Shadow of the Prophecy

Ch. 13 - Oh, You're Good to Me

Helena Haggerty

December of 6th Year

The upside of no longer pining after the one you love is that you see them all of the time. The downside, of course, is also that you see them all of the time.

Theodore is attentive to Helena in every way; both in public and private moments. He takes a special interest in the books that she reads, finds the best paths to her classes for maximum time together, and is very good about ensuring their intimacy is largely private and kept between the two of them. Every time she finds something of interest in the library, she can count on him to hang onto every word and provide his own feedback. They talk for hours of alchemy and whether it is a worthwhile subject, and Theodore is always eager to bring his muggle studies coursework with him for her opinion on various aspects of the muggle world.

"Muggle medicine seems archaic," He had told her excitedly one evening. A book on the subject was flipped open on the little table in front of them so that he could show her the studies in muggle medicine from a German scientist named Frederich Serturner. "Still, the idea of carrying a capsule with healing properties has so much potential. Imagine how many wiggenwelds and blood replenishing potions one could carry if a potion could be reduced down to a single pill. Dozens, in one bottle. How many lives could that save?"

"Healers do utilize a bit of muggle medicine," Helena had said, trying to be fair. She had been unable to keep the pleased smile from her face. "They use syringes, for example, when a person is too sick to drink a potion."

"Well," Theodore had sniffed, sitting back and crossing his arms. "They are sleeping on this, to be sure."

His expression had been so petulant that Helena had erupted into laughter, and to keep Scribner from kicking them from the library, Theodore had to lean into her and press his lips to hers.

At night, Theodore uses his patrols as the perfect excuse to meet up with her around the castle after curfew. Basil often groans when she spots Helena under her disillusionment charm outside of the library, but she just as readily waves the two of them off with a smile. Emily has taken to keeping Basil company while on patrol, and it seems to take a lot of the boredom out of her nights alone in central hall.

It is on such a night when they are curled together in front of the library fire, warm and satisfied, that Helena asks the question that has been on her mind for the better part of a week now.

"Your birthday is soon," Helena says, interlocking their fingers and holding them over her stomach. Tucked here in Theodore's arms, she feels safety settle on her like a warm blanket. "Would it be rude to ask you what you want?"

"I can't think of a single thing." He responds, and she feels him bury his face in her hair. The feeling of safety grows, and it makes Helena curl deeper into him. "I have everything I want right here."

Helena sighs. She does not ever think she will tire of spending every moment she can with Theodore. Still, time together makes it exceptionally difficult to purchase gifts for the one you love.

The rise and fall of Theodore's chest behind her is even, and she can tell from the way his arm lays heavily across her now that he is dozing contentedly. It is a Saturday, and the weekend grants them the most time together. Helena knows he will be irritated when she asks to go to Hogsmeade without him tomorrow, but if he refuses to give her any ideas for what he might want, she has little choice. Failing to get him a gift, no matter how stubbornly Theodore might argue he doesn't wish for one, is not an option.