a/n: ahhh i haven't posted in ages so I whipped this lil thing up. It a lil cliche but I was in the mood for some Dramione so hopefully you are too!
word count: ~300
warnings: none
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The soft rustling of pages was the only noise in the library. It was surprisingly loud, almost like a flock of birds, due to the high arched ceilings. Occupying a single couch by the fireplace, Hermione and Draco were wrapped in each other's arms reading.
"Darling?" Draco murmured, breaking the almost silence.
"Mhm?" Hermione responded. She didn't even look up from her book, and her eyes stayed trained on the yellow stained pages of her book. Draco rolled his eyes, and pressed a soft kiss onto her forehead. Hermione's eyes flicked up for a moment, but her focus was soon recaptured by her book.
"I want to go out somewhere," Draco looked longingly at the snow, envisioning a fun filled hour of snowball fights and stolen kisses.
"Later," Hermione curled closer. Draco almost gave in, before he remembered how boring the book he had picked up was. And how good the hot chocolate Hermione would make was.
"Now," He nudged her with his nose and hugged her tighter. Hermione simply toned him out and continued reading. He tried to focus on the book, but now he was driven to distraction by his snowy plan. "Please?" He added, braiding a strand of her curly hair.
Hermione shifted to sit up, and sent a death glare over her shoulder. "You interrupt my reading once more, and this book will become a lethal weapon." Draco raised an eyebrow, surprised by this outburst, but not intimidated.
"Promise?" Hermione spun around again from her position leaning against Draco's chest.
"I married you for your library, so it really isn't looking good for you if you don't let me use it in peace!"
"We both know that isn't true darling," Draco placed a small kiss on her nose before finally softly kissing her lips. Hermione's eyes fluttered closed, and she finally gave in.
"Fine. We can play in the stupid snow." She grumbled before turning her head so Draco couldn't see a small smile playing at her lips.
summary: ok hi bitches!! this is an entry for @dysfunctionalcrab ab and @akasuki writing comp! my prompt was “i didnt mean it! please”,, and one day humanity woke up with another threat: a broken heart ALSO ITS 1:41AM AND I STARTED WRITING THIS AT 12 AND I HAVENT PROOFREAD IT BUT IDK IT LOOKED CUTE SO IM POSTING
WC; 3052
send requests babys x
-
I had heard it on the news first. Lazily lying on the couch, flicking through the channels as I pleased, until the urgency of the announcer stopped me in my tracks.
“So far eight thousand have died from a broken heart today alone. Experts are unsure what triggered the pain to the point of death, but I am urging you to beware who you give your heart to. Others are experiencing symptoms, with little to no knowledge on how long the symptoms will last, or if a broken heart can even be cured.”
author’s note: welcome to part 2! i’m so excited to share this part with you all :) i especially love the ending. i feel very inspired for the storyline at the moment so i pinky promise, unbreakable vow, that the next (and final) part will be up by easter!
word count: ~800
warnings: none
tags: @ladylizzieofdarbyshire
part 1
••••
I sit in Mcgonagal’s office practicing my favorite openings one after the other. It’s calming I suppose.
On one hand, I’m quite glad Mcgonagal isn’t here. She’d quickly spot that something was wrong.
On the other hand, I want nothing more than to confide in someone about how I feel. Normally that person would be Ron. Clearly that won’t work for this one.
I stand at the front of the hall, and prepare to enter. I methodically smooth my finger over the dent in the pawn. It seems like I’m doing that an awful lot these days.
I search the faces of the hall, searching for somewhere else to sit. Anywhere else to sit.
My eyes land on Summer. Her sweet freckled face and brown eyes welcome me for a moment, and I cross the hall to the hufflepuff table. Summer is constantly happy, which is exactly what I need right now. I fumble around for a moment to stuff my pawn away, and then I sit down with a thump.
"Morning Summer!" I tried to force my lips into a smile.
"Good morning y/n!" Summer chirped with a completely genuine smile. "I'm so excited for everything today!" I racked my brain to think of anything particularly exciting happening today.
"Oh? What do you have going on?" I asked, genuinely interested now. I daintily picked up my toast, grateful for the comfortable familiarity of it.
"Just the usual stuff to be honest," she gave a cheerful shrug. I grinned at how she approached everything in such a lovely way. We chatted brightly for the rest of breakfast, and I then left to head to the Ravenclaw common room briefly before potions.
••••
"I'm sorry about last night," Ron whispered, grimacing as we sat down for our potions lesson. I shrugged, not meeting his eyes.
"No problem, you don't have anything to apologize for."
"Hello!" Lavender sang cheerfully, sitting between us. "I've decided," she paused to look at us both with a very serious look on her face. "I want to learn chess!" She squealed, glancing left and right again. It was all I could do not to face palm.
Don't get me wrong! Lavender was actually very intelligent. It's just that I knew she didn't respect the game of chess. She just wanted to impress Ron. At that moment, Professor Slughorn rested his eye upon me, and I quickly willed myself to shrink as small as I could.
"Ms. Y/l/n?" He boomed across the dungeon. "What do you smell in this pot?" I walked up towards the pot he indicated.
Inside was a potion I had never seen before.
••••
"Y/n!" Lavender cornered me on my way to the dungeons. "I have to ask you something."
I nodded, reluctantly slowing to a gentle walk rather than my usual speed walk through the halls.
"Did you know what that potion was?" I shook my head, I honestly still had no clue. I hadn't paid attention after Slughorn started lecturing. Stupid Ronald wore so much cologne I could hardly smell anything else. I said that to Slughorn, but he didn't laugh nearly as much as I had expected.
"No idea, even now honestly." I admitted to Lavender. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously, and I racked my brain for why on earth she would be glaring at me like that.
"It's amortentia," I felt like dropping all of my books and running to hibernate in the Ravenclaw common room as she said that. "And I bet you did hear what Ron said he smelt?" I shook my head again. The one time I don't pay attention and all of this happens!
"He smelt you!" She shrieked. Ron rounded the corner now, looking sheepish. I simply blushed and stammered. "So," She continued. I hated this whole encounter. Normally I avoid talking to people too much anyway, but this was on a whole different level. "I want to play you in chess."
I didn't see how that would solve any of this. "Okay?" I agreed, still confused.
"Winner gets to date Ron." I felt sick to my stomach as she said that. As much as I liked Ron, I never would have wanted to force him to date me. Ron simply leaned on the wall nearest him, enjoying watching two girls fight over him. I frowned.
"No!" I finally sputtered out. Lavender looked even more furious at this response, and I tried to slip past her. She blocked me too quickly though.
"She'll do it," Ron threw me a wink, and I felt a strange sensation in my stomach. It felt like when I walked into a room full of chattering people, but in a good way. The feeling faded as he took Lavender's hand, and tugged her away.
I felt utterly lost, wishing someone would tug my hand in the right direction. Give me an order, and a square to move to. Something to fight for. Something to rule.
I think I asked this, but I can't find your reply in my notifs so I just want to make sure - can I be on your tag list for Kings and Queens, if I'm not already? I really really enjoy your writing, and this seems awesome already. Plus Ron doesn't get enough love.
Hello dear!
I will definitely tag you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it :) I’m hoping to get part two up sometime this week, sorry for the wait haha!
A/N: it's been a minute! That's because I've been working on this wonderful 80's themed collab with @quadrupledeckertaco @probably-peeves and @melody-studyblr. Thank you to these lovely people for letting me join in. Hope you enjoy!! And absolutely check out their work because they're all very talented. Much love!
Green. Everything seemed that way except for the sky, a bright blue with a glowing sun beaming down through the windows of our car. My father was driving, talking to my mother who was sitting petitely in the passenger seat, mumbling small compliments to my sister Hermione who was beside me in the backseat singing.
“I am improving, aren’t I? You’re right mom, this summer is going to be the best I’ve had.”
That was the summer of 1963—when everybody called me Baby, and it didn’t occur to me to mind. That was before President Kennedy was shot, before the Beatles came, when I couldn’t wait to join the Peace Corps, and I thought I’d never find a guy as great as my dad. That was the summer we went to Kellerman’s.
Kellerman’s was a resort in Virginia, with a big lake and entertainment every night. My father was friends with the man who owned it, and this summer I would have the gross pleasure of meeting his son Blaise, who I’d heard so much about on the way.
“We’ll get settled and unpacked first, this way to our cabin. Then to lunch!” My father said with his and mothers suitcase in hand and sunglasses propped up on top of his head.
Hermione skipped behind him and our mother with her bag over her shoulder and long frizzy brown hair bouncing half bunched on top of her head. I watched as she spun around, admiring the view of the resort.
It was pretty, very pretty and natural. Trees overlapped our cabin that was just coming into view up the stairs on the side of a hill and there was a perfect view of the lake from our porch.
“I’m taking this bed, baby. I want the window view.” Hermione chirped as the four of us entered the cabin.
“Fine with me.” I sat my bag down on the bed with a sigh. I was excited to be here, not as excited at the idea that I might see Blaise at lunch. Or any time throughout the vacation for that matter. “Hey Mione, have you met Blaise Zabini?”
She furrowed her brows in thought. “Is he the dancer? I’ve heard he’s really good, he performs the final dance with Pansy Parkinson. I’d love to be in her shoes, I bet I could do better than she does.” She droned on and on about the wrong person.
“The owners son, I mean. I don’t know any of the dancers.” I interrupted her, annoyed.
Hermione’s always been talkative and perky. You’d think she was rude if you didn’t know her, but she just can’t help it.
“Oh! I’ve met him on one of daddy’s golfing trips.” I gagged at the word ‘daddy’. “He’s very nice and a proper gentleman, not my type but he’s heard a lot about you.” She giggled and faced the window, bouncing on her toes impatiently.
I wondered what she meant by that. I’d heard a lot about him too, he’s not my type either from the sound of it. A spoiled rich kid who takes what he wants. I also wondered about the dancers Hermione was talking about.
Everyone was unpacked and settled in nicely, so we headed to lunch in the main hall. We sat down at a four person table and waited on a server. Small talk was on its way, I turned my head to look at the hall in order to avoid it.
A voice raised a few tables down. I turned my head to look.
“Draco Malfoy. The dancer I was telling you about.” Hermione giggled beside me. He had blond, almost white hair and was leant over a server, who was a good size smaller than him.
“You’re the entertainment, Malfoy. You have no right.” The brown haired server whimpered out.
“I could get you out of here in no time.” Draco snapped. “Get the damn orders right.”
I didn’t want to stare, but I couldn’t look away either. Why did he care so much? I hadn’t noticed him look at me until a figure right next to my face snapped me out of my trance.
“Blaise.” Hermione whispered to me. With a glance her way, she was smirking.
Great.
“Mr. Zabini.” My dad nodded his head at Blaise.
“Mr. Granger. This must be baby.” Blaise looked me up and down grossly and held his hand out to me. I hesitantly took it. To no surprise, he kissed it. I worked wonders not to show my uncomfort. My father and Blaise talked for a few minutes about the resort and how much money his family has until he eventually left, shooting a wink at me.
I let out a sigh as he left. My head turned back to where Draco Malfoy had been standing, he wasn’t anymore.
“He’s a nice boy, baby.” My father looked up at me.
I forced a small smile, not looking up. I wanted him to drop it. The last few minutes of lunch I sat with my head down hoping no one would say anything else about the subject.
I walked around the resort with Hermione for most of the day. Eventually I found myself just watching her swim with some people she’d met. Mother and father had gone golfing with some of their friends and left us to find something to do, which you wouldn’t think would be hard here.
Six came up on us pretty quickly, Hermione said goodbye to her friends for the day so we could get back to the cabin and get ready for dinner in the hall. Hermione dressed up more than I did, which is always expected. We met our parents at the entrance of the hall and sat down at a booth with them. We got our food ordered and I did well to hide from anyone I didn’t want to speak to, Blaise.
I held a decent conversation with my family as we ate, nothing too special. We were mainly just waiting for the show like everybody else.
The lights dimmed and most of the room went silent. The music that was playing changed and grew louder as a spotlight landed on two people on the stage in front of us. Draco malfoy with Pansy Parkinson's hand in his.
My eyes widened as I stared. Pansy had a beautiful muted pink ball gown dress on, and Draco was wearing a white dress shirt and black formal pants.
They took the first step as the music stopped getting louder and a steady beat formed. Their feet followed along to it.
Pansy knew how to work the crowd. It wasn't a formal dance, but it wasn't too vulgar. Her hands worked the skirt of her dress flawlessly and Draco worked with her perfectly.
He lifted her into the air effortlessly, her chest slid against his seductively as he set her down. She spinned like a top with her skirt following her as the room cheered them on.
The final step of the dance led them to the stage with pansy's leg posted up on Draco's shoulder, his hands on her hips as she leaned back and the lights shut off.
I couldn't hear it but I knew the room was going crazy. Well, as crazy as a bunch of rich middle aged couples could get.
That was the wrap up of dinner for the first night. I knew my parents would want to stay and talk to some of their friends so I stood up with Hermione and took her arm.
"Let's go back to the cabin before they start tying us into arranged marriages." I giggled at her and she agreed.
I couldn’t sleep that night. Everything called to me except the bed I was in. Careful not to wake a sleeping Hermione up, I pulled the covers up and slipped out of the cabin. The night was the type of quiet it should be, trees rustled with the singing of cicadas. A boy was walking my way when I got to the bridge leading to the main hall. He was carrying three watermelons, and then he wasn’t.
“Shit.” He did his best to pick them both back up. I jogged closer to him and picked one of them up. “Thanks. Kitchens just up this way.”
“Do you know Blaise?” I asked him without thinking. I realized I probably should’ve started off slower, but I guess my head was filled with gross images of what had happened at lunch.
He scoffed. “Yeah. I know him. A real asshole. He has a thing for getting us to seduce the women that come in on vacation.”
I rolled my eyes at the thought of him. "And what about Draco Malfoy?"
"He's put together, strong-headed but he's got a kind heart. What's your name by the way?' he asked.
"Baby. That's what everyone calls me."
"Well baby, I'm Vincent. Everyone calls me Crabbe." He gave me a smile.
We got to the kitchens of the main hall. Through the windows I could see the Zabini's socializing with their guests. I tried to keep my head down.
"This way, baby." Crabbe passed me. I set the watermelon down with the other two. Then I wasn't sure what to do. "You want to see something?" He gave me a smirk.
"Depends."
"It'll be fun. Follow me."
He led me out of the kitchens and down a path behind the building. It was a bit of a walk but through some trees there was another building that looked like a cabin. Muffled music came from it.
"Do you know how to dance?" Crabbe asked, nudging my shoulder and opening the door.
It was unlike anything I'd ever seen. The place was small but so many people were packed into it, dancing under the fluorescent lights. Not ballroom dancing like at the nightly shows, it was hot, and I knew I couldn't dance like this.
"This way." Crabbe took my hand. My feet worked on their own as my eyes wandered from the people in front of me.
"Crabbe!" We stopped. Standing in front of us was Draco Malfoy. "What are we going to do about the final show?"
Oblivious to the conversation, I looked at the girl beside him. She was leaning up against a post in the room. She was tall. Dark brown hair and a look of disgust on her face.
"Who's this." She interrupted the boys conversation, looking directly at me.
I looked away from her and lowered my head.
"This is baby. I told you already, Draco, I haven't found anyone yet. The final show isn't for another week. We've got time." Crabbe argued. Then, he looked to me and smiled. An idea flickered in his eyes. "Actually, maybe I have."
"Her? Does she even dance?" Draco looked me up and down, but not the way Blaise did. The opposite.
"No I don't-" I started.
"She does. She can learn." I wasn't sure what to do. I didn't feel like lying to these people, I didn’t even know them. But I also didn't feel like dancing, or learning.
I remembered what Hermione had told me. Draco performed the final show with Pansy. Was she Pansy?
"Pansy? Why can't you do it?" I asked.
Draco rolled his eyes and gave Crabbe a look of idiocy.
"Something came up. Go back to your playpen, baby." Pansy snapped and turned her back.
"Just give her a shot, Draco." Crabbe seemed too trusting for his own good. I was certain I couldn't do it.
Draco pushed past him, grabbing my hand and stomping his feet to the center of the room. I was awestruck. I couldn't do this.
He grabbed my waist when we stopped. His hips moved to the beat of the music blaring through the room. His finger tapped my waist and he nodded at me.
"To the beat, c'mon." His eyes never left mine.
I did my best to move my hips the same way he was. It was difficult. I'd never done anything like this and I'm sure if my family could see me they'd drop dead.
"Good, good. Now like this." He moved his hips the opposite way and held my chin to keep eye contact.
I could feel Crabbe and Pansy's eyes boring into me as I attempted to keep up with Draco. This whole situation felt so odd. Two minutes prior he would barely look at me.
The song ended and he stopped. "My cabin, top of the hill. Every day at 8." He sauntered back over to Crabbe and Pansy.
"Gave her a shot. If this doesn't work out you're dead." Draco spat at Crabbe.
I stood awkwardly in the center of the floor. My feet no longer worked on their own, or at all.
"Better get to work, baby." Pansy shouted at me. I looked at her, she shook her head with a shit eating grin on her face and followed Draco.
My feet suddenly had feeling in them again. I had no idea how this evening had even happened. Something got me out of bed tonight and something else tells me I shouldn't have.
I ran as quickly as I could past everyone in the room. Eventually making it out the door I found my breath. How was I going to get away with this? How was this even going to happen?
My feet carried me back to my cabin. All I wanted to do was hide under my covers from everything outside. Blaise, Draco, this dance I was now forced to learn.
The next morning I found an excuse to get away from my family and find Draco's cabin. It was fairly easy considering my parents would be doing the same thing every day and Hermione had found her own group yesterday.
I hiked up the hill behind the main building to Draco's cabin and stopped at his door. I lifted my hand to knock as I remembered why I was there. Nerves shook in my stomach. Getting out of this would be easy. All I would have to do is avoid Draco, Pansy and Crabbe for the remaining six days and keep my head down at the final dance.
That wasn't me though. Even though I had no say so in this ordeal at all, I felt like I had to fix this for them.
I said fuck it and knocked. Heavy footsteps drew closer to the door and it swung open.
Draco stepped to the side to let me in. He let the door close behind him.
"Where do we start?" I asked him as he fiddled with a music player sitting on the floor.
"Footwork. You have to get the fundamentals down and this dance relies heavily on it." He started in front of me and put his hands on my hips.
I took a deep breath in preparation for the rest of the day.
"Stop stepping on my feet, baby."
"Arms up, stay in your circle. This is my circle. Stay in yours."
"Good, again. Not like that."
My feet were sore by the end of the day. He wasn't too awful, I had thought the night before that he had something against me but I think it's just his personality.
The next day was the same as the first. Footwork. Don't step on me and stay in your circle. I was getting less and less critiques as we went on, though.
The third day was a little different. We started on the first steps of the routine. He was getting easier to handle day after day. He was still cold and irritable, but I saw him smile for the first time the third day.
I'd attempted the first spin about 10 times and stumbled every time, or missed his hand I was supposed to grab. Finally, he spun me and pulled me back to him, and my hand caught his.
Our faces were inches from each other. He was pretty. I hadn't really noticed before that day, he was very pretty. His eyes flicked down to my lips.
"Perfect." He startled me.
Me?
"We start on the jump tomorrow." He let me go.
Of course not.
The first three days had to be rushed so we could start on the jump as soon as possible. When I got to his cabin the fourth day I was running from the rain. He was leaning up against his door waiting for me.
"Let's go." He said when I reached him.
My eyebrows furrowed in confusion as I followed him down a path behind his cabin. "Go where, exactly?"
"You'll see."
He stopped at a large creek in the woods where a tree had fallen over crossing it. He offered his hand to me.
"No way. You're serious?" I took a step back.
"We have to work on balance, baby. I won't let you fall, I promise." He took my hand this time.
We stopped in the middle. He placed his hands tightly on my waste.
"Now, jump"
My eyes felt like they were going to pop out of my head.
"It's raining, Draco, I'm going to fall." I retaliated.
"You are not, baby. Trust me and trust yourself."
"Fine." I huffed. I jumped just enough to get my toes off of the tree.
"And, down." His hands didn't leave my waist like they normally would. "Again, try higher this time."
I took a deep breath and jumped harder. My feet were unbalanced when I did and I felt it. His arms wrapped around me as he caught me, trying not to fall over himself.
"Can we just go back to the cabin?" I shook with nerves in his arms.
"We'll go to the lake. Can't have you breaking your neck in the cabin either." He held my hands as we got off of the tree and headed down to the lake.
I don't think he realized he hadn't let go of one of them.
"Right, love. This will be easier. Don't worry about falling." He said absentmindedly as we entered the lake.
There was still a downpour as evening grew to night. We started out small. He could easily hold me, it was about my ability to balance myself.
"Now, you'll go above my head and hold." I nodded my head at him.
I jumped with all I had. My eyes were closed in anticipation of my face meeting the water again, but it didn't.
"Hold, baby." Draco said from under me.
And I did. My sides were killing me, but I held it until he tapped my thigh with his fingers. I let myself fall back in front of him and my head fall.
"I think I'm done for tonight. That's starting to hurt." I told him.
Hands. His hands were on my hips.
"Of course. We'll perfect it tomorrow and finish it the next. You're doing perfect." He said. I started to shiver from the rain and cold lake water.
"Oh, baby. I'm sorry. I should've known. I'll get you back, let's go." He said, but he wasn't moving.
"I don't really want to go back to my cabin." I managed to force out.
"You can't stay in the lake all night." He chuckled.
I looked at him. I couldn't believe how intoxicating he looked.
"I said I didn't want to go back to mine." I had no idea what had gotten into me.
His hands on my hips moved to my face. I had no idea what had gotten into him, either.
"Then stay with me." He whispered. I nodded slightly, impatiently.
His hand went to my neck and he pulled my head closer, kissing me.
My mind had completely left my body. This had to be a dream. I knew it wasn't when he lifted my legs up to wrap around his waist, deepening the kiss.
"Perfect." He said as his forehead pressed against mine. "I meant you." My heart stopped working at this point. "Let's get you to bed. My bed."
Nothing happened that night with Draco, other than being completely sure I was in love with him. I just didn't know if it was because I was tired at the time.
The last few days I had pushed it out of my mind. My nerves focused more on the dance than they did about my feelings for Draco. The final dance was here.
"Follow my lead, and if you forget anything just improvise from what you've learned." He held my hand from behind the curtain.
It lifted and the light hit me. I knew my parents were here and I would probably be killed after this, but I couldn't let Draco down.
The music started and so did we. I moved in sync with him, and did my best not to look stiff during my parts.
The jump was seconds away, and my heart had nearly bursted from nerves and from Draco's eyes on mine the whole time. I flicked my dress back and forth with my hands and ran to Draco who had his arms out waiting to catch me.
I flew over his head and held myself in place. The room erupted into cheers just as it did the first night when Pansy was in my place.
Our last few steps were perfect, and the lights went out. Draco grabbed my face and kissed me all over.
"Perfect, baby. Absolutely perfect. I'll have to replace you with Pansy." He joked.
My face fell.
"Don't worry, baby. I'll take care of your folks and Blaise. Leave it to me."
"No, Draco. Pansy. Aren't you and Pansy?"
"No, baby. Of course not. That's for show. She has a guy. And I found my girl." He kissed me again. I kissed him back. His girl.
Hermione had been right on the way to Kellerman's. This was the best summer I'd ever had.
author’s note: this is a collab of 80′s movies with the lovely @probably-peeves@thegrxywitch @flymyhp @quadrupledeckertaco @shaynawrites23 please go check out what they wrote for this!
word count: 2.6k~
summary: imagine ferris bueller’s day off.... but with sirius!
****
"Rise and shine beautiful!" Sirius sprang up, flinging my curtains open. The reddish gold morning sun greeted me. In my opinion, it seemed angry and pushy but many might call it 'gentle' and 'beautiful' I knew better.
"No," I grunted. I placed the pillow over my face to block out the sun, and Sirius's loud announcements. Who really knew what he was up to?
"That's the spirit, now I'm going to transfigure some nice yellow warts on your face and you have to cough occasionally. Okay?" Sirius continued bounding around the room before finally leaping onto my bed and planting a kiss across my cheek. I tried to shove him off, but my morning fog finally cleared enough to let me remember why I loved Sirius: it was an adventure every day with him.
"Fine,"I sat up rubbing my eyes, and gave Sirius a morning kiss. "Good morning," He leaped off of the bed, happy to have completed a succesful mission.
"Fantastic! So I'll transfigure us both to-"
"No," I said again, thinking a bit about this plan. Whatever it led to, we certainly would not be taken siriously if we both showed up to Madam Pomfrey with a bizarre illness at the same time. "We need to go in separately or she'll get suspicious."
Sirius nodded, considering.
"You're right!"
"I always am, love," I winked as I pulled on my comfiest trackies. "So are you going to take me to breakfast if you got me up this early?" With a cough, Sirius fell dramatically on to my bed.
"I can't, I'm sick!" he cried, practicing his fake illness.
"Breakfast in bed it is then!" I decided, as I summoned a house elf. Over jammy toast and Beatles tunes, Sirius explained his idea.
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." He began. Of course this was going to be a dramatic monologue. When wasn't it with Sirius? I brushed the toast crumbs from my lips as he spoke, excited to here the rest of the plan. "And so, today we are going...." He paused and appeared to be doing some difficult mental math.
"Actually, it would be quicker for me to say where we aren't going!"
"How are we doing this with classes though?" I frowned. Clearly Sirius had banked on me asking this question, and he began to preform various charms which were set to give me an extremely ill appearance in the first class of the day.
"I am excused from class due to a death in the family." He said much to happily, and I recalled that one of his pure-blood supremacist great-aunts had died recently.
"Sorry for your loss?" I said trying to hold back giggles at his jubilant behaviour.
"Don't be!" He shrugged, "Anyways, you'll be sick. And we'll call Remus out with some message from a teacher once I pick you up!"
"Remus is okay with this?" I was incredibly confused now. Typically Remus steered far away from anything which would cause him to miss classes due to his... unique.. schedule.
"Once he knows I'm sure he will be!"
"Famous last words my love, famous last words."
****
Midway through charms, I noticed a couple of strange glances coming my way. I paused my readings about The Art of Life in Inanimate Objects and looked around for anything that was causing these looks.
I quickly figured it out as I realised multicolored spots were popping up all over my arms, and I realised slight puffs of steam were currently exiting my ears. Godric Sirius. Madam Pomfrey was going to have some issues with that one.
"Professor Flitwick?" I raised my hand and waited a moment for him to notice.
"Yes Ms. y/n!" He responded in concern.
"I think I need to see Madam Pomfrey,"
"Yes, right away!" He agreed in his high pitched voice. I raced into the hall with my bag and bumped into Sirius straight away. He pulled me into the nearest secret passage way.
"Oh bloody merlin, my charms actually did work!" Sirius exclaimed, sounding extremely surprised at their success.
"How do we make them un-work?" I begged, uncomfortable at the site of pulsing pustules that were spotting my arms.
"I don't know y/n I think the multicolored look kind of suits you!" He smirked, raising an eyebrow.
"Fine." I crossed my arms. "But no kisses until I'm back to normal," I challenged smugly. A horrified look crossed Sirius's face, and he quickly got out his wand. After a few muttered spells, I was good as new.
"Thank you darling," I kissed his cheek softly before stepping into the corridor. He blushed and quickly followed me. Pulling out a piece of scrap parchment, aka the Marauder's map, we expertly dodged Filch on our way to Remus's classroom.
"You go in," Sirius suggested, quickly forging a note if needed. Given it was the arithmancy teacher, I was sure it wouldn't matter. She was usually too focused on the topic to break away from it.
"Pardon me?" I knocked lightly on the door as I came in. "Professor Binns requested I borrow Remus for a while, he needs quite a lot of help with something." I carefully laid the foundation for a long absence to be suspected of Remus. He was currently eyeing me suspiciously, no doubt seeing right through my preformance. I threw him a wink and he simply rolled his eyes.
As we got into the hall he checked his suspicion.
"So, I'm guessing Professor Binns doesn't need my help?"
"Ah, you are smart!" I said in feigned surprise. Remus's lips twitched, nearly smiling.
"And where's Sirius?"
"Proving your smarts again!" I teased. "He's right round this corner, in the Hogsmeade secret passage." I whispered and tugged Remus into the hidden tunnel. That was where our adventure truly began. Huddled between the stoney walls of yet another secret passage.
"So!" Sirius clapped his hands together softly, before letting one hand fall down to hold mine. "Where do you guys want to go today?" I looked at him in amazement, as I had thought we'd be going to Hogsmeade at most.
"We're leaving Hogsmeade area?" I clarified. I glanced at Remus, and saw he shared my expression of shock. Sirius nodded with a glow of glee in his eyes.
"That we are!" He announced dramatically. I giggled while hushing him, sure that Filch would somehow here through the stone wall. Remus shrugged, unsure of where on earth he'd like to go.
"Oh!" I exclaimed, suddenly remembering one of the wizarding villages I'd heard about. "What about Pitlochry?" The small scottish town actually had a thriving wizarding community living right under it's very nose. It's actually where the famous wizard, Michael Scot, spent many years.
Remus's eyes lit up "Oh yes! Let's go there!" He agreed, eager to see what is said to be a beautiful town. Sirius was ecstatic, and jumped at the idea as well.
“Well?” Remus asked, trying to sound slightly bored with the lack of adventure he’d been forced to miss class for so far.
“Well what?” Sirius asked, glancing up from the Marauder's map he had been studying while we discussed where exactly to visit.
“Well how are we getting there dummy?” I grinned with a hint of mischief.
“Hey! You’re my girlfriend, you don’t get to call me dummy!” Sirius yelled indignantly.
“On the contrary darling, it’s one of my special privileges!” I smirked. “Like this!” I gave him a quick peck on the lips, and then raced raced down the passage with a smirk.
"We could apparate?" Remus suggested, but I shook my head slightly. Despite passing my test, I freaked out about trying it with anything farther than a couple of feet away.
"Perhaps use the Floo?" I thought out loud, hoping this would be the chosen idea.
"Or," Sirius began with a gleam in his eye, "We could use my motorbike." Sirius's cherry red motorbike had been bought last summer, and was currently stored in Hogsmeade. It was practically begging to be used. There was just one little snag:
"It's not like it flies or something," Remus shook his head with a small smile. "It would take ages to get to Pitlochry on it!" Sirius's smile grew all the wider. I could practically predict what he was about to say, but I wasn't sure I'd be able to believe it.
"Ah, but my friend, it does fly!" He exclaimed triumphantly. My eyes must have been boggling out of my head, because I simply could not believe it. For some reason it was perfectly logical that magic could give me pulsing polka dots all over my skin, but complete unbelievable that it could make a motorcycle fly.
****
"Wheeee!" I shouted gleefully as we soared through the clouds. Remus also looked like he was loving it, especially since he got the beautiful view out of the side car. He laughed along, as Sirius grinned proudly. As we began our descent, I wrapped my hands slightly tighter around Sirius's waist.
"Be careful!" I gasped as we pointed towards the ground. It was fairly terrifying to be staring straight down to the ground. I pressed my forehead against Sirius's back.
"Alright love?" He turned slightly, a note of concern in his voice.
"Yep," I squeaked while taking a few deep breaths. I was a Gryffindor. I was brave. I was completely fine with being a few thousand feet off of the ground.
****
After many impromptu loop de loops, we finally landed in Pitlochry. My feet sunk into the soft snow, and I felt more grateful than I’d ever admit to be back on the ground again.
“Where to first?” Sirius clapped his mittened hands together in anticipation.
“The museum!” Remus suggested straight away. I nodded, thinking it would be fascinating to learn more about Michael Scot.
The museum was filled with fascinating Latin texts, of which a few had been transcribed into modern English. I perused these before following Sirius into the next part of the museum.
Remus stayed outside once he caught a glimpse of the starry sky. I patted his back gently, attempting a comforting action, before I went in.
The room was a doom filled with a moving mural of the night sky. The only difference was that it had been painted here directly by Michael Scot during his time studying astrology.
“That’s you!” I pointed up to the star Sirius as I took the real Sirius’s hand. “I think I like you better as a star,” I joked, leaning on his shoulder.
“Well you get the best of both worlds here then, because I’m a star as well as me!” He responded, overestimating his rockstar career for a moment.
“You’re my star,” I smiled softly towards him, and we walked back to Remus. I caught Sirius redden slightly before grinning.
****
On our path back to the main wizarding village (hidden from the view of muggle Pitlochry), we came across a small scrimmage of community quidditch. After preforming a few warming charms, we stood and cheered for each of the teams.
"Here snitch-y snitch," Sirius started to call, as if attempting to make a dog come to him. I grinned and joined in,
"Who's a good snitch?" I shouted, and surprisingly, the snitch seemed to respond. It veered towards us and whizzed right over the head of a chaser into the hands of Sirius.
An astonished look filled his face, and both the teams swooped over to congratulate him. After a series of pats on the back and handshakes, we finally excused ourselves and continued our walk to the main village.
We spent the rest of the morning wandering through various shops filled with owls, and potions, and parchment until eventually all of our hands were a bit too similar to ice blocks.
****
“Shall we duck in here?” Remus nodded towards the busy restaurant.
“M’lady,” Sirius bowed and opened the door for me. I giggled and passed elegantly through the door frame.
I wrapped my hands around the warm mug of Butterbeer, and breathed in the sweet, ginger scent. The band was playing a recent Weird Sisters release, and I tapped my toe to the beat.
As the chill wore off, I relaxed into Sirius’s arm which he had wrapped around my shoulders.
“What’s next?” I asked eagerly.
“Going back to Hogwarts?” Remus begged in a tired voice.
“Oh come on! You’ve had a great time Moony!” Sirius slugged his arm, with friendly affection of course.
“I have,” Remus admitted with a sly grin. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not concerned about our grades!” I did see his point, it was NEWTs year. But a little break never hurt anyone!
“Please Moony, your grades are of the least concern. You probably have three O’s and an E or something,” Sirius waved his hand, brushing away Remus’s concerns. Remus looked down bashfully, telling me that Sirius had guessed nearly right.
“Plus Slughorn’s been a real dragon in potions lately,” I recalled the terribly involved animagus potion we had to create last class. Fortunately I was paired with Sirius, which made it ten times easier.
"Fine! Get outta here Abe!" Our cheerful banter was interrupted by the shouts of the lead guitarist of the band that had been playing during our lunch. It would seem that the lead singer had quit for some reason unknown to us. The two other band mates looked shattered, despite their previously amazing performance.
I nudged Sirius. Of all the people I could think of that might be able to help this situation, he was the best fit.
"You should go up there!" I encouraged him. I saw a rare flicker of doubt cross his eyes, but with a friendly smile from Remus and I, he seemed to gather his courage.
"Yeah," Remus nodded enthusiastically.
"I promise to remember you both when I'm famous," Sirius shot us both a winning grin before heading up to the stage. We watched him whisper to the abandoned band members for a moment, who eventually looked enthusiastic.
We heard the energized strumming of a few opening chords, and Remus and I began to tap our toes in time. The song seemed to ring a bill, but I wasn't entirely sure where I'd heard it.
"Well, shake it up, baby, now!" Sirius began to sing. I grinned, realising it was the exact song we had eaten our breakfast to. Pausing to listen for a line or two, I saw how the energy of the quiet pub room changed. Gradually, it came alive. Sirius's energy was contagious. He nodded up to him, and I ran up.
"You know you look so good," He winked, grabbing my hand and giving me a quick spin. As I spun around, I noticed Remus inviting another girl close to our age to dance. And I spied an elderly couple doing a small shuffle together. Something about this tune just brought people together!
After pulling out my finest dance moves alongside a singing Sirius, I collapsed back into my seat and chugged the rest of my butterbeer.
"Merlin," I grinned with a bubbly happiness towards Remus. He grinned eagerly back.
"Don't tell Sirius," He teased, "But I have actually had a fun time today." He admitted slyly.
"I'm glad," I nodded. "I have to hand it to Sirius that this was a pretty fantastic day off."
Linked below are all the writing submissions for my 800 follower writing celebration so far! Theyre all Disney themed! Make sure you go check them out!
~
Beauty and the Beast? a Remus Lupin x reader • @fromashescomephoenixes
author’s note: Howdy all! This piece is a very late contribution to Reese’s disney writing challenge! This was in celebration of their achievement of 800 followers, due to their amazing fics. (find the other submissions here) I am so overjoyed I could have a part in this, and I wanted to say a very special congratulations to them! ( @probably-peeves) In the month it took me to write this, they’re only a couple followers off of 1000! So, go check them out and drop a follow! Without further ado, I present my first ever Remus fic!
word count: ~2000
summary: you’ve spent years admiring Remus from a far, but who could ever learn to love a beast? this fic is loosely based around beauty and the beast
warnings: lil bit angsty and a hint of language. also it switches pov’s every so often so I’ve put in the beginning of each section who’s pov it is :)
•••
(your pov)
“He’s so perfect,” I sighed thinking to myself. I would have told a friend, but- well, they all thought I was a bit odd.
I was currently seated in the great hall, glancing up from my thick book. I had just been traveling to the optimistic world of Anne Shirley, when I had been distracted out of the corner of my eye by Remus pouring himself a steaming mug of tea. I took a sip of my own mug and continued to discreetly peer over its rim towards Remus.
He was sat, as usual, beside Peter Pettigrew. Today he looked a little more tired than usual, but I figured that must have been exam season getting to him.
I returned to my book as I realised that the amount of staring I was doing was reaching a nearly creepy amount.
I was never going to tell Remus I liked him. He was perfect. And me?
I was just a beast.
•••
(Narrator pov)
“She’s so perfect,” Remus sighed for the fourth time so far that breakfast.
“Bloody hell mate, do you need me to ask her out for you?” Sirius smirked as he took a particularly suggestive bite of toast. Remus wrinkled his freckled nose.
“You know exactly why I can’t Sirius,” Remus said quietly. “Look at her!” He gazed steadily towards you, at your end of Ravenclaw’s table.
“She’s perfect, and beautiful, and smart, and-“ Remus looked so miserable in that moment that Sirius, James, and Peter were about three seconds from tackling him in a large group hug. His despair faded to resigned dismay, and he finished.
“I’m just a beast,” he shrugged sadly.
•••
(your pov)
The library cooled my heated forehead just enough to hear my own thoughts for a minute. This full moon was going to be a long one. I hated the way standing outside at this time of night made the hair on the back of my neck prickle. Or the way I could smell the scent of Remus’s cologne (which I normally loved) from here- even though he was still in the great hall.
I performed another subtle cooling charm and returned to the detailed essay on the precise wand movements required for jelly leg jinxes.
“Can I take a seat?” A familiar yet unknown voice asked, motioning to a chair. I looked up to see the soft honey gold eyes of Remus gazing into mine. “Your corner of the library is so cool,” he smiled in a tired manner. It was then that I noticed the flushed tone of his cheeks.
“Of course,” I answered softly, incredibly shy around anyone- especially Remus. I swallowed my heart that was trying to escape it’s rightful place, and tried to start conversation. “Long day?” I asked gently. Remus rubbed his temples before responding:
“I guess you could say that,” the small, tired smile was back again. I pulled a small mint leaf out of my tiny container.
“I find mint always calms me down,” I popped a leaf into my own mouth, and handed him one.
I turned back to my work and managed to write another line before I was distracted by a slight rustling noise. Another affect of the full moon... heightened senses. I glanced up to see Remus digging through his satchel bag for something. Triumphant, he pulled out a bar of Honeydukes chocolate.
•••
(Narrator pov)
“Oi, Prongs,” James glanced up as Sirius’s hard elbow hit his side. “He finally got the courage to sit with her!” Sirius had a gleeful grin on his face. James’s face lit up as well and he quickly got Peter’s attention. Peter let out a soft round of applause and gave a watery smile.
"Well, I ought to go help-" Sirius stood up to go talk to Remus, but James promptly yanked him back by his coller.
"You tosser! You'd make it worse!" James chuckled slightly, and they all resumed their studious work.
•••
(Remus’s pov)
I held up the bar and raised an eyebrow slightly. “Would you like any?” I held the chocolate towards her. As much as I hated sharing my chocolate, it was only kind. Especially after I saw her eyes meet mine again. Anything was worth seeing those eyes again.
She nodded shyly, and I broke off a chunk of the bar and placed it into her palm. She gratefully accepted it, and resumed her rapid writing. Godric, how does anyone write that fast?
About a half hour later, I stood up to take a break. Stretching my back out, I noticed y/n gazing at me. I couldn't tell if she was judging me, or just curious. Her eyes were so focused and clear. The golden yellow eye color suited her so perfectly. She truly was beautiful.
•••
(your pov)
Remus and I had met several more times in the library since then. In the past few weeks his face had brightened up a lot from the tired look I had seen the first time he sat with me.
"Hey Remus!" I nodded as he approached our now usual spot. It was odd how he always happened to be in the library when I was. I suppose we must have similar study habits. My heart began to beat rapidly as it always did when I was nervous. Helga, at this point I should be used to talking with people.
"Good afternoon y/n," He grinned brightly and set his books down. "Any good assignments today?" I bit my lip. Would he really want to hear my raptures on the benefits I had recently discovered of sage? I decided to give it a shot and told him my recent potion experiments.
He held on to every word as I explained. I blushed, realising that for once someone actually wanted to listen to my words instead of calling me a nerd or strange.
"Thanks for letting me talk about that," I let out a small, nervous giggle.
"It's fascinating!" He responded, his eyebrows shot up. He proceeded to ask me multiple questions, and show a bit of his own knowledge by linking it to a specific charm he had read about.
After chatting for a while longer, I focused on my work again. At this point I was simply adding finishing touches to my foot long parchment. Roughly an hour later I noticed Remus's steady gaze trained on me.
"What?" I smiled softly.
"Er-" Remus paused, blushing slightly. "Well, you're-" I smiled a little wider at his stumbling around. Although I couldn't think for the life of me why he couldn't find his words. I noticed his chest rise, as he took a deep breath.
"Would you like to go to a ball with me?" He asked finally. I blushed, and grinned myself this time.
"They're holding a ball?" I hadn't heard any announcement about a ball, but I tended to zone out during meal times anyway.
"Well, you see-" Remus took another deep breath. "It would only be us."
•••
(Remus’s pov)
And that's how, like the fucking idiot I am, I ended up standing outside the room of requirement in a slightly shabby suit. Sirius had kindly advised me that I looked like a slimy salesman, and James had helped me comb my hair before sending me out the portrait hole with a pat on the back.
"You're going to crush it mate, she'll love you." James called. Sirius leaned out after him, and shouted:
"You look hot!" I felt the very tips of my ears turn red, and jogged up to the room of requirement. I glanced behind me as I fleed Sirius's compliments, just to make sure he wasn't following me.
I finally arrieved, slightly out of breath, next to the tapestry. She came around the corner slightly afterwards, and all I could do was smile. She truly was beautiful.
•••
(Your pov)
"Sorry I'm late," I blushed. Remus looked incredibly handsome, and I I felt like all of my ability to converse had somehow disappeared. Remus kindly took my hand, and smiled. Then, just like that, my power of speech was returned.
"I had to jog here, don't worry." I laughed slightly at his admission. He held out his arm for me to take.
"Shall we?" I accepted his arm and we turned to the golden door together. It spread open right on cue, and we passed through the glowing arch. The warm yellow light reminded me of the sun, a pleasant difference to the harsh light of the moon.
The room had transformed especially for us, into a circular ballroom with high, arching walls. Gold accents and soft, creamy colored walls lit up the space, and the ceiling had tiny slivers of moonlight poking through. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck prickle slightly, and I grasped onto Remus's arm slightly tighter to steady myself. I noticed him pause and stiffen as well, surely because of the way I had just dug my nails into his arm.
The room worked it's magic and closed the gaps in the roof, replacing them with flowery vines. I relaxed, and concentrated on thinking of a nice song to dance to.
The first few notes of a soft piano caught my ear, and I quickly realised the room was playing 'Tale as Old as Time' from Beauty and the Beast. How fitting, I thought. My beautiful Remus is here with me... a beast.
Remus placed one hand upon the small of my back, and took my other palm in his. I rested my free hand on his shoulder and let the music wash over me for a moment.
In sync, we began to glide across the floor to the soft music. I was immediately lost in the flowing and spinning, and the only thing I truly registered was the honey brown of Remus's eyes, steadily trained on my yellow toned- golden eyes. I realised as I stared that his eyes became slightly more yellow as we continued to gaze at each other. I felt my neck hair prickle again, and my cheeks flush as I felt a hint of my moon sickness. It was as if my werewolf tendencies were being amplified by Remus somehow.
My cheeks continued to flush, and we continued to dance in sync. I felt as if I was floating upon a cloud, gliding along in someone else's dream land. I was so close to Remus I could count his constellation of freckles, see the golden flecks in his, see the pinky color of his lips.
"Thank you, Remus," I whispered. I felt frozen in this moment, but I didn't mind at all.
I leaned in slightly and Remus's soft lips caught on to mine. I deepened the kiss before pulling away, the horrible truth causing my brow to furrow.
"Remus, I have to tell you something," I placed my hands on his chest as he held my waist, keeping me close against him.
"What is it my dove?" Remus frowned, and brushed a stray hair from my face.
"You can't love me!" It all became to much, I pulled away and tried to explain it all before the hot tears came streaming down my face. I felt the salty streams dash down my face, and I realised it was too late.
"I'm a werewolf," I sobbed, returning to Remus's arms despite my better judgement.
To my surprise, Remus's warm, husky laughter began to echo off of the arched wall. I weakly hit into his chest, annoyed that he was laughing. He wasn't muggle born, and his father had written a large amount of the anti-werewolf legislation that made my life living hell.
"Me too y/n," He answered, curbing his laughter. I looked into his eyes and felt the slightly woofish sides of my returning again. I hugged him even tighter.
"So we're beast and the beast?" I joked.
"Hm?" Remus's deep voice vibrated against where my forehead was tucked into his chest.
"This whole time I thought that we were Beauty and the Beast," I paused and took a deep breath. "Obviously you were Beauty," I mumbled.
"Perhaps we're both the beauty in our own way?" Remus smiled.
p.s. i’ve got another fic coming in the next few days so keep an eye out!
author’s note: that’s right! it’s here! the promised two fic (check out the other one here) collab with @derrysdenbrough in celebration of valentine’s day! this one is dedicated to Cedric Diggory! yep, I finally wrote a Ced fic haha :) so, enjoy!!
word count: 3.6 k
summary: a collection of secret notes and accidental spells lead to a true love!
****
“I’m still not happy with you,” I said, and Cedric only laughed. “Stop laughing!” I scowled, and he swung an arm around me.
“The tournament is well and truly over, Y/n, and you never have to go in the Black Lake again.” He grinned at me, and I only scowled.
“You could’ve gotten killed, or worse, lost the tournament!” As a member of Slytherin, winning is absolutely everything. Maybe Ced dying was a tad worse.
“But I won.” His shit-eating grin said it all, and I whacked his shoulder.
“Get off of your high horse.” I shook my head, and he stood up. For some reason he had taken to sitting at the Slytherin table during meals, not that I was about to complain.
“Look’s like Sprout’s about to charge me, I’ll see you in potions?” He asked, and I nodded. Potions was definitely my favourite class, and it had nothing to do with a greasy haired git, but everything to do with the golden boy I sat next to.
“See you then.” Not a second after he left Eleanor Flint clutched my shoulder.
“You’re totally dating! When did he ask you out? Was it right after Chang dumped him, or did he wait a while? Waiting is totally more classy, but I can see Diggory not wanting to wait.” Eleanor babbled, and I stared at her.
“We aren’t dating, and nor does he want to.” I said, but as soon as the words left my mouth I knew I had made a mistake.
“But you want to.” El screeched, and I quickly covered her mouth with my hand.
“No! Cedric still likes Cho, I’m certain of it.” I said, and El pushed away my hand.
“Rumour has it she broke up with Diggory because you were in the lake and not her. If Diggory liked her more than you she would have been in the lake.” El was batshit crazy, I was positive.
“I was in the lake because I’ve been best friends with Ced since first year. I’m not listening to this, El.” I stood up quickly, and before she could continue arguing with me I speed walked my way out of the Great Hall. Good thing too, since I realised that I had left my advanced potions textbook in my dorm.
****
The dungeons weren’t too far from the Great Hall, and I made it there in what I would consider record-timing. My textbook was on my desk, and it wasn’t until I was leaving did I see the note on my bed.
I gingerly picked up the note, all too aware of how the Weasley twins had it out for the Slytherin house, and froze.
I’m like a crow on a wire, you’re the shining distraction that makes me fly.
I spun around the room, as if the writer of the notes would be standing in front of me, but the room was still, void of life aside Eleanor’s plant that was bordering death anyway.
I shook my head and stuffed the note in one of my robe pockets. I really didn’t have time to contemplate shit like this. With my potions book in my bag, I turned and left the dorm, soon entering the common room and eventually the hallways of the dungeons. I didn’t have to go far, since the potions room was only a couple corridors over. I slid into my seat seconds before Snape swept into the room, and I looked at Cedric who was already staring at me.
“What?” I whispered, and he looked at Snape before replying.
“Where were you?” He asked, and I pulled out my quill, ink pot, and finally some parchment.
“My dorm, why?”
“You left the hall in a rush. Why’d you go to your dorm?”
“I forgot my potions book. Besides, El was killing me and I had to get out of there.”
He nodded thoughtfully, and I decided to listen to Snape for once in my life. Anything to keep my mind occupied.
****
Later that afternoon, we were sat in the dark, stuffy tower for divination. The scent of lavender and peppermint was already overcoming my senses to cloud my mind and make me feel extremely sleepy. According to Trelawny peppermint was meant to sharpen seeing abilities, however I’m not sure anything can sharpen the non-existent...
Luckily, this was another class with Cedric. Merlin knows why we chose to continue it after OWLs, but I suppose that’s the Slytherin in me again: proving I can do it, and do it best.
Right as I’m preparing to drift into my sleepy daze, Ced nudges me.
“Trelawny. Five o’clock,” he mouths, nodding his head in the direction of my left shoulder.
“Hello dears!” She springs up, slightly like a jack in a box. I entertain the thought of telling her so, but she cuts me off as I open my mouth.
“Have you seen anything in your teacups yet?” She questions, staring at us in a way that is a touch too dramatic for my taste.
“Erm, yes.” I respond, trying to save Cedric’s skin since he just saved mine. Grabbing his emerald green tea cup, I grasp the golden yellow handle, and twist it three times. I’m not sure why... it just seemed right.
I glance at my book, but decide to wing it.
“I see a knight- or er. Perhaps a hero?” Trelawny nods, her eyelids fluttering as she rests them close and furrows her brow.
“No, it’s a knight in shining armour.” I nod, settling on this seeing. Cedric glances up slightly at the word ‘shining’ but shrugs it off quickly. He smirks at me,
“Oh, and what does that symbolise y/n?” His eyes flash slightly with mischief.
“It means you should keep your big mouth shut!” I glare at him, but can’t help cracking into a smile after a moment in his laughing gaze.
“Well dears,” Trelawny chirps at us, grabbing for the cup. “Indeed! I see...”
She gasps as I lazily flick my wand to float the cup off of the ground. I still wish I had remembered this trick when we were working with crystal balls...
“Oh Professor!” I groan miserably, despite the traces of thick sarcasm. “Please don’t say I’m due to die,” I throw myself back in my chair while Cedric tries to hold in a snort.
“I’m afraid you are my dear, in a most unfortunate incident involving a revolving door and a popsicle...”
****
“Charms is the worst.” Cedric groaned from beside me, and I nodded. Charms was fucking boring is what it was.
“Flitwick said it was a practical today.” I remembered, and Cedric brightened up considerably.
“About connecting minds?” He asked, and I nodded.
“I think so, partners?” I answered and asked, but I already knew what Cedric was going to say.
“Howdy.” He tipped an imaginary hat at me, and I sniggered.
“Attention seventh years! I’d like you all to get into pairs, and I will form the mind connecting spell. It will last for just one minute, and there may be minor discomfort as the minute comes to a close. Jordan and Brown, you’re first up.” Flitwick began the charm on the first Hufflepuff and Slytherin duo, and they laughed excitedly as the charm went into effect.
“Diggory and L/n, let’s get to it. Face one another and stare into each other’s eyes.” Flitwick instructed, and Ced beamed at me as we stared at each other.
“Now hold each other’s hands, please.” I felt myself growing sweaty at the thought, but Cedric took my hands with ease, and without breaking eye contact.
His grey eyes were more startling than ever, and I couldn’t help but wonder what the hell the pretty boy was thinking.
“Ut copulare,” Flitwick began murmuring until out of the corner of my eye I watched a flying wand hit the professor. “Oh!” Flitwick let out a startled cry, and Cedric and I nodded simultaneously as we broke eye contact to stare at him.
“Uh oh.” He tittered nervously, and I swallowed. The last time I heard a professor say uh oh was when Slughorn brewed a de-aging potion and it exploded on one of my classmates, rendering them to infancy for a good three weeks. Rumour had it she still used the pacifier from time to time.
“Do you feel okay?” Flitwick asked, and I nodded.
“I feel fine, Professor. In fact, I’ve never felt better.” This was a lie. I had woken up with a knot the size of a rats nest in my hair this morning, as well as having forgotten to do the potions homework last night. However, my teacher looked relieved, so I smiled at him.
“Same here.” Cedric added, and Flitwick sighed.
“Just in case the spell worked, I won’t be able to perform another one on you until at least a week from now.” Flitwick said, and with that he moved to another pair.
“Well I’d say that went well.” Cedric said, and I snickered.
“About as well as your date with Cho.” I was talking about his final date with Cho, which ended in her pouring a milkshake on his head.
“You’re going to be the death of me.” He pinched the bridge of his nose, and I stuck my tongue out.
—
“Salazar, what’s the reasoning for all these decorations?” I asked as we left charms. Pink and red decorations hung from ceiling to floor, and it was then that I realised it was Valentines next week.
“Every year the house elves go overboard. We should talk to them about it sometime.” Cedric wrinkled his nose, and I nodded. This was just too much.
“What’s going on over there?” I pointed to a circle that had formed, and it looked like two people were in the centre of it.
“Only one way to find out.” Cedric said, and we slowly approached it. Adrian, a fellow Slytherin, nodded at me.
“What’s going on?” I asked him, and he gestured to the pair inside the circle.
“They’re trapped until they kiss, because a rose fell from the ceiling right in front of them. It’s magically binding, so we could be here a while.” Adrian explained, and I tugged on Cedric’s arm.
“Did you hear that? It’s like mistletoe, they can’t leave til they kiss. It only happens when two people are in love.” I repeated, and Cedric nodded as we walked away from the circle.
“I barely survived the mistletoe.” Cedric said with a shiver, and I laughed as I remembered the girls that had chased Cedric down while waving mistletoe. It had been a sight for sore eyes.
“It’s okay, Ceddie. Time for lunch!”
—
“Could we maybe eat by the lake?” He asked, already having dodged three eager third years. The Great Hall was as busy as ever, and I noticed I myself was subject to several glares.
“I suppose.” I dramatically consented, grabbing two pumpkin pasties and some carrots with hummus from the nearest table. “Let’s go,” I led the charge.
A particularly determined looking Goyle stood directly in my path, stationed by a suspicious rose. I debated how best to get around, when I felt my feet lift off of the floor altogether.
“Cedric!” I shouted as I was levitated a good ten feet across the hall towards the door. I could only hear Cedric’s laughter as he ran below me, and I ducked as I saw the doorway coming straight for my head.
“Mr. Diggory!” McGonagall was heard shouting across the hall, however we were already halfway to the lake.
Dissolving in a fit of laughter, we sank onto the bank of the lake.
“Ah, back where it all began.” Cedric grinned towards me. I could think of a great deal of memories surrounding this lake, but I wasn’t entirely sure of any that had marked the beginning of something.
“What began?” I nudged him with my elbow and took a rather ‘unladylike’ bite of my pumpkin pasty.
Cerdric shrugged, and responded by taking a large mouthful of his own. He then grinned with a pumpkin paste covering his teeth.
“Ugh, you’re disgusting!” I threw a pebble at him gently. He simply transformed it into a golden finch. And so, another calm, sunny day was passed by the lake.
****
After lunch, I took a quick trip to the dorms while Cedric was in quidditch practise. I needed to finish this potions essay, and only one person could save me.
“Come on, Y/n! You’re so slow.” Pansy teased as she speed-walked to the dorm, and I only huffed.
“These legs weren’t made for walking!” I shouted as she entered the portrait, and the only response was the faint echo of her laughter.
By the time I stepped through the portrait, the common-room was empty aside a few stray kids from the years below. I walked through the short hallway to our dorm, and Pansy was staring directly at me as I came in, a note in her hand.
“I’m the first to admit that I’m reckless, I get lost in your beauty and I can’t see two feet in front of me.” Pansy read it aloud, and I froze.
“What the fuck is this?” She asked, and I shrugged.
“I don’t know. I got another one yesterday, I kinda forgot about it.” I explained, and Pansy raised an eyebrow.
“That’s sus, but whatever. Come on, let’s get to the library!”
****
“Holy Hippogriff!” I jumped as I felt a hard impact in my lower back.
“You okay y/n?” Pansy frowned as I rubbed my back. I frowned back, puzzled by this unexplained pain.
“I think so? Something just hit me in the back,” I explained, glancing around for the remnants of a prank of some sort. None appeared. Pansy shrugged and returned to her potions work. I gathered my stuff, and debated where to head next.
It was the end of the day, and I had completed all of my homework. So I was blessed with some nice free time. In a last second decision I veered towards the Quidditch pitch to meet Cedric after his practice.
“Hey y/n!” A sweet voice called out as I was about to duck out of the entrance hall.
“Hello Holly!” I spun on my heel. Holly was always quite nice to me, even though most of the Gryffindors avoided me. “How are you?”
“Swell thanks,” she nodded. “Just wanted to say congrats to you and Diggory! You two are so cute together!” I blushed all the way up to my ears.
“No I-“ she was already speeding down the hall back towards the tower. I sighed and continued towards the pitch.
****
“Y/n!” Cedric waved across the field towards me. I noticed him limping slightly, but didn’t think anything of it.
“How was practice Ced?” I asked, and he only shrugged.
“Managed to take a bludger to the back, but it wasn’t too bad.” He said as he approached me.
“Doesn’t look good if you’re limping. Want to go to Pomfrey’s?” I gestured towards the various windowsills side by side that was the infirmary, and Cedric shook his head.
“I’m fine, Hooch said it would be worn off by tomorrow. Did you get all your homework done?” He asked, and I saw his face flinch.
“That’s it. We’re going to the infirmary. Give me your arm. Besides, my back has been aching since the library. Maybe I can get it checked out.” He held his arm out curiously, and I wrapped it around my shoulder so I could help him put less pressure on his leg.
“Thanks, Y/n.” He said sheepishly, and I smiled at him.
“I got all my homework done, by the way. Pansy even helped me with the last part of the potions essay that we struggled to do, so I’ll explain it tonight or tomorrow.” I said, and Cedric nodded.
“Sounds good, let’s go.”
****
“For some reason you’ve both bruised the exact same area in your lower back. Do you two have anything you’d like to share with me?” Pomfrey stared at us, and Cedric laughed.
“It's a complete coincidence!” He said, and I nodded, but I was mentally frowning.
There’s no such thing as coincidences.
****
“One day you’re going to spill the boiling water all over yourself.” I said as I watched Cedric in a feeble attempt to pour the water from 15 inches above into his teacup.
“I’m not the quidditch captain for nothing-ow!” Cedric yelped at the same time I hissed, and I quickly inspected my wrist.
“Some of it just landed on me!” I glared at him, and he stared blankly back.
“It landed on me, Y/n. You’re across the table it couldn’t have splashed you.” Cedric said slowly, and I realised my wrist was bone-dry.
“I swear to Godric I felt it hit me.” I said earnestly, and Cedric nodded.
“I don’t doubt it. Shall we go back to Pomfrey?” Cedric asked, and I shook my head.
“It’s probably nothing. Lighten up, Ced, we’re fine. We’ve got the lovely class of charms next, followed by Sprout’s endless herbology lectures.” I nudged Cedric with my elbow, but he still seemed upset.
“Hey, what’s up?” I leaned closer and murmured, and he leant his head on mine.
“What if it’s not nothing? What if we’ve been cursed somehow?” I wished I could erase the worry from his face.
“I highly doubt that. Hogwarts is one of the safest places ever, and if someone was going around cursing people we would definitely know about it.” I tried my best to reassure him, and he sighed.
“Okay, dipshit. I guess I trust you.”
****
“Odds on you asking Sprout what the word sex means?” I asked, and Cedric laughed.
“Ten.” I looked at him in surprise.
“You sure? That’s pretty low.” He nodded.
“Why wouldn’t I be sure?” He asked, and I snickered.
“No reason. Three, two, one!”
“Eight!” We both shouted, and I screeched with laughter. Ced was done for.
“No! Rematch!” He said desperately, and I tried to control my laughter.
“Nope! Go ask!” I put my hand over my mouth in an attempt to control my laughter again, and Cedric reluctantly raised his hand.
“Professor? I have a question.” Cedric called out, and Sprout turned around to face us.
“Yes dear?” She smiled at him, and I nudged Cedric’s leg.
“What’s sex?” The entirety of the Hufflepuff-Slytherin class erupted into screams, and Sprout gasped.
“Mr Diggory!” She exclaimed, and I genuinely thought I was going to piss myself.
“Well, as my head of house, I thought you would be the best teacher to ask.” He said, and I noticed his cheeks were bright red. He shot a glare at me before smiling innocently at Sprout.
“If you stay after class I might be able to explain, however, we are currently in a herbology lesson!” She looked like she was about to cry, and I slapped Cedric’s arm as I laughed.
“You’re insane!” I said, and the smile he gave me made my breath get caught in my throat.
****
The next day I ran into Cedric just before potions. He was about to trip right over his own two feet, when I caught his hand.
"Morning, clumsy!" I smirked slightly as he brushed off the imaginary dust he had acquired during his slip.
"Morning, y/n," he mumbled, lacking his regular enthusiasm. After chatting for a minute or two he started to back away slowly.
"Hey, I just have to run to the bathroom. I'll be back in time for class though!" He yelled over his shoulder now. He started to run down the stony corridor, however I realised after a moment that he was heading the wrong way.
"Wait! Ced, you're heading towards the common rooms!" I tried to yell after him, but figured he'd learn it in a moment anyway. It's not like he hadn't learned this before either. He came to the Slytherin common room almost as much as I went to the Hufflepuff one.
I followed his footsteps, figuring I would be able to talk to him on his way back. What I didn't expect was to see a single slip of parchment fluttering to the floor, and Cedric nowhere in sight.
I bent down quickly to pick it up, crinkling the hard corners with my anxious movements.
I’m like a boat on the water, you’re the raise on the waves that calm my mind.
It was in the same, scrawling writing as the other notes I had received, and the paper was exactly the same to all of the other's I had received.
Was it Cedric? I flipped the paper over and looked at the blank back. He couldn't possibly love me. Could he?
I smiled at the message, remembering when we met up over break once. We had taken his father’s boat sailing, and had somehow managed to capsize on three different occasions. I heard footsteps coming down the corridor, and I shoved the message in my pocket.
"Hey!" Cedric called out as he came near.
“Hi, Ced. Or should I say boat on the water?” I twirled the piece of paper around my fingers as he approached, and I watched as his face fell.
“That’s not mine.” He said quickly, and I raised my eyebrows.
“Hmm. If that’s true, then I better go search for my secret admirer.” I grinned as he took the bait and grabbed my hand, tugging me closer to him.
“How long have you known?” Ced asked, and I shrugged.
“I had my suspicions on Finch-Fletchley, but you proved me wrong with this note,” I laughed at Cedric’s reaction. “I’m joking of course, Ceddie. I had no idea who it was, but I’m glad it’s you.”
“Wait, really?” He seriously was the cutest. The way he was looking at me right now made me feel like the luckiest girl in the world; then again, I just might be.
“Of course I am. In case you hadn’t noticed, I’ve been trying to drop hints for four years.” Cedric laughed at my confession, and I elbowed him.
“Oi! I was only laughing because I’ve been dropping hints for five. I figured in our last year at school I may as well confess that I’m in love with you.” My breath caught in my throat, and he raised his hand to my face only to brush a piece of hair out of my eyes.
“You’re in love with me?” I asked, and he nodded.
“It’s practically impossible not to be. Now that you know it’s me, I was wondering if you wanted to be my valentine?” Cedric asked, and a rustling from above made us look up.
A red rose had just bloomed. I smiled, and leaned towards Cedric.
****
It was valentine's day. Of course, just about everywhere was packed with starry eyed couples. We had opted to stay at Hogwarts, and have a sweet picnic together. Cedric had taken care of the setting, and I had found all of the food.
It wasn't a bad effort. In my opinion he went slightly overboard with the pink, but I did appreciate the various hints of green he had added with the plates and napkins. Plus, I had brought plenty of food from the kitchens (which Cedric had shown me in my fourth year)
We settled down on the edge of the lake, and I took a moment to appreciate the sunny day, and the time I could finally spend with Cedric not just as friends, but as a couple. I laid down, and gently rested my head of Cedric's lap.
"We should have done this a lot sooner," I joked, but I meant it as well. Knowing I could have been dating Cedric for months before now was a little bittersweet. I tried to remember that at least we were here now together.
I wasn't exactly sure if I believed in soulmates, but I knew that if I had a soulmate, it would be Cedric.
"Thank goodness you found the note I was going to hide the other day," Cedric smiled.
"That's true, you're no Gryffindor," I teased. "Thank goodness!" I stuck my tongue out in mock disgust.
And that's when things took a turn. I watched as Cho came up to us, with a nasty frown on her face. Her frown darkened our picnic almost instantly.
“Fuck.” I breathed under my voice. What in Merlin’s name could she possibly want with me and Cedric? Obviously we were about to find out.
“Ceddie, honey!” She sang sweetly as she came closer to us. Cedric shot me a look and quickly set a reassuring, soft kiss on my lips before getting up.
“Cho. What are you doing here?” He asked, sounding incredibly confused. He rubbed his hand through his hair, anxious about her mission
“I came to rescue you!” She grinned innocently. As she reached for her hand I couldn’t help myself.
“Hey! Back off!” She shot me a burning glare, and sent a stinging spell at my wrist.
“Shit,” Cedric and I spoke in unison as we both grabbed our wrists. I muttered a healing spell or two as I glared towards Cho.
“Look, Cho, go away. Okay?” Cedric tried to kindly shoo her away. “I’m perfectly happy with y/n!” I smiled softly, glad to here Cedric say that.
“It’s okay Ceddie! I realised exactly why it was her in that lake and not me!” Cho chirped. She sounded quite proud of herself, and I was curious what on earth she had come up with.
“Yeah, it’s because I love her!” Cedric explained. Cho let out a shrill laugh, and patted his arm.
“No silly!” She smiled sweetly, as if explaining to a young child. “You THINK you love her!” She shot another laser like look towards me.
“I’m pretty sure I know who I love Cho!” Cedric’s face began to harden as he realised this wasn’t going to be easy to brush off.
“She used a love potion on you!” Cho screeched, grabbing hold of Cedric.
“I said let go of him!” I got up off the blanket and walked over.
“She’s best in our potions class, she’s loved you since we were 13, and she’s a fucking Slytherin!” Cho explained desperately! She had small, glistening tears in her eyes now. I almost felt pity for her, but I couldn’t.
I walked over slowly, deciding exactly what I should say.
“Being a Slytherin doesn’t make me evil Cho, just like you being a Ravenclaw doesn’t make you smart!” I frowned. I hated how much the stereotypes of our houses defined us. “People aren’t able to be perfectly categorised between four groups!” Cho glared and jabbed her wand at me.
Before I realised what was happening, Cedric jumped between me and the flash of white light, but it couldn't stop the spell for some reason. I doubled over in excruciating pain that hit right around my belly button. It was as if my stomach had turned inside out and began to burn the surrounding flesh. I glanced over, and Cedric was in obvious pain as well.
I couldn’t contain the whimper that escaped from my mouth, and Cedric met my eyes.
“How the hell did you hit Y/n with that?” He spat out, while Cho only stared at us in shock and what looked like panic. After Cedric let out what sounded like a painful groan, Cho waved her wand and relief flooded me.
“Tell me! How did you do it?” Now that he was able to stand up without pain, Cedric got incredibly close to her, towering over her.
“I-I don’t know! You jumped in front, she must have been faking it!” I watched as Cedric lowered the manicured finger she had pointed at me, and whispered something in her ear. The effect in had on her was instantaneous; she slowly stepped away before turning tail and bolting away.
“We need to go to Pomfrey.” Cedric spoke without looking at me, though when I clasped his hand he squeezed mine tightly.
****
“I don’t know what to tell the pair of you. Have you been hit by an unknown spell in the past month or so?” Pomfrey looked tired, I noticed.
I wondered how often she slept.
“Not that I can think of.” Cedric said, and I nodded.
“Unless someone’s hit us without us noticing, then no.” I added, and Pomfrey sighed.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with the two of you. I’ve only heard of cases like these, never seen one myself. I think there’s only been four or five documented.” She explained, causing Ced and I to exchange glances.
“Well, what happened to those people?” I asked the obvious question, since my lovely boyfriend clearly wasn’t going to. Pomfrey shifted slightly.
“One person in each pair died before a full analysis and case study could be completed.” I almost laughed at the look on Cedric’s face until I realised that one of us was totally going to die soon.
“Well, my darling, it was lovely knowing you.” I patted him on the back, and he wrapped his arms around me, encasing me with love.
“What can we do?” Cedric asked, and Pomfrey shook her head.
“Not a whole lot. Try and remember if the pair of you have been struck by a spell in the past though.”
****
It took fourteen seconds after we left the infirmary to Cedric to slap his forehead.
“I think we’re stupid.” He said, and I raised an eyebrow.
“Speak for yourself. Personally, I’m the smartest person I know.” He snickered, and I frowned. Where was the joke?
“Flitwick hit us with that spell, remember? And the spell was interrupted halfway through, which created a new spell entirely.” Cedric explained, and I sighed.
“I think we’re stupid too.”
****
We'd spent another lovely 10 years being stupid together. Sure we'd had our ups and downs, but we always knew that we were soulmates.
Since we had found out about the spell, we've helped Flitwick research whatever charm had put us in the situation of feeling each others pain. It was actually quite strange when I was pregnant with our son, Cedric had noticed the contractions first.
After spending a couple of years with Flitwick researching the spell, we'd moved to Scotland and gotten married. Life had been quite pleasant. We owned a small farm where we raised cows and hippogriffs alike. Our son was now 6 years old, and had already decided that he wanted to be in Slytherin 'Just like mummy!'
Currently we were sitting in our favorite wizarding restaurant. I gazed over towards Cedric's kind face as he helped our son go through the maze on the children's menu. I grinned over at my two lovely boys, and nudged Cedric with my foot under the table.
"Hm?" He looked up, and our son copied him. I smiled towards them both, and silently thanked Merlin that I had these two lovely boys in my life.
"What do you want to eat?" I held up the menu, and raised my eyebrows. Cedric and our son looked at each other and then looked back towards be in sync.
"PIZZA!" They said together. I giggled and they quickly joined in.
Just as we share pain, Cedric and I share the multitude of joys that have bloomed in our lives. And that made the joy all the better
author’s note: hey everyone! happy valentine’s day!!!! <3 <3 sending lots of love your way :) this is an extra special, lovey dovey, fluffy collab with @derrysdenbrough for valentine’s day.(go follow her right now!!) i hope you all enjoy it, and have a fantastic day filled with love whether that love is from yourself, your s/o, your family, etc...
word count: ~3000
summary: you’re a foreign exchange student and Bill Weasley offers to show you around Hogwarts!
****
Lifting myself off of the stoney floor, I find myself in a comfortable office filled with trinkets. The circular walls are covered with serious looking portraits, their eyes lit by the glow of the warm fireplace I recently fell out of. As I rise and brush myself off, I find myself face to face with a phoenix.
I stare into its eyes for a moment as they swirl in fiery embers of color, before I snap back to reality. It had been a long journey, and I would have an equally long day tomorrow given I was arriving mid term- on February 13th.
Turning towards the center of the room, I see a small group of people eagerly grinning towards me. I watched as the girl bobbed on the balls of her feet, and the boy stood, completely relaxed, with a welcoming stance.
“Ms. y/l/n, welcome to Hogwarts!” Albus Dumbledore’s voice greets me. I smiled, my nerves eased by the kind welcome that they had prepared.
“We are most pleased to have you here,” Mcgonagal nods towards me. After properly greeting both of them, I turn my attention to the two people my age, waiting to greet me.
“Oh my Godric! I’m so happy to meet you,” The dark brown, curly haired girl greeted me with a soft hug. Her russet brown skin seemed to radiate warmth as she pulled me into a kind hug. “I’m Anya, and it sounds like you’re in my house. So you’ll be seeing lots of me!” She smiled kindly and nodded towards the pale, freckled boy behind her, signalling for him to come up.
“G’day mate!” The boy said in an extremely poor Australian accent. His honey-gold eyes searched mine, hoping to see the laughing twinkle of his reflected in mind.
“Oh good evening dear chap!” I responded without missing a beat in an equally awful English accent. The red haired boy laughed and I couldn’t help but notice the deep brown flecked through his eyes. Almost like cinnamon.
“So, do you play quidditch?” The boy demanded, grinning still. I was about to respond with an affirmative, but I was cut off.
“Mr Weasley! Your name!” Mcgonagal snapped. I grinned, silently laughing at the situation.
“I’m Bill. Nice to meet you,” He held out his hand. Gently, I placed my small hand into his firm one, and shook.
“Y/n,” I responded.
“I’ll have to show you around sometime y/n.” Bill grinned.
“And I’ll have to show you to our dorm!” Anya exclaimed, taking your arm. “You’re a Hufflepuff, right?” I nodded, remembering Professor Mcgonagal’s brief trip to Koolangka, the Australian wizarding school, to sort me. The strange hat was very different to the process at Koolangka, but seemed to work nonetheless.
“Right-o,” I grinned, enjoying the way my words stood out slightly. We hurried through the castle as Anya explained the basics of what I needed to know to me. By the time we reached the basement, I was nearly asleep on my feet.
The soft golden bedding seemed all together much to inviting, and I slept as soon as my head hit the pillow.
****
I woke up to four girls standing over me, and I yelped in surprise, causing them to step back slightly.
“You’re y/n, right? I’m Amelia Abbott,” A brown haired girl began talking, and proceeded to point at the rest of the Hufflepuff’s. “That’s Ella Finch-Fletchey, that’s Caroline Jordan, and this is Teresa Burk.” She finished, and I waved at the girls in turn.
“Nice to meet you all!” I said as I hopped out of bed, and Teresa instantly took my arm.
“Anya told us you and Bill Weasley hit it off. He hardly ever speaks to girls, but that’s because we’re always drooling over him.” She said, and her blonde locks swung as she spoke.
“He’s nice, I guess.” I said, albeit uncertainly, and the rest of the Hufflepuff’s giggled.
“We can’t wait for you to date!” Ella chattered, and Caroline shook her head.
“You’re scaring her, the poor thing. We’ll let you get changed and meet you down at the common room, you must be starving!” The four girls were off in a whirl as Caroline herded them out, and I shot her a grateful smile.
As the room stilled, I took a deep breath. I was really here, at Hogwarts, in the badger’s sett, the place I finally belonged.
I took my time putting on my Hufflepuff robes, the cheery yellow making me smile. With that smile came the thought of Bill Weasley’s blue eyes, and the odd feeling I had had around him.
“Y/n!” A voice that sounded like Ella called from the common room, and I did a final stroke of the hairbrush through my hair.
“Coming!” I called, and I set the hairbrush down as I looked in the mirror.
I was ready.
The group of girls led me down the hallway, occasionally pausing their giggling and teasing of each other to point out important land marks:
“And that’s where Ella snogged Simon Brown!” Teresa grinned as she pointed towards a particularly large statue of a goblin. Ella slugged Teresa's arm in a friendly manner, and Teresa stuck her tongue out before we continued to move on.
“Oh my! That’s where those third years got in a fight about quidditch last week,” Caroline nudged me, although I doubted whether or not this information would come in useful later.
Finally we reached the great hall, and made our ways to the hufflepuff table. I eagerly searched for some vegemite on toast, or a Ned Kelly pie. But I was sadly disappointed as my friends explained neither of those things exist in England. Instead, Ella plonked a bowl of oatmeal onto my plate.
“Dig in,” she winked. I sighed, resigning myself to the warm slop on my plate. It could be worse I reckon: she could have given me scrambled eggs.
I’m shaken from my silent contemplation of the evils of scrambled eggs by none other than Bill Weasley himself.
“Top of the mornin’” Bill greets in an exaggerated English accent this time.
“Merlin, am I ever going to here your real accent?” I try to look annoyed before slipping into a smile.
“Ay. That depends,” he attempts a Scottish accent this time. I suppose it’s a running joke at this point.
“On what?” I raise an eyebrow, while reaching for my juice. Upon doing so, I realise all five of my new friends are eagerly drinking up this juicy interaction.
“I was hoping to show you around,” he begins looking slightly nervous. I notice he has begun to twist his wand between his strong fingers. I nod reassuringly and he continues.
“But I’m busy with head boy duties and all, so we might have to break curfew...” I nearly leap at the adventure, but pause contemplating. Would it really be a good idea to risk being caught breaking rules already?
“It would be an adventure,” he suggests, smiling while his eyes toil with excitement.
“Well, you’ll have to make it worth my time...” I smirk slightly. He grabs my hand and shakes it eagerly.
“Just you wait y/n!”
****
I go through the rest of the day eagerly curious for what Bill has in store for my grand tour of Hogwarts.
Although, I can’t tell who is more excited for it: me or the five girls who have discussed the breakfast occurrence at least seven times by now.
“Come on, Y/n! At least promise us you’ll snog his tonsils out!” Ella begged, and I whipped my head round to stare at her. We were currently lounging in the common room, with Amelia checking the time every five minutes.
“He’s showing me around the castle, not planning to pull me into an abandoned classroom!” I squealed, and the girls squealed alongside me, eager at the thought.
"Well he'll have to pull you into an abandoned classroom if he's going to give you a full tour!" Teresa laughed, teasing me.
Luckily, we were finally in our last class of the day. Which we happened to have with the Gryffindors.
“Please partner up!” Professor Mcgonagal announces. “We shall be practically applying our skills at transfiguring human features.” She pauses to allow the buzzing students to partner up. I turn around to see Teresa and Caroline looking apologetically towards me. I face the other way and find Ella and Anya in the same situation.
“Maybe we could have a group of three?” Caroline offers, sounding thoroughly unconvinced of Mcgonagal’s enthusiasm for the idea.
“No need!” Bill grins as he swaggers our way, and leans against my desk. “Partners?” I grin as a slight blush creeps up my neck. Biting my lip I nod and let him brush my hand to guide me across the room.
“Please only transfigure your partner with human features!” Mcgonagal reminds us, and I shiver slightly as I remember the time my brother was transfigured into a part-human part- platypus form last year.
“So, are you much good at transfiguration?” Bill asks conversationally. I take a moment to answer, concentrating on the transfiguration I’ll be attempting.
I decide to give him a beard, perhaps slightly inspired by Dumbledore’s. I flicked my wand in a short line, and smirked as a fiery red beard grew. Unfortunately, I made it slightly shorter than anticipated and...
Fuck. He looked hot with a beard. He raised an eyebrow. “So I’ll take that as a yes?” I giggled.
“Sure,” I admitted. We spent the rest of class firing spells back and forth until I had abnormally long pink hair, with large sapphire eyes. Bill was sporting equally vivid green locks with some slightly scary purple eyes. And a beard of the previously desired length.
Our laughter echoed through the hallway on our way to the great hall. Just before walking into the hall, Bill threw his arm around me as he laughed particularly hard.
The moment was broken as he glanced at his watch, and frowned.
“I’ll pick you up tonight. Some time close to midnight,” he shouted as he walked away. I watched as he walked in a relaxed manner down the halls. Although, I raised my eyebrow as I watched him take a small sip of a strangely sparkling substance.
We were still sat in the common room at 12 o’clock, and there had been no sign of Bill Weasley.
“Maybe he forgot?” Caroline murmured, and Teresa bit her lip as she shook her head slightly.
“We ought to be off to bed, I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation. Filch might have caught him!” She said, and everyone nodded.
“Come on, bed time!” Ella began herding everyone off to bed, and I numbly followed. I wasn’t quite sure what to think after Bill’s no-show, but there wasn’t anything I could do about it now.
Tap, tap
I woke up out of my light sleep with a start. My owl, Goldie, usually only delivered in the mornings. I took a moment to rub my eyes and nearly tumbled out of bed as I saw that it wasn't in fact my owl, but rather a certain Bill Weasley. Throwing open the window, I tried to keep my voice down so I wouldn't wake anyone else.
"Bill? Why and how are you hovering outside my dorm window?" I asked, sleep thick in my voice.
"I'm here for your tour, pretty girl.” I blushed as he called me pretty, knowing I was anything but with my messy hair and bright pink pajamas. "You might want a jacket though," he frowned, gesturing to the frigid, snowy air.
I quickly pulled on my favorite denim jacket, and some leggings. Then, I went back to the window.
"A broom?" I took in the sight of his fairly muscular form on the broom, and noticed a golden, knowing sparkle in his eyes. As if whatever happened, he was one step ahead of me.
"You seem like the type to play quidditch," he shrugged. I grinned, rejoicing at the chance to get back on a broom after all this time.
"You were right," I slid out of the window into the slightly snow covered roof. Wrapping my arms around Bill's waist I let his warmth bleed into my freezing skin. Somehow this felt so right.
"You're warm," I mumbled. I only realised after I spoke how awkward this sounded, but Bill simply smiled and cast a warming charm over me.
"Bet you didn't have much use for those in Australia?" If only he knew how windy my city had been. Although he was right, I never learned a proper warming charm at school.
“Not so much. We spent hours on cooling charms though.” Just like that, I replaced Bill’s warming charm with a cooling one, and he yelped in surprise.
“Y/n!” He shouted into the night’s air, and I laughed as I clutched his waist tighter. It was gone as soon as I cast it, and Bill’s warming charm once again encased us.
“So I’ve been thinking, Y/n. Why’d you come to Hogwarts at the end of January? School term starts in September, you know?” He asked, and I peered down to see that we were circling the quidditch pitch.
“Well my old school, Koolangka, has school from the end of January to mid-December, and every ten weeks we got to go home for two. Every Australian school’s like that, probably because we’re superior.” I said, and Bill turned his head over his shoulder to grin before facing the front of the broom again.
“Say, did you have the sorting hat in Australia?” He asked, and I shook my head before realising he couldn’t quite see me.
“Not exactly. Australia still has the four houses, but instead they’re focussed on air, fire, water and earth. Caeli is Latin for air, ignis for fire, aqua for water, and terra for earth. We have a boomerang that assists in sorting us, and we just have to throw it as fair as we can. Whatever colour it returns covered in is our house.” I explained, and it wasn’t until I finished that I realised how boring it sounded.
“That sounds awesome! I’ve always wanted to go to Australia, but my mum is obsessed with Egypt, so I doubt I’ll get to go.” Bill sounded a bit sad, so I took a leap of faith.
“It’s awesome, Bill! I can show you all the secret spots, and we can visit Numisma, the Australian wizard school.” I said nervously, but I shouldn’t have worried.
“I’d really like that. I might land here on the pitch.” Bill soared down, and I laughed excitedly as we reached the grass.
My feet crunched into the frosty ground, and I spread my arms out as I breathed in the chilly air.
"Imagine playing here," I closed my eyes and pictured the stadium seats full of young witches and wizards, and the sky filled with brooms. Bill saw me and added in background cheering. I laughed and turned towards him. He grinned, seeing my smile.
"Is this used for anything other than quidditch?" I asked, thinking that this huge space couldn't possibly be used only for quidditch.
"The only other thing held here is the 7th year ball," Bill explained. Instantly my vision of the stadium filled with quidditch fans shifted to a beautifully lit dance floor, filled with laughter and lovely dress robes.
"A ball!" I exclaimed enthusiastically. "Is it very formal?" I felt concerned, realizing I had no idea how to waltz, or swing, or foxtrot or anything...
"No, no. It's not really anything to worry about." He saw my distress, but then his face lit up. "Although I could teach you a few moves," He offered as he extended his hand. I placed my hand gently in his, and let him pull me towards him.
Lumos Maxima Bill whispered, and then whispered another soft spell to play a quiet waltz throughout the stadium.
Slowly and gracefully I let Bill lead me through the steps. Gradually we sped up, and I stopped stepping on his feet so much. His light charm faded, and soon our faces were only illuminated by the stars as we spun and stepped across the cool grass.
Eventually the music came to an end, but I stayed in my dancing position still.
"You're very beautiful," He blushed, glancing away and sticking his hands into his jean pockets. I smiled, although I'm sure I blushed slightly as well. "I er- I just mean..." he stammered a bit.
"The Bill Weasley? Nervous about talking to me?" I teased, and he blushed even redder.
"Well, you see it is Valentine's day," he smiled slightly, and I blushed a little. "And I just thought you might, maybe-" He took a deep breath and collected himself. "Perhaps you would want to go to Hogsmeade with me?" I beamed at him. Despite only knowing Bill for a day or two, I could tell that he was the kind of guy I wanted to know better.
"Of course!" I smiled, and hugged him. His arms wrapped around me, and I breathed in the slightly salty sea air smell about him. "Just one question," I looked up, and he gazed with concern towards me.
"Where's Hogsmeade?" We laughed, and he closed the slight gap to kiss me lightly.
