When We Fell In Love

Chapter 18: Uncertainty

Together with Marlene, Harry found the courage to follow her to that secret meeting. It had been a last-minute decision, and Louis knew nothing about his presence, though Harry was sure he would greatly appreciate the surprise. They climbed the stairs in a nervous silence, both too focused on not dying of a heart attack to speak.

"I don't see any door or entrance here," Harry said, breaking the silence and looking at the blank wall in front of him. "Are you sure this is the place?"

"Absolutely sure," Marlene nodded. "Don't worry; Lily explained exactly how to reach them."

Harry nodded, though he still felt doubtful—there were no tapestries, no alcoves, nothing that might suggest a hidden entrance.

Marlene started pacing purposefully in front of the blank wall, her face deeply focused; after a few seconds, a door appeared before them. By now, Harry was no longer surprised by the strange things that happened at this school.

They exchanged a quick nod of encouragement. Harry, the gentleman that he was, opened the door for Marlene, letting her go in first, then followed her and closed it softly behind him.

A huge room unfolded before his eyes, and his mouth dropped open in a small o. He knew they were probably among the last to arrive, given how long they had hesitated before deciding to come up.

Around a table in a semi-hidden corner sat Remus, James, and Sirius, talking intensely among themselves, sometimes gesturing wildly, sometimes letting out little shouts and screams.

On the sofa, Lily sat with Mary's head in her lap, her fingers playing with her hair. Dorcas was seated on an armchair in front of them and looked up sharply when she heard the door open. An uncontainable smile spread across her face at the sight of Marlene, who wasted no time rushing into her girlfriend's arms.

Standing, leaning casually against what looked like a real, functioning fireplace, was Louis. His ice-colored eyes stared at him as if he were a piece of meat, while his tongue slowly licked his lips, a satisfied smirk in place. He detached himself from the wall and moved closer in a few steps.

"You're here," Louis said quietly.

"In the flesh, baby." Harry did a small twirl, spreading his arms to prove he was really there.

"You didn't tell me anything."

"It was a last-minute decision."

"And her?" Louis tilted his head toward Marlene, who was now running her hands over every inch of Dorcas she could reach.

"She convinced me to come, actually. As you can see, our failed date ended up having a positive outcome." After laughing heartily, Louis took his hand and kissed it.

"Welcome to the club."

Louis showed him around the room, making all the proper introductions and keeping him close, making it clear that Harry was his and his alone. Louis held his hand, planted quick kisses on his cheek or mouth, hugged him from behind, and rested his head on Harry's shoulder.

Harry felt precious, so precious, important, and above all, loved. His heart felt like it was on the verge of bursting. Despite all his initial doubts and hesitations, he felt good, and his smile would not leave his face.

He returned to that place again, and again, and again on the following Sundays, always accompanied by Louis, who insisted on being his chaperone and leaving Marlene in Dorcas' capable hands.

During the week, Harry could not stop thinking about those moments of pure freedom. He had briefly explained to Niall where he disappeared to every Sunday afternoon, without, of course, specifying who else was there besides Louis.