-UndoubtedlyYours-

-Chapter♕♚TwentyFive-

✧THE IN-BETWEEN✧

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***

Rhea hadn't been this stressed since her impending NEWT exams, when both Narcissa and Orion had written to her about Alphard's party—She panicked.

Apparently, it was customary for the significant other to plan their loved one's party, which made sense, but she wished she had much more of a time frame to work with. Not only was she given a budget, and an already friendly face to work with in terms of party services.

But Narcissa had been a blessing, she knew her uncle well and shared what usually happened at these types of events.

However, what Narcissa had failed to encounter, was just how well Rhea had already adapted. Not only in record of what Alphard favors, but what would pertain to the rest of the guests.

Lori was just as excited to see this masterpiece, the only issue that failed Rhea was undoubtedly the gift she wanted to present to Alphard. It was going to be their first birthday celebration as a couple, and with not much time to work, Rhea scrambled around to find the perfect gift.

With her being so focused on such a task, and the pleasant guard of Narcissa making sure that she was in eyesight at all times. The group had managed to work in the shadows in protecting her.

It angered Alphard to the high heavens that he wasn't allowed to stomp his foot down on Radolphous' mighty throne, but the Slytherins had outweighed him.

He needed to be very careful, these were strong accusations that needed more evidence than just hearsay.

If all went well, Rodolphous would be the one to confront him, as he had been the one to hear—He also needed to be the one to make things right with his sister.

He still felt terribly guilty for his actions and what he said to her.

It wasn't his finest moment.

"Let's take a break—Dobby, fresh kettle of tea with some biscuits."
"Cissy, we don't have time for a break. Merlin, why did you trust me with this...This is—"
"You are doing wonderful darling, I cannot wait to see Alphard's face when he sees everything you've created for him." Rhea groaned, but in addition to that, a knock on the door caught the women's attention.

"Ah, uncle, are you here to give away our secrets?" Narcissa questioned, and at the mention of an Uncle, Rhea had instantly sat up...Only to register him as Orion and not her beloved.

"Hello to you too Rhea, I take it planning is going well if there are secrets to be had." He deemed, taking a seat near Rhea as he looked over the itinerary.

"You know, sister, my birthday is coming in a few short months that—"
"Orion, I'm at my witts end already. Ask me another day." She said with her hands over her eyes, leaving Narcissa to pour out the kettle of tea to her guests.

"I understand the creativity of a Ravenclaw now, he'll love it all, Rhea."
"It still needs to run smoothly and I need to finish his gift." She reminded, and the woman had just waved her hand at the thought.

"Gift?... Rhea, Alphard doesn't like gifts—"
"What?!" She shrieked, and Narcissa had made a distasteful face towards her uncle.

"I'm sure anything Rhea gives him will be alright, don't worry about it now." The poor girl was so tired that she hadn't even caught either of them giving each other the look.

Confirmation that it was meant to happen tonight, of all nights.

"Why don't we stay the night here Rhea? We have to meet the arrangements tomorrow bright and early. And it'll give you time to focus." That sounded rather delightful, to stay out of the house for the night.