ETHALINE

CALM BEFORE THE STORM

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Harry stared down at Ethaline who concentrated on the potion, her hands trembling lightly as she tried to move it towards the glass container. In frustration Ethaline tossed it aside, slumping back down.

Harry didn't say anything, watching as she retained her tears and stared down at her hands. She was still physically recovering from the torture she had to endure, trembling hands was only part of it.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, rubbing her temples and exhaling quietly as Harry leaned over and grabbed the herbs.

"Nothing to be sorry about Ethy." He said softly.

Harry gently set them into the container, a small amount of smoke erupting from it before he sealed it properly. He picked it up and made his way to the nearest window where the moonlight hit it enough before setting it down.

Ethaline sniffled, leaning her head on the couch as she held herself to stop the shaking. Harry grabbed the nearby blanket and kneeled in front of her, meeting her full eyes before wrapping it around her.

The small gesture made her melt, her eyes fluttering shut while he caressed her face. They didn't speak much, each of them scared they would say something the other didn't like. Not to mention, Ethaline feared she'd break and confess her still feelings of him.

She would never do that to Ginny.

Harry knew very well the conversation of their feelings would have to wait, as there were more pressing matters and decided it would be best to be there for her in a platonic way, even if his heart skipped a few beats when she smiled at him.

He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly and felt her exhale shakily, noticing how it took a second for her to relax into his arms. Harry felt sick, sick in the way that he was now realizing how much progress the two of them had made together and how it all vanished over a couple of weeks.

Didn't matter though, he was determined to get it back at whatever cost.

He just wanted to see her smile again—look at him the way she used to.

Ethaline inhaled his natural scent, finding it calming before she sniffled and shook her head as if she would shake off what she's saying. "Come on." She said, standing up as she grabbed his hand gently.

Dobby had given her a signal, his long ear peaking from the door way along with half of his wide green eye.

Harry frowned, "What—"

"Close your eyes." Ethaline said, turning around to face him before reaching nearby and grabbing a pillow. She cringed and held it up at him with a sheepish smile.

"Cover your face?"

Harry raised an eyebrow skeptically before he took it, adoring the excited look on her face before he covered his face. Ethaline reached for his hand and led him towards the kitchen, Ron and Hermione already there as Donny had called them over.

Harry tried not to trip over something and stubbed his toe, hissing quietly which made her giggle. He seemed to have forgot to the pain as he imagined the way her nose crinkled when she giggled. "Shut up," he playfully muttered.

Once Ethaline directed him to the top side of the long brown table she squeezed his hand. "Take it off now." She said, biting her Lil excitedly before he removed the pillow form his face and opened his eyes.

There was silence for the first minute, a smile forming on his face as she said a small, "Surprise."

Harry couldn't help but tear up a little, his emotions getting the best of him as he stared at the lopsided cake with pink and purple candles. Dobby was presenting it, the biggest smile on his face as he read the words of the cake.

Hap E Bird day Hair E Pot Er

"Thank you..." Harry said, turning to face his friends.

"It was all Ethaline," Hermione smiled, turning to face her before giving her shoulder a light squeeze of reassurance. The gesture took them both by surprise as it had come naturally.

However Ron and Harry smiled regardless, giving them each a hug before Ron forced him to wear a makeshift party hat with parchment paper. Ethaline used the wand she had stolen and ran her fingers through the wood, wincing at the rejection of it before she waved it gently and lit the candle.

Harry felt her hand on his shoulder, a smile forming on his face before he glanced back at her. He then turned around and closed his eyes.

If Harry had been asked to blow a candle last year for his birthday he would have laughed. The climate between the wizarding world and the people who wanted to destroy it wasn't that much present until Ethaline stumbled in with a wound.

Now? He could use all the luck, wishes and even fairy dust if it was offered to him.

Harry inhaled slightly and blew the candles, two wishes running through his mind. I wish for the happiness of my best friends. I wish that fate wasn't cruel to us.

By us he meant her, by her he meant Ethaline. Ginny Weasley, as beautiful and strong that the red head was she did not compare to the immense connection he shared with Ethaline. He watched the blonde grow from an already timid yet strong woman to who she was now.

A Queen.

And he wasn't going to let her go. Not even if the fangs of hell and satan himself clenched down onto her robes and tried to tug her through the fiery gates. Not even if the fate of the world depended on it. Not even if death made him chose between himself and Ethaline.

He wouldn't hesitate to take his last breath for her.

Why?

He was in love with her.