smudgley.

curiosity killed a cat, satisfaction brought it back jack smudgley - daily prophet reporter neutral

[smudgley]

ooc. ––– 

Hi all,

As sad as it makes me, I think I’m going to leave the group for now.

I’m so sorry I haven’t been around and didn’t get a chance to wrap up any event threads. I really terribly miss you all and your lovely characters. But, a lot has been going on for me over the past few weeks and it’s been hard to balance my personal life, including RP time. I don’t think I want to continue to ask for a hiatus and string you all along when I’m not sure when I’ll have time to really come back and invest in my characters, especially Jack. 

I really loved the time I spent with you all writing and hopefully in the near future I’ll be in a better headspace to come back!! (I really do want to come back and write again, you all are so fun!!)

Please keep in touch! You are all so lovely!

Best wishes,

Ollie <3 

[winternott]

Winter had been planning to enjoy the celebration, but had an order to finish before she could leave the apothecary for the night. She thought she might catch up with Alecto, or Dirk and Jack. Maybe her brothers if they were around. It was shortly after she’d finished brewing the potion and had started to get the vials ready that all hell seemed to break loose in the cobblestone street. No one had told her anything was meant to happen that night. Not her brothers, not her father, not her friends. She turned quickly, grabbing her wand from the workbench and her messenger bag that she used on the occasions that she delivered potions in person. She grabbed as many healing potions as she could find to stuff into her bag. As soon as she had what she hoped was enough, Winter ran out of the shop. She spotted someone a ways off on the ground and the brunette made a run for it. Luckily, she didn’t seem to draw the attention of a hooded figure that was down the street a ways. Dropping to her knees next to a boy that seemed to be school aged, she noticed that he was unconscious and had lost a lot of blood, but the rise and fall of his chest reassured her that he was alive. Carefully, she pulled out a vial from her pack, eyes darting around her. There was someone approaching, so she worked faster, opening the boy’s mouth and pouring the potion in. The steps were close now and Winter turned, shielding the boy with her body, clutching her wand tightly in front of her. “Don’t touch him!”

@morsmordrestarters​

[smudgley]

Unable to resist the unforgivable curse, Jack’s mind had drifted far far away. Having never experienced anything like it before, the wizard’s child-like curiosity pulled him in deeper as he chased what could have been mistake for happiness. But it was vague and intangible and held nothing of substance. Other than peacefulness, it was hard to say what he was feeling. But, it had was such a lovely one. It didn’t matter and he didn’t fight it. His mind was empty, free from the clutter of thoughts and worries that always had plagued him. Jack felt more relaxed than he had at any point in his life. Barely aware of his surroundings, he felt as he made his way down the street as if blissfully unaware of the chaos around him. Lucius had wanted him to go to Diagon Alley and in the most painful of ways, hurt the people he loved. Of course he was happy to do so.

Chaos had broken out amongst the crowd, but it went unnoticed to Jack who stood amongst the masses looking for familiar faces. Unbeknownst to him, he had played a role in all of this, though maybe it was small. With his wand mindlessly raised he cast a blasting curse into a group of his colleagues from the paper. Had he not been a passenger in his rogue body, Jack would have realized just how much destruction he’d caused. It would have horrified him. But it didn’t matter now, not when his thoughts seemed so far away. 

"Expulso” A flash of blue light blasted the figure back into a nearby crumbling wall. Someone he’d recognized from school. A Ravenclaw as he recalled. Lowering his wand from the target across from him, he thought he heard a familiar voice. Walking toward it, Jack, or rather, Jack’s body stood above the two figures hunched on the cobblestone streets. A familiar face which he loved dearly and one he didn’t recognize. His wand crackling with energy against the palm of his hand and his eyes empty and unaffected the wizard send another blue flash of light toward his friend.

[smudgley]

sonofabraxas​:

It was as comforting as the warm fire of whiskey sliding down one’s throat, watching Jack Smudgley writhe and wriggle with the tenacity of a hooked worm edging its way to water. The photo, however, was almost startling. Lucius hid his surprise remarkably well, careful not to brush fingers with the reporter as he snatched it back from the other man’s slimy grip. “Just when I thought you couldn’t sink any lower,” He gritted, furrowing a pale brow. Had he somehow missed the clumsy bumblings of the lowlife reporter stalking them all the way to Greece? “Should have known your lies weren’t reserved just for the press.” 

Still, he pocketed the film, slotting it next to the withered photo from Andromeda in the deep folds of his robes. Now he was being offered a redaction–of course–the scum would crumble the second an actual threat was at play. And Lucius had almost given him the benefit of the doubt, allowing himself for just a second to believe that Jack Smudgley might actually be stupid enough to feign courage. “I couldn’t find her.” He admitted, a smirk tugging at his lips. Really, squibs barely counted as human so it was no wonder there was no record of the girl. “Careless of me to think I could.” His tone was conversational, but the eerie turning of his long wand between his thumb and forefinger gave way to something more malicious. "Besides, I think it’s much more dastardly to have her blood on your hands.” 

Jack had always known Lucius Malfoy was dense, but never this dense. The reporter’s face flushed red with frustration as the photo was snatched from him. He wished he could have found the letter Narcissa wrote him instead, that would have cleared up everything. Although maybe it was too late for now. “I have plenty of better things to do and plenty of things I’d much rather do.” He grimaced. “I didn’t take that picture and I find it a little embarrassing you don’t remember who did.” If he had, why wouldn’t he have included it in his article? It’s not like he had ever held back before. Though it was certain that whatever he said, Lucius wouldn’t believe. The other wizard clearly had it out for him and no level of explaining would change that.

At first Jack wasn’t entirely sure who Lucius was referring to, but then it hit him like the damn Hogwarts Express. Willa. His heart nearly leaped out of his chest at the mere thought of her, his blood running cold as that disgusting smirk pulled across the other man’s lips. Though maybe he should have counted himself lucky he hadn’t found her. But maybe not. Terror soon overcame the reporter that seemed impossible to quell and the papers he’d been offering fell to the floor as he nearly collapsed in his panic. Taking another step away from Lucius, his eyes darted to the wand in his hand. The air in the tiny office suddenly was suffocating and Jack could barely breathe. “Don’t.”

[smudgley]

sonofabraxas​:

What the hell was the town idiot spewing now? Narcissa wasn’t daft enough to spend time or money or even the hint of a thought on someone as low as Jack Smudgley. Though, she had quipped that his poor attempt at news was almost something to be grateful for–their marriage forced into the open air to heal or fester yet it was difficult to be certain. Still, his light eyes narrowed at the audacity of the reporter to greet Lucius like an old friend, hardly any hint of the hierarchy at play. “Get her name out of your mouth, you filth.” 

Lucius ought to have thought far enough ahead, made up some contingency plan for the off chance that Jack Smudgley wasn’t taking advantage of an open bar somewhere. Perhaps he’d underestimated the work ethic of the other man, or, more likely the snarky bastard was too unmotivated to keep up with a proper deadline and had held himself back just long enough to ruin Lucius’ look around. If the few inches he had on Smudgley weren’t menacing enough, the glower of his features ought to have been enough to make anyone shrink back. “What the fuck are you on about?” 

“Fine.” Jack’s eyes rolled at the grossly overused insult. Backing away for a moment, he rummaged around the clutter of his desk. Easily enough, along with a bunch of crumpled unsent thank yous addressed to Narcissa, the reporter found the photo the witch had sent him. He held it up between two shaky fingers before bravely stepping back in front of Lucius. “Mrs Malfoy sent this along with it. You can have it back. Happy Christmas, mazel tov.” He put the photo on top of the papers he’d gathered and tried not to think about what might happen if Lucius saw this as some sort of slight. 

Seeing the expression on the taller man’s face shift to something much more malicious, Jack reconsidered his distance from him and took a step back. So maybe that’s not what he was here for after all. And maybe that was in fact cause for concern. Feeling his heartbeat quicken, he cleared his throat. “The redaction papers.” Trying to keep his cool, Jack simply shrugged and offered him the papers again. “Just fill this out. You want the article removed, right? Why else would you be lurking around here after hours?” He doubted he would get a truthful answer based on how aggressively the Sneakoscope was still whistling in his desk drawer.

[smudgley]

sonofabraxas​:

Lucius had told himself that this stop was more reconnaissance than anything else. The Prophet staff ought to have filtered into the streets at this hour, filling their bloated stomachs with sparkling wine and vaguely attempting to rub up against one another. The silver vial from the apothecary clinked cheerily against his wand in the dark folds of his robes, weighed down by the ornate silver mask stowed for later use. His gray eyes had blithely dithered over the many mugs stacked precariously atop one another, trying to assess which novelty cup was most likely to belong to the insipid reporter when a burst of sound caught his attention. 

The ear-splitting screech of what he quickly identified as a Sneakoscope, rolling about in a desk drawer that Jack Smudgley was haphazardly rummaging through. Of course the bastard was glued to the shoddy wood of his office. And of course he came equipped with a children’s plaything as a trip wire. At the very least, Lucius reminded himself, the reporter was scared enough to consult an alarm system. 

With something like a sigh, Lucius stood straighter allowing the dim light of the office light to wash over him. Perhaps the wavering haughtiness in Smudgley’s tone was meant to elicit a more dramatic response. Lucius was sullen at best; if he was held up much longer, someone would be certain to notice. At the thought alone, his left forearm prickled. “Narcissa says I ought to leave you alone.” He murmured, flicking an irate glance toward the Sneakoscope. “I imagine she thinks the time it would take to deal with you could be better spent.” 

His shoulders sagged slightly, in mocking resignation. “This was meant to be quick.”

The Sneakoscope’s dull whistle coming from the desk became an eerie background for Lucius’s icy words. Every muscle in his body was tense as Jack fought the urge to disapparate. There wasn’t any reason to run, right? Lucius was probably here to settle things once and for all. After Narcissa had sent him the basket, maybe bygones were bygones. He had to remember to send her a card to thank her. Still, being alone with Lucius Malfoy wasn’t exactly what he had in mind for his new years. But it was odd he was here in the first place. It was well past closing with the holiday revelry starting. Something didn’t sit right with Jack, but he refused to panic under the other’s gaze. “She’d be right y’know.” Shoving the drawer the Sneakoscope was in closed, he stood up and began to rummage around his files trying not to look too nervous. “Guessing you’re here for that redaction.”

 Though Lucius had no good nature to appeal to, Jack felt is time might be better spent distracting him. “Christmas good? Oh–Tell Narcissa I enjoyed the gift she sent.” With the festivities going on outside the offices, surely Lucius didn’t intend on doing anything rash. Right? After he pulled out the necessary paperwork from one of his overstuffed files, he slowly approached the other wizard. “Since you’re in a rush, bring it in tomorrow. I know you’ll probably want to be home to kiss Narcissa at midnight.” He extended his arm to offer the paper to Lucius.

[smudgley]

unforgivable – jack & lucius 

the daily prophet: jack’s office new years eve

The Prophet was always quiet this close to the holidays. Unless there was breaking news, people generally took the time off or went home early to ready themselves for the party. But, it was like any other night for Jack. He planned to stay late to work on his side project, combing through the Ministry documents that Mary had given him. Even after a reassuring interview with Rodolphus, someone he trusted, Jack found himself continuing to doubt everything. Especially when it came to the Minister. Cuffe’s interview with him still didn’t seem right. There was something off about it and he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. But it had been exhausting work lookig through so much heady paperwork. Already half-asleep from a strong mixture of exhaustion and lack of wideye potion, Jack was very suddenly and very rudely awoken by a rather unpleasant whistling noise. Jerking his head up, now awake more than ever, he looked around his office groggily. The sound was coming from the drawer and it triggered a memory that Jack thought he’d long since forgotten.

Jack had spent a lot of time talking to the portraits as he wandered around Hogwarts. When they weren’t grouchy or rude, they usually always offered up an interesting piece of history or story. Sometimes, they’d even grant him passage through one of the secret corridors behind their frames. The great wizard Edgar Stroulger, was one such portrait. In exchange for the password to get past him, Jack had promised to buy his invention. The Sneakoscope. Thinking it a fair trade, Jack purchased one as soon as he could and returned victorious, ready to explore the hidden passage

But that couldn’t be, Jack thought he’d lost his ages ago. He’d given his last two away as Christmas presents this year, one to Winter and one to his sister. Ripping open the drawer of his desk, the sound only became more shrill solidifying that he had been mistaken. Sure enough, the Sneakoscope was here and was working better than ever. Flinching away from the noise, Jack peered into the drawer from a distance. The glass top spun around amongst the mess of papers in the drawer, whistling and lighting up as it did. Immediately, Jack felt a wave of anxiety fill his chest and his heart began to race. The magical object had rarely if ever failed him. Something or someone was nearby. 

Pulling his eyes away from the small top in his drawer, Jack flinched in surprise when he saw a figure looming in his doorway. It was an unfortunately familiar face and the sight of the person made his stomach drop. “Lucius.” 

@sonofabraxas​

[stilesedit]

[smudgley]

black-tonks​:

“I’m a shit baker.” Andi confessed, her cheeks heating with the bluntness of her own tongue. There was always the opportunity to blame on the honeyed wine, still coating her lips. “We’re all lucky Emmeline and Remus brought their weight in baked goods or else I would’ve had to call for delivery.” She let out a soft laugh, splashing a little more mead into her cup as she thought of Nymphadora. It would be too heavy handed to say that there had been no real reason for living or breathing before their child had been born. To tell Jack Smudgley, of all people, that there was no greater, more affirming feeling that watching her daughter’s round face collapse into a giggle. Instead, she shook her head, biting back the long monologue of adoration she might have spiraled down. “She’s two. And we’re very, very happy. Thank you for asking.” 

Andi let ought a surprised huff, bracing herself to find another smattering of bruises littering the man’s neck or wrists. If she didn’t know any better, she might have guessed that the reporter liked to bury his nose exactly where it could get him into trouble. “I can’t believe you went to that thing.” She sniffed, swirling the wine idly in her hand; the silver wedding band on her ring finger tinkling lightly against the edge. “Did you have to? I mean, did the paper ask you to? I suppose that’s the sort of even someone does go to be seen, but…,” Somewhere across the room, the front door opened and a new arrival was greeted with a loud, drunken cheer. “I’m glad not to go to those things anymore. I was never too good at being a proper socialite.” 

At the dramatics, Andi rolled her eyed good-naturedly. She could count a handful of witches (and at least one wizard) that would have been quite gutted if he actually did run off with the matronly healer. “I said he probably sent invitations. I didn’t say any of them would show up. What is it with you and this crush, anyway? A thing for older women? You need someone to take care of you?” 

Ah, Remus. Jack could feel his heart flutter a little at the five letter name. But what a charming and sweet five letters they were. Of course he’d brought baked goods. Hopefully, he’d manage to snag a taste of one. The reporter wasn’t sure where the sudden affection for his longtime friend was coming from, but he didn’t mind it in the slightest. The two of them had grown up considerably since their time at Hogwarts. There wasn’t any reason for him not to like him given the other’s warm charm and sweet temperament. If anything, Jack was far too obnoxious for someone as kindhearted as Remus. But then again, he did hang around an awful lot with James Potter. 

“Cuffe didn’t exactly make me go.” Though it had been encouraged and Prophet reporters were allowed to attend, Jack admittedly had gone to witness the aftershocks of the gossip article he wrote. He hadn’t exactly gotten up enough courage to face Narcissa to apologize, though he tried. “I uh–went to set off some fireworks...”

“Listen,” Jack defended with a small laugh. “I just appreciate her, alright? She mended my bones probably a hundred times while I was at Hogwarts. Least I could do is give her a proper thank you.” He took another sip of his mead. “I probably should have someone lookin’ out for me though,” he admitted. “Might not get into so much trouble if I did.”

[smudgley]

mudbloodmacdonald​:

His smile elicited one of her own, though it was a bit reserved for the former Gryffindor. “Happy Christmas Eve, Smudge.” She said affectionately, hugging him back tightly. Maybe a little too tightly. The brunette felt guilty for their last encounter and didn’t want to lose her friend. It didn’t seem like Jack much remembered that encounter, though, as he pulled a knut from behind her ear. A bemuse laugh escaped her lips. He’d clearly found the stash she’d been searching for at Ted and Meda’s house. “No, a sober man couldn’t do that.” At least not so happily, or without feeling incredibly awkward about their actions, Mary presumed. Then again, this was Jack. “You and I both.” She nodded in agreement, deciding that, at least for now, she’d table her apology, unsure he’d be capable of remembering it next time they spoke. Still, it was nice to have him around in her own tipsy state. If she couldn’t find another lonely soul to test out mistletoe that embellished every archway in Hogsmeade, at least she could cause some Christmas mayhem her friend. “We should do something fun.” She gave him her best puppy dog eyes, though, she doubted it would take much. “Please, Smudge? I’m bored.”

Feeling her arms tighten around him, he couldn’t help but remember the last conversation they had. They’d been so hard on each other and it hadn’t been right. Tensions between them had been high. Hopefully, now things were okay. They had to be, right? After all, they were hugging it out weren’t they? She was laughing and what a wonderful sound it was. Jack had always enjoyed making people laugh. "Something fun,” he mused and nodded his head in agreement. “What shenanigans shall we get up to then? Hmm? Any ideas floating around in the brilliant head of yours? I think I’ve got a firework or two left from crashing the Yule Ball...”

[smudgley]

elsarosier​:

— elsa continued to turn the pieces, “ it seems like it could be magical… because, you know, the pieces. charms ! it could be like, a puzzle that’s charmed that makes it impossible to solve. or really, really hard… ” she giggled, blinking as she stared down at one complete side and the rest still jumbled. “ i can’t keep this side all together while i do the rest… can i ? is there a lock button ? ” she asked, turning the cube over in her hands. she listened as jack mentioned muggle maths, “ oh, so when i’m sober… can i try it when i’m sober ? i… i don’t think i can do maths right now… ” she trailed off. it was a lot easier to understand muggle history books and maths, than the science and some of the fiction. “ really ? ” 

Jack scratched his head and continued to watch Elsa fiddle with the colorful cube. It couldn’t have possibly been really charmed, could it? Muggles didn’t really have magic. "May I?” Delicately he plucked the cube from her hands and began to fiddle with it himself. If he really concentrated, maybe he could remember how he’d unscrambled it the first time. After about a minute he was only able to get a couple rows on one side the same color. “Uh–” Jack snorted. “Yeah maybe sober. Hey!––” Immediately distracted by something in his pocket, he pat his coat. Feeling the slight bulge in the inner pocket, he suddenly remembered he had managed to sneak in a few small fireworks. “Hey...You like fireworks?”

[smudgley]

maraudingmoon​:

Remus brought his craggy hands to his face, shielding himself from the magnetic tug of Jack’s expression and hiding the growing flush of his own cheeks. If he’d believed in luck at all, he might have agreed that he’d been given more than his fair share of misfortune. Though the wanton gaze of his companion felt greater than any of the many trophies he’d scrubbed clean in seven years worth of detentions. Had the festive lights hanging cheerily from the nearby tree somehow obscured the gruesome scars littering his form? Or could someone really drink themself into enough of a stupor to think that sort of look was meant for his mangled frame? 

Dropping his arms back to his sides, Remus’ eyes widened slightly at how close Jack had grown. If he blinked, he thought, the other man would feel the batting of his lashes. “Yeah, when I was twelve.” He mumbled, letting out a strangled sound, halfway between a laugh and a squawk. The mistletoe tangled mutinously around his wrist. It was clear that both the greenery and the unwavering stronghold of Smudgley’s assuredness were not going to let him out of this unscathed. “Here’s a headline,” Remus mumbled, both defeated and eager. “Belligerent reporter accosts bookkeeper.”  

If pressed, he’d say that he didn’t know who instigated, who took the first step, who closed the last distance. But one moment Remus was hissing out the soft sigh of an athlete finally stepping up to bat, and the next their lips were slotted together into a kiss. Then, just as swiftly, a hand settled on the center of Jack’s chest and pushed him away. “Now leave me alone, you git.”

Despite having confidence in himself now, it hadn’t always been easy. Though maybe not as badly as other kids, Jack had been teased and bullied a fair amount and knew how awful people could be. And it hadn’t exactly stopped, the cruelty had simply evolved into something more devious and cold now that he was an adult. Jack wasn’t oblivious to what people said about his writing or the Prophet. It was quite obvious that he was incredibly undesirable to many if not most pureblood. In most social circles, Jack even had a target on his forehead. Though other people might say it was self-inflicted. 

By the defeat that was evident in Remus’ voice it seemed Jack had won this time. It made him rather smug. “Does that mean you’re not enjoying it?” he teased and played with the soft scarf he’d been so graciously given. The smile on his face didn’t once falter. “I can stop if you’d like.” Hopefully, he wouldn’t have to. He enjoyed watching Remus blush and wriggle a little under his gaze.

Jack’s face went hot when he left lips suddenly press against his own, cheeks surely turning a dark shade of pink. Slightly dazed, he let himself be shoved away after only a few seconds. Momentarily speechless as he looked at Remus, he leaned back against the doorframe. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Though the romantic in him had hoped for something with a little more punch, he didn’t want to make Remus uncomfortable if he truly was getting embarrassed by it all. Maybe they could top their score if they tried again...

[smudgley]

elsarosier​:

— the rosier witch giggled, watching as jack pulled out the multicoloured cube, eyes following the movements as he demonstrated how it worked. “ but… if you have to turn it like that how does- ” she paused, blinking as she looked at the cube. she supposed this would probably still be confusing to her sober, but she’d had a few too many drinks to really grasp how the cube worked. but her fingers grasped it when jack offered anyways, turning the pieces. “ this is cool… but how — i can turn it whatever direction but only in the threes and — but this part is green and yellow and blue ! ” she exclaimed, “ so how does — i don’t understand. ” she eventually said, still twisting the pieces. “ are you sure it isn’t actually magic ? ” 

“Huh...” It couldn’t have been magic, Willa bought it for him. Jack stared at the puzzle another few moments, watching Elsa turn the pieces with her delicate fingers. Though he had solved it while sober once before, it was difficult to explain his process–especially now with several drinks in his system. Unsure how exactly to explain the small puzzle, Jack continued to observe it move as Elsa played with it. Maybe it was magic. No, his sister had told him how it was to be solved. Of course. “She said it has to do with mathematics?” Jack began to explain. “Muggle mathematics can be used to...somehow..solve it.” He trailed off as he tried desperately to recall the conversation with his beloved sister. She was so much smarter than he was, always explaining things just as they needed to be. “But it can be solved,” he said proudly. “I’ve solved it before.” 

[smudgley]

black-tonks​:

“I’d meant to send you home with a gateau as well,” Andromeda said over her shoulder, embarrassment already plaguing her features. “But I’m a terrible sodding baker,” She laughed, relishing the soft rush of the mead on her tongue. The witch ought to have guessed that a honey wine would be treacle-y, and yet she didn’t seem to mind. Far less robust than the stiff scotch her father and ex-classmates used to adore. Just another thing to file under the many she might have missed out on if she hadn’t run away with Teddy all those years ago. 

“She was,” Andi admitted guiltily. If it really had been just a few close friends, as both of them had promised the other, Nym’s early bedtime could have been adhered to. Possibly even with a quick spin around their expanded living room. Because of her talent, as Andi liked to think of it, the toddler very rarely got to meet new people. Tonight might have been an exception had a hundred witches and wizards not crowded into their flat. “Teddy took her to his mum’s a few hours ago, thankfully. Very clever man.”  She said, taking another small sip. In the small window of freedom between her parent’s home and becoming a mother, she’d quickly learned that large vats of alcohol were hardly her friend. Slow and small amounts were always best, a mantra that Jack clearly didn’t live by. He’d earned it, she supposed, her eyes flitting to the lightened prints still circling around his neck. “He used an expansion charm. You know, I think I was tricked. Teddy knows how endearing he is–knew he’d wrangled the entire country into coming. I swear, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’d sent invitations to the Hogwarts staff as well.”

“Gateau.” Jack felt his stomach grumble at the mere mention of the word. “I’m sure you’re a fine baker, Andi. Better than I could ever hope to be that is.” Terrible baker or not, he was almost certain he’d eat one of Andi’s cakes in its entirety if presented to him. Maybe it hadn’t been the smartest idea to crash the Ministry’s Yule Ball beforehand....and disapparate with a stomach full of alcohol. But, it had been a fun time getting up to no good and catching some rather interesting gossip. “Very clever indeed. Speakin’ of the little one, how’s family life treating you? How old is she now?” He’d already lost track of how many years it had been since the kid’s birth. It couldn’t have been more than a year or so though, right?

“Truly,” Jack chuckled. “All of Scotland must be here.” He took another drink of the mead as he looked around the bustling crowd. It was littered with familiar faces he’d known in school and from his time spent traversing the Alley. To be around so many friendly faces was rather comforting, especially after catching some rather intense glares from the pureblood families at the Yule Ball. “I’ve got to say, the company here is far better than at that dreary Ministry party.” Save maybe for Elsa, Winter, and Dirk. Although not completely void of holiday cheer, the Ministry events always held such a capacity to be so cold and sanitized. Everyone there wearing stuffy, fancy garments, drinking expensive liquor and being served on silver trays. He knew so many witches and wizards there who must’ve only gone under work obligation and that certainly didn’t make a fun party. Christmas, in Jack’s humble opinion, was never meant to so high class. In fact, he was sure it went against everything Christmas was suppose to mean. But, it had been a grand opportunity to pester Cuffe and annoy the pureblood elite with his strange muggle puzzle toy. 

“Oh,” Jack let out a short huff and clutched at his heart. “D’y’think he did? I would be absolutely beside m’self if lovely, little Pomfrey was here.” 

[smudgley]

maraudingmoon​:

Remus would have lit that offending plant on fire if it wouldn’t draw more attention to the two, now half tangled together. “Never been much for rules, m’self.” He said quickly, stalling for a few more desperate seconds. He bowed his head to catch the other man’s fingers dancing about the worn threads of his jumper, the gesture was almost domestic, if not a little mocking. The usual lilt of his tone rang out with a tight, almost boyish rasp. Had he not jumped at the chance to dole out a Christmas greeting to the snarky reporter, he might already be back home, curled deep into the heavy folds of his bed; far away from the deviant expression hanging off Jack Smudley’s lips. 

“Right.” He scoffed, shaking his head in feigned irritation. Wherever she was, Vance was more than likely the criminal mastermind, though Remus made no move to say so. “Forgot it was my arse sticking out a window..” He rolled back on his heels, allowing for another inch of much needed space between them. “You bellend.” Too likely, Andromeda had cast a heating charm to make up for Jack’s antics. What else could explain the almost suffocating warmth filling the air? He let out a long suffering sigh, before allowing one more glance at his companion. Merlin, he could have counted each of the freckle traversing the golden planes of Jack’s cheeks. “Heard there’s a curse on these,” Remus said softly, plucking the mistletoe easily from its perch. “And I don’t fancy embarrassing m’self with a low score.”

“It’s bad luck not to kiss under mistletoe.” His tone, only if to encourage the tradition, had become as sweet as the mead he’d been drinking all evening. “And we can’t have that, can we?” Catching the eye of someone passing by them, Jack felt his cheeks flush. For a moment, he’d actually somehow forgotten they weren’t alone despite the crowd and the realization was slightly sobering. If they were to kiss, it would be in front of what guests were left at the party–which arguably was still quite a lot of people. Though the small crowd wasn’t something to deter him, Jack knew it very well could have been a great turn off for his companion. Jack had no issue with being out and his affections toward men were already well-known with those who knew him, however, Remus might have been different and that was okay. Even with the holiday cheer thick in the air, people still might have found it shocking to see the two young men sharing a kiss.

So, given Remus’ reaction Jack wasn’t entirely sure if Remus really wanted to be kissed. Was he genuinely not interested or just stalling simply because he was nervous? The reporter was hopeful for the latter. Remus’ lips after all looked so soft and inviting, always parting with such lovely words and ideas. Having stirred the pot, Jack simply observed quietly for a moment and lazily pushed off the door frame. The reporter gasped as if he’d taken offense. “Ye of little faith.” He leaned toward Remus with the upmost care, afraid if he’d been any quicker Remus would bolt like a scared deer. “Haven’t you imagined that I’m a good kisser?” Maybe that had been a little too cocky. But, having never gotten any complaints, Jack had always been confident in his abilities, drunk or otherwise. As the younger man removed the mistletoe from above them, Jack noted the few berries left on the sprig. Softening his cheek, “Low score or not, kissing you wouldn’t be an embarrassment.”

[smudgley]

maraudingmoon​:

“Think you could use a cold shower,” Remus muttered, looking anywhere but Jack Smudgley’s wandering eye. Surely, it was the harsh chill of the weather outside that made even the fine hair at the back of his neck stand suddenly on end. The goosebumps prickling at his long arms, at least, could only be given such an explanation. He leaned back slightly, almost cross-eyed from the dangerously close proximity to the other man, his neck suddenly too hot from Smudgley’s breath fanning against it. 

His gaze shot just outside, catching on the thick sheets of snow falling into the yard. Making snow angels at this hour was a one-way ticket to St. Mungos. “You’re fucking with me,” He said softly, unable or unwilling to chance another look at the infectious grin more than likely plastered on the reporter’s face. It had been obvious, from his burst of a confession in second year, that he’d come out to his current companion, rather than his brothers, for a very specific reason even if he’d never been able to push the words together. Remus had been thankful for years that they’d managed not dredge it up again, but the large pool of alcohol no doubt swirling about in Smudgley’s stomach seemed to have other plans.

I charmed the mistletoe to give ratings for the kisses under it but I haven’t heard anyone use it yet. Wherever Emmeline Vance was, he could have guessed she was laughing at her own cleverness. It’s charmed to be somewhat loud. As he glanced up, spotting the dark leaves hanging dangerously from the ceiling, Remus let out a soft swear. “On second thought, let’s go.”

Ever the observant one, even when drunk, Jack caught Remus glancing up at the ceiling. Curiously matching his gaze, his lips parted and formed a small, surprised ‘o’ when he saw the little sprig of holiday cheer. “Mistletoe.” Jack whispered, as if raising his voice would somehow frighten the plant away. Find this whole situation to be rather convenient, the reporter looked down at Remus’ scarf and found himself blushing. Had he really done all this just to get him under some mistletoe? How cute. “We can’t move,” His tone was playful as he tried to pull a serious face–a near impossible feat for him at the moment. “Not yet.” Glancing back up at the mistletoe, the smirk slowly to his face despite his efforts. “You know the rules, Remus.” He wasn’t one to break the rules, was he? Besides, what would happen if two people didn’t kiss under mistletoe? The outcome could be catastrophic. 

“If you wanted a kiss you could’ve just asked...” Jack’s voice lowered to a soft hum as he made no effort to move away from the other. Instead, he made himself comfortable and leaned against the doorframe they were up against. Despite the lack of typical shenanigans, the mischievous glint in Jack’s eye returned. Though it wasn’t in his nature to be cruel, he did want to see Remus squirm a little given the situation. Adjusting a button on the other’s sweater, his eyes lingered on Remus’. 

[smudgley]

maraudingmoon​:

Instinctively, Remus’ arm surged forward, looping around the other man’s waist as he attempted to slide out from the frame. The reporter’s movements were a little slower and more staggered than usual, a wry grin arriving at the conclusion that Jack Smudgley was drunk. “You’re letting all the cold air in, mate.” Remus said kindly, tugging lightly on the back of his friend’s shirt in an effort to reel him in. The parental tone was cut short, however, at the sight of a snowball threatening to collide with Peter’s bobbing head. It always was Wormy, wasn’t it? 

“‘S’ good, Jack, but come back inside, yeah?” He murmured, using the few inches he had on the other man to yank at the sliding glass. The howl of the winter wind was cut short with a small click. Remus turned, fixing Smudgley with a soft frown. The warmth of one butterbeer too many was likely the reason Jack had yet to notice the reddening of his cheeks and nose from the harsh bite of the cold. “You’re not dressed for this,” He grumbled, tugging off his own scarf to settle around the reporter’s neck. “Merlin, you really do have a death wish, don’t you?” 

Feeling an arm wrap around him, Jack looked back over his shoulder and nearly brushed noses with Remus. Wonderful Remus. Had Remus always been tall? The concerned expression on his face should have been taken seriously, but Jack found himself thinking it was cute. So close to the other wizard, he actually had a chance to take in the other’s features and he liked what he saw. And that wasn’t just the alcohol talking. He’d always liked Remus and enjoyed his company. “I’m alright.” He mumbled, his lips pulled in a sideways smirk. “Methinks this lot could use a little cold air.”

While Jack wasn’t a fussy drunk, he did still quite enjoy pushing people’s buttons. And poor Remus looking for concerned with that delicate frown on his face, Jack couldn’t help himself. “Want to go make snow angels?” Though he wasn’t cold, he figured it was only in Remus’ nature to be concerned. That’s just who he was, wasn’t it? Soft, sweet Remus. Always looking out for everyone else. With Remus’ soft warm scarf now draped around him, Jack felt himself smiling uncontrollably, the tips of his ears undoubtably red. It was nice and warm against his skin and the difference in temperature made him aware of how cold he’d actually gotten in the minute or two he’d had his face out the window. Lifting the soft scarf to his nose he took in its pleasant scent. “Seems like it, doesn’t it?”

[smudgley]

emmeline-v​:

Emmeline couldn’t help but chuckle as she watched Jack. “You do know you’re a wizard and we have potions for this, right?” She grabbed a plate, charming it to hover in the air next to Jack so he wouldn’t drop it. She put four cookies on it before adding on one of the rolls from dinner. “Eat that, too. It’ll be better for your stomach than stuffing it with sugar only.” She moved around the kitchen, grabbing him a glass of water. “You okay? You need me to grab you a pepper-up or something? I guarantee you there’s some around here. They do have a toddler after all.” 

“Pepper-up potion?” Jack’s voice melted into a fit of soft laughter he found himself unable to contain. “Absolutely! The Tonkses have been holding out on me!” If he was to go to the Three Broomsticks later, he’d really need to have himself a break before more drinks. Taking the floating plate delicately, he picked up the dinner roll and bit into it hungrily. “Em,” he said, pausing after a bite. “This is the most wonderful bread. Did you make this yourself? It tastes homemade...”