Love protection (book 1: to be loved)

Happy birthday

Abby POV: 

Abby stood in the garden, surrounded by colourful balloons and festive decorations to celebrate Luna's second birthday. The sun was shining and a gentle breeze caressed her face. As she prepared the little treats, she began to sing softly, her voice floating through the air like an echo of joy.

— Happy birthday to my little star,' she murmured with a smile, her hands plunged into the cake batter.

Suddenly, she saw a flash in front of her and gasped. She saw Samuel, who had appeared in the entrance to the garden, a broad smile on his face. She gasped, surprised by his sudden presence.

— Oh, you scared me!' she exclaimed, placing a hand over her heart.

Samuel laughed, a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

— I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to frighten you.

He moved closer to her, kissing her gently, his lips brushing hers, before helping her to prepare the party. They worked together, their complicity palpable as they decorated the table with patterned plates and colourful cutlery.

— Look at this,' said Samuel, holding up a little party hat. It's going to look fantastic on Luna!

— It's perfect! She'll love it,' she replied, laughing.

The preparations were taking shape, and Abby was getting more and more excited at the idea of seeing little Luna discover her party.

Her father had already been here for a few minutes. The doorbell rang and Samuel went to open it, with Abby busy decorating the cake.

Suddenly, the sound of small feet running made the air vibrate. Abby turned her head to see Scorpius, Draco and Astoria's son, running towards her with a big smile on his face.

— Where's Luna?' he asked, his eyes shining with anticipation.

— She's still asleep,' Abby replied with a smile. But you can come with me when she wakes up.

Scorpius smiled even wider, his face brimming with enthusiasm. Draco and Astoria were at the door, exchanging knowing smiles and starting to hug. Abby felt a wave of warmth wash over her. Laughter and good humour filled the air.

Scorpius ran excitedly to Luna's room, eager to wake her up. Abby followed close behind, a gentle smile on her face. She knocked gently on the door, and when she opened it, the sunlight flooded into the room. Luna was there, peacefully asleep in her bed.

— Luna,' whispered Scorpius, his voice full of excitement. It's your birthday!

No sooner had he said these words than Luna's eyes slowly opened. She rubbed her eyes, and when she caught sight of Scorpius, a broad smile lit up her face.

— Scorpius!' she exclaimed, rising to hug him.

Abby looked on tenderly, feeling full of love for the two children who had brought so much joy into her life. Scorpius took Luna by the hand, and together they walked towards the garden.

When they reached the outside, a colourful party was waiting for them. The decorations sparkled and laughter resounded, and all eyes turned towards them.

— Happy birthday, Luna!' wished Draco.

Luna, her eyes wide with wonder, ran towards them. The garden was already full of their friends. Shortly afterwards, Blaise, Thalia and their son arrived, bringing with them a contagious energy.

— Happy birthday, Luna!' they exclaimed together.

Thalia crouched down and handed Luna a small parcel.

— I hope you like it!

Luna grabbed the present, her little hands trembling with excitement. She tore it open enthusiastically, revealing a lovely illustrated book about animals. Luna waved the book. Abby bent down to look at the book, her heart overflowing with love. The party was in full swing. The children's laughter, the adults' conversations and the joyous music filled the air.

The parents chatted about everything and anything, while the children ran around the garden playing hide— and— seek. It was almost time for the cake, Samuel's mission. He entered to the joyous singing, a huge smile beaming on his face. Samuel stepped forward and placed the cake on the table, his gaze fixed on Luna.

— Happy birthday, my little star!' he exclaimed, hugging her tenderly.

Luna snuggled up to him happily and remembered the cake.

The children were frolicking happily in the garden, laughing and playing hide— and— seek with Narcissa, who had volunteered to be the 'seeker'. She laughed loudly as she pretended to be looking for the little ones, and the children ran off in fits of laughter, hiding behind trees and bushes.

On the other side of the garden, Abby had settled into a chair with a glass of lemonade, surrounded by her friends. Samuel was beside her, enjoying a slice of chocolate cake.

Blaise leaned back against a table, a smile on his face.

— So, things are going better at school?' asked Pansy, a mischievous smile on her lips.

Blaise rolled his eyes, but couldn't help laughing.

— Yes, for the moment. He reminds me a bit of me, but in miniature.

Theodore sat back and smiled, adjusting his glasses. Abby yawned, the day's work catching up with her.