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Monday | Great Hall
Harry was heading to the great hall with his friend, Luna. The dreamy girl decided to wait for him at the common room because she said that today was going to be a wonderful day. And it somehow involved him. He asked her why but she just told him to be patient.
The walk to the hall was comfortably silent. Luna was shooting him glances and smiles along the way, sometimes she skips in her steps and Harry wondered what made his friend so happy. They reached the great hall and Luna's smile got wider as though she was excited for something. They sat at the Gryffindor table, greeted by one bushy brunette and one freckled red head.
"Good morning Harry." They exclaimed simultaneously before sending each other glares. Harry laughed and greeted them.
They were chatting about homework, today's classes and Ron's eating habits when the owls came in. Harry wasn't expecting any letters but a beautiful black owl unexpectedly landed infront of him. He blinked, he didn't recognize this owl. It was not Sirius' owl, nor Regulus and Remus. Ron and Hermione looked at him, confused. While Luna seemed to brighten as she was bouncing on her seat.
The owl looked to be frowning as they raised their leg up. Harry mused, this owl is impatient. He looked at what the owl was carrying and saw a silver box with a green ribbon attached with a small letter. He untied the owl before giving them some food. The owl happily ate it before flying away leaving Harry wondering whose owl is that. He shook his head before curiously eyeing the silver box.
He went to open it when Hermione stopped him. She casted spells to see if it does any harm until she confirmed that there was none. This is her usual procedure when it came to things that they do not identify, such as letters and gifts from unfamiliar owls or a handout from a person that they are not particularly close with. It's quite tiring but as Regulus' drilled into his head, it's better safe than sorry. Harry opened the box carefully and what he saw made him gasp.
Laying there was a crystal rose and a crystal lily.
Harry picked up the rose and lily gently and brushed his thumb against a glass petal. The crystals seemed to gleam under the warmth and light of the sun, it's radiance catching the attention of the holder. The art piece was something to take behold of. It was unmistakably, no doubt an exquisitely fine present. He would definitely tend it happily. He smiled at the thought as he put it in the box, ignoring those who are looking. He took the letter and opened it. It read,
I hope you like what I have gifted you, mein Schatz.
The writing was neat and elegant. It's cursive words making Harry blush slightly. Who gave these to him? And why? No matter, Harry appreciates it and is very thankful.
"You seem to like it, Harry." Luna said breaking Harry out of his thoughts. He turned to her and saw she was beaming brightly.
"Woah, mate.." Ron trailed off, who seemed to can't find words. He was intently gazing at the crystals with wide eyes.
"Who gave you these?" Hermione asked.
Harry looked at the parchment again and replied, never taking it's eyes of it, "I don't know."
"An anonymous sender?" Hermione queried, not very quietly. This stirred the table to go into whispers, shooting glances at Harry and the box. She winced at the glare Harry sent but he shrugged at her query.
Harry tuned out the conversations around him. His gaze was on the box as he pondered who sent him such a beautiful gift.
Tuesday | Charms Classroom
Harry was amazed.
A part of the table— specifically infront of Harry's usual seat, was occupied of lilies circling a knitted wool rose which was completed while he was still standing there, taking in what was happening. And right next to the wool rose was a small letter just like yesterday.
Murmurs filled the classroom almost instantly of what they saw. Some were sighing in yearning, some were giggling and some were gaping, wide-eyed.
Why would they do this for him? Do go such feats to give a present. Is this the same person who gave him that wonderful gift yesterday? Is this a declaration of love or is it just friends?
He forcefully stopped his train of thoughts as it will be going nowhere if he didn't open the letter. He carefully picked up the soft rose made of wool and gently placed it on his lap. He took the letter and opened it. There in the letter, was the same cursive writing but with different words.
I am pure, I do not use muggle terms and things, yet here I am trying to be your prince charming.
A flush crept up Harry's face as a whistle was blown from someone behind him. Hermione, who was right next to him, read the very sappy letter over his shoulder which caused her eyes to lit up.
"Harry! Harry!" She whisper-yelled as she shook her best friend out his daze, "There's a clue!"
Harry reluctantly read the letter again and spotted the very obvious clue. It wouldn't be helpful as many students are pureblood in these walls of Hogwarts. He voiced his concerns to his friend, gaining a frown and a creased forehead on her face.
"You're right," Hermione sighs in disappointment, her head low. She looks back up with a small teasing smile as she says, "But I think you should put those away before class starts."
He nodded before casting depulso on the objects, sending the jewelry to his room. But the rose stays on his lap throughout the entire class.
Wednesday | Greenhouse
"Why are we waiting outside for Professor Sprout?" Asked an ravenclaw. They were standing under the heat of the sunlight which made some sweat from the temperature.
"Professor told us to be here but I don't know why." One of the hufflepuffs answered.
The students— as well as Harry and Hermione, overwhelmed by the heat summoned their umbrellas or covered their head with their books. As they did, a ravenclaw shrieked as she held onto her friend's arm. Everybody was in alarm when her friend asked what's wrong. She pointed to a bug on the ground crawling towards her, getting incredulous looks from the others. Ignoring her, Harry saw Professor Sprout walking towards them.
"Good morning, students!" She exclaimed when she got infront of them.
"Good morning professor Sprout." Everyone responded in unison.
"Now, you may be wondering why I decided to let you wait here," Some nodded in her say as everyone was getting impatient. Harry does not blame them, they had to wait under the heat of the sun after all. Their professor continued, "I want you all to come with me and observe the many plants on these grounds. Pick one plant you take interest in and make a two foot long essay about the plant that you have chosen. That will be your assignment. After, we will be going to our usual greenhouse and continue our lesson from yesterday."
All nodded in understanding. Although some groaned as they might think their legs will break, some had looks of exasperation and some had a fiery glint of determination in their eyes. Harry truly likes herbology but he thinks that he may have to go to the hospital wing after this class.
They strolled around the grounds of Hogwarts, led by their professor. It was not a very long walk as their professor noticed some students stumbling, literally or in feign. Professor Sprout decided to take pity and cut of the walk short.
"I think my legs are going to fall apart, Mi." Harry complained as they amble towards their greenhouse.
"Oh stop whining, Har! This is your fault-" Hermione scolded but was interrupted by a gasp made ahead. Everyone who was behind ran up to the green house and what they saw surprised them.
The place was decked out with roses and lilies, top to bottom. At the end, an arch made of leaves and lilies stood at it's place proudly. Under the arch was a table that held a shiny piece of jewelry and what seemed to be a rose.
"Oh my." Professor Sprout spoke in shock, her eyes widened and her lips slightly parted.
Hermione shook her head in wonder before glancing at Harry. He looked back at her and she motions to the table below the arch. Out of curiosity, he complied. Taking hesitant steps, he reached the table and took a closer look. After examining within reach of the table, it's contents were lily earrings, a rose clip and another letter.
As the students wonder around the greenhouse, Harry picks up the letter. It wrote,
Harry,
These would look good on you, mein Schatz.
T.R.N
Harry's face reddened at the flawless and elegant cursive writing. His gaze turned to the table's contents and his already flushed face turned crimson. His thoughts solely on him wearing the lovely gifts.
The pair of dangling earrings was luxurious as its gold and white colours suit well with the flowers attached to the strong golden wire. The middle of each flower has delicate, unblemished pearls decorated with small glossy stones. The stud of the earrings were pure white with a gold intricate border to it. While the earrings were eye-catching, the clip was simple, yet glamorous as the cherry red color proved to be striking.
Harry wouldn't deny that for the entire duration of the class, his mind set on the initials: 𝘛.𝘙.𝘕
Thursday | Grounds
"What is this!?" A gryffindor shouted causing a commotion around them.
"What's going on there?" Ron asked, confused. They were sitting on the grass with their backs towards the castle walls, reading books and conversing as the weather on Thursday was pleasant.
"Oh! A robot!" Hermione exclaimed in mock surprise. Sadly, Ron did not understand and Hermione sighed as Harry chuckled.
"Do you think we can see from this point?" The brunette pointed out, done with Ron's stupidity. The ruckus was on their left but it was obstructed by a tower.
"What if it's a carriage full of treacle tarts? From Harry's anonymous admirer? You would love that, wouldn't you Harry?" Ron teased, his grin wide and evident. Harry blushed before smacking Ron's arm as he laughed.
"Sirius would go wild once he hears about who this anonymous person is. I'm pretty sure he has a test." Hermione said, smirking when Harry groaned while Ron sniggered. She continued, asking, "How about we go check it out?"
The two nodded in response before they grabbed their books and stood up. They walk towards the ruckus where many students were piling. Unfortunately, they had to make their way to the front as the only thing they saw from the crowd was a fixed roof with lilies atop surrounding a tall rod made of steel. As they made it to the front, the trio were stunned.
A carriage was standing right infront of their eyes. The carriage was a white coach with green and silver detailing. It had delicately carved intricate designs, swirls and spirals all over attached with scattered white lilies. The carriage had four corner posts, each effortlessly supporting lanterns, it's glass glistening under the light of the sun. Polished windows and doors on both sides but what is notable was the inside.
The inside was filled with treacle tarts and sweets shaped like flowers. It had a barrier separating the sweets from the door as to prevent them from falling when opened. Harry couldn't resist treacle tarts, his mouth felt like watering but had to suppress. Instead he turned to Hermione and saw her staring at him.
"You should open it, Harry." She said. All heads turn to the trio and Harry grimaced a little. He turned back to the carriage infront of him, taking a shaky breath as he could feel his cheeks turn pink, he grabbed the handle and opened the door.
He didn't expect a note with wide, bold letters addressing it to him pasted on the barrier. Many gasped behind him, some giggled and some whistled as Harry's face reddened.
"What the fuck," Ron said in bewilderment. Harry's face flushed even more if that was possible as he took the letter under the gazes of others. "Mate, I was joking. H-how the fuck—?"
As Hermione slapped Ron on the arm, Harry unfolded the note. Reading it's contents, his breath got caught in his throat.
Harry,
For you, mein Schatz.
Theodore R. Nott
"So.. A slytherin?" Ron repeated. They were in the ravenclaw common room, discussing about Harry's now known admirer. The letter was shocking that it rendered Harry speechless. Just as Hermione was about to ask him, Professor McGonagall came as she found out about the commotion and ceased it. She was confused as to how a carriage was able to enter in Hogwarts grounds, but decided not to dwell on it for now and made to move the carriage, not before banishing the sweets to ravenclaw dormitories.
"Yes, Ronald! A slytherin! Or can you not hear?" Hermione chided.
"Is he one of Malfoy's goons?" Ron asked, slightly disgusted at the query.
"I don't think so. From what I've heard, he is close to Zabini, Greengrass and her friends." Hermione said, her brows furrowed.
"Oh thank Merlin! As long it's not Malfoy or his stupid followers, I'm able to tolerate them." Ron sighed, pleased before a yelp came out of his lips as Hermione whacked him on the arm.
"Harry... Are you okay with this?" Hermione asked. Her eyes showing her concern.
Ignoring Ron's groans, Harry sat up straighter and looked directly at Hermione. He responded, "I.. I don't know Mi. I.." Harry blushed as he looked away before continuing, "I appreciate his gifts, really. I like it very much.. I might give him a chance."
Hermione smiled and offered her hand for comfort. Harry took it and smiled faintly. "I'm with you, Harry."
Ron, who seem to finally stopped his wails, grinned a bit painfully. "Me too, mate."
Friday
"I support you, Harry." Luna said as she sat down beside the raven. Harry blinked at her before a small smile and a dust of pink graced his face.
"Thanks Luna, I appreciate it." Harry said as she returned the smile.
"Have you informed Sirius, Remus, and Regulus about him?" Hermione asked as she settled on the other side of him while Ron plopped down infront.
Harry winced as he remembered how horribly made his letter was to his guardians. He wrote it as though he was in a rush—he wasn't, really—, which was stupid. He would be expecting a howler later on the night or tomorrow morning, but he honestly hoped that Sirius won't barge into Hogwarts. Hermione seemed to take that as an answer somehow and nodded before she started filling up her plate with vegetables.
He listened as his friends conversed, adding points here and there but his thoughts were somewhere else, especially about one slytherin. Theodore Nott was handsomely gorgeous—speaking frankly—and was Slytherin's resident bookworm. From the past few days, he can tell that the slytherin was wealthy since everything he bought just for Harry was so expensive. He worried that he might go broke—which he doubt would happen. The Notts' fortune are on par with the Malfoys'. His main concern about this is what his family might think. What if he never told them about this, and when they discover, would they find this disagreeable and unacceptable? What if they blame him for how Theodore acted regarding him? For their loss of money because of a worthless boy?
He was shook out of his thoughts when a hand was put on his shoulder. Looking up, he saw Luna smiling softly at him and the two others were nowhere to be seen.
"Harry." She began, cupping his face and directed it to look at her. "Don't doubt yourself." When Harry opened his mouth to protest, she pinched his cheeks making him scrunch up his nose. "You're amazing, Harry. You're not worthless. What would your family say when they heard you're starting to self-doubt yourself because of some person you seem to fancy? I want you to be proud of what you've accomplished, be proud of yourself. Do you think Theodore would fancy you if he didn't see your beautiful and cute face, your smart mind, and your warm and cheerful personality? He likes you because of what you are. Don't doubt yourself over him!"
Harry flushed at her words and averted his eyes. Luna was right, he suddenly doubted himself because of Theodore. But how is Luna so sure that Theodore likes him because of who he is?
"You'll find that out soon enough, Harry. But I promise you that he thinks you're perfect in his eyes." Luna said with an air of finality before removing her hands from his face and squeezed his hands in comfort and support.
"Thank you, Luna." Harry said after some silence sorting out his thoughts. Luna smiled at him and patted his face. He knew he would get his answers soon.
It seemed he didn't have to wait long.
As the trio sat on the Gryffindor table, one slytherin stalked up to them.
"What do you want, Zabini?" Ron asked, although there was no usual malice that seemed to come naturally every time a slytherin came up to them. Zabini just smirked and handed a letter to Harry, who was confused and slightly hopeful as to why he came here.
He skeptically eyed the letter, his eyes widening slightly at the wax seal representing the Nott's coat of arms, their family crest. He glanced at Hermione—who was scrutinizing the letter—and she took out her wand before casting every single spell she knows that detects any harm. As she does this, Ron caught Zabini's face who looked very much amused and could not help but feel the same.
"I assure you that we did not curse the letter, Granger. Even if we did, Theo would strangle our throats if we caused Potter-Black here any harm." Zabini stated, chuckling when Harry widened his eyes at the last sentence. Hermione stopped and deflated as she sighed, still eyeing the letter.
Harry took the letter out of Zabini's grasp and slowly but carefully opened the letter. He read it's contents one time and another before he took a sharp intake of breath.
Harry,
Meet me near the Black Lake, mein Schatz.
Theodore R. Nott
"What is it?" Ron queried impatiently, ignoring the small snort the slytherin emitted. Not paying any attention to Ron, he looks at Zabini and reluctantly asked,
"Right now?"
"Right now."
He jumps out of his seat and turns to Hermione, "I'll have to go — Tell Anthony I can't make it to our study session, yeah Mi?" She nods hastily, seeing how worked up Harry was.
"Hey! Don't leave me hanging!" Ron exclaimed. Harry rolled his eyes and practically shoved the letter in his face before he jogged towards the exit.
Out of the corner of his eye, Luna gave him an encouraging smile from the ravenclaw table. He could not help but smile as well.
He ran until he neared the black lake. Slowing his pace, he let his thoughts wander about this upcoming meeting. The whole thing made him worry. What if he says it's all just a joke? But then again, why would he waste so much money all for this prank? Unless it is a part of the ploy.
He suddenly stopped in his tracks as he came to the realization that maybe this conversation was not about that but instead something else.
A confession.
Harry's cheeks flamed as he came to a realization. If he wasn't panicking before, he was panicking now. He suppresses the urge to wave his hands and clenched them into fists. What if it is a confession? What will he do?
Right now wasn't the time to panic. It wouldn't do good to let Theodore wait. Who knows, maybe he was just overthinking.
Calming down, he proceeded towards the black lake with hesitant steps. There he saw Theodore standing under a tree looking at the magnificent view of the lake. The water ripples, making small waves on the surface. The cool breeze billowing his black robes with the leaves rustling above him. His hands were behind him, the sunlight reflecting his face as the water reflects the image of Hogwarts like a mirror. He looked peaceful, as though he truly belonged here.
He turned his head slightly at the direction where Harry was standing and he took a sharp intake of breath before smiling as he fully turned towards him. Merlin, that smile looked so perfect. He greeted him, "Hello Harry."
"I.. Hello Theodore." He responded and gave a shy smile back, his cheeks lightly flushed.
"Don't call me that. Call me Theo. Now come here." He gestured to his side and Harry complied, walking towards him. Standing right next to him, he never thought he could be this close to this handsome slytherin. He could see small details up close, such as the light freckles that covered the bridge of his nose and a small pale scar that was left under the right side of his chin. He was, no doubt, muscled and tone. Also tall from the way Harry has to tilt his head up to look at him.
"Like what you see?" He was startled out of his musings to see Theodo.. Theo smirking at him. He blushed and looked away, embarrassed at getting caught.
A chuckle made him look up through his eyelashes and saw he was smiling fondly at him. How could he let this slytherin slip under his radar? More importantly, what did he do to catch this slytherin's attention?
"As you saw in my letter, I needed you to come here so we can.. talk about something important." Theo started, suddenly sounding uncertain unlike the teasing tone moments ago. Awkward silence then ensued between them, making Harry anxious.
Little did he know, Theo was having the same problem as he sorts out his thoughts and figures out what to say.
"About the gifts.. I hope you are pleased with them." Theo said. Harry's cheeks tinted pink at the memories of his reactions to it as he nodded. The crystal rose and lily was on his bedside table, placed in a vase with lilies. The knitted wool rose was sitting on his bed and he embarrassingly cuddles with it when sleeping. He snapped himself from those mortifying thoughts and gave Theo his full attention, who was silent while he was musing.
He speaks with a note of hesitation, "I want you to know about my feelings for you. Ever since first year, I knew you were remarkable. You are one of the best in our years, especially defence. When you duel, you always have grace in your movements and have such excellence. In fourth year, that's when I finally recognized those emotions I felt towards you," He paused. Harry's cheeks were flushed at the compliments the slytherin was voicing. He never thought he would receive such praise, it made his heart flutter. Theo took his hands and he entwined their fingers together. His eyes sparkled in fondness when he saw his action to intertwine their hands and he couldn't help but let out a small smile. He took a deep breath before continuing, "I gave you those gifts so I can show you my appreciation, even when you didn't know me all that well. Yet, here you are looking at me with those endearing eyes and holding my hands with such tenderness."
Harry could not deny those words. They were true. His heart skipped a beat at the look of adoration he was given and he decided right there and then he would give him a chance. Theo looked at him in the eyes and the slytherin gave his final words to his confession, "I hope you would let me cherish you, to let me protect you when in danger, and to let me comfort you when you are sad because I truthfully say, I've fallen for you."
Harry smiled so wide, the feeling of doubt fading and in it's place settled in happiness. He asked, "Can I kiss you?"
Theo's eyes widen and a light blush painted his cheeks. He nodded and he didn't wait to smash their lips together. Their lips moved as their hands traveled to a suitable place where they can support the other. The kiss was filled with passion and it felt like it was too short when they broke apart.
They pressed their foreheads together and smiles worked its way onto their faces. Theo queried, "Does this mean you accept me?"
"Of course I do," He responded. He averted his eyes before he looked back, "Does your family..?"
"They agreed to help me with the gifts. They're intrigued when I told them about you." Theo interrupted, his voice firm yet soothing. He slumped in relief and he let the arms that embraced his waist hold him.
"Can I kiss you again?" Theo blinked before a smile graced his features. He took that as a yes and he felt those soft lips once more.
They kissed under the soft breeze of the wind. The leaves of the trees swaying as the water ripples, showing the image of the happy couple fate has put together.