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── .✦ SNOWFLAKES FLUTTERED outside the castle windows, coating the hogwarts grounds in a soft, shimmering white. the distant sounds of laughter and chatter from students heading home for the holidays echoed through the hallways. as you watched the snowfall from the common room, a sense of excitement mixed with anxiety settled in your chest. theodore, who had been sitting beside you, his hand resting gently on your knee, noticed the slight furrow in your brow.
"we don't have to go if you don't want to," theodore said, his voice soft yet reassuring. he shifted closer to you, his warm breath brushing your ear as he spoke. "i know meeting my parents is a big deal, but they're going to love you, just like i do."
you turned your head to meet his eyes, feeling the familiar flutter in your stomach at the tenderness in his gaze. it had been nearly a year since you and theodore started dating, and yet, every time he looked at you like that - like you were his whole world - it made your heart race. but meeting his parents? that was a different kind of nerves.
"i'm just... anxious," you admitted, biting your lip. "what if they don't like me?"
theodore chuckled softly, lifting a hand to brush a stray lock of hair behind your ear. his touch was gentle, his fingers lingering on your cheek before trailing down to cup your jaw. "they're going to love you. trust me. you're brilliant, kind, and... you're you. there's no way they won't adore you."
his words were comforting, but the thought of spending two whole days with his family was still daunting. what if you said something wrong? what if they didn't think you were good enough for their son? the anxiety gnawed at you, but before you could voice another worry, theodore leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to your forehead. the warmth of his lips, the way he lingered for just a moment longer, sent a wave of calm through you.
"besides," he whispered against your skin, "i'll be there with you the whole time. you've got nothing to worry about."
you let out a small breath, nodding as you leaned into his touch. theodore's presence had a way of grounding you, and in that moment, with his hand still resting on your cheek and his forehead lightly touching yours, your nerves began to ease. you could do this. you could meet his parents. after all, this was theodore - your theodore.
"i guess i'll have to trust you," you teased, a small smile tugging at the corners of your lips. "but if things get awkward, you owe me." "deal," theodore said, his smile matching yours. "but i promise, there won't be anything to worry about."
with that, you made plans to leave the next day, excitement bubbling up alongside the nerves. theodore squeezed your hand gently before pulling you in for a soft kiss, the kind that left your heart racing and your worries momentarily forgotten.
the following morning, the air was crisp as you and theodore prepared to leave hogwarts. your bags were packed, and theodore, always the gentleman, insisted on carrying most of them. as you walked through the castle's snow covered courtyard toward the train station, he slid his hand into yours, the familiar warmth spreading through your fingers.
