Nova's Universe

Chapter 1 (1995)

Charlie

"Nova! Get away from there!" I yelled. She blasted the woman she was duelling with a spell, then looked up at the dragon.

I sprinted towards her.

Thor lowered his head, ready to unleash fire.

Nova turned to me, her eyes blazing. She took a deep breath.

I wanted to reach her - it was too late for either of us to escape the flames anyway.

"Charlie!" She tore her eyes from me, turning to the dragon, hastily taking a few steps back. "Protego Maxima!" The spell boomed from her lips and a wave of purple light hit me as it spread into a magical barrier around us both just as Thor breathed fire.

The purple turned into orange as Thor's flames hit Nova's Protection Charm, the fire licking at everything but us.

I didn't know if I should watch or close my eyes, glued to my position as if stupefied.

It was over within seconds and I shook my head, catching myself with my mouth agape. I couldn't believe how strong of a spell Nova just performed. She was always at the top of the class in Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts but this... I haven't seen anything like it.

I finally snapped out of it, taking the moment in.

Thor, ready to unleash another blast, was brought down by the Death Eaters' spells. But it was pointless. We'd finally beaten them.

Nova collapsed to her knees, her face etched with exhaustion.

"Nova!" I didn't recognise my own voice, filled with worry and desperation about her being okay. "Nova!" My legs finally started working and I ran to her with all the strength I had left.

I knelt next to her, putting my hand on her back, ignoring the shouts and Death Eaters fleeing around us.

"I'm okay, Char. I'm okay." She said, taking heavy breaths.

I gently pulled her closer so she leaned her head on my chest, squeezing her as tightly as I could.

Clinging to her like a lifeline, an expression of disbelief on my face as it felt unbelievable that we had both survived this.

***

"It took a lot of work," I admitted with a smile, "but I never doubted we'd restore it."

Andrei fell silent for a moment, then asked, "It'll never be the same, will it?"

I shook my head, the smile fading. "No, it won't." I hesitated. "Listen, Andrei, are you sure you're okay with us having the wedding here?"

"Of course! Why wouldn't I be?" Andrei furrowed his brow. "It took you a while to arrange everything," he joked.

"Yeah," I forced a laugh. "You know what I mean, though. The events that happened here less than three weeks ago are still raw for everyone. We lost a lot of people. I don't want to seem insensitive by celebrating Nova and me while everyone else is grieving."

Andrei turned to me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Charlie, that's exactly what everyone needs right now. Love brings people together and gives them hope. You've been at the Healing Station, helping everyone, me most of all. You know how desperately we need something positive."

A slight smile tugged at my lips. "You sound like Felix."

Andrei chuckled humorlessly. "Yeah, that won't change anytime soon." He looked down, trying to hide the tears welling up in his eyes.