welp…here we are…

Miles makes his way down the grocery store aisle trying to find the cereal his brother Jesse asked for when he runs into a cart and hears a grunt.

“I’m so incredibly sorry!” He rushes. “Are you alright?”

“Just peachy.” The other person grumbles.

“Are you sure?” This time the other person looks up at him before responding. Miles breath catches in this throat. The person he ran into is breath taking.

“I wasn’t looking either, so we’ll call it square.” They say waving him off.

“If you’re sure…” He trails off.

“Positive. Have a nice rest of your day.” They say giving a small smile and starting to walk away.

“I uhh I-I umm MILES!” He nearly shouts. They slow down and look at him over their shoulder. “My name I mean. It’s Miles. Nice to meet you.” They nod, giving him an unsure smile.

“Nice to meet you.” They say before turning back around and walking away.

After paying for his groceries Miles sees the person he ran into loading up their car. He decides to go for it and walks over to them clearing his throat to get their attention.“I’m done with the cart you can have it.” They say as they turn around. “Hi. Miles right?”

“Yes!” He says enthusiastically. “I wanted to tell you that you’re beautiful.” He rushes out.

“Thank you.” They say unsure. “I uhh really need to get going. I hope you have a nice day.” They finally say, but before he can say anything else they practically dive into their car and slam the door. He makes eye contact with them through their rear view mirror and he smiles and waves somehow more awkward than before and makes his way to his car.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I’m never going anywhere again.” Miles groans as he climbs into the drivers seat of his car.

“You went to buy hot Cheetos, a carton of eggs, and a box of cereal. What could have happened?” Jesse asks from the passenger seat. Miles begins to recount the events from the grocery store to Jesse as they make their way home. Jesse is unable to breath by the end of it he’s laughing so hard. “That poor sap! You scared the living daylights out of them!” He manages to get out between wheezes.

“Shut up! I haven’t tried to flirt with someone for over 2 centuries. I’m rusty.” Miles hisses reaching over to punch his brother in the shoulder. Jesse clears his throat trying to stifle his laughter.

“It’s fine. What’s the chance you see them again?” Jesse says in what he thinks is a comforting manner.

“But I want to see them again. Convince them I’m not crazy and get to know them.”

“Miles, you’re being dramatic. You talked to them for like two minutes max.”

“Just shut up.” Miles huffs focusing on the road.

When they get home Jesse is quick to recount the story to their mother Mae.

“Oh Miles. I’m sure it wasn’t that bad.” She says with a motherly smile. Miles just grunts and sets the eggs on the counter before making his way upstairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I’m going out. I’ll be back in a few hours.” Miles calls out as he grabs his keys and makes his way out the door. It’s been a week since the grocery store incident and Miles is finally starting to come out of his embarrassment. He decides to get a coffee before he heads to the park to do some sketching.

“Welcome in!” A chipper voice calls out as he enters the small cafe. Miles looks up to give a polite smile when he suddenly stumbles back and feels his shirt become wet and cold.

“Oh my gosh I’m so sorry.” A frantic voice says. When Miles looks away from his shirt he sees them. The person from the grocery store.

“It-it’s no problem. We’re uhh we’re really even now.” Miles says trying his hardest to stay calm. They stare at him confused for a moment before it clicks and they quickly take a step back.

“Oh. Hi. Uhh Martin right?” They say laughing uncomfortably.

“Miles. Listen, I want to apologize for the other day. It's been a while since I’ve tried to do anything like that and you could say I’m a bit rusty.” A soft smile spears on their face that Miles counts as a win.

“It’s no problem. It happens to the best of us. I’m really sorry about your shirt. Can I buy your drink to make up for it?” They ask.

“Yes! I mean yeah. Thanks.” He can feel the tips of his ears turn pink and wipes his hands on his pants before following them to the cash register. They reorder their drink before motioning for Miles to order his own. They both stand off to the side as they wait for their drinks.

“Y/N.” They say out of nowhere. Miles looks over at them confused for a moment before they continue. “I never gave my name. It’s y/n.”

When Miles looks at his watch he sees that two hours have passed.

“I hope I’m not keeping you from anything.” He says sheepishly. Y/n waves him off.

“Nah it’s all good. I’m playing today by ear.” They assure him. “Am I keeping you from anything?”

“Nothing at all.” He says happily. The smile he receives in return nearly stops his heart.

The conversation flows easily. Despite not having much in common there is little silence between the two. Their phone buzzes and Miles can’t help but smile when they roll their eyes and huff with faux exasperation.

“My friend broke up with his partner. Again. He is apparently in desperate need of ice cream.” They explain. Miles' smile falters at the idea of their conversation ending. “Do you write?” They ask motioning to the notebook sticking out of Miles bag.

“It’s a sketchbook.” He answers.

“Maybe you could show me next time.” They suggest.

“Next time?” He asks hopefully.

“Yeah, I mean if you want there to be a next time.”

“I would love for there to be a next time.” Miles says unashamed of his enthusiasm.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I’m tired!” Neville says forcefully.

“That’s why I’m not suggesting a hike! We can just sit together and read or something!” You reply through gritted teeth.

“Oh so just because you now have time for me I should drop everything?” He huffs

“That’s not fair, we've both been busy and you know it.” You shoot back. You don’t know how it came to this. Both of you ready to scream all because of what? You know Neville’s tired. You’re tired too, but it feels like you're both drifting away from each other. You watch Neville take a deep breath and rub his eyes.

“How about I write down the times I’m free and you can look at it and we can work out some time to spend together.” He gives what you assume was supposed to be a smile but looks more like a grimace. Your only response is a small nod before turning and leaving before he can even hand you the list.

You can’t remember the last time you two spent actual time together. You’re both just so busy. Angry tears begin to blur your vision. Your seventh year wasn’t supposed to be like this. You’re all supposed to be going to Hogsmead together and having parties and doing stupid things that you’d be too old for soon. So many of your friends decided not to return to hogwarts to finish out their seven years. So many of them can’t return. You fairly wipe at your eyes. There’s no use crying. It won’t change anything. This is reality. This is life after the war. You answer the riddle and trudge into the Ravenclaw common room decking laying down is the only real option right now.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the last two weeks you’ve seen Neville three times and each time it feels like it could come to blows. It seems that you’ve both decided that avoiding the other is your best option. You can’t fight if you don’t talk right?

Your brought back to reality when your foot slips in the mud and you nearly fall.

“Why did I schedule practice today?” You mutter to yourself at you continue on your way to the pitch. When you get there everyone looks like they’ve slept as much as you have. “We should just cancel, yeah?” You ask. Your team eagerly nods. “Alright. Have a good evening everyone.”

On your way back to the castle you see Neville sitting under a tree looking at plants. You want so badly to go over to him and say something, but you don’t think your heart can handle another argument so you keep walking. You figure you might as well get some studying in and make your way to the library.

You’ve been sitting at your usual table in the library for four hours and you feel like you’ve retained nothing.

“I’m doomed…” you groan to yourself. You stand up and stretch, deciding a few laps around the library will do you some good. You take in the smell of the books and the soft whispers of your fellow students as you make your way between the shelves. You thoughts inevitably drift to Neville. Why can’t you just talk to him? What’s happened to you two? A war you think bitterly. When you finally go back to your table to slump into your seat and reopen your charms textbook. “I’m going to learn something even if it kills me.” You tell yourself resolutely.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What feels like mere minutes later you shoot up in what is definitely not your chair in the library. You reach into your pocket for your wand as you look around.

“Oh you’re awake!” A cherry voice says from the doorway.

“Neville?” You ask after you’ve taken a moment to process.

“I was looking everywhere for you and finally found you passed out in the library. I’ve no clue how long you slept in there but you’ve been asleep in here for two and a half hours.” He says nonchalantly.

“I’ve missed you.” You’re eyes are now bleary from tears instead of sleep. If Neville is surprised by your sudden shift in emotions he doesn’t show it.

“I know. I’ve missed you too.” He says as he comes to lay in the bed with you.

“Why can’t we stop fighting?” You nearly sob.

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s the stress. I mean, I’m head boy, you’re your house's quidditch captain, we both have N.E.W.T.S, and we’re adjusting to Hogwarts post war.” Neville wraps his arms around you and holds you close.

“I don’t like this version of us.” You mutter grumpily. He lets out a soft chuckle.

“Neither do I.” You both sit in silence for a moment wrapped in each other's arms.

“I can’t promise I’ll be perfect, but I want to try to make more time for you and not spend it arguing.” You finally say as you look up at Neville’s face.

“I’d like to do that too.” He kisses your forehead and pulls you impossibly closer.

“We’ll be ok one day yeah?” You ask almost nervously.

You sit ramrod straight in your seat as Snape slowly makes his way around the classroom handing back your latest assignment. You’ve always done alright in potions, but Snape never gets any less unnerving. You hold your breath as he sets the scroll down in front of you. You decide not to check your grade until you’re in the safety of your dorm. The second the bell rings your out of your seat and make your way to the nearest court yard to breathe some fresh air after all that time in the dungeons.

“Will Snape ever not be terrifying?” You friend sighs from her spot next to you on the grass. You let out a small grunt and flip back onto the ground

“Thank Merlin we’re done and it’s Friday.” You say happily.

“Yeah, and it’s a Hogsmeade weekend!” She cheers. “What do you think yo-“ she cuts herself off with a gasp as a tall body topples over and lands directly on top of you. The wind is knocked out of your lungs and you let out a squeak. The person immediately scrambles off of you.

“I am so sorry!” A voice that you’d recognize anywhere rushes out.

“It’s alright Neville. No harm no foul.” You say with a wide smile. Neville Longbottom has got the be the sweetest boy you’ve ever met. Since you were made partners in charms last year you two had grown incredibly close.

“Seamus pushed me.” He says just loud enough that the other boy who was laughing like a mad man with Dean over on a bench would hear.

“Now why on earth would he do that?” You say just as loud.

“Cause our darling Neville was waxing poetic about-“ a look you didn’t think Neville could give crossed his face and Seamus instantly shut up.

“I’ll uhh I’ll send you umm later.” Neville says as he stand up and gives you a nervous smile.

Once the three of them are out of earshot your friend gives you the same smile all your friends do after you interact with Neville. “Promise me a good seat at your wedding.” Is all she says before standing up. “Come on, we need to go turn in our extra credit to Flitwick before we forget.” You can’t help the small smile on your face as you follow her back into the castle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Monday rolls around far too fast and you find yourself back in potions class. Snape is explaining the importance of carefully examining your ingredients to get the potion right. You diligently take notes out of fear of your professor. “Alright. Now, go to your cauldrons and start the potion on page 376.” Snape says flatly before turning away and walking to his desk. Everyone quickly gets to work. Your partner goes to get the ingredients while you prepare the cauldron.

After two hours you find yourself looking at a potion that is most definitely not the assignment. “I don’t know how you did it, you seemingly followed the instructions but with the wrong ingredients and ended up with amortentia.” Snap says with the faintest hint of surprise in his voice. Your face feels hot under the stares of your classmates. Note to self, never let you or partner get the ingredients again. Snape shakes his head and mutters under his breath as he walks away.

“I’ve done far worse. At least you have a functioning potion.” Neville says coming to stand next to you. You give him a small smile.

“Wanna smell it?” You joke. Neville looks nervous but shrugs and takes a sniff. His expression goes flat and the tips of his ears turn red. “You ok Neville?” You ask curious as to what smell is causing this reaction.

“I’m fine.” He squeaks out before returning to his seat.

Your friend makes eye contact with you from their seat two tables away and mouths “Mrs. Longbottom.” All you can do is blush and look away.

Before Snape can take the potions at the end of class you and your friends sniff it. You’re not sure why you did it as you already knew what it would smell like. As you leave the dungeon you and your friends are discussing what you smelled.

“You know what we should do?” One of your friends says excitedly. “We should give some to George Weasley. I know how cute you think he is and I’ve seen him looking at you.” As you roll your eyes getting ready to tell your friend to knock it off you hear a thud behind you. You all turn around to see Neville frantically trying to pick his things up

“You guys go ahead.” You tell your friends before going and helping Neville collect his things off the ground.

“Umm th-thank you.” He mumbles out.

“Of course.” You give him a soft smile as you hand him a book. “So…you never said what the potion sme-“

“You’re not really going to use it on George are you?” He asks in what seems to be a moment of courage. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to eavesdrop it’s just well I umm-“ You decide to put Neville out of his misery and shake your head.

“My friends are just being ridiculous. We would never do that. Besides, they already know who I like.” You give Neville a meaningful look as if you’re trying to communicate with him telepathically.

“Oh. Right. Of course. Thanks for the help.” He’s practically running away before you can say anything else. You heave a sigh before picking up your own bag and going to find your friends.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You’re sitting at lunch the next day when you feel a tap on your shoulder and your friends look ready to explode. When you turn to see who it is you’re treated by the extremely red face of Neville. All he does is hand you a small box before speed walking away to a cheering Seamus and Dean.

“Open it! Open it!” Your friends whisper scream at you. You slowly take the lid off the box and inside is a small plant and a note.

I’m not sure I could say this to your face so I hope this will suffice. I can’t stay quiet anymore. The thought of you trying to go out with George Weasley made me sick to my stomach. Not because George is a bad guy, but because I want to be the one to take you out. Would you go out with me?

All your friends begin cooing and awwing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Are you ready?” Legolas asks softly.

“As I’ll ever be.” You sigh watching as the last trunk is carried out of your room. Legolas rushes forward and hugs you tightly.

“You’ll always have a home here, but please try your best.” He whispers. You stifly nod as you wrap your arms around him. After a moment he pulls back and leads you out of your room and to the throne room. As the doors slowly open you see a woman about your height looking around impatiently.

“Lady Dis please understand I’m just as ready as you are for you to leave.” Thranduil sighs from his throne. “Ah, there they are.” The woman, lady Dis, quickly whips around and smiles at you brightly.

“Hello dear. I’m Dis. It’s so wonderful to meet you.” Her kindness throws you off. While you are a dwarf, you were raised with elves so you expected some sort of resistance from her. She makes her way to you and pulls you into a tight hug. “We’ll be leaving once you’ve said your good byes. Take your time.” You can’t do anything but nod. You make your way over to the throne and look up at Thranduil.

“Your kindness will never be forgotten. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful home.” You finally get out. Your eyes are watery and you have to fight to keep your voice level. Thranduil cracks the smallest smile and nods.

“I hope you find what you’ve been looking for.” You smile back and nod. Next your go over to Legolas for one last hug.

“I’ll miss you so much.” You whisper.

“We’ll always be here for you.” He whispers back. After a moment you let go and walk over to lady Dis. She gives you a kind smile and with one last glance at the only family you’ve ever known, you follow her out the door and to your next great adventure.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You feel yourself being softly shaken and slowly open your eyes. “We’re here.” Dis says with a large smile. “Welcome to Erebor.” You quickly move to look out the window of the carriage and are shocked at what you see. Dis was the first dwarf you’d ever met and now you’re looking out at a sea of them. “I’ll take you to your room and you can freshen up then I’ll take you to meet Thorin.” All you can do is nod as you continue to look around.

Once the doors to your new room close behind you you flop down on the bed. “You got this. You’ll do great. No pressure. You’re just about to meet Thranduil's sworn enemy. No pressure.” You mutter to yourself. You take a moment to pull yourself together before you do as Dis said and get ready to meet Thorin.

When you’re ready you poke your head out the door. There’s no one in the hallway except for a blonde dwarf. You can’t help but smile at the beaded braids that hang next to his mouth. Elves don’t have facial hair so you couldn’t help but think his was odd, but it fit him. “Hello. I’m Fili, crown prince of Erebor. My mother had something to attend to, so I will be taking you to meet my uncle.” His smile is just as kind as his mothers. You silently follow his through the halls trying to remember any land marks to help you feel a little less lost. “What do you think?” He asks, noticing your careful examination.

“It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It’s beautiful.” You could never have imagined that Erebor would be like this. It was breathtaking.

“You can see why we fought so hard to get it back.” All you can do is nod. “I hope you will grow to see it as a home.” He gives you another soft smile and stops in front of a large set of doors. He pushes them open and your eye immediately go to the dwarf on the throne. All the nerves hit you at once. You shakily curtsy once your reach the bottom on the steps that the thrown is at the top of.

“Yo-your majesty.” Your words are scarcely more than a whisper.

“So this is the dwarf raised by elves.” Well he’s certainly not one to beat around the bush. “Welcome to Erebor and welcome home.” You bite back the words that this is not in fact your home and it may never be, but you know better than to say that to Thorin.

“Thank you for allowing me to come live in your kingdom. I know that the relationship between elves and dwarves is not the best, but I hope to help better it.” Thorin stiffly nods and leans over to say something to a dwarf sitting next to him. The dwarf in question appears shell shocked, but quickly composes himself and jumps up making his way over to you.

“Prince Kili at your service.” He says with a wide smile. “I’ll take it from here Fi.” Fili nods and sends you a kind smile before walking to Thorin. “I’ll be your tour guide around Erebor and your main tutor to help you learn Khuzdul.” All you can do is nod. Your heart feels like it’s stopped and restarted ten times faster. Maybe all the change is too much and you’re dying. No, that can’t be it. The feeling is oddly pleasant. You suddenly feel as if everything will be ok. You don’t think you’ve ever known a calm like this. Kili pulls you out of your thoughts with a clap of his hands. “Right. Let’s get going. There’s lots to see.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“And this is the market. You will mostly find things made in the mountain or from Dale.” You nod at Kili's words and continue to look around wide eyed.

“It’s magnificent!” You practically run to a nearby stall with intricate beads proudly displayed on the table.

“Do you know what these ones are for?” He asks with a big grin. You shake your head no as you carefully pick one up. “They’re courting beads. You gift them at the beginning of a courtship and put them at the end of the braid you put in each others hair. Usually you hand make them yourself, but not always” You can’t help the soft smile that makes its way onto your face.

“What a beautiful custom.” There’s a strange pang of longing in your heart that twists when you look at Kili. You must have made a face because Kilis expression shifts from one of pride to one of concern.

“Are you alright?” He asks softly as he places a hand on your shoulder.

“I uhhh I think the day is starting to catch up with me. Would it be alright if I went and rested?” Kili quickly nods and begins to lead you out of the market.

“Of course. I’ll take you back to your chambers and you can rest until dinner.” You smile at him gratefully and follow him through the winding halls of the mountain. Once you arrived at your room Kili gave you a blinding smile and said he’d see you at dinner. All you could do was nod.

“It must be all the change. Erebor is rather different than Greenwood.” You mutter to yourself as you shuffle across your room to lay down. You heave a sigh and stare at the ceiling in your room. “Day one of being a full fledged dwarf is almost over…”

Unbeknownst to you Kili was practically dancing down the hallway on his way to find Fili. When he finally does he breaks out into a sprint and practically tackles his brother. “They’re my One!” He whisper screeches shaking Fili by the shoulders.

“What?” Fili asks trying to get out of his brothers grip.

“They’re my One! Can you believe it?” Fili looks at Kili confused for a second before it clicks and a wide grins breaks out on his face.

“What did they say?”

“Well nothing yet. I think they think they’re ill.” Kili shrugs.

“They think they’re ill?” Fili asks slowly.

“It makes sense they wouldn’t know what a One is, they were raised by elves after all.”

“What are you going to do?” Fili has never seen Kili happier as they make their way to their rooms to prepare for dinner.

“Obviously we’re going to get married.” Kili says with a love sick sigh.

“Before that. You said they think they’re ill.” Kili waves Fili off surprisingly unbothered by the fact that you could be interpreting your tie to him as an illness.

“No need to worry brother, just start writing your speech for the wedding.” Kili practically skips ahead of Fili who can only shake his head with a fond smile on his face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It’s been six months since you arrived in Erebor and the adjustment has been smoother than you expected. You’ve picked up Khuzdul fairly well and are no longer so lost in the mountain. You are currently seated at the desk in your room writing a response to your most recent letter from Legolas. While you miss Greenwood and your elven family dearly, you are happy to let them know you’re adjusting to well to life in the Lonely Mountain. You’re pulled from your thoughts when you head a knock on the door. “Come in!” You call setting your quill down.

“Hello dear.” You quickly make your way across the room and hug Dis.

“To what do I owe the honor of your visit?” Dis holds a book out to you.

“A gift. It’s a book of dwarven fairy tales. I read it to Fili and Kili when they were little. Kili was actually the one who recommended it when I said I wanted to give you a gift.” You take the book into your hands and run your fingers along the intricate designs stamped into the cover.

“Thank you!” You gasp. “It’s beautiful. Thank you so much!” You say louder.

“Of course my dear. Being with us for half a year is an event deserving of a gift.” The two of you exchange smiles and another hug before Dis has to leave for a meeting. You’re quick to curl up in a chair and flip to the first story.

A few hours of you slowly reading the Khuzdul on the pages pass before there’s another knock on your door but you're so engrossed in the book you don’t notice. “There you are!” Your hand flies to your chest as you let out a scream.

“Kili why would you do that?” You hiss as he has the nerve to laugh.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. You missed lunch so I brought you some food. What’s got you so entranced?” He asks leaning over your shoulder to look at the book in your hands. “I see mom gave you her gift. What do you think?”

“They’re so different from the stories Legolas read me as a child I can’t wrap my head around it.” Kili smiles proudly and puffs out his chest. “There’s some parts I don’t understand tho.”

“I’m sure I can help explain it. What’s got you confused?” He takes a seat on the arm of the chair you’re sat in.

“Well first off the stories keep mentioning finding your One.” You point to a sentence on the page and when you look up at Kili he has an odd look on his face. Before you can ask what’s wrong he begins to speak.

“Your One is your other half. The one that Mahal put here to complete you. To find your One is to find unending peace and happiness. Finding your One is finding home.” Something in your heart twists at Kilis words.

“That sounds wonderful.” You whisper, staring at Kili. It feels like the world has stopped as the two of you stare at each other. Without thinking you both start to lean in. Your faces are inches apart when the book slips out of your lap and slams closed on the floor jolting you out of the moment. You awkwardly clear your throat while Kili looks like he’s trying to burn the book with his glare. “I umm I mean uhh yo-you said you brought lunch right? I don’t think I have any more questions so why don’t we eat?” Kili nods and quickly moves to set up the food on a nearby table.

The two of you eat in silence for a while before Kili clears his throat. “So, it’s been half a year. What do you think of Erebor?” He asks

“It’s nothing like what I imagined. The way dwarves live is so different from elves, but still so beautiful. It was odd at first to be around so many people like me, I mean I was the only dwarf I know for most of my life…” you trail off as you reflect on just how different the Lonely Mountain is from Greenwood and how much your life has changed.

“I’m uhhh I’m glad your not feeling ill anymore. I know how worried you were about it for the first few months.” He says after a moment.

“Ohhh ri-right. Yeah I’m feeling much better.” You try to smile but you think you probably look like you’re dying. Truth be told the odd feelings never went away, but as time went on they turned into a feeling of calm and safety so you stopped saying anything. “Kili, can I ask you a question?”

“Anything.” He says immediately with a big smile.

“Have you found your One? Do you know what it feels like?” His smile grows impossibly wider at your words.

“I have. It felt like my insides were exploding in the best way. I couldn’t breathe. It was like I hadn’t really been alive until then. In that first moment I knew that they have my heart in their hand and all I wanted to do was let them know.” His eyes have a look in them that you’ve never seen before. “I met them months ago and it still feels the exact same every time I see them.” Something in you shifts in a way that makes you feel like you’ve been stabbed in the chest. You look away from Kili and try to compose yourself.

“That’s wonderful.” You finally get out. As you bring your eyes back to Kili you can see the battle being waged behind his eyes. He takes a deep breath and nods to himself

“I’d really love for you to meet them.” Those words plunge the knife deeper into your chest.

“Who am I to say no to a prince of Erebor?” You try to laugh but it tastes bitter in your mouth.

“Tonight after dinner. Meet me in my room.” He stands so quickly it flings his chair back. Your eyes widen in surprise and all you can do is nod. “Great! I’ll see you then!” Without another word Kili is out the door and down the hall.

Kili has his One. This is something you should be happy about. He just told you how wonderful having your One is. So why does thinking about it make you wish you’d never come to Erebor?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dinner comes and goes far too fast for your liking and now you find yourself outside Kilis room. You debate running away to your room and never coming out, but Kili is your friend and he was so excited for you to meet them. You can’t ditch him. With that thought you knock on his door. “Come in!” You can hear the excitement in his voice.

You slowly push the door open and find Kili in the middle of his room. Alone. “Have I come too early?” You ask as you continue to look around the room for another person. Kili says nothing and sets to the side to reveal something behind him covered in a sheet. He wordlessly motions for you to move the sheet. “Kili if this is another of you and Filis pranks I will snitch to your mother.” You warn as you shakily reach out for the sheet. As you pull it away you close your eyes and flinch back moving your hands to cover your face. After a moment of nothing you open your eyes a see a full length mirror.

“Meet my One.” Kili says softly. You step closer to the mirror confused.

“Is this a dwarf thing I don’t know about?” Kili laughs. “Why are you laughing? What’s going on Kili?”

“It’s you. Your my One. I’ve known it since the moment I first saw you.” Your speech less for a moment before a huge isgh of relief leaves you.

“Oh thank Mahal I’m not sick!” You say as the feeling of dread you’d been carrying lifted. Kili shakes his head fondly.

“No you’re not sick. Just in love.” He has that look in his eyes again and you’re pretty sure yours mirror it.

“Just in love.” You repeat. Kili takes hold of you hand and places something in it. When you open your hand you see a small intricately designed bead in it.

“I made it in the weeks after we first met.”

“Kili are you asking to court me?” You tease.

“I’m asking you to marry me one day.” He corrects with a proud smile on his face. You take a seat on the chair by his desk.

“Well then get braiding.” You didn’t know someone could smile so big until you see the one on Kilis face. “I can’t wait to tell Legolas.” You sigh happily as Kili begins braiding.

When he’s done you examine the braid before pulling him into an excited kiss. “Just in love.” You murmur happily when you pull away. Kili kisses your forehead before leading you toward the door to his room.

“Well I already told Remus I’d finally introduce the two of you. You wouldn’t make me a liar would you? Oh look there he is.” She chirps, waving him over before you can say anything.

“Tall” “Pretty” you and Remus say at the same time once he’s in front of you. Remus gives you a dopy smile and a little wave as you give what could only be described as a grimace. Your friends have lovingly told you you have zero poker face and your discomfort makes itself known and while you don’t doubt the kindness of the Marauders, your inability to coherently speak to new people has prevented you from meeting the only one Lily has deemed acceptable.

“I’ll take my leave before Potter is able to make his way over. Don’t forget to breathe, he’s too soft to be scared of remember?” She whispers the last part to you before making her way to where the rest of her friends are. You notice Remus taking a deep breath out of the corner of your eye as you try to summon any inner strength you can find and talk to someone new.

“I’m gonna marry you someday.” Remus says with a big smile as he holds out a hand for you to shake. Your eyes nearly pop out of your head at this. “That was supposed to be I’m Remus nice to meet you” he groans looking absolutely mortified with himself.

“Straight to the point we love that for you Moony! Keep on manifesting!” Sirius says as he comes up behind Remus and claps him on the back. James and Peter look about ready to pee themselves they’re laughing so hard. The arrival of the other three only serves to increase your anxiety.

“I’m I uhhh I mean w-well I-I umm you’re literate!” You nearly shout shoving the book you had been holding into his chest causing him to stumble back a step. You quickly turn around and run away to find a compartment and write a quick will before dropping off the face of the earth. “At least I gave him the book…” you mutter to yourself as you make your way through the crowed and onto the train. You really do want to make more friends and Lily had said how much he liked reading so you brought one of your favorite books as a way to start a conversation. Thankfully you have another copy of the book, so you won’t need that one back from him. You slump into a seat in the compartment Amos, Arthur, and Molly are in.

“We all saw that from the window” Amos cackles. You groan and bury your face in your hands.

“Leave her alone! It was so cute!” Molly squeals. “Wasn’t it so sweet Arthur?”

“Absolutely adorable.” Arthur says with a soft smile looking at Molly like she hung the stars.

“You couldn’t even hear what they said.” Amos points out. They all turn to you expectantly. “What did you say?”

“Molly, I leave you my nice tea kettle. Arthur, you get my muggle science books from primary school.” Is all you say finally sitting up as the train begins to pull out of the station.

“That’s fine I’ll can ask him myself. Worse case Sirius and Jame will have no problem telling me.” Amos says before quickly standing up and booking it out of the compartment and down the train in search of the Marauders. You look at Molly and Arthur for help.

“Like he ever listens to me.” Arthur says with a shake of his head.

“I don’t know what you think I could do.” Molly chuckles when you look at her. You let out a loud groan as you sink into your seat and contemplate the necessity of a magical education.

You don’t see Amos again until you are boarding the carriages to the castle and he yanks you backwards and unceremoniously tosses you into the carriage the Marauders are in as it begins to take off. You nervously look between the four boys in the carriage and your so called best friend. You will yourself to breathe and remind yourself that Amos is one of your best friends. He knows how nervous you can get with new people. He wouldn’t have put you in this position if he thought it would do you any harm. You take a deep breath and try to smile.

“Do you get motion sick?” Peter asks looking genuinely concerned. “You look like you’re gonna throw up.”

“I-I’m well I uhhh. No.” You squeak out.

“As your future in-laws, we told Amos we needed to meet you. We didn’t realize he would chuck you into the carriage like a sack of potatoes. Our deepest apologies.” Sirius said with a soft smile as he threw an arm around your shoulders

“Shut it Padfoot.” Remus hisses, kicking him in the shin.

“Oww! I’m just trying to be nice! You said to be nice! Didn’t he tell us to be nice? I thought that was so nice of me!” Sirius nearly shrieks looking to James and Peter for support.

“I thought it was nice.” Peter shrugs.

“Extremely nice. You know I’m often told how nice I am. And smart. Don’t forget handsome. Oh a-“ James says in what you assume he thinks in a nonchalant manner until he gets cut off by Sirius.

“We’re here to talk to our new sibling, not for you to indirectly woo Lily. Now where were we? Ah yes introductions. I’m Sirius, this is James, that’s Peter, and of course you know your future husband.” You’ve not looked at Remus yet, but as Sirius gives introductions your need to not be rude has you looking at Remus who looks like he’s about to explode.

“I am so sorry. We got off on the wrong foot and my friends all share a brain cell which clearly has been lost.” Remus says with a sigh before he gives you the softest smile and you feel like you’re going to melt.

“It’s fine.” You whisper. Maybe you could learn to deal with the Marauders if it meant Remus would smile at you like that again.

You focus on your breathing for the rest of the ride, willing your soul to not leave your body. The second the carriages reach the castle you are jumping out and stumbling towards your friends. “Bye!” Remus calls after you.

~~~~~~~~

During the welcome feast you sit as far away from the Marauders as possible. “How’d it go?” Lily asks excitedly as she sits down next to you across from Amos. You toss a roll at Amos when he lets out a chuckle. “So it was as bad as Sirius said?” She asks with a sigh as they both look at you expectantly.

“I don’t know what you all were expecting to happen! When have I ever been the one to initiate a friendship?” You nearly screeched. They all muttered agreements.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t think you’d be that startled. I really had good intentions.” Lily grabs your hand. Her eyes pleading with you to believe her. You sigh and give her hand a squeeze.

“I know. I really do want to be friends with him I just…” you sigh trailing off as you look over at Remus smiling dreamily. As if he had been waiting for this moment his eyes met yours almost immediately. “Co-could you umm maybe ask Remus if he’d like to possibly exchange letters? Maybe that can help me get more comfortable with him? Then I can, you know, talk to him. Maybe. If it goes well. And he doesn’t think I-”your rambling is cut off by Lily squealing excitedly.

“My baby is going to marry her soul mate!” Amos coos.

“Why do people keep saying things like that?” You groan slumping down in your seat.

“Because it’s true. I’ll go tell him right now about the letters.” Lily chirps quickly getting up and making her way over to Remus.

“Merlin have mercy on my soul…” you whisper, again, debating the necessity of a magical education.

~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Y/N,

I was over the moon when Lily told me you wanted to exchange letters. You don’t know how relieved I am that I didn’t scare you off. I’d like to apologize for how strong I came on. I promise I’m not normally like that. Ever. Lily has been telling me about you for so long and I’ve seen you around the castle so often, but I’ve never been able to get myself to go over and say ‘hello’. I hope that writing these letters will help me to be more open with you and not hide behind Sirius and James. So, how to begin? Here’s some need to know facts about me

Full name: Remus John Lupin

House: Gryffindor

Favorite food: Chocolate

Dream job: Professor

Bucket list item: Writing a book even if no one but me ever reads it

I can’t wait for your response

P.S. Thank you for the book. I haven’t read it before, but I’m excited to and hopefully we can talk about it

Sincerely,

Remus

You want to cry at how sweet Remus is. You’ve picked up and set your quill down at least 10 times trying to think of an adequate response. You take a deep breath and read Remus’s letter one more time before picking up your quill and beginning to write.

Dear Remus,

I must admit that I was rather startled by our first introduction, however it was really nice to know someone thought so highly of me. I also hope that these letters help me to be braver. I can’t imagine you hiding behind Sirius and James. From what I’ve soon of The Marauders around school it seems like they rely pretty heavily on you to be the brains of the operation and hide behind you when McGonagall is after you all. Here are some very important facts about me

Full name: Y/F/N

House: Y/H

Favorite food: Croissants

Dream Job: Baker

Bucket list item: Open my own bakery

P.S. I look forward to swapping notes

Sincerely,

Y/N

You don’t look at the letter again for fear of ripping it up and never sending anything. Instead you quickly pack up your things and rush from the library to the owlery.

“Where are off to in such a hurry?” Amos calls out to you seemingly appearing out of nowhere. You let out an inhuman shriek and nearly trip over your own feet, but he rushes forward just in time to help you keep your balance.

“Ooo off to send a love note to Lupin?” He asks while waggling his eye brows, noticing the letter in your hands. You make a displeased noise and straighten out your clothes. You look level him with a glare before making the decision to literally run away before you convince yourself to drop off the face of the earth. “You got this!” he yells after you. “We’re all rooting for you guys!” He adds even louder. You can’t help but smile a little bit at your best friends odd attempt at support.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Come on y/n. Just one?” Sirius pouts from his place on the counter.

“Sirius, you’ve had like five already.” You point out while reaching out to smack James hand away from the bowl of cookie dough you had set off to the side. It’s been six years since you had sent that first response and you’re currently in the kitchen of your and Remus’s shared apartment working on the desserts for a party Amos is throwing on Saturday .

“I’m your favorite brother and therefor deserve a cookie.” Sirius continues giving you his most charming smile.

“Nuh uh!” James shoutes. “Everyone knows I’m the favorite. My wife got you and your hubby together.” James sticks his tongue out at Sirius triumphantly.

“They’re not even engaged!” Sirius fires back.

“Oh, so now thats a technicality?” You ask, putting a hand on your hip. “Because if I remember correctly, you all introduced yourselves to me as my future inlaws.”

“Cause we are” James mumbles around a mouth full of brownie.

“If James gets one I get one!” Sirius shrieks shoving a fistfull of brownie into his mouth.

“No one was given anything!” You yell while trying to coral two six foot something toddlers out of your kitchen. They both start screaming to try and confuse you, but you’ve spent too much time around and living with Marauders to be thrown off by it. You start screaming too in an attempt to assert your dominance. Suddenly the lights go out and you all freeze.

“Did you all miss nap time or something?” You sigh in reliefs at the sound of your boyfriends voice.

“Remus can you please take them in the living room and play a board game or something? I really need to finish these desserts for Amos.”

“Ooo games!” James cheers before he and Sirius each grab a cookie and make their way to your living room. Remus shakes his head and smiles fondly after his friends.

“How was your day?” He asks as he sweeps you up into a hug.

“You should have seen them when Amos was here too earlier.” You say with a laugh remembering the sugar cube war that took place this morning. “How was the interview?” You can feel Remus shift nervously at your question. You hug him tighter and kiss his cheek. “I’m sure it went wonderfully. One of them will stick. I know it.”

“Yeah…I’m sure…”

“Remus we need enrichment!” Sirius sing songs from the living room.

“I just have to fill the macarons and bake the last cookies. I’ll join you guys when I finish.” You kiss his cheek and go back to the counter where your bowl of cookie dough sits.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You wake up the next morning to the sound of Remus humming to himself. “Morning.” You mumble as you stretch.

“Morning dear. I forgot I have an interview today in town. I’m going to run some errands after, but I’ll be back way before our date.” He says softly before leaning down and kissing your forehead.

“Knock ‘em dead.” You sleepily sigh nestling back into the bed. Remus convinced you to close the bakery today and spend the day together, so you have no where to be and a cozy bed calling your name.

When you do decide to get up you take your time getting ready. Remus has kept the date a complete secret. He just told you to wear something you like. With his vague directions in mind you get dressed and go eat a small breakfast knowing any date with Remus means yummy food.

“I’m home!” He calls out as he tumbls through the door and two and a half later. “Give me ten minutes!” He adds rushing past the kitchen and to your bedroom.

True to his word ten minutes later he’s walking back into the kitchen ready to go. “Walk by again!” You cheer causing his cheeks to flush, but he does as you say. “That’s my man!”

“Oh hush.” He mutters his cheeks getting even redder. “You know I could take you to court for false advertising. I thought I was getting a sweet soft spoken bean.” He tries to put on what you all call his ‘Professor Remus’ face, but you can see his smile peaking through.

“No way! You knew what you were signing up for and you love it! Now tell me where we’re going.” You smirk as you walk over to him and kiss his cheek.

“I hope you’re hungry.” He chirps as he grabs your hand and leads you out the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“The book store?” You ask confused

“Surprise...” He squeaks out as he holds the door open for you. You shrug and head in smiling as you take in the large book store. You and Remus have spent an embarrassing amount of money and time here and yet you always find something new. “I’ll be right back.” He quickly mutters before walking to a different part of the store. You nod absentmindedly as you trail your finger along the spines of the books looking for something interesting.

After fifteen minutes you begin to look for Remus. You peak around isles but he’s nowhere to be found. You’re starting to think you’ve been abandoned when you find yourself speeding toward the ground. You had been looking up trying to see over the shelves as Remus is taller than most of them and failed to see him sat on the floor. “Are you ok?” He asks nervously looking you over for injuries.

“Why are you on the floor?” You ask with a giggle as you get situated across from him. He takes a deep breath and clears his throat before handing you a worn copy of your favorite book.

“Look what I found.” He says giving you a smile that makes you believe the Trojan war could have been started over one person, because you would fight an army to see that smile again. You smile back and begin to look through the book. As you flip through the pages a small envelope falls out. It has you name written on it in what you immediately recognize as Remus’ nice hand writing.

“What’s this?”

“You’re literate.” He says as he picks it up and hands it to you.

“Honestly, you get tounge tied once and your branded fo-“ you freeze as you finally get the paper out and read it. “Ma-maybe I’m not. Remus what does this paper say?” He just smiles at you with big hopeful eyes. “Remus…” is all you can get out as the tears start to fall. “Yeah. Yes. Of course. Of course I wanna marry you.” Your words come out jumbled as you look back and forth between the paper and Remus.

“Oh thank Merlin.” He sighs with relief. “If you’d said no Amos would have killed me. There was, well there was supposed to be a whole day leading up to this, but I got nervous I just kind of skipped to the end. Our friends are currently not very pleased with me.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Amos’ party turned out to be an engagement party for you and Remus. It was a wonderful night full of friends, family, and love. After everyone else had left you, Remus, Lily, James, Sirius, and Amos sat around a fire talking about all the things that led you all to where you are now. “I can’t believe we’re god parents.” Sirius said raising his hand to you for a high five.

“I still can’t believe Amos and Jame are allowed to be in charge of a little humans.” You say with a smirk.

“Well I can’t believe Moony made us plan a proposal for weeks only to throw the whole plan out the window.” James teases.

“I was nervous!” Remus groans.

“As if they would have said no.” Lily says with a laugh.

“I am always right.” He concedes.

“No you’re not.” You say with a roll of your eyes.

“Yes I am. I told you on day one I’d marry you.” He looks at you the same way he did on the carriage ride that first day and you’re happy to let him have this.

“Yeah you did.” He leans in and kisses you softly as your friends cheer in the background.