I know this is kind of short but the next chapter is going to be really long and it didn't feel right making it one, even larger chapter. I hope you like it! As always I'm the author (please don't repost <3)
Masterlist. Series Masterlist. Read on Ao3
Warnings: crying, watching the sunset, occamy, almost kiss
Word Count: 1657
Description: On the last night before of winter holidays, Y/N and Mattheo have a talk while watching the sunset.
The air was buzzing with anticipation as the handful of students who remained on the grounds counted down the days until their friends and classmates returned. The new year had passed the night before with little celebration. Snow continued to fall, coating the castle and the grounds in a thick white blanket. Anyone who dared to venture outside for some wintery fun was bundled in layers.
Shouts echoed through the air, some fourth year boys throwing snowballs around while chasing each other through the courtyard. From high above Y/N watched over them, a sinking feeling in her stomach. Her friends would be returning soon. This entire break had felt like an escape from everything, including her mission, but now it would be time for the lies to return. She wondered if perhaps it would be better to simply say she had become friends with Pansy again so it didn’t look suspicious whenever she snuck off. That train of thought was quickly cut off by the sound of Dumbledore in her head telling her that it was of the utmost importance that she never tell her friends.
She picked up her quill, dipping it in ink. One of the many assignments over break was due in two days. Most of the homework she had already finished out of pure boredom but she still had a short essay to write on a fantastical creature of her choice. After some deliberation she had chosen to write about an Occamy. They were a serpentine creature that was a cross between a bird and a serpent. Occamies were some of the most beautiful creatures, at least according to the description. They supposedly could grow to fifteen feet long and their eggs were made of pure silver. The lack of information gave some freedom for her essay, allowing her to speculate more than she could have with other creatures.
As the sun descended once more, shadows were cast across the parchment. With a quick lumos the room lit up. After a good fifteen minutes she sighed, setting down her quill. She had written four sentences. Normally she would have put it off until the day before but everyone was returning early in the day tomorrow. Knowing her friends there was a very high chance Ron hadn’t even started any assignments and Harry had barely started.
Despite it all, she pushed off of the table.
The Great Hall was sparsely filled, the Christmas decorations falling short of concealing just how empty it was. The tree itself towered over all who ate there, Professor Flitwick’s ornaments glinting in the firelight while magical snow fell from the ceiling.
Y/N sat at the Slytherin table with Pansy, Mattheo, Theodore, and a handful of seventh years she didn’t really know. Their conversation was lively despite the pauses to eat their dinner. The feasts over holidays were always delicious. The sun’s dying light refracted through the windows of the Great Hall, casting streams of colored light.
“You want to do something after dinner?” Pansy asked, aware that it was the last true day of break.
Y/N took a bite of food, pausing to think for a moment, before saying, “Actually I was thinking I might go up to the Astronomy tower to watch the sunset.”
“Oh, okay.” Her friend nodded, turning her attention to Theodore who sat there quietly, deep in thought, “Theo, are you busy tonight?”
“No?”
“Good, you’re helping me with something.”
The Italian sighed but didn’t protest. Y/N glanced between them before standing up, dinner finished. “See you all later!”
As she began to walk away she missed Pansy shoving Mattheo, pointedly looking at Y/N. He rolled his eyes, “You’re a meddler.”
“You love that about me.” She replied with an impish grin, “And I didn’t hear you complaining earlier.”
The Slytherin boy took her unsubtle hint and jogged to catch up with Y/N.
----------------------------------
Darkness fell over the castle, the last remnants of light slipped below the horizon, casting a shadow over the castle and all who lived there. In a tower, far away from the rest of the castle’s inhabitants, sat two figures whose outline was illuminated by the moon. What had started as an escape from dinner to watch the sunset had led to something else. Something quiet and unassuming yet tangible.
Y/N gazed out across the Great Lawn, seeing nothing but black. She had one knee pulled to her chest, the other dangling into the void. Her companion sat beside her, his feet also dangling over the edge of the stone. Mattheo leaned on the metal railing, his eyes unfocused, searching.
“Do you ever wonder what your life would look like if you weren’t here?”
He glanced over at her. “Hm?”
“Like if you weren’t a wizard and you had no idea any of this existed.”
Mattheo paused before he shook his head. “There’s no point.”
“I think I’d like not being a witch.”
He snorted. “And not be able to do magic? Or play quidditch?”
Y/N laughed, “I’m not saying I wouldn’t miss it. “ She bumped her shoulder against his, the contact leaving her arm tingling despite the cold and their many layers. “But not having to deal with all of this? You know, the war.”
“I’m sorry, there’s a war going on right now? Quick, get your wand out!”
She sighed, “You know what I mean. Everyone is terrified, families are going into hiding.” She gulped, “Sometimes I just want to imagine a world without this.”
Mattheo leaned back onto his elbows, her back turned to his face. “I know what you mean.”
“Yeah, I guess you do.”
They both fell silent. Y/N’s mind was still focused on her parents. She missed them, now more than ever. Every Christmas she would go home and celebrate. Of course she would usually stay with the Weasleys for part of the break but her favorite part of the holidays was making hot cocoa and watching old Christmas movies. She and her mom would bake cookies while dancing to Christmas tunes that her dad would always say were overplayed but still mouthed the words, a grin on his face. Just the three of them, a happy family.
Work at the Ministry always got busy around holidays but they always found time and now she didn’t know when or if she’d see them again. Tears began to gather in the corners of her eyes. Just as one was about to roll down her face she wiped it away, turning to look out at the sky, studiously avoiding Mattheo’s gaze. Her body shook with the force of containing her sobs, her eyes screwed shut as if that would stop the tears from falling. The last thing she needed was to be crying in front of him.
“Hey.” A hand brushed against her back, Mattheo sitting up. “Are you okay?”
Y/N turned further away from him but it was of no use. His hand soothingly rubbed circles on her back, the sensation calming her. She hesitantly turned back around, careful not to make eye contact.
His other hand gently reached up to her cheek, wiping her tears away. “Hey, come here.” He folded her into his side, his arms wrapping around her shoulders as she buried her face in his shoulder. She gasped for air as he softly rubbed up and down her spine. “It’s okay. You’re okay, I’ve got you.” As her breathing eased she slowly realized just how close they were. Her nose was buried into his jacket, the faint scent of leather and what she presumed was cologne were oddly comforting.
His chin rested on top of her head, both arms wrapped tightly around her shivering body. After a few minutes she pushed off of him, wiping at her eyes.
“Sorry about that.”
“Don’t be.”
Y/N finally looked up at him. “Thanks.” She murmured.
He shrugged before leaning back onto his elbow while she distracted herself by gazing up at the sky. With the sun gone the stars had become visible, shining brightly thanks to the lack of industrial activity polluting the sky. She searched among the constellations for the few she was familiar with. Once, when she and Draco were kids he told her all about the different stars and constellations his family was named after. He had been so excited to share what his mother had shown him. A small smile formed on her face at the memory before fading away again.
“It’s so beautiful.” She murmured, eyes tracking the movements of the stars against the backdrop of the night sky.
Mattheo’s voice echoed from behind her, a rough quality to it, “Yes, it is.”
Y/N glanced over her shoulder, his eyes already looking at hers. Her breath caught in her throat at the familiar twinkle in his eyes. The ever present infuriating smirk was replaced by a soft smile. He looked less like a fallen angel and more like a boy she liked. She wasn’t quite sure who moved first but she suddenly was so close to his face that she could see every crinkle by his eyes, the hint of warmth in his brown eyes. The faint scar on his nose bridge, bone white against his skin.
“The stars.”
He leaned in, “Those too.” His hand came to rest on her knee, his body leaning closer to hers. Their lips brushed against each other, light as a butterfly wing. She sucked in a sharp breath, snapping out of it.
“We can’t do this.”
His face turned to stone, every remnant of longing vanishing. “Right, of course.” He pulled away like she had struck him and stood up. Y/N gazed up at him, an apology on her tongue but he turned away, walking away from her. As she watched him leave her on the top of that tower only one thought echoed in her head.
What have I done?
Chapter 11>> (coming soon!)
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Hey y'all, I'm sorry about how long this took. I had a scene at the end that I was stuck with and I finally gave up and deleted it. Maybe it'll show up in a later chapter but for now here is chapter 9! As always I'm the author (please don't repost <3)
Masterlist. Series Masterlist. Read on Ao3
Warnings: ice skating, falling through the ice, minor wound(not described), Mattheo's childhood mention
Word Count: 3120
Description: A day of fun on the black lake ends in near disaster, leading to Y/N and Mattheo's relationship to shift. Despite this, she is still not welcomed by all of the Slytherins.
If the Black Lake was beautiful in the warmer seasons then it was downright breathtaking in the wintertime. It was that thought that swirled around in Y/N’s mind as she stared out over the icy surface, reflecting the shifting clouds and the looming mountains that dissuaded any hikers from straying too far from the trodden path. The sky was bone white with glimpses of blue from between the clouds. Sunlight was filtering through the cracks.
One lesser known fact about the Black Lake was that the boathouse contained an infinite supply of ice skates. Pansy had said that the two of them would meet her there before heading over to the lake.
How on Earth had she let herself be convinced into saying it was okay for him to tag along? No, she knew why. Despite not liking him, he was friends with Pansy and who was she to tell her that he couldn’t come? Besides, she couldn’t forget her objective. Regardless of her hatred for him, she was relying on his fascination with aggravating her constantly. It felt like wherever she looked, there he was whether it was in class, at meals, or worse, past curfew. In the past month she had seen him more than she had in her entire five years at Hogwarts. If she didn’t know better she would have thought he was following her. That was ridiculous.
A knock at the doorway rippled through the wooden structure. She turned to see a familiar smirk.
The first words out of both of their mouths was, “Where’s Pansy?”
“I thought she was walking over with you?” Y/N said.
He shook his head, “She told me she was heading over early with you!”
They both stood there, silent, glaring at each other but really mentally throttling Pansy Parkinson who, at this very moment, was probably nice and cozy back in the Slytherin common room.
She sighed, “Fine, well there’s no point in staying, we might as well head back to the castle then.”
He nodded, not meeting her gaze. “Unless, I mean we’re already here?”
“You still want to skate?” She asked, brows raised so high they nearly disappeared behind her hair.
“Why not? I mean, come on, we already walked over here. Might as well get something out of it.”
Y/N grew silent, staring at him to the point it felt uncomfortable. Sensing her hesitance, he quickly backtracked. “We don’t have to if you don’t want to.”
She waved him off, “No, no, it’s fine.” Ignoring the way her voice cracked, she continued, “Let’s get you some skates and then head out.”
“Your enthusiasm is contagious.” He deadpanned.
“Just get some skates.”
“Yes, ma’am!” He saluted her with his gloved hand. Somehow he still managed to make it look attractive. Goddamn it all!
With skates acquired they trudged outside to the dock. Brushing off a bench, they both sat down, unlaced their shoes, and put on their skates. Carefully making her way to the edge of the dock, she gently placed one foot onto the ice, testing it before putting her full weight on it. The ice was fairly thick around the edges of the lake, going almost the entire way down. It wasn’t until you got closer to the middle that it got dangerously close to cracking under the pressure but they weren’t going out that far. Not his first time.
Standing fully on the ice, she turned around to help him. Watching as he shuffled through the snow, holding onto the bench’s ledge with one hand and waving off her outstretched hand in his other and stepped onto the icy surface.
“Stubborn ass. Come on. You got this.” She muttered, more meant as encouragement for herself than him. “There you go.”
Once he was fully on the ice he began to wobble, grabbing for her as he tumbled onto his back on the ice. The oxygen trapped in his lungs flew out in a puff of air.
She giggled as she helped him back to his feet.
“It’s not funny!” He said, brushing off the bits of snow that had fallen on him.
Y/N attempted to be serious but couldn’t help herself. “It was a little funny.”
He rolled his eyes. “Just show me how you do it.”
Letting go of his hands so he could take a seat on the dock, she pushed further away so she could demonstrate. It was always hardest to skate when you hadn’t done so in a while, her muscle memory reawakening with every glide of her feet. Memories flooded her head of skating on the lake behind her house as a child. Her parents holding her hands as she took her first tentative steps on the ice. After she got over her fear she became unstoppable. The ice and her were inseparable.
She turned around and skated back over to the dock where he sat in his all black outfit. The only color was a Slytherin scarf wrapped around his neck. Even his chocolate curls that she had a very unhealthy obsession with were stuffed under his coat’s hood.
“Your turn.” He looked up at her, wide-eyed. She just raised an eyebrow, wondering if he would accept her silent challenge.
Shoving off of the deck he started to take small steps. His every move was shaky but he kept going. When he nearly slipped again, he grabbed for the deck again, his arms going through the foot of snow before he reached the wood.
“Do you want some help?” She asked, unable to keep herself from grinning.
“No.” He replied through gritted teeth. “I don’t need your help.”
“Are you sure?”
He pushed away, turning around to look at her, insisting, “I’ve got this.” before skating away from her. His form was clumsy but he somehow managed to stay upright. She watched in amusement, skating behind him but giving him a wide berth in case he fell again. The Slytherin quickly gained speed, accelerating straight towards the middle of the lake.
“Wait! Riddle! Slow down!”
“I can’t!”
“Fuck!” She swore as she took off in pursuit. The surface of the ice got dangerously thin towards the middle. Any experienced skater knew to avoid it but he wasn’t a skater. The blades of her skates cut through the ice, shavings flying up behind her from how fast she was going. She was only ten feet away from him when the ice beneath him started to crack. Then, as if the world slowed down, she watched as the cracks below him got bigger and bigger, water bubbling up making the ice even more slippery. Y/N saw the exact moment he lost his balance and fell. But this time he didn’t have anything to grab hold of. His hands grasped at air as he fell and the ice opened up under him, plunging him into their icy depths.
“Riddle!” Her voice was drowned out by the water rushing into his ears as struggled to keep his head above the surface.
Dropping to her stomach, she slid across to him. Hand outstretched, she tried to grab his hand despite his thrashing against the water trying to pull him under. Her heart raced, the thumping echoed through her eardrums, drowning out the noise. Her hand grabbed onto one of his fingers just as he slipped even further into the lake, her fingers grabbing at air.
A strangled cry erupted from her throat, “Mattheo!”
In her desperation she pulled off her coat and was about to dive in after him when her fingers brushed against her wand. It had completely slipped her mind that she could just use magic.
“Idiot!” she berated herself before casting a spell to lift him from the water. His body shot out of the water and hovered a few feet above the ice. Gently, she slowly moved him away from the cracks to a place where he could lie down on the ice safely. He lay there, unmoving. His skin was pale to the point he nearly looked blue. His dark brown curls were matted against his forehead, his cheeks a bright pink from the cold. Recalling a lesson from her childhood she attempted chest compressions, unsure of what she was doing. Water flew out of his mouth causing him to erupt in a bout of coughing.
The Slytherin shifted to his side to rid himself of the water in his lungs.
One of her gloved hands rubbed his back. Once he rolled over onto his back again, sighing, she followed suit. The two of them laid on the ice without a sound. With every exhale she watched the air leave her lungs and float up into oblivion, blending in with the clouds. Laughter burbled up through her throat, unable to be stopped.
He huffed a laugh. “I nearly die and you’re laughing?” He asked incredulously.
“It’s the adrenaline. Apologies.” Her voice, high and squeaky from trying to staunch her laughter.
“Well it’s my fault for not knowing how to skate nor swim. What did I expect?” Riddle laughed.
“You’re joking right?”
He sighed, dragging a hand over his face. “I wish.”
His confession sobered her. This whole time she hadn’t given a thought to what his childhood must have been like as Voldemort’s son. His very existence was dangerous. A normal childhood must have been out of the cards for him growing up.
“Was it hard? Knowing who your parents were?”
“You could say. I thought my father was dead until last year. My…,” He gulped, “Mother was in Azkaban so I didn’t exactly grow up with the family most kids do. Any former Death Eaters weren’t allowed to voice their support for him so I was told the bad sides, how terrible he was. The people he killed. The lives he was responsible for ruining.” His voice cracked, causing him to suck in a breath to steady himself, “I wasn’t his heir in their eyes. I was a liability. By giving me a home, Draco’s family risked a lot.” His voice lowered to a whisper, like he couldn’t believe he was saying the words aloud, “I always felt guilty for wanting to meet them.”
She nodded. “They’re your parents. Of course you were curious about them.”
He coughed, looking behind them at the castle looming in the distance, “We should go back. I wouldn’t want to fall in again.”
“Shit. You must be freezing from the water!” Y/N exclaimed, sitting upright. She scrambled to her feet before helping him up. Keeping a hold on his arm, she guided them both safely back to the dock where they changed back into their boots. With a wave of her wand the skates disappeared.
When they got back to the castle they headed down to the Slytherin common room. The doors opened to reveal a perfectly healthy Pansy sitting on the couch next to Theodore.
“Well well well.” Mattheo drawled, walking down the stairs. “Look who we have here.”
Pansy at least had the good grace to look sorry. “I feel better now.” She lightly slapped Theodore’s arm, “All thanks to nurse Theo.”
Looking very much like he didn’t want to be here, he just shook his head. Mattheo took a seat on the couch, right next to his best friend. “Nurse Theo eh? You mind taking a look?”
“Oh bugger off.”
Y/N piped up from where she had taken a seat next to Pansy. “Actually you might want to take a look at his head. He hit it pretty hard on the ice.”
Mattheo lifted a hand to the back of his head, hissing when he touched the wound. Taking his shaking hand away, he brought it forward to look at it. The skin was now covered in the deep red of his blood.
“Merlin! What happened?” Pansy exclaimed.
Y/N averted her eyes from the boys. “He went out on ice that turned out to be too thin and fell through. I tried to rescue him but he hit his head pretty badly when the ice broke.”
“Yeah, she tried to kill me out there.” He joked.
“Hey! I could have left you there. No one would have found the body.” She shot back.
He gave her a lopsided smile. “True.”
Pansy looked back and forth between them, eyes narrowing on Mattheo who simply turned to Theo who waved his wand over the back of Mattheo’s head. “There. All better.”
“Thanks.” Mattheo stood up, walking out of the room.
Y/N’s gaze cut away from him. “I should probably take this stuff off.” She said, waving at her jacket. Lifting the heavy coat off, she then unwound her scarf and her knit hat. She would have taken off her boots as well but the Slytherin common room didn’t exactly come across as a place where you could walk around in socks.
“You can take your boots off too, if you want.” Pansy murmured. Taking her word for it, Y/N unlaced her boots, placed them off to the side, and shifted to look at Pansy and Theo. When neither spoke, she glanced at the room around her. She hadn’t been down here in a bit but it remained unchanged. The only difference was the lack of people. Most Slytherins didn’t hang out in their common room, favoring their rooms or other areas of the castle. With how cold and unfeeling the room she felt, she understood why. The one and only time that this room had been full of people had been that party.
The silence that hung heavy between the three of them was interrupted by his return. He sat down on the table in front of the couch, facing them. His clothes were completely changed, his winter outfit replaced by a pair of jeans and a shirt. She had never seen him wearing anything so casual for lack of a better word for it. But then, she normally hung out with him after class when he was still in uniform. His hair was a complete mess thanks to the hat but he somehow still made it look good.
He opened his mouth to say something, a mischievous glint in his dark eyes.
“Draco!” Pansy interrupted.
Sure enough, there he stood. If the book in his hand was any indication, he was most likely just in the library. He stood by the table, his eyes landing on her sock clad feet on the couch. His eyes narrowed to slits. If looks could kill, her feet would be burnt to a crisp. Uneasy under his gaze, she slid them off the couch.
“What is she doing here?” He asked, his questioning eyes shifting over towards the other three who simply shrugged. At their silence he sighed, the bags under his eyes made even more prominent by his pale face.
“I should go.”
Pansy’s hand shot out, grabbing her arm, “No, stay. Don’t let him get to you.” She said, glaring at the blond.
Y/N waved her off. “It’s fine, I need to grab some dry clothes anyway.”
Her friend nodded. “I’ll see you later?”
“Sure.” Y/N stood up, putting her boots back on and grabbing her coat.
On her way out of the common room she brushed past Draco, their eyes meeting for a split second before his lip curled into a sneer. No words were exchanged but it was clear. She was not welcome.
She passed through the door, out of their eyesight but apparently not out of earshot. “Keep her out of here, Pansy. It’s dangerous. She’s one of them.” Draco spat out, his voice carrying more than he probably wanted to.
Y/N pressed her back to the wall, her ear against the door.
“She’s my friend!” She smiled at Pansy’s words.
“So am I, or have you forgotten?” Came the response.
A much quieter response, so faint she could barely hear it, came. “No.”
“I don’t want to see her in here again. What you do in your free time is your business but it’s too risky. She’s friends with Potter and his lot, who knows what she is reporting back to them?”
“She wouldn’t do that!”
“You really are naive.” Draco said in a disgusted tone.
A different voice spoke up, one with a faint Italian accent. “Don’t call her that.”
“I don’t need you standing up for me!” Came Pansy’s affronted response.
“If you would just tell us what you’ve been so preoccupied with…” Theodore said.
Draco cut him off. “I can’t.”
“Then how are we supposed to help you?”
Mattheo finally spoke up, his voice darker, more ominous than she had ever heard it, “Outside help is forbidden.”
A loud sigh echoed through the wall, “But surely there is something we can do?”
“You keep her out of here.” Draco spat.
Pansy piped up, “You’re impossible. You can’t just tell us what to do with zero explanation.”
“I can't tell you.”
“Fine.”
“Fine.”
Footsteps echoed, getting quieter. Sensing that it was probably best, she walked back up to her room so she could actually change.
When she reached her room she found a letter perched on her pillow, no owl to be seen. The hair on her arm raised, the cold suddenly seeping into her despite her thick clothes. Shaking it off, she quickly rid herself of her warm layers in favor of her favorite sweater and a pair of jeans that had been buried beneath her school robes. She dragged her brush through her hair, quickly detangling the mess that had once been a neat braid tucked under her hat.
Her hand shook as she finally plucked the letter off of her pillow and opened it. There, in a familiar script, was a message from Professor Dumbledore requesting an update at the end of winter break. All of the past few weeks suddenly washed over her, drowning her in the lack of information that she had managed to glean. She sincerely doubted he would be interested in the Dark Lord’s son’s music preferences. But Draco. Draco had something to hide, something he was scared she might find out. She couldn’t disobey Dumbledore’s direct orders though. Not even she was that stupid. Y/N wondered if what Harry had said was true. Was Draco Malfoy truly a Death Eater? And if so, why wasn’t he telling his friends? The blond Slytherin was a mystery that she desperately wanted to unveil but she couldn’t let her curiosity distract her from the true prize. If Malfoy of all people had been tasked with something by Voldemort then surely his son must be in on it. He had to be.
Her future relied on it.
Chapter 10>>
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This is long, so hopefully that makes up for the wait? January hit me like a freight train so thanks for the patience and I hope you like it ☺️ Also if you're named Cyrus I sincerely apologize. As always I'm the author (please don't repost) <3
Masterlist. Series Masterlist. Read on Ao3
Warnings: Mattheo listens to The Smiths, he never had a proper childhood, "princess", Pansy and Y/N are bffs, Mattheo's middle name reveal(I know there's already a hc for it but I had an idea for the story), Mrs. Parkinson mention, flashbacks, bookstore, ice skating mentioned, idk what else
Word Count: 5648
Description: With everyone gone Y/N goes Christmas shopping with Pansy and gathers intel along the way.
There she stood at the station, waving goodbye. Ever since she broke the news they had been asking her how she planned on meeting her parents without leaving on the train. Somehow she managed to convince them that Dumbledore was going to disapparate her off school grounds to a portkey. They had been so supportive of her decision not to come, once they realized why.
-------------------------------------
“Wait, what?” Ron said.
“Y/N, come on! We’re all going to Grimmauld Place! Everyone’s going to be there.”
“I know, I know. My parents want me to come meet them wherever they are currently hiding out. They are only getting more and more anxious about my safety.”
“But Hogwarts is safe? We have Dumbledore, what more could they want?” Harry said.
Before she could respond, Hermione chimed in, “A lot of parents are concerned. War is on the horizon, everyone is on edge. Especially people who will be expected to join him.”
“Right.”
--------------------------------------
The thestrals had already left when she started heading back but she didn’t mind going for a walk in the snow. The path to the castle was a long one but hopefully the views would be worth it. Hogwarts was magical at Christmas time.
Up ahead the castle loomed, snow covering its towers. Even from here she could see the handful of students staying for holidays playing in the snow, casting spells that sent snowballs careening at their friends. The Great Lake had iced over, the shiny surface reflecting the rays of the sun beaming down through the clouds.
Snow clung to her boots and to her coat, a chill seeping through her thick layers. When she reached the entrance she shook off the snow before walking into the warmth. The halls felt haunted from the lack of students milling around. Laughter from outside was repelled by the stone. Even the ghosts had vanished. Each flicker of a light set her on edge and it was still early in the day. She was completely alone and yet there was a presence looming over her, whispering in her ear.
Determined to not let imagined voices scare her she kept a measured pace. She was a Gryffindor and Gryffindors do not yield. When she finally reached the entrance to the Common Room it disappeared. Almost as if it was never there and yet she couldn’t help but look over her shoulder at the predictably empty hallway. A candle flickered out a floor below, catching her attention. A stairway dislodged up above, startling her. It groaned as it shifted from one landing to another. Shaking her head she hurriedly entered the safety of the common room.
After a few hours of being curled up on her bed reading she finally heard a few people shuffling in from having dinner. Her stomach grumbled. It was not the first time that it had done so since she got back.
Sighing, Y/N tumbled off her bed and grabbed a coat to pull over her t-shirt and jeans. A few strands fell into her face, obstructing her view of where her boots were. She shoved them behind her ear. Pulling on her boots she walked out of the room and down the empty staircase. The sounds of voices carrying through the doors of other years.
The sound of her boot heels clicking against the floors echoed against the stone walls setting her on edge. It wasn’t long before Filch would be out on the hunt for stragglers out at night. Without the map she had no hope of avoiding him. Or any teachers for that matter.
The castle was chilly, a draft causing her to pull her jacket closed. She already dearly missed the warmth of her bed all nestled under her blankets. Y/N loved the winter, especially Christmas, but the cold was a different story. Casting lumos, she followed her wand’s light past the Great Hall to the kitchen. It had been ages since they had last visited.
“Meow.”
At the sound of a cat purring she whirled, heart in her throat. Mrs. Norris sat right at the corner, calmly staring dead into her soul, waiting for her master. That damn cat was always getting students in trouble. Not before long she heard Filch’s voice calling for his cat. She tickled the pear and stepped inside the kitchen. She pulled the painting closed shut as softly as possible.
Slowly turning around she found fifty pairs of eyes on her, blinking owlishly.
Awkwardly waving, “Hey. I don’t suppose any of you happen to have some leftovers from dinner?”
Most of them turned back to cleaning and cooking but a handful of them led her over to some plates filled to the top with food. There was a bit of everything, chicken, grapes, pudding, mashed potatoes, and more. Grabbing a plate she put some grapes, a bit of chicken, and a brownie.
“Thank you!”
Nodding gratefully she moved to leave the way she came, pressing her ear to the painting to make sure Filch wasn’t right outside. Y/N carefully pushed it open, stepping out of the kitchen and closing it behind her.
“Having a midnight snack are we?”
She jumped, her soul leaving her body for a split second. Turning to face him she glared at his amused face. He began to laugh.
Balancing the plate in one hand she slapped his arm with the other. “That was not funny!”
“Oh, it was hilarious princess.” He chuckled at her indignant expressions, nose all scrunched up.
Blood boiling she whisper yelled. “Don’t call me that!”
With a smug smile on his face he plucked a grape off her plate and tossed into his mouth, his eyes never leaving hers. A wolfish grin on his lips that she was definitely not looking at.
She yanked her plate away, shielding it with a hand. “Hey! Hands off! Get your own.”
“But yours taste better.”
“Fuck off.”
She stormed off, him calling after her, “See ya princess!”
Not turning around she flipped him off, coat swishing behind her.
--------------------------------------
Hedwig’s snowy white wings beat against the wind, her soft coat of feathers blending into the flurries. The only touch of color was the red ribbon tying a letter to her ankle. Hermione had sent a letter almost immediately after arriving at the Burrow, filling her in on Harry’s conversation with Remus about the Unbreakable Vow and Snape. Now she wasn’t quite sure what to believe. The Draco she knew wasn’t capable of that but the Draco she knew was long gone. And then there was Pansy. She had been hiding something that day. What, she did not know, but it seemed odd considering that Katie Bell found the cursed necklace only a few minutes later.
As much as she trusted Dumbledore, she also knew that Snape was never quite trustworthy. And yet every time they suspected him of something they were wrong. Dead wrong. But then, the same was true of Draco in second year.
Y/N wrote back immediately, voicing her concerns. If Harry was right, if Dumbledore’s judgement couldn’t be trusted, then they all were doomed.
As if on cue, the sky darkened. Clouds covering the dim light of the sun that had been fighting to be seen. She tightened her grip on her jacket, shielding herself from the gust of wind blowing in her face. Scanning the horizon before her, she closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. The scent of snow and pine needles overwhelmed her senses.
She turned away and headed down the stairs, the sound of her boots against the stone was the only sound. A dark figure on a far off tower moved, drawing her attention. Even from so far away, she knew who it was. With every footstep that brought her nearer to him, the more she could hear. The familiar melodies drew her attention. She had prepared for this.
“...And if a double decker bus crashes into us…”
“I love The Smiths.”
The music came to a halt. The only sound was the wind whistling through the distant trees.
“What?” He turned to face her with his brown eyes and a face that seemed wary. It was laughable really. She was skilled but he was the son of Voldemort. His very name inspired fear. And if that didn’t do the trick then the stark resemblance he bore to his mother was more than enough.
“I said ‘I love The Smiths’.” She walked over to where he sat. “‘To die by your side is such a heavenly way to die’. ‘There Is a Light That Never Goes Out’? It’s my favorite.”
Y/N crouched to the ground, fully expecting him to get up and leave but instead he scooted over to give her room to sit. Without saying a word he unpaused his music player, Morrissey’s voice filling the space between them.
Leaning her elbows on her bent knees she glanced over at the boy next to her. Before he could catch her she faced forward, staring out into the distance. The tower overlooked the Black Lake, the iced over surface a shiny reflection of the trees surrounding it and the clouds above. Storm clouds were rolling in, bringing with them a promise of rain that would soon freeze into snow. The rumbling of thunder echoed through the castle. Sitting so near to him she could feel his arm brush hers ever so lightly through her coat. The warmth calling to her. But she couldn’t, she shouldn’t.
Exhaustion filled her weary bones, her eyes struggling to stay open. But here she was. Sitting next to the enemy while listening to music, completely at peace with each other’s presence. She didn’t want this to end. Not now when she was finally making progress. They weren’t about to braid each other’s hair and spill their deepest, darkest secrets but he was letting her sit here when usually he sat alone. She felt like jumping for joy.
He pulled out a cigarette and the lighter that she had completely forgotten about. It had been sitting in that bottom drawer, or so she thought, until she checked one day and it had vanished.
She chuckled, “I always wondered where that thing went.”
He lit the joint before pocketing the lighter, the tip of it sitting right by his mouth. She very quickly shifted her gaze up to his eyes that sparkled in amusement.
“I’m surprised you kept it.”
“Well what else was I supposed to do? I didn’t want anyone to stumble across it. It could be cursed!” She retorted.
“That still doesn’t explain why you didn’t turn it over to a teacher. You kept it.” He took a drag, the smoke drifting off in the breeze. He narrowed his eyes, “Admit it, you are just a little bit obsessed with me.”
“Me! Obsessed with you? Never.”
“Uhuh.”
“Nuhuh!” She shook her head.
“Oh, please. I see the way you look at me when you think I’m not looking.” He leaned in until his face was inches away from hers, every syllable punctuated. “Obsessed.”
She leapt to her feet, hands on her hips. “Oh yeah? Well how about the way you seem to show up wherever I go. Stalker much?”
He scoffed, standing up as well. “Rich words from someone who just so happened to come across me here. Don’t think I haven’t seen the way you follow me around from time to time. You’re spying on me!”
“Am not!”
“Are too!”
She rolled her eyes in an attempt to disguise how hard her heart was pounding or how she had just noticed how close they were standing. His face was mere inches from hers. Here she was, thinking she had been getting away with it. Her entire mission was compromised. There was no way she was going to keep this up if he had clocked her so quickly. But then again.
She cocked her head to the side, “If you’re so convinced that I’m following you, why haven’t you reported it, hm?”
He shrugged, “Maybe I like the attention.” And then the bastard winked at her, finally taking a step back.
Her nostrils flared slightly. He was the most aggravating boy she had ever had the misfortune of meeting. She hated the side of herself that he brought out, the side her friends saw so rarely. She was quiet, observant. She was the girl who blended into the background while her friends got the attention. She was not the girl arguing with a boy she hated on top of a tower. She was not the girl who lied to her closest friends.
The sooner she could be that girl again, the better.
--------------------------
The blaring of her alarm shocked her out of a deep slumber. Light cascaded through the window curtains indicating that it was time to get out of bed. It was all so strange with no grumbling from the others. The empty beds surrounding her own left her feeling like a piece of driftwood in the ocean, adrift with no sign of help. Her blankets failed to stave away the chill seeping into her bones. Her eyes fluttered shut, desperate for much-needed rest.
That wasn’t in the plans for her unfortunately. Y/N had promised to meet Pansy after breakfast to go shopping. Exams had loomed over her, tearing away her energy, leaving her unable to think about the rapidly approaching holidays. She hadn’t gotten her friends a single gift.
Y/N reluctantly flipped her blanket off of her body, shivers immediately wracked her body. In an attempt to stay warm she quickly pulled on some clothes and prepared for the day ahead of her. If she was lucky a heating charm would do the trick. Walking to the village was normally something she did with Harry, Ron, and Hermions. It was a weekly ritual. But she couldn’t refuse when Pansy asked this of her, she needed their friendship. It was her only hope.
She grabbed her bag, stuffing money and her notebook in it. Without even a glance at the letter from Professor Dumbledore she laced up her boots, fastened her coat, and tucked her hair beneath a wool hat her mom had given her a couple years back. It brought her comfort whenever she thought about her parents on the run. They would probably be in South America right now. It had been five months since she arrived home to nothing but a note that floated to the ground at her feet. It had been the final nail in her coffin. She was well and truly alone.
When she turned around the corner and began to walk down the staircase she spotted Pansy by the bottom. She was an island in the middle of Y/N’s tumultuous sea.
“Pans!”
The girl turned around, her skirt twirling around her knees. “Y/N! Hey.”
She smiled, “Hey.”
Pansy had come prepared, albeit fashionably so, with her thick pairs of tights beneath her skirt as well as the multiple layers of shirts combined with a fur-lined jacket. She wore leather boots with high heels that easily added four inches to her height. Her short, black hair was tucked underneath her matching fur-lined hat, the ends sticking out from under it. Dark red lipstick coated her lips and her dark blue eyes were framed with smokey eyeshadow. Then there was Rose with an old pair of boots, two pairs of leggings layered on top of each other, a sweater, and a coat. She wasn’t wearing any makeup. Before she had felt perfectly presentable but now she had become all the more aware of her flaws.
“You look really pretty.” Y/N breathed.
The girl’s lips curled up in a smile but her eyes did not reflect it. Giving a quick perusal of Y/N’s outfit, she smiled “You look really good too.” Y/N barely resisted the temptation to scoff. “Are you ready?”
“Of course!”
Pansy linked her arm through Y/N’s, dragging her out of the castle walls and into the courtyard. A thick blanket of fluffy, white snow covered the stone with not a foot track in sight. Every step was arduous. The snow clinging to their boots with each step until they reached the covered bridge across the river.
“You know,” Pansy said, “I always underestimate how difficult it is to walk in the snow.”
Y/N laughed, “It might have something to do with you wearing heeled boots.”
“Beauty is pain, right?” Suddenly she went silent before Y/N heard an “Ow! Shit!” Whirling around she spotted her not far behind, laying face down in the frigid snow.
Shaking her head, she began to trudge over to her. “You okay?”
A pair of piercing blue eyes glared up at her in mock anger, “Do I look like I’m okay?”
Y/N reached out a hand and helped her up. Pansy stood upright, brushing the snow off of her tights and skirt, the dust falling back to the ground like it had never been displaced. She kept on walking, Y/N not far behind, until they reached the crossroads. A sign post stood upright, icicles hanging down from the wood. One arrow pointed in the direction they had just come from, the other directed them forwards, to Hogsmeade.
Glancing behind them, Y/N spotted the familiar towers, covered in snow, that had been her home for five and a half years. So many memories were contained within its walls. So much laughter and sneaking around. She would miss it when they graduated.
“Come on, hurry up!” Pansy shouted from further ahead. Y/N smiled before turning and running to catch up.
“I’m coming!”
The two of them hurried along the path, eager to reach the warmth of the shops. A chill had penetrated through their many layers. Y/N’s toes and fingers had gone numb, no thanks to her gloves and thick socks.
Pansy blew into her hands, rubbing them together. “I can’t believe we haven’t run into anyone else.
“Yeah.” Y/N responded, realizing how alone they were. Her bag thumped against her leg with each step, weighing her shoulder down. She swung it over onto her other shoulder before continuing, “Maybe some people went earlier?”
Pansy hummed, changing the subject, “So, what are you planning on getting?”
“Oh, just some presents. I have a few that are on hold that I need to pick up but otherwise I’ll be browsing the store in case something catches my eye.” Y/N explained. “I got Hermione a book on the history of arithmancy.”
“Aren’t you taking that class?”
Y/N nodded, “We’re both taking it actually. I also got Harry this new pair of shoes that are designed to enhance speed. He keeps on saying he wants to be faster on the ground as well as in the air. Ron I wasn’t so sure about. Maybe something chess related? I’ll definitely get him some candy.”
“Right.” Pansy said.
“So what are you getting for the boys?”
“I honestly have no idea.” She sighed. “Draco and Theo basically have everything they need? It’s always tough buying them gifts when they will just buy themselves everything.”
“What about Riddle? Or Daphne and Millicent?” Y/N asked.
Pansy kicked at the snow in front of her, “Millicent is easy enough. I always get her something for her cats. And Daphne said she wanted a journal and some little trinkets.”
“And Riddle?”
Pansy paused, shifting from one foot to the other. “I don’t know…”
“How about some CD’s?”
Her friend gave her a slightly confused look, “What do you mean?”
“He likes music doesn’t he? You could give him a CD of a favorite band or something?”
“Okay, this is going to sound bad but I actually had no idea that he liked music.”
Flabbergasted, Y/N exclaimed, “Are you serious? Everytime I run into him he’s listening to music. Last week when I accidentally interrupted him up on the North Tower he was listening to The Smiths. He also, if I remember correctly, was listening to The Cure?”
“Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him listen to music.” Pansy gave her a puzzled look, like she was trying to figure something out. Her eyes scanned her face before continuing, “Then again, he and Theo along with Draco will hang out a lot together smoking and just relaxing. I’m not a fan of the smell so I stay away. It’s the same with Daphne and Millicent. Even Blaise doesn’t go out with them. It’s their ritual in a sense.”
Y/N filed away that knowledge for later. It may become useful. She had always wondered about Draco and Pansy after they stopped hanging out. All of a sudden they had a new friend group and Y/N had hers. Outside of Harry and Draco’s weird rivalry their paths had never crossed, even in class they kept to themselves. Now that she and Pansy were friends she got to see more of what their group was like but she was still an outsider looking in. She was still the enemy to most of them.
Bumping her shoulder against Pansy’s, “Now you do have something to get him.”
Her friend smiled back, bumping her shoulder into Y/N’s. “Guess so.”
Just when Y/N was about to comment on how long they had been walking she spotted the village’s welcome sign not far ahead of them. And just beyond the sign stood the stone buildings, snow hanging down from the ledges. The roads were well worn, the snow melted where people had packed it down. A few shops down stood the Candy Shoppe. On their way out she would stop in and grab Ron some of his favorites.
Pulling on her coat, Pansy pointed her attention towards the bookstore. The bell rang as they dusted the snow off of their clothes, shedding their outside layers in favor of the fire by the cafe. The chairs were old upholstered relics that had seen many years of students warming their feet while they sipped on their hot cocoa and read a book. Soft music played over the murmurs of shoppers browsing the collection of books.
The soft leather bound book covers are all neatly organized. Sitting on the shelves just waiting to catch the eye of a reader browsing for their next obsession. Y/N ached to scour the three floors of books. Somewhere among the other books was her next favorite book.
Sensing her friend’s restlessness, Pansy insisted, “Go. I’ll watch over our things.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes! I have some hot cocoa and a nice warm fire. I’ll be fine.”
Grinning excitedly, like a kid waking up on Christmas morning, Y/N began to sift through the selections.
When she reached the stairs and still had had no luck, she gave a regretful glance in Pansy’s direction, before cautiously climbing up the rickety staircase. The wood creaked underneath her, protesting. She imagined that it was at least four hundred years old judging off of how long this store had been open. Their collection spanned centuries. Some of these books were from before Merlin’s time.
Light filtered through the musty windows, casting shadows that danced on the wooden boards underneath her boots. In the distance a bell rang. Curious, she glanced out the window which overlooked the main street. Children played in the snow, throwing snow carelessly. Laughter rang in the air. Her heart clenched as her mind was bombarded with memories of playing in the snow without a care. A blond haired boy teasing her and a little girl with raven black hair standing up to him. Flashes of color while they played with powers that they were still unable to control.
“Y/N, Draco, Pansy!”
She and her friends ran to her mom who stood in the doorway.
“The three of you will catch your death of cold!” Her mom scolded them, fussing over their clothes. That was a long time ago. Back when fear wasn’t a constant shadow looming over her and her childhood friends still hung out with her.
Y/N shook her head, dispelling the memory, focusing on her present instead. Looking away from the window she continued her search for a book. Her eyes scanned for a familiar author but came up empty. Until out of the corner of her eye something caught her attention. It was the long-awaited sequel to a book she had read two years ago.
Reaching up for it, her fingers brushed the bottom corner of the binding. If she could just get her nails in on either side of the book she might be able to pull it out. She tried in vain. The book wasn’t coming out from its spot on the shelf, not without assistance. Y/N was about to whip out her wand when a hand came out of nowhere and plucked it from off the shelf.
“Thank…” The words were ripped from her throat when she saw who had helped her just now. She gave him a tight smile. “Thanks.” Before grabbing the book from his hands. She should have known he wouldn’t be so kind. Instead of handing the book to her he moved backwards, lifting the book out of her reach. Artfully dodging her every attack.
“I really expected better from you. Are you sure you’re a Quidditch player?” He teased.
Growling, she feinted left before diving right, stumbling over her own feet when he changed hands. She watched as he flipped through the book, pausing in the middle and began to read it aloud.
“As he lifted my hips…” He gave her a mocking look. “What on earth have you been reading?”
“It's. A. Romance!” Every word punctuated by yet another grab for the book, her last one was successful. He had become too stunned to do anything.
Finally in possession of her book again, she whirled around and marched towards the stairs leaving him standing in the middle of the bookstore. His dark curls ruffled from playing keep the book away from Y/N and his brown eyes glazed over, unseeing. His cheeks were just the tiniest bit flushed, a hint of pink dusting them. The Slytherin stood there like a statue, the world continuing to move.
After a minute, he followed behind her just in time to see her and Pansy walk out of the store arm in arm. He wondered if she had bought the book. The winter winds bit at his face when he finally exited the bookstore, two blobs of color walking towards Honeydukes.
“You know, I don’t think I’ve been here in ages.” Pansy exclaimed upon entering the famous candy shop. “My mother is always telling me not to have any candy.”
Y/N gave her an understanding look. Mrs. Parkinson had been a looming figure in her nightmares as a child. Her insistence on Pansy being the perfect child had made their home feel as cold as the Arctic, shivering at every draft, every glare thrown across the dinner table. The Parkinsons dealt in quiet fury and silent judgement.
“Well, you can have plenty of candy today.”
The Slytherin girl grinned. “I have wondered what some of these taste like. Is it true that Bertie’s Botts have every flavor? Is there really one that tastes like earwax?”
Y/N nodded. “There’s even one that tastes like vomit. Ron once got a furball flavored one. He kept on saying that Crookshanks must have had something to do with it.” She giggled at the memory of him spitting out the candy, running to the bathroom. The taste stayed for weeks according to him.
“Crookshanks?”
“Hermione’s cat.”
“Ah.” Pansy gave the box of Bertie’s a considering look, her fingertips barely touching the packaging as if it might bite her, “I think I’ll stick with chocolate frogs.”
She laughed, “Safe choice. Just make sure they don’t hop away!” Before walking over to the counter for a bag. The books in her satchel bumped her leg with each step. She was beginning to regret not asking them to be delivered to the castle.
The bell rang, signaling yet another child hellbent on a sugar rush big enough to put themselves into a coma.
“Mattheo!” Pansy voice rang out. So, not a kid wanting their weight in candy.
She turned around to see Pansy handing him a bag for candy while he shook his head.
“Come on, try it.”
He sighed but took the bag. All three of them wandered around, Pansy taking a little bit of everything and Riddle inspecting it all but taking very little. The other kids who were all very excitedly yelling and having fun quieted when he got near, parting to give him room. Every last one of them.
Once they all had paid, they walked out of the store, the volume and energy returning as it became clear he was leaving. She wondered if it was the parents or if the kids all simply knew. Was it him they were scared of? Or his father’s image?
The walk back to the castle was much faster, the time accelerated by a discussion on how much they all disliked Professor Binns’ History of Magic class. The material itself was interesting but the class was boring.
“I can’t believe they’re making you take it all over again.” She shook her head. The only thing that got her through that class was Hermione.
“That’s what he gets for skipping and always getting detention.”
Riddle shrugged. “I’m no worse than Theo.”
Pansy laughed. “That’s not true and you know it. Unlike you, he actually passes his classes.”
“I pass my classes!”
“So you’re retaking History of Magic for shits and giggles?”
He elbowed her in the side. “Enough about school.”
“Fine, then let’s talk about how you are one detention away from being cut from the team.”
“Seriously?” Y/N asked. She knew he got detention a lot but was he actually at the limit for being cut Quidditch? Hermione had looked up the rule last year before Umbridge had taken matters into her own hands and it had been something like no more than ten detentions.
“Yeah.” His mouth curled into a scowl, his eyes darkening. “Snape gave me a warning yesterday. Apparently he will have no choice but to give my spot to some ‘promising’ third year if I keep this up.”
“Hmm, maybe you should actually start behaving then.”
“What, me? Behave?” He gasped, “Mischief is my middle name.”
Pansy snorted. “I thought it was Cyrus.”
He glared at her, “Shut. It.”
Y/N laughed, “Mattheo Cyrus Riddle?”
Riddle groaned, head tossed back in frustration. His forehead drawn tight, eyes shut. “My mother was obsessed with me having a middle name that followed the Black family tradition. Cyrus just happened to be her choice.”
“But Cyrus? Of all the star names she could have chosen she went with Cyrus?”
“And it has haunted me ever since.”
Pansy clapped her hands together, “Do the others know?”
“Draco and Theo do, but no one else.” He leveled her with a glare, his brown eyes turned to stone. Through gritted teeth he said, “And it will stay that way.”
She shifted backwards, breaking eye contact. Y/N kept walking, her bag pulling her left shoulder down. Sighing, she switched it over to the right shoulder and breathed a sigh of relief. While the two Slytherins kept walking beside her in silence, she rotated her left shoulder, the pain slowly vanishing.
A faint silver mist lifted from her lips with each breath. The cold air caused her lips to dry. Snow fell gently on her hair and lashes, blocking her sight. Lifting out a gloved hand, Y/N watched in fascination as little snowflakes softly landed on the wool fibers. The delicate designs, each different from the other, were stunning. She let out a soft puff of air in shock when her other hand was yanked, pulling her away from where she had been standing. Tearing her hand from his, she continued to walk alongside them, not meeting his gaze. Instead she pondered her plans for the next few days. Ice skating sounded fun but it would be dangerous to go alone. One crack in the ice and then she would be plunged into its icy depths.
“Hey Pans, would you want to go ice skating tomorrow?”
Her friend glanced over at her, smiling, “Sure! I haven’t gone in ages.”
“Really? We used to go all the time as kids?”
She shrugged, “We stopped.”
Y/N nodded to herself, images of them as kids skating over ice dancing in her memory.
“I’ve never been.” Riddle said.
Both girls gasped, exchanging looks before saying, “What?”
“How is that even possible?” Y/N asked.
“Draco’s parents were more focused on keeping me hidden. When I was eventually sent to live with Theo and his family, they lived in Italy so there wasn’t any place to go.” He lowered his voice, muttering more to himself, “Not that his father ever would have allowed it.”
“You should come with us.” Pansy said, “If that’s okay?”
“I’m sure Y/N would rather walk over burning coals, right princess?”
She gave him a disgruntled look before shrugging, “Sure, why not?”
A startled pair of brown eyes blinked at her in shock. She was just as taken aback by her own words.
The front door of the castle was now only a few steps away, the towers looming over them. Snow fell on them, the faint dusting sparkling in his hair.
“See you.” She pushed open the door, ignoring Peeves and his arsenal of water balloons, ready to douse the children already shivering from the cold. One of them went splat right behind her, just barely missing her.
Y/N was ready for a nice cold bath and some dinner.
Chapter 9>>
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Hey everyone, it's a longer one but I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it in what free time I had! Also Merry early Christmas!!! Chapter 8 is already in progress and should be out soon! Sidenote: TGW is over 20k omg!!!!! As always I'm the author (please don't repost) <3
Masterlist. Series Masterlist. Read on Ao3
Warnings: magic paintball, Ron and Lavender, quidditch, trash talk/teasing, nerves, sad Hermione, hurt/comfort, fluff, Filch, Mattheo and Pansy are bffs
Word Count: 4330
Description: While her friends are busy Y/N gets into some mischief with her Slytherin friends. She, along with the rest of their team absolutely crush the Slytherins in a game of Quidditch and she helps Hermione through her current dilemmas.
It had only been a few minutes since Harry and Hermione had left for Slughorn’s dinner party and Y/N was already bored. Ron was off getting some extra practicing in with some other Quidditch players outside so she had been left alone. Figuring she would find Pansy somewhere, causing mischief, she grabbed her coat and wand before heading out.
The hallways were abuzz with students discussing their Christmas plans. She sighed thinking about how that used to be her. Planning a ski trip in the Alps or a beach vacation in the Bahamas. Her parents always made good use of her breaks. Now they were somewhere in the Middle East, hiding from Death Eaters. She shuddered to think what might happen to them. For all she knew, they could already be dead. It had already been two weeks since she last heard from them.
Her worries were distracted by a little golden fairy-like apparition beckoning her to enter the room ahead. Her hand gently pressed against the door, pushing it open to reveal a room the size of the Great Hall. The floor was covered in pedestals with encased trophies. Pictures of those people decorating the walls.
About twenty feet in front of her stood Pansy wearing her uniform minus the robe. Her hair pulled back and wand in hand. She turned and waved, “Hey! You came.”
“That was you? The little golden fairy thing?” She motioned her hand as if to demonstrate.
“It’s a new trick I learned.”
Y/N slowly nodded her head, walking over to where she stood. “So…what are you doing here?”
“Same thing as you. I was bored.” Pansy shook her head causing her earrings to jingle a bit. “I’m trying to find someone but I don’t think they're here.”
Y/N’s brow furrowed, “Who?”
The Slytherin opened her mouth but then her gaze shifted, her eyes having glimpsed a bit of movement. Bringing a finger to her mouth, she gave Y/N a stern look before peeking behind one of the trophy cases.
“Aha! Busted!” She chuckled, casting some spell that shot blue sparks that splattered on the person’s coat.
“Hey!” Riddle stood up from his hiding place, dusting off his pants. He walked over to the two of them, tossing his spell-splattered coat at Pansy.
“Ew!” She held it up by the collar. Wrinkling her nose, she taunted, “Sore loser!”
“Reckless words from someone with a clean uniform.” He took out his wand.
“You wouldn’t dare.”
He smirked, “Try me.” Before she could say anything blue was splattered all over the front of her white shirt.
“Mattheo!”
“Pansy!” He mocked. His face suddenly turned to shock, his entire left cheek covered in blue. He turned to face Y/N, a dangerous, almost hungry look in his eyes. “Oh, it’s on.”
Suddenly blue was shot right at her, catching her square in the chin. She fired back at him, right when Pansy did, causing him to retaliate with even more until all of their clothes were covered in blue as well as the area around them. A portrait of an older witch not too far away was now half covered so it was impossible to tell what she looked like.
Just when Pansy was about to call truce Riddle hit with one more magic blue paintball. Raising her wand above her head she said, “Any last words?”
He laid a hand to his chest, tossing his head back, “Tell Blaise I fought till the bitter end and died a hero.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Blue splattered all over his chest and neck.
“And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how it’s done.” She took a bow.
He sat up, squinting at her. “Very funny. You still have two more people to find so hop to it.”
She rolled her eyes, turning to Y/N “You wanna help me?”
“Sure, why not? I’ve got nothing better to do.”
“There’s the enthusiasm!” She grabbed her by the wrist and pushed past Riddle who was shaking his head.
“Cheater!”
“Loser!” She shouted back. The two girls were almost to the door when they heard Filch’s voice.
“Shit, fuck, ugh!” She muttered before turning on her heel. Y/N followed quickly behind her as she grabbed Riddle’s arm, “Come on! Let’s go!”
The three of them turned to see Filch open the door and see all of the blue splats all over the room.
He ran, shouting at them to stop. “I’ll have your heads!”
They laughed, running away, their shoes hitting the floor at light speed with Filch hot on their tails.
Motioning them past a statue, Pansy led the way into a secret tunnel.
“Lumos!” Her wand erupted with bright light, illuminating their path. Y/N kept on accidentally running into Pansy, Riddle right behind her. They didn’t stop until they reached the other side. The tunnel had led them to what Y/N could only assume was the Slytherin common room. She had never been inside except for that one party which was too packed to see anything but she recalled what Harry and Ron had said back in second year. It was just as dark as they had said, with very expensive furnishments. No doubt paid for by parents. The fireplace which was full of ash but not a single spark had a shiny exterior with two snakes running down its sides. The carvings were extremely detailed, every scale shining and polished. Green gems glinted from the eyes.
In the center of the room was a huge black couch and a handful of armchairs. Each looked brand new.
“Took you long enough.” Draco called from where he sat on the couch. A handful of other Slytherins, most of whom she didn’t know that well, sat near him. One or two gave her a polite nod but that was all.
Riddle hopped over the armrest and made a spot for himself on the other end of the couch. “You all are no fun. The game wasn’t over yet and you all just gave up?”
“In case you have forgotten, some of us have assignments to complete. Not that you would know since you don’t come to class.” Daphne said.
Pansy snorted. “I’m surprised you’re even passing.”
Y/N nodded, taking a seat on one of the unoccupied chairs away from everyone else. Recently she had seen him a total of three times in class over the past month. Whenever he showed up she was shocked to realize that he was in that class.
Before Riddle could reply Millicent chimed in, “It’s cause they’re all scared of him.”
“No, they just don’t want him in class.” Daphne responded. “They barely have enough time as it is for all of his detentions.”
“Oh, yeah. How many more weeks do you have left with Trelawney before you’re done?”
Y/N glanced over at him, remembering when Hermione mentioned that. But that was a while ago.
“Four.” He laughed.
“How many have you already done?” Y/N wondered.
He smiled.
“Go on. Tell her.” Pansy taunted.
“Eight.”
“Eight?” Her voice turned a bit squeaky. “What the hell did you do?”
Draco who had been silent for the whole conversation, off in his head, suddenly jumped in. “He released a bunch of stink bombs in her room and blamed it on Peeves. It was in the middle of a test.”
“In my defense, Peeves was about to do it anyway. She totally bought it too.”
Puzzled, she asked, “Then how’d she find out it was you?”
“Your friend, Granger, outed him.” Daphne said.
Malfoy wrinkled his nose in disgust while a few of the others grimaced. There was a reason why she never mentioned her friends when hanging out with them. They were personas non grata within the Slytherin house.
“Right. Sorry I asked.”
“It’s fine. It gives me something to do every Tuesday night.” Riddle said but he didn’t look fine. He had shadows under his eyes and miscellaneous cuts and bruises on his face and arms. His shirt was dyed blue from earlier, no white visible anymore. In fact, one of his wounds had a bit of blood trickling from it, turning the magical paint purple. Some traitorous part of her wanted to wipe it away, to comfort him. The other part of her wanted to know what he was thinking. If he knew anything. As far as she had seen all he did was cut class and hang out with friends while smoking and occasionally drinking. She hadn’t seen him with that girl from the party since she bumped into them. For some reason that made her smile a bit.
Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the return of Blaise and Theodore. Glancing over her shoulder she was surprised to see them dressed so formal. Both of them sat down on the couch in between Draco and Riddle.
She sat still, unsure what she should do. If they were getting back now, then Harry and Hermione were probably headed back to the common room. Ron was probably done practicing. The Slytherins had no windows in their common room but she suspected the sky was already dark.
Nudging Pansy in the arm, she whispered, “I should probably go.”
She turned to look at her, “Okay, see ya.”
“Bye!” She waved at Pansy before walking up the stairs.
“Hey, tell Potter and Weasley to watch out tomorrow!” Someone yelled after her.
She whirled around, a teasing smile on her face. She yelled, “No need! We’re going to kick your asses!”, before ducking out of the common room. A pair of brown eyes trailing behind her before Pansy caught his eye, giving him a knowing look.
-------------------
Ron was the first thing she saw upon entering the common room, or rather the group surrounding him and a few other quidditch players.
A few gave way when she approached them, allowing her access to the couch where her friends were sitting. They were all wishing them luck. Eventually Ginny told them to give Ron some space.
“Come on, nothing to see here.”
Ron sat there, head in his hands while Harry sat beside him, reassuring him. They had their first match in the morning and all week in practice he had been off his game. Even worse, it was against Slytherin so tension was high. The animosity between the two houses had reached an all time high.
Katie Bell was still out a month later. Her replacement, Dean Thomas, had proven himself to be a strong player, giving them hope despite everything. Although it had raised some tension between him and his girlfriend. They had yet another fight right before Slughorn’s party right in the middle of the common room not long after Harry and Hermione left. Something about how closely she and Harry were working on strengthening their team’s strategy.
“Hey Ginny,” Harry said. “What were you going to tell me earlier after practice?”
The redhead’s face lit up despite how tear-stained it had looked, earlier “Oh, yeah. During class today I overheard some Slytherins talking. Two of their players are out of commission for tomorrow’s match, including Malfoy.”
Harry sighed, relieved, “Well that’s good news.”
“Nice!” Y/N said, high fiving Ron who was similarly glad. She hadn’t noticed it earlier but Draco must have gotten injured or something. Maybe that’s why he had seemed so gloomy.
“I must admit, I was looking forward to the look on Malfoy’s face when we won. I can hear him now,” He put on a high pitched voice in a dramatic imitation of the blond Slytherin, “‘My father will hear about this!’”
All four of them collapsed in a fit of laughter.
Struggling to reign in his laughing in order to speak he went into an imitation again, “‘I’m Draco Malfoy and I’m a blond ferret who needs his rich daddy to hear me complain about everything!’”
She felt sick with laughter, clutching her stomach. It did feel odd though, now that she hung out with him more often. Not that they talked much.
When she finally looked up, meeting her friends’ eyes none of them could keep from laughing, breaking almost immediately. It was true what they say, laughter is infectious. The mirth in each others’ eyes twinkled, a welcome sight after so much gloom surrounding the impending exams before Christmas break. Outside of quidditch practice there had been few opportunities to be outside, enjoying the winter weather. Studying had kept them all tied to their books inside. In just a few short weeks school would be out and they all couldn’t wait to escape from the oppressive weight of classwork.
The next morning at breakfast all of their joy had been sucked out, leaving them all jittery with nerves. Ron most of all. The three of them watched as he walked in, stiff as a board. A handful of Slytherin’s taunts echoed but he kept on heading their way. He sat down opposite Harry and a plate appeared with the most unappetizing breakfast imaginable. Ron grimaced, looking up at Harry and Hermione.
“So, how was it?” He asked.
Hermione looked up from her book, “How was what?”
“Your dinner party?”
“Pretty boring actually. Though I think Harry enjoyed dessert.” She said with a small grin on her face.
Harry busied himself with his plate, not meeting their eyes. She exchanged a confused look with Ron. What on Earth did Hermione not tell her last night?
“Slughorn’s having a Christmas party next week and we’re meant to bring someone.”
“I expect you’ll be bringing McLaggen then. He’s in the Slug Club isn’t he?”
Y/N internally slapped her hand to her forehead. Teenage boys could be so dense.
Hermione shook her head, “Actually, I was going to ask you.”
She smiled, elbowing Harry in the ribs. He turned to look at her, his green eyes already rolling in exasperation. She gleefully took his five Galleons and pocketed them before either of their friends spotted it.
Ron scoffed, “Really?”
In the corner of her eye she spotted a flash of blonde hair.
Lavender came up behind Ron. “Good luck today Ron.” She touched his shoulder, “I know you’ll be brilliant.” She flashed him a smile which left him looking a little dazed before walking back to her friends.
Y/N glanced over at Hermione to see her dismayed expression. Reaching behind Harry’s back she touched her shoulder to reassure her. She gave her a small, sad smile before turning back to her forgotten book beside her plate.
Ron gulped, “I’m resigning. After today’s match, McLaggen can have my spot.”
Harry calmly said, “Have it your way. Juice?” He slid a cup across the table.
“Hello Everyone.” Luna’s light and airy voice drew their attention. There she sat, next to Ron, with a lion hat, the mouth was the opening for her head. She gave Ron a look, “You look dreadful, Ron.” Turning to face Harry, she asked, “Is that why you put something in his cup? Is it a tonic?”
All three of them turned to look at him. Ron, who had been about to take a sip, paused and examined the seemingly harmless contents.
Harry’s elbow bumped into Y/N’s as he put something away. She glanced down to see the familiar glint of Felix Felicis. Harry had a habit of toying with it when he was bored.
“Liquid Luck.” she said.
Hermione let out a gasp, “Don’t drink it Ron!”
The redhead shrugged before taking a slow sip. Setting it down he met them with a far more confident look, a noticeably different expression than the one he had earlier when he threatened to resign.
“You could be expelled for that!” Hermione hissed.”
Harry just shrugged, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Ron began to stand up, a smile on his face. “Come on Harry. We’ve got a game to win.”
“Yeah, that’s the spirit!” Y/N exclaimed. She and Harry both stood up. They were going to absolutely crush the Slytherins. Hermione gave them, both a disgruntled look but said nothing.
Once they got on the pitch Harry gave them all a pep talk. “We are going to go out there and we are going to win!”
“Yeah!” They all cheered, raising their brooms in the air.
Ron, instilled with a newfound confidence, marched out to the curtain where they all mounted their brooms.
“Three, two, one,” Harry paused, “Go!” In unison, all seven of them pushed off the ground and soared through the air, circling the pitch. The Gryffindor student section went wild, along with plenty of Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. The sound drowning out the Slytherins booing.
A few seconds later the Slytherin team emerged, cheered on by their house. Draco, along with a few others, were noticeably missing. Replaced with other students. They just needed to hope that they would be off their game because of it. Once they got information she looked across at the player in front of her which just so happened to be a certain curly haired Slytherin.
“You’re going down” She mouthed.
He smirked. “You wish.”
Madam Hooch walked out under the field beneath them, blowing the whistle and releasing all of the balls. Harry’s eyes, as per usual, were immediately latched onto the Snitch. The rest of them were immediately spreading out, trying to get a clear path for Ginny to throw the Quaffle. Y/N drew closer so she could pass it before diving lower to escape the Slytherins. Just as she was about to score, the Keeper hit it away, tossing it to someone else.
“Better luck next time!” Riddle taunted from where he sat, perched on his broom a few feet away.
Gritting her teeth, she flew away just in time to see Ron manage to stop the ball from going through one of the hoops.
“Whoohoo!” She cheered before joining her teammates in their formation. Ginny broke away, narrowly escaping one of their Beaters. Her feet only a couple inches away from the icy ground below. Y/N followed suit, distracting the player long enough for Ginny to slam the ball right into the goal, causing two of the Slytherins to collide into it and fall.
After Ron began to block even more points the crowd began to chant, “Weasley! Weasley! Weasley!” The sound of it a soundtrack behind the rest of the game as Ron kept on blocking shot after shot and the rest of them kept on scoring. Not long after, the game was over and they were headed back to the team room. As the winning team they made a few celebratory circles around the Quidditch pitch, the crowd going wild. Most of the Slytherins were walking off, disappointed.
Harry gave them a very brief congratulatory talk before letting them all get changed so they could get back to the common room for the party. The entire room erupted in cheers when the seven of them entered, a banner that had Gryffindor painted on it was lifted high in the air and Ron was lifted onto people’s shoulders. He had the biggest smile on his face, a sort of dazed look in his eyes. Everyone was cheering for him. Even McLaggen halfheartedly joined in despite being a bit dejected over not getting on the team again.
Y/N watched on from where she stood next to Hermione.
“You really shouldn’t have done it.” She said to Harry.
Y/N looked over at him. He smiled impishly from the other side of Hermione. “I know. I suppose I could’ve just used the Confundus charm.”
“That was different. That was tryouts, this was an actual game.” She said, disappointed.
Harry took something out of his pocket to show her. There it was, right between his fingers. The Felix Felicis vial. And it was full.
“You didn’t put it in. Ron only thought you did.”
He nodded, pocketing it once more.
Y/N shook her head in amazement. Of course he did.
All three of them turned back in time to watch as Lavender grabbed Ron by the shoulders and kissed him, Ron’s arms wrapping around her waist. Harry began to clap along with the others but Y/N felt Hermione back away. She watched as Harry finally noticed that she was gone and how his smile faded. Y/N was about to follow her when he put a hand on her arm and shook his head.
“I’ll go.”
She nodded.
--------------------
“I can’t believe you’re going to Slughorn’s party with McClaggen!” Y/N said, hitting her with her pillow.
“I know! I thought it would annoy Ron the most.” Hermione admitted. She flopped down on her back right beside where Y/N sat.
“Have you seen him with Lavender? I doubt he can even notice from where she’s snogging him every five seconds.” Y/N grimaced. They had become insufferable.
Her best friend’s face became dejected. She hated how weak she felt, hurting over a boy.
“Look, I’m sure he’ll be annoyed. He hates Cormac. If he doesn’t notice then I’m sure Harry will mention it to him if you ask.”
Hermione smirked but shook her head. “No. I just want him to notice me, like actually notice me as more than just his friend. It’s not the same if someone is pointing his face in my direction.”
Y/N gave her a hug, mentally thrashing Ron in her head. He would be lucky to have her if he could just see what a wonderful girl was right in front of him. Not that Lavender was a bad person but she smothered him. He didn’t admit it but it was in his eyes whenever she called him her ‘Won-won’. They had only been together for a little over a week but she could tell he was getting tired.
“He will. And if he doesn’t then someone else will. You’re intelligent, funny, and absolutely beautiful. Anyone would be lucky to have you.”
“Thanks.” Y/N could tell she didn’t fully believe it but there was nothing more she could do about that other than remind her.
Hoping to distract her she decided to tell her about what she had overheard in the library earlier. “Okay, so you know Romilda Vane? The girl with the long, dark, and curly hair that we saw Hannah Abbott talking to the other day? Apparently she’s trying to sneak Harry a love potion! I heard her talking about it with some of her friends.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Boy am I glad that I’m not the Chosen One.”
She snorted, “Speaking of, Harry still needs a date to Slughorn’s party.”
“I’m not going if that’s what you’re going to ask.”
“Ugh, why not?”
“Because.”
“No. Give me a real answer. Come on, it’ll be fun! You can distract me from my horrible choices.”
“You can manage. Besides, I have a paper to write.”
“Fair enough. We don’t want you to fail.”
Y/N smiled at her. “I thought you’d think so.”
“You know me so well.”
“I sure do.”
--------------------
A few days passed before the party. Y/N walked into her room to find it in total shambles. Hermione sat in the middle of it. She was still in a shirt and a pair of pants, the only thing done was her makeup. Although subtle, it was there.
“Wow.”
She looked up at her, “I know. I can’t decide.”
“Well you don’t have many dresses so how hard of a decision can it be?”
Hermione sighed. “I didn’t think this through. What am I doing?”
Kneeling beside her amidst the piles of clothes, she gave her a tight squeeze. “It’s going to be alright. Now! What are the options?”
Hermione nodded, glad to have a distraction from the horrifying thought of having to dance with Cormac of all people.
“Okay, how about this one?” Y/N raised the dress that she wore for the Yule Ball. It was still in really good condition.
Hermione shook her head. “I want to wear something else. Something a bit more, I don’t know. Mature? I guess?”
“Oo! How about this one?” It was a pretty pink dress that she had gotten on vacation with her parents over the summer holidays. She still hadn’t worn it.
Hermione took it from her and quickly changed into it. After she zipped it up she turned so Y/N could see it.
“That’s the one!” It was absolutely gorgeous. The pink shade suited her so well and the v-neck and knee length cut made her look amazing. It was so different from what she normally wore. They found a necklace and a pair of earrings that matched her new dress.
“Oh, look at the time! I need to go!” Hermione exclaimed.
“Not so fast! Just give me a minute.” Y/N immediately set to doing her hair, brushing it out a bit before using her wand to curl the ends. As a last touch she grabbed a small clip to tuck a strand of hair back with.
“Okay, you look gorgeous! Let’s go!”
Hermione slipped on a pair of heels and hurried down the stairs.
Y/N watched as she left, excited to hear all about it when she returned. Hopefully Cormac would be able to keep his hands to himself.
Ducking back into the room she realized just how empty it was. The mess of clothes was still all over the place. Sighing, she got to work, cleaning it up, putting all of Hermione’s clothes away. She then went over to her own bed and opened up her bottom drawer. In it was a notebook that she had been using to meticulously note everything she observed about a certain Dark Lord’s son. All she had was the various places she had seen him smoke and that he liked listening to the Smiths. She had been listening to them for research and research only. Although she did occasionally wonder what his favorite song was.
Chapter 8>>
(Let me know if you want to be tagged in upcoming chapters!)
Sorry for the wait but it is finally done! The next chapter is like half written already so it should be less of a wait. Granted the next one will be longer... As always I'm the author (please don't repost) <3
Masterlist. Series Masterlist. Read on Ao3
Warnings: canon events? idk what else
Word Count: 2685
Description: A trip to Hogsmeade leads to disaster. Y/N's loyalties will be tested.
All four of them were dressed warmly, ready to venture out into the snowy wonderland that Hogwarts’ grounds had become overnight. The pale light shining through the clouds, the snow glittering every place it touches. Icicles hung from the trees and a chill was in the air, biting at their cheeks. Trudging through the snow, they shivered despite being all bundled up.
Something hit her in the back. What on Earth? Y/N whirled around to see Ron with a grin on his face and another snowball in hand. Not wasting any time she gathered some snow in her hand, throwing it at him. He jumped to the side, the snowball clipping his shoulder. Ron threw another at her which she managed to dodge.
“Missed!” She taunted. A snowball hit her firmly on the side of her face leaving bits of snow all over her scarf. Harry had joined in. Tossing one back at him she ducked away from another. Ducking behind a tree she gathered a few snowballs before peeking out. Harry and Ron were tossing them back and forth, not paying attention to her. Tucking them all into her side she threw them one by one right at them.
“Hey!” She chucked a snowball right as Harry turned. It struck him right in the chest. Suddenly a snowball hit her on the shoulder. Turning around she realized her fatal mistake, Hermione hadn’t been out there with the boys. Instead she had been waiting for the ultimate take down. Not one to be defeated, Y/N scrambled to retaliate. Snow flew through the air back and forth. Tackling Harry to the ground, their friends followed suit, piling on top of each other. Their laughs were infectious.
They kept on playing and joking around, the snow providing a much needed laugh, until their stomachs began to complain.
------------------------------------
“For weeks you carry around this book, practically sleep with it and yet you have no desire to find out who the Half Blood Prince is?” Hermione berated.
Offended, Harry retorted, “I don’t sleep with it!”
Next to Y/N Ron muttered, “Yeah ya do, mate.”
“I do not!”
“Do too! Every night I look over to say good night and you’re reading that bloody book! It’s like being with Hermione.”
She glared at him.
Shrugging, “What? It’s true!”
Groaning, Harry continued on, insisting to Hermione, “And I am curious!”
“Oh really?” Hermione said with an arched brow. “Well I was curious so I went to…”
All three of them chimed in before she could say anything, “The library.”
Giving them all a stern look she admitted, “Yes.” Her expression fell, “And I couldn’t find anything.”
“Really?” Y/N asked, surprised.
“No. There’s no mention anywhere of a Half Blood Prince.”
“There we go! That settles it!” Harry said, vindicated.
Up ahead stood Professors Slughorn and Flitwick discussing something.
“...Emergency choir practice I’m afraid. Some other time!” Flitwick said, already heading in their direction towards the castle. Slughorn continued towards Hogsmeade.
Harry’s eyes were glued on the Potions professor, “Anyone fancy a butterbeer?”
“Yeah.” Ron said, Y/N and Hermione echoing that sentiment. Following closely behind Slughorn they eventually reached the Three Broomsticks.
Y/N watched as Harry led them to a table in the middle instead of one of the booths along the wall like usual. His seat faced the counter where Slughorn was buying something. While they were all taking off their coats Draco appeared out of nowhere. The Slytherin was alone, an unusual sight. He met her gaze for a moment, his eyes shadowy. He hadn’t been sleeping well. Not that she cared. He shot a pointed glare at Harry but it lacked the heat.
Distracted by the server, they all ordered a butterbeer each. Hermione thanked her as she walked away.
“Oh bloody hell!” Ron said, his gaze trained on a booth across the room. They turned to look. Dean and Ginny.
Turning back she said, “Oh Ronald, they’re only holding hands.” Hermione rolled her eyes at him.
“Yeah and snogging.” Y/N said having not fully turned away.
Ron’s face turned red, “I’d like to leave.”
Their drinks all arrived right as Hermione exclaimed, “What? You can’t be serious.”
“She happens to be my sister!”
Hermione snorted, taking a sip. “So? What if she looked over and saw you snogging me, would you expect her to get up and leave?”
Ron stared at her stunned.
Y/N and Harry exchanged a look. Unable to hide their grins they both took a sip of butterbeer. Spotting someone behind her he raised a hand, “Professor!”
She turned around, it was Slughorn.
“Harry, m’boy! It’s good to see you.”
Harry stood up, “And you, professor.” Shaking Slughorn’s hand, “So what brings you here?”
“Oh me and the Three Broomsticks go way back! Further than I care to admit. I remember when it was One Broomstick!” He chuckled to himself, accidentally spilling a bit of his butterbeer on Hermione’s sleeve. “Careful, all hands on deck Granger!” She gave him a smile, nodding, but he turned to Harry. “So listen, Harry. Back in the old days I used to throw together the occasional supper party. For the select student or two. Would you be game?”
Not missing a beat, Harry replied, “I’d consider it an honor.”
Glancing over at Hermione, “You’d be invited too Ms. Granger.”
Quickly swallowing she replied, “I’d be delighted to.”
“Splendid! Look for my owl!” Turning towards Ron, “Good to see you Wallenbee, Y/L/N.”
Both of them gave him a pained nod, before turning towards Harry who sat down with a small grin on his face.
“What’re you playing at?” Ron asked.
Still smiling, he replied, “Dumbledore asked me to get to know him.”
“Get to know him?” Y/N asked.
Harry shrugged, “I don’t know. But it must be important or else Dumbledore wouldn't have asked.”
All of the pieces clicked together. Slughorn must have something to do with Dumbledore’s task for Harry.
”You’ve got a little bit.” Ron motioned to his upper lip. Swiping at it Hermione still didn’t get it.
Reaching over he used his sleeve to wipe it away before sitting back down. Face flushed, Hermione thanked him.
Standing up Y/N told them, “I’ll be right back.”
Ducking into the restroom she bumps into Pansy.
“Hey Pans.”
The Slytherin whirls around, hiding something behind her back. “Hey.”
At Y/N’s curious glance at whatever she was concealing she simply shrugs. “Just a gift for a friend. I don’t want anyone finding out until I give it to them.”
“Oh.” Still curious Y/N walks into one of the stalls. When she comes back out Pansy is touching up her makeup like nothing happened. Whatever she was hiding in the hand between her and the sink. After washing her hands she pauses by the door.
“Go on, I still need to go to the bathroom.”
Nodding, Y/N exited to find someone leaning against the wall outside.
“Riddle.” She gritted through her teeth.
Flashing her an arrogant smile that she longed to slap off his face he said, “Miss me?”
She crossed her arms. “No.”
He leaned in a little too close for her liking, “Liar.” The fine hairs on her neck stood up. Before she could think of a retort the door behind her opened, almost knocking into her. It was then she realized why she had been spared a collision right when she noticed the arm tucked around her waist.
Pansy gave her a smile. “Hey you two.”
Mattheo said something but she couldn’t quite focus on him. Not now. There was something different about Pansy. She no longer had something hidden on her, whatever it was that she had been so desperate to conceal from prying eyes had vanished.
Pansy cleared her throat pointedly, startling her. “The two of you seem awfully close.”
Like they had been burnt they both jumped away from each other. Y/N refused to meet his eyes, focusing her gaze on Pansy. “I need to go, my friends will be wondering where I went off to.”
“Right.” Her friend’s smile dropped, almost like she had just bitten into something sour. She hated that she was the reason for that but she knew her friends would never understand her hanging out with the supposed enemy.
“I’ll see you later?”
“Yeah, sure. See ya.” Pansy waved before heading outside where she and Mattheo both rejoined some other Slytherins.
Not feeling too happy anymore Y/N walked back over to their table where Hermione was talking about some book that she had read. By the looks of it she had been talking for a while because Ron immediately perked up seeing her approach and Harry also seemed a bit bored, although more invested than Ron. They would never have survived if Hermione had been a guy, she had a habit for rambling about her newest discovery. It was always super interesting but she could go on for hours.
“Oh, hey.” Harry said, just noticing her.
“Hey, you all ready to head back?”
They all nodded and grabbed their coats. It had started snowing harder in the past few minutes, making it feel even chillier. Not too far ahead were a pair of Gryffindors, seventh-years. One of them was Katie but she didn’t know the other. Ever the nosey one, she couldn’t help but strain her ears to hear their rather loud argument.
“I know what I’m doing.”
The response was muffled by Ron and Harry talking. The pair of them caught up with her and Hermione, the latter flinging her arms around their shoulders, a smile on her face. Harry pulled Y/N into his side so the four of them were all walking together linked to each other's sides. She squeezed tightly, not wanting to let go from her friends. They meant the world to her. Their meaningless excited chatter was abruptly interrupted by Katie’s friend screaming.
“I warned her. I warned her not to touch it!” She pointed at Katie’s body where it lay on the snow, moving back and forth. Katie looked possessed. Suddenly an invisible force lifted her into the sky, her mouth open in a silent scream.
All five of them watched her in horror.
Her dark hair floated about her face, her eyes gazing up at the sky unseeing. Her arms reached out to the sides. Then, like a doll being dropped by a child who has lost interest, she fell to the ground. Concerned, they all hesitantly began to approach her body.
“No, stay right there!” Hagrid’s voice boomed from behind, “Don’t get any closer.” He lifted Katie’s limp body up into his arm while all of them stood still, the wind whipping at their coats and scarves.
Harry glanced at the object on the ground. In the heat of the moment they had all been too focused on Katie being thrown around like a ragdoll to worry about what she had dropped. He bent down to pick it up when Hagrid warned, “Don’t you touch that. Except for the wrappings. Do you understand?”
Harry crouched beside it, the wrappings fluttering in the wind. Grabbing a hold of it, he pulled it to the side to see what it was. The necklace had tumbled onto the snow. It was an odd sort of necklace, certainly an old family heirloom. No one their age would be caught dead wearing it. The chain was made of triangular bits that she was sure she had seen before. Using its container he lifted it up, examining it.
They all exchanged a puzzled look. Unsure what to make of it, all of them followed behind Hagrid, the snow slowing them down. After what felt like hours they reached the main entrance. Hagrid took Katie to the Infirmary where she was laid down on one of the beds. Then the rest of them were whisked away to a classroom by Professor McGonagall. The necklace was confiscated from Harry and placed on display.
“You’re sure Katie didn’t have this necklace in her possession when she entered the Three Broomsticks?” Professor McGonagall asked.
Katie’s friend shook her head, “It’s like I said. She left to go to the bathroom, and when she came back she had it in her hand. She said that it was important that she deliver it.”
“Did she say to whom?”
“Professor Dumbledore.”
“Very well, thank you Leanne. You may go.” She nodded her head before passing by them. Y/N was fairly certain that Leanne was headed to the Infirmary Wing.
McGonagall turned towards them, her expression filled with exhaustion and disapproval, “Why is it when something happens it is always you four?”
They all looked a bit sheepish. “Believe me professor, I’ve been asking myself the same question for six years.” Ron said.
She looked up at the back of the class, “Oh, Severus.”
All four of them whirled around to see their least favorite teacher. The feeling was mutual. He shot them a disgruntled look before greeting McGonagall, “You asked to see me?”
She then proceeded to tell him the shorter version of what happened. Circling the stand, he lifted the necklace, examining it.
“What do you think?”
Snape responded, “I think Ms. Bell is lucky to be alive.”
“She was cursed, wasn’t she?” Harry asked. “I know Katie, off the quidditch pitch she wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
“Yeah.” Y/N chimed in. She didn’t know her well but she was always super nice at practice.
Harry continued, “If she was taking that to Professor Dumbledore, she wasn’t doing it knowingly.”
“Yes, she was cursed.” McGonagall said, not turning around.
“It was Malfoy.”
Suddenly Harry had five pairs of eyes on him, none of them were all that surprised to hear him accuse Malfoy, their rivalry was well-known but it was a very serious accusation, like McGonagall went on to say.
“Indeed. Your evidence?” Snape said.
Harry shrugged, “I just know.”
Snape inhaled sharply, “You just,” He paused, “Know. Your gifts astonish me Potter. Gifts mere mortals wouldn’t dream of possessing. How grand it must be to be the Chosen One.” His derisive tone gave Harry pause, they all knew that he didn’t have any proof. Even if he was sometimes right, it wasn’t easy for anyone to believe him without proof, especially if they were a teacher known for hating him.
McGonagall stepped in before anything more was said. “I suggest you go back to your dormitories. All of you.” The last part was pointed at Harry. He had a habit of wandering around the castle at night unaccompanied. They all turned to leave. Y/N gave her friend a glance. She knew how sure he was that it was Malfoy, Ron had told her about all the times he had woken up to see Harry’s nose buried in the Marauder’s Map. He slept with that thing by his side just as much as he did with his Potions book.
-------------------------------------
“I know it was Malfoy. It just has to be!” Harry exclaimed, collapsing on one of the couches. Thankfully the common room was mostly empty.
“It wasn’t.” Y/N murmured.
“What?”
“I said it wasn’t Malfoy, at least I’m pretty sure of it.”
All three of her best friends turned to look at her with identical expressions of shock at hearing those words come out of her mouth.
Explaining further, she clarified, “When I went to go to the bathroom he was busy talking to his friends, there’s no way he got it in there.”
Harry’s brows furrowed, who else could it possibly be? Y/N had a suspicion but she didn’t know for sure and she wasn’t about to sell out Pansy for a hunch. It would jeopardize everything.
Hermione turned to look at her, “Was there anyone else in there?”
Knowing that there wasn’t any going back, she shook her head. They all plopped down on the same couch, sitting there in silence.
“So, is now a good time to tell you guys I’m not going with you over break?”
Chapter 7>>
(Let me know if you want to be tagged in upcoming chapters!)
Hey everybody!! This one's a "bit" longer than the last chapter but I had so much fun writing it!!! I hope you all enjoy! As always I'm the author (please don't repost) <3
Description: It's Halloween and Y/N gets invited to a Slytherin party but she already made plans with her friends. Can she do her mission and be a good friend without arousing suspicion or will it all come crumbling down?
It had been a month since Riddle had gotten that detention during Astronomy class. She had soon discovered that they actually had a few classes together, he just didn’t show up. They never talked, not even when Pansy invited her to join them. Only for studying purposes though.
She had still made no headway with her mission, he was so unpredictable. Thankfully Professor Dumbledore hadn’t asked for any updates yet, she would hate to seem as if she hadn’t been doing anything.
Y/N had done her best to follow him but it seemed that all he did was smoke and hang out with his fellow Slytherins, causing mischief. They were only two months into school and Riddle along with his partners-in-crime had already cost Slytherin house five hundred points, points they had also won back with ease by simply answering questions in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Snape’s clear favoritism working in their favor.
Walking through the halls she nearly crashed into a certain old friend. He gave her a curt nod.
“Y/L/N.”
“Malfoy.”
They continued walking in their separate directions. A spectator would never have known how close of friends they used to be. Running around the Malfoy Manor playing hide and seek with Dobby. Back when life was simple. He had changed since then, no longer the boy who used to tell her of all of the grand adventures they would go on when they got to Hogwarts. Now he was the boy who teased them, insulted them. The boy who made her friends’ lives a living hell. She couldn’t forgive him for that.
All that was left between them now was a nostalgia for a friendship long since broken.
When she turned the corner she spotted a familiar head of curly brown hair and green robes. Finally. She watched as he crept through the hallway towards one of the abandoned wings. In such an immense castle, there were many classrooms that had been long forgotten. He ducked into one of the hidden pathways that Harry had been informed of when he got the Marauders Map.
To herself she muttered, “Where are you going?”
His footsteps echoed through the tunnel, masking her own. Keeping her steps in time with his, she trailed behind, hoping that his destination would be of interest to Professor Dumbledore and be something connected to his father’s return. It was doubtful that it would be anything of any real interest but maybe…
Quiet as a mouse she followed as he opened a door and stepped into the room behind it. Cloaked in shadows she crept up to the door, peaking through the crack to see what was behind. The smell of smoke wafted through the space between the door and the wall, the only sound that of his breaths. Then she heard it. It was far too quiet to tell but she thought she could hear music. An indiscernible melody barely audible through the door that separated them.
Shaking her head she turned and walked back to where she came from. Here she had been, hoping that he was up to something and all he was doing was smoking and listening to music. Gods, she felt so stupid. Did she honestly think that she would find anything of interest?
“The Smiths.” She realized aloud. That’s who he was listening to. Tucking away that insignificant piece of information, she walked back to the Gryffindor tower, her head hung low.
Walking straight past Hermione she sighed, taking a seat on her bed. Not saying anything she started rethinking her game plan. If Riddle was involved with Voldemort’s return, and he must be, he would cover his steps. The evidence would not be easy to find. She would need to find a way for the Slytherins to trust her more and quickly. Lost in her thoughts she barely heard her friend ask something.
“What?”
“You know you can always talk to me, right?” Hermione asked.
“Of course.” Y/N said, moving away, not meeting her best friend’s eyes.
Her flippant attitude only irked Hermione. Something was going on with her best friend and she intended to find out what.
“Y/N…” She gently placed a hand on the girl’s shoulder.
“I’m fine, just really tired. Talk more in the morning?” Without waiting for her response she laid down on her side, pulling the covers over herself. “Good night.” With a flick of her wand her bedside light went out.
Watching her best friend lay there, facing the opposite direction, the covers rising up and down with every shaky breath as she pretended to be falling asleep Hermione stood there deep in thought. They had been friends for over five years now, she was of the opinion that she knew her best friend pretty well, maybe better than anyone else and yet there were moments. Moments where she looked over at Y/N and thought, who is this person? Lately she’d been acting odd, always sneaking off and having all of these study sessions. Maybe she was secretly dating someone? Hermione thought hopefully. She had been writing a lot of little notes that when questioned had simply said ‘it’s a secret’ with a little smile. Maybe it was someone in a different house? Although that was ridiculous, why would she think they wouldn’t accept someone from a different house? Unless it was Slytherin. None of them were ever nice to Gryffindors.
All of these what ifs swirled around in Hermione’s head until she eventually settled on the one that made the most sense. She was secretly dating someone in a different house who might not be a guy. Maybe she liked girls? Satisfied with that idea for now, she got ready to go to sleep.
The next morning Y/N awoke and everything was as if nothing had happened. Although Hermione has started giving her these really weird looks and acting like she knew something.
“What?”
Hermione gave her a blank look, “Huh?”
“Do I have something on my face or something?”
“No?”
“Are you sure cause you keep on giving me really funny looks like there’s something off.”
“Sorry, I must’ve spaced off or something. You don’t have anything on your face Y/N.”
Not entirely assured, she simply said, “Okay.”
In Divination class they were supposed to be reviewing for a test. It wasn’t actually a test. Professor Trelawney didn’t believe in tests. But she was required to give one so all it was was a few questions about basic material they had all first been taught back in third year. The study guide itself was only three questions that every student finished within the first five minutes of class.
“Your taste in music is shit.” Nott joked. Or at least Y/N thought he was joking. It was always so hard to tell.
Malfoy sneered, “And yours isn’t?”
“Whatever, at least I’m not the one who will be arriving unaccompanied.”
“Like I care.”
His friend snorted but let it rest.
After class while they were gathering their things Pansy stayed behind, waiting while her friends disappeared into the crowd on the staircase.
“Hey, you want to come?” Pansy asked.
Looking over at her, “To the party?”
“Yeah.”
“You sure? Won’t it be weird.”
Pansy rolled her eyes, “Who the fuck cares? It’s only weird if you make it weird. If you want to come, come, if you don’t want to, then don’t come. It’s that simple.”
“Okay, I guess?”
“Great, see you there!”
At lunch people were excitedly talking about All Hallow’s Eve. She remembered back in first year when Hermione had to explain the concept of Halloween and dressing up in costumes before she had overheard Ron and spent all of the feast in the bathroom before the troll came. Second year the four of them had decided to dress up. It had all been great fun but the best part, according to Harry, was the trick or treating. As a kid he never got to but his cousin had. Hermione, being the child of two dentists, had also never gotten the experience. Y/N and Ron had spent days meticulously planning to get some candy so they could all experience a version of it. Third year, once they were able to go to Hogsmeade, was when it truly became a tradition of sorts.
“I can’t believe it’s tomorrow!” Ron said excitedly.
“I know? We’ve already been at Hogwarts for two whole months!” Harry exclaimed. Time always passed quickly at school, rapidly leaving them at the end of spring and facing the return home.
“Time flies.” Y/N remarked.
“So, nine o’clock we meet in the room of requirement?”
Hermione nodded before taking a sip of water. “Nine.”
Standing up abruptly Y/N breezily said, “See you guys later.” Before walking out of the Great Hall leaving her friends staring after her with furrowed brows.
Finding a quiet place outside she pulled out a book and flipped to the pages her bookmark was nestled between. The birds chirping sweetly was the perfect background noise, the fountain drowning out any other noise.
The pages flew by as time went on, her mind fully focused on the plot of her book instead of her surroundings. Just when the double agent was revealed a shout broke the silence, piercing through her calm environment.
Grimacing, her eyes boring into the page she continued to read.
Whipping through the air a quaffle hit her square on the side of her head, the force of it nearly knocking her over. Setting her book down she picked up the quaffle. Moving to her feet she searched for its owner only to be met with a familiar smirk.
“You okay?”
Snarling, “Like you care.”
“Can I have my ball back?” He asked, trying to grab it.
Stealing it out of his grasp she shook her head. “Apologize.”
“Sorry, princess.” There was that infernal smirk again.
With gritted teeth she repeated herself. “Apologize like you actually mean it.”
“I am sincerely sorry.” She was about to relent when he smirked, “Princess.”
Pulling her arm back she threw the quaffle as far and as high as she could, clearing the surrounding trees and landing it squarely on top of a statue’s sharp sword. Perfect.
Riddle glared at her, his smirk wiped from his face. She gave him a coy smile before turning back to where her book rested on the ground.
Behind her she heard a muttered curse, “Fuck.”
Gritting her teeth she took a seat once more, opening her book. Her gaze refused to stray from her page. The yells from across the courtyard echoing in her eardrums. By the time she finished her book it was nearing dinner time so she got back up, dusting her robes off a bit as she walked inside.
In the privacy of the dorm room she put on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, not having anything else more suitable for a party. Grabbing a coat in case of a chill she walked out and ran straight into Lavender.
“Oh, hey. Where are you off to?”
Keeping up with her lie she shrugged, “Study group.”
Brushing past the girl she headed out of Gryffindor tower and followed the corridors until she was just outside of the dungeons. The door was left ajar, music thumping through the stone walls, echoing through the corridor. Students of all ages were roaming around the Slytherin common room, some weren’t even Slytherin. In fact a significant number of them were Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs that she recognized from classes over the years.
Not a single Gryffindor was in sight. Weaving through the crowd she spotted a familiar head of silvery blonde hair. Switching directions she found a fellow sixth year student from Hufflepuff.
“Hey!” She shouted in greeting, her voice barely audible over the noise.
“Oh my god, hi! Imagine seeing you here?” The girl, Hannah, gave her a genuine smile, her eyes lit up. She was practically bouncing up and down like a rabbit. The girl gave her a quick hug before showing her to the table with all of the snacks and what looked like firewhiskey.
“So, how’d you manage an invitation? Gryffindors aren’t allowed to these parties last I heard.”
Taking a sip Y/N responded, “Pansy invited me. We sit together in Divination.”
“Oh. Okay cause I assumed that it was a rule or something that only certain Slytherins could invite people. I guess Pansy made the list.”
In a low, sort of mutter she echoed, “Guess so.”
As if on cue the Slytherin girl appeared, her black hair in a chic bob, the ends slightly curled. She was wearing a green top and a black skirt, paired with silver jewelry. Suddenly Y/N started to feel a bit self-conscious. Nearly everyone else was dressed somewhat nicely. Some of the guys were more casually attired though. Shrugging, she decided she didn’t care if she stuck out like a sore thumb.
Pansy gave her a small smile, “You came.”
“I sure did.”
“Oi, Parkinson. What’s she doing here?” Some Slytherin boy barked from where he sat on a couch. Malfoy turned his head to see that the she in question was indeed Y/N. Shaking his head he mentally berated Pansy, giving her a disappointed frown. She simply shot him a sweet smile in return.
Placing her hands on her hips she glared daggers at the Slytherin boy. “I invited her.”
“And who told you you could do that? It certainly wasn’t me.”
“I don’t need anyone’s permission.”
He shook his head, “Yes, you do.”
“Bullshit. She’s my friend.”
“She’s a Gryffindor! Slytherins aren’t friends with Gryffindors.” He glanced towards the others as if to say, “Come on, back me up here!”
“Whatever.”
Before he could respond an arm was casually slung across her shoulders. “She’s with me.”
Even if she hadn’t recognized his voice she would have known by their faces. All of them went blank. The Slytherin who had been harassing them was suddenly bowing and scraping as if that changed what he had just said.
“I apologize. We didn’t realize.”
“Don’t make that same mistake again.” Riddle warned.
Pulling her over to the side, away from that group he turned to face Pansy who had followed.
He gave her a pointed look, “You’re welcome.”
She rolled her eyes, “We didn’t need your help.”
“Well you got it.”
In a flat, sarcastic tone she gave him a reluctant, “Thanks.”
He gave her a smile before turning to Y/N.
“Don’t get in any more trouble, princess.”
She opened her mouth to respond but he walked away, disappearing into the crowd.
Seizing her hand, Pansy tugged her along onto the dance floor. A bit hesitant, she observed others for a cue. Following suit, she began to jump up and down to the beat of the music. The song shifted into another, a bit slower, song.
Swaying to the beat she noticed a guy in her periphery. She had never met him before and under normal circumstances would never have gone up to him but liquid courage filled her veins and not the potion kind. Shifting towards him he gave her a welcoming nod and a half-smile. Their dancing intertwined seamlessly, both of them just moving to the beat as if they had been dancing together for their whole lives. Standing behind her he placed his hands on her hips. Glancing upwards he noticed a Slytherin boy glaring at them from where he sat next to his friends. Raising an eyebrow in challenge he leaned his body further into hers.
He was playing with fire but he quite enjoyed getting burned.
Riddle jumped to his feet, walking towards the hallway, his hand encircling a girl’s wrist and dragging her behind him. Y/N, oblivious to everything going on around her, continued to dance until the song changed to one she hated. Scowling, she apologized and exited the dancing throng.
Tossing back another drink she paused, waiting for the magical buzz to hit her. A golden glow filled her veins, leaving a fiery burning sensation. Spotting Pansy heading over she stayed standing there.
“Hey, having fun?”
“Hmm? Oh, yeah!” Her head started to spin. “Actually, I’m not feeling too great.”
“Okay, do you want to sit down for a bit?”
She nodded. Pansy found her a spot on the couch to rest.
“I should probably head back.” Y/N admitted. She needed to lie down.
Pansy nodded. “Do you want me to walk with you?”
“No, I’ll be fine.” She waved her off as she attempted to stand on legs that wobbled like a foal.
Stumbling out of the Slytherin common room she came face to face with Riddle sucking the face off of some poor girl.
“Ugh! Get a room.”
They both turned to look at her with hooded eyes, their lips swollen. “Stop watching.”
Scoffing, she stormed down the corridor and out of the dungeons. Making her way to the Room of Requirement she hoped she would make it on time. When the door opened it was empty. No Hermione, no Harry, no Ron. No one.
Puzzled, she hurried to Gryffindor tower, sneaking past Filch on his mission to find misbehaving kids.
When she crept through the entrance she stopped in her tracks. Sitting there on the couch waiting for her were her friends.
No one uttered a word.
Breaking the silence she gave them a sheepish wave, “Hey guys.”
“Where were you?” Harry asked. “It’s almost eleven.”
“I’m sorry, I lost track of time.”
Ron nodded, chiming in, “We were worried sick!”
“I’m sorry.”
Hermione sighed. Both of the boys looked over at her, waiting for her to say something.
“Let’s just go to bed, it’s late.”
Disappointed, they stood, walking up to their room.
Once they were gone Hermione asked, “Did you have a study session again?”
“Yes.”
“For which class?”
Unsure where she was going she went with the first class that popped into her head, “Divination.”
“With Lavender, Padma, and Parvati?”
“Mhmm.”
“That’s strange.”
“Why?”
“Because they were all hanging out here together. All night.”
Y/N stood still as a statue, not a hair moving. Shit. Thinking quickly she explained, “They are usually in our group. Today they decided not to come.”
Not quite willing to give up, Hermione questioned her yet again. “Then why did you say that you were studying with them?”
“I don’t know! I usually do but today they didn’t come. Look, I said I was sorry. I screwed up, I lost track of time. I am sorry. Why are we still talking about this?”
“I don’t know Y/N. You tell me.”
“Well I have no idea what you want from me!”
Her best friend gave her a look. “I want answers. Where have you been sneaking off to lately? Why are you always lying about studying with Lavender and her friends when every time they say that they haven’t seen you all day?” She lowered her voice a bit. “You’ve changed Y/N. You’re always disappearing for hours at a time with little to no explanation. I’m worried about you.”
“You don’t have to be.”
“Then how about you tell me what’s going on? If there’s nothing to be concerned about then why don’t you tell me what you’re hiding? Are you dating someone? Is that it?”
“No. I’m not dating anyone. I just have a lot going on with my family.” Hermione took a step back, an apologetic look crossing her face.
“I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s fine. I just am not really sure what or if there is even something that I can do to help them. They are scared for their lives now that he’s officially back. Right now they are in Guatemala, they sent a postcard a few days ago. By now they might be in a different country. I just didn’t want to talk about it with you guys.”
She nodded, a soft smile with watery eyes. “I’m sorry for yelling at you. I know how much you care about them.”
“Thanks.”
Hermione stepped forward, wrapping both arms around Y/N, squeezing gently. After a few seconds later she pulled away, wiping her eyes.
“I am really sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
“No, it’s not. I should have been a better friend. I should have noticed something was up.”
“It’s really not. That was kind of the whole point of not telling anyone. I didn’t want you guys to know and feel bad for me.”
“We’re your friends Y/N. If something is going on we want to be there for you. Please let us.”
Hi 👋, My name is Mohammad, and I’m reaching out in a moment of desperate need. I’m a father of three young children living in Gaza, and we are caught in the midst of a catastrophic war. Our home is no longer a safe haven, and the future here seems increasingly uncertain. 💔
I’ve launched a fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $60,000 to relocate my family to a safer place where my children can grow up in peace and have a chance at a brighter future.
Unfortunately, my previous fundraising efforts were abruptly halted when my account was terminated without explanation. However, I remain determined to keep fighting for my family’s safety and well-being. 🫶
If you could take a moment to read our story, consider donating, or simply share our campaign with others, it would make an incredible difference. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to safety and a new beginning. 🙏
Thank you for your time, compassion, and support. ❤️🩹
Hey, everyone! This is a follow up to Castle that I have had planned for a while ever since someone commented that they wanted a pt.2 so here it is! This is also my first time actually writing and posting smut so please be gentle, I hope you enjoy! As always I'm the author (please don't repost)
Also this is for day 7 of eris week! @erisweekofficial
Masterlist. Read on Ao3.
Warnings: 18+, smut, p in v, oral(f and m receiving), biting, blood, kissing, use of fuck?, eris is HL, 'touch her and die', protective eris, idk what else really
Word Count: 4215
Description: Following Eris becoming High Lord there is a lot to do, including a meeting with the inner circle and a ball to formally announce his best title. In between all of this shenanigans ensue.
Taglist: @sylveryfire
They stood there, lungs heaving, as it all came crashing down. He was the new High Lord. She was now Lady of the Autumn Court. There was so much to be done. There were reforms to be put in place, people to get rid of. Soon there would be visitors, ambassadors from other courts ready to feel out any weaknesses, to gain an alliance with the new High Lord.
But first, they would have to clean themselves off. Beron’s blood was splattered on their clothes and their altercation had left them both looking a bit disheveled. They were in no state for company.
Before either of them got the time to think, a servant entered the room. Her startled gasp at her High Lord lying on the ground, dead, while his son and daughter-in-law both stood together, a sword in her hand and blood covering both of them. Eris turned to face her and instantly she knew that he was his father’s heir.
Bowing low, “My lord.”
Without pause he commanded her to fetch his mother.
“What happens now?” Nesta asked, unsure of what procedure must be followed in this type of situation.
Eris let out a weary sigh. “Now we send out an announcement to all of the High Lords and send out invites to all Autumn Court nobility for a ball to formally introduce myself as the High Lord.” He was used to this sort of political game but the stakes just got raised with his new title. All eyes would be on him to see if he would follow in his father’s footsteps or make changes. Either way, he would make many enemies along the way.
“Eris?”
In the doorway stood the former Lady of the Autumn Court looking elegant as usual although there was still a deathly paleness to her complexion.
“Mother above! Is he…” Her hand flew to her mouth, shocked by the sight before her. She dared not say it out loud for fear that it would reverse it. The idea that her husband was finally deceased seemed too good to be true.
“Yes.” Nesta said, sword still in hand.
The only words she could hear in head was ‘I’m free’ over and over. After centuries of an unhappy marriage she finally allowed herself to think of a life without Beron. For so long it had only been a fleeting thought that she had only allowed herself to have once and never again. Until now, that is. Now she was free to do as wished. It was a dizzying thought.
---------------------------------------------
A few days later the announcement that Eris was the new High Lord had been sent out, everyone was officially aware of Beron’s death. The invites for the ball had also been sent out. Although Nesta didn’t say anything she was slightly concerned that they would have visitors from the Night Court. She knew Rhys didn’t particularly trust either of them and would want to ensure that Eris would actually be an ally to them. Undoubtedly Feyre would do her best to convince him she should come as well despite her condition. If that happened then Azriel and Cassian would likely accompany them both.
She hadn’t seen Cassian since before the wedding and Nesta really didn’t want a repeat of that.
She leaned in the doorway of Eris’ new office where he sat examining papers. His head in one hand, hair messy from running his fingers through it, he looked exhausted and yet, also extremely hot. His fiery hair shone in the light coming from the fireplace.
“Hey.”
He looked up and over at where she stood in nothing but her pajamas.
“Why are you still up? I thought you went to bed.” Eris asked.
“Couldn’t sleep.”
“I’m almost done here, I can come by your room when I’m done.”
She shook her head, “I’ll wait.”
For the past several days he had been sleeping in her room. Both of them were far too stressed to engage in much conversation but they had managed to find solace in each other’s presence.
When they did finally go to bed the two of them nearly collapsed from exhaustion onto the bed, almost immediately falling asleep. As sleep claimed them their bodies drifted towards each other, their limbs intertwining.
------------------------------------
“Rhysand has requested a meeting.”
Nesta looked over at him from where she was pulling on her clothes.
“Is he coming here?”
He shook his head. “No, in the Hewn City.”
There was a pause. Rhys would want to ensure that he was still an ally now that he was High Lord now. Feyre would be there, she thought. So would Cassian. Regardless, it was important that they put up a unified front.
“When do we leave?”
Eris grimaced, “One hour.”
They did indeed leave an hour later, dressed to impress. Eris wore Autumn Court colors, the red and gold complimenting his features. Nesta’s dress matched. It was black with red and gold designs, outlines of leaves. They looked like a match made in hell.
When they arrived they were escorted to a meeting room that was not unfamiliar to Eris, he had had a meeting there once before not too long ago. Keir was already there but the Inner Circle was not. Waiting, Nesta thought, to make an intimidating entrance. An effort to make her and Eris not important enough to show up on time.
Time ticked away, the three of them sitting without making a sound. Under the table Nesta felt a warm hand placed over hers. Her heartbeat slowed a bit, brought back out of her imagination.
The doors burst open, revealing Feyre and Rhysand flanked on either side by Azriel and Cassian. The four of them took a seat across from them. Eris gave her a hand a small squeeze before facing them. Rhys waved a hand, dismissing Keir. He started to protest but thought better of it, running off.
All four of them were dressed in Night Court black, Azriel and Cassian wore all of their siphons, the light blazing. Feyre was even more pregnant than before. She put on a good face, void of emotion, but Nesta could see the strain in her features. Rhys looked unbothered as usual, picking an invisible piece of lint off of his suit as Eris discussed the promises he had made if this should happen. He had been promised protection in case the Autumn Court did not agree with changes he might make.
There was a small pause that would have gone unnoticed by most but Nesta caught it.
“We will send Cassian with you.”
No. There’s no way he said that. Nesta quickly masked her surprise but she noticed how odd the others were acting. This wasn’t decided before coming here. Or at least it hadn’t been discussed. She noticed the small, near imperceptible tell on her sister’s face, Rhys had made this decision without her. Azriel looked calm on the surface but she had a feeling that he was also thrown for a loop. Cassian however she didn’t look at.
Instead she glanced at Eris by her side, the unsurprised look on his face. He had expected this, she realized.
The High Lord of the Autumn Court sneered at Cassian, “Very well.” The Illyrian didn’t look all too happy either and Nesta was wondering what she had done to deserve this.
They all stood, Cassian walking over to the door. Feyre approached her, a hesitant expression on her face. Rhysand’s eyes did not budge from them, his very gaze threatening her endless pain if she dared to even consider hurting her sister. She shot a glare his way before she gave Feyre a small hug. They weren’t close but she was still her little sister.
“Tell Elain I said hi.”
Feyre bowed her head slightly, “Of course. She misses you. We all do.”
Her sentiment was not shared with the rest of the Inner Court but Nesta appreciated it nonetheless.
The whole way back to the Autumn Court was quiet, full of snide remarks and disgruntled looks. Every casual gesture of Eris’ towards her almost seemed pointed towards Cassian. Yet somehow they managed to return home without any actual fighting.
“One of the servants will have a room made for you. I’m sure you won’t mind that it’s right next to the stables. Better than what you’re used to I’m sure.”
Cassian was about to retort when Eris continued with a devilish smirk, “In fact, in order to truly protect us against threats you had better stand outside our bedroom.”
Cassian coughed, looking away from Nesta, “Our?”
“Yes. We are married. Did your mother never tell you what married couples do?” He leaned in a bit, “They fuck.”
Nesta snorted. Cassian turned bright red, not meeting their gazes. When she married Eris he clearly hadn’t imagined that they would actually be together. In his mind she was a victim, marrying Eris because she didn’t feel worthy and Eris was terrible enough to take advantage of her. While his imaginings were not unfounded his savior complex was misplaced.
Nesta walked to her room, exhausted and hungry. She still hadn’t finished one of her books and had been forced to pause in the middle of a very interesting scene. Eris followed behind, Cassian further behind him. When they reached the room Eris entered behind her and slammed the door leaving Cassian out in the hall with nothing to do but stand there and guard.
Nesta shrugged off her dress and pulled on something far more comfortable, climbed up onto the bed and grabbed her book. She sat there watching Eris also dress a little more casually, admiring his body. The candlelight illuminated his hair, making it look like a living flame. She clenched her thighs, watching his muscles flex with every movement.
“I can feel you staring.” He teased.
“And? We’re married. I’m free to look as I please.”
He turned towards the bed, “I never told you to stop.”
Changing the subject, she said, “You knew he would suggest Cassian be sent with us.” It wasn’t a question.
His expression shifted, no longer playful. “I suspected he would. The spymaster would be too obvious, Morrigan would refuse, and he wouldn’t come himself. Make no mistake, I am well aware that he has spies in my court but if I can keep my eyes on their main source of information all the better.”
“Plus you enjoy messing with him.”
He smiled, his amber eyes twinkling with amusement. “Indeed.”
A deliciously wicked thought came to her. She bore Cassian no ill will, well, not much but she sure did love to annoy him. Especially after how he acted after the dance where she was supposed to entrigue Eris. Part of it was she wanted to ensure he realized that this was entirely her idea, she actually wanted to be with Eris although she hadn’t at first. Secondly she knew that this would be fun.
Reluctantly she put down her book, promising herself that she could read it after. She expected him to want to get right into it so he could demonstrate just how much they did indeed fuck to Cassian. Instead he started pulling her shirt up. Lifting her arms, he pulled it up and over revealing that she was wearing nothing underneath.
One of his hands went to her breast, cupping it. A finger teasing her nipple. The other went to her neck, pulling her in for a kiss. She moaned when he bit her lip, grinning into the slight pain of his canines just barely breaking the skin. Pulling away he started leaving open mouth kisses down her chest, his hand moving down to her other breast. Lifting up again he pressed delicate kisses to her breasts, just shy of her nipple, his hands off to the side supporting his weight. His mouth circled them, never actually touching her where she wanted.
“Eris, please.”
He grinned before finally sucking one of them, letting go with a light pop before moving to her other one. Shifting further downward he pushed her legs further apart, settling between them.
“So wet.” He murmured, thrusting in his finger. Adding a second one, he leaned in licking up her center, teasing her clit with the tip of his tongue. He sped up his hand motions, adding a third finger but never actually touching her where she wanted him to. Nesta twisted her body, trying to get him to touch her clit but simply moved away.
She whined, “Eris!”
“That’s right. Tell him who’s making you feel good.” He encouraged, thrusting his fingers faster, bringing her closer and closer to the edge before finally flicking her clit with the very tip of his tongue.
“Eris!” She shouted as she came. When she finally relaxed he shifted upwards, bringing his mouth to her ear, his lips just barely brushing her.
“That’s my good girl.”
She turned her head, kissing him, tasting herself on his lips.
“Take your clothes off.” Nesta commanded.
“Take them off yourself.” He dared her.
She huffed but pushed him up into a seated position, pulling his shirt off before tugging on his pants, pulling them down. His hard cock sprung out, released from the cloth. She pulled them all the way off before bringing both hands up to his thighs. He was big but she knew that already.
She licked up the length of him, fisting him in one hand. Her fingers weren’t even able to touch. Pressing a featherlight kiss to his tip, she slowly took him into her mouth. Bobbing her head up and down, trying to take more of his length. He thrust up into her mouth slightly, choking her a little. She looked up at him with watery eyes before sucking on him, hard, spurred on by his moans.
“Fuck!”
He pulled her off him despite her protests.
“I want to hear you moaning my name so everyone,” He says with a pointed glance towards the door, “Knows you’re mine.”
He flipped her under him, lining himself up with her entrance. He met her gaze, smirked before thrusting into her hard. She groaned, loudly. Outside Cassian was sitting, listening in. He had been instructed to not leave their side his entire time here but he didn’t think Rhys had anticipated them fucking like rabbits within his earshot. He grimaced, wishing to be anywhere but there.
“You’re doing so good for me.”
Eris’ gaze never wavered from Nesta’s face, thrusting into her, watching her eyes roll back a bit. The noises she made were music to his ears. Reaching her arms up she tugged him closer, latching onto his neck, sucking at the pale skin. He groaned when her teeth broke skin.
“My little bloodsucker.” He said fondly, caressing her hair that had previously been braided but was now coming undone into loose waves. Taking advantage of his loss of focus she leveraged her strength, turning them over so he was underneath her and she was riding him, both hands placed firmly on his toned stomach.
Eris leaned back, his arms crossed behind his head, watching her fuck herself on his cock, her breasts bouncing every time she thrust down onto him. He was mesmerized by her near-hypnotic movements, thrusting up into her at the same time she pushed down.
When her gaze finally met his, he caught a glimpse of something that almost gave him pause. Her eyes were beautiful blue gray normally but now they looked almost silver. Then she blinked and it disappeared.
Realizing that she was getting close he flipped her back under him, a hand creeping between their bodies to rub her clit. He could feel her getting close, clenching so hard on him that he nearly saw stars.
“Come on, that’s it. Tell me, who’s fucking you so well?” He watched as she arched her back, the bulge of his cock making a visible bump in her stomach. Pressing down lightly he could feel himself move inside of her.
She moaned, “You!.”
“Say my name.”
She moaned again, clenching hard before finally reaching her release at the same time as him.
“Eris!” She yelled at the top of her lungs, loud enough others in the castle could probably hear if they passed by their room. As they both came down he kept on lazily thrusting into her before slowly pulling out. Staring into her eyes he thought he saw a flash of silver again but then it was gone.
Remembering their original objective she decided to have some fun. Saying louder than normal, “God, you’re so big.”
Teasing her a bit, he asked, “Bigger than Cassian?”
“Way bigger than Cassian.”
From outside the room they heard a sharp cough and sounds of someone kicking something.
Grinning at her he asked,”Best you’ve ever had?”
“Now, now don’t get ahead of yourself.” She teased, shrugging, “I’ve had better.”
“Oh, yeah?” He pulled her to him, claiming her mouth with a kiss.
“Convinced yet?” He asked.
“Convince me again.” Smiling, he pulled her in for another kiss.
Finally he pulled away for a second to grab a warm, soaking wet cloth to clean her off.
“Ready for round two?” She asked suggestively.
He groaned, hanging his head. “I wish I could but I still have more paperwork I need to get done for tomorrow before the ball.”
Nesta pouted, her bottom lip jutting out a bit causing him to lean in, gently pulling at her lip with his teeth. “I’ll be back in an hour, I promise.”
She narrowed her eyes at him before sighing, “Fine, I guess I’ll just have to take care of myself then.”
He leaned in, cupping her pussy with one hand. “Who does this pussy belong to?”
She crossed her arms defiantly. “Me.”
“Wrong answer. This pussy is mine to touch, mine to lick, mine to fuck. You will not pleasure yourself until you get back.”
She whined a bit but decided to give him this one, for now. She was going to have fun toying with him. Besides she didn’t mind giving him control as long as it was hers to give. Nesta could do whatever the fuck she wanted and he knew that but it wouldn’t hurt to wait, she got off on it a bit if she was being honest.
“Fine.”
“Say it.”
“I won’t touch my…” At his pointed look she corrected herself, “Your pussy.”
“Good girl.”
He stood up, pulling on some clothes before walking to the door. When he opened it Cassian stood there, facing the wall opposite him, not acknowledging his presence. Eris could smell the rage coming off him in waves, making him smirk to himself.
“Were you listening to us? Pervert.” He shook his head, faking disappointment even though that had been the plan. Eris had seen how the Illyrian had looked at his wife during the meeting and on the way back to the Autumn Court even when Nesta hadn’t. He was still not over her and clearly needed to be reminded of his place.
“I’m not, I wasn’t…” He trailed off.
Eris met his gaze, staring at him, not a hint of amusement left on his face. “Look at my wife again like you want to fuck her and I will kill you.” He stepped closer, snarling, “Touch her and die.”
“Nesta doesn’t need you defending her honor.”
“No. No she doesn’t. But as her husband it is my privilege to do so. I will not hesitate to end you regardless of the repercussions. And if my wife wishes to take your life herself I will gladly stand back and watch.” With that, he stormed away.
In her bedroom Nesta climbed into bed, pulling her shirt back on and finally read her book. It was one that she had found in the library and it was surprisingly good. She would have to make note about sending it to Gwyn and Emerie, she had a feeling that both of them would like it as much as she had. Nesta missed them a lot. That was the one downside to living in the Autumn Court, she could no longer see them unless she visited.
By the time she finished the book it was nearing two hours since Eris had left. Not wanting to go to bed yet she got up, put on some pants and walked outside. At the sound of the door opening Cassian sprung up from where he had been sitting.
“Nesta…”
She cut him off. “I don’t feel like listening to anything you have to say at the moment.”
When she tried to walk away he followed. Now annoyed, she whirled around. “You don’t need to follow me like a dog. I can take care of myself just fine.”
He looked like he was about to protest and she commanded him, “Stay here. If you follow me I will gut you.”
Continuing on she barged into Eris’ study to find him tirelessly reading through papers.
“Nesta? What are you doing alone?” He asked, noticing her lack of company.
“I have a dagger, I can defend myself you know.” For some reason she hadn’t told him about her power. Most of the time she ignored it, forgetting it was there. Other times when her emotions heightened it would surge powerfully.
“I’m not saying you can’t. But it’s dangerous for you.” He stood up, walking over to her, “Not only are you my wife but you could potentially be the mother of my children. Children who might one day rule after me.” He held her close and kissed her forehead, “They will use you to get to me, the Illyrian is just a security measure.”
“Are you ready to come to bed?” She said, jerking her chin towards his desk.
He looked behind him with a weary look. “Very much so.” Grabbing her hand he walked with her back to their room. Cassian was still there, standing by the door. They entered the room silently, not saying anything.
Ditching their clothes they crawled into bed and curled up under the blankets, praying for a good night’s sleep. After all, the ball was the next day. They would need to be ready for what was in store.
-------------------
Nesta sat on the bed, putting on her heels, watching Eris get dressed. They had already been delayed a bit after a repeat of last night, multiple times. Now she had other things to consider.
“This ball, everyone there is going to be watching us, watching you.” She mused.
“Yes.”
“Will your mother be coming? I haven’t seen her around since I killed Beron.”
He turned towards her, “She has left the Autumn Court. My father always suspected that she was unfaithful. As it so happens, he was correct.”
“So where is she now?”
He shook his head, “I have no idea. She wouldn’t tell me in case someone found out and used that information against us.”
Nesta stood up, her dress fully visible, every intricate detail on display. She wore a floor length gown, the color of blood, that had long sleeves and a plunging neckline that had the tiniest black diamond at the junction. On each of her wrists, at the very end of the sleeves were even more tiny diamonds. The skirt of her dress had a slit up to her hip that gave a glimpse of creamy skin with every step she took. Her hair was up in a braided updo with gold threaded through it, catching the light.
“You look like a goddess.”
Her power surged through her veins, reminding herself that she was indeed a goddess.
In awe he murmured, “Your eyes.”
Her silver eyes stared back at him. He raised a hand to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing the soft skin. Gazing into her eyes with an expression of reverence.
“They are so beautiful.” He held his palm to hers, letting her power feel his. Cold, icy silver death meeting a blazing golden warmth. They intertwined, visible tendrils of power twisting around their joined hands. The both stared in amazement, pulling away slightly before joining their other two hands, becoming a circuit of power. Feeling each others’ power surging through them, coursing through their veins, was a high they never wanted to come down from. Finally, they did, shaken from their spell when a noise was heard behind the door. People were arriving.
It was almost time to go.
“Are you ready?”
“Almost. Just one last thing.” Eris summoned a box that, upon opening, revealed a crown of woven gold that had formed into leaf details. Tiny black diamonds were encrusted on them, glinting in the candlelight. He held it up above her head, delicately placing it atop her brow. Her beauty could bring him to his knees.
Together they walked to the entrance of the ballroom, Cassian trailing behind. Any stragglers had already been shown in the halls empty. They stood before the main doors, hand in hand.
“Ready?” She asked.
“Yes, you?”
She squeezed his hand, “Born ready.”
Using his powers he pushed open the doors, revealing everybody waiting for their arrival.
In that moment they were no longer Nesta and Eris, they were Lady Death and the High Lord of the Autumn Court.
God fucking damnit!! Once again, I end up coming across an idiot potterhead who creates dumb parallels between non existent ship and a canon ship out of their ass. I’m done sending you any prompts(most were disappointing anyone because you combining them). And now, you gave a wack opinion without actual factual evidence. Fuck you. Hope you are happy
Ok, wow. So let me get this straight I'm an idiot for comparing a non canonical ship to a canon ship but not for comparing Harmione to Jily? Pick an argument for Merlin's sake. Harmione and Fremione are both non canonical and yet I didn't see anyone complaining in my inbox about that.
While I don't and have never shipped Hermione with Fred there are parallels. And it's rich to say there is no evidence when that's the entire point of fanfiction. We create a "what could have been" alternate universe and it allows us to explore all of the possibilities.
To address your last so-called "threat", I don't really care. I combine prompts because together they made a better story that I was able to write that wouldn't just be 200 words. I'm the writer here so maybe instead of complaining about the way I write prompts why don't you try writing them yourself.
Anyone else who feels this way, may I please invite you to get the fuck off my account. I don't need to be constantly attacked and quite frankly it's getting boring already. At this point I might stop taking prompts altogether or even just turning off anonymous messages if you can't handle it respectfully and responsibly. Y'all are more toxic than the acotar fandom and that's saying a lot.
You idiot! As far as we know there is NO direct evidence by Rowling that Hermione and Fred were gonna be a thing. Fuck you and your shitty confession. This as shitty as the dramione delusional shippers who claim Dramione is real and Rowling supposedly said so. Everyone is losing braincells these days, including you sir. Good riddance
No there is not but nor is there evidence for a lot of ships. It's fanfiction, we create what we wanted to see.
It's rich coming from you considering you didn't check your facts before coming to rant in my inbox like a coward with anon turned on. I NEVER said that I shipped Fred and Hermione, all I said was there were similarities between Fremione and Jily. I'm allowed to have thoughts that I feel like sharing for shits and giggles.
And please, JKR never confirmed Dramione but that doesn't change the fact that it's fanfiction. People are allowed to imagine what they want. I'm not arguing that it's not toxic, it is. Draco bullied Hermione. However, for lovers of enemies to lovers or people who saw themselves in Hermione and liked Draco (mainly because of Tom Felton) it's something that they want to consider.
This is something that I think we need to return to. Don't hate on people who ship things you don't agree with. Block and move on. They are people with feelings too.
You're argument is tired and unoriginal. If you're going to accuse me of losing braincells take a look at yourself first and consider why you feel the need. Fanfiction just isn't for you, clearly. Grow up and then come back with an open mind. It's okay to not agree with someone. It's NOT okay to hate on them for it.
Anyone else who feels this way, may I please invite you to get the fuck off my account. I don't need to be constantly attacked and quite frankly it's getting boring already. At this point I might stop taking prompts altogether or even just turning off anonymous messages if you can't handle it respectfully and responsibly. Y'all are more toxic than the acotar fandom and that's saying a lot.
You just had to run your mouth, didn’t you??? Next up, you will tell you ship Drarry. Or even Jegulus. Screw you. I’m deleting your rubbish stories from my bookmarks on ao3. And reporting you, out of fun
If you think they're trash why'd you bookmark them in the first place?
I don't fucking care, regardless of your supposed actions I have even more subscriptions and bookmarks than I did yesterday so go fuck yourself.
Maybe you should add in your report that you're doing so because you're immature and can't handle someone not agreeing with you.
And finally, while I don't ship either Drarry or Jegulus I don't feel the need to hate on those who do. They are people too and this is fanfiction. It's not their fault JKR never gave us an lgbtq+ ship. You clearly are too immature to be on Tumblr or Ao3 if this is what you think is rational behavior on your part.
Anyone else who feels this way, may I please invite you to get the fuck off my account. I don't need to be constantly attacked and quite frankly it's getting boring already. At this point I might stop taking prompts altogether or even just turning off anonymous messages if you can't handle it respectfully and responsibly. Y'all are more toxic than the acotar fandom and that's saying a lot.
No "show results", if you're not a fanfic writer just be patient.
I saw a post about an anon saying it was embarrasing to have an ao3 account in your 30s (it's absolutely not), so I want to do a poll and see what the age range actually is.
Hi! Here are all of the links to all of my writing. As always no reposting anywhere, even if you credit me. Feel free to like, comment, and reblog as much as you want. Some of my fics will be 18+ and others won't so please read the warnings. Let me know if you want to be added to a taglist. All of my fics have Ao3 links on them so you can read them there as well. My requests are always open <3
