In third-year halls, their paths first crossed,
A Raven boy, a Blonde girl lost.
"Stay out of my way," she warned with a glare,
But something lingered in the frosty air.
Crimson with his scar and fame,
Emerald with her secrets untamed.
Two worlds ap...
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In the early hours before dawn, Grimmauld Place was silent, its dimly lit rooms shrouded in shadow. Aria lingered in the sitting room, her hands resting on the arm of a weathered chair as she looked around, memorizing every corner of the house that had become her sanctuary. She knew this place like the back of her hand—the chipped wooden frames, the worn velvet sofa, the faint smell of dust mingled with old books and lingering magic. Soon, she'd be leaving it all behind.
Evelyn entered quietly, her soft steps barely disturbing the stillness of the room. Her presence was comforting, and Aria felt a pang in her chest as she turned to face the woman who had raised her, loved her like her own, and taught her everything she knew. Evelyn's eyes, normally so calm and warm, held a sadness that mirrored the depth of Aria's own heartache.
"Are you sure about this, love?" Evelyn's voice was barely a whisper, as though speaking louder would break the fragile courage Aria had managed to gather.
Aria nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I have to be, Mum. For Harry... for everyone."
Evelyn's face softened, and she reached out, pulling Aria into a fierce embrace. Aria felt Evelyn's hand gently stroke her hair, the same way she had since she was a little girl, soothing her with that familiar warmth. She closed her eyes, letting herself sink into the comfort of it, feeling safe for just one more moment.
"You are the bravest person I know," Evelyn whispered, her voice trembling. "But no mother wants to see her child walk into danger. Promise me you'll be careful. Promise me you'll keep yourself safe, Aria."
Aria pulled back just enough to meet Evelyn's gaze, seeing the glisten of unshed tears in her eyes. She took a shaky breath, a bittersweet smile on her lips. "I promise, Mum. I'll do everything I can to come back to you."
Evelyn cupped her face, her thumb brushing away a stray tear that had slipped down Aria's cheek. "You're my heart, Aria. Always remember that, no matter what happens. And no matter where this takes you, you'll always have a home here. With me."
Before Aria could reply, Toby entered the room, his tall figure casting a shadow in the doorway. His expression was grim, his usually calm demeanor disrupted by the weight of what was about to happen. Aria felt a fresh surge of emotion at the sight of her older brother, her heart twisting as she realized how much she'd miss him.
"Do I get a goodbye too?" Toby's voice was light, but his smile was tight, his eyes betraying the worry he tried to hide.
Aria walked over to him, and without a word, he pulled her into a tight embrace, wrapping his arms around her protectively, as if he could shield her from the world. She felt his hand gently squeeze her shoulder, the unspoken words passing between them in the way only siblings could understand.
