𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐦 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 (𝘏. 𝘗𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳)

NINE | AND THE NIGHT WOULD NEVER END

Screams echoed across the Hogwarts campus, creating a cacophony of chaos and laughter. The once-immaculate grounds were now covered in a thick, gooey layer of blue slime, a prank of legendary proportions. 

It had been meticulously planned by Amber and executed with surprising precision by Charlie, whose stealthy approach left no one untouched—except for herself and Amber, of course.

As Charlie made her way into the Great Hall with Amber, she couldn't help but notice the mixed reactions from her fellow students. 

The sight of her, free from the slime, elicited groans and grumbles from the muck-covered masses. The pranked students begrudgingly resumed their breakfasts, their plates now splattered with remnants of the prank.

Amber and Charlie parted ways near the entrance, and Charlie's heart skipped a beat when she spotted Harry. He was standing by the Gryffindor table, his hair slicked back with a heavy coating of slime that gave him an endearing, disheveled look. His face lit up with a grin as he spotted her, and Charlie felt a familiar thrill of excitement.

Charlie slipped into the seat beside Harry, her eyes catching the twinkle of mischief in his. He turned toward her, and she felt the energy between them crackle with a charged intensity. Before she could react, Harry leaned in, his face just inches from hers. His voice was a teasing murmur, "You couldn't have spared me?"

The proximity made Charlie's breath hitch. Her cheeks flushed a rosy pink, and her mind went momentarily blank. Harry's grin widened, and he closed the gap between them, capturing her lips in a soft, tender kiss. 

The touch was feather-light, full of warmth and affection that cut through the chaos around them. The slime seemed to vanish as they shared this quiet, intimate moment, their kiss a soothing balm against the backdrop of their messy surroundings.

When they finally separated, the Great Hall erupted into applause. Students from all houses cheered, clearly delighted by the unexpected show of affection. Harry's golden smile seemed to shine even brighter in the midst of the slime-splattered scene.

Charlie tilted her head slightly, a playful smile on her lips. "You remember we have a date tomorrow, don't you?"

Harry's eyes widened momentarily, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he quickly masked it with a confident grin. "Of course I do, love," he replied, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek. A small smear of slime remained, and Charlie reached up to brush it away with a delicate touch, her eyes locked on his.

As they exchanged these loving gestures, Fred and George stood nearby, their faces unblemished thanks to a clever spell they'd concocted. The twins watched with satisfied grins, clearly amused by the spectacle and their own successful avoidance of the slime.

After their sweet exchange, Charlie couldn't resist a final jab at Harry's expense. She tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "So, does the slime add a new charm to your usual look, or are you just trying out a new fashion statement?"

Harry's eyes narrowed playfully as he chuckled, his grin widening. "Oh, very funny. I suppose I'll just have to make sure you don't get away with that."

Before Charlie could react, Harry surged to his feet, a determined glint in his eye. Charlie's laughter rang out as she darted away from the table, her steps light and quick. The Great Hall's atmosphere seemed to shift, the chaos of the prank momentarily forgotten as Harry and Charlie's playful chase took center stage.

Harry pursued her with a wide, amused grin, maneuvering around the slime-splattered tables and dodging a few remnants of the prank that had splattered across the floor. 

His laughter mingled with Charlie's, creating a lively, joyous soundtrack to their playful escapade. The chase led them around the hall, their movements synchronized as if they were performing an intricate dance.

Charlie glanced over her shoulder, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Catch me if you can, Potter!" she called out, her voice laced with challenge.

Harry's eyes sparkled with a blend of competitive spirit and affection. "Oh, I plan to," he replied, quickening his pace.

He managed to close the gap between them, his hands outstretched as he reached for her. Charlie squealed in delight, weaving through the tables and chairs, her laughter echoing through the hall. 

As they neared the entrance, Harry's hand finally caught hers, pulling her to a stop with a triumphant grin.

The two stood there, breathless and exhilarated, their faces flushed with exertion and happiness. Harry's fingers lingered around Charlie's, their closeness a silent testament to their affection. He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear as he murmured, "Gotcha."

Charlie's eyes softened, and she smiled up at him, her heart fluttering. "You're impossible," she said, her voice filled with adoration.

Harry's expression softened as he gazed into her eyes. "And you're my favorite kind of trouble," he replied, his tone tender and sincere.

Without another word, he cupped her face in his hands and leaned in for a kiss. 

This one was deep and passionate, the kind of kiss that spoke of unspoken promises and deep, abiding love. Charlie melted into the kiss, her arms wrapping around Harry's neck as they lost themselves in the moment.

When they finally pulled away, their foreheads rested together, their breaths mingling. The Great Hall had quieted down, with a few students still watching the scene unfold with smiles and knowing glances.

Charlie's eyes sparkled with affection as she looked at Harry. "You know, this slime prank might just be the best thing that's happened all year."

Harry's lips curled into a smile. "I'd say so. It brought me closer to you, didn't it?"

As they shared one last, lingering kiss, their love was palpable, a perfect blend of joy, affection, and the kind of playful intimacy that defined their relationship. 

The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them, wrapped up in their own little bubble of happiness.