˚ ༘ .˚🌱୭ ˚. ᵎᵎ cause all of me
loves all of you 𓍢ִ໋🀦⃝🪼〰꩜ 𓍢ִ໋ ✰

‧₊˚🖇️✩ ₊˚🎧⊹♡  slice of life. coming-of-age. romance.
oc x oc. oc x canon. how long will I love you?

a marauders applyfic . . . ! Hearts in The Shadows
© -lixiedvst 2024. as long as stars are above.

⋆ ִֶָ ๋𓂃🎐 ⋆

“ money aside, what do you need? (: ”

“ that money you put aside ”

In 1976, the wizarding world teetered on the edge of darkness as Voldemort and his Death Eaters rose in power. Fear and uncertainty grip the magical community, with whispers of danger and unrest spreading like wildfire. But within the ancient walls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, life carries on, and for the students, that means grappling with the everyday challenges of school, friendships, and—most of all—love.

Fifth, Sixth and Seventh year at Hogwarts marks a pivotal time—a period where friendships deepen, identities solidify, and the thrill of young love takes hold. Here, the drama of teenage life unfolds against the backdrop of a world in peril. In this castle, where magic is a given, it’s not just spells that are cast; hearts are captured, broken, and mended in ways that feel as powerful as any charm.

The school year kicks off with a sense of normalcy tinged by an undercurrent of unease. Students arrive at Hogwarts with a mix of anticipation and anxiety, and the familiar sights of the castle offer a comforting yet bittersweet reminder of the world they are living in. The excitement of new beginnings is palpable as students reunite with old friends and meet new faces.

But as time goes by, and the headlines from the outside world grow grimmer, these young witches and wizards begin to realize that the darkness isn’t just out there—it’s creeping closer, seeping into the very edges of their lives. They find themselves caught in the middle of two worlds: one filled with the hope and wonder of youth, and the other shadowed by the grim reality that the world as they know it is changing.

in which . . .

In 1976, as darkness spread in the wizarding world, Hogwarts' students face the challenges of their sixth year. Friendships deepen, identities form, and love takes root, all while the shadow of Voldemort looms ever closer. As the shadow of Voldemort’s rise looms larger, these young witches and wizards must confront the growing dangers both outside and within the walls of their school. Amidst Quidditch matches, late-night common room conversations, and secretive corridors, they discover that the path to adulthood is fraught with challenges—and that love, loyalty, and courage might be the only lights strong enough to push back the encroaching darkness.

And well, it is going to be fu- wait, is that Dumbledore planning something over there!!?? God, this is going to be a roller coaster of a ride.

Respectfulness and Manners
Alright, folks, we’re all here to have fun, but let’s make sure we keep things respectful. Whether it’s in the comments, on the forms, or in any discussions, let’s all treat each other kindly. Rudeness, negativity, or any form of disrespect will not be tolerated—it’s a no-go faster than a misfired hex in Defence Against the Dark Arts. Let’s keep the space welcoming for everyone, whether it’s toward me or other applicants. If you disagree or don’t like something, that’s okay! Just express it with manners, yeah?

Channel your inner Dumbledore and remember: “It’s our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” Choose kindness, people! 🌟

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Activeness
So, your OC made the cut—yay! 🎉 But here’s the thing: being part of this story is a two-way street. Please, please don’t become a ghost reader after your OC is selected. Comments, feedback, and general interaction really help keep the motivation alive. I love reading your comments and seeing your votes. I get it, life happens, and not everyone can comment constantly. Even if you can’t comment all the time, just dropping a few words here and there shows that you’re still around and excited. And if life gets busy (because, hey, we’re all human), just let me know if you’re going on a hiatus or changing your username!

I’m not asking for an essay in the comments, but if your OC’s doing something epic, a “YESSSSSSSSS” or “I LOVE THIS” would make my day but do not just comment when your oc is there and then disappear. Simple as that! 😄

Diversity
Let’s make this story as diverse as a potion with all the right ingredients. I want to see POC characters, LGBTQ+ characters, and a variety of ages. Don’t make all the OCs the same age as the marauders—throw in some older characters too! Mix up the personalities and abilities. Hogwarts is a big place with room for everyone, so let’s make sure the cast reflects that! OCs can be related to canon characters, but let’s not turn this into a family reunion for every Hogwarts student. Also, let’s not have everyone in the same house, with the same interests, or from similar family setups—shake it up a bit!

Diversity isn’t just about the who, it’s about the how. Show me unique personalities, hobbies, and quirks—basically, I’m looking for characters as different as Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans (but maybe without the earwax flavour). 🌈🍬

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Face Claim
Alright, now let’s talk about face claims! Having a face claim for your OC is a must, and I’d love it if the face claim was age-appropriate. That means no 30-year-old actors playing teenagers, okay? If your OC is a minor, find a minor FC, and if they’re an adult, pick someone age-appropriate. If you’re having a hard time finding the perfect face claim, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with a face claim description part where you can go all-in describing how your OC looks. Paint me a picture of your character with those details—I promise I’ll take good care of your OC’s image even if you can’t find the right FC.

Avoid using the super popular face claim we see everywhere (you know the ones). Show me some fresh faces! Your OC deserves to stand out, not blend in with every other applyfic on the block. 😉

If your FC is too old for their role, I might have to “recast” your OC like when Fresh Prince swapped out Aunt Viv. And we all know how awkward that was. 😬

Slots
Ah, the dreaded slots. I was this close to making them, but then I thought, “You know what? Let’s just let the creativity flow!” That being said, I’ve learned from my past mistakes (crying over a bloated main cast), so this time, there will only be 7-8 spots for the main cast—including my own OC.

Feel free to apply as many times as you like, but just know that I might not be able to squeeze all your OCs into the main cast. Think of it like musical chairs—there’s only so much room! However, I will most likely include them in smaller roles if they don’t make the main cast, so no worries if one OC doesn’t land the spotlight. Sometimes, you just gotta pick favourites like choosing between Netflix shows when you only have an hour.

If I start accepting 20+ OCs and then regret my life choices, y’all better be prepared to read War and Peace levels of content. 📚😂

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Originality
Okay, I know we’re all inspired by our favourite characters, but try to avoid making OCs who are just carbon copies of canon characters. Like, we don’t need 10 versions of Hermione or a dozen mini-Snapes running around Hogwarts. Let’s get creative! Make your OC unique, even if they have similarities to canon characters. Maybe they’re bookish but shy, or ambitious but compassionate. There’s a lot of room to make them stand out!

If I see an OC that’s clearly a Sirius 2.0, I might just add them to the “What If Sirius Had a Twin” spin-off I’m secretly planning. 👀

Plot Involvement
Listen, I’m here for your OCs to shine, but remember, this story already has a plot in place. Your OC will definitely get moments to be part of it, but they won’t single-handedly save the world. Unless you’re Harry Potter, you’re not defeating Voldemort solo. So please, no grand ideas about your OC being the secret Chosen One. They can help, but they’re not the main protagonist—more like one of the Avengers, not Iron Man, okay? 😎

If your OC is low-key trying to steal the spotlight from someone, we might have to stage an intervention. Even Captain America let others have their moments!

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Familiar Tropes
While I love a good trope as much as the next fanfic writer, let’s try not to go overboard. If your OC is a bad boy with a tragic past and a heart of gold, that’s cool—but maybe add a twist. Does he also have a deep-seated fear of cats? Does he secretly crochet? Give me something unexpected that makes your OC feel fresh, even if they fall into a well-loved trope. Tropes are fine, but originality is better!

If your OC fits too perfectly into a “bad boy” or “quirky girl” trope, I might have to write a scene where they literally trip over it. Whoops! 🐱🧶

Canon Interaction
I know it’s tempting to have your OC be besties with the Marauders or another famous canon character, but let’s try to be realistic. Your OC can be friends with canon characters, but don’t expect them to be soulmates with James or know Dumbledore’s deepest secrets. Let’s keep things balanced.

It’s much more fun to create OCs with their own tight-knit friendships or rivalries! Think about how your OC interacts with their peers, and the story will feel a lot more grounded.

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Magical Background
While I’m open to any kind of magical backstory—half-bloods, pure-bloods, muggle-borns—I want variety. Maybe your OC’s family has a deep magical history, or maybe they’re the first wizard or witch in their family. Bring me some fresh perspectives! Your OC doesn’t have to have a tragic backstory (but hey, if they do, I’m not going to say no to the drama).

Feel free to mix up their magical abilities, too. Maybe your OC is brilliant at Transfiguration but can’t summon a Patronus to save their life!

Mental Health and Realistic Struggles
It’s okay to give your OC some real struggles or mental health challenges, but please approach this with care and respect. No trivialising things like anxiety or depression for the sake of drama. If your OC deals with something serious, make sure it’s written thoughtfully and accurately. We want to give these issues the respect they deserve while still fitting them into the magical world. No OC is “fixed” by a simple spell!

Mental health struggles can be powerful character arcs, but remember—magic can’t solve everything. Hogwarts is a magical school, not a therapy centre!

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Relationships
Ah, love is in the air, and yes, romance is a big part of this story! Canon love interests are totally welcome, but let’s set some expectations here—I’m not the Cupid of the Wizarding World. 🏹✨ I can’t guarantee that your OC will end up with the canon character you have in mind. I’ll be looking at how well your OC and their love interest vibe together. If they’ve got chemistry, then hey, maybe sparks will fly! But if your OC is eyeing someone, cross your fingers and hope the stars align—because, like in real life, sometimes it’s just not meant to be. No love potions allowed!

If your OC is convinced they’re meant to be with James Potter and it doesn’t happen…well, at least they can bond over how hard it is to get a date to the Yule Ball. 💔😂

Now, let’s not forget about the other key relationships: friendships and rivalries! Not everyone is going to be in love, but everyone should have some unique, meaningful connections. Whether it’s an unbreakable bond between two best friends or a rivalry that rivals the one between Harry and Draco, these relationships are the bread and butter of Hogwarts life. Keep it fresh, original, and interesting—no cookie-cutter friendships or "we've been rivals since day one" clichés unless you’ve got a clever twist!

Friendships and rivalries should be as exciting as Quidditch—so make them fun, complex, and maybe even a little messy. We love a bit of drama! 🧹🔥

Subplots
Everyone loves a good subplot! Your OC doesn’t have to be involved in the main action 24/7. Maybe they’re sneaking into the library to study obscure magical creatures, or perhaps they’re trying to win a Quidditch cup for their house. Whatever it is, give your OC some smaller goals or side missions that make them feel real. Subplots add depth to your character’s story and allow them to shine even when the main plot isn’t focused on them.

If your OC’s subplot is “collecting Chocolate Frog cards” but they’re taking it as seriously as Voldemort’s Horcrux hunt, I’ll be thoroughly entertained. 🍫🐸

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Deadlines
Alright, nobody loves deadlines, but they are necessary. I’ll give a heads-up when I’m closing applications, so don’t wait until the last second to apply. I’m a procrastinator too (who isn’t?), but Hogwarts Express won’t wait, so neither can I!

If you’re in the middle of making the form and need more time, just message me! I’m human and I get it—sometimes life happens. Let me know and I’ll try to work with you.

Hey everyone!!

Alright, first things first—this is a work of fiction, so all the canon characters and some of the plot here belong to J.K. Rowling or the Harry Potter franchise. The layout of this story is entirely mine, but let’s be real—I’ve read a lot of applyfics, so if it accidentally resembles someone else’s work and you want credit, just let me know! I’ll make sure you’re credited properly. As for the edits, those are mine, but the photos are straight from Pinterest, so shout out to the original creators and the moodboard is made by the beautiful viena <3. Also, quick disclaimer: English isn’t my first language, so if I slip up anywhere, I’m sorry in advance. Thanks for understanding!

Now, heads up—this story is going to be quite different from the Harry Potter series we all know and love. While it’s still set in the magical world, the focus will be more on relationships, the messiness of growing up, and all the drama that comes with it. Expect lots of romance, friendships, and even rivalries, but don’t think it’s just going to be a retelling of the original story. The plot will take its own twists and turns, and I’m so excited to explore new angles and ideas within this universe. I want it to feel fresh, exciting, and full of those moments that make you swoon, cry, and laugh out loud.

I honestly can’t even describe how excited I am to finally share this story with you all. I’ve been planning and brainstorming for what feels like forever, and now it’s finally happening. I’m so thrilled to see what kind of characters you’ll create and how they’ll interact in this world I’ve been building. This project means a lot to me, and I can’t wait to see it come to life with your input.

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