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English
Series:
Part 5 of Aesop & Katherine Sharp - Family Tree of the Bourgeoisie
Collections:
Sharpuary 2024
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Published:
2024-02-01
Completed:
2024-02-29
Words:
2,987
Chapters:
29/29
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29
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30
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367

Tempora Mutantur |Times Change|

Summary:

- 29 Drabbles for 29 Prompts -
Sharpuary 2024 has arrived

The theme of the Drabbles change from prompt to prompt but all have something in common:
They show how times change.

Chapter 1: Sweeter than Candy

Chapter Text

Pink lips parted, presenting pearly white teeth. Laugh lines accompanied her shining grateful smile.
The cream ice in her hand was a gift from him – a “thank you” for having helped him get the patent application for a potion quickly through the process.
It was her favorite: Coffee.
She nibbled at it, humming delightedly. Words of appreciation left her; glittering brown eyes testifying her dedication to him.
He offered to buy her the whole candy store they passed, if she would grace him with another smile. She chuckled.
She was, indeed, sweeter than any candy to him.

Prompt: Candy

Chapter 2: Rest Without Penitence

Chapter Text

Memories are haunting him; they refuse to release the hold they have on his person.
Things he could do, hopes he had held - left behind, new reality befriended instead.
His ambition will have to be focused on finding a cure for this curse which has befallen him.
The man cannot say he deserves to be freed from this constant reminder of failure;
Is it weak of him to seek release - trying to attain a life in which a normal walk is a blessing?
Pain and regret follow the wizard like shadows - shadows of disgrace.
May he find rest without penitence?

Prompt: Shadow

Chapter 3: Turning Wheel

Chapter Text

Leaning against the wall in wait for Healer Montgomery to attend to him,
he watched the members of wizarding society go about their day at St. Mungo´s.
Some were talking excitedly with visible relief in their voice, others were grimacing in pain or anxiously looking around awaiting results.
In the middle of it all a young man in a wheelchair - the wheels of it turning with the force of magic.
The young man looked at him.
Once he had been in one as well, now he could be glad to have made such progress.
Turning; the wheel was turning.

Prompt: Wheelchair

Chapter 4: Surrender

Chapter Text

Fire burned his throat, seducing his tongue with sharp smoky distant sweetness. Firewhisky.
The arising courage spread through him in a tingling wave.
Fire was his weapon against the lump in his throat - the consequence of being faced with a decision that most likely would change his life.
If he remained stubborn, did not change his path, he would have to bow to intellectual dishonesty.
If he took on faith, facing the risk of being ridiculed, he could find serenity in following the road laid out before him.
He had prayed for a sign and received. Now he had to surrender.

Prompt: Firewhisky

Chapter 5: Broken

Notes:

Content Warning: Nightmare about Major Character Death after Torture

Chapter Text

Rage was vibrating through his body; Deathwish crashing into him.
Her body - bloodied and violated on the ground - had difficulty following her mind´s command.
Eyes which had always shined with a lively glow were now shallow and whispered of unspeakable deeds having been committed.
Katherine´s lips, which had always been ready to tell the truth and bestow him with life-giving kisses, were not even trying to utter a word. What he had believed impossible had happened: She had been broken - spirit and body alike.
This dungeon: Her death chamber.

She woke him. His worst nightmare - just that.

 

Prompt: Dungeon

Chapter 6: Unsuccessful Distraction

Chapter Text

Purring filled the air with a calming sound.
His mother´s Kneazle - comfortable in her lap - unquestionably enjoyed her nearness.
"She likes you." The confidence of the Sharp matriarch never wavered.
Confusion.
"Your Kneazle?" The former Auror felt himself frown.
Clicking her tongue against the roof of her mouth, she shared her disapproval.
"Tsk. Don´t be obtuse! Katherine, of course."
Katherine. He had tried to distract himself, going so far as to think about his mother´s pet,
but not even that was granted. He could not flee.
"I have no desire to discuss her."
"But I do", came back.

Prompt: Kneazle

Chapter 7: Risk Assessment

Chapter Text

"It´s too dangerous, Aesop." The tone in which the words had been spoken was more worried than resolute.
"I don´t deny that, but we cannot keep her in a gilded cage. She will have to develop her risk assessment skills somehow."
His wife´s reply was more frustrated than her initial statement had been
"But not through an extreme sport! She is a teenager and far too reckless for her own good. She might get hit by a Bludger and fall to her death! Quidditch is utterly inane: Risking one´s life for entertainment purposes! That´s our girl!"
Silence. She was right.

Prompt: Quidditch

Chapter 8: Redeeming Kiss

Chapter Text

The Scarborough Spa had been beautiful to behold,
but it had not vanquished the pictures flaring up in his mind´s eye from things transpired.
This city - no matter how popular in aristocratic circles due to its charm - had been the stage of his very own tragedy, making Aesop doubt it could be turned into one with a pleasant ending.
The young witch, which was observing him silently, however, held hope - he knew.
It came as a surprise when her soft body nestled against his; the touch of their lips a first.
He´d think fondly of Scarborough thereafter.

Prompt: Scarborough


Chapter 9: Convincement

Chapter Text

"I don´t need a portrait."
His wife sighed.
"I didn´t need one either, yet you made me one."
His strong hands found way to her waist, a reply on his lips.
"Different case entirely. You are a sight to behold and I made it myself."
The brunette did not seem satisfied with his counterargument, pursing her lips while looking intently into his eyes before making her standpoint clear.
"You´ll have to excuse my dreadful lack of talent when it comes to painting, but even a mediocre artist like myself deserves to see their beloved on canvas."
She managed to convince.

Prompt: Portrait

Chapter 10: Assurance

Chapter Text

"Are you feeling better?"
His calming voice was still gruff from sleeping; his hand on her silk-clad shoulder warm.
"No", she lamented, arm shielding her grimacing face.
The nausea had been plaguing her for days, nothing wanting to remain in her stomach.
"I brought you some toast for Breakfast, try it."
Peering furtively at Aesop, the witch pulled herself into a sitting position.
Seeking the bowl at the bedside with her eyes, assuring herself of its presence, she reminded herself that her body would balance out eventually. Aesop´s - their child - being worth it.
Aesop´s assuring smile proved contagious.

Prompt: Breakfast

Chapter 11: Experiments of Pleasurable Nature

Chapter Text

When he entered, Katherine was standing at one of their bookshelves beside the living room window.
The book in her hand let his brows shoot up.
"Moste Potente Potions?"
His question did not make her look up from the book, but she provided him with an answer - however short and cryptic it might have been.
"Polyjuice Potion."
He embraced her from behind, smirking into the nape of her neck; taking in her scent.
"What do you want with Polyjuice Potion?"
Now it was on her to smirk. He had taken the bait.
"Turn into you for experiments of pleasurable nature."

Prompt: Most Potente Potions

Chapter 12: Self-Control

Chapter Text

Warm skin, chest hair pressed against her curved back.
Slowly but determined his calloused hand drew a sensual river from the valley between her pale breasts to her vibrating navel.
Katherine´s aroused gasp was followed by his lips meeting her bare shoulder.
Feeling not only his warm breath and worshipping lips, but also his manhood pressed against her buttocks, made it difficult to deny him.
She sighed.
"Aesop..."
"Mhm?"
His languid nuzzling of her neck made her involuntarily moan.
"Today is a bad day, if we want to wait for more offspring."
A last kiss to her shoulder. A smile. Self-control.

 

Prompt: Bad day

Chapter 13: Memory Potion Instructions

Chapter Text

"So we have the Alihotsy leaves, Eel eyes, a Jobberknoll feather and Peppermint. I want you to be aware that brewing this potion requires precision and a tender touch."
His wife´s voice carried the words through the door ajar to his ear.
"I know, Mama!"
He could predict his daughter´s theatrical eye-roll without having to see it, once her response filled the air, just as he could imagine Katherine holding her hands up in defense.
"I just wanted to to remind you, lass! No need to react so exasperated!"
The joys of teaching their children at home involved habitual amusement.

Prompt: Alihotsy

Chapter 14: Constant and True

Chapter Text

The card in his hand was rich in detail.
There was no doubt in his mind, that love had flown into the creation of this Valentine.
Lace was carefully arranged on its cover - he recognized it from somewhere.
His fingers touched it.
"Duplicated with the help of my wand. It´s a piece of my wedding dress."
Katherine´s voice let him know, bordering on a whisper.
Sea shells built a line below golden-foiled text. "Constant and true. Be mine."
He touched those as well.
"From our honeymoon in Egypt."
More dedication was impossible.
A look into her face.
"All yours."

Prompt: Valentine

Chapter 15: Reborn Magical Fire

Chapter Text

He rose from the fire not like a Phoenix but like an Ashwinder;
born from dying magical fire left unchecked.
More cunning than before, lesson learned from being cursed, he was an even greater force to be reckoned with.
His physical limitations did not hold him back from joining the fight in defense of Hogwarts and the Ancient Magic Ranrok was after.
He felt stronger, wiser, deadlier than he had in his younger years as an Auror.
The enemies attacking his pupil were easily defeated - no match for the magical fire inside of him seeking to protect what he valued.

Prompt: Ashwinder

Chapter 16: Realizations

Chapter Text

He knew he was lost, when her blush covered her ears and neck, going over to her chest; making him wonder.
Someone´s blushing usually humoured him, but hers lead his mind astray.
This untypical wandering of eyes and thoughts made his heart set heavy in his stomach; realization manifesting.
He desired her wholly.- her spirit admirable, mind fascinating, physical form appealing.
One blush provoked by his words had lead to a recognition that would change him.
Years without yearning, a lifetime without a feeling of love that dug so deep.
How could it have taken him so long to understand?

Prompt: Blush

Chapter 17: No Time

Chapter Text

Warmth spread through his chest thinking about last night.
Her fingers had burrowed themselves in his hair, her lips had sighed her pleasure at their union into his ear.
He had done the same to her; her light brown long river of hair like silk between his fingers.
Reminding himself of where he was, he looked down onto the papers that still needed to be graded.
Soon, very soon he would give up his position at Hogwarts and enjoy more time with his family.
He had no time to think about her hair, or her hands, or her lips, or...

Prompt: Hair

Chapter 18: Hope In The Cold

Notes:

Content Warning: Suicide Contemplation.

Chapter Text

Emptiness was taking over, the guilt for a moment replaced.
Sitting in a wheelchair, cold creeping into his bones, he did not care.
Maybe if he was gone things would be better;
maybe if he would end his misery the scale was balanced.
No, Fr. Athanasius was right - ending his life would not turn back time and save the precious life of his partner;
it would simply end in an even greater tragedy by making his death meaningless.
It was difficult for Aesop to see potential in his future, but others seemed confident of its existence.
Hope in the cold.

Chapter 19: Attentiveness

Chapter Text

Her humming in the air made him smile silently, hidden from her view.
She was preparing some of the cucumbers they had grown in the garden to pickle them.
Pregnancy may not have increased her cravings for Gherkins, but she knew he liked them,
and he could not have a wife more eager to please him.
"I hope you´ll like them. I put love into growing them."
She spoke without turning, leaving him to his coffee and newspaper. His Saturdays started late.
"Darling, you do everything in love but I´m afraid they won´t be as delicious as you."
She smirked.

Prompt: Gherkin

Chapter 20: Golden Framed

Chapter Text

Turmoil. It seemed everyone in the village had forgotten Christmas was nearing.
It was bothersome, but he blamed himself for being one of them.
Aesop Sharp had been successful in getting everyone´s gift, merely his offering for Katherine was not complete yet.
The Opera tickets alone were not satisfactory in his eyes and Hogsmeade had not been able to grant him an idea yet, making him wonder if he shouldn´t pay London a visit.
Just as his mind went down that rout, he saw it - an intricate golden frame.
The couple portrait they had taken - framed - would please her.

Prompt: Hogsmeade

Chapter 21: Peaceful End

Notes:

Content Warning: Implied Major Character Death

Chapter Text

He had heard of it before but never been able to take a glance at it.
The Mirror of Erised
Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi, it read.
"I show not your face but your heart's desire" - he whispered, analysing the frame, rather careful not to look at his reflection, before he was ready to face his deepest yearning.
Stepping back he redirected his dark eyes to its surface.
Nothing happened first but then the reflection changed.
He - older than he already had become - holding Katherine´s elderly resemblance. They smiled, closing their eyes.

 

Prompt: Mirror of Erised

Chapter 22: Same Team

Chapter Text

He was silent, she was silent, but the heaviness of disagreement was palpable.
"I don´t like this", Katherine confessed, her voice clothed in resignation.
"Neither do I", he concurred
Looking up from their cups, they sought the attention of the other.
"I love you, Katherine. Why fight when we are on the same team?"
Carefully reaching out, as if afraid of rejection, she took his hand on the table.
"We rarely get into altercations, but when we do they are a match of intellects. The dispute was born out of pride. I´m sorry."
As always when they quarreled -expeditious peace.

Prompt: Altercation

Chapter 23: Memory Lane

Chapter Text

Sitting under the tree he looked at the Black Lake before him.
So many memories of his reckless young self infiltrating his mind.
Participation in dares,
stolen kisses at the lakes´ shore,
bonfires surrounded by friends which sang old folk songs.
Remembering those times tucked at the corners of his mouth; his face looking younger while he felt so much older.
He noticed Dinah´s approach before she reached him, her steps audible in the grass.
"Going down memory lane, or are you brooding over a potential cure again?"
Her inquiry made him snort.
"Memory lane."
Together they sat and remembered.

Prompt: Black Lake

Chapter 24: Re-establishing Confidence

Chapter Text

The pub was hosting the group of Slytherin Alumni, providing it with food and drinks.
The murmuring of other guests a background sound to their own friendly banter.
The Ex-Auror had not intended on joining the reunion, but Black had more or less demanded he come, in order to maintain the status of Hogwarts.
A position as professor was nothing to be ashamed of, after all, or so he had claimed.
It turned out that neither his past nor his new profession were looked down upon.
They still thought highly of him.
Slytherin fraternity persisted.
Black had been right.
Healing.

Prompt: Slytherin

Chapter 25: The Carefree Joy and Unconditional Love of a Child

Chapter Text

The sound of splashing water made Aesop look up;
his daughter was jumping carefree up and down in the puddle of water created by Katherine´s use of the garden hose.
The sun was warming them all, shining so brightly that the book in his hand had long stopped entertaining him.
Amused by his daughter´s enthusiasm he nearly missed Theodore´s interaction.
Katherine, squatting in front of their son, was being embraced.
Theodore´s little chubby hands held her face carefully in his hands, just like he often did; his face joyful and loving.

Youth - his was over, theirs had just begun.

Prompt: Youth

Chapter 26: Preferences and Prickliness

Chapter Text

"I uan bisscit!" Her little hand opened and closed itself in the air, underlining her demand with visual clarification.
He eyed her lovingly.
"So you want biscuits, huh? I can offer you some buttered bread instead."
The child´s lips started to tremble, forming to a pout; big eyes pleading with him.
"Bisscit."
Her soft voice sounded so disappointed it nearly broke his heart, but he did not want to give in so quickly.
"What´s wrong with bread and some tea?"
His inquiring turned the two year old snippy.
"BISSCIT!"
A sigh and a grumbled "prickly" later she got her biscuit.

Prompt: Prickly

Chapter 27: Buyable Memory

Chapter Text

Whatever he had expected to find in the Bric-a Brac shop, a memory of his grandfather was not it.
His wife had been the one curious enough to look inside, but he was the one to gain from it.
Before him stood a mug from the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany.
His grandfather had bought him one who looked just the same, when he was a little boy on vacation there.
Theodore had broken it, a big piece undetectable.
No anger had befallen him back then; knowledge of how beloved by his grandfather he would be - calming.
"Buy the mug", whispered Katherine encouragingly.

Prompt: Bric-a-Brac

Chapter 28: Soldier On A Horse

Chapter Text

His mood had been atrocious before deciding to take a ride on his stallion Whisky;
yesterday´s ball not sitting well with him.
Distance from the gnawing feeling of impeding disaster only found in the whipping wind and energizing adrenaline.
He was welcomed back by the witch who had woken feelings of problematic possessiveness.
She was holding something up he did not recognize at first; a smirk plastered on her doll-like features.
Dismounting Whisky, he looked at the little figurine in her hand. It was a soldier on a horse, one of his childhood collection.
Her smirk did not remain companionless.

Prompt: Smirk

Chapter 29: What Spells Cannot Do Love Can

Chapter Text

Seeing his daughter use Reparo for the first time became the key to an insight he normally only glossed over.
Broken objects were usually easily repaired with one spell, but people in their broken nature and their survived trauma weren´t.
The wizard´s orbs held a softness reserved for his family, the crow´s feet around his eyes engaged while a smile lit up his face;
no spell might manage to heal people spiritually, but love had managed to save him.
"You did it! I´m proud of you, dear."
The gruffness in his voice carried a pride his daughter knew to cherish.