"With her performances she was able to cast a spell on the whole audience and for them, it seemed like a wonderful dream. And after the show they may talk about the exotic animals, but in the end, they'll think back who the girl behind a mask of make-up was. That was the Joelle-effect, which was experienced by Bucky Barnes and Steve Rogers on this evening."
Joelle Coleman lived, since she could remember, in the circus. There was nothing in this world that made her happier, than waking up with the first rays of sunshine and go exploring new places. In the year 1936 there was a time, where the circus la d'or rosé came to New York, where it pitched its tents and planned on staying there over the winter break. For exactly three months Jo would stay in New York and go hunt her little adventures. The ones who lived in the circus had a big family, because in the circus everybody stayed together. But as a consequence, it was hard to find new friends. Normally you'd spent only a few weeks in one city, then you'd leave again. Joelle knew that. Especially when she was younger it was hard for her not having real friends, but with time she accustomed. But destiny had decided different. The winter of 1936 in New York changes everything and her fate becomes entangled with that of the so-called Winter Soldier. What happens to their story which runs through the decades of time?
Summary: Joelle Coleman lived, since she could remember, in the circus. In the year 1936 there was a time, where the circus la d'or rosé came to New York, where it pitched its tents and planned on staying there over the winter break. For exactly three months Jo would stay in New York and go hunt her little adventures. The winter of 1936 in New York changes everything and her fate becomes entangled with that of the so-called Winter Soldier.
Words: 1.3k
Warning: Swearing, Alcohol
Masterlist
30th November, 1936
"Hey is..."
Gustav interrupted him before he was able to even finish his question.
"She is in there." He said, his voice deep and rough as always. He nodded and followed the showed direction. He slipped through the curtains of the tent and entered a big room. Many wooden boxes laid around. Props and costumes formed a jungle and, in the middle, a large area to move freely. The floor was wooden as well, and the beams held the heavy tent. One headlight enlightened the room and the air was filled with dust. From a beam hung an aerial silk. There she was. Just as magical as on the first evening he had seen her. With delicate and swift movements, she glided through the air. The dust around her, seemed to change into light shadows flowing around her. The motion seemed feathery and with ease she pulled herself up, then spinning again. But there was strength in her movement.
Bucky knew she made it seem easy, but a lot of work went into it. He didn't even think of interrupting and just stood there, watching. Watching her finger play in the air, watching her hair flow, watching her body move into complicated poses. She sat in the silks, then leaned back. Her feet intertwined with the aerials and her upper body and arms hung loose. Her eyes met his.
"You don't have to come to every show, you know that?" He smiled, leaning against a beam.
"I know. But I like watching you." She laughed quietly. She turned so her chest pointed towards the ground, one leg was still intertwined with the silk, the other was stretched out. With one hand she held herself, the other reached towards Bucky. He came closer, now only standing a few feet away. But Joelle was still higher up. Then suddenly she spun and began to fall down. Bucky had seen her do the trick before, but now in close-up it was even more impressive. When she reached his height, her right hand was caught up in the aerial silk and her body stretched down in a fluent motion. When her tiptoes touched the floor, she let go and finally stood normal in front of him. She walked past him and took a bottle of water from a box.
"Why are you here?" She took a sip and watched Bucky awkwardly scratch his neck.
"I just... I just wanted to see if you wanted to hang out or something." She didn't smile and his heart sunk.
"I actually wanted to train some more..." She explained and he nodded understanding. He had already turned around, ready to leave when her voice caught him off.
"You wanna help me?"
"How can I help you?" From a dusty corner she pulled out a thick mattress.
"I wanted to practice some tricks, it would be great if I had someone to hold me." He immediately nodded, even though he was unsure. She changed the Arial silk into a hoop and hung him up quite high.
"Do you think you can lift me on your hands?"
"Um... how exactly?" She smiled and helped him position. He stood, slightly bent down, hands resting on his upper thighs.
"I'm gonna take a few steps to lunge, then I'll step onto your hands. If you can, you will push me up, until your hands lay on your shoulders."
"Then what's the plan?"
"If it works you'll throw me."
"Throw you?"
"Yes, I want to jump through the hoop and catch myself in the last second. I'll spin a few times around the hoop to balance my speed."
"What if you don't catch yourself?"
"I'll fall."
"How ensuring." She smiled at him.
"Don't worry, I believe in you." She took a few steps back, Buckys heart pounded in his chest. "Are you ready?" She asked, he nodded. One last time he rubbed his already sweaty hands on his pants, then she lunged forwards. Her feet landed perfectly onto his hands and slowly, but surely, he lifted her up until his hands, and so her feet as well, laid onto his shoulder. Her arms were stretched out to keep balanced, but she laughed jubilant.
"Great! I count to three." Bucky tried to stay as steady as possibly.
"One." He tried to focus and imagine throwing her.
"Two." She glanced down at him and nodded.
"Three." He pushed out his arms and threw her. His eyes did not once leave her body. She flew and reach the hoop. She didn't jump through though, but her hands gabbed the hoop and she pulled herself up.
"Great! That was so good already, Buck." He sighed relieved and at the same time, his body began to search the adrenalin that has sped through his blood seconds before. It was like a drug. She was like a drug to him, that he couldn't get enough of.
"You think we could repeat this?" She asked, jumped down and made a roll to balance the power from the collision. He smiled and nodded.
They tried it again, and every time Jo came close to him and he could smell her, he wanted more. Every time their skin touched, he craved more. They had tried it two more times and Joelle was getting closer to perfectly jumping through the hoop.
"One last time." She exclaimed.
"I will get it right this time." She promised, more to herself than Bucky. She jumped onto his hands and got pushed up and thrown immediately. Bucky's blue eyes watched her in amaze. She jumped through the hoop perfectly. But then her hands grasped at nothing. She flew right through the hoop and the moment she realized she was falling, she closed her eyes. She waited, but no collision came. Two strong arms had wrapped around her in the very last second and caught her. Slowly she opened her eyes and looked right into icy blue ones. Hers just as his breathing was unsteady and for what felt like eternity, they stared into each other's eyes. Then someone cleared his throat. Joelle and Bucky jumped at the sudden sound and her warmth left his body. Steve stood there, grinning at the two.
"What are you doing here, Steve?" Jo asked, skillful hiding the awkwardness.
"I could ask you the same." Jo scuffed, rolling her eyes and casually she strolled over to drink something.
"I was training and James helped me. That's all. And what were you doing here?" Steve gave Bucky one last grin, which Bucky replied with a deadly glare.
"Oh I was just wondering if you two wanted to join me in this party I got invited." Steve took at a piece of paper and the other two looked at it interested. "How did you get an invitation?" Bucky asked surprised. It was a rather fancy party with all kinds of rich people. It wasn't a party they usually got invited to.
"My dad knew the owner." Steve simply explained. Jo thought for a moment, then she nodded. "I have a show, so I'll be coming a little later. How fancy do I have to dress?"
"Very fancy." Steve exclaimed and Bucky agreed with a simple nod. She laughed at the two.
"You talk to me like I don't know how to dress. Do you guys have something to wear for an occasion like this?" Steve frowned, but Bucky already patted him on the shoulder. "I'll organize something."
"Maman?" Jo asked her mother, who just stormed out her trailer. "Is there something wrong?" Her mother didn't look anything like Joelle. She wore her hair always tight and her facial expressions often seemed critical and harsh. But now the wrinkles on her forehead had grown and, in her eyes, laid unease. But just like her daughter, she was excellent in covering her anxiety and other kinds of secrets.
"Oh it's nothing, ma cocotte. Me and your father just had a little disagreement." Joelle furrowed in confusion, but her mother had already rushed passed her. Jo looked at the trailer, for a few seconds she considered knocking, but her father probably wanted to be left alone, so she scrapped the idea. She shook her head and returned to her own trailer...
Summary: Much to your dislike, your friends have been hiding something from you. Now it is your turn to find out what has been slumbering beneath the surface of the marauder group…
Words: 3.1k
A/N: requested by @divergirl9-blog Sorry it took so long!
Warnings: swearing, blood, little bit angsty
Patronus{m}, Latin- Protector
“Have they been avoiding you?”
Lilly frowned as you sat down across from her in the great hall. It was a custom habit of the two of you to do the potions homework on Tuesdays together. But your mind was everywhere but on the potions.
“What do you mean?”
“Don´t act stupid, Evans. Did James tell you anything?” You scrunched your nose and leaned a little over the table, so the red-head couldn´t avoid your glance. She held in for a second; James hadn´t particularly mentioned anything. On the other hand, the past times she had seen her somewhat secret boyfriend, there wasn´t much talking involved.
“Not really”, Lilly sighed and tried to get back on the homework. But you were too stubborn and took away her pen. You wouldn´t let this slip another time. “Not really? Is that all you got Lilly?”
“For Merlin´s sake Y/n, I don’t really know! He mentioned something about going to the Shrieking Shack.”
It was your turn to furrow your brows in confusion. “What do they want there?” You asked muttering more to yourself. Lilly rolled her green eyes, until they landed on a certain dark-haired boy. You quickly followed her glance, finding Sirius standing across the hall. It seemed like he had either watched, maybe even eavesdropped, but before you could further question the whole situation, he left the hall with hasty steps.
“You´re done, Black”, you cursed as you hurried after him and to hell with the homework, which you left behind.
Lilly watched as you left, her head back in her hand. “Young love.”
It was no secret to her that you felt a little more than just friendship for the heartbreaker boy. It was also no secret, that Sirius Black was only heartless until it came to you.
There was no thing he wouldn´t do for you, much against his own denial. However, Sirius was best at one thing; protecting you. Mostly, from himself.
Oh yes, he wouldn´t trade your long friendship for anything or anyone, but his craving to feel your soft lips on his, was getting stronger by the day. The fear of breaking in took away his sleep. But as the time the night came, he realized the empty spot in the bed next to him. However, he decided on the empty spot, instead of losing you forever. He had determined years ago, his purpose to protect you was greater than his pain.
You made it hard though. Especially as you ran after him through the halls, after he was explicitly advised not to talk to you with the upcoming full moon. It would be hard to contain Remus and James couldn´t babysit a werewolf and an Animagus at the same time. Especially, if said Animagus was only focused on protecting the girl he loved.
“Sirius!”
He ignored you.
“Sirius Black if you do not stop running, I´ll hex you!” Finally, he stopped in his tracks. So abruptly, you almost ran right into him.
“For Merlin´s sake, you better tell me what is going on!” You scolded him angrily. He avoided your eyes, staring out of the window instead.
“I don’t know-“
“Don´t!” You became angrier by the second, but beneath all that anger was hurt. Why didn´t he tell you? What had you done, that made him loose trust?
“Don´t do this, Sirius. We don´t have secrets from each other, I´ve known you my entire life. If I did something wrong-“
It was his time to cut you off.
“You didn´t do anything wrong!” He assured you quickly and you sighed, as he finally starred into your mellow face.
“But clearly something is wrong and as long as you prefer to keep it from me, instead of letting me help, you can shove our friendship up your ignorant ass!”
He wanted to prevent exactly what just happened; you getting hurt. But you were hurt and his actions felt like betrayal to you.
Angrily and gloomy, you left him standing in the empty hall.
For the next two days, neither of the marauder´s saw much of you. Lily, who shared her room with you was the only one. Sirius, who had given up on trying, after your recent fight, only watched you from afar. Both James and Remus attempted to catch you after class, but you slipped away and hurried back into safeties of your room. All of them worried about the silence that hung like dark thunder clouds, but the full moon was approaching fast. They had bigger worries.
It was on the second day of your oppressive silence; night was approaching and your stomach growled in hunger. You had skipped dinner in order to evade James and Peter, who sat with Lilly. It was weird seeing them without Remus or Sirius, but you hadn´t given it much thought. They were probably up to no good as always.
But as you snuck out your room hoping to get at least a late-night snack, you heard toned down voices. Waiting at the end of the stairs of the common room, you listened to James and Peter.
“Come on, Potter! You can always talk to your girl, but we have to get going now! Sirius will need our help.”
James sighed defeated. “If this continues, Lilly won´t talk to me just like Y/N.”
“If Sirius would´ve acted a little more elaborated, she wouldn´t be as pissed as she is. That boy knows how to charm every girl, but her.”
James snickered at Peter´s comment. “You´re right, let´s go!”
You had no idea what was happening, but your feet acted on pure instinct as you hurried after the two boys. After all, curiosity killed the cat.
They left the school building and you had trouble keeping up, cursing at Merlin for their endurance from the quidditch training. You watched as they arrived at the whomping willow, hiding behind rocks and high grass, and then, they disappeared.
How did the old willow not even attempt to crush them? You eyed the plant structure from a safe distance, analyzing where James had previously stood. Something was there, you couldn´t fully make it out, but James had leaned down a little to touch the willow.
“For Merlin´s sake, those boys will be the death of me!”, you cursed whispering as you hurried to the willow. Hastily and purely relying on hope, you searched the plant for anything. It was your luck, that you found the knot at the base and a secret passage opened up.
Your mouth slightly opened and quietly you admitted, that the marauder weren´t completely stupid. At least not all the time (often enough though). It was a rather awkward slide into the passage, but luckily, James and Peter were already more far off and they didn´t hear your stumbling.
It didn´t take long until you found yourself at the shrieking shack, slowly the pieces were put together. However, you already heard loud voices coming from inside.
At this point, your gut feeling took over your prudence and you hurried inside, following the yelling. Screams from all of the marauders echoed through the old shack and you panted, when all kind of horrible scenarios came to your head. Argument or not, they were your friends and you´d do everything to protect them. With your wand safely in your hand, you entered the large room, but what came to your view wasn´t at all what you had expected…
At the back of the stone wall was Remus… But he wasn´t himself.
In the rise of the silver full moon his eyes turned savage and fur crawled across his skin until he was fully covered. You heard the breaking from the metal chains as he rose from the ground, taller than ever before. A gasp left your lips, which brought all the attention to you.
“Remus!”
James, Sirius and Peter exchanged quick looks, it wasn´t their first battle against the full moon, but this time you were a new meeple in the game. James and Peter lunged forward, trying to keep Remus, who was in full werewolf mode, back and Sirius ran to your side. “What are you doing here?” He asked furious and your head snapped at him.
“Me? You were the one lying to me! I wouldn´t have come, but you were hiding something from me!”
“I wasn´t!”
“Uhm, how about Remus being a werewolf?”
“I wanted to tell you!”
Your argument was interrupted as both James and Peter were thrown against the wall, Remus was on the loose. Sirius who had positioned himself safely in front of you, let out a growl as well.
In the next second, he jumped forward, his clothes ripping and when landing, the four paws scratched across the wooden floor. Yes, you had spent many hours cuddled together with Sirius in his hound form, watching sunsets and sometimes sunrises as well. But it was the first time, you witnessed him other than an adorable dog. This time, he truly seemed dangerous.
Not only he, but Remus as well and you felt fear growing. You didn´t know what they were capable of. Barely realizing how Peter grabbed your arm to pull you back from the fight, you watched as the two shadow figures began battling.
“Y/n stay back”, Peter tried to remind you, but you too captivated. Both he and James couldn’t do much, until Sirius was thrown against a nearby dresser, which fell to pieces. Sirius bellowed in pain and while James tried to help the hound pack on his feet (or paws), you placed yourself right in between him and Remus.
“Remus, remember who you are! We´re your friends!” You exclaimed, but aimed with your wand right at him. No one hurt your friends and seeing Sirius down, felt like a wakeup call.
Remus however didn´t listen and as he made another step closer to you, you were left no choice.
“Stupify!”
The red light bathed the dim room, but then the darkness crawled back into the corners and your senses. Your eyes had to adjust again, but then he was suddenly right in front of you. A sharp pain emerged, as you held up your arms to protect your body and head, then you felt yourself hitting the ground. Everything was spinning, you had lost your wand and burning red liquid ran down your outer, lower arms. Screams echoed further in the shallow room and you did your best to concentrate. Sirius´s dark shadow lunged off the ground and threw Remus back down, howling and growls cut through the air. But the two of them disappeared in blurriness. Two pair of arms grabbed your side.
“Y/n, can you hear us?” James´s distant voice rang through your mind; you formed a faint nod.
Peter starred at the continues blood stream.
“James, she´s losing a lot of blood, we need to get her to the infirmary.” Peter quietly explained and shock as well as fear was clearly written in both of their faces. “What about them?”
James felt like vomiting at the sight of your injury and feared the fact, that you were zooning out more and more. But Sirius had Remus pinned down, and Peter carefully, but rapidly put your arms around James.
“Get her to the infirmary, I´ll help Sirius in tying him down, go!”
It was at the edge of your consciousness as you felt yourself leaning against James, while he tried his best to get you through the dark, dirty passage. Then, before you reached the light of the moon again, you blacked out.
He had decided years ago, his purpose to protect you was greater than his pain.
Now Sirius sat on the marble bench outside the infirmary. All he ever wanted was to protect to you, and he failed miserably. Deep, dark circles from lost sleep were seen under his matt eyes. It had been almost two days since the incident and he had not the slightest idea, how James had explained the entire situation. Madame Pomfrey sure had enough to do as he carried you in, in the middle of the night with blood dripping on the way. They were able to stop the bleeding fairly quickly, but your body needed a lot of energy to fully close the wounds. As steps approached, Sirius looked up to find Remus; he looked just as tired.
He had lost all memory of the night, but seeing you pale and injured, hit him hard. He probably hadn´t slept as well. “She´s not awake?”
Sirius didn´t answer, his sole presence was enough. On the other hand, he wasn´t sure if he could even face you.
“Lilly´s with her.”
McGonagall’s lecture was hard, but bearable. Lilly´s on the other hand, only created more remorse. She was right, if he had just told the truth, things would´ve been different, under control at least. A deep empty pit inside his stomach growled as blame remained. But the heaping pain in his heart was even worse. The image of you in the hospital bed had been like a trigger, that created an avalanche. It could´ve ended worse, he could´ve lost you.
Sirius felt like throwing up again as the thought crossed his mind. It was his biggest fear; losing you.
“Amortentia is the most powerful love potion in the world. It is distinctive for its mother-of-pearl sheen, and steam rises from the potion in spirals. Amortentia smells different to each person, according to what attracts them."
“What in Merlin´s beard are you reading to me?”
Lilly´s head snapped up from the potions book, she couldn´t help herself but feel the need to entertain you. And maybe herself as well, while she held watch at your side.
“You´re up!” The red-head exclaimed excited and sat down on the bed next to you.
“How are you feeling?”
You let a small groan as you sat up a little higher, your limbs felt weak and heavy.
“Tired”, you offered her a small smile.
Your eyes traveled down to the bandages on your arms.
“Glad to see you didn´t amputate them.”
“At least you didn´t lose your humor.”
Then you found Lilly´s gaze again. “What about Sirius and Remus?”
She quickly shook her head. “You left us all worried and with terrible remorse, but we all survived, more or less.” You raised your eyebrow at her, questioning, but she ignored your gesture.
“I´ll just get them.”
Only seconds after, you heard steps approaching again. From behind the curtain came two terribly exhausting looking boys; your boys.
“You both look like shit”, you couldn´t hold back the comment and the three of you erupted in easier laughter. The tensions slightly shrunk. Remus was first to sit down next to you, guilt still hidden behind his eyes. But before he could even speak up, you shook your head.
“Don´t. It´s not your fault, you weren´t you.”
He offered you an apologetic smile.
“If I had told you the truth, or at least allowed Sirius to do so, this wouldn´t have happened.”
“Yeah”, you agreed nodding. “Better to remember for next time.”
Remus grimaced, still eyeing the bandages on your arms. “I hope there won´t be a next time like this.”
“If it helps, I barely remember getting here.”
Remus stayed still, but you carefully grabbed his hand. “Remus, I´m fine. Don´t beat yourself up about it, I forgive you.”
Finally, he looked up as well, nodding with tears in his eyes. It was a huge relief that he felt dropping off his shoulders. He gave you a careful hug. “I think I should give you some more rest, and don´t worry, I´ve been doing all your homework!”
Playfully, you hit his shoulder. “You should´ve started with that apology!”
Remus nodded at his friend as he left your side again, but Sirius remained standing next to your bed. You rose your eyebrow at him. “What´s wrong, Black?”
“Nothing´s wrong, you´re back and healing. It´s all that matters.”
“Something´s clearly wrong.”
Sirius pinched the bridge of his nose; it took all his strength not to break down. “We could´ve lost you.” He paused.
“I could´ve lost you.”
“But you didn´t”, you wanted to argue, but Sirius turned his back to you. Nervously wandering up and down in the room.
“I should´ve protected you better”, he mumbled quietly, his hand roughly running through his messy hair.
“That´s not your job-“
“Yes, it is. I can´t take seeing you hurt. So, I need to protect you!” His voice became louder, almost sounding angry. But beneath the façade was angst and deep distress.
“No, it´s not! Your job is to be my friend, not my patronus! You shouldn´t have to hide something like this!”
Suddenly he stopped, his back still facing you and his hands forming fists. You saw how his shoulders rose and dropped from his heavy breathing.
“Maybe, if I can´t protect you as a friend, we can´t be friends.”
His voice was low and so quiet, you weren´t sure at first about the words escaping his mouth. You felt your heart drop at his sentence, a gasp coming from your lips. Your mouth opened, but no words came out and you watched as Sirius pulled the curtain back, leaving the infirmary.
No, you wouldn´t let this go. Not like this.
You threw back the blanket and your bare feet touched the cold ground. You didn´t care though, or about the thin layer of white linen covering your body.
Just outside the infirmary, you caught up to him.
“Maybe we can´t be friends!”
He stopped once again, not bearing the thought of turning to look at you directly. He felt tears forming and he didn´t want you to see him like this. Weak and vulnerable, unable to protect you.
“And you can´t protect me from everything, especially not heartbreak! Because, you, you Sirius Black are breaking my heart!”
Carefully and slowly, he turned towards you, his eyes still glued on the floor. Your voice was quaking and your entire body shaking.
“You were never just a friend to me!”
Swift, in a blink, Sirius was right in front of you, his hands cupping your face. Only inches were left and you felt his warmth breath on your skin.
“I never wanted to break your heart, all I wanted was not to lose you”, he whispered with his voice shaking as well.
“You didn´t lose me and you never will.”
Then you felt his lips on yours and you eased into the kiss. His touch felt welcoming and you inhaled his musky scent. You had been right, no one was able to stop you from falling for your best friend. But after all, you didn´t need protection; all you needed were your friends and your love.
Summary: The summer holidays are just around the corner and together with your friends, you spent the day at the lake.
Words: 1.8k
Warnings: some sneaky remarks here and there
A/N: Requested by @msmb! “Could I get a request with Sirius Black where he and the reader are like best best friends and they both like each other as more and everyone can tell but them. They go to the black lake with like Lily and James and Remus and Marlene and Peter and Sirius pushes her in and she drags him with her and they start making out in the lake?”
“It´s the last exam and you´re not even close to failing, sure you want to take the books with you?” You asked Lilly, who was packing as if the library had to fit into her bag, while you laid on the bed watching. Marlene´s head peaked out from the bathroom; “Y/n´s right, leave the books.”
“Oh, she will as soon as James starts flirting again”, you giggled. Only seconds later, you felt the hard book binding hit your head. “Merlin you´re done Evans!”
You jumped off the bed, armed with a thick white pillow, which was heavy enough to throw Lilly to the ground. Soft and angelic feathers started floating through the air and while Marlene joined in the fight, you all overheard the knock on the door.
It wasn´t until James, Sirius, Remus and Peter stood right in the door, when you noticed the four boys staring. Mouth little agape and eyes wide opened, only Sirius had the capacity to smirk.
While Lily and Marlene spent their breathing to calm down and hide any further blushes, you rolled your eyes.
“What are you staring at, Black? Jealous to never experience a pillow fight with any of us?”
His provoking smile didn´t drop though.
“Just tell me when you´re free, Y/N, we can spend as much time in bed as you want.”
You huffed and threw your bag into his arms. “For that comment, you get to carry my bag.”
James took Lilly´s bag without asking or hesitation, and you knew how heavy that thing was. You hadn´t even reached the black lake, when Sirius started complaining. Sighing, you took your bag back.
“Weak”, you mumbled under your breath and finally reached your all favorites spot.
Sirius wanted to argue once again, but Remus patted his shoulder stopping him from doing so.
Each of you took a towel and together you formed a nice circle for the group to gather. Marlene and you had prepared some snacks and Remus and Peter had carried an extra cooling box with refreshing drinks. James, Sirius and Peter didn´t waste any time and immediately made their way into the water.
“Boys”, Marlene shook her head, while she and Lilly shared a sun lotion.
“More like idiots”, you nodded agreeing at them. Remus placed himself in front of the sun and his shadow fell on your body. You lurked up to him, taking a hand to shield yourself from the light.
You had known Remus before even going to school, more so, you considered him family. He always had been in your life and your families often spent the holidays together.
“Still care for a little swim, Fairy?”
You chuckled at his nickname, an old tradition from the two of you.
“Always Moony.”
When you were little and Remus had transformed for the first time, he had been awfully anxious especially of your opinion. But little you, was nothing but jealous. Why did Remus get to be a wizard AND a werewolf? It was then simply decided that you wanted to be a fairy. The nickname lasted.
A little more far off from the three boys, who tried their best to push each other into the water, you swam away from the waterfront.
“How long do you think it´s gonna take until Lilly and James finally admit that they´re made to be with each other?” You asked after a while, Remus laughed softly.
“No idea, but you´re one to ask!”
You gasped surprised, splashing a little water into this face. “What do you mean by that?”
“What about your flirting with Sirius?”
“Flirting? It´s called joking, Moony.” You explained and watched how Remus shrugged.
“If you say so! But I´m sure, he wouldn´t mind, if you weren´t joking.”
You groaned in annoyance. “Yes, Remus, of course he wouldn´t mind. Because he is Sirius Black.”
Your friend chuckled again. “Well, you´re not wrong about that.”
He knew, that there was no way into making you admit something, you didn´t even believe yourself yet.
“What about the tomorrow’s exam, you ready?”
You had turned around, making your way back towards land. “I guess, I´ll re-read Lilly´s remarkable notes before bed again, should be enough. What about you though?”
“Same, I´m much more worried about our two troublemakers.”
You eyed James and Sirius, who had settled back on the towels next to Lilly, Marlene and Peter.
“That bad?”
Remus rose his eyebrow. “Let´s put it this way, they won´t get much sleep today, if they don´t want to fail.”
“Somehow, they always manage though, don´t they?"
“Sure, but at what cost?”
You laughed with Remus and shortly after, you had reached the land again. James was making jokes to make Lilly giggle and while Marlene and Peter exchanged slightly annoyed glances, Sirius had watched you and Remus. His jaw was tensed and he knew he shouldn´t feel the jealousy over your friendship, but so often he wished you´d talk to him the same way.
Sure, the two of you liked teasing and joking, but there was this yearning to know more. Know your thoughts and dreams and as much as he tried, he never got close enough. Something always made the two of you act differently around each other…
You felt the cool drops of water running down your skin as you laid down on your towel, the sun shining hot on your back. The mere shadow of your own arms shielding your face, while a soft summer breeze began drying you off. Your group of friends continued talking and laughing, but soon enough you felt yourself drifting off. The past couple of weeks, you had all spent more time in the library than any of you liked. The constant reminder of stressful exam phase had drained a lot of energy, a little break was more than welcomed.
You didn´t know for how long you had fallen asleep, but when you woke up again, the sun had already began settling. You yawned and brushed off sleep from your face.
“Ah Y/n, glad to see you´re finally walking with the living again”, James exclaimed. You scrunched your nose, but a small smile was on your lips as well.
“How long was I out?”
“More than an hour”, Lilly explained, her expression a little more worried. On the other hand, she knew well enough, how her own body ached for a little more sleep.
“By Merlin´s beard, that felt good though!” You admitted and the group erupted in laughter.
You stretched as a second yawn escaped your lips.
“But I think I need a last cool down before heading back, the sun tried to roast me!”
“Good thing I put some sunscreen on your back, while you were peacefully napping!” Marlene grinned. “Oh, you did? I thought that was just a dream.”
Marlene rolled her eyes. “You owe me, I saved you from terrible sunburn!”
“Yes, after I advised you to do so”, Lilly interrupted.
“Well, I had to do it before Sirius would!”
Your brows furrowed in confusion after you scanned the group again. “Where is Sirius anyways?”
Peter pointed with his head towards the small jetty, which laid a little to the side.
“All alone?” You wondered and James shrugged.
“Maybe he tries to remember what tomorrows exam was about?”
You huffed, throwing your towel at the curly head, before leaving the group. Luckily, you were already too far away, when James snickered again.
“Three gallons that it´s gonna happen.”
Peter and Remus leaned in. “Nope, I don´t feel like it´s going to be today”, Peter shook his head. Remus observed, how you approached Sirius. “Maybe.”
“All alone, Padfoot?”
Sirius flinched barely noticeable, he hadn´t heard you approaching. His feet were dangling in the cooling water, while his eyes had focused on the horizon.
“You must´ve dreamed of me, you slept so peacefully.”
“I dreamed of our holidays and no exams, in case you actually wondered!”
“Don´t remind me of it”, he replied and sighed heavily. You shrugged reluctant.
“It´s only one left, then just a few days and we all can go home and dream of you.”
He stayed serious and you felt a concern raising.
“Are you okay? It´s not just the exam is it?”
Sirius carefully glanced at you, then back at the lake. You knew him well enough to tell when there was more. “No, it´s not.”
His expression was easily read for you and you already guessed, what his worries were about.
“You should just stay at James´s, they´re not even worth it.”
Finally, Sirius looked back at you. “I don´t want to burden them again, I already spent Christmas at James´s.” Shocked by his statement, you gasped.
“Sirius, you are not a burden! Not for James or anyone!” But then your voice became softer again.
“I´m sure you can spend the holidays at my place as well.”
He rose his eyebrow, surprised. “Really?”
“Sure! I just need to persuade my parents, that they won´t become grandparents!”
He chuckled and you noticed his shoulders relaxing as well.
“Just to clarify; we´d make the most beautiful babies”, he added grinning. Playfully, you punched his shoulder. “So, that´s what you´re dreaming of, huh?”
Then you felt Sirius hands grabbing your side and your weight shifting. However, you held onto his arms and as you felt the water embracing your body, you dragged him in as well.
“You should be punished for pushing me into the water!” You exclaimed when the two of you reached the surface again. “I was; you dragged me with!”
“Someone had to drag you out of that dream!”
The two of you started splashing water around, erupting in a hose fight like children would. You were satisfied, knowing it took off his mind and truthfully, yours as well. You didn´t have to act like adults, not knowing enough about that life anyways, and for once, you could simply be yourself.
Sirius was prevailing and you felt as the ground beneath your feet deepened, until you couldn´t stand anymore. Now you had to swim in order to stay above the surface, Sirius grinned in knowing victory. But then he shifted his weight, gliding through the water until reaching you. Of course, he could still stand due to his height difference.
“I can´t let you drown, can I?” He asked whispering and his arms embraced your hips to pull you closer to him. In the setting sun his skin had a golden tint and his beautiful eyes glistened like honey.
It felt like a dream.
You didn´t think about your actions, letting your body react on it´s own. Your hand reaching up around his neck and your legs hugging around his waist. Sirius leaned a little down until his lips finally brushed against yours. Wet from the lake water, but warm and welcoming. As much as his heart was beating in flurry in his chest, you didn´t push him away. Your hands cupped his face to pull him even closer, your lips opening to deepen the kiss. It was like a dream finally coming true.
Summary: When puberty suddenly hits you and your brother´s best friend realizes his interest in you
Words: 3.8k
Warnings: drinking underaged, mentions of smoking, swearing
A/N: Inspired by Anne-Marie´s song, but not really following the lyrics
It happened from your summer break to your fifth year in Hogwarts, for your brother James it was his sixth year.
It was, what you would call the perfect summer; You had spent it with your friend Sarah in Spain, her family owned a stunning little cottage near Barcelona. The golden beach and the hot sun brought you back with a stunning tan and even a few freckles decorated your face now. Due to many trips to the mountains and the regular exercise of swimming, playing beachball and evenings dancing on the streets beneath moonlight, you had toned up and lost some body fat. A late, maybe even a drunk decision to get a new haircut and the obsessive amount of the new clothes, that completely reinvented your sense of fashion.
The time abroad away from your family felt like a gasp of freedom to you. You loved your parents and even your brother James, if he wasn´t annoying you, dearly, but that summer you felt grown-up and independent. You found new assets, hobbies, interests and confidence to further follow them. You hadn´t planned it, but your glow up transformation was born.
You came back just a few days before school was starting and somehow, you even looked forward to it. A new found motivation to become the best version of yourself pushed you to new limits. Not even the fact that Sirius Black had moved in with your family, could shatter your positive attitude.
“Mom, where did Dad put my luggage, I brought a few souvenirs I wanted to give you!”, you asked while looking through your backpack for a hair tie. Your mother, who had already settled back in the kitchen, her natural habitat, to get some iced tea, shrugged.
“I don´t know, darling, didn´t he put them in your room already?”
Nevertheless, it felt good to be home again.
Your father entered the dining and kitchen area from outside, a suitcase of yours in each of his hands. Just as he was about to call your brother for help, James jumped down the staircase and patted your father on the shoulder. “In a second, dad?”
James, who always had been taller than you, eyed your astonished. “Who is that girl in our home? Is that even my sister anymore?” You chuckled as he gave you a quick hug.
“Shut up James, you´re just jealous that you´re still pale like a snow owl!”
While the two of you started your casual process of sibling bickering, Sirius carefully stepped down the stairs as well. From the back, he observed your figure.
All those years, you had been James´s sister or the younger Potter, but for the first time, you didn´t perish next to James. Actually, you overshone him. James, who was athletic due to the Quidditch practice, still had a crooked and flabby posture. It didn´t help that he was used to swagger through the halls of Hogwarts. But you? You remained with your head held high, your shoulders relaxed and your tanned skin freshly glowing.
“Y/n.”
You turned to find Sirius starring at you; you couldn´t point his look, but you gave him a polite, regardless smile. “Sirius”, you greeted him. Your voice wasn´t rude or cold, still it didn´t match the voice you´d use to talk to James. “Or should I call you brother number two?”
A painfully small grin was brought to his lips. Over the course of years, the two of you barely exchanged words. But yet, you were a constant part of his life. Yes, he had spent many Christmas holidays with your family. He most definitely spent more time with James than you. You were his best friend’s sister, right?
But why did it suddenly bother him, that you called him brother?
“Y/n, Sirius is staying in the guest room from now on. We didn´t use the room anyway, did we?”
The Potter residency had an altogether combined number of four floors; the basement with storage and washing area. The main floor with kitchen, dining and living room, leading to the outdoor terrace and garden and your parent´s bedroom. The second floor with James´s bedroom, your father´s study room and of course, the guest bedroom, which now belonged to Sirius. Last but not least the attic, which was renovated to your room. A point which had caused James and you to argue for several years; the attic was an amazing room and much larger than other bedrooms in the house. James lost the argument due to very weak points. To quote your mother, James spent more time outside doing mischief than actually staying in his room.
You were more relieved than ever to have not only your own room, but basically your own floor. You didn´t mind Sirius, but you needed your space and you didn´t wanted to be involved with their pranks.
“James, help me with my suitcase, will you?” You exclaimed, but your brother already made his way to the kitchen. By his moving pattern, you knew he was up to no good.
“Mom, don´t you and Dad usually spent the weekend at Cindy´s?” You couldn´t help but rolling your eyes at his comment. The last weekend before school begins; James´s house party.
Your parents knew he´d like to bring friends over at that weekend, they didn´t know about half of the school coming and the amount of beer and fire whisky.
“James?” You sighed, but your brother was pursuing his own goals.
“I´ll help you”, Sirius suddenly spoke up and hurried next to you. He took the suitcases without much effort and immediately started carrying them upstairs. On the stairs, you passed the Black boy to open the door to your room for him. Sirius noticed your swift movement and was reminded of James playing Quidditch. Clearly you both inherited that gene. Sirius put down the luggage and couldn´t help but eye your room with growing eyes. The high wooden ceiling, which was decorated with fairy lights and pictures and painting on the walls. You had a secret talent to be good at drawing and detailed sketches of plants, you had learned about in school, hung over your desk. Pictures of you and James at the age of toddlers and family portraits from Christmas. In one of them was even Sirius. You realized how he didn´t leave your room and eyed him warry as he starred at the pictures.
“I´ve never been to your room.”
“Don´t get used to it.” You heaved your suitcase up on your bed to start the sorting out process and Sirius turned away from the pictures, raising his eyebrow. “It´s my room.”
His eyes glided over the silk sheets of your bed and he couldn´t help but wonder, how you looked when waking up in the morning by rays of sunshine falling through the windows. Have you watched him playing Quidditch with James from those windows? Ever so slightly he shook his head to get rid of that thought. You´re James´s sister, he reminded himself.
There weren´t really rumors about you in school, unlike James´s reputation. But there was one thing Sirius knew all too well; you were not to mess with. What your brother inherited in talent, was put together with an almost deadly preciseness. He saw you battling a student in his year once, you won without even breaking a sweat.
“The new hair suits you”, he suddenly added before leaving your room and closing the door behind him. Your mother had pin pointed every single detail that had changed about you, but you´d never guessed that heartbreaker Sirius Black would comment on it…
James Potter was awfully good at talking people into doing what he desired. And James Potter desired a more memorable house party each year, thanks his ego. Previously, you had spent the weekend at Sarah´s, but after an entire summer, you were left home as well. Against your own anticipation, you didn´t mind. Was it the fact, that you had partied and danced more the entire summer than anyone could imagine? Maybe.
“Y/n, you look out for James, don´t let him do stupid things!” Like a house party? Lingered on your tongue, but you smiled bitter sweet. “It´s hard to look out for somebody as stupid as James.”
Your mother wrinkled her eyebrows, but your dad let out a laughing grunt. “They´ll be fine”, he reassured your mother, before kissing you on top of your head and heading out.
“It´s hard to look out for somebody as stupid as James”, James voice filled the air while he imitated you. He and Sirius came down to the living room, a box of somewhat decorations in their hands.
James was everything but stupid, even though there were times, where you questioned his IQ. He took out old wine bottles with candles in them and packed away your mom´s favorite cutlery and vase. One thing less to worry.
“Tell me, Y/n, do the Spain kiss good?” He continued to mock you.
“Better than the British”, you answered sweetly. A sour taste spread in Sirius mouth, but James pressed his jaw together. He hadn´t expected the answer from you, his sweet innocent little sister.
“Should I worry about you tonight?” He asked a little more serious now, but you ruffled through his precious locks. “Why? Afraid I´ll crash your party?”
“Who are you and what have you done to my baby sister?” He yelled after you, while you left the room to go upstairs, chuckling.
The marauders were first to arrive; Moony, Wormtail and obviously Padfoot and Prongs himself. Remus also brought Lily Evans, your brother´s secret, not so secretly girlfriend. You watched as they arrived one by one from the window at your desk. The golden boy and his gang, all complete.
The past few days, you had taken your time to do whatever you pleased. Your mother didn´t force any of you to have breakfast or lunch together, due to the fact that you all had different sleeping patterns. You had spent it at your desk, getting ready for school, journaling about your holidays, sorting out pictures and old clothes. In the garden helping your mother put together bouquets of flowers or riding your bike around your favorite trails and sceneries. Really you hadn´t seen much of your brother or Sirius.
You took your time getting ready, the Marauder´s already starting off with drinking. You had invited Sarah and when you saw her and her older sister, who was in James´s year, arriving, you finally made your way downstairs. James, Sirius and Remus were grouped around the kitchen aisle, debating sport games with three more guys from Gryffindor. Matt Atkins, Hogwarts second bad boy after Sirius, eyes suddenly grew big as he ran dry. His remarkably sharp jaw fell down and his mouth open. “Who is she?”
You casually strolled down the stairs, even wearing some strapped heels together with a new dress from Spain. A rather hard punch let Matt yelp, James annoyed eyes bringing him to his knees. “That´s my sister”, he muttered with his teeth grinding.
The golden boy was about to be pushed from his throne by his own sister.
You gave the group of boys a knowing smirk before welcoming Sarah, who was glowing with the same tan as you. “Seems like Spain has been muy beneficioso per nos.”
Your laughter filled the air, as not only the marauder but also several other male creatures watched the two of you chat. “How´s Gabriel?” You asked her instead and Sarah blushed. Her apparent summer fling had made it clear, that his feelings were a little stronger than just a fling.
“He wrote me a letter with a poem”, she blushed. Before continuing the topic, a boy joined the two of you. “Ladies, can I get you something to drink?”
James was quick to appear next to you, a sudden wave of protectiveness had overcome him. “She´s my sister and she doesn´t drink.”
“Yes, yes she does.”
Lily, who had joined her boyfriend, snickered at your response. James watched you wide eyed, as did the boy, walking to the kitchen with Sarah after dropping the comment; “Not from you though.”
Sirius, who´s blood alcohol level was already high enough, started smirking as you approached. The feelings he had pushed back and buried, arose in him.
“Y/n, care for a drink?” “Yes, Black, I do.”
As he fished two cups for you and Sarah, the group starred at you. Matt Atkins was first to speak up again. His initial shock about Sirius approaching you, was put back after he remembered that he lived with you and James now. Remus and Peter watched the scene, secretly exchanging a bet of how quickly you would decline Atkins.
“So, Y/n, tell me how was Spain?”
You leaned on the counter top, a trick that had earned you free drinks in bars before, and smiled.
“Hot.”
Sirius passed you the cups and you nodded thanking. His senses tingled, an explosion rushing through his veins. He wasn´t to construe it the past few days, but drunk words are sober thoughts and Sirius´s attraction towards you, grew with each second. Peter slid the money to Remus, Matt Atkins had no chance.
The party continued into the evening and quickly into the night. You were sure that at least 50 people were there, with a few outside maybe more. James, who didn´t enjoy himself as much as he´d like to, was also too stubborn to admit it. You didn´t like how he watched, almost babysitted you, lingering ready to scare away any potential boy flirting. It was until Lily finally swept in and took his mind off you.
Outside remained a small bonfire, which was coming to an end, but you still decided to catch some fresh air. You had more cups than your brother knew about, but he was kissing Lily in the corner and didn´t realize your slight staggering.
James wasn´t stupid, but stupid enough to completely miss the fact that his own best friend was falling in love with you. And he was following you outside.
“Y/n Potter, you surprise me.” Sirius voice was low and a little rough, which was explained as he pulled out a cigarette. You took another sip of who knew what mixture and smiled innocently at him. “Why´s that, Black?”
You never called him Black before, until this summer. An unconscious defense mechanism.
It had taken Sirius five days after your initial arrival to realize that he´d liked you way more than he should and now there was no turning back. He was acting on pure instinct now and so did you. But your instinct told you, that Sirius Black was a heartbreaker.
“What do want, Black?” You asked whispering as he slowly came closer, his hand reaching up to tuck back strands of your hair. This was dangerous, but you liked playing with fire. “You.”
Your laugh was bitter.
“We're nothing more than friends. You're not my lover, more like a brother. I´ve known you since we were like ten.”
You left him behind in the approaching cold from the night and the dying fire. Sirius cursed at himself and ruffled through his hand. “Fuck!”
How could he have been so stupid? You were his best friend´s sister! You were James´s sister! Of course, you didn´t see him in any romantic way and now he not only embarrassed himself to the bone, but probably ruined any kind of friendship with you. He threw the leftover cigarette into the fire, there was only one solution left; alcohol.
Don't mess it up, talking that shit
Only gonna push me away, that's it!
When you say you love me, that make me crazy
Here we go again
Sirius Black was astonishing good in hiding feelings and even better at drowning them. At least for the next hour or so. That was until the music box suddenly played a Spanish song with a typical reggae beat and laughing, you pulled Sarah onto the dancefloor in the middle of the living room. Oh, how you had learned to swing your hips at the rhythm.
James was burning in fury and he wanted to punch every single pair of eyes laying on your figure. Luckily, he couldn´t and much too quick for your dismay, the song ended. The room echoed in applause and howlers, and giggling you left the stage with Sarah. The two of you were used to being drunk together and lazily you found your seat on the bathroom floor.
“James isss going to kill youuuu”, Sarah laughed as she not so gracefully, kneeled onto the floor. It didn´t help that after you sat down at the brim of the bathtub, fell over crackling.
“Oh my god!” Sarah suddenly exclaimed startled. You leaned forward surprised, legs still hanging over the brim. “What?”
“We don´t have anything to drink anymoreeee! I´ll be back in a second, just stay here!”
You leaned back, head against the wall, softly humming in response. “I don´t even think I´m able to leave, I´ll wait!” For a few seconds, you closed your eyes; enjoying the buzz of the liquor and the music in the background. You heard the door open and close again.
“Merlin Sarah, you´re flying when it comes to-.“ It wasn´t Sarah, it was Sirius. You eyed him with furrowed brows. “Did you at least get me something to drink?”
He had a cup in his hands and eyed it, pondering to give it to you, or drink it himself. But you leaned forward, grabbing his arm and then snatching the drink from his fingers. He found himself starring into your big eyes, not wanting to look away.
“Don´t you have enough boys outside to bring you drinks?” He asked and you shrugged while taking a big sip. “But you´re here, aren´t you?” The sentence made his heart beat quicker.
“Don't go look at me with that look in your eye”, you then added and avoided his glance again.
“Why not?”
“You know why, but apparently you really ain't going away without a fight.”
He suddenly turned to you, pushing one of his hands against the wall, the other one trailing down to your neck. His fingers brushed against your skin and you felt goosebumps crawling down your spin. He was leaning, yes hovering above you and his eyes wandered back and forth from your eyes to your lips. Stubbornly, you looked up to him.
“You can't be reasoned with, I'm done being polite. Haven't I made it obvious?” You pushed yourself a little up from the bathtub, your face only inches away. But the look on your face was stern and certain. “Haven't I made it clear? Want me to spell it out for you?
F-R-I-E-N-D-S”
Sarah pushed open the door and rolled her eyes, she had obviously noticed the boy´s attention towards you. “Back off, Black.”
Sirius was caught off guard by her, which gave you space and time to pull yourself out of the tub, leaving him sitting there.
The night only slowly continued after your clashing in the bathroom. Remus watched his friend with plaintive eyes. He had realized the silence and even more oblivious, his sad stares into your direction. It wasn´t hard to guess really, but he understood his reticent mood. You were his best friends’ little sister and he knew, James would kill for you. If anyone were to break your heart and if that anyone was Sirius, the friendship could be over.
On the other hand, there was one thing Remus knew, Sirius had never acted like this around a girl.
“You shouldn’t give up yet.” Sirius glanced back at him and rolled his eyes.
“She´s sees me as a friend, I´m like a brother to her.”
“You don´t dance like this in front of your friend. Y/n and James both know how to get the things they want. It´s probably a family disorder”, Remus chuckled. But he became stern again, laying a hand on his friend´s back. “She´s playing with you, you know it. And I have to admit, she plays better than you, Padfoot. You liked this girl way before, before the summer, before she started flirting with you today.”
“I didn´t-“
“Yes, you did. Or why did you stress out about getting her a Christmas and birthday gift every year since knowing James? Why did it bother both you and James, about Kevin making that remark last year? You broke his nose, in case you forgot.”
Remus was right, he was way too often for Sirius taste. He liked you more than a friend from the second he laid eyes on you. He swore himself to protect you, but now he was the endangerment of hurting you and it scared him.
People left the party; it was past 3.a.m. and Lily started putting away empty cups. He knew Sarah would sleep at the Potter house tonight and just in second, he caught sight of you carrying a blanket upstairs. “You´re the best, Moony and I hate you for it.”
He hurried up the stairs and caught you just in front of your room.
“Y/n, wait!”
You sighed heavily. “Sirius, I´m tired and Sarah´s laying on my bathroom floor throwing up.”
He tried to remember every formal etiquette ever taught to him while establishing and taking together his bravery. Hundreds, yes thousands of pranks and yet, he never had been this nervous. You eyed him wary. “Have you got no shame? You looking insane. Here we go again.”
“I´m sorry for acting like a dick.”
The apology took you a step back, surprised.
“Don't go look at me with that look in your eye.”
His tongue brushed against his lip. “Why not, Y/n? Afraid to admit it?”
“For Merlin´s Sake, get that shit inside your head, Sirius! We´re just friends.”
His hand lingered on the wall to your back. It was the second time he had encircled you, but this time around, you didn´t see an outlet. Maybe you didn´t want one either. You felt his breath tingling against your skin and against your anticipation, the scene felt intimate and fragile to you.
“I like you, Y/n. I´ve liked you for a while now and I suppressed it. You´re right, I´m heartbreaker, and I knew, if I was to break yours, I wouldn´t be able to live with myself.”
You felt your shaky breathing, the dim light coming from downstairs barely gave enough away.
“You made it obvious. You made it very clear. But I wanted- needed you to know this; you were and never will be just a friend to me.” He gulped, lowering his glance.
“And I´m sorry, if that´s going to push you away.”
You dropped the blanket to the ground, throwing your hands around his neck and pulling him down. The kiss was passionate, but dripping like honey; sweet and slowly. His hands grabbed your waist and you inhaled his deep musky scent.
You leaned away from him with caution, sighing. “Sarah´s vomiting and I´m making out, I´m a terrible friend.” Sirius chuckled lowly, his nose brushing against yours again.
Summary: Fred and you loved to be spontaneous. Ever since your time in Hogwarts, there wasn´t a day filled with tediousness. But when Fred suddenly decides that it´s time to get married, things go wild…
Words: 2k
You didn´t hear the door close behind Fred. Instead you sat in the bathtub, filled with bubbles and candles spread around the rim of the tub. Music from the record player filled the apartment with soft tunes. It was natural that you flinched when the door suddenly opened and a gasp escaped your lips.
“God, Fred, what are you doing here? I thought you´d be at work all day!” You exclaimed after your initial surprise. You weren´t wrong, he usually was at work and when he came back from the shop he shared with George, he was usually very tired. Tired but happy. A flicker of a smile when he saw what you had cooked for him, but today? Today was different.
It wasn´t even 11 a.m., you had a free day, and there he stood; in the middle of the rather small bathroom with a grin from ear to ear. His eyes glowing in excitement.
“What?” You asked confused and leaned to the brim of the tub, but all he did was stare at you. He soaked in the view of you, covered in foam and your hair messily put up.
As quick as he had entered the room, he suddenly kneeled down to you, both of his hand grabbing the tub. It was the same look he had when coming up with new ideas.
“Do you want to marry me?”
His face was only inches away and a tint of blush crept on his cheeks. Completely taken back, you couldn´t help but simply stare.
“What?”
His hands grabbed yours, not caring about the water dripping over. “Do you want to marry me?”
He paused for a second. “Because I realized that I can´t imagine not marrying you! You know, I was at the store with George and it was like any other day and yet it wasn´t! I just knew, so I rushed back to you!” He started rambling until you interrupted with laughter.
He had joked about it since you started dating back in your days in Hogwarts. He would marry you one day, but Fred joked a lot if the day was long. On the other hand, you neither questioned marrying him.
“Yes, you idiot! Of course, I´ll marry you!” You finally exclaimed and he pressed his lips firmly on yours. Softly, he started pulling you up and lifting you out of the tub.
“Fred, you´re making a mess! The water…” You giggled in between kisses but he shook his head.
“No time, love. I already called the register office, there´s an open slot at 3 o´clock!”
“Wait what?!”
“I told you I want to marry you, why wait?” He sat you down on your feet again and wrapped a towel around your dripping body, so you wouldn´t get cold. “Fred, I… You…” There was no physical way you would bring out anything but stammering. Instead, you were just shaking your head. Smiling.
“You´re unbelievable.” “But it´s a reason why you love me, right?”
“Yes, I love you more than anything.” You pressed another kiss on his lips, short but passionate.
“No, excuse me, I have to get ready for my wedding day!”
George wasn´t as enthusiastic about randomly closing the shop without an explanation, but Fred begged long enough, telling him to meet him in London. Before George could object, Fred ended the call. “You didn´t even tell him!” You shouted from your shared bedroom and Fred´s head popped in; eyebrows raised. “Yeah, but he´ll find out soon enough.”
“Then call your sister, we need a second witness to a marriage. And Ginny just told me yesterday that she´d be in the city anyways!”
“Should I tell her why we need her so urgent?”
“Nope, she´ll figure it out later”, you grinned and your fiancé nodded agreeing.
“What about your parents, love?”
“They´re visiting Charlie.”
“But telling them? In any way?” You wondered and Fred came back to sit on the bed. “Well, sure mum´s gonna be a little angry, but we can have a bigger feast when we´re all in town! Ron is with Hermione in Austria, Bill and Fleur have been dealing with the house. Maybe we set a date or something, but the free appointment is only today, anyways we have to wait at least six months!” You sighed while fixing your hair.
“Molly is gonna rip off your head.” “Why only mine?”
“Darling, she won´t rip off her new daughter-in-law´s head.”
“Come one, hurry, we have only an hour left!” Fred, who was tall and usually bragged about his long legs, was a few feet behind you. “Do you think we even find a dress?” He asked.
“I don´t want anything special, after all this is just the official marriage service, not the actual ceremony with friends and family. But maybe something to look at least a little put together? You´re wearing a shirt and a tie as well!”
“Love, you always look put together and astonishing pretty.” Laughing, you jokingly hit his shoulder. “If you don´t stop flirting, I might have to put a ring on you!”
Fred opened the door of the shop for you and while you entered, your mouth fell open and you admired the view of dresses. A saleslady quickly approached the two of you, who were clearly overwhelmed. “Can I help you with anything?”
“I´m looking for a formal dress for the register office”, you explained and she nodded smiling. “So, when is the date, if I may ask?” “In about an hour”, Fred shrugged reluctant and watched grinningly how the face of the saleslady dropped. He enjoyed this a little too much.
“Oh dear, then we better begin…”
The first dress was a nightmare, the cut made you look uncomfortable and the material was itchy. While you waited in the fitting room, the saleswoman searched for a new dress. Fred casually joined her. “Ehm, I actually have to pick something up, a surprise for her”, he cleared his throat and she nodded understanding. “I think I can handle it, any last preferences maybe?”
“Actually, I saw this red dress in the front room?” The saleslady nodded in excitement and Fred thanked her before leaving the shop. The dress was the perfect Gryffindor red, it immediately reminded of your school times. You wore a similar one to the ball with Fred. But this one was made of a sleek satin material, the cut dropped off shoulder and it was tighter, hugging your body in the right places without being uncomfortable. You starred at yourself in the mirror.
“It´s perfect! Where´s Fred, I need to show him?” The saleswoman smirked knowingly.
“Your fiancé had to do some last-minute preparation, he told me that he would meet you at the register office”, she stated how Fred had previously explained. You furrowed your brows, but then you nodded as well. He was going to love you in the dress.
You saw the two red-heads, George and Ginny waiting across the street. You had thrown over your normal black coat, the dark heels and beneath the dress, nice and hidden. At least for now. George had his arms crossed in front of his chest, his face a little bitter and not very amused. Ginny spotted you firstly and embraced you. She seemed confused as well.
“Y/n, what is going on? Fred sounded so urgent on the phone?” Her brother nodded agreeing. “What is so important that we had to close the shop?” Before you could speak up, Fred suddenly popped up and joined your group, pressing a quick kiss on top of your head.
“Everything´s ready”, he nodded towards you. “Ready for what?” George continued bickering.
“Y/n and I are getting married.”
While Ginny let out a small scream of surprise, hugging you tightly the next second, George patted his brother on the shoulder. “You two were always spontaneous, I shouldn´t be surprised.”
There was no time for congratulations, the four of you hurried inside the large building and after asking for the directions and a waiting time of almost five minutes, you entered the office of Mrs. Carter. You took off your coat, both Fred and Ginny let out a small gasp. “You´re looking stunning”, Fred whispered and placed another kiss on your cheek. Mrs. Carter, who watched the two of you closely, nodded politely while shaking your hand and showing your seats.
“So, you´re Mr. Weasley, Fred right?” She asked while organizing a few papers. Fred nodded. “And you´re the lucky girl, who he surprised?” “Yes, very much.”
“I see you brought your witnesses”, she stopped a little confused when looking up and finding George, right next to Ginny. “Yeah, I´m Fred´s twin brother, and this is our sister Ginny.” The four of you grinned widely. “Big family I see”, Mrs. Carter smiled warmly.
“Then let´s get started, shall we? I need you to sign the papers here, they declare that you´re both here willingly today.” The two of you took the pen and signed ahead.
“Y/n, are you taking on Fred´s last name?” You stopped in your tracks, looking unsure back and forth between Mrs. Carter and Fred. “Y/N Weasley has a good ring to it, I have to admit”, Fred shrugged innocently. It wasn´t something you actually had discussed, but it felt right. So, you went with it.
“Yes, Y/n Weasley it is.” Mrs. Carter handed you the papers for the name change.
“Do you forge the marriage with rings or without?”
“Without”, you spoke up without even thinking, but Fred grabbed your hand, holding you back. “Actually”, he paused while taking out a small velvet box. Amazed you starred at him. “I do have rings.”
“Fred, you didn´t have to”, you trailed off softly, but he shook his head serious. “Just because we´re doing this so spontaneous, doesn´t mean we´re not doing it right.”
You melted at his words and it felt like falling in love with him all over again. It was you and him, sneaking out of the common room or skipping class to make out behind corners. The kisses after won Quidditch games. Running away hand in hand after those many pranks. Quiet nights on the couch, watching the fire and snow falling outside. Walking down hand in hand to the ball. Drunken nights filled with deep conversations on the astronomy tower. Christmas mornings with the entire family and baking cookies together. Falling into each other arms after the battle, knowing that you both survived.
All those moments leading up to the present, it was destiny.
“You´re amazing”, you breathed and kissed Fred softly. He put on the ring on your finger, you did the same with his. Mrs. Carter was beaming and Ginny took a handkerchief, wiping away a few tears. It was a beautiful scene. “Last papers to sign now, then your wife and husband!”
Two weeks later you found yourself at the burrow, both Molly and Arthur, Bill and Fleur and Ron and Hermione had come home within the past few days. A reunion was long after-due. And Ginny continued to claim that she would explode, if you didn´t tell soon. You were all seated around the long table in the dining area, chatting about the vacation and other miscellaneous things. Molly had baked pie and you had brought some chocolate mousse as well. Arthur, who sat at the end of the table, Fred and you next to him, then George and Ron, rose from his chair. It was late in the afternoon and most of you enjoyed a cup of tea or coffee, there was no intention of champagne, at least not yet. Molly joined her husband. As always, they smiled happily seeing all their children and family together.
“You know, even though it´s nothing too special, it´s always nice to see the family back together!” He exclaimed and, in the mean-time, you and Fred exchanged knowing looks. Fred rose from his chair, patting his father on the shoulder.
“Actually, dad, there are some news”, he paused, waiting for you to join his side.
“I would like for everyone to meet my official wife, Y/n. We got married two weeks ago!”
Summary: It was blatant, that the day of your wedding would come. Yet, you feared it as much as he did.
Words: 2.2k
Warnings: Angst, arranged marriage
A/N: I don´t know too much about Regulus, which is why I decided to interpret this oneshot in my own way. (Also, Timothee Chalamet as Regulus= chefs kiss)
Denial was the first stage you encountered. Blatantly you had been prepared for it your entire life, but when the message reached you, it was still denial. It couldn´t be true, you were promised more time. Time to live.
Any excuse sounded better than the one thrown into your face: There was no other option.
You recalled word for word in your head as you starred at yourself in the large mirror. It should be an honor, you´ll be a good wife, you´ll have a big house. But none of it mattered to you, your priorities laid differently in society. Will I be happy?
The mirror, the room and the entire house was furnished with golden details; flowers, flourishes and patterns. It reminded you of the palaces in the renaissance period. You had loved the paintings from the time, but finding yourself in a similar ensemble on your wedding day felt all too wrong.
A knock appeared on the door and your mother entered, stunned with her hand over her heart as she admired you. The two servants, who had helped you to get ready, carefully stepped back. Their work was done. If it weren´t for your mother´s sake, you´d thank them from the bottom of your heart.
“You look absolutely gorgeous, he´ll be very pleased to see you.”
Yeah, because that´s all that mattered. Your eyes wandered back to your silhouette in the mirror; long, delicate arms of lace traveled down your skin, the train measured at least ten feet and the veil, which was still placed to show your face, followed the train. Your mother handed you the flower bouquet, white, blue and lavender. Then she pulled the veil over your face and nodded a last time. “Your father will be waiting for you downstairs. They´re all ready.”
Heavy chains were attached to your feet and each step you took, was harder.
Outside the hall, where the ceremony would take place, your father waited for you. He matched your mother´s dark attire, but as so often, he loved the embellishments on his suit. In your opinion, they always looked disgustingly conceiting and plump on him. Every cell in your body screamed for you to run and as you stepped inside the large hall, you wondered why you didn´t listen to your heart. Like the rest of the villa, it was stunning and a true architectural treasure. Dark, even wood was spread on the floor and the walls were delicately painted in cool grey tones. Against the gold details, the walls looked like painted clouds, dreamy and far away.
Within the dark ensemble the white spot like a ray of sunshine; you.
Why didn´t you run?
Would it be so bad to never see your family again? A family that had no emotional connection to you, you were never told, how much they loved you or even appreciated you.
You could live a free life, away from all pressure and deciding how you wanted to live. If you wanted to get marry, or not and even more importantly, who.
The painful truth was, that running even as far as you could, only brought you time. You were their only child, their only way to safely secure, pleasant and reputable future. They would find you eventually and by the mark on their forearms, it wouldn´t be a reencounter to spread joy.
Under the veil, none of them saw your shivering jaw and your blinking eyes in tears as you made your way to the altar.
Your father´s hand, softly put over the arm you had linked with this, grabbed you harsh enough to stop you from running. It might have looked like a lovingly scene, how he approached Regulus and placed your hand in his, but it wasn´t.
It felt like somebody threw away the keys from your chains.
Oh, right, Regulus was there as well.
You had barely acknowledged his presence, which was surprising due to the fact that he was your soon to be husband. You would never, not even on your deathbed, admit it, but he looked attractive. Plenty of times you had seen him wear a neat black suit, but today he didn´t look like Mommy´s boy put in attire. Somehow, he looked like a true man in front of the altar.
He seemed so steady and calm, was he even pressured into this?
You had spent almost your entire school career knowing him, he was a year older, but you couldn´t remember a singular conversation between the two of you. You started believing, you never had one.
Regulus wasn´t the scrawny kid anymore. He was tall and had a sleek figure, which he had proved many times as Slytherin´s seeker. His dark, rather short locks framed his angular face and his high cheekbones. He truly looked like a perfect descendant for a pure-blooded family.
His hand was warm, no hint of nervousness, while yours was as cold as ice. He barely glanced at you, both of you facing the altar and the wizard, who guided you through the ceremony.
He was a man of at least sixty years, grey hair and beard, but everything that left his lips, barely entered your conscience.
Finally, it felt like years, the peak of the ceremony had come.
You turned to Regulus, carefully and slowly, his long fingers grabbed the edge of your veil and pulled it back to reveal your face.
What did you expect to see in his expression? Excitement? Awe? Admiration?
For a split second, his jaw tensed, but he turned back to his neutral expression. You didn´t know how to pinpoint those bare split seconds, where his façade had vanished, and you didn´t like, not knowing how he felt. Was he glad to marry you? Was he only looking forward to this, because you were pure-blooded? Did he find you pretty or at least attractive? Or did he find you so attractive, that he wouldn´t hold himself back? Would he follow his instincts and ignore your potential feelings?
You wanted to curse and scream, but your eyes were glued on his lips and you felt how the magical string wrapped around your hands.
“Today Y/N and Regulus join their lives in the union of marriage. Before I declare you to one another, I want to hear you confirm that it is indeed your intention to be married today.”
The lie couldn´t be bigger. A no was stuck in the back of your throat.
“Now I ask you; Do you, Regulus Arcturus Black, take the hereby Y/N Y/L/N as you wife? If so, repeat after me.”
You waited for a stutter, but Regulus repeated the words without hesitation.
“I, Regulus Arcturus Black, take you Y/N Y/L/N, to be my wedded wife. I give to you in the presence of these witnesses, my promise to stay by your side, In sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow. And cherish you for as long as we both shall live.”
“Bride, please repeat after me.”
Oh, dear Merlin help me to not completely ruin this.
“I, Y/L Y/L/N, take you Regulus Arcturus Black, to be my wedded husband. I give to you in the presence of these witnesses, my promise to stay by your side, In sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow. And cherish you for as long as we both shall live.”
The magical promise, which wrapped around your hands like a hot string, tightened as the words left your mouth.
“I now announce you, husband and wife!” You felt how the golden glistening oath disappeared, but you still felt the warmth pressing against your skin. It was done. All plans and hopes for this not to happen, were completely useless. You were now officially Y/N Black, wife to Regulus Black. Regulus eyes pierced into yours, somehow you took the last of your strength to keep up the eye contact. Then, to your biggest surprise, he offered you the smallest hint of a smile.
“Even the most beautiful places turn dark during night.”
Regulus´s voice was steady, but quiet. For the first time this evening, he spoke to you in his own will. Without the pressure of a family member watching. You glanced at him, while his eyes were stuck on the ensemble. He was right, it was beautiful.
The light walls were barely enlightened anymore and the golden details, which glistened from time to time, seemed to float in the air. The delicate paint strokes had become invisible, vanishing into dark. Regulus fitted in, with his dark suit, green attire and jet-black locks and you contrasted him in a way, that couldn´t be more opposing. The white fabric attracted the last bit of light, like the rising moon beneath carpet of golden stars.
You had spent the early evening, which was turning into night already, with careless and empty conversation. Even though Regulus was at your side for most of it, you didn´t even perceive him. You were too focused on not crying, not running, not saying the wrong things, not falling over your dress, not eating too much food, not smiling too much, not fake smiling enough and not being you.
“I meant it, you do look stunning”, he added, tilting his head ever so slightly in your direction. Previously, the words had seemed nonchalantly thrown into a conversation. Now, it sounded honest and against his offish body language, Regulus was different beneath his façade.
“Thank you”, you replied with barely a whisper.
For once, he wished to be more like his brother Sirius, who swept of girls with no effort and compliments fell of his lips like the lies for his pranks. Of course, he wasn´t there.
Regulus never imagined that his bride would be you or even closely like you. He remembered you from school, something he never told anymore. Back then, you had barely exchanged words. You knew about each other´s existence, but a safe distance was kept. However, he remembered the evenings at the library. Where you had sat quite focused, tapping with your pen against the book. You had watched every single of his Quidditch games and you cheered.
You were cunning and smart, driven by your own ambition to surpass yourself, but unlike him, you were empathic. People approached you easily, feeling enchanted by your natural politeness. Regulus had become used to the shadow side; people evaded to not get in is way. They avoided him, not knowing what lied behind his dark exterior. Maybe they even feared him.
He knew it was wrong for him to feel relieved to find you in the spot of his bride, he was bereaving you of all prospective dreams and a chance for true love.
“I´m sorry.”
The apology took you by surprise and your head snapped towards him. “For what?”
He sighed, knowing he couldn´t dodge the eye contact anymore. “For having to marry me.”
The emphasis clearly laid on the word me, even though he tried to hide it.
“Are you happy to have me as your-“, you paused. You had never said it out loud. “As your wife?”
He chuckled. Regulus Black chuckled. “I knew marrying out of love was never an option, but honestly, you´re the best bride I could´ve wished for.”
He quickly became serious again, too fast for your taste. “You´re not like them, not as posh or artificial.”
“Apparently, neither are you.” You added, feeling how your body leaned a little closer to his.
“I try my best.”
The dark had covered expectations and superficiality and what was left, was a man at your side, who was honest and real. Not perfect, but not cruel. You didn´t fear him anymore and more importantly, you didn´t fear potential actions. He wouldn´t lay a hand on you, unless you would allow to do so. There was only one apprehension left, the dark mark burning on his arm.
You didn´t know how or why, but that obligation was reserved from you. Slytherin or not, pureblood or not, you weren´t evil. You weren´t one his fealty and you swore on your life, that it wouldn´t change.
Regulus felt your apprehension, but for now he wasn´t ready to share the perilous information with you. The horcrux inside the cave was his secret, but if it meant keeping you safe and sound, he was ready to risk it. For now, it was his task to make you believe him. Regulus Black wasn´t evil and he didn´t share the Dark Lords radical views. The dark mark on his arm was just like the ring on his finger, an inescapable path.
Carefully, but with clear intention, he took your hand. “I will never hurt you; I promise.”
You saw something inside his eyes sparkling, but you couldn´t pinpoint it. Pressing your lips together, you starred at the rings on your fingers. “You shouldn´t make a promise you can´t keep.” He opened his mouth to disagree.
“But promise me to be honest; talk to me Regulus. I don´t want this to be a marriage of secrets and intrigues.” He nodded agreeing. “I promise it, do you?”
“Yes.”
Cautiously, as if you could break beneath his touch, he placed a strand of hair behind your ear and slowly, waiting if you would push away his action, he placed a kiss on your forehead. You didn´t push him away, catching yourself almost leaning into it.
Yes, even the most beautiful places turned dark during night, but tonight the darkness revealed true nature. And in this darkest hour, the two of you were shining together strong as the brightest light.
Summary: Y/N Granger, the absolute Queen amongst the students, with many admirers and even Harry himself, finds himself falling for his best friends sister.
Words: 2.7k
A/N: Requested anonymous: “heyaaa, can you make harry potter x fem reader in which the reader is hermonie's elder sister and very popular in the school and harry has massive crush on her? like the song crush by tessa violet?” I also decided to write this in a more modern style! I feel like all my Harry Potter imagines end at a party?? But who cares.
Your laughter echoed through the hall before any of them could even see you. Harry immediately felt his heart speeding up, while Hermione next to him, only let out a sigh. You turned the corner and Harry, Hermione and Ron finally made eye contact with you. You had joked with Cedric Diggory and Harry felt an even deeper sting in his chest. Quickly, you waved your goodbye at the Hufflepuff boy before joining your sister and her friends.
“Mione, you look like seven days of rain were just announced!”
Hermione only rolled her eyes, no one really fully understood how the two of you were related. Ever since beginning your education a year prior to Hermione´s, you had been crowned one of the most popular students. Unlike her, who especially struggled with making friends in her first weeks, you were at ease with social contacts. Another difference was your approach at studying, you simply didn´t enjoy spending hours and hours at the library and yet, you weren´t bad at any subjects. You weren´t class best, but at the top five. Outgoing, adventurous, funny and charming; it was no wonder why everyone seemed to like you.
Usually, your popularity wasn´t a problem for your younger sister, but lately Hermione realized a changed she wasn´t very fond of.
Harry.
Within the past weeks, he had been daydreaming a lot and barely focused on anything anymore. And unlike Ron, who was probably last to find out if he wasn´t explicitly told, Hermione quickly realized why that was.
I can't focus on what needs to get done
I'm on notice hoping that you don't run,
“Haha, very funny Y/N!” You nudged her side grinning. “So, what are you guys up to anyways? Trouble I reckon?” Ron and Harry smiled as you chatted with them.
“Hermione makes us study for the upcoming potions exam”, Ron explained, which annoyed Hermione even more and you laughed lightly. “Ron, you should start listening to her, pretty sure she´s the only reason you haven´t failed.” You turned to the boy with the glasses.
“What about you Harry? Sentenced to study as well?”
Harry opened his mouth, but before any words left his lips, Hermione pulled him closer.
“Yes, his talent won´t let him pass all the exams!”
You gave the two boys a pitiful pout, but then switched back to your smirk.
“Anyways, I´ll have a date at Hogsmead to try on the upcoming summer collection!”
You think I'm tepid but I'm misdiagnosed
'Cause I'm a stalker, I seen all of your posts,
Two hours later, Harry got a notification on his phone; Y/N uploaded a picture on Wizagram! Hermione, who was currently too focused on Ron, didn´t see how Harry sneakily took his phone and hid it beneath the desk. You stood smiling widely in the shop Feathers and Fabrics, wearing a dress from the newest collection. Even though you had posted the picture only minutes ago, the likes were already rolling in and the comments didn´t hold back as well.
Harry read your caption; Guys, this is only a small sneak peek, just wait there will be more!
And I'm just tryna play it cool now
But that's not what I wanna do now
And I'm not tryna be with you now, you now
A lot of the comments were from female students. “You look so stunning!”
But then again, a few of your male followers couldn´t hold back. “Gee Y/n, is it hot in here, or is you?”
Harry felt heat rushing up to his head, but tried to play it cool, so his friends wouldn´t notice. Quickly he hit like and put the phone away, trying to focus back on studying. But the words in front of him were beginning to blur and tumble. You weren´t dating anyone currently, but everybody knew you had enough options. Fred and George even made bets on it, secretly hoping one of them could win you for themselves. Each time the topic was discussed, Harry felt the pit in his stomach, digging deeper and deeper. He was the chosen one, but would you ever choose him?
Hermione noticed her friend beginning to trail off, but it wasn´t the right time to address it yet.
The weekend approached, the old game of Gryffindor against Slytherin was in everybody’s mouth. Harry was just getting dressed for the game, then his eyes fell back on his phone. He unlocked it and found himself back on Wizagram, you had posted a boomerang in your story with the Weasley twins. Both of them wore their Quidditch uniform and leaned forward to kiss your cheek. You wore a hat with the Gryffindor colors and a light dress in red, while grinning widely into the camera. “Rooting for my fave team!”
Both Fred and George as well the Gryffindor Quidditch Account, who was proudly run by Oliver Wood, were tagged in the story. Harry quickly scrolled past, realizing that each of the tagged Accounts had reposted your story. It was stupid to think you wouldn´t root for him, but he wasn´t tagged, was he?
It’s a stupid crush, Harry reminded himself, but even later when he stepped onto the field with the team, his eyes only searched for you in the crowd.
But you found his glance as well, offering him a reassuring smile. It´s all he needed, those very few seconds of your attention and the game started.
The game was at tie, but the rooting and shouts from the fans kept going either way. Harry tried to play cool as he searched the arena, secretly searching for you. As he found you again, you hadn´t even moved from your seat, he noticed your eyes guiding him. Just above the tower of the Hufflepuffs, the golden snitch hovered. He didn´t have time to rethink and his muscles moved on their own as he leaned forward to start rushing. Draco tried his best to follow, but he was at the other end, and Harry easily caught the snitch and held it up proudly.
“And Harry Potter proves again, Gryffindor is unbeatable this season!” The speakers echoed and the crowd went even more crazy than before. All Harry could think about however, was he had to thank you. But the moment he landed back on his feet, he was carried off to the Gryffindor room, where the party immediately started.
It felt like eternity, until he finally found you in the overfilled place. But there you stood, smiling innocently at him, like you had been waiting all along for him to approach.
“I think I owe you a thank you.”
You make it difficult to not overthink
And when I'm with you I turn all shades of pink,
I wanna touch you but don't wanna be weird
It's such a rush, I'm thinking wish you were here,
Harry had to lean forward in order for you to hear him, feeling as your hair brushed against his skin. You winked at him. “Yeah, you do, but we´ll keep it between us.”
He wanted to lean further, his hand twitched as he tried not to reach out and touch the bare skin of your arms. Even your smell felt divine to him. Before he could speak up again, Niall Atkinson, he was a year older than you, wrapped an arm around your waist.
“Y/n, let´s dance!” He offered loudly as he pulled you closer. In the same second, Ron, Fred and George swept Harry into their circle to begin dancing as well, even though it was more an uncontrolled jumping. Harry could only catch your apologizing glance, before the space closed and the two of you were pulled into different directions.
And I'm just tryna play it cool now
But that's not what I wanna do now
And I'm not tryna be with you now, you now
He truly wanted to celebrate the success with his team, but his attraction craved more of your presence. But what was he supposed to say? Sorry, I have to run after the girl, that everybody anyway wants and is also my best friends’ older sister, but my biggest crush?
No, he couldn’t.
So, he tried to overplay it, danced and jumped around with Ron, but the shine in his eyes was gone. Hermione sat on the stairs, glancing back and forth between you and Harry. She knew both of you well enough, to tell that neither of you were fully happy at the moment. An inaudible sigh escaped her mouth, what was once jealousy, turned into sadness. Yes, her best friend had the biggest crush on her sister, but what no one knew, was your crush. You had never told Hermione, or anyone for that matter, but the reason why you never accepted a date offer, was because the wrong people asked you out. Hermione didn´t fear losing Harry as a friend anymore, she much more feared that the two of you never even got a chance to be happy together, and instead ended unhappily alone. She had to do something.
Then, an idea formed in her brilliant mind.
You starred on your phone; Harry had sent you a dm on Wizagram. He had never texted you, your history simply persisted in you tagging him, when you posted stories. Usually, you hung around Hermione at the three broomsticks and more so often, you tagged the trio in your account.
I wanted to talk to you, can we meet outside at the corner to the girl’s bathroom?
Your heart skipped a beat, quickly you looked up to check, if anyone had noticed your blush, no one had. You couldn´t make out Harry either, but you quickly excused yourself from Niall. Whatever was happening, you found it quite exhilarating. You answered with a quick yes and Hermione hastily logged out of Harry´s account. Harry was a brilliant wizard with many talents, but writing down his password in his herbology book wasn´t the smartest move.
Hermione grinned, her plans always worked out.
But I could be your crush, like, throw you for a rush, like
Hopin' you'd text me so I could tell you
I been thinking 'bout your touch like
“Harry!” The brown-haired boy looked up to find his friend approaching him, Hermione smiled brightly. Almost too brightly, but Harry wasn´t focused enough to realize that something was up.
“Have you seen Y/n?”
Harry quickly shook his head and Hermione, good actress as she was, put on a thinking mien.
“I haven´t seen her as well, just wanted to make sure she´s okay, she´s been so quiet lately.”
“Quiet? I didn´t notice”, Harry explained and Hermione could literally watch how his thoughts began running around you. “I´m sure it´s nothing, but I think I´m going to check her room.”
“I can check outside!” Harry quickly announced, she had to suppress a laughter, he was easily tricked. But instead, Hermione nodded agreeing and while she only took the first few steps up, Harry hurried outside, not wasting any time. Only seconds before, you had left the room as well. Everything was coming together.
Touch, touch, touch, touch, touch
I could be your crush, crush, crush, crush, crush
I got a fascination with your presentation
Makin' me feel like you're on my island
You're my permanent vacation
Touch, touch, touch, touch, touch
You stood outside, hiding behind a corner and almost disappearing in a nook, but Harry immediately recognized your figure. You looked up from the phone in your hands and felt as a smile crawled upon your lips. Harry felt his heart fastening and he approached with swift feet.
“Hey, are you okay?” He asked with worries in his voice, your brows furrowed. Something felt off, but you pushed that feeling to the side. It was probably just your nervousness. “Yeah, I´m good, are you enjoying your party?”
Harry shrugged, his eyes traveling to the floor. “It´s always a bit of the same, isn´t it?”
You nodded agreeing and a short, awkward silence formed. “What was it, you wanted to talk to me about?”
Harry looked up, now confusion in his expression as well. He wondered, if you had noticed his change of behavior towards you. But he never mentioned it out loud, or did?
But you watched his reaction closely, something clearly was up and while Harry was still trying to piece everything together, you took out your phone again. Holding up the screen, which enlightened the dark hallway, you showed him the text.
“Y/n, I´m so sorry, I don´t know how… I didn´t send that text…” Harry stumbled over the words and regret rolled over him. It wasn´t his fault, and yet he felt responsible for pulling you away from the party. You on the other hand felt shame rising and your cheeks heated with fire. His text had seemed too surprising from the beginning on, you should´ve known better. You felt stupid and wanted to crawl into a deep, dark hole and never come out again. Stupid crush!
Letting out a loud sigh, you sat down on the bench of the nook, putting your hands to cover your face.
“Did you just say stupid crush?”
Oh, if it was heat in your cheeks before, then hell just got unleashed. Where is that hole of shame, when you needed it the most?
Harry carefully sat down next to you, with your hands still up, you only felt the slight air breeze. “I shouldn´t be saying this, you´re Hermione´s sister, but I like you.” He paused shortly.
“A lot. More than I ever should.”
Swiftly, you glanced through your fingers at him. “You do?”
Barely a whisper as you opened your mouth, but enough to watch as Harry nodded. Slowly you took down your hands, now starring at him with a blank expression.
“Why did you never say anything?”
Harry couldn´t help but huff. “Y/n, have you seen yourself? You´re school queen, nobody hates you, not even Draco Malfoy! You´re always on top of the grades and basically the entire Quidditch team has a crush on you. On the side, you´re head girl and you´re modeling for Feathers and Fabrics. And to all that, you don´t even realize, how undeniably stunning you look and how your kind words inspire me every day?”
I could be your crush, crush, crush, crush, crush
Sorry
And yeah, it's true that I'm a little bit intense, right
But can you blame me when you keep me on the fence, like?
And I've been waitin', hopin' that you'd wanna text like
Text like
It's what I was born to do
And yeah, it's true that I'm a little bit intense, right
As he spoke, you jumped off your seat, feeling a wave of way too many feelings rave inside of you. “Harry Potter!”
Finally, he looked up as well and just to find you gaping at him. “Why by Merlin´s beard, would I care about the Quidditch team? Do you think I don´t know about the bets going on, on who´s going to be my boyfriend? The only reason because I don´t have a boyfriend yet, is because the only boy I´m interested in, was too shy to ask me out! And imagine, he´s brave enough to fight Voldemort instead!”
It was Harry´s turn to search for that hole of shame and he couldn´t help, but facepalm himself. There was no way that the situation could’ve been more awkward and playing cool wasn´t an option either. You listened to your heartbeat slowing down and your chest lifted heavily after your outburst.
“If I had known about your crush…” You trailed off, your words now barely a whisper anymore.
And I'm just tryna play it cool now
But that's not what I wanna do now
And I'm not tryna be with you now, you now
Finally, Harry lifted himself off the bench as well, walking towards you. “I didn´t send that text, but maybe I can ask you out in real life?”
A shy smile was on his lips, it suited him so well in the dim light.
“I´d like that very much.”
Carefully, you leaned forward, feeling his warm breath on your skin. “But let´s not tell anyone just yet, we have to find a way to get back to my sister.”
Harry furrowed his eyebrow, but quickly realized as well, who had hacked his account.
“Sounds like a good plan.”
Grinning, you finally felt his warm lips brushing against yours. It had taken a couple of misleadings, but your crush had found its way in the end.
But I could be your crush, like, throw you for a rush, like
