There are two types of people: those who would kill for love and those who would die for it. And they usually end up attracted to each other. • {slow burn friends to lovers, arranged marriage, morally grey characters, fluff and angst, happy ending}
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Early 1982
It was an unexpectedly bright and sunny Sunday in mid-January and I was looking forward to meeting my dear friend, Lady Guinevere Gaunt.
Ever since my first visit, I had been meeting her every 2 or 3 weeks - I probably saw her more often than Ominis did. I genuinely enjoyed her company.
Before leaving the Gryffindor dormitory, I took one last glance: hanging above my bed, there was my precious painting of the Northern Lights. A colourful reminder of Sebastian.
There was not a moment where I wasn't thinking of him.
My heart raced with every lingering memory of those fleeting "what if" moments. We always seemed to be one last step away from the promise of something more. My body burned, and fire pooled in my lower belly, craving him.
At the same time, a hint of despair in the back of my mind whispered that I was misreading the signs and that he was nothing but a passionate friend. That was the only possible reason why he never really took the final step and closed the gap. My chest ached at the thought.
The walk along the streets of the Diagon Alley into London was pleasant. The breeze was chill, but the sun's warmth at that time of the year was revitalising.
I was once again at the Gaunt manor. By the tall iron gates, four crows were lined up cawing and another three were nested on the ground, soaking up the sun. Apparently, the merciful weather brought many of them, as I saw another pair hovering in the path of hedges, and others cawing in the distance.
The residence grounds and roofs were covered in snow, but not yet melting. I had been here many times already, but the snowy version, glistening with the pale sun rays, was the most charming.
I knocked at the door, and a crow nested on the gas lamp, staring at me.
"Viper! Hi! Happy New Year." I greeted the adorable elf, then waved my arms as another two crows landed by my feet, and one attempted to land on me. "Shooo!"
"Please come in, dear Miss Carolyn! Those birds are agitated today."
Viper took my coat and I went upstairs, meeting Lady Guinevere at the drawing room, where she was sitting at the same spot as always.
"Dear, what a delight it is to see you," She stood up and the air kisses danced, a ritual of greeting performed with utmost refinement.
I took my seat, reaching for the teapot on the centre table.
"Oh dear Miss, please allow me to." Viper interceeded. "Madam Gaunt requested a special tea flavour for you today."
"Well yes, dear." Lady Guinevere pressed her hands together elegantly in excitement. "Miss Carolyn, you told me about the groves your family owns. So I requested the kitchen to prepare a blend with citrus notes of bergamot and oranges. I hope you appreciate it."
