Love protection (book 1: to be loved)

We're planning it together

Samuel POV:

He came home from work, music blaring in his ears. As he opened the door, his gaze met the table full of opened and annotated wedding magazines. Abby was behind her computer, stressed, in problem— solving mode, not having heard him come in because of his headphones. He immediately removed his headphones, approaching Abby slowly.

She noticed him, looking up at him.

— Samuel. She said relieved. We've got a problem. She took off her headphones, he could imagine the disaster plans in her head.

He moved closer with the chair, then took her hands to help.

— We'll sort it out together. It's all right, he said softly.

She breathed, leaning back against him. He looked at the computer for a second, trying to work out what the problem was, seating plan, ok. He started to gently massage one of her hands, to help a little more. She calmed down and then looked around at the table.

— I... I panicked, she said, putting her head in her hands a little.

— It's all right," he smiled. It's our wedding, we're planning it together. Do you want to tell me what happened?" he picked up the bottle of water and put it next to Abby, just in case.

She noticed the attention, smiling through her teeth.

— I love you.

— Love you too, he replied, admiring her.

She ended up taking a little water, before explaining:

— I've started on the seating plans, but I can't put anyone with my friends or family. Apart from my father, there's such a risk of breaking the magic secret. Imagine if one of the guests started talking about something magical, out of reflex. She started panicking again, playing with the pen on the table. It also means how they're going to talk, wizards and muggles in the same space, with very different references. At best, no one understands each other. At worst, ah !

He thought for a second.

— We are going to organise a briefing for all the wizards before everyone arrives. I improvised, thinking it was a good idea. All my guests will get one before they go in. Putting wands away, reminding everyone of the rules of secrecy. We can already remove my family, Pansy, Theo, Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny. Draco's. We can ask them to pay attention to magic reminders.

— She breathed. I hadn't seen her like that. That looks good.

— For the tables, show me what you've done. We'll think about it together.

— I've been panicking about marriage for two hours and you've come up with a solution in a second. She smiled at me.

I gently took her hand.

— We're a team, you and me, together. You help me, I help you.

— You love me, I love you. She finished.

I smiled and kissed her back.

Family dinner. The table is set for six, with Andromeda joining them. Samuel left for the bathroom, leaving his wand on the sofa. She picked it up happily and pretends to cast a spell. Samuel's wand was lighter than Astoria's, seemed more practical. She pointed it at a candle, casting the spell, imagining the object levitating, as they were able to do.

She felt someone watching her, Draco with wide eyes.

— I realise this won't do anything. I play pretend. You can do cool stuff. She resumed, twirling the wand, before aiming.

— Don't. He panicked even more, thrusting his hand forward.

— She frowned, it's not going to work, you know.

— Your take is terrible; you don't wave a wand around like that.

— Are you that eager to correct me? She laughed, before saying seriously. I'm not going to drop it. I know it's important. She pointed at him, Bou, before starting to play again.

— Careful. He tensed even more, for no reason. Magic ... magic can backfire.

— Rarely and only a few hours later. She replied, knowing, focus on the wand. The last spell is a week old.

— You're right.

— The power of research. Her hand changed again.

— Be careful, please. Drago say, urgently.

— I am. Papilio, she imagined, loving this spell.

— Having fun, I see. Samuel sayed back. Drago, are you all right?

— I scare him, playing pretend.

— Your swings scare me. I'm going to see Astoria.

She bursts out laughing.

— Do you want it back?

— No. We can make potions tomorrow if you want.

— Oh, yes, ! She got all excited.

— I love you so much!" he said before kissing her on the forehead.

— I love you too. I kissed her for good before continuing.

The doorbell rang, probably Andromeda. Narcissa beat him to the door. She returned the wand to its owner, for the moment.