jacksonโs soulmate, potentially a criminal and more than kind of cute.ย (personal favorite) 8k+
JAMES POTTER
- s e r i e s
001. the nineteen year itch; in which james potter gets divorced and his best friends โforceโ him to finally find out his soulmate, only to see his siriusโ twenty-two year old niece.
7/20 chapters
002. eyes wide shut: in which a girl and a boy's fate are more intertwined than they ever thought possible.
- o n e s h o t s
001. prongs, the temporary prefect; in which James occasionally takes over Remusโ patrols during the Full Moon and Y/N is always stuck as his partner. 19k+
002. how to do the monster mash; ย in which the marauders decide to be monsters for Halloween and James โaccidentallyโ forgets that Y/N is already dressed up as a vampire. 3k+
HARRY POTTER
-s e r i e s
001. comfort is not for us (the time we've been given); in which the war is finally over and now everyone has too much time on their hands.
-o n e s h o t s
001. a saint valentine's mystery; in which Y/N has a secret admirer and her annoying cousin is opening an investigation to figure out who it is. 5k+
REGULUS BLACK
-s e r i e s
001. the wake of the living; in which a girl dies and comes back to life only to discover she can see who is about to die.
LORENZO BERKSHIRE
-s e r i e s
001. small mercies; in which no matter a girl and a boy fight against it, they somehow always end up in close proximities.
JAIME LANNISTER
- s e r i e s
001. the most angelic sin; in which robb stark's bethrothed is assigned jaime lannister as her personal bodyguard, much to all their displeasure. 2/? chapters
prongs the temporary prefect - james potter x reader
| prongs, the temporary prefect
PAIRING; James Potter x reader
SUMMARY; Despite common belief, James Fleamont Potter has been appointed perfect. A total of seven times actually and somehow Y/N always gets appointed as Jamesโ rounds partner.ย
Or in which James occasionally takes over Remusโ patrols during the Full Moon and Y/N is always stuck as his partner.ย
WORD COUNT; 19k (how?)
DATE; 09/22/2025
WARNING; cursing, making out, getting hit on, lowkey it tbh
A/N; So this is my child but I have a hate-love relationship with my child soooo. Also this was supposed to be around 6kโฆ Yeah. As always thoughts, feelings, concerns, constructive criticism is always welcome! Iโm really trying to improve my writing so I would LOVE to hear if there is something I should change or improve on!
โMiss L/N. I would like to have a word.โ McGonagall managed just before Y/N slipped away from class.ย
Her stomach dropped. Y/Nโs grade in Transfig was an Outstanding that couldnโt be why McGonagall asked her to stay. The only thing she could think of was her accident last week where her coaster turned into a toucan and promptly flew right into a poor puffโs head.ย
Emmeline squeezed her arm and smiled at her reassuringly, โIโll meet you at the common room, yeah?โย
She nodded and waited for the rest of the stragglers to clear the classroom. Why James Potter was taking forever to pack up when heโs usually the first one out was beyond her.ย
โHave a biscuit, L/N.โ McGonagall gestured to the cookies on her desk. If cookies were supposed to soothe whatever catastrophe McGonagall was about to break to Y/N then she might as well just jump off the Astronomy tower already.ย
After swallowing a nibble of the cookie, McGonagall began to speak โMiss L/N. I am sorry to disturb you. I know you are very busy with all your responsibilities. But I need to ask you a favor. Before I ask you, I would like for you to know that I already discussed this with your Head and Professor Flitwick agreed.โย
Her previously high strung demeanor melted away, her shoulders no longer clenched to her ears. Many professors have asked her for favors before, mostly tutoring sessions with struggling students. After Potter had accidentally dropped his books a ridiculous amount of times because of his staring problem, she wouldnโt be surprised if it was him.ย
โMr.Lupin has fallen rather ill the past few days.โย
She blinked slowly, the rich cookie suddenly tasting stale. โOh no? Is he okay?โย
โNothing Mr.Lupin hasnโt dealt with before. He should be back to his Prefect duties by the end of the week. However, that leaves us with this week to attend too. I talked to the Head Girl and she said that all the Prefects have other responsibilities. Your Head said you should be fine patrolling by yourself but withโ McGonagall hesitated, โthe attack in Hogsmeade a few weeks ago, we decided a partner is needed. Potter offered himself up for the task.โย
โIโm sorry. Come again?โ Y/N blinked slowly, her brain moving too fast for her to comprehend. Out of all her fellow students to choose from to patrol with. McGonagall picked James Potter? She knew McGonagall had secret favorites but this was too much. Potter and the rest of his marauding friends had literally just set off dungbombs during her Astronomy exam two days ago. โBut heโs not a prefect, Professor?โย
Her professor remained firm but then eventually conceded with a sigh, โI know it is rather unconventional. But we have no other choice, Ms.L/N. All the other prefects are busy with their other arrangements. Mr.Potter has been more than generous to give up his free evening in order to help Mr.Lupin. This situation will only be temporary. I have briefed Mr.Potter on patrolling, he will meet you outside the Ravenclaw common room after dinner.โย
โIโm sure he has plenty of knowledge on patrols already.โ Y/N mumbled to herself bitterly, getting one too many flashbacks of her almost catching Potter either exploring the castle or planning his next prank.ย
There was no way she could deny her professor but honestly. This was just plain ridiculous. Sure, Y/N didnโt know Potter personally but he wasnโt exactly known for his responsibility. Plus she looked forward to patrols with Remus. After two years of patrolling together they had become friends. Y/N could only hope that Remus had rubbed off on Potter a bit.ย
She sighed but bit her tongue and succumbed to her fate.
โRowena help me. If you mention Potter one more time Iโm gonna transfer into Slytherin.โ Emmeline groaned dramatically but still threw herself onto Y/Nโs bed obviously absolutely thrilled by her best friendโs apparent demise.ย
Y/N rolled her eyes and flicked her friendโs shoulder, โIf I have to hear about Potter brag about Dumbass and Co. for the next few hours then you get to hear me complain.โย
Emmeline made a mock-suffering face. โYou poor thing. What a tragic, tragic fate. Looking at Potter and his insanely pretty face.โย
Y/N wrinkled her nose at the thought before glancing at her watch.ย โI should go.โ She stood up with a sigh, โRounds.โ
Emmeline perked up immediately, wiggling her brows, โWith Potter!โย
โShut uppppp!โ She sang back, already halfway out the door.ย
She left to the sound of her friendโs laughter trailing behind her. The common room was mostly quiet, save for the few murmurs of Barty Crouch Jr. He lounged languidly across the couch, one arm stretched lazily behind him as he snickered at whatever Evan Rosier had just murmured.ย
โL/N,โ Barty drawled, eyes flickering up at her as she passed. โOff to babysit Lupin?โย
She arched her brow but kept walking, deciding it was better to not mention Remusโ sickness, โOff to pretend Slytherins arenโt banned from the common room?โย
Rosier grinned, unbothered, but Barty sat up smirking, โYou know, if you ever want to give up babysitting for a night, I would be more than behaved. Or misbehaved if that's what you like.โ
Y/N felt her face start to burn. She didnโt give into his taunts but still, she felt his gaze even as the statue shifted closed behind her with a soft grind of stone.ย
The deafening shut of the door felt like her future sealing itself. Y/N took in a deep breath and smoothed down her hair and uniform on instinct. It was just patrol. Sheโd done this hundreds of times.ย
To be honest, Y/N didnโt even know why she was so nervous. Y/N liked to think she was decently outgoing, or at least she had to force herself too in order to become Prefect. Even after throwing herself into being an โextravertโ, she knew being stuck with Potter-who she couldnโt remember a time where they had a decent conversation-for hours on end made her nervous.ย
Forcing herself to ignore her swirling stomach, she focused instead on how surprisingly bright the corridor was. She knew tonight was the full moon after studying for her Astronomy class. Yet it just hit her now that she had never patrolled during the full moon. It was surprisingly nice. The castle at night had always left her feeling just a bit on edge with the flickering torches and murmuring portraits but now with the extra light it wasnโt so bad.ย ย
Turning the corner, she saw him.ย
James stood by the arch near the west staircases, his left shoulder resting on the wall, posture relaxed but alert. The big window behind him spilled moonlight onto his shoulder, highlighting his hair in a way that made his unruly curls almost look pale. Y/N tried to make out his facial expression, to get some idea of how he was feeling but the light never reached his face.
At the sight of her footsteps, he glanced up. The second his eyes landed on her he straightened up and beamed. โHey.โ
โPotter.โ
โReady for rounds?โ
Y/N tried to smile. โLetโs start with the west wing, then make our way up the east and circle back.โ
โSounds good,โ James said.
She glanced over at James in the corner of her eye. It was the first time she could really see him. He had the same square glasses on he always did, paired with rather scuffed trainers and his uniform. Her lips quirked, Remus had obviously left out that James could wear casual clothing.ย
She started to become hyperaware of Potterโs presence. He kept glancing at her like he was about to speak before looking away. From what she had known and seen, this was very un-potter like of him. The silence was starting to get uncomfortable.
But Y/N didnโt know what to say to him. Her and James had never really spoken and she fully expected him to be chattering away nonsense. Instead of whining to Emmeline, they should have been brainstorming topics to talk about.ย
Just as she opened her mouth to say something, he beat her to it.
โYou go.โ
โNo, you go. Mineโs not important.โ
James pressed his tongue to the inside of his cheek, then gave in. โAlright. I was going to ask what you and Remus usually talk about on patrols.โ
โHonestly? Nothing interesting,โ Y/N shrugged, then smiled. โActually, last year we made a game tallying how many couples we saw, ranked by house.โ
Jamesโs lips twitched. โLet me guess. All Gryffindors?โ
โSurprisingly, no. Us Ravenclaws are freakier than we look, I guess.โ
James barked out a laugh. โYou know what? I can see it. All that stress and studying. It always is the quiet ones.โ
Y/N gaped at him, her eyebrows raised. โAnd how would you know?โ
Before he could respond, the staircase rumbled beneath them and began to shift.
She groaned. โUgh. I hate when this happens.โ
โTell me about it. Always at the worst possible time.โ
Just then a memory popped into her mind, chasing Black through the corridors after a rather nauseatingly boring patrol, where Remus had conveniently disappeared. The stairs had started to change and Y/N had thought she had finally caught Sirius and a very James Potter looking form before they both disappeared like smoke. She narrowed her eyes.ย
โWhat? Like that time I caught you and Black last year?โ
James looked scandalized. โOi! I'll have you know what I was going to say on the way to class. Besides, if I remember correctly, Sirius and I got away.โ
Her mouth fell open. She knew it. โOh! Oh!โ she shouted, pointing at him and practically bouncing. โI knew it was you! No one believed me when I said you disappeared into thin air! How did you even do that?โ
โCโmon now, L/N,โ he said with a smirk. โYou know I canโt reveal my secrets to a Prefect.โ
To her own surprise, Y/N burst out laughing and he started to laugh along with her. Merlin, Potterโs laugh was contagious. It was rich and loose and paired with his dimpled smile she was starting to see why so many girls had a crush on him.ย
It hit her then. Was she enjoying herself? It was all rather confusing, James wasnโt acting like how she thought he would. He was supposed to be all obnoxious ego but instead he was kind of charming. It was already half past midnight and it felt like they had only been patrolling for an hour.ย
โYou know,โ Y/N said with a sly smile after it had gotten quiet for a few moments. โWhen McGonagall mentioned you were volunteering to Patrol my first thought was this has to be some crazy distraction so Black and Pettigrew can cause chaos in the castle.โย
James barked out a laugh and took a step closer to her. For a split second she thought he was going to nudge her with his elbow but he stopped himself right before. Even as he spoke his eyes remained on her arm where he would have touched her before flickering up to her eyes. Her breath hitched. James' eyes stayed locked on hers for a few seconds, but it felt longer.ย
โAnd what? We are just holding Moony somewhere hostage?โย
Fighting a shiver she painted on a smirk, โMore or less.โย
โIโll have you know our Remmie is not as innocent as you may think.โย
โMmm,โ Y/N hummed in mock understanding, โGonna elaborate more on that?โย
โAs if I would dare give out Moonโs secret identity. Besides, Iโm a changed man.โ
She turned to him, โThat almost sounded mature. Iโm shocked.โย
โTakes a lot of effort, trust me.โย
They both started to snicker. She was about to make a clever comment in return when she realized they weren't the only ones laughing.ย
Potter paused mid-step. Y/Nโs eyes narrowed, she turned in the direction of the sound, โIโll go first. We just break them up then take points off and make sure they go separate ways. Sometimes we have to wait for them to put their clothes on but hopefully that wonโt happen this time.โ
A few paces later, they turned the corner and saw nothing. Y/Nโs brows furrowed, she murmured a quick Lumos and still saw nothing but disgruntled portraits waking up.ย
โI donโt understand-โ She cut herself off abruptly when Potterโs wand came out of his pocket faster than a blink of an eye.ย
He moved so quickly that she almost missed it. In less than a second, she had been turning to James confused about where the students had gone (and questioning her own sanity) to witnessing James with his wand in front of him. He had it pointed to a corner that was now slowly illuminating a pair of students, who were starting to show form after having obviously used some invisibility charm.ย
At the sight of James the younger boy relaxed, โOh Potter! Thank Merlin itโs you. I thought you were a Prefect-โย
โI am today, OโDonnell. Ten points from Gryffindor.โ As Potter continued she couldnโt help but admire him. His voice was filled with the authority of a man well beyond his years. James wasnโt kidding about trying to be a new man. He spoke sternly but gently, voice void of the mischief it usually held but his eyes betraying him. The impressed look on her face formed before she knew what was happening. James is strangely good at patrol. Y/N had a feeling it was due to getting into trouble 24/7. After all, it wasnโt hard to copy a speech you had heard almost everyday of your life. Maybe itโs not so bad to have a partner who was mischievous as Potter, he certainly knew all the tells.ย
James, taking points from the students, snapped her from her reverie. The boy was starting to protest.
โThatโs enough. Unless you want it to become 20, I suggest you be quiet and head off to your dorms.โ Y/N said then turned to the girl who was starting to smirk, clearly thinking she had gotten away unscathed. โDonโt think I forgot about you, Akhil. 10 points from Slytherin.โย
โGo on, off to your rooms.โ James said as he gave the still grumbling Gryffindor a silencing look. โSeparately.โ
The second they were out of sight, James turned to Y/N with a mischievous glint in his eye. Before he even could get a word out Y/N started to roll her eyes. She could practically feel the joke before he even opened his mouth
โA Gryffindor and Slytherin!โ James' voice suddenly turned high-pitched making Y/N start to laugh softly, โHow scandalous.โย
โDumbledore would be so proud,โ She said, glancing down the hall to double check the two students were out of hearing range. โHis inter-house relations are working.โย
They continued on their patrol. Y/N still giggling at his comment and James grinning down at her. โYou know Iโm just happy they still had their clothes on.โย
โMe too. You would be surprised how often Remus and I would find them undressed, or even using props.โย
James laughed quietly at her comment before stuffing his hands in his pocket and looking over at her. โOne time Padfoot and I were, uh,โ he hesitated, recognizing her was about to out himself.ย
โDoing research,โ Y/N supplied for him with a smirk and a side eye.ย
James smiled and nodded, โYes, Padfoot and I were performing research around the castle and caught a couple once actually using an Arthmancy textbook as a prop.โย
Y/N giggled, and he grinned, clearly pleased with himself. โThat poor Arithmancy textbook.โ
Ahead of them was the Rowena statue, Y/N unconsciously started to slow down. She turned to James only to see him looking a bit nervous and almost awkward. Y/N immediately felt concerned. Sure, seeing James serious earlier was surprising but there were reasons. Now, as he stared down at her looking unsure she had this urge to place her hand on his arm in comfort.ย
He came to a full stop in front of the statue, โListen, L/N.โ He ran a hand through hair, โI just wanted to thank you. I really appreciate you allowing me to take Remusโ spot and not making a fuss. He means a lot to me and you doing this for him.โ James trailed off to throw a hand in his hair again, โI wanted to make sure you understood my gratitude.โย
Y/N considered his words. She knew James really cared about his friends but this felt different. She smiled softly at him, โThereโs no need to thank me James. Remus and I are friends too. I would do this any day for him.โ
That was when he looked at her in a way that had her stilling. His eyes were wide but had softened into something that looked like awe.ย
In response, Y/Nโs breath caught in her throat. She wasnโt sure why, just that the look was rather blinding and she had this strong urge to run away.
James seemed to realize his slip up too late, his eyes widened even more, like he hadnโt meant to let it show. He coughed and smiled with an easy chuckle as if he hadnโt just looked at her like that. โI know, but having to deal with me as a partner just canโt be easy.โย
Y/N scoffed, grabbing onto his change of topic with desperation, โNo, James. You need to give yourself some more credit. I donโt know many people who would give up a free evening to cover their friendโs patrol.โย
James shrugged modestly, โThey would do it for me.โย
Y/N didnโt doubt it. The marauders were close, closer than brothers but that shouldnโt give him any less credit.
โRegardless, I wanted to thank you. It means a lot to him,โ He started to mumble a bit quieter, โto me too actually.โ The words were barely above a mumble, like they slipped out before he could stop them. His gaze flickered up to hers, just for a second. She wasnโt sure if sheโd misheard him but didnโt dare ask him to repeat it.
He looked away and ran his hands through his hair before stuffing them in his pockets, โAnyway, heโs doing better. He should be better by your next patrol. So you donโt have to worry about dealing with me as your partner anymore.โย
Y/N blinked. That should have felt like good news.ย
But it didnโt.ย
She was almost startled by her stomach sinking. Sheโd enjoyed her time with him. More than she cared to admit.ย
So she forced a smile that probably looked as weak as she felt, โWell, good riddance.โย
James' lips quirked but he didn't say anything else until she answered the riddle and the statue opened. He spun on his heel towards her, his hands shoved in his pockets, โHave a good night, L/N. Thank you again.โย
โGoodnight Potter.โ The second the door shut on the statue, Y/N paused to take a deep breath and recollect her thoughts. Tonight was nothing like she was expecting. Potter, a decent human? It was rather annoying. She had disliked him for years and now getting to know him all those thoughts just went out of the window because he made a few jokes and was sincere in thanking her? She needed some time to take this all in.ย
โL/N!โ A voice called as she walked into the common room. She turned to match the voice to none other than Crouch. Y/N was about to roll her eyes when she caught the concerned look in his eye. โYou alright? You look weird.โย
Y/N scoffed, โThanks, Crouch.โ and immediately made a beeline for her dorm room.ย
It took longer than usual for Y/N to fall asleep. She couldnโt shake off the thought that Potter was different. That he might have changed. That something between them had changed.ย ย
Y/N groaned and stuffed her face into her pillow, โEmmeline, I am going to make it my lifeโs mission to make your life miserable. It is 6:30! Why on Earth are we awake?โย
โYou told me to wake you up early so you could check on Remus. Remember?โ She chirped, way too happy to be up at an ungodly hour.ย
Y/N lifted her head up from the comfort of her pillow to give her a glare, โNot this early! Breakfast isnโt even out for another half hour. You just want to hear about patrol with James and you know it.โย
Emmeline went uncharacteristically silent and Y/N realized her damning mistake instantly. Oh Rowena. Here it comes. Emmeline started to squeal and Y/N cursed Merlin every way possible for making her best friend a morning person. โYou called him James! Not Potter!โย
It took promptly five minutes and a million threatening curses before Y/N finally got up and it was only because she offered to do her hair. Emmeline, along with her three other sisters were all adopted by the Vance family. Each sister was a different ethnicity. After growing up doing her sister's hair, Emmeline could tame any hair type at any time.ย
โWell?โ Emmeline said once Y/N was settled and she had all the needed products in front of her.ย
Y/N blinked. โWell what?โย
โOh, donโt play dumb. How was your incredibly awful, horrible, traumatizing patrol with Potter? Or do I get to call him James now?โ Y/N scoffed and pinched her friend. Emmeline shrieked before bursting into giggles.ย
Last night had her rethinking her previous conceptions of the Marauders. She had always liked Remus but now she could see herself adding James to that list. She could see herself even becoming friends with James. They certainly felt like something akin to friends last night.
She was brought back to the present by Emmeline parting her hair, โWas he hilarious? Did he tell you any stories? I have always wanted to know their craziest one. Oh my Merlin, was he devilishly handsome in the moonlight?โย
โEm,โ Y/N cut in, tone flat. โIt wasnโt like that.โ
Emmeline fell quiet, which was rare enough to make Y/N feel a little guilty.
โI just mean,โ Y/N searched for the right words. โIt was justโฆ easy. Kind of nice, actually. He thanked me for letting him take over Remusโ patrol as if I was the one doing him a favor.โย
Emmeline raised a brow in the mirror but said nothing.
โHe just seemed different. I didnโt feel like he was being an obnoxious attention whore.โ Realizing that was rather harsh, Y/N paused. โItโs just. James wasnโt what I expected. He was thoughtful and I can tell how much he cares about Remus. He didnโt try to impress me. He was funny, yeah, but not in that look at me way he usually is. He was actually very sweet.โย
Her face heated up. She had gotten carried away. Merlin. A quiet moment passed while Emmeline started a soft braid at the side of her head.
โIโm not saying I suddenly want to hang out with them all the time or anything,โ Y/N said quickly. โIโm just saying, heโs not terrible.โ
She felt Emmeline smile behind her. โSo, character development?โ
Y/N snorted, her mind flashing to James telling the kids off. โFor both of us, apparently.โ
Another pause, then Emmeline asked casually, โYou still think heโs annoying?โ
Y/N tilted her head in thought. โYes. But maybe in a way thatโs not entirely awful.โ
They both laughed, and Y/N felt something light settle in her chest. โHe didnโt look too terrible in the moonlight either.โย
Emmeline shrieked.
It was half past seven by the time Y/N finally managed to escape Emmelineโs insistence for more details of her night. The castle was quiet, not many students milling about as it was a Saturday. Normally, Y/N would be tucked away in bed with the rest of the Hogwarts population but she needed to check on Remus.ย
With their sixth year slowly coming to a close, Y/N had known Remus well for longer than a year now. It didnโt take a stranger to notice that Remus was a rather sickly boy yet that didnโt make her worry any less.ย
To be frank, McGonagall had scared her. Yes, James had reassured her that Remus was fine but it was still unnerving. She just needed to check up on him, make sure he was doing okay and getting better.ย
Double checking she still had both the chocolates and the flowers, Y/N entered the hospital wing and was instantly bombarded with the smell of potions and spell-cleaned linen. It made her crinkle her nose and walk a little faster towards Remusโ bed.ย
Remus Lupin looked pale and exhausted, but sat up to greet her nonetheless. โY/N?โ he said, his voice still hoarse, โWhat are you doing here?โย
โHere to check on you obviously.โ Y/N said softly and sat down the chocolates and flowers on his side table, โI come bearing gifts.โย
Remus chuckled then winced, as if any slight movement would cause him pain. Y/Nโs brows knit together. What kind of sickness did Remus have that would make him hurt like that? โChocolates and flowers! You really do care.โย
She sat on the bed about to nudge him but decided against it and settled on a look, โOf course, I care. McGonagall about scared me half to death when she told me Potter was replacing you as Prefect for the day.โย
โAh, but you survived.โย
Y/N rolled her eyes but couldnโt help the smile that grew on her face. โMiraculously. He talks a lot, you know?โย
Remus smirked, and muttered dryly, โIโve heard rumors. He promised me he would be decent last night. Did he keep his word?โย
Biting her lip to keep from smiling even more than she was now, she thought over last night (as if it hadnโt been all she was thinking of). For some reason her mind kept replaying James looking down at her under the skeptical eyes of Rowenaโs statue. โMore or less.โ Remus didnโt say anything, just continued to observe her as if he expected her to continue. It was all rather unnerving and it didnโt help that her heart started to pound.ย
Maybe this was a bad idea.ย
โHow are you feeling?โ Y/N asked, needing to change the subject before her face started to warm.ย
Remus just raised a single brow at the change of topic but decided not to push. โIโm much better. Nothing Poppy canโt cure.โย
Y/N giggled, โPoppy? What is with you Marauders and calling every adult in Hogwarts by their first name?โย
Outside the hospital wing, James had just made it up the corridor, a slightly squashed to-go plate of Remusโ favorite breakfast in one hand and tea in the other.ย
Heโd planned to check on Moony, make sure he was alright. James hadnโt wanted to leave his friends to take care of Remus on their own, especially since Peterโs animagous form was so small. James had only given in after Remus had expressed his concern about Y/N patrolling alone.ย
He knew Remus would be expecting him. James has always been an early riser, a blessing and a curse on full moon days when he should be catching up on sleep. Glancing at his watch, James realized he was a lot earlier than normal. If he were being completely honest, his visit wasnโt just for selfless reasons. James also wanted to learn a little more about his patrol partner. He had a surprisingly good time with her and it didnโt help that she was rather beautiful.ย
But as he reached the door, he paused. Through the crack he saw her. Sitting next to Remusโs bed, chin resting in her hand, eyes soft with concern.ย
She was laughing at something Remus said, her expression warm and unguarded in a way James didnโt think heโd ever seen before.
His heart gave an embarrassing lurch in his chest.
James stepped back from the door. He swallowed hard. Then again, trying to shake the dryness from his throat. His hand clenched slightly around the napkin-wrapped meal.
โUmm, excuse me?โA tiny voice tugged at his sleeve. He blinked down to see a first year Gryffindor, if he remembered right, staring up at him nervously. She fiddled with the hem of her jumper. โAre you James Potter?โ
James blinked again, slightly dazed. โI-yeah. Do you need help with something?โ She nodded and started to blush, looking more terrified by the second. James tried to smile softly to encourage her. โWell, what do you need help with?โย
She glanced up at him before looking at her feet again, huffing through her teeth. โItโs embarrassing.โย
James cleared his throat and glanced through the crack again to get one more glance at Y/N and Remus before squatting down to the girl's height. โTrust me, Iโve done worse. Whatโs your name?โย
โKatie.โย
โAlright, Katie. What can I help you with?โย
The small girl puffed her cheeks out before speaking so fast James almost couldnโt process all of it. โI need help flying! This stupid Hufflepuff, Daughtery, wonโt stop making fun of me and calling me chicken for not getting on the broom but itโs not my fault the broom wonโt listen to me! I am not a chicken, if anything heโs the chicken! He canโt even get up to the Astronomy tower without shaking. I need you to teach me so I can fly circles around him and show him!โย
James tried not to laugh. He forgot what it was like to be eleven. โRight. Definitely canโt let the Hufflepuffs think weโre scared of a broomstick. Iโll see what I can do. Meet me on the pitch Monday afternoon, before 4th period. Weโll start with just holding the broom, yeah?โย
The girlโs face lit up with a mix of gratitude and excitement before she started to squeal and threw herself into Jamesโ arms. โThank you! Thank you! Thank you!โย
James started to chuckle and patted her head before looking up and seeing the door close behind Y/N. She stepped out looking half distracted, like she was relaying something in her head. When she saw him, she paused.ย
He froze too. He hadnโt expected her to come out so soon.ย
Their eyes met, and for a second, he forgot how to speak. His throat was dry, heart hammering harder than it had any right to. He was about to nod at her stiffly when Katie dashed away. Now, James was standing there half crouched down, mouth slightly open in shock like an idiot.
To his surprise, Y/N smiled. Not one of those polite, tight-lipped ones. It was warm, like she was about to start laughing. Not at his expense but in amusement at his antics. He wanted to do something, say something impressive but it was like someone had put perfuctus totalus on him. Instead, he watched her go, heart still going a mile a minute and only turned when he heard a low, amused voice from behind him.ย
โI can hear your heart beating from here.โย
James spun around, nearly spilling the tea all over himself. Remus was standing in the doorway, propped on the frame with crossed arms and the most infuriatingly smug look on his face. He forgot about Remusโ enhanced senses near the full moon.ย
James scowled. โShe brought you chocolate, didnโt she?โ
โSure did.โ
โThoughtful.โ
โSheโs always been thoughtful.โ Remus raised a brow. โAnd donโt say itโs the first year making your heart race, thatโs the worst bloody excuse Iโve ever heard.โ
James opened his mouth. Closed it again. Looked at the breakfast in his hand like it might offer him support.
Remus grinned. โYouโre a goner, mate.โ
(A/N; I donโt know how close the herbology building is to the quidditch pitch but pretend they are close for the sake of the storyline. xoxo)
Y/N was early, too early if that was even possible. She had a free fourth period that she spent at the library studying. It seemed she had misjudged the timing of her walk to Herbology and had gotten there before 4th period had even ended.ย
Walking over to the bench with a view of the quidditch pitch, she took out her bag and started to read over her herbology notes from the previous class. They were learning about plagnum frot, a magical healing plant that when turned into a fine dust turned poisonous. It was all rather boring but confusing nonetheless. How a plant could heal open wounds when placed upon dry skin but when turned into a powder for a potion became deadly was beyond her.ย
She was about to get up to see if Professor Sprout had dismissed her students when she heard a loud scream. Whipping her head around, her mind switched into Perfect mode instantly as she tried to find the source. Please, please, let it not be one of Voldemortโs followers.
She followed where the sound had come from, somewhere inside the Quidditch pitch. Peeking around one of the stands, her eyes landed on a shocking sight.ย
James Potter and the little first year from the hospital wing were crowded around what looked like a practice broom. She sucked in a short breath. His voice was soft and understanding as he explained in more detail how to command the broom into her hands.ย
The young girl tried again and Y/N knew she should turn to leave for Herbology but she couldnโt force herself to move. She told herself it was just the shock of it. James Potter being a considerate, genuine person who truly cares about others.ย
He had been rather considerate with her, a voice in her head commented. She shook her head of her thoughts.ย
Y/N bit her lip but decided to stay and observe.
She was just doing her job as a Prefect! She needed to make sure this first year didnโt fly off with the schoolโs broom! What if she lost control! So many things could go wrong!ย
The broom rolled around but still wouldnโt come up into the first yearโs hand. She groaned, โItโs not going to work, James.โย
James shook his head, โNo, itโs going too. These brooms are old and a bit finicky anyway. Try saying it with more confidence, like you already brought the broom up.โย
The girl nodded and set herself up again. The first year was about to take a deep breath and say the words when a voice murmured behind Y/N, โDidnโt realize Herbology involved broom lessons now.โ
Y/N startled and turned sharply, hand flying to her chest. Remus stood a few feet behind her, arms crossed and eyes far too amused for someone who was supposed to still be recovering.
Mentally, she groaned. She knew her face probably screamed guilty! right now. Why? Oh, why did it have to be Remus who caught her.ย
โYou scared me,โ she whispered.
โApologies. Didnโt mean to interrupt your,โ He hesitated with a rather annoying knowing look that she wanted to wipe off his face, โobservational research.โ
Y/N rolled her eyes, cheeks already warming. Starting to scold herself for staying and second of all blushing, โI was early. Just passing time.โ
Remus stepped up beside her, casually leaning against the same wooden beam she had ducked behind. โMm-hm. And here I thought I was the nosy Prefect.โ
She narrowed her eyes at him. โI am not being nosy.โ
โNo,โ he said with a smirk. โYouโre just watching my best friend teach a terrified first year to fly like heโs singing a bloody Celestina Warbeck song.โ
โI am notโ Y/N cut herself off, grumbling quietly. โWhy are you like this?โ
โBorn this way, tragically,โ Remus said lightly, then gave her a sideways glance. โYou alright?โ
Y/N hesitated, then nodded. โYeah. I was going to head to class, but she screamed and I just wanted to make sure it wasnโt aโ She waved a vague hand. โYou know. Issue.โ
Remus nodded, the teasing edge in his voice softening. โHeโs good with younger students. You wouldnโt expect it.โ
Y/N glanced back at the pitch. James was crouched beside the girl now, showing her how to adjust her grip on the broom handle. She was laughing, nervously, still but laughing. Y/Nโs eyes softened. It seemed ever since their patrols, James had been surprising her. A month ago she would have never believed that James would be thoughtful enough to take the time out of his day to help a younger student. Now, she would be shocked to find out that he wouldnโt. Y/N was starting to realize that James Potter was the kind of guy to take the shirt off his own back to help out a stranger.ย
โYeah,โ Y/N said quietly. โHe is.โ
They stood there for a moment, watching.
โOh,โ Remus added, almost as an afterthought. โBefore I forget, I talked to McGonagall this morning. Poppy still hasnโt cleared me for patrols.โ
Y/N blinked. โWhat? Are you okay?โ It was then that she noticed the shimmering beauty charm obviously used to cover up faint bruising on his face. What was going on with him?
โCompletely fine,โ he assured her. โBut it means Iโm out for a few more nights, and James is going to take over again.โ
The realization hit her like a brick. She was going to be with James Potter again. All alone. Her stomach started to twist. Glancing over to her friend, she was surprised to see him calculating her facial expressions with a rather large smirk. Taking a deep shuddering breath to distract herself (and try to force down her nervous smile) โโฆOh.โ She cursed her voice for betraying her and coming out unnaturally high.ย
โIs that an oh no, an oh yes, or an oh Merlin, Iโm doomed?โ
She huffed. "Itโs a You're the worst.โ
โThatโs not a denial.โ
If Y/N werenโt so concerned about him she would have shoved him. Instead she settled for a glare, โI liked you more when you were pale and quiet in the hospital wing.โ
โLiar.โ
Down on the pitch, James whooped as the little girl finally got the broom to lift off the ground an inch. His grin was wide, his hair windswept, and her stomach twisted again. She must be hungry or something, maybe she shouldโve stopped by the kitchens.ย
Remus glanced between her and James, then clucked his tongue. She could already hear the comments and promptly spun around, โI have to go to Herbology.โย
Remus raised a brow, something that seemed to be increasing since James entered her life, โWell, youโre already late then. Fourth period started three minutes ago.โ
Y/N looked at her watch then gasped. How was she late? She was never late. The only other time she had ever been late was before Hogwarts. What was Potter doing to her?ย
Y/N had been waiting by the third-floor corridor for about three minutes when she heard hurried footsteps and the unmistakable sound of someone nearly slipping on a stone stair.
โEasy, Potter,โ she called before he even came into view. โIf you fall and break your neck Iโm not dragging you to the hospital wingโ
James jogged the last few steps, grinning. โYou wound me, L/N. Here I am, sacrificing my Saturday night to wander dark halls with you, and you wouldnโt save my poor battered body?โ
She arched her brow but a small smile played on her lips. โSacrificing?โ
โI could be doing so many things,โ he said dramatically as he stepped up to her. Fortunately, Remus managed to mention that he didnโt need his uniform. Instead he was wearing a Gryffindor red (typical) sweater and light wash jeans. His hair was itโs usual craziness and his glasses slipped down his nose in a way that made her want to whip out her wand and perform a sticking charm.ย โYou know, I could be Flying. Sleeping. Sneaking into Hogsmeade. Cโmon, L/N we could be sneaking into Hogsmeade right now.
โWell, why didnโt you say so.โ Y/N deadpanned. โLetโs leave right now.โ
For a second James just stared at her, debating whether she was being serious or not.Y/N rolled her eyes, already starting to walk. โLetโs start with the third floor. Peeves has been too quiet lately.โ
James fell into step beside her, hands casually tucked into his pockets, posture relaxed, or at least trying to be. Every so often, she caught him glancing at her, like he was waiting for a moment.
โSo,โ he said eventually, โI was thinking we should have our own little game. Everytime we run into a student you tell something you've never told anyone.โ
She gave him a look. โWhat makes you think I have secrets?โ
James leaned in, voice low and conspiratorial. โEveryone has secrets. Even Ravenclaws. Especially Ravenclaws.โ
โWe Ravenclaws are full of surprises.โย
โIโm beginning to realize that.โ James said with surprising sincerity. She glanced over at him to already see his eyes on her. She swallowed.ย
โAlright, fine. But if we catch no one, you have to confess something.โ This was going to be a very bad idea.
โDeal,โ James said immediately. โBut just so you know, Iโm very mysterious. People think they know me, but beneath this ruggedly handsome exterior-โ
She turned to him mid-step, mouth open to interrupt but he beat her to it.
โis a sensitive soul who writes poetry and cries at sunsets.โ
She actually laughed at that, and James looked unreasonably proud.
โYou would cry at sunsets,โ she teased.
He shot her a mock offended look. โRude. You might regret that when youโre emotionally exposed and Iโm just getting started.โ
โYou wonโt last five minutes.โ
โOh, please,โ James said, flicking his eyes toward her with a smirk. โIโve survived six years with Sirius Black. You think you scare me?โ
She just gave him an amused look but kept walking. He jogged a step to keep up before spinning on his heel and walking backwards, facing her. This was scaring her half to death, the entire time she kept trying to look over his shoulder (which was impossibly tall) to see if he was going to run into anything.ย
โYou know,โ he added voice softer, gaze shifting to her tentatively as if testing the waters. โyouโre not nearly as scary as I thought you were.โ
Y/N scoffed. โThatโs because I havenโt had to deduct points from you yet.โ
โDonโt threaten me with a good time.โ
She turned to look at him in surprise. This was the James Potter she had been expecting to see yet she was surprised to realize it didnโt annoy her as much as it used to.ย
But when she met his eyes, she realized he was already watching her, gaze a bit too steady to be teasing.
And then, with absolutely no hesitation, James added, โActually, if itโs you taking the points, I might start breaking rules on purpose.โ
Y/Nโs brain stuttered.
Jamesโ grin faltered. He almost looked as surprised and flustered as her. He spun right back around and she took the time to regain her bearings.ย
โI-You-โ she stammered, then shot him a death glare. โYouโre impossible.โ
โAnd yet, here you are,โ he said, utterly smug, seemingly getting his groove back.ย
When she peeked up at him again, he was smirking. Obviously back to his golden confidence and casual charm but his eyes were a little more vulnerable than usual, a little less performative.
They stood in silence for a few more seconds before Y/N rolled her eyes.
โDidnโt know you were such a romantic, Potter.โ
To be fair James didn't know either.ย
So far they hadnโt run into anyone causing trouble just yet. The only person who they had seen was Professor Flitwick who had caused her quite the fright while James failed to keep his amusement down.ย
Their last stop was the dungeons, her least favorite part. It seemed it was Jamesโ also by the way he stiffened. As the Slytherin common room came into view she saw his jaw tighten.ย
โYou okay?โ she asked softly.ย
James nodded, throwing on a smile. Even though Y/N barely knew him she could tell it was fake. It didnโt reach his eyes, something she shouldnโt know about him.ย
โYou can stay here and I can patrol real quick, then we can continue on with the rest of the castle.โย
James shook his head with a small smile, โIโm good, L/N. No need to be such a worry wart.โย
Y/N huffed but her lips tugged up anyway, โAlright fine. Then I think we should continue on with our game. We havenโt run into anyone. Youโre up for truths, Potter.โย
It was then that they finally reached the entrance to the Slytherin common room. It was like he didnโt even hear her. His chest started to rise and fall quicker.ย
Y/Nโs brows furrowed, โPotter?โ She questioned.ย
His eyes flicked toward the stone wall, still and silent, and he pressed his lips together for a long, heavy second. โBeing here reminds me.โ He trailed off. Y/N bit her lip. This was a terrible idea. What was she thinking trying to distract him with truths? Of course, she would be willing to listen but she didnโt want to pressure him into telling her something he wasnโt comfortable with.ย
His eyes flickered towards her and he ran a hand through his hair. โI just wish I had handled some things differently.โย
Y/N tilted her head to the side, knowing Snape was most likely at the forefront of his mind. โWhat things? Like Severus?โ Y/N hadnโt been there during the tree accident when James had purposely bullied and embarrassed Snape but she had heard about it. Merlin, the entire castle had heard about it before dinner that night.
He looked over at her surprised. Then nodded slowly. โYeah. Him. But not just him.โย
They kept walking, finally passing the slytherin common room and more towards her potions classroom. She didnโt want to pry. Y/N instead waited patiently for him to finish.ย
โI think about it a lot,โ James admitted, his eyes trained on the ground. โHow I used to act. I was an absolute prat and a terrible person and I hurt so many people.โย
Y/N opened her mouth to protest but something about the look on his face made her quiet. โI was so fortunate growing up. I had two amazing parents who not only adored me but made damn sure I knew it. I never really heard no. Iโd never met anyone who didnโt like me. And then I met Lily.โ His voice dipped. โShe hated me and for good reason too. And she was friends with Snivellus. I didnโt get it, how someone like her could choose to spend time with someone who said horrible things about people I cared about.
Sure, Snape sucked. The things he said to Pads about his family, about being in Gryffindor. It made my blood boil. But he wasnโt the only Slytherin who acted like that. Still, I fixated on him. Not to protect Sirius or anyone else. It was like I was proving something to her, maybe myself? I donโt know. It was petty. Cruel. I thought I was the good guy, so what I did couldnโt be wrong, right?โ
James shook his head slowly, disgusted with himself. โI thought I was being noble. And then Snape made this comment once, called us privileged. Dismissive, like always. But it stuck.โ
He inhaled sharply. โAnd I am privileged. Always have been. But my friendsโฆ theyโve been through things I canโt even wrap my head around.โ
He rubbed the back of his neck, not looking at her. โPeter has four younger sisters and a single mum. Heโs basically their dad when heโs home, and I know it weighs on him. Pads, Sirius, used to wake up screaming almost every night when he was still with his family. And Remusโฆโ
James trailed off. It was like someone had splashed water on him, essentially waking him out of his stupor. That was when he realized exactly where he was and more importantly, who he was saying all this to. He hadnโt even noticed heโd started to open up. He squeezed his hand so hard in his fist, Y/N was concerned he was going to hurt himself.ย
Then Jamesโ mouth opened like he might walk it back, but nothing came out. Because the truth was, he hadnโt meant to go this far. He never talked about this. Not even with the boys. But Y/N, there was something about her that pulled it all out. She had this energy that he is now figuring out is quite dangerous. Somehow, she made him feel safe enough to open up about actions that had been plaguing him for years, thoughts he didnโt even want to admit to himself.
And now, sitting here in the middle of this random corridor, James realized with alarming clarity: He didnโt regret telling her a single word.
โI justโ he said quietly, digging his palms into his eyes, โI just feel like a terrible person.โ
The silence ate at him. He wondered what she was thinking. He could imagine her face now, disgusted and horrified by his most inner thoughts. Her eyes scanning him up and down, (wondering) what had made him such a terrible person- a narcissistic boy who pitied himself.ย
Instead, two warm palms slowly moved his hands away from his face. His hands shook and for a brief second, James fought her. He was too scared to see her expression, too scared to see the disgust that most likely was at the forefront of her mind.ย
When he finally gained the courage to open his eyes, he was surprised to see her looking at him with compassion. Her hands didnโt move away from him like he expected her to do, instead she inched her way closer to him, dipping her head down to meet his downcast eyes. โYouโre not a terrible person, James.โ she breathed. โYouโre a very good person, who has made mistakes but works everyday to undo them. Thatโs not being a terrible person, that's being human.โย
He didnโt move. Didnโt speak. Even if he wanted too, he couldnโt. The words were choked up deep in his chest. He shut his eyes tightly again. He didnโt deserve her sympathy, not after treating others the way he has for the past six years.ย
When she finally pulled her hands back, James shuddered. The corridor was quiet again, cold in the way dungeon walls always were but James still felt rather hot.ย
James finally opened his eyes but still wasnโt able to look at her.ย
โI donโt talk about that stuff,โ He said, voice low and hoarse. Then clearing his throat as if to get rid of the words obstructing his airway. โActually, I think you may be the first person Iโve ever said that out loud too.โ
โI had a feeling,โ she murmured. โIโm glad you did.โ
Now that confused him. If anything he had expected her to at the least look a bit awkward after he dumped that on her, if not running away screaming. โWhy?โย
Y/N tilted her head slightly, thinking hard about her answer.โBecauseโฆ it makes sense now.โย
โWhat does?โย
โYou,โ She gave a small, almost bashful shrug. โI think I never really understood you before. Youโre loud, sure, and youโre kind of annoying-โย
James huffed out a laugh, the stitch in his chest loosening, โWay to make a guy feel good about himself, L/N.โ
โBut,โ she continued, lips twitching, โyou care. A lot. About your friends. About doing the right thing. Youโre thoughtful about it also. You justโฆ hide it under all that hair and Quidditch bravado.โย
She didnโt know what made her say it next. Maybe the silence. Maybe the look in his eyes. Maybe the way he had opened up to her in a way she didnโt think he was capable of.ย
โI think youโre better than you think you are.โ
James almost stumbled, hoping he didnโt look as caught off guard as he felt. He wanted to argue, to deny it, to say something witty and brush the whole moment off. Deep down, a small part of him wanted to believe her, wanted to become someone he was proud of.ย
James was proud of himself. He was of the actions he had done to help his friends, of the work he dedicated to quidditch and his studies. Yet, it all paled in comparison to the damage he did that fateful day. The guilt that seemed to catch up to him on bad days and compress on his chest until he felt ill.
โThank you,โ he said, almost shyly. โForโฆ not running away screaming.โ
Y/N arched an eyebrow. โIs that what usually happens when you talk about your feelings?โ
He grinned, lopsided and sheepish. โWouldnโt know. This was a first.โ
They stood there for a second longer than necessary. Then she nodded toward the stairs. โCome on, Potter. Letโs finish the round.โ
James hesitated, just for a second. Then he followed and muttered, just loud enough for her to hear, โYou know, you really are terrible at elbowing.โย
He was thankful for the interference. All of this opening up made him rather tired. It wasnโt a bad tired, just sleepiness. Like the exhaustion after a day of fun and drinking at the beach. Warm and content.
She glanced at him, caught the teasing smile playing on his lips, and couldnโt stop her own. โYeah? Well, next time, I wonโt hold back.โ
Jamesโ grin widened. โPromise?โ
She didnโt answer, just bumped her shoulder into his as they started up the stairs.
Y/N hadnโt seen James the past few days. Which was ironic really. After having spent years going out of her way to avoid his presence and now she was actively seeking him out. His words, and worse, her lack of response kept replaying in her head. It was getting rather bothersome. She couldnโt get over the fact that James had let himself open up to her and all she could do was tell him he wasnโt a bad person. She didnโt even hug him for Rowenaโs sake!ย
Bidding her DADA partner goodbye, she sped walked to the Great Hall. She had been so deep inside her head this morning that she managed to miss breakfast.ย
Turning the corner, the Ravenclaw was abruptly stopped. Her bag had caught on what looked like an old iron wall sconce. The kind that still held enchanted torches, because of course Hogwarts couldnโt have normal lighting. Why it was so low was beyond her.ย
Muttering under her breath, she fumbled to free the strap. Thatโs when she heard it. A voice too familiar to mistake.ย
โYou would trauma dump on the poor girl, Prongs. That's bloody hilarious.โ Her heart picked up. Were they talking about her?ย
She hurriedly tried to unravel it quickly, but it seemed her nerves slowed her brain down. Her hands only made the knot worse. Come on, come on, come on. If Sirius was close enough that she could hear him that meant James Potter was too.ย
Finally releasing it, she finished turning the corner. James walked towards her, looking more and more irritated by a Sirius Black laughing so hard he was clutching the wall for support.ย
It felt like her stomach had hopped on a broom for the first time and bounced around her stomach. Gripping the strap tight, she smiled, โHey James!โย
Jamesโ head whipped around, Sirius broke into a louder wheeze. As soon as his eyes landed on Y/N, his hand shot through his hair. She smiled brighter at his reaction, and he made a step towards her before walking right through Nearly Headless Nick.ย
She gasped.ย
Siriusโ face turned a concerning red from cackling; she was scared he was going to hurt himself.ย
Nick let out a shocked, โOh!โย
Sirius howled so hard he sank to the floor, tears streaming down his cheeks. โHe walked through Nick! He walked right bloody through him-โย
โMr.Potter!โ Nearly-Headless-Nick chuckled, unbothered. โIf you wished to greet me, you couldโve simply said hello!โย
James froze, horrified. โI-Nearly-I wasnโt-โย
Finally giving up, James turned to his best friend, โSirius. Get up.โ he snapped, extending a hand towards Black, who was now gripping his stomach.
โI canโt-โ Sirius hiccupped between gasps. โOh Merlin, Iโve never wanted one of those Muggle cameras more in my life. Your face-โย
Y/N couldnโt help it. She giggled. James looked so flustered, so utterly mortified, and Sirius was practically on life support from laughter. It was one of the most ridiculous things sheโd ever seen and yet somehow it made her stomach twist in that annoying way again.
She gave a little wave, deciding to spare James further humiliation. โSee you around, Potter.โ
She turned and walked off, biting her lip to suppress the giant smile creeping onto her face.
โBye, Y/N! See you Wednesday!โ James called after her.
A beat of silence.
THUD.
She glanced over her shoulder just in time to see him trip over Siriusโ sprawled legs. Sirius screeched.ย
Exams were coming faster than ever and Y/N was stressed. She was feeling a bit overwhelmed, between her perfect duties, exams, trying to pack for summer, and deal with her newly developing feelings for a certain someone, she felt safe to say it was deserved. The only thing she was looking forward to was Summer and her last patrol with Remus. This entire week she has been rehearsing what questions she was going to ask him about James. She had to say it in a super casual chill way, you know, since her feelings were super casual and chill.ย
Fortunately it was twenty minutes until she had to go meet him and Y/N allowed herself an early break from studying.ย
โWhere are you going?โ Emmeline asked as Y/N started packing her things.ย
โBack to the dorm. I need to put my books back before I go patrol with Remus.โย
โOh.โ Emmeline said with a mischievous smile creeping onto her face. โI forgot that was today.โย
Y/N laughed, she certainly hadnโt. Not when Y/N had been blabbing about it constantly when they werenโt studying.ย
โWell, good luck.โ Emmeline murmured, turning back to her books-a clear example of how focused she was. If it had been any other week, she knew her friend would have forsaken her grades to talk about what she was planning to ask Remus.ย
She left Emmeline to study, hurried back to put her books in her room and went outside the common room to wait for Remus. She was running the teeniest bit early which was good as she wanted to determine how she was going to casually ask the Gryffindor if James had mentioned her at all. Remus was annoyingly perceptive and if Y/N was going to get around him, she had to be perfect.ย
It seemed she didnโt need to wait any longer as footsteps echoed down the hall.ย
She spun around with a wide grin, mouth open to greet Remus. Instead of an excited hello, a strange noise came out of Y/Nโs mouth as she registered the scene in front of her.ย
โJames? What? What are you doing here? You know you canโt be out after curfew.โย
He grinned and winked at her. โGuess youโll just have to report me then.โย
โSeriously, Potter. What are you doing here?โย
James took a step towards her and smiled bashfully, โRemus has three finals tomorrow. I offered to take his place tonight. He told me to give you this.โ James handed her a note that she was 99.9 percent sure he helped himself to a look through.ย
Y/N,ย
Sorry you know how I am at Potions. I need to pass to get to NEWTS level for some godforsaken fucking reason. Will buy you a butterbeer next time I see you.ย
P.S. The bloke practically jumped through a wall to say yes to patrolling with you. Bloody wanker he is.
Hope he doesnโt talk your ear off,ย
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Remus Lupin
Y/N couldnโt help the giant smile growing after his note. Glancing up at James she caught him trying to read over her shoulder. Maybe he hadnโt snuck a glance. Immediately, she shoved the paper to her chest giving him a scandalous look.ย โAnd what do you think youโre doing?โย
James grinned even wider, โBeing nosy.โย
โHonestly,โ She scoffed, โCโmon, Potter. Letโs get a move on.โย
โYes, Mโaam.โ He said with a mock salute.ย
โHowโs your face feeling?โย
James gave her a confused look.ย
โI was a little concerned when I turned around to see you sprawled over Siriusโ lap, arse in the air and face in the ground like some kind of swingers party.โย
James barked out a laugh, โYou saw that?โย
โIt was hard not too after Sirius started to literally scream-laugh. I didnโt know someone could make that sound.โย
โI didnโt know either after your little squeal earlier when I showed up instead of Moony.โย
He got her there. She gave him a playful glare and kept walking, maybe a bit faster than he was used to. James had to speed up to catch up.ย
โHowโs finals going?โย
Y/N sighed, her thoughts drifting off to the studying she could and probably should be doing, โGoing. Somehow. Exams. Packing. You know, trying to maintain a strand of sanity.โย
โYouโll be brilliant.โ James said, sounding so sure that it caught her off guard. โYou always are.โย
Her face started to burn. What was Potter trying to do? Kill her?ย
โThanks, Potter.โย
James poked her with a teasing smile, โYou just look like you havenโt slept is all.โย
โAnd you look like you just woke up,โ She scoffed, gesturing to his hair.ย
He gasped and placed a hand to his chest, โYou wound me, L/N. My hairโs a lifestyle.โย
Y/N rolled her eyes when suddenly her stomach growled. James raised a brow, โYou hungry?โย
Y/N smiled sheepishly. She hated when her stomach decided to act up when it was quiet. It was always so embarrassing. โMaybe a little.โย
James grinned and promptly took a left. Y/N stood there for a second confused on where they were going. โPotter! North Wing is this way! Where are you going?โย
James didnโt answer, just continued marching his way down to wherever he was going. She bit her lip. This was going to get her in trouble. If they got caught, how on Earth was she going to be able to explain why she was forgoing her rounds and following James Potter deep into the heart of the castle.ย
Despite her anxiety spiking she sprinted after him.ย
When she finally caught up to him, he was standing in front of a fruit bowl portrait. โJame-Potter. What?โย
Cutting her off, he threw an arm around her. His smile was blinding, all of his attention on her. Her stomach started to flip uncomfortably.ย โGet ready to be amazed, L/N.โย
She wanted to protest. She really, truly did. She knew this was wrong but the way he was looking at her right now brought any objection out of the window. โBut patrols.โ She protested weakly.ย
โIโm sure Flitwick would understand if we took a quick break to eat.โ Y/N knew deep down that it would definitely not slide but right now it sounded like a decently good argument. โCโmon. Whenโs the last time you ate, love?โย
Her breath hitched at the nickname. It was then that his cologne hit her. She was a goner. He grinned as he took her silence for acceptance and tickled the pear when suddenly a small meow broke the atmosphere around them.ย
James stiffened, โThatโs Ms.Norris.โย
Her brain was too slow to catch up, still fogged with the fact that Potterโs arm had just been around her shoulders. โWait-weโre Prefects, James? Weโre fine.โย
โIโm not,โ he whispered, eyes darting toward the sound of Filchโs muttering. โRemus didnโt tell McGonagall. We need to go now.โ
Before she could argue, his hand closed firmly around her own. His hand basically swallowed hers. He was surprisingly warm, hand slightly calloused from quidditch. She couldnโt help but stare at the difference in size between them.ย
Suddenly it hit her what was going on, her eyes widened as she was jerked into a running start. Her heart started to pound.ย
This couldnโt be happening. She was going to lose her Prefect badge!
James, still ahead of her, looked back with a contagious grin on his face.
Alright, maybe this wasnโt so bad.ย
Her chest started to feel lighter. Before she knew it she started to giggle along. The whole thing was rather riveting. Her lungs burned yet she didnโt even notice too enraptured by the excitement of it.ย
Suddenly she started to hear a loud wheeze then muttering. Her heart skipped. Filch.
โShit,โ James muttered, a breathless laugh coming out in spite of their situation. He spotted a suit of armor and a dark alcove just beside it. โIn here.โ
Y/N barely had time to register what was happening before she was pulled into the tiny space. James shoved the cloak hanging on the wall to the side and shoved them both flat against the stone. Her back hit the wall with a soft thud, and James rushed in right after her, one arm braced on the stone beside her head, the other still holding her hand.ย
James's entire body crowded her in a way that he stole all her attention. Her environment entirely captivated by James. James. James.
The way he looked rather annoyingly beautiful at this moment. His cheeks flushed from sprinting. Hair fluffed in a way that always made her want to run her hands through it.ย His strong jawline clenched as his eyes roamed her face. Eyes sparkling with mischief but looking at her with such warmth. The way his Adam's apple bobbed at the closeness between them.ย
She could feel his breath fan across her cheeks, rapid and warm.ย
Merlin, they were close. Much, much too close. Yet she needed him closer still.ย
Her heart skipped a beat as James squeezed her hand in reassurance.ย
Outside, Filchโs muttering grew closer.ย
Neither of them breathed.
The footsteps paused. Right in front of them.ย
Y/N instinctively pressed closer, her nose brushing against the collar of his shirt and hands landing on his chest. She could feel his heartbeat hammering under her fingers, uneven and frantic. For one absurd second, she couldnโt tell if it was his or hers.ย
โWhat is it, my sweet?โ sounded the nasally voice of the caretaker in the hallway. Her heart pounded in sync with Filchโs wheezes. Bloody Mouth-Breather.ย
Ms.Norris meowed loudly and suddenly she heard purring. She shut her eyes tight then opened them, realizing her lips were less than centimeters from the curve of his collarbone.ย
Her heart started to pound. With a recklessness she didnโt know she possessed, Y/N let her lips graze the curve of his neck. Jamesโ breath hitched, chest shuddering from the contact.ย
She wanted to do it again, craved that reaction again.
Instead, she lifted her gaze.ย
James was already looking down at her. His eyes, usually so easy to read, were hazy and dark. She watched them flicker down-once, twice- to her mouth. She felt him start to breathe quicker, felt his heart beat faster.
Her stomach swooped. Is he really going to-. Her mind went blank.
His fingers had ghosted from her wrist to her waist, slow and cautious, like he was testing the idea of touching her at all.ย
He leaned in. Just a fraction. Close enough that she felt his nose graze hers, soft and maddening.ย
If he kisses her, Emmeline will never let her live this down.ย
If he doesnโt kiss her, sheโll never recover.ย
Mrs. Norris hissed somewhere down the hall.
Filch cursed, the footsteps turned, and slowly retreated.
They didnโt move. Jamesโ eyes still stayed glued to her lips but Y/N knew deep down the moment had passed, even if she didnโt want it too.
Y/Nโs heart sunk, and shut her eyes again tightly. โI think theyโre gone.โ she murmured
โYeah,โ His voice was caught, like he hadnโt found it fully yet. He stepped back and ran a hand through his hair.
The silence stretched again.ย
Then, all of the sudden, James stepped back into her personal space again. His leg brushed against hers and her breath caught. โY/N,โ he breathed, almost too quietly to hear. He looked to be teetering on the edge of confession.
โOi! Whoโs there?โ
They both jumped at once, James scrambling out from behind the statue. Peeves cackled as he floated by.
She exhaled a shaky breath and let her head lean against the wall. Her heart pounded so loud in her chest she couldnโt hear anything else. Y/N couldnโt believe what had just happened. Her lips still tingled maddeningly.
James cleared his throat. She opened her eyes to see him staring at her deeply. Her nails scratched against the stone wall before pushing herself off. She didnโt know what to do. How to act in this situation. Does she confront him? No, she was no lion and most certainly did not have the courage to do that.ย
James let the curtain fall with a swish and Y/N reached out to fasten it around the armor.ย
โMy Rowena, doesnโt anyone ever sleep in this castle?โ She asked, her voice sounding unusually high and let out a shaky laugh that sounded similar to a wheeze.ย
Ignorance is bliss. Right?
โWell, Peeves canโt technically sleep so.โ James said then instantly grimaced.ย
She laughed awkwardly, her heart still thundering in her chest. She just wished this tingling feeling would stop so she could get her mind back together. โBack to patrolling?โ she asked, her voice still not sounding like herself.
โRight,โ James said after a beat, clearing his throat and running a hand through his hair. โRight. Patrol.โ
They walked side by side in silence, a little too far apart. She stole a glance at him, his brow was furrowed deeper than she had ever seen. His uniform was wrinkled and tie strewn aside. Her heart jumped at the thought of his uniform being disheveled for other reasons. For reasons that almost just happened.
Suddenly, James stopped abruptly and Y/N realized they were face to face with the Rowena statue.ย
โGoodnight, L/N.โ James said and made his way to the Gryffindor tower. Y/N tried to listen to the riddle, but her mind was elsewhere. She was still mentally still stuck in the broom closet.ย
Later that night after she had gotten ready for bed there was a steaming cup of tea and the food she always reached at the Great Hall on Thursdays.ย
How? She reached for the note next to the plate. Her stomach growled in protest.ย
Canโt have you go to bed starving. Make sure to take care of yourself. You work too hard.ย
James P.
All of a sudden summer fell into autumn. September 1st had crept its way into her life and before she knew it she was about to climb aboard the Hogwarts Express for the last time. It was a rather weird feeling that settled deep into her chest, one that had been creeping its way in this Summer. Her childhood was almost over. The entire life that she had been building since 11 was about to come to an end.ย
Somehow Emmeline didnโt look as melancholic as she felt.ย
If anything her best friend was practically vibrating as she shook Y/Nโs arm in excitement, โI am so happy to be rid of Mum and Dad. Oh my god, youโd think their entire lives revolved around what job Iโm going to get after graduation. I was going to go crazy staying there a second longer.โย
Y/N managed a smile at that even if her stomach was still twisted, โThen in a week I donโt want to hear you moaning about how much you miss them.โย
Emmeline scoffed, tugging her suitcase toward the train. โDoubt it.โ Emmeline hopped onto the train but Y/N held back a little bit.ย
The excited shouts of friends being reunited, the screech of the train, the smell of steam drifting through the wind-all of it wrapped around her like a memory she wasnโt quite ready to let go of. Y/N shut her eyes and tried to let it all sink in. She needed to take a mental picture, so when she was all old and wrinkled she could remember simpler times of meeting up with her best friend and hoping a certain Gryffindor had her on his mind as much as he was on hers.ย
When she opened her eyes, Emmeline was giving her an amused but soft look.ย
โReady?โย
She took in a deep breath and nodded, hauling her trunk aboard.ย
Fortunately, the first carriage they landed on was empty, a rather large feat considering they werenโt very early.ย
โAlso! I forgot to tell you!โ Emmeline exclaimed as she helped her put the trunk up, โMy Dad told me that they almost named me Bulstrode! Could you imagine!?โย
Y/N stepped back with a revolted look on her face, โThatโs actually insane.โย
โI know! Apparently it was Dadโs grandmaโs name or something. I donโt really remember I was too horrified at almost being named Bulstrode.โย
โItโs almost like they wanted you to be bullied.โย
She rolled her eyes, โRowena, I know. Thank Merlin Mom put a stop to it!โย
Y/N shuddered when Emmeline went quiet, staring at something over her shoulder. Turning around she was met with the sight of an abnormally shy looking Lily Evans peeking into the compartment. Y/N waved her in with a small smile. She didnโt know Lily well but she was always sweet. Plus, she heard from Crouch that Evans got Head Girl and she was rather curious who Head Boy was. She knew it wasnโt Barty or Remus after owling them over the Summer.ย
โHi Lily! Have a good Summer?โย
She smiled and flicked her beautiful hair over her shoulder. Lily Evans was unfairly stunning but also was incredibly kind, something that did not always go hand in hand.ย
โThe best! Yours?โย
โCanโt complain,โ Emmeline commented in agreement after her.
โItโs rather weird being here now that itโs our last time.โย
Y/N nodded and wrinkled her nose. โI know. I donโt like it very much.โย
Lily laughed, โMe either. Anyway, I wanted your advice about something.โย
Y/N raised her brows but patted the seat next to her regardless. What Lily needed advice about was beyond her. The only person who she knew ran in the same circle as her was Remus. Her and Remus had been friends for years, it couldnโt be about him. Could it?ย
She settled into her seat and started to pick at her mood changing polish that was now a bright green-anxiety. โI need your advice about Potter.โย
Y/N furrowed her bows in confusion. James? Her heart started to pick up at the mention of him. โErm, okay. I donโt really know how I can help you with that but shoot!โย ย
โAs you know, he got Head Boy-โย
โPotterโs Head Boy!โ Emmeline exclaimed exactly what Y/N was thinking. Y/N sucked in her lips. Potter, Head Boy? Her mind scrambled. That meant she was going to see him soon. Very very soon. Y/N didnโt feel very prepared, especially since she hadnโt seen him since they had almost kissed.ย
Lily rolled her eyes, taking Y/Nโs silence as agreement in her annoyance, โI know! I donโt know what the Professors were thinking! I mean he wasnโt even a Prefect.โย
Y/N and Emmeline looked at each other. When she looked back at Lily, she was watching the exchange with narrowed eyes. Fortunately she let it go. It wouldnโt be the worst thing if Lily found out but it wasnโt exactly Y/Nโs secret to tell. โAnyway, Remus told me that you used to hate Potter and now you guys are friends and I wanted to know if you had any advice for getting along with him. Godric! I could barely stand him before but now I have to work with him!โย
Y/N smiled sympathetically, just about everyone knew how much Lily disliked James,โHeโs really not that bad. He can be rather thoughtful and sweet. I would tone him out occasionally. You know he does love to blab.โ Y/N rolled her eyes, a warm smile taking over. โHeโs matured a lot, Lily. You would be surprised.โย
Lily stared at her with a deadpan expression. Clearly, she was having trouble believing her. โWell, Iโll take your word for it. Thanks, L/N.โ She got up and made her way out of the compartment, โPrefect meetingโs in a half hour. See you there!โย
The second she shut the door, Emmeline rounded on Y/N, โPotterโs Head Boy! I know you guys are meant to be!โย
An hour or two later, Emmeline and Y/N had gotten sandwiches from the trolley lady and ran into multiple seventh years. Much to her displeasure, some of the other Ravenclaws in her year had joined them in their compartment. No offense to the rest of the Ravenclaw girls in her year but she only wanted Emmeline to know about her almost kiss with Potter.ย
Her watch buzzed on her wrist, she needed to leave if she wanted to change into her robes before the meeting. She sighed, she had really been hoping to talk to Emmeline alone.ย
Normally, Y/N wouldnโt have minded telling the other two girls in her year what was going on but Y/N felt rather protective about this. It was personal, special to her. She didnโt want their opinions or judgements. Even worse, having it go around the house if one of them chose to blab.
Y/N bid goodbye to them quickly, and raced to the bathrooms.ย
Ten minutes later, she was setting down her stuff in the usual Ravenclaw area of the compartment. Y/N got out her ink and quill along with parchment just in case Lily and James, well most likely Lily, wanted to change anything this year. Despite trying to calm herself down by taking deep breaths through her nose, her stomach was cramping uncomfortably.ย
Knowing that she was about to see Potter in a few minutes was terrifying. She had been imagining how this would go down the entire Summer yet she didnโt feel at all prepared for the encounter. Would he mention anything? Her stomach twisted at the thought. Would he not mention anything at all? Y/N knew she would be devastated if he chose to ignore it. Somehow that was worse.ย
She sighed and tried to shake her thoughts away. There was no use in worrying like this. He was just a boy. A very pretty, thoughtful boy but just a boy nonetheless.
Y/N opened her ink pot and wrote down the date, her name, and was just finishing up the title when a voice spoke up and scared her so bad that she crossed a line down the page.ย
โYou know, Iโve never understood why you wrote your name on your notes, L/N.โย
James leaned his body weight on his hands on both sides of her desk, effectively caging her in without even realizing it. He smelled faintly of broom polish and mint, like he had flown here. Y/N wouldnโt be surprised if he did. Her chest tightened uncomfortably.ย
Y/N only let herself get a quick glance at him. She was feeling suddenly shy and couldnโt bring herself to meet his warm gaze. What was he doing here so early?
Her quill slipped again in her fingers, ink botting the corner of her parchment. Perfect. Exactly the impression she wanted to make.ย
โI like things to be organized,โ she tried to reply evenly, whipping out her wand to perform a quick scourgify. She took her time to perform the spell, only to allow her mind to respite and catch up with the scene in front of her. โJust in case I lose them, hopefully someone will give them back to me.โย
โYou know, Iโve never lost my notes.โย
Y/N rolled her eyes, a small smile playing at her lips, โYou donโt take notes, Potter.โย
โExactly,โ James said, his dimple flashing. He tapped his forehead, โHow can I lose them when they are all in here?โย
โSome of us arenโt blessed with photographic memories.โย
He paused, his grin boyish and teasing. He shifted closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially, โYou know, I wasnโt sure how long it would take you to notice, but-โ he tapped the Head Boy badge with mock pride, โsurprise.โย
Y/N pursed her lips, even as warmth crept unbidden up her neck. โYes, I know.โย
James pulled back, his brows furrowed, โWhat? I told Remus not to tell you.โย
Y/N raised her bows. Maybe she didnโt have to kill Lupin after all. โNo, Evans warned me.โย
โWarned you?โ he repeated, clutching his chest as though mortally wounded. โThat hurts, L/N. Here I was, expecting congratulations and maybe even a celebratory hug.โ
She rolled her eyes, fighting the tug of a smile. โYou? Head Boy? Iโm still waiting for someone to shout โApril Foolโsโ.โ
His laughter startled herโlow, warm, nothing like the obnoxious whoops he used to let out on the Quidditch pitch. For a fleeting moment, it softened the sharp lines of his face, made him lookโฆdifferent. Older. It was then that Y/N allowed her eyes to wander, take in how well Summer had treated him. He had somehow managed to get tanner, if that was even possible which made his already warm chocolate eyes brighter. He had grown a few inches and his shoulders had gotten broader. She certainly wasnโt complaining.ย
Before she could think too much about it, the compartment door slid open and in stepped Barty Crouch Jr., parchment already in hand. His sharp eyes flicked between her and James, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.ย
โWell, well,โ Barty drawled, dropping into the seat beside Y/N without asking. โDidnโt expect to find you keeping Potter company, L/N. Thought you had more sense than that.โย
Jamesโ grin vanished, his jaw tightening as he straightened. โCrouch.โย
โPotter,โ Barty returned smoothly, then angled his body toward Y/N, โSo, howโs my favorite Potions partner? Ready for Slughorn to bore us senseless again this term?โย
Y/N laughed lightly, though her stomach squirmed at the way Jamesโ hands tightened on the edge of her desk. โI suppose Iโm ready.โ she murmured, glancing at James underneath her lashes.ย
His jaw tightened as he stared at Crouch with distaste. He then pushed himself off her desk with feigned nonchalance, muttering, โMeetingโs starting soon.โ It was the look he gave after, lingering a little too long that had Y/Nโs heart beating almost painfully.ย
She took in a deep breath and tapped her quill against her parchment, โJames,โ she called, ignoring Bartyโs questioning look.
He spun around so fast his knee almost bumped into the desk that he was walking past. Y/N hummed in amusement, โCongratulations.โย
Y/N held back, her shoulder resting against the wall of the Prefect compartments as she watched everyone exit.ย
Finally, after Y/N was about to go bursting in there after watching basically everyone leave did James come out. His eyebrows raised in surprise at seeing her, then he ran a hand through his hair before stuffing it in his pockets. A nervous tell.
โSo, weโre partners for almost every patrol, Potter. I wonder how that happened.โย
James smirked, though there was the faintest flicker of vulnerability in his eyes, โHead privileges.โย
Y/N nodded trying to keep her giant smile at bay, โMakes sense.โย
He took a step towards her, his elbow grazing her own, and his voice dropped lower. โIโm sorry-if this makes you uncomfortable I can tell Lily and we can switch-โย
โNo!โ Y/N blurted far too quickly. Her cheeks burned as she stammered,โI mean-no. Justโฆ um. I donโt mind.โย
Her cheeks burned and for one terrifying moment she thought heโd laugh. Instead James smiled down at her softly, almost shyly. Y/N slowly let herself timidly smile back.
โOkay,โ he nodded slowly.ย
โOkay.โ she parrotted softly, looking at him under her lashes. They kept the contact up for a few seconds before Y/N felt heat creep into her cheeks again.ย
She looked down and put her hair behind her ear, โI need to go find Barty so we can patrol.โย
James' face darkened. โWe can always start patrol partners now, you know. We have plenty of practice from last year.โย
Y/N rolled her eyes but squeezed his forearm in reassurance anyway, โBye, James.โ She murmured and made her way where she saw her fellow Ravenclaw take off.
She didnโt need to look back to know that Jamesโ eyes hadnโt strayed from her as she walked away.ย
Y/N was one of those rather annoying people who enjoyed school, particularly the start of school term. The excitement of seeing her friends, learning about the new subjects she got to take, the smell of the library.ย
Even more specifically, Autumn was her favorite season. She loved the weather, the study sessions cuddled in warm sweaters, the Saturday quidditch matches.ย
Y/N always got up early during the start of the term. She loved to walk around the grounds and take in the falling leaves and the slight chill in the air. Afterwards she would slowly eat her breakfast and incorporate some honey and cinnamon into her morning tea.ย
Her morning routine was one of her favorite parts of her day.ย
Yet lately, Y/N had noticed another aspect was slowly taking over 1st place. Double Potions, surprisingly, was steadily becoming her most looked-forward-to event.ย
Y/N enjoyed potions. Sure, it wasnโt her best subject but it wasnโt her worst either and something amusing seemed to always happen during that lesson. Yet this year still took the cake. The Ravenclaws had NEWT Double Potions with the Gryffindors this year.ย
Today was a Thursday, meaning she had DADA, Charms, Arthimacy, lunch, then finally Double Potions.ย
The lab was brighter than normal this time of day, with the afternoon light somewhat filtering through the clerestory windows. Smoke eased its way off the potion on Slughornโs desk, giving the room a slight rosemary aroma.ย
She set down her bag at her desk and got up to go grab the cauldron when Barty walked in, already carrying the pewter basin.ย
He set it down with a bang and Y/N couldnโt help but raise a brow, โWhy on Merlinโs mad mankind would you ever carry that around all day?โย
Barty rolled his eyes, โYou should be thanking me, L/N.โย
โUm, thank you?โย
โYouโre welcome.โ Barty huffed, โI caught some bloody slytherins trying to use our cauldron the other day. The audacity."
Y/Nโs lips perked up, though she was thankful.โEven though youโre basically one of them.โย
Barty gave her a look, โDonโt start, L/N. I just carried around a cauldron all day. You wonโt get a more devoted potions partner than that.โย
Y/N tried to bite down a giggle and leaned over to look at her lecture notes from Monday, trying to remember what ingredients she needed for the lab. โLucky me.โย
Barty smirked, โOnly for you.โย
Y/N was about to lean forward and make a snarky comment back when she picked up an unnervingly familiar voice. She could practically feel James. It was odd, even having not looked back when she heard his voice as he entered the classroom she could pinpoint the exact spot he was sitting. In the back of her mind she picked up Barty letting out a barely there disappointed sigh.ย
โUnless youโre Potter in love.โ Barty spat, not looking at her.ย
Y/N shot him a look back, โIโm gonna go get the ingredients.โย
She rolled her eyes, yet Barty had a point. James had never been one for nonchalance unless it was about pranks. Recently, he had developed a habit of coming up to them before, during, and after class.ย
Grabbing her list of ingredients, Y/N walked over to the potions section. She passed Lily on her way, who of course had all of them already with perfect measurements.ย
Y/N glanced at the ingredients on her list, deciding to start out with the essence of moonshine. She only needed a quarter of it, should be easy enough.ย
She scanned the shelves, fingers trailing along glass jars until she found the essence of moonshine. Just as she reached for it, the air behind her shifted. She didnโt need to turn. She knew. Y/N bit back a smile.
Her hand hovered over the moonshine when a hand grabbed the bottle next to her. โYou always reach for the wrong one first.โ James said softly, his voice warm and amused.ย
A smirk tugged at her mouth before she faced him. โYou always sneak up on me.โย
James stepped closer, โDonโt act like you didnโt hear me. You always do. Just like on patrol last week, when I tried to catch you off guard near the staircase. You didnโt even flinch just told me to โwalk quieter next time, Potter.โโ
Y/N rolled her eyes, though her lips betrayed her with a twitch. โYou were stomping down the corridor like a hippogriff before you almost fell on the last step. Hardly subtle.โ
He leaned in a fraction, lowering his voice. โAnd yet you still smiled at me when you said it.โ
His eyes looked deep into hers and she huffed before whirling around. She needed Solomon-. What was it called again? She knew this. Afterall, she had only been using the ingredient since first year. If only Potter wasnโt so distracting.ย
James laughed softly behind her and tugged on the ends of her hair, โGive me your basket, L/N.โย
Y/N turned her head and instead held her basket closer to her. She glanced at him with narrowed eyes, suspiciously. โWhy?โย
James lifted the ingredients in his hands with a crooked grin. Y/N scanned the ingredients in his hands. He had two of each. โPotter, what?โย
He steadily started to unload the ingredients tucked into his left arm in her basket. โI know you canโt reach these so I saved you the embarrassment of asking me. You can still thank me though.โย
Y/Nโs chest fluttered. Rowena, why did he have to be so thoughtful and sweet? Y/N glanced up at him after analyzing the products. His gaze turned shy after her eyes met his. โAre they all from-โย
โYes, L/N. They are all from the top shelf. I know you only get the freshest ingredients.โย
Y/Nโs hold on her ingredients container tightened. The only person who knew that about her was Emmeline and Barty; and Barty only knew because they had been potions partners since first year. Sure, it wasnโt exactly a secret. Yet Potter could only know that if he paid very close attention to her.ย
โHow-how did you know?โย
James looked at her with a confused expression, โEveryone knows Slughorn stocks the freshest ingredients at the top.โ
Y/N adjusted her container to her hip, โNo, how did you know I prefer the newer ingredients?โย
James' eyes widened, โO-oh,โ colour started to climb up his neck.ย
Slughorn then clapped his hands together, signaling class was about to start. She should have been back in her seat minutes ago yet she hesitated, wanting to know James' answer.ย
But he just threw a hand in his hair, not quite meeting her eyes. She let out a light laugh and stepped closer to him, putting her hand on his arm. He looked up at her in surprise, โItโs okay. I noticed you not caring about how fresh your ingredients are.โย
James had the gall to look offended as if they both didnโt know Sirius was strangely good at potions and did most of the heavy lifting between the both of them. โIโll have you know-โย
Y/N took a step right into his personal space and she was relieved to see he was just affected by their closeness as she was. โMhm, what would you have me know, Potter?โย
A ghost of a smirk teased his lips, โIโll have you know, I donโt need the freshest ingredients and Iโve still managed to get an O every year. Besides,โ his smirk turned cocky, as he stepped even closer to her. โWatching you fuss over shelves is far more entertaining.โย
Y/N huffed, narrowing her eyes at him, โThatโs because Sirius does all the work.โย
James shot back, appalled, she only laughed at his reaction. โYou should let me carry that,โ James said after finally getting his wits back, nodding at the basket of ingredients in her hands.
โI think Iโll survive.โ
Suddenly, Slughorn was in front of them. Y/N had forgotten she was in potions class and she started to notice her classmates giggling as they eyed her and Potter. Y/N flushed. โPotter, L/N if you two donโt mind, I would like to start class now.โ To her horror, Slughorn looked just as amused as the rest of them did. โAs much as I love the bloom of young love, the Draught of Peace requires much time to finish.โย
Y/N flushed, her lips parting in shock as the giggles around them grew. She made a beeline back to her seat, heart hammering.
James only smirked, taking his time as though Slughorn hadnโt just put the spotline on them. โOf course, Professor,โ he said smoothly.
But his cool didnโt last. In his effort to sneak one last glance at her, his foot clipped the leg of a stool and he stumbled, barely catching himself on a desk. Laughter rippled through the classroom, she was sure she even heard Sirius whoop.
Slughorn chuckled, utterly unfazed. โCareful there, Potter. It seems young love can be more hazardous than potions.โ
Y/N wanted the dungeon floor to open up beneath her. James only grinned, cheeks pink, and shot her one last look before finally sinking into his seat.
A/N; Practice during patrol time obviously doesnโt happen but just roll with it for the sake of the plot please! I didnโt think that part through donโt hate me!ย
Y/N had a love-hate relationship with the Ravenclaw common room. Her common room was beautiful, the ceiling charmed to look like the sky once the sun went down, the bookcase covering every inch of wallspace that wasnโt taken up by windows. However, as much as the room was her happy space it was also the bane of her existence. Trying to get a seat was near impossible. It seemed as if every time she was determined to try to study there, every seventh year and first year had claimed every available spot, leaving nothing for the rest of the grades. It was infuriating.ย
However, it seemed luck was in her favor or Rowena knew how badly she needed a space to study after the library failed her. Somehow there was a spot right next to the fireplace that stood in the center of the room. Darting over to make sure no one got there before her, she spread her bag, textbooks, anything she could find in her bag to claim it. Satisfied, she raced upstairs to her dorm to grab Emmeline.ย
Fortunately, Emmeline was coming down right as she was going up.ย
โEmmeline!โ Y/N all but screeched and grabbed her hand, dragging the poor girl down the stairs, โWe have to hurry!โย
โSlow down! What is going on?โ Emmeline tried to keep up without falling on her face. Once they finally made it down to the room, her best friend started to understand. She whipped around to her best friend, โHow?โย
Y/N shrugged and sank into the couch, โRowena blessed me, I donโt know.โย
Emmeline laid down, stretching her legs over Y/Nโs lap. She put her hands together in prayer, โBless you, Rowena.โย
โAre you praying?โย
Emmeline rolled her eyes and got out her nail polish, โPlease, you know Iโm not religious.โย
โIf you say so.โ Y/N laughed and grabbed the book she needed to study for her upcoming Charms quiz.ย
The afternoon flew by. Y/N only got distracted a few times, mostly Emmeline asking her something and catching her mind drift off to think about a certain someone. Before she knew it, Y/N was glancing at her watch to catch the time. Her stomach swooped. Somehow it read 8:45, fifteen minutes until the start of her patrol.ย
She took a deep breath. Her butterflies were going wild.ย
Probably sensing her best friend's upset, Emmeline glanced up at her, โAre you sure you donโt want me to paint yours?โย
Y/N shook her head and rested the book on her chest, โNo, I have patrols in fifteen.โย
Emmeline hummed with a smirk and continued to paint her nails. โHow is everything with Potter, anyway?โย
โSalazar, are you two always this boring? Iโm sure we can find a more riveting conversation topic on our patrol than this L/N.โ Barty interrupted and nudged himself in between both of them. Y/N shifted away, if only to get Bartyโs body weight off her leg.ย
โWhat do you mean our patrol?โย
Barty simply raised a brow, โPotter didnโt tell you? He had to cancel for a last minute quidditch practice. Something about us beating his arse next match.โย
The butterflies that had been causing havoc inside her for the past few minutes immediately died off, โWait what? Did he say anything else?โย
Barty rolled his eyes, looking all too bored at this conversation, โThatโs all I know, L/N. I wasnโt really listening, to be fair.โย
Y/N frowned, disappointment seeping into her stomach. โWho told you this?โย
Crouch huffed and stood up. โDoes it matter, L/N? Now come on, we have to go or we are going to be late. Flitwick said if I was late to patrol once more that he would find someone else for the job. Personally, I donโt fancy my Dad on my arse right before graduation.โ He held out a hand towards her. Y/N pursed her lips yet took it anyway. She couldnโt help but wonder why James wouldnโt have mentioned this-or left a note, just something. Even Remus had the courtesy to write her a note, and he was only her friend. Not that her and Potter were anything but friends.
She just thought they had an understanding.ย
Besides, James and Barty hate each other. Y/N narrowed her eyes-something was off.ย
โDonโt pout, you get to spend the whole night with me. Do you know how many girls would kill to be you?โย
Y/N rolled her eyes and snatched her coat out of his hands. โI thought rejecting you in fifth year would have given you the right idea.โย
Barty smirked and threw an arm over her shoulder that Y/N immediately shrugged out of. Honestly. โYou know I never give up on a challenge. Just wait a few hours and youโll forget all about Potter.โย
โHmm, I would have expected fifteen minutes. Guess Iโll just expect to be disappointed then.โย
Y/N bit her lip to try to stifle her giggles. Barty stared at her in shock for a few seconds before jogging to catch up to her.ย
โYou never fail to surprise me, L/N.โย
โGlad you got your wits back, Crouch.โย
โShut up.โ
-
Despite Y/N's determination to focus on what Barty was saying, she couldnโt. They had only been patrolling for less than a half hour and her mind wouldnโt stop wandering to James and wondering what had happened.ย
James definitely had a good explanation. He had too. They had a thing going on, whatever that was. The point is he wouldnโt just ditch her like this.ย
Ugh.
She needed to listen to Barty, he was her friend despite his insistence that they werenโt. They had been potions partners for seven years for Merlinโs sake and the stubborn man still wouldnโt admit it.ย
So Y/N plastered a smile on her face and turned to him, โWhat were you saying?โย
Barty just raised a brow, โUm. I wasnโt saying anything.โย
โOh,โ she mumbled, her cheeks flaming.ย
โHeโs really got your knickers in a twist, huh?โย
Y/Nโs lips twitched and she shoved him hard. He stumbled onto the wall dramatically. She rolled her eyes, โOh please. I am not that strong.โย
โTell that to my shoulder,โ he pouted, shrugging it a few times as if to see if it was dislocated.ย
Y/N rolled her eyes. A few long seconds stretched between them before Barty spoke up again. His thumb beat against his thigh in a rhythm she didnโt recognize. โYou really like him, donโt you?โย
Y/N took in a sharp intake of breath, โYa, I guess I do. It doesnโt matter though. He obviously doesnโt feel the same.โย
Barty scoffed, โYouโre an idiot, L/N.โ Y/N turned to him confused. โYou have to be blind to see heโs not mad for you. If heโs not then heโs a bigger git than I thought.โย
Y/N smiled thinly, โThanks, Barty.โ
He shrugged, โIโm sorry I wasnโt paying more attention. Evans just blabbed on and on and I couldn't listen to it anymore. Merlin, sheโs boring.โย
โWait,โ she said and stopped abruptly, โLily told you about patrol.โย
Barty nodded and looked away, trying to remember what she said, โSomething about how Potter asked her to take over and she said yes then forgot about her muggleborn rights club or something like that.โย
The tight, wound up ball in her chest steadily undid as he spoke. She felt like she could breathe again. This was so fucking dramatic.ย
Y/N knew if James asked Barty to take over then something was wrong between them. He must not like her anymore-or at least that's what it felt like. Now that she knew he asked Lily and she couldnโt do it made her feel loads better.ย
Y/N started to laugh at herself quietly. She felt so silly. Who knew she would be the type to stress this much over James Potter?ย
Barty looked at her weirdly, โYou good now?โย
โYes.โ She said, beaming.โย
He nodded slowly, โSo why isnโt Emmeline taking potions?โย
โReally small talk?โย
Barty scoffed and threw his hands up, โWould you rather me be an asshole? Iโm genuinely curious.โย
Y/N rolled her eyes, โShe doesnโt need NEWTS potions for her career path. Lucky girl.โย
โLucky indeed. What does she want to do?โย
Y/N huffed out something akin to a laugh, โI donโt think she knows. Last year she planned to be a magizoologist in South Africa. Over the summer, she was planning on applying to become an au pair for goblins-โย
Barty scoffed, โDid you just say globlins?โย
โI know,โ she glanced at him with a smile, โNow, she mentioned working as an assistant for some top ministry worker, having a scandalous affair with him or her, marry them, kill them, and split the money with the ex wife.โย
Barty gave her a look, not even pretending anymore to really look for anyone out after curfew. โMarry, kill, why split the money? Shame sheโs a Ravenclaw-wasted Slytherin potential.โ
โYouโre a Ravenclaw!โย
Barty smirked, โAs you said last class Iโm basically a Slytherin.โย
Y/N nudged him and started to laugh, โOnly because itโs true.โย
Barty looked at her seriously for a second before barking out a laugh. Y/N gasped in mock shock, โDid you just laugh? Did I just make the Barty Crouch Jr. laugh?โย
Before Barty could fire back, a voice cut through the corridor.
โGlad I could witness the miracle.โ
Y/N froze. Her giggles died in her throat. Her stomach thrummed around. She didnโt even need to turn. She recognized the voice.ย James.
He stood a few paces away, his expression unreadable, hazel eyes flicking between her bright smile and Bartyโs smirk. His jaw ticked. He still had his quidditch practice outfit on. The sheen on his upper lip and how fast his chest was heaving made Y/N wonder if he ran here.
โDidnโt realize patrols were meant to be comedy hour,โ he said, tone deceptively light, though his voice was tight around the edges.
Barty shifted beside her, unbothered, even smug. โWhat can I say, Potter? Iโm a delight.โ
Jamesโs lips curved into something that wasnโt quite a smile. โFunny, I donโt remember asking you.โ
The air between the three of them turned sharp, Y/Nโs stomach swooping as the butterflies came back in full force, for all the wrong reasons.
She took a step forward, โJames. Barty said you had practice.โย
When he looked at her his gaze turned so soft yet so intense it took her breath away. โI did. I cut it short.โย
Y/N took another step towards him, โJames, what?โย
James' gaze turned to Barty, sharp, heated. โI can take it from here, Crouch. Youโre dismissed.โย
โThe Gryffindor captain leaving practice?โ Barty clucked his tongue. โTsk-Tsk, Potter. What exactly happened between then and now?โย
โYou happened. Now leave Crouch.โย
โWhat if I refuse?โย
โThen as Head Boy, Iโll take your badge away.โย
Y/N gasped, โJames!โย
He glanced at her quickly before doubling down his glare at Barty. Y/N glanced at her friend, mentally pleading with Barty to let it go. Instead, Bartyโs smirk grew, โCareful, Potter. People might think you care more than a Head should.โ James looked away.ย
The second Barty turned the corner, Y/N let out a breath she didnโt realize she was holding. Jamesโs jaw was still tight, his glare fixed on the empty space where Crouch had been. The silence between them felt heavier than Bartyโs words.
Y/N chewed on her lip, staring at Jamesโ back before deciding to go up to him. โJames,โ she said softly and placed a hand on his back. He didnโt react. Didnโt say anything. Didnโt even move a muscle.ย
Y/N scoffed. If he was going to be this way, then so be it. She had a job to do. If he wanted to pout then be her guest. She promptly spun around and started to stomp away when a hand grasped at her wrist.ย
โIโm sorry,โ he breathed. โIโm sorry, Y/N. I lost my temper-I shouldnโt have. I asked Lily to cover and she said yes. Then Marlene told me she saw you and Crouch heading out together, and,โ He broke off, swallowing hard. โI tried to keep playing. I did. But I couldnโt get the image out of my head. You and him. Patrolling. Our thing.โ
His grip on her wrist tightened just slightly. โAnd I know how he feels about you. I justโฆ I couldnโt handle it.โ
Y/N took in a deep, shaking breath. She gently took her hand out of his wrist and turned to face him. His eyes. His eyes, always so beautiful and bright, like honey, were dark. She bit the inside of her cheek and looked away, โWhat I donโt understand James is why you care?โ
James looked like he had been slapped in the face. His lower lip curled up slightly. โWhat do you mean?โย
โWhat I mean,โ she finally snapped, her voice wobbling, โis that we almost kissed, James. We almost kissed-and then nothing! We just kept patrolling like it was normal.โ
โThatโs not fair,โ James shot back, breathless. He took a step towards her, so close that she felt his breath on her face. Still it wasnโt enough. โThatโs not fair and you know it. I tried, and you stopped me. You said we needed to keep patrol going. And I respected it.ย I abused my Head status and made sure we were paired up every time, I found excuses to come over to you in Potions. Merlin, Y/N, I literally cut Quidditch practice short because the thought of you with someone else was eating me alive. Weโve got the biggest match of the season in a few days and I didnโt care. I couldnโt focus.โ His voice cracked. โSo donโt tell me I did nothing.โ
โWell then,โ she whispered, throat tight, โwhy havenโt you asked me out?โ
James opened his mouth. Closed it. Just stared at her.ย
Slowly, painfully, it dawned on her. Maybe she hadnโt been as obvious about her feelings as she thought.
โWait,โ he breathed, wonder flooding his face. โYou,โ he paused and closed his eyes tightly for a second, โYou want to go out with me?โ
Her silence was all the answer he needed. His lips broke into a grin, dimples flashing, smile blinding. โHow about Saturday? Around 6?โย
Y/N didnโt answer, just grabbed his shirt and dragged him towards her. James let out a startled laugh, cut off when her lips crashed into his.
The world seemed to still. His hand immediately found her waist, fingers splaying wide as if to anchor himself to the moment, to her. Y/N melted into him, every ounce of tension sheโd been carrying for weeks dissolving in an instant. His lips were warm and insistent, tasting faintly of peppermint and sweat. Her heart skipped. She wondered how she had ever managed to pretend she didnโt want this.
He tilted his head, deepening the kiss, and one hand slid up her back, gentle but desperate, pulling her closer as if the space of a breath between them was already too much. As they broke apart, James' chest shook as he took in a breath.ย
He rested his forehead against hers, grinning like a fool. โSo thatโs a yes to Saturday, then?โ
Y/N smiled shyly and nestled her nose against his. If it was possible his gaze softened even more. โThatโs a yes, Potter.โ
Pixel post dividers for everyone! It's not much, but feel free to use them if you'd like.
I don't know the ideal size for these, so let me know if they're too tall. I can make them a bit shorter next time.
Learn the Differences Between Novelettes, Novellas, and Novels
Since I am currently in the process of writing a story, but I'm not sure what I want it to be... I'd figure I'd go ahead and share the differences!
So let's get to it!
Writing the first draft of a novel can be a daunting, arduous task. Thatโs why the novelette format can be so appealing. In many ways, a novelette is like a short novel. It allows writers to hone their craft by learning how to tell stories under a strict word count restriction.
What Is a Novelette?
The definition of โnoveletteโ is any short, fictional work of prose narrative. Novelettes have a lower number of words than a novel or novella, but a higher word count than other forms of prose fiction like short stories or microfiction. Despite lacking the page count of a full-length novel, novelettes generally tell a complete story. Some people refer to novelettes as โlong short storiesโ or โshort novellas.โ
How Long Is a Novelette?
Any work of fiction with a word count between 7,500 and 19,000 is generally considered a novelette. A novelette is longer than a short story, which usually has a word range of between 1,000 and 7,500 words, and flash fiction, which is usually under 1,000 words. Any piece ofย creative writingย that is longer than a novelette but shorter than a novelย is considered a novella.
Three Differences Between Novelettes and Novellas
A novella is a standalone piece of fiction that is shorter than a full-length novel but longer than a short story or novelette. Novellas incorporate many narrative and structural elements of novel-length storiesโbut like novelettes, they often focus on single points of view, focusing on a singleย central conflict, and rely on fast pacing. Here are the differences between novelettes and novellas:
Word count: The primary difference between a novelette and a novella, then, is word count (novelettes are shorter than novellas).
Subject matter: Traditionally, novelettes tended to focus on whimsical, sentimental themes. The modern-day novelette, though, is more like the novella in that it can encompass different genres like sci-fi, drama, or historical short fiction.
Complexity: In terms of storytelling ambition, novelettes tend to split the difference between novellas and shorter forms like short stories. Novelettes tend to have a greater focus on character development, worldbuilding, and plotting than short stories. However, the stories are generally more concise and focused than a novella-length work, as the word count is often too restrictive to tell a long story.
Three Differences Between Novellas and Novels
The most obvious difference between novels and novellas is page length and number of words. However, beyond this superficial difference, many structural and thematic hallmarks of novellas make them their own standalone genre of writing. Some of these include:
ย A single central conflict: Most novellas explore a single, compelling central conflict. Because of their shorter length, novellas have less time to explore subplots and tend to focus on the main plot. Novellas generally have one main character and a handful of secondary characters. Because of length constraints, most of the character development will be focused on the protagonist.
ย Fast pacing: Novellas usually move at a quick pace. Whereas novels can spend time diverging from the central conflict to delve into backstory and explore multiple points of view, novellas generally offer a quick compelling story with a singular point of view.
Unity of time and place: When writing novellas, writers should root the action in continuous time within a limited space, ideally one location.
Benefits of Writing a Novelette
For short story writers or people who generally write shorter works, novelettes can be an opportunity to tell a longer-form, standalone story. For writers who are used to writing, say, full-length science fiction or fantasy novels, the word count restriction of a novelette offers a chance to tell a good story with a simple cast of characters and few subplots.
Seven Examples of Novelettes
Novelette writers know how to tell a complete story in a relatively short amount of time. Here are some famous examples of novelettes, many of which were originally published in literary magazines:
The Fall of the House of Usherย by Edgar Allan Poe (1839)
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hydeย by Robert Louis Stevenson (1886)
The Metamorphosisย by Franz Kafka (1915)
The Call Of Cthulhuย by H. P. Lovecraft (1928)
The Little Princeย by Antoine de Saint-Exupรฉry (1943)
Bloodchildย by Octavia E. Butler (1995)
Hell Is the Absenceย of God by Ted Chiang (2001)
I hope this helps! Thank you for still being my followers and patiently waiting for a post!
The witch cursed you to become a monster so that your outsides would reflect your character. Your home town took this news better than you would've thought. A lot better. You're more popular than ever and got immediately swamped by marriage proposals from just about everyone available in town.
I don't think many people will be interested in this, the community just started, but I'm going to ask anyways.
Would anyone be interested in a big bang blackinnon event during summer?
What is a Big Bang fandom event?
Itโs an event where fic writers and artists get paired together, we might also (nclude beta readers (if we want to) to create fanworks for the fandom. These three people collaborate so there can be a fic and an artwork for it.
I think it's a great challenge. My first big bang improved my writing a lot, it's fun, and also you can know other people in the fandom, or if you want to, you can be in a team with people you know.
I also want to do this to throw away the huge black shadow over blackinnon shippers? The hate and all of that? Sometimes blackinnon feels like a taboo topic and it if we bring some fanworks for 2025 it could help "normalizing it."
I think the only disadvantage of this whole event is the deadlines, but I plan to organize it during summer, and you will have time, and I'm very very open to also not be strict at all about this, but for one team to get attention usually everyone's posting day is different. If you want to post a multichapter fic, you just need to post the first chapter on the day you are assigned, you don't have to finish the fic.
I'm open to any question. I would prefer asks so everyone can see, but my DMs are also open.
AKA my all time favourites as certified 10-year-reader of Blackinnon fanfictions.
Disclaimer: there a lot more fanfics I enjoyed and saved on ao3 or ff.net, and also here on Tumblr, these are just my personal favs/the ones Iโm attached to for some reason. If youโre interest in finding more, check out my account on ao3 to see my bookmarks, youโll find lots of other writings + also on my account here in my reblogs!
If anyone has recommendations, feel free to share :) new content is always appreciated by me <3
Multichapter fanfics:
The Last of Us by PadnProng. Set entirely in the First Wizarding War. Incredible Sirius' characterisation. It isn't finished but I love it anyway!
An Unexpected Attraction by thegingerhairedlass. MY ALL TIME FAVOURITE MARAUDERS FANFIC. It goes from Seventh Year to the Potters' death. Devastating. I sobbed so much the first time reading it and to this day I still have problems going through the war chapters. Anyway, it's not Blackinnon-centric but there is a lot of Sirius/Marlene here + Marlene is a very relevant character + Marlene and Sirius are written beautifully, both as character and as a couple. I will never stop recommending it, it's incredible. I feel like it's not really known bc it's not on ao3, but I think it deserves the world (it also pains me that this is not a big Marauders ff like others bc there is no Wolfstar...such a shame!!)
Sirius Black and the eleven times he fell in love with Marlene McKinnon by VellaNikola. I LOVE this one. I donโt know how many times Iโve read it, itโs so so so good. I love their chemistry here + how their history is portrayed. It feels really close to my personal hc.
Saudade by matrixaffiliate. Collection of drabbles/one-shot.
AUs:
London by SilverThestral. Muggle London AU. I've reread it so many times and I'm so sad it was never finished :( but it's worth it!! (multichapter)
Everybody Lives and Nobody Dies by polverine. The title says it all. It's so sweet and comforting. I love these type of AUs. (multichapter)
Don't cry by polverine (oneshot)
Father's Day Redux by polverine. Sirius as a dad will always get me, I'm sorry! (oneshot)
The Book by padfootagain. 'The Notebook' AU. (multichapter)
Toes in the Sand by AmeliaDarkholme. I love love love this one. It's angsty but has a happy ending. I always come back to this story! (long oneshot)
A Motorbike, a Sprained Ankle and an Angel in a White Coat by Queen_IvyJ. Warm and funny :) (oneshot)
A Good Team by hagiasofia. Blackinnon raises Harry AU. (oneshot)
Glimpsing Happiness by matrixaffiliate and EnthusiasticSloth. WW2 AU. Do I need to say anything else? (multichapter)
Alew by SeriouslySam. Blackinnon raises Harry AU. (multichapter)
Arcane by SeriouslySam. Voldemort wins AU. The author just started publishing this story, but the plot is very intriguing. James and Lily are alive, and so is Marlene. I canโt wait to see how it goes on! (multichapter) Sidenote: all stories from this author are incredible and Sirius is written perfectly, which for me is great because Sirius will always be my favourite character.
Cassie McKinnon and the Hidden Truths by anylouze. Blackinnon daughter AU (aka one of my favourite AUs) (multichapter)
One-shots:
Fireside by m00nydogs. Hurt/angst/fluff/smut. Marlene and Sirius' first time. It's literally perfect.
Redamancy by SeriouslySam. Very sweet!
Homeland by hagiasofia
Dangerous Words by liiilyevans. Because I'm a sucker for smutty Blackinnon eheheh.
Haunted by polverine. Sirius has visions of Marlene in the days approaching his death. Very sad, but I love the concept.
Window by matrixaffiliate. An after-life one-shot where Marlene (and Lily and James) watch over their loved ones after death.
Wake Up Your Sleeping Heart by hagiasofia.
can you feel the flame (her fading glow) by more1weasley. Another one-shot I read more times than Iโd like to admit. Simply incredible!
Parental Guidance by more1weasley. Sirius telling about is crush to Fleamont. So cute and warm.
How do you like your eggs? by TheFeatheredQuill. Short one-shot but very cheeky, funny and fluffy.
@sisforsammi @seriouslysam8 @matrixaffiliate @thegingerhairedlass @anylouze @liiilyevans I don't know if the other authors have a Tumblr account!! <33
โนย What do they want vs what do they need.ย these should not be the same thing. what they want is the surface goal ( the job, the person, the revenge, the answer.) What they need is the thing underneath that they can't name yet. The story is what happens in the gap between those two things. if they're identical your character has nowhere to go.
โนย What are they wrong about.ย Not morally wrong necessarily. just. what belief do they hold that the story is going to test. What assumption do they make about themselves or the world that turns out to be incomplete? A character without a wrong belief is already finished. They have no arc, give them something to learn even if learning it hurts them.
โนย How do they talk when they're nervous.ย Do they go quiet or do they talk too much? do they deflect with jokes? do they get weirdly formal? do they ask questions instead of answering them? the way a person behaves under pressure is who they actually are. And it should be different from how they behave when they're comfortable.
โนย What do they find funny.ย this one sounds small and it is not small at all. Humour is worldview. What makes someone laugh tells you what they value, what they're afraid of, how they handle pain. A character with no sense of humour is just flat. even the gravest person finds something absurd. find the thing.
โนย What are they ashamed of?ย not their tragic backstory. their actual shame. The small ugly thing they would never say out loud. The time they were a coward. The feeling they pretend not to have. The desire they think disqualifies them from being a good person. Shame is where the most interesting character work lives and most writers skip straight over it :(
โนย What do they do when no one is watching?ย how do they move through a space alone. What do they reach for when they're sad. What do they do with their hands??? Public behaviour IS performance. Private behaviour is truth. you don't have to show all of it but you have to know it or the character will feel hollow in a way the reader notices without being able to name.
the theory of crookshanks @amarauder - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag