ℝ𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕤𝕦𝕟 ; 𝖺𝗉𝗉𝗅𝗒 𝖿𝗂𝖼

╰┈➤ 𝟜

✮˚. ᵎᵎ 𖦹彡⋆｡˚

I walked into the greenhouse to see it already almost filled with my peers. I look around for Rio and smile when we lock eyes.

Walking over, I didn't even notice Lottie standing next to Aries. I grabbed Rio's hand,

"Hey." I smiled, he looked at me and smiled back.

"Hey darling, guess what? I have a date for us planned this weekend."

I scoffed, "Wait what? Really?" This wasn't an unatural occurrence, Rio liked to spontaneously plan dates for us, I just never thought it would be this early to the start of the school year.

I agreed and he told me to meet him at the Astronomy tower Friday night. I nodded and bit my lower lip, contemplating on what romantic thing he planned.

Herbology was really boring, more safety procedures, but I noticed Reece wasn't anywhere to be found. In fact, I haven't seen him since this morning. I turn to Sirius who's a couple people away from me,

"Sirius, have you seen Reece at all?" I whispered, careful not to interrupt the lecture. He looked over at me and scribbled on a spare piece of parchment, and sent it over to me.

Last I saw him he was headed towards the Forbidden Forest...you know how he likes to skip and take walks sometimes.

I swallowed, I hope he didn't get himself hurt again. I tugged on Rio's shoulder, trying to get his attention but his eyes were locked on the professor. I knew this was his favorite class, and he liked to soak up every bit he can so I left him alone and focused on the lesson myself.

Classes this week flew by, every day I grew more and more excited about Rio's date for us. By the time Friday came, I was exhausted. The banter Leia and I established so long ago has worsened because of my disease.

She would make subtle comments about different animals she thinks I'm going to turn into. One time, she mooed like a cow walking past me while I was eating lunch.

But alas, Friday was here and James and Sirius looked defeated.

"Ruth, we've been talking to people all week! No one knows who spread your information like that." James sighed. Sirius nodded,

"Can we stop now?" He begged. I nodded and gave a small smile, hiding my disappointment.

"Yes of course you can stop. Thank you guys for trying."

They seemed grateful for my thanks and went on to playing their chess game in the common room. I knew that they wouldn't have found out, if I couldn't then I'm not sure if anyone can. I went back to reading when a note appeared out of thin air and stayed floating next to me.

I grabbed the piece of paper and opened it, it was a note from Rio saying to meet him upstairs at the Astronomy tower in a half an hour. This must be it!

Climbing the stairs I could feel my heart pounding. I don't know why, Rio and I have been together for a while. You would think the butterflies would be gone.

I pushed the door open to find a picnic spread out surrounded by glowing candles, right next to the telescope and a clear starry sky. I grinned,

"Rio! You shouldn't have!" I exclaimed, seeing him spread across the blanket. He smiled back at me,

"But I did darling, I did because I love you."

I felt my body turn ice cold, a shiver spreading quickly down my spine. He loves me?

This is the first time someone has ever said those words to me before, that wasn't family. Rio loves me. I could feel fireworks inside my body, bouncing back and forth in a sea of dopamine.

"I love you too." I said, blushing. Rio stood up to help me sit down on the blanket. He gave me a serious look, after he sat back down,

"Rue, I know I didn't respond to the letter, and I'm very sorry about that. It took me a while to process what's happening to you, and I vow to make your last year with us the most special."

I felt tears in my eyes, I won't be able to speak, kiss, hug, walk, run, or anything once I turn into an animal. I won't even remember this date. I won't remember anything. Before I could respond my throat tightened and tears started spilling uncontrollably.

Rio wrapped his arms around me and held me close, "You're still going to beautiful as ever, no matter what you become. Beauty is what's on the inside."

His words seemed comforting enough to help me stop crying. He looked at me with his beautiful brown eyes,

"James and Sirius are hosting a house party tomorrow night, wanna have some fun? I think you could use it." He chuckled, tucking a piece of my hair behind my ear.

I gulped, parties were not typically my thing, the people, the butterbeer, the loud music. It gave me a headache just thinking about it, but the look Rio gave me means that he's serious. After all I know he just wants what's best for me in the end.

"Yeah, I'll come." I smiled, letting him hold me. He nodded,

"Don't worry, it'll be awesome." He reassured, "Look at the stars."

We both took turns on the giant telescope stargazing. It was the perfect night for this, I wonder how he knew that.

We spent the next few hours talking, snacking, and stargazing. I've never felt more safe with someone, maybe except my brother. When it reached eleven o'clock, I told him I should head back down to the common room. He offered to walk me.

Hand in hand, we reached the Gryffindor common room, I planted a kiss on his cheek and slid the door closed. I think that might've been his best date yet.

Tomorrow, Elise and I are heading into the forbidden forest to feed the thestrals. It's a tradition we've started doing around our third year.

✮˚. ᵎᵎ 𖦹彡⋆｡˚
ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟝 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕤𝕠𝕠𝕟
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