The afternoon sun filtered through all the windows of Hogwarts Castle, painting the corridors with warm golden tones. The murmur of students filled the air with laughter, last-minute studies, and plans for the holidays. All this because another school year was coming to an end.
Aurelian Gaunt walked silently down one of the fourth-floor corridors with his hands in the pockets of his robe, his gaze calm yet analytical, something that had always characterized him.
His thoughts were focused on everything that had happened this year, especially with Neville Longbottom.
In the months since they began their formal training in magic, there had been obvious changes. Neville no longer trembled when holding his wand, nor did he avoid duels as he had before. He had gained great confidence in his gaze, evident in his voice and posture. Even his magic, which had previously been clumsy and somewhat weak, was beginning to flow with a control that spoke of the patience and discipline of training.
Aurelian remembered the first time he saw him attempt a simple Expelliarmus, almost disarming himself in the process. Now he saw him practicing in the dueling classroom every week with the determination to improve day by day.
"Effort will take you far. Talent is important, but remember, genius is 1% talent and 99% hard work," Aurelian had once told him, while Neville gasped for breath after failing a protective spell. "And you're already beginning to master the most difficult part: discipline."
That phrase would remain etched in young Longbottom's mind for the rest of his life.
Aurelian smiled at the memory as he crossed the hallway, where a breeze gently ruffled his robe. It was a strange feeling, somewhat satisfying, to see how someone who had once been full of insecurities had begun to shine on his own merit.
"Perhaps," he thought, "this is what teachers feel, what it really means to guide someone, not to mold them but to show them the right direction and let them follow and build their path to success with their own hands."
In the distance, he saw Hestia and Flora walking by, talking to each other as they waited for him at the end of the corridor. They smiled when they saw him, and Aurelian raised a hand in response.
As he joined them, a sense of calm enveloped him. The course was about to end, the training with Neville had paid off, and the castle seemed to be at peace, as it hadn't been in weeks.
Aurelian walked calmly alongside Hestia and Flora through a corridor that led to one of the castle's inner courtyards. As always, the two girls stayed close together, in sync as if they shared the same thoughts. The anticipation for summer was palpable, and the students' rumors about what might happen outside made Hogwarts... Hogwarts.
"You've been spending a lot of time with Longbottom lately," Hestia commented in a carefree tone, although her gaze was as sharp as ever.
"Yes," Flora added with a slight smile, "Everyone says he's improved a lot. Of course, it's thanks to you."
Aurelian raised an eyebrow, amused by the tone they were both using.
"Well, not all the credit goes to me. I just guided him down the right path. He did the rest."
The twins looked at each other and shared a silent smile, one that only they understood. Hestia moved a little closer, taking his arm in her hands.
"Still, it's good that he listens to you. Longbottom has... good potential, even if he lacks a bit of character."
Flora nodded, watching the reflection of the sky in the hallway windows.
"He could be useful someday," she said casually, as if talking about a simple piece on a chessboard. "He comes from a good family, an old and somewhat powerful one. He has some potential and, above all, a debt to you... which he will surely remember for the rest of his life."
Aurelian paused for a second, turning toward them.
"Useful?" he repeated, crossing his arms.
He knew that when the Carrows used that word, it hid the cold, practical logic they had begun to display in recent days.
"We don't mean it in a bad way, of course," Hestia clarified, moving closer. "We just think there are people who deserve to be... guided, who could help you when the time comes. Because that time will definitely come, and I'm sure Neville would be more than happy to help you."
Flora, calmer, added as she intertwined her fingers with her sister's.
"Sometimes we find you thinking about others, Aurelian. About how to help them, how to teach them... We only think about you. We only care about you... We think about how to keep you safe, and that means we have to plan how everyone around you can help you in one way or another."
Aurelian looked at them silently for a few moments.
He could see that sparkle in their eyes, not mere ambition for power, but absolute loyalty to him. Their hearts were fire, and that fire burned only for him.
Finally, he sighed, smiling at them. He knew the Longbottoms would help him when he needed them... they were that kind of family.
"Sometimes I forget how calculating they can be. But... I guess they're right. Neville could become important... especially with everything that's going on outside."
Hestia smiled broadly and Flora rested her head on his shoulder as the echo of other students' footsteps faded down the hallways.
"See," Flora murmured softly, "we always end up being right."
"You can always count on us," Hestia repeated, running her finger along the edge of her robe. "We only want what's best for you."
Aurelian let out a slight laugh, resigned.
"I know," he replied warmly. "And believe me, I appreciate it more than you know."
The three of them walked slowly toward the gardens, looking for a quiet corner by the young willow tree where they used to sit and hang out. Aurelian sat down on the grass, leaning against the tree, while Hestia and Flora settled down on either side of him, so close that he could feel the warmth emanating from their bodies.
For a moment, no one spoke. Only the soft sound of the wind rustling the leaves filled the air. It was Hestia who broke the silence, with a smile that was both sweet and mischievous.
"I don't want this school year to end," she murmured, resting her head on his shoulder and taking one of his hands. "It's boring to think that I won't be able to see you every day anymore."
"Boring?" Aurelian asked with a smile as he watched the birds flying above them. "Won't it be more like a break?"
Flora let out a small laugh and took Aurelian's free hand, intertwining her fingers with his.
"You complete us, Aurelian. When you're not around... everything becomes empty... purposeless. We don't like that," she added sincerely, a sincerity that over time dismantled any mask he might try to show them.
He looked at them and thought about how much they had changed in the last year. They were no longer just those girls who followed him everywhere... well, they still followed him everywhere. But now they were becoming strong, beautiful, and determined women, retaining the same sparkle in their eyes that they had always had when they looked at him.
"You know you can always write to me," he said softly, caressing Hestia's cheek. "No matter where I am. I'll always reply as quickly as I can."
"It's not the same," replied Flora, hugging him. "We can't hug a letter."
Hestia nodded, closing her eyes as her breathing matched his. "We won't be able to feel you..." she whispered, taking his hand and guiding it to her chest, right where her heart was beating strongly.
Aurelian looked at her, surprised by the intensity in her gaze. Then he turned slightly, meeting Flora's dark eyes, just as intense as Hestia's, filled with an emotion that seemed to absorb all the light around them.
Neither Hogwarts, nor the war, nor the secrets seemed to matter.
Only the three of them mattered.
Aurelian brought them closer, placing a hand on each of their cheeks. Their faces slowly came together and the sunset became a warm picture when their lips met.
The kisses began gently, but quickly escalated, becoming more passionate, more sincere, a promise that no matter what happened, they would always be together.
When they parted, Hestia's cheeks were flushed with a mischievous expression, and Flora was smiling in that way that was so unique to her.
"That really makes the end of the school year worthwhile," Flora whispered.
Aurelian laughed softly and rested his head back against the tree trunk, letting them both snuggle up next to him.
"Then let's make a promise," he said quietly. "No matter what comes... we'll keep moving forward, together."
"Forever," they replied in unison against his chest.
The three figures remained together under the tree, enjoying that moment when the world seemed to stand still. Hestia rested her head on Aurelian's shoulder, while Flora played distractedly with her fingers, drawing circles on his skin.
"You know, we should stay here forever," whispered Flora, half asleep.
"Hmm... it would be difficult to explain why we didn't show up for class tomorrow," Aurelian replied with a smile.
Both let out a small laugh... until a sharp crack from the path interrupted their moment of peace.
Aurelian looked up and saw a tall figure approaching, dressed in a dark blue robe and with a gaze as sharp as it was calm.
"I see the young Slytherins know how to make the most of the sunset," said a kind voice with a hint of irony.
The three of them turned immediately.
There, standing with his hands clasped behind his back and an amused expression in his eyes, was Albus Dumbledore.
Hestia and Flora moved away from Aurelian a little, crossing their arms in unison, frowning.
"Did he have to show up right now?" Hestia muttered under her breath, not bothering to hide her annoyance.
"Yeah... just when we were getting to the best part," Flora added, crossing her arms.
Dumbledore chuckled softly at the twins' reaction, raising a hand in a conciliatory gesture.
"My apologies, Miss Carrow," he said in a soft, almost playful tone. "It was not my intention to interrupt such a charming moment, and I must admit that the scene is, to say the least, endearing."
Aurelian sat up, trying to hide his slight discomfort.
"Headmaster, to what do I owe this visit?" he asked, somewhat amused by the situation.
The Archmage looked at him for a second, his gaze sparkling with complicity.
"Actually, Lord Gaunt, I come on official business. The Wizengamot will meet a week after the end of the school year," he said calmly, "and your presence has been... requested with particular enthusiasm."
Aurelian raised an eyebrow.
"A week later? A curious time for a meeting."
Dumbledore leaned slightly toward him, a mischievous smile on his face.
"Let's just say that Minister Fudge insisted that our young Lord Gaunt be present. He seems... delighted at the idea of sharing the table with you."
The twins snorted at the same time.
"He's probably afraid Aurelian will outshine him," Hestia muttered.
"Or that he'll steal all the attention," added Flora, giving Dumbledore a reproachful look for interrupting their moment.
Dumbledore simply laughed, his robe fluttering elegantly.
"Believe me, ladies, it was not my intention to interrupt... although it is good to see how much you love each other with such... emotion"
Aurelian shook his head.
"Sometimes I think you enjoy interrupting people too much, Headmaster."
"Only when they're in good company," replied Dumbledore with a wink. With a wave of his hand, he said goodbye. "Have a good night, and remember, Hogwarts listens... even when you think no one is listening."
Without another word, the Archmage turned and walked away, his robe fluttering gently in the wind.
Aurelian watched him go, suppressing a smile.
"He never ceases to amaze me," he murmured.
"Or to show up at the worst possible moment," Flora replied with a grimace, making Hestia laugh.
Aurelian hugged them both and pulled them back toward him.
"Then we'd better enjoy the rest of the night before someone else decides to join us."
The twins looked at him tenderly, their laughter filling the air as the sky slowly darkened, covering itself with stars.
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