I'd die for you - A Battle of Hogwarts love story ✅

Chapter 4

 ‘All right – time to go to bed.’

The light flickered back on and the music stopped playing. With a sigh, I let go of Owen, with whom I’d been dancing the entire evening, and turned toward the door. Professor Flitwick was standing there, tiny as always, wearing a huge black sweater that made him look even tinier.

‘But sir, it’s Marie’s birthday!’ Sky protested, pouting. ‘Can’t we just have one more hour?’

‘I’m afraid that’s not possible, miss Sullen.’ he said, smiling ruefully. ‘You may not need a lot of sleep, there are people in this castle who would like to sleep.’

‘Come on, sir!’ Sky tried again, still pouting. ‘She only turns eighteen once!’

‘I am truly sorry.’ the professor said. ‘You may stay down, but the music will have to stay off.’ He turned to leave, but suddenly seemed to realize something. ‘Ah – Miss Davids...’ He smiled kindly at me. ‘Happy birthday to you.’

‘Thank you, sir.’ I said with a sweet smile.

He shook my hand, beaming. ‘I am truly sorry to disturb your party.’

‘It’s all right.’ I assured him. ‘It’s getting late anyway.’

‘That’s true.’ he replied. ‘Well, I guess I’ll just leave then, I hope-’ He cut off in mid-sentence and stared at Owen, who was still at my side. ‘Mr. Wright, what are you doing here?’

Instead of answering the question, he wrapped an arm around my waist and pressed a kiss on top of my head. I shifted slightly to put my arm around his waist and smiled. This felt so good.

‘I see...’ professor Flitwick mused. ‘As much as I like young, new couples, I’ll have to remove Mr. Wright from this room, simply because he’s not allowed to be here.’

I blushed deeply at the word ‘couples’ and felt all eyes focused on me. Owen and I hadn’t really discussed that yet... We’d just danced, kissed – quite a lot – and enjoyed our evening. I wasn’t even sure he’d want to be with me after tonight. Sure, he’d told me he liked me, and I believed him, I really did – although I had no idea why he’d like me of all people. But I had enough experience with boys to know that it guarantied nothing. Maybe he wasn’t ready for a relationship, or he thought it just wouldn’t work out. All I knew was that I didn’t want anything more than being with him.

‘So – if you’re finished saying goodbye to your girlfriend, I’ll meet you outside.’ professor Flitwick told Owen before leaving.

Students started taking off now, heading to their dorms. Owen pulled me with him behind a bookcase so we could have some privacy. To my surprise, he looked just as embarrassed, confused and questioning as I felt.

‘So...’ he started. ‘I guess this is it.’

I couldn’t help myself, I had to laugh. It sounded like the end of the world the way he said it.

‘I guess...’ I replied, getting serious when I remembered what I would have to ask him. ‘So, uhmmm...’

He looked at me in expectation, ruffling his hair nervously. ‘So...?’

‘Yeah.’ I said. God this was hard. It was hard enough finding words to ask him what I wanted – and even had – to know, but him looking at me so sweetly it took my breath away wasn’t helping. ‘Look – I was wondering... if, uhmmm...’ I took a deep breath. I could do this, I just had to brace myself now. ‘After tonight...’ I looked down at the ground, knowing that I wouldn’t be able to handle the look in his eyes when he’d turn me down. ‘Would you still like to be with me?’

His hands were suddenly at my face, forcing me to look at him. First, he gazed into my eyes for a moment. His twinkling blue eyes were so deep, so sincere, so beautiful... He leaned in, pulling my face closer. Just before our lips would meet, he stopped again, waiting, it seemed. I got impatient, so I put my arms against his chest without a second though, pushing him against the shelve. I pressed my lips firmly against his and kissed him passionately. His hands were at my back immediately, pulling me closer. After a minute, he pulled away with a sigh.

‘I’m sorry, Marie.’ he said, stroking my hair.

Oh – God – no. I should have seen it coming. Why would someone like Owen want to be with me anyway? It was just stupid even thinking I had a chance with him. I mentally slapped myself – I was such a fool.

‘I’m so sorry I can’t stay. You’ve got no idea how long I’ve waited for this.’ His expression was pained, but his hands stroked my cheeks softly. ‘I’m so scared that this is all just a dream... And when I wake up, I’ll have to face that it will never happen. It wouldn’t be the first time.’

I frowned, confused. ‘So you do want to be with me?’

‘Of course I do!’ he said fiercely. ‘How can you even doubt that? I’ve been in love with you for over a year, for Merlin’s sake!’

I gulped. ‘That long? But – me too!’

‘Oh no...’ he moaned. ‘Please tell me you’re kidding.’

What was this? Shouldn’t I have said that? ‘What do you mean?’ I whispered. ‘What’s wrong?’

‘We could have been together for a year, and you waited till tonight?’ he demanded, shaking his head. ‘It’s such a waste.’

I smiled. ‘You didn’t tell me either.’ I pointed out. ‘Besides, we’re together now. That’s something.’

‘That’s definitely something.’ he agreed. ‘But are you sure? Cause there’s no way I’ll ever let you go once you’ve said yes...’

‘Who says I want you to?’ I asked.

He leaned in to kiss me one more time. The kiss was over way too soon and he seemed to agree with me on that, according to his sad expression.

‘I’ll see you tomorrow at breakfast.’ I said, sad about him having to leave, but at the same time glad that we would only be apart for the night. ‘Bye...’

‘Bye, Marie.’ He pressed a kiss on my hand and hurried off. Just before he left the room, he turned around with a huge smile on his face. ‘Tomorrow’s Saturday!’

I laughed at his sudden excitement. But he was right, we would be able to be together for the whole day. ‘See you tomorrow, Owen!’

‘Bye, Marie!’ he said for the second time. But now, he really left. And, despite Sky’s arm around me, I felt lost. But – I reminded myself – I’d see him first thing in the morning.