honouraryweasley12:

Ten Years

Ten years ago (September 8, 2008), I took a risk and posted my first ever work of fanfiction. It was only a small, fluffy drabble, but it was nerve racking to put myself out there.

I’d read Harry Potter for the first time about ten months prior and had joined the fandom immediately after. I was feeling pretty down at the time and frustrated with my life, even though I had little to complain about. I was in my mid-twenties, had a decent career started, and was living at home with my family, who are wonderful.

But I was, to be honest, rather sad and lonely. I’ve never been one to have many close friends, and a relationship seemed like an impossible dream. When I read these books, I felt excited. I felt hope.

For the first time in awhile, I felt inspired to do something. I moved out soon after and struck out on my own, which turned out to be one of the best things I ever did for myself. It forced me out of my shell and to take more control over my life. It allowed me to do the things I wanted to do.

When I read the books, I craved more out of this world and universe that JKR created. I just loved Ron and Hermione, and how their relationship grew. I identified with both of their traits, and also was envious of their obvious love for each other. I went searching for more about them and ended up finding fanfiction. I was immediately hooked. Checkmated and LiveJournal were both wonderful places to read and meet others.

It was a prompt (“Homework”) in the Checkmated forums ten years ago, where I took my first steps to write – encouraged by my new friends. Little did I know what it would lead to. I’d always loved writing when I was a kid, but it’s not something I ever pursued. Fanfic gave me an outlet to exercise my creativity, while celebrating these characters that I loved so much.

Even though I felt like a bit of an anomaly sometimes, being a male in a predominantly female fandom, I didn’t let that stop me from enjoying it. Fuck traditional gender norms. I’d rather stay up until 4:00AM reading a fluffy missing moments fic or fake dating AU than getting wasted with my buddies from work.

Fanfic and Harry Potter changed my life. They allowed me to make friends, enjoy the art of writing (even if I’m never going to be quick about it!), and best of all, lead me to my wife, @aloemilk, and fatherhood. An impossible dream realized, all because we are both Romione shippers and writers.

I encourage anyone who is contemplating writing and sharing to just do it. I’m proof that it can lead to bigger and better things. Even if it doesn’t, as long as it makes you happy, then it’s worth doing.

I’ve written over a hundred pieces since, mostly Romione, and I have no plans of stopping.

Without further adieu, my first ever drabble. Originally posted on September 8, 2008.

Father And Daughter

Ron sat in his favourite armchair and couldn’t help grinning at the sight in front of him. His daughter, Rose, was curled up on the sofa, her nose buried in one of her new school books. It reminded him of another beautiful, intelligent witch who often sat in that exact same spot.

It was a special time for his daughter. In just a few days, his eldest would be leaving for Hogwarts. Both he and his wife were saddened by the thought, but they were also very proud of her.

Hermione was devastated that she had to spend today at the office, but he assured her that he would make it a memorable occasion. He had dropped off Hugo with Harry and Ginny, and the two of them, father and daughter, spent the day in Diagon Alley shopping for her school things and enjoying some quality time together.

He sat next to Rose and put his arm around her. “Learning anything interesting, sweetheart?”

“Yes! I can’t wait to start school. Mum said I should always read ahead so that I don’t fall behind in my homework.”

“Luckily, you’ve inherited your mother’s brains, so I don’t think that will be a problem.”

“Can you teach me the wand movement for this?” She asked excitedly, pointing down at the page in her Charms book and brandishing her new wand.

He looked down and read the spell she was pointing to.

Wingardium Leviosa

He smiled again, thinking back to that fateful Halloween. That night had brought Hermione into his life and his thoughts.

“Rosie, have I ever told you about the first time I performed that spell correctly?”