#oscar weasley | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

blueraineshadows · 3 months

Text

Brothers Part 15

Garreth Weasley 🔺️ F!MC 🔺️Oscar Weasley

A love rivalry between two Weasley brothers. Oscar is an OC created by @eternalremorse and used with her permission.

Chapter Master List (including Ao3 link)

Tags: NSFW, pregnancy, injury, fluff

Chapter 15 - Epilogue

Four years later…

Morning sunlight filtered through the window, the sky clear with barely a cloud. The summer breeze was warm and light, teasing at the curtains that Oscar had recently opened. He hummed to himself, a smile tugging at his lips as he found eggs and bread, gathering items to make breakfast. Shirtless, his pyjama bottoms hanging low on his hips, his eyes glanced across to where two mugs sat ready for the tea that was brewing in the pot.

His smile widened. It was lovely to have a few days off from the season tour. Coach had been pushing the team really hard, but Oscar was thriving on it. He had never played better, and the team was doing well. A break in Quidditch matches meant he could spend some quality time in his own home, a small flat he rented close to the Montrose Magpies stadium, a well earned rest before getting back to the adrenaline rush.

Still humming a little tune, he poured the tea into the mugs, adding some milk before carrying them towards his bedroom. Nudging the door open with his bare foot, he crept in, smiling at the little mop of brunette hair that poked out the top of the blankets. Avoiding the items of clothing strewn about his bedroom floor, thrown there in a hurry last night in their eagerness to get their hands on each other, Oscar placed the mugs on the bedside table.

“Wakey, wakey, sweetheart,” he said softly, reaching to grip the edge of the blanket. He tugged it back, grinning as the mop of hair slid further under, a low groan sounding from the warm cavern beneath. “Come on, Poppy. You can't lay in bed all day. MC will be waiting for you.”

“It's not my fault someone kept me awake most of the night,” Poppy grumbled, shifting under the blanket.

Oscar chuckled, his hand sliding underneath the blanket to seek out warm, soft flesh. His fingers found a thigh, and he squeezed. “I didn't hear any complaints at the time.”

Poppy squeaked and squirmed, her head appearing out of the blanket, her hair mussed and her cheeks flushed with sleep. She smirked, her eyes darkening with mischief as she held up the blanket, offering a teasing glimpse of curves he knew so well. She quirked an eyebrow.

“I have a couple of hours before I need to meet MC. I suggest you get yourself back under this blanket and wake me up properly.”

Oscar didn't need to be told twice. Breakfast could wait. He dived under the blanket, his hands roaming over warm curves, fingers tickling at soft flesh as he relished the sound of her delighted giggles.

….*....

The bell above the shop door chimed and the sound of heavy boots on wood drifted through to the brewing room where Garreth was bent over a cauldron, studying the contents carefully whilst checking the notes in an open book on the bench beside him.

“I'm back!”

Garreth didn't lift his gaze from the potion as he stirred carefully. “I'm in here,” he called out.

Sebastian appeared beside him, the scent of fresh summer air mingling with the aroma of his cologne, the skin of his face sun-kissed with colour and freckles. He put his sales case down on a table and pushed a hand through his wild brunette locks, peering over Garreth’s shoulder with a grin.

“This looks promising,” he said. He gave Garreth a pat on the shoulder before moving to grab up the little black kettle from a stove. “I sold the last of those energy restoration potions this morning. I stopped off at Diagon Alley and saw Prewett in The Leaky Cauldron. He put me in touch with a few of his colleagues at the Ministry, and I sold the lot.”

“Nice one,” Garreth said, glancing over his shoulder with a smile and spotting the kettle going on. “I'll take a brew seeing as you're making. How is Lee? I've not seen him for a while.”

Sebastian set the kettle to boil and began to hunt for some clean cups. “He doesn't change, still impossibly neat and full of himself,” he chuckled. He paused and shook his head. “But he did have a girl with him, a proper little fox as well. She had a lovely set of boobs. I don't know how he does it.”

Garreth laughed, lowering the heat under his cauldron and setting the ladle aside. “He's a charming bloke, Seb. Why wouldn't he get some tail? Don't tell me you're jealous.”

Wiping his hands on a tatty rag, Garreth turned and leaned his hips back against the workbench, the sunlight streaming through the window glinting on his curling, red hair. His shirt sleeves were rolled back, his collar open, and his cheeks were flushed from the heat of the room.

Sebastian's sleeves were rolled back too, but his shirt and waistcoat were smart, his trousers were well cut, and his boots were well polished. As the travelling sales rep for their little potion business, he had to look the part. Combined with his handsome looks and never-ending charm, he had their customers eating from the palm of his hand.

For the last three years they had worked long hours to get this little shop off the ground, a tiny wreck of a place on the edge of Hogsmeade that they had renovated and scrubbed up into a charming little business. Garreth’s dream of being a potioneer was a reality, and it had come with determination and the help from those closest to him.

Sebastian was his partner, both of them sinking every coin they had into the business, selling potions on the sly during their last year of school before scouting out a premises right after graduation. Despite the concern of his brothers and some words of warning about his Slytherin friend, Garreth had no regrets trusting Sebastian.

His friend was chuckling and shaking his head as he found some milk and a bowl of sugar. “Of course I'm not jealous,” Sebastian said, his smile turned devilish. “I'm doing just fine with the lovely Emma from the tea shop. Thank you very much.”

“Is this one going to last?” Garreth quirked an eyebrow, grabbing the biscuit tin down from the shelf and popping the lid. “She seems to be keeping you amused. You could bring her to the wedding.”

Sebastian held up a hand. “Easy now, Garreth. There's no need to rush into anything. If I escort her to your wedding, MC will be whispering in my ears about putting a ring on Emma's finger before you two even get to say I do.”

“She just wants to see you settled and happy, mate” Garreth said, offering the biscuit tin out towards him as he popped one into his own mouth, speaking around it. “She worries about you.”

“And I love her for it, but I'm not unhappy,” Sebastian said, grabbing a cookie. “Life is chugging along nicely. I'm not saying marriage is off the table, I just haven't found that one girl that makes me want to jump in yet. We are not all as lucky as you, Weasley.”

Garreth smiled and took the steaming mug that Sebastian was holding out to him. He knew he was lucky. MC was his whole heart. He lived and breathed her, their lives woven around each other so tightly that he had forgotten how he had managed without her.

In two weeks, she would be his wife. His heart thudded madly at the thought of it, a smile curving his mouth every time he caught sight of the ring on her finger, a symbol that told the world she was his, and would be forever.

“Emma is a darling, though, mate,” he said, leaning back against the workbench. “I think you should escort her to the wedding. What if Lee brings his fox with the lovely knockers?”

Sebastian grinned, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Then I shall ask the little fox for a dance.”

They both laughed, Garreth shaking his head.

“You're never going to stop winding Leander up, are you?”

“Never,” Sebastian smirked. He waved his hand and shrugged. “It's all in good sport, though. I mean, if he was to get down on one knee and snag himself a lovely wife, I would be one of the first to shake his hand and congratulate him. He's a good sport. It's just so easy to get him all flustered and blushing.”

“We should organise another card game night,” Garreth said, thoughtfully. “Get all the boys together again.”

“Good idea,” Sebastian said, raising his mug. “We could do it just before the wedding and call it your stag. Your last foray into social gatherings as an unmarried man.”

“No funny business,” Garreth said, wagging his finger.

Sebastian grinned. “Pfft, says the King of Mischief.”

Garreth's look of mock innocence would fool nobody, and they both chuckled into their tea mugs.

….*....

The sun was hot, the sky a clear and endless blue, but under the canopy of the forest, it was cooler, shadows stretching deeply into the undergrowth. A world apart from the lazy summer outside of the trees.

MC was crouched low in some bushes, her eyes trained on a lone unicorn that was snuffling into the scattered leaves that lay on the forest floor. There was a wound on her flank, her blood glittering in the low light.

“At least it doesn't look too deep,” Poppy whispered, creeping closer towards MC and peering through the branches. “Shall we try and get a bit closer? I have some snacks that will distract her while we check the wound.”

MC chewed at her lower lip, her gaze drifting towards her friend beside her. Poppy wore her hair cut level with her chin, her nose and cheeks dusted with freckles brought out by the summer sun. In the years since they had left school, they had remained close, venturing out to check on various beasts from time to time.

Her gaze wandered down towards the collar of Poppy’s blouse, the fabric gaping slightly and revealing a love bruise on her lower neck. MC arched a brow, intrigued.

“A snack?” MC asked quietly. “Looks to me like someone has been snacking on you, Poppy.”

MC hooked a finger into the collar of Poppy’s blouse and tugged it aside, the bruising continued on towards her collar bone. Poppy sucked in a breath, her cheeks flooding with colour as she hastily brushed MC’s hand away and smoothed her blouse closer towards her skin.

“You weren't supposed to see that,” Poppy mumbled, her gaze dipping away. Even her ears were flushed pink.

MC’s mouth twisted in amusement. “It's not like you to get all shy about something like that. Is this still the Unspeakable chap you were seeing? He’s back in town, is he?”

“He isn’t an Unspeakable,” Poppy winced.

MC frowned in confusion. She was sure that Poppy had explained that his frequent trips away were to do with top secret missions. “I don’t understand. I thought you said..."

Poppy fidgeted with her top button, avoiding MC’s gaze. “It’s complicated.”

“Oh really?” MC said, worry creasing her brow. “In what way?”

MC frowned a little as Poppy carefully stepped out of the bushes, her steps slow and deliberate. Poppy was not usually so embarrassed about her love affairs, happily divulging the details of steamy kisses and flirtations with her gentleman. Why the blushing and secrecy with this one?

“I just...I didn't want to say too much until I was sure,” Poppy said, peeking up through her lashes. "I really like him, MC, and I do want to tell you."

"So, tell me," MC said, curiously tilting her head. "What is stopping you?"

Poppy flicked her gaze towards MC, her blush darkening further as she hesitated, and then she turned back towards the unicorn, her brow furrowing. “I'll tell you later. Come on, let's see to this lovely lady first.”

Curious and suspecting either this one was married or perhaps someone she knew, MC made a mental note to probe further once the unicorn had been taken care of.

Following Poppy towards the beast, they managed to keep her calm with soothing words and treats, MC stroking her silky mane whilst Poppy cleaned the wound and applied ointment.

“I might as well gather some hair whilst I'm here,” MC said, pulling out a muslin cloth from her little bag to wrap it in. “Garreth always appreciates the rarer ingredients when he can get them.”

Poppy handed her a brush. “Here, use this. How is our favourite potioneer? Is business going well?”

“Yes, things seem good,” MC said, smiling. “Sebastian has proven rather a dab hand at sales, and they have some regular clients now.”

“Ah yes, that will be that irresistible Sallow charm,” Poppy smirked. She smoothed her hand over the unicorn's glossy coat, her teeth worrying at her lip. “How is Sebastian these days?”

“He is well,” MC said softly, eyeing her friend. “He works hard at the shop, and he receives regular letters from Anne now. He misses her still, but at least they are back in contact.”

Poppy nodded, her smile warm. “I'm glad to hear it. He deserves some happiness.”

“What of your happiness, Poppy?” MC asked, her eyes shifting to Poppy’s neck. “Are you going to tell me who your suitor is?”

Poppy’s cheeks flamed into colour again, her mouth parting as though to speak, but the flash of a spell firing between them put a halt to anything she might have said.

MC jumped back, Poppy crying out as she tumbled to the packed dirt of the forest floor. The unicorn whinnied in distress, bolting through the trees in a clatter of hooves as MC scrambled to pull out her wand. Poppy was choking in distress, clutching at her throat as blood began to trickle from the side of her mouth.

“Poppy!” MC cried, stepping towards her, but the thud of many footsteps made her pause.

Her eyes widened as hooded figures began to flood into the clearing. Poachers. There were so many of them, and it had been a long while since MC had taken part in any combat, preferring to snuggle up beside the fire with Garreth these days. With her magic, she could probably take all of these poachers at once, but ever since that day she had murdered all those people in front of Garreth, she hadn’t taken another life.

Gripping her wand tighter in her sweaty hand, MC moved to stand in front of Poppy, holding up her wand. Her hand shook, the poachers jeering at her, slowly surrounding her with their wands raised. Her chest tightened, her lungs seemingly empty and screaming as the panic began to claw at her. Her worry for Poppy swam sickeningly in her stomach at the sound of her desperate gasps for air, blood bubbling from her lips.

“Well, well,” a woman said, stepping forward. A scar ran the length of her face, splitting her lips in a vertical slash. She smiled, and MC shivered at the grotesque twist. “If it isn’t the little hero of Hogwarts. She’s all grown up, fellas. Look at her!”

A few of them chuckled, but some of them took a few steps back. MC lifted her chin, holding up her wand in an attempt to appear completely in control of the situation. Some of them feared her, and with good reason. They didn’t know she had changed. She had a reason to stay on the right side of the law now. She had Garreth. She was going to marry him next week.

She wasn’t a killer anymore. No more shadows.

The scarred woman fired off a basic cast, the flash hitting the dirt in front of MC’s feet. She flinched, her breathing ragged as she stared wildly around at the circle of enemies. The woman laughed, shaking her head.

“A bit jumpy, aren’t you, love?” She tilted her head like a bird of prey. “The little hero isn’t scared, is she? Your friend doesn't look too clever. She might even die. That’s a shame.”

“A shame for you,” MC hissed through her teeth. “She’s a Sweeting. I bet you’ve heard of them.”

The scarred woman stiffened, turning to glance at the man standing closest to her before leaning to peer at a choking Poppy on the ground. MC could feel every panicked thud of her heart in her ears, desperate to get to Poppy and help her.

“They do have a daughter,” the man said, throwing a worried glance towards the scarred woman.

“Maybe they do, maybe they don’t,” the scarred woman said, her eyes narrowing in on MC. “But, bringing this little bitch back to the boss will earn us high favour. I say we take her, and worry about the choking welp afterwards.”

It was a subtle flick of the wrist, but MC caught it, hours of training with Sebastian and the Crossed Wands club had taught her many tricks. MC threw up a shield easily enough, the hex rebounding in a flash of sparks. She met the eyes of the scarred woman, her body slipping into a duelling stance, her heart filled with Garreth and his gorgeous green eyes.

She had made a promise to herself. No more darkness, but she wouldn't go down without a fight either.

The clearing erupted into a frenzy of spells, the flashes and sparks lighting up the gloom of the forest, a flock of ravens squawked as they fled the trees in a flurry of black wings.

….*....

The two silver rings sat neatly in the little wooden box, nestled in a bed of black velvet. A pair. Two symbols of eternal love and commitment between a man and wife.

Oscar stared at those rings and tried to imagine the moment Garreth would slip the more slender ring of the two onto MC’s finger and make her officially his. Once, he would have envied that moment, the twist of it pulling him down inside and reminding him of what he’d had within his grasp. Now, he saw those rings and felt a warmth, a happiness that bloomed in his chest. Not just for his brother’s joy, but because there was a glimmer of hope, his own heart beating with a new thrum for someone who had slipped under his skin, and in the most unlikely situation.

“I can’t believe the wedding is only a week away,” Garreth said softly.

Oscar lifted his gaze from the rings to look at his brother, seeing a shadow of apprehension flicker in his eyes as he smiled.

“You’re not nervous, are you?”

Garreth’s smile wavered, and he fiddled with the rolled up sleeve of his shirt, his eyes dipping away from Oscar as he moved around the shop counter. “Maybe a little,” he admitted, his cheeks colouring.

Oscar closed the ring box with a little snap and moved towards the shop counter, placing the little box onto the top between them. “What is it that worries you, brother? You are marrying the girl of your dreams.”

Garreth’s little huff of laughter conveyed his disbelief, his nerves on full show now as he shook his head. “That is the problem, Os. I still can’t believe that she said yes. We shall be handfast, our lives connected forever, and I’m not sure I deserve to be that lucky. I mean, look at me. I’m just a humble shopkeeper who creates more mess than success half the time, and she is this warm, generous, and amazing witch who could change the world if she wanted. What is she doing with me?”

“She chose you, Garreth,” Oscar said, his eyes softening. Garreth had always been sensitive, hiding it behind his humour and his chaotic pranks. The gap between their ages was so close, but Oscar had always taken his older brother role seriously. “She loves you. It’s obvious just from the way that she looks at you, and she has never wanted that worldwide glory. You know that as well as I do. You give her what she needs, and she will marry you next week because that is what is supposed to happen. She was always meant to be yours, brother.”

Garreth nodded, his lips pressing together as he attempted to work through the emotion that was darkening his eyes. He reached out to touch his fingertips to the top of the little wooden box, caressing the polished wood gently. “Look after these, won’t you? I don’t trust myself not to lose them, and MC will Incendio my backside if I do.”

Oscar smiled as he picked up the ring box. “Of course, isn’t that what the best man is for? I shall take good care of them, and don’t worry, this time next week I’ll be right there beside you, making sure you don’t mess up. All you have to worry about is saying ‘I do’.”

Garreth nodded again, his smile a little wider. “Thanks, Os.”

“Don’t mention it. You should have more faith in yourself, brother. You’re a good man, and you have worked hard to build up this business. That’s no small feat. I’m proud of you.”

“I hope all of this is going into your speech,” Garreth grinned.

“What, and miss out on the opportunity to tease you in public? Not a chance,” Oscar chuckled, pocketing the rings.

Garreth leaned on the counter, eyeing Oscar curiously. “So, are you bringing a date to the wedding? I haven’t heard you mention any young ladies lately. Surely, the well hasn’t run dry?”

Oscar felt his cheeks turn hot, redness spreading across them as he dipped his gaze, running his hand through his copper hair. He thought of Poppy, how she had looked this morning waking up in his arms, and the realisation that he wanted that every morning, not just on the days they could snatch together here and there.

“Oh, brother, you’re blushing,” Garreth said, his mouth splitting into a wide grin. His green eyes sparkled in delight. “Who is she, then? She must be something special to get you as red as a tomato. Since when do you blush?”

Oscar bit his lip, the urge to tell Garreth the truth welling up his throat, the words forming but halting on the tip of his tongue. Poppy was nervous about telling MC. So far, they had been meeting in private, enjoying the time to explore this new side to their relationship. Poppy was worried that MC might be upset, her best friend taking up with her ex. They hadn’t found a way to reveal the truth yet, but Oscar wanted to. He wanted the whole world to know.

“It’s…complicated,” he said carefully.

Garreth’s brow creased. “Bloody hell, she isn’t married, is she?”

“Of course not!” Oscar said, shaking his head. “I’m not that much of a rake.”

Garreth raised an eyebrow at him, and Oscar flipped his middle finger up at his brother with a scowl. Garreth laughed and beckoned him towards the rear of the shop, heading for the kettle on the stove.

“Let me put the kettle on, and you can tell me all about her,” he said. “It’s only fair seeing as you listen to me ramble on about MC all the time.”

Desperate to share what was blooming inside of him, Oscar followed Garreth into the rear of the shop, settling down on the worn settee as the tea was being made. The truth had to come out sometime, and who better to help reveal the truth to MC than his little brother?

“Well, if you really must know, then I’ll tell you,” Oscar said, a fond smile playing on his lips. “It all started when she came to help with that charity fundraising I took part in for the unicorns…”

….*....

The steady rise and fall of Poppy’s chest was the only indication that she was still alive. MC watched the movement, her eyes glassy as she sat rigid on the hard hospital chair. Behind her eyes, the fight under the trees played out, the snap and flash of spell casting, the groans of pain, and the trickle of sweat down her neck. The scent of mud and blood. She shivered, pushing back on the wall of shadow that threatened to loom over her.

She hadn’t killed any of them, though. She had stuck to her word. Instead, they were all on their way to the Aurors office for processing. She didn’t think she would ever forget the look of hate in the eyes of the scarred woman.

A firm hand on her shoulder made her look up, and she felt his warmth, Garreth’s green eyes soft and worried as he looked down at her. He handed her a cup of hot tea, giving her shoulder a squeeze. “You should let the nurse see to that wound on your temple,” he said.

“I’m fine, the Wiggenweld will do its work,” she said softly. “I’ve had worse.”

Her gaze returned to the pale, still form of Poppy in the hospital bed. The Healers had done all they could for now. They just had to wait for her to wake up.

“I thought I was going to lose her,” she whispered, the fear of it snaking through her stomach with a roiling lurch. She reached for Garreth’s hand. “Those poachers just came out of nowhere. I wasn’t even paying attention to our surroundings. I was too busy trying to get the truth about her mystery lover out of her, as if that was more important. What if she dies?”

“She’s not going to die,” Garreth assured her, crouching down beside her chair and taking her hand more firmly in his. “Poppy is safe, and this wasn’t your fault. You got her here. You saved her.”

Looking at him, the warmth of his hand holding hers, she felt that safety net catching her. One look from him pushed the shadows back, holding them at bay for a moment so she could breathe.

“I love you,” she whispered.

“Not as much as I love you,” he said, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand. “You have got to stop scaring me like this. Every time you appear all banged up and bloody, I swear my heart nearly falls out of my mouth.”

“It will take a lot more to bring me down than a few poachers,” she said bravely.

“That’s what worries me.”

Her gaze moved back to Poppy in the bed, the thought of her mystery lover floating across her thoughts again. Garreth was right here beside her, soothing her and holding her hand, his love for her making him remain here above all else. What of Poppy’s lover? Would he want to be here by Poppy’s side and offer comfort?

“If I knew who she was seeing, I could have sent an owl for him,” MC said, sipping her tea. “I don’t understand why she won’t tell me who it is. She is being so odd about it all.”

Garreth dipped his head, and she caught the little glance he sent towards the bed, his teeth worrying at his lower lip as he tugged at his shirt collar. Her eyes narrowed as colour bloomed on his cheeks, and he shifted slightly, his fingers rubbing against the back of her hand.

“She will tell you when she is ready,” he said, still not meeting her gaze. He couldn’t lie to save his life.

“Garreth, I know that look anywhere. It’s the look I get when you’ve burnt another hole in a cooking pot, or set fire to the tablecloth,” MC spoke slowly, her cup of tea poised, her gaze fixed on his lowered head. “What is it? What do you know?”

His groan, combined with his eyes closing, almost made her smile. Almost. He was such a big kid sometimes, but her curiosity was caught, and she leaned forward.

“You know who it is, don’t you?”

“I only found out today,” he said, his eyes wide as he gripped her hand. “Don’t be mad, okay? It’s actually rather sweet when you think about it.”

Her brow furrowed slightly, her stomach tensing. “You mean I know him? Who is it?”

Her mind danced through some options. Was it Sebastian? Had they decided to try again? Or maybe it was the bloke from the bakery that looked like a young Professor Sharp, they had giggled over that one for a few days, Poppy making MC’s eyes bulge with her naughty remarks about their old potions teacher.

“It’s Oscar,” Garreth said, his face lingering between hope and concern.

MC went utterly still. She stared at Garreth as the words went into her ears and drifted through her mind like smoke, her thoughts desperately trying to catch hold of them but they swirled into a dizzying mess that made her mouth pop open in shock. “What?”

“He told me earlier today that he was seeing someone, and I was surprised too when he said it was Poppy,” Garreth said quickly. “They didn’t know how to tell you. Poppy was worried you would be upset.”

“Upset?”

“Yes. Are you… upset?”

MC shook her head, her eyes moving towards her friend. She couldn’t help but let her gaze linger on the spot under the collar of her hospital gown where the skin was marked with a lover’s bruise.

She shivered, her hand slipping from Garreth’s grip as unbidden images of Oscar’s mouth leaving marks on her own skin seeped into her head. Now he was touching Poppy, kissing her, whispering in Poppy’s ears as he had done to her. Closing her eyes, she shoved those thoughts aside. They were irrelevant.

There was a flicker of fear in Garreth’s eyes, there and gone before he hid it, his throat working hard as he stared at her. MC was not so foolish as to ignore the look she saw in his eyes sometimes. If Oscar and her laughed together, or maybe he would hold her elbow to assist her, or maybe they would smile as he handed her something over the table at family dinners. She could not change the history she had with Oscar, but it was history. They were family now, and her heart was Garreth’s.

But, his fear was not something to be ignored. She did not blame him for it. How could she? She was certain that her own insecurities would play into similar thoughts if the role was reversed.

Oscar had accepted MC’s love for his brother. He had supported them, helped fund the set up of the shop, and had been the first to congratulate them on their engagement. He could have easily been difficult and horrid, and nobody would have blamed him. His heart was big, almost as big as Garreth’s, a trait that seemed to run in the very blood of their family.

And now Poppy has gravitated towards that warmth. Could MC really blame her? She could see the attraction and had fallen for it herself. Like Oscar, MC should be able to accept their choice and let them be happy.

MC wondered if Poppy had always felt that way about Oscar. Is that why she had wanted to know every detail about MC’s relationship with him - had it been more than just her impish curiosity?

Perhaps those were details that didn’t matter. Not anymore.

What bothered MC more was being lied to by her friend. A friend that could be placing herself into the hands of a man who had the potential to hurt her. Poppy had admitted she really liked her lover, her blushing face earlier today confirming it. What if she really liked him and he discarded her like all the others? MC had feared that for herself when she had been in his arms, and if he hurt Poppy, it could split a crack into their lives that might never heal.

“I need a moment,” she said, standing. She placed her tea on the table beside Poppy’s bed and avoided Garreth’s worried eyes. “I’m sorry. Just give me a moment.”

“Of course,” he said quietly.

Garreth’s generosity and patience made her heart squeeze as she left the hospital room, her chest tight with the heaviness of the day, her mind reeling with it all as she tried to keep a grip on her breathing.

….*....

Fear was a metallic taste on his tongue as Oscar raced to St Mungo's hospital in London. Garreth may have said in the note that Poppy was alright, that she had been with the Healers and was resting now, but that didn’t stop the black hole of fear from ripping his stomach to pieces.

He was trembling as he ran through the doors and along the corridor, coming to a stop only when he saw MC leaning against a wall, her face pale and drawn. She was hurt too, a wound slowly healing on her head, and blood stains in her hair as she turned her eyes on him.

She stared, the depths of her gaze still holding that magnetism that he had come to accept as something that would always be there, no matter how much time had passed. Her mouth tightened, and she pushed up from the wall, her eyes glittering as she nodded.

“You came,” she said quietly.

Garreth had warned him that MC knew the truth, and Oscar swallowed as he nodded. “Of course I came. Where is she?”

“She is sleeping and safe. Garreth is with her,” she said, looking down the corridor. Turning her gaze back to him, she indicated for him to follow. “Come with me.”

The room that she led him to was empty, the bed neatly made and no sign of Poppy anywhere. “This isn’t her room. Where is Poppy?”

“I wanted to talk to you,” MC said, turning to face him.

Oscar was reminded of a day when they had stood in a quiet room like this, and she had crushed him. He pushed the memory aside. He just wanted to see Poppy. She was all that mattered to him now.

“What could be so important that you need to talk about it now? I want to see her, MC,” he insisted.

“I know you do, but I just wanted to talk to you first,” she said. "I need to know where you're going with this, Oscar. She is my best friend. I don't want to see her get hurt."

There was a shadow behind her eyes, a flicker of something painful, and she looked away for a moment, her chest heaving with a steadying breath. He watched as her hand pressed against her chest, fingers agitated as she rubbed them against her blood-stained blouse before she continued.

“I want to know why you two felt the need to sneak around behind my back and lie to me like you have. You could have told me. I…”

She stopped, her breath catching.

“I’m not playing any games, MC,” he said, stepping closer. “I really like her. This isn’t some reckless fling.”

“Then, what is it?”

He met her gaze and thought of a crisp, winter’s night, the way she had looked under the moon.

“Do you remember what you said to me that Christmas in my parent’s garden? You said I would meet someone who would make me forget what it was like to breathe before they came into my life. Well, that’s Poppy. Only, she was there all along and I wasn’t ready to see it. You made me question what it was that I wanted. After you, I was more honest with myself and any girl that came along. When Poppy and I came across each other again, it just felt… right. I can’t explain it.”

“When you look into their eyes and everything just seems warmer, safer, and life without them would be empty and cold,” she whispered.

Oscar nodded. “I think I love her, MC, and I don’t want to mess this up. Neither of us does. We held off telling anyone until we were sure. The last thing we want to do is hurt you, MC. You mean so much to Poppy. She loves you,” he said, hesitating as he looked into her eyes. “And you mean a lot to me, too. You always have, despite everything. I meant what I said. Trust me, MC. Please. I want to do this right.”

Her lips trembled, and a lone tear slipped from her eye. She brushed it away, looking up at him. “You love her?”

MC dipped her head, nodding slightly as she considered his words. She stepped towards him, their bodies so close he could smell the soft scent of her, his eyes fixed on the face of the girl who had entered their lives and changed so much. She was dainty and beautiful, her eyes holding a depth of warmth, but those lingering shadows that held her in their grip were still there. He hadn’t been able to save her from them, but his brother had a way of chasing them off and continued to do so.

He felt his cheeks flame like they had when he had confessed to Garreth. Receiving the news that Poppy had been badly hurt had shaken him to his core. The thought of losing her really was like having the ability to breathe snatched from him.

Looking at MC, staring into her eyes, he hoped she could see the truth of his words. More than anything, he wanted her to finally trust him. He nodded. “I do love her, MC.”

Poppy had shadows, the ghosts of her past tormented her at times and she had moments when he had held her and listened to her speak of the crimes her parents committed against the animals that she held so dear to her heart. She trusted him with her truth, and that was something that he would never forget, the honour of knowing her deeper because she allowed it to be so.

MC pushed a finger into his chest, looking up at him with a fierceness that he had rarely seen in those soft eyes of hers. There was an edge to her look that was almost close to the shifting dark he had seen in Sallow’s eyes a few times, and he once again wondered what secrets lay between those two. He could have sworn he saw flickers of blue and white fire in the depths of her gaze, too, as she eyed him.

“I'm going to trust you, Oscar Weasley,” she said, her voice so soft and yet laced with something that sent a shiver down his spine. “I’m sorry I never trusted you with my own heart, but I’m going to trust you with hers. If you hurt her in any way, you will have me to deal with.”

“I’d never hurt her,” he said, hoping that the sincerity of his words showed on his face. “I’d rather hurt myself first than hurt Poppy.”

She nodded, removing her finger from his chest. The cold fire was gone from her eyes now, and her lips twitched with a smile, her usual softness glowing on her face. “You know what? I think I believe you.”

….*....

Sleep was tugging him softly downwards, the warmth of the bed blankets and the softness of his pillow luring Garreth into the welcoming darkness. He allowed his body to relax, the tension of the day beginning to slip from his shoulders as the mattress dipped beside him. He cracked open one eye, a closed lip smile tugging at his mouth as MC crawled in towards him, her hair unbound and loose about her shoulders. He reached for her, welcoming the softness of her encased in her nightgown.

Whilst his eyes remained closed, the lingering lure of sleep still there, he welcomed the feel of her kiss at his throat, her mouth blazing a trail over his skin and her hands smoothing up the expanse of his bare chest. When her lips found his, he kissed her back, cupping her head to hold her there for a moment.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered against his mouth. He opened his eyes and met her gaze. She caressed his cheek, her nose rubbing against his. “I’m sorry I walked away from you in the hospital today.”

“It is forgotten,” he murmured gently, seeking more kisses from her tempting mouth. “You needed to think, I understand.”

She straddled him, the weight of her against his pelvis waking the fire in his belly, chasing the allure of sleep far into the night. As their kisses deepened, his hands dragging the nightdress from her shoulders as she began to rut against him, the fears that he had written in his journal seemed to fade into smaller wisps of thought. Like dust motes, they flickered and shifted, twisting away as their bodies connected.

For a moment there this afternoon in the hospital, he had feared that she still held a candle for Oscar, that her leaving the room like that had meant her jealousy had won out. But then, she had returned with Oscar in tow, her smile softer as she watched Oscar fuss over Poppy.

It was hard to remember his insecurities, the worry that he wasn’t enough for her, when she fell apart in his hands. Staring into her eyes as they moved, their passion, a blaze that made them gasp for the very air to breathe, he knew this was forever.

….*....

Sunlight filtered through the window of the bedroom, and MC took a moment to look out over the fields of the Weasley farm. The day couldn’t be more perfect, the sky powder blue and delicate wisps of clouds adding a softness that mirrored her heart. Nerves might be dancing in her stomach, but they were the best kind of nerves. It wasn’t fear. It was anticipation. Today was a milestone being placed, the start of the next chapter, and she was ready to turn the page.

The sound of the door clicking open made her turn, expecting to see Poppy with the flowers for her hair, but it wasn’t her. Instead, Sebastian crossed the threshold, dressed in a fine dark suit and burgundy waistcoat, his hair as neat as it would ever be. He gazed about the room before his dark eyes finally found her, his face shifting to a look of soft awe.

“Look at you,” he breathed, closing the door and walking towards her, hands outstretched. “You look so lovely, MC. The perfect bride!”

She could see the shine of his eyes and gripped his hands tightly, gazing up into his face with a wobbly smile. “Don’t you dare make me cry, Sallow, or I will have to fetch my wand.”

“And what if you make me cry, hmm? What shall I do then?” He chuckled, blinking his own eyes free of tears.

“What are you doing here?” She asked, her voice betraying just how pleased she was to see him. “Shouldn’t you be downstairs with the others waiting for me to make my grand entrance?”

He took a deep breath and looked at their joined hands. “That’s just it,” he said, his voice strained. “I didn’t want you to walk out there alone.”

“What do you mean?”

His cheeks coloured, and he fidgeted, biting his lip. “Well, I got to thinking about traditions and how the bride is usually escorted to her fiance by her father. I didn’t want to let proceedings start without at least making the offer, and of course, you can say no… It’s entirely up to you…”

“What are you talking about?” MC stared at him, almost holding her breath.

“I thought I could give you away if you'll let me,” he said, blushing furiously. He shook his head, flustered. “I mean, it's not giving you away entirely because I don't want to get rid of you. Of course, I don't. I aim to be the pain in your backside forever and a day, but someone should escort you to your new husband, and I thought…well, I wondered…”

“I would love you to do that,” she said, interrupting his rambling whilst squeezing his hands tightly. Her eyes burned, threatening to spill tears that would ruin her makeup. “Sebastian. You never fail to surprise me, and I love you for it. I can't believe you thought of this.”

His smile was so sweet, boyish almost, despite the harder lines of his face now. The years she had known him had only strengthened the bond between them. He was the obvious choice to give her away, and she wished she had thought of it herself.

“Don't cry, now,” he said. “Otherwise I shall be needing to fetch my wand. I'd be honoured to take you to Garreth. You two are so important to me, and nothing will make me happier than seeing you two finally hitched.”

“Look at you being all sentimental and soppy,” she teased, a smile shining through the welling of her eyes.

“Pfft, don't get used to it,” he said, trying and failing to look cool and collected. His face twisted up into the mockery of a frown. “And I still can't believe you're going to be a Weasley. MC Weasley. That's going to take some getting used to.”

She laughed and pulled him closer, squeezing him tightly, suddenly feeling so very grown up in her wedding gown. How quickly adulthood had come to claim them.

The door opened, and Poppy stepped through, her eyes widening at them. “Oh, I'm sorry,” she said, wincing as MC and Sebastian parted. “Did I just interrupt a tender moment?”

“Ridiculously tender,” Sebastian said, turning to offer Poppy a sweeping bow. He smirked, eyes twinkling. “Miss Sweeting, or is that going to change and become another Mrs Weasley rather soon? I swear they will take over the world one day with that name. There are so many of them!”

Poppy blushed a brilliant red and swiped her hand in Sebastian’s direction, her other hand clutching gorgeous summer blooms for MC’s hair.

“Oh, give over you scoundrel,” she huffed, but her eyes twinkled with just as much teasing as his. “You didn't seem to mind when a particular Weasley cousin was smiling your way just before.”

MC cocked an eyebrow and smothered a chuckle at the tinge of pink on Sebastian's face.

“I haven't the foggiest what you mean, Poppy dearest,” he said. He turned to MC and offered her a bow, too. He smiled. “I shall wait at the foot of the stairs for you.”

With a wink for them both, he was gone, closing the door softly behind him. Poppy watched him go with a small sigh, and she shook her head.

“He has so much charm it is almost dangerous,” she said.

MC met her gaze, and they giggled, a happiness blooming in MC’s chest that stole her breath in the best possible way.

….*....

One year later…

Catching the end of his pencil between his lips, Garreth studied the sketch he had drawn onto the page of his journal, the lines quick but flowing in his haste to capture the moment. He lifted his gaze up to where MC stood at a window, her eyes staring out at the lovely gardens laid out in the courtyard of St Mungo's Hospital. One hand was supporting her lower back, and the other lay atop the beautiful swell of her stomach. His eyes softened, his mouth lifting in a smile filled with love as he watched her, his gaze dropping to the sketch he had made to capture this moment.

“I hope you haven't made me look like a whale,” she said, turning her head to smile at him.

“Impossible,” he said, closing the journal and pocketing it. “I only draw what I see.”

He stood and moved towards her, stepping up behind her and smoothing his hands over her stomach, feeling out for those precious little wiggles underneath. His child, their child. He couldn't wait to hold him or her.

MC put her hand over his, leaning back against him with a sigh. “I can't believe this will be over soon, and baby Weasley will be here. This is our last check-up before the birth.”

He hummed in agreement, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Just think, our little one is almost ready to arrive, and Oscar and Poppy are only just starting their baby journey. I'm taking full credit for Oscar planting one in her so soon. He couldn't be outdone.”

MC laughed, the sound filling his ears and the vibration of it pleasant against his chest. The baby kicked firmly against his hand, and he grinned.

“Don't say it like that,” she scolded gently. “I think it's wonderful news. Poppy is so happy she could burst. She will make a wonderful mother.”

She fell quiet, and Garreth soothed his hands over her bump, his kiss soft near her ear. As their due date grew closer, he could tell MC was apprehensive, worried about being a good mum.

“As will you,” he said firmly. “You have so much love to give, MC. You will be amazing, I just know it.”

He saw the flash of her smile and held her just a little closer. He had never loved her more.

“Mr and Mrs Weasley?”

They both turned to see a nurse smiling at them. She gestured down the corridor. “The Healer will see you now.”

He reached for MC’s hand, their eyes meeting as she turned from the window. “Ready?”

She nodded, her smile reaching her eyes as she squeezed his hand. “I'm ready.”

Together, they followed the nurse towards the Healer's room, exchanging pleasantries with her, sharing their excitement about the future, and welcoming their unborn child into the world.

The first of many he hoped.

The End

Thank you. Thank you to everyone who read this fic, left comments, reblogged and liked, came to say hi on Ao3, or helped me flesh out ideas on Discord. I love and appreciate all of it. This fic was a journey, and I am sad that it is over. I've become closer to Garreth and Oscar, explored their personalities, and loved every minute.

Thank you!! And, on to the next...

#hogwarts legacy fanfic #garreth weasley #hogwarts legacy #oscar weasley #oscar weasley x mc #garreth weasley x mc #blueraineshadows

43 notes · View notes

blueraineshadows · 5 months

Text

Brothers Part 12

Garreth Weasley 🔺️ F!MC 🔺️Oscar Weasley

A love rivalry between two Weasley brothers. Oscar is an OC created by @eternalremorse and used with her permission.

🔞 NSFW series. Chapter Master List.

Chapter Twelve - Birthday Boy

A cheer erupted from the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall and MC looked up from her bowl of porridge to see Garreth arriving, his cheeks flushing pink as he grinned at his fellow housemates. A few party popping crackers were let loose and confetti sprayed upwards, fluttering down over Garreth as his friends all began to sing Happy Birthday to him.

MC smiled as she watched, chuckling as he made a little bow once the song had ended. Gifts and hugs were thrust upon him as he tried to take a seat, and then there was a rousing call for him to give a speech. After all, it wasn't every day that a young wizard came of age.

"Oh, I would just die of embarrassment if you made me do this," Poppy giggled as she craned her neck to get a better look. "The whole school is watching him! Poor Garreth."

It was nice to have her friend sitting with her at the table for a change. More often these days, Poppy sat with Sebastian, which was understandable, but MC missed her being there beside her.

"Poor Garreth?" MC scoffed as she watched him climb up onto the bench so he could stand above everyone else, his arms held out wide as he grinned. She smirked. "He's loving every minute of this. Look at him."

"Ladies and gentlemen, students and professors," Garreth began, with a nod towards the faculty table. Professor Black looked like he had just swallowed a live Billywig, and Sharp appeared to be getting ready to hold his head in his hands. "I would just like to take the opportunity to thank you all for your kind wishes on this most joyous of days, although being woken up with exploding snappers being thrown onto my bed was not how I expected my day to begin."

A rumble of laughter sounded from the Quidditch lads, and Garreth gave them a rather sarcastic round of applause.

"At least you had your pants on this time, Weasley!" Leander called.

More laughter erupted, and Professor Black was on his feet, a rather red-faced Professor Weasley trying to reassure him as she, too, got to her feet. MC and Poppy exchanged a glance before chuckling themselves, MC trying not to picture what that scene might look like or how fluffy and messy Garreth's hair would look when he woke up. She cleared her throat and stirred her porridge aimlessly as Garreth continued his speech.

"Seeing as it's my birthday, and I am now officially an adult, I want to take the opportunity to invite you lovely lot to the Three Broomsticks this evening for some good old-fashioned fun. All in good taste, of course."

He hastily added that last part with a wink as he saw his aunt hurrying down off the dais towards him. Hands grabbed at him to get him down, and he almost toppled in his haste to perform a courtly bow with extra flourish as Professor Weasley began to scold him. The cheer that erupted was deafening as he jumped down, and MC shook her head and laughed.

"You are going tonight, aren't you?" Poppy asked.

"Of course," MC said, returning to her porridge. "Garreth would never forgive me if I didn't. Besides, I've spent the best part of the last few days helping him and Sebastian prepare those special brews. I want to have fun sampling them, too."

Poppy grinned and clapped her hands together. "Oh, it's so exciting, and I am so glad to see you getting out and having fun. I was worried you might not go, you know, because of Oscar..."

MC's smile slipped a little as her gaze returned to the Gryffindor table, her eyes seeking out a different head of red hair. Yes. Oscar.

He was laughing with his friends as they continued to lavish attention on the birthday boy, looking as handsome as ever, and her chest tightened. She had been avoiding him, holding off the inevitable time when they would have to face each other properly again. She knew it had been the right choice to leave him, but that didn't mean it was easy.

Oscar's head turned, and his lovely blue eyes met hers. Their gazes locked for a moment, a flicker of sadness and longing in his that made the tightness in her chest increase. She felt her cheeks warm, remembering softer moments shared with him, but they were over now. She managed a small smile, polite and maybe a little sad, too. Then, she dropped her gaze, not wanting to prolong eye contact.

It was the most interaction they'd had since she had ended things, and she knew it would be impossible to avoid him at the party later. She didn't want to make things awkward, nor did she want to fall out with him. She had needed the space apart, but would it hurt to be friends? Would he want that?

Finishing up her breakfast, she got to her feet with the intention of getting some library time before her first class of the day. As she passed by the Gryffindor table, a hand shot out to grab her arm, she halted and looked down into twinkling, green eyes. Garreth’s smile filled his face, and she couldn't help but return it.

"Happy Birthday!" She said, her smile turning into a laugh. "Great speech, by the way."

"Why, thank you!" He got to his feet, arms spread open, fingers gesturing for her to get closer. "Come on, where's my birthday hug? You're not escaping out of here before giving me one."

MC stared at him, lips parting. It was just a hug, nothing to get all worked up about, they had hugged before. And yet, her cheeks warmed as she stepped forward into his arms, her hands gripping lightly at his back as he enveloped her in warmth and a tight squeeze.

He rocked them slightly, his scent filling her nose, her body far too aware of being pressed against him, especially in front of the whole school. It didn’t make her panic, though, or feel the urge to pull away. If anything, she wanted to lean into it more, burying her face into the warm, inviting crook of his neck and soaking up the safety she knew she would find there. Instinctively, her fingers gripped the back of his robe a little tighter, subtly squeezing him back.

He made a humming sound of content and then pulled back, a wide grin on his face, their eyes meeting with softness. "Best birthday hug so far."

"So far? Are you planning on receiving many more, then?"

"What can I say? I love a cuddle, and today is the perfect excuse to indulge in some," he said.

Evidently, as his arms were still loosely around her. It was very difficult to not be caught up in their effortless warmth. Ever since the moment they had shared with the Thestral in the forest, there had been an even stronger closeness between them. It was unspoken, but definitely there.

Realising their embrace had probably lingered for too long had her eyes straying over Garreth’s shoulder to where the Quidditch boys were sitting at the table. Oscar was watching them with those lovely, blue eyes of his. Only they weren't sparkling with his usual good humour and charm. They were sad and dull, narrowed as he watched them. MC became all too aware of how closely she was standing with Garreth, and despite her and Oscar parting ways, guilt still pulled at her.

MC cleared her throat and slipped out from Garreth's arms, giving them a little squeeze before she stepped back, smile fixed in place.

"Can I come and find you later before the party?” She asked, wanting to give him his gift in privacy.

"Of course!” He beamed. “I will be collecting the party brews later this afternoon after classes. You know where to find me.”

Indeed, she did.

....*....

The common room was cosy with a roaring fire, and students were milling about. Oscar rubbed his hands together, warming them up after walking back from the beast enclosures. His cheeks were flushed pink from the cold, but he had enjoyed being outside with the animals. There was something very enjoyable about spending time there lately, and he had found himself returning often.

As he passed by the fireplace, he caught sight of Garreth perched in his favourite spot, his journal open, and his head bent forward as he wrote in it. Beside him sat a box of Honeydukes sweets, no doubt a gift, and Oscar's lips twitched with a smile. He remembered many birthdays before this one where Garreth would get so excited to see boxes of sweets waiting for him.

Before they came to Hogwarts, Garreth would leap from his bed on his birthday, not even pausing to pull socks onto his feet against the freezing cold, before bounding down the stairs to see what waited for him on their scrubbed kitchen table.

Garreth always found the joy in life. Their family were by no means well off, unlike other pure bloods. They were simple farmers with a modest home. While gifts were more practical or homemade, Garreth found them pleasing enough, his eyes lighting up and his smile wide as he hugged his thanks. Even now, a proper adult as of today, Garreth accepted the love and attention bestowed upon him with smiling eyes and returned every hug and best wishes with enthusiasm.

Oscar paused to study his brother for a moment, a man now, his shoulders widened, and his legs long. His freckled hands blessed with long, graceful fingers, his normally rounded cheeks slimming down into chiselled, handsome lines that made girls turn to look. He had never thought to envy his younger brother before. But today he did. He envied his jovial outlook, his ability to look on the bright side. He envied the light-hearted outlook he had with no pressure on his shoulders to be the best. He was grateful for his lot, warm and generous, with a heart so big he had room for anyone who was willing to share it.

No wonder MC looked at him the way she did.

Oscar swallowed down the disappointment, still trying to come to terms with the loss of MC, and it wasn't helped when he witnessed moments such as this morning in the Great Hall. Garreth had received hugs from fellow students, but none had lingered as long as the time MC was in his arms. Their eyes had only been for each other, their smiles lit with the same soft warmth.

Oscar had noticed she could barely look at him, and it felt like a punch to the gut. He missed her.

Attempting to push those thoughts to one side, he moved around to lean over the back of the settee, reaching to ruffle his brother's soft locks and he got the familiar slap to the hand. He grinned at twinkling green eyes.

"How's the birthday going, brother? Are you all ready for tonight?"

"Absolutely! The brews are ready if you want to make a purchase before we head out," Garreth said, closing his journal and pocketing his pencil. “I'm going to fetch them shortly.”

"Purchase? But, I'm family! Surely, I qualify for a freebie."

Garreth chuckled and shook his head. "Business is business, Oscar. Seb and I worked our socks off to get those brews ready. We expect to turn a profit tonight, and we won't do that by giving them away for free, family, or not."

Oscar eyed Garreth as he stood, pondering over this underground potion business he had on the go. Instead of complaining about their family’s lack of gold, or just going without as they had often been forced to do growing up, Garreth was taking matters into his own hands and trying to find his own way. Oscar wasn't sure he liked the idea of him doing it with that smug Slytherin, Sallow, but he was proud of Garreth nonetheless.

"Carry on like this, brother, and you'll be putting old Pippin out of a job," he said.

Garreth came around the settee to stand with him, a little smirk on his lips. He gave Oscar a wink. "Maybe that's the grand plan."

Oscar chuckled and put his arm around his shoulders as they headed for the dormitory stairs. If it was his grand plan, he didn't doubt him. He was sure Garreth could achieve whatever he put his mind to, and Oscar would support him in any way he could. What else were big brothers for?

....*....

With two varieties of alcohol punch brews on offer, Garreth was feeling rather pleased with their efforts as he and Sebastian finished off filling the potion bottles and putting them in little crates. The profit to be gained if they sold them all would be worth the hours spent.

The cheeky grin he shared with Sebastian as they looked at their hard work was worth it, too. Despite the grumbles from Oscar and Leander, Garreth appreciated the friendship he had developed with Sebastian and wasn’t about to give it up.

"This has actually been rather fun making these," Garreth said. He gave his Slytherin friend a pat on the back. "I appreciate all your help, mate."

Sebastian smiled and rubbed his hands together. "I've had fun too, if you must know. I wouldn't be opposed to doing this more often, especially if we cash in. I've got some ideas on some other potions we could offer if you fancy it."

"Sounds good to me," Garreth nodded. "Let's get these stowed away safely ready for later, an enlarged pocket charm should do the trick. We can take some each and sell them quietly. Best not upset Sirona after she has generously allowed us to take over the Broomsticks this evening."

The rarely used bathroom continued to be their brewing hiding spot, but if they were going to do this long term, they would probably need to find a better place of operations. Garreth was thinking over some options when the bathroom door opened, and they both turned to see who had entered, their eyes wide with panic at the prospect of being caught.

It was MC, her smiling face a most welcome sight as she closed the door behind her. She had a parcel under her arm, wrapped in brown paper and tied with a green ribbon, that she held up with a twinkle in her eye.

"Hello, gentlemen. I have a special delivery for the birthday boy," she said, coming closer towards them and eyeing the little crates. "Oh, these look good. Are you all done? I was going to offer my help."

"Yep, all done," Sebastian said, fluffing the hair on the back of his head. He looked between her and Garreth and smiled. "In fact, I might leave you to chat and get going seeing as we're done here. I have some other errands to run before dinner."

Garreth caught the cheeky wink Sebastian flashed at him before he headed for the door and felt his cheeks warm as he realised that Sebastian probably didn't have any errands at all, he was merely giving him a moment alone with MC.

As the door swung shut behind Sebastian, Garreth turned his gaze to her, his tummy fluttering. She was looking lovely, her hair partly pinned back from her face with soft strands framing her pink cheeks. She held up the little parcel towards him with a shy smile.

"This is for you," she said. "I wanted to give it to you before everything got all crazy with the party."

"You didn't have to do this," he said, taking the parcel from her with a pleased smile. "My lovely hug this morning was like a gift in itself."

Nevertheless, he tugged at the green ribbon excitedly and slid it free before tearing open the brown paper to reveal a leather bound book. The cover was soft and supple beneath his fingers, the leather of fine quality. Opening the book revealed smooth, blank parchment pages, and he looked up at her in surprise.

“It’s a new journal,” she said, biting her lower lip nervously. “I noticed how quickly you were filling your current one up, and I thought I would get you a new one for all these new potion ideas you keep having.”

He looked down at the journal again, his heart swelling. She had noticed such a thing and acted on it. Something that was so very personal to him, and she cared enough to respect and encourage it. He closed the book with a soft thump, his fingers smoothing over the soft brown leather. Then, a gasp left his lips at the monogram imprinted into the corner of the leather, his own initials - G.W.

“You put my name on it,” he said softly, tracing his initials with a fingertip.

She smiled, her cheeks pink as she nodded, and then she stepped forward to flip open the front cover. “I also wrote on the inside, I hope you don’t mind.”

“For Garreth, on your seventeenth birthday. You may have come of age, but don’t stop dreaming. I believe in you. Happy Birthday, love from MC xx”

Garreth read over the words a few times and actually felt his throat tighten up at the sentiment. She believed in him, and not only that, she had written the words inside his new journal where he could see them every day. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words would form. He took a breath and rubbed his fingertips against his forehead as he tried to get a grip on the emotions swelling in his chest. How could one person make you feel so much?

“Is it alright? Was it too much?” She touched her fingers to her lips, her eyes worried as she looked at him. “You can remove my words if so…”

He met her gaze, eyes actually stinging a bit, and he blinked back the dumb tears as he pressed the journal to his chest.

“I love… it, I love it,” he said thickly, almost spilling out the truth of what was hidden in his heart.

He loved her. He loved her for being so warm, so thoughtful, for being the most beautiful girl he had ever seen and sticking by him. There were so many reasons he could list as to why he felt her in every beat of his heart, but right now, he loved her for believing in him and putting that statement down in ink.

At her little sigh of relief, he pulled her in close, crushing her to him in a bone squeezing hug that still didn’t convey the mass of feelings in his chest. The journal was gripped firmly in one hand, his other hand had found its way into her hair, the locks soft as they spilled through his fingers. He buried his face into it, breathing her in as he held her tightly, their bodies pressed so close he could feel the soft curves of her breasts crushed against him. He heard her soft gasp, felt her hands grip his robe as she hugged him back, his face nuzzling close to her ear. He closed his eyes, suspended in time as he held her, not wanting to let go.

“I’ve changed my mind,” he whispered, his breath teasing at the hair around her ear. “This hug beats all other hugs today, including your one from this morning.”

She shivered, her hands clutching at him more tightly, her breath a soft rasp near his own ear. He wasn’t sure, but had she whispered his name? His blood seemed to sparkle and fizz at the thought. Holding her was feeding the addiction, he couldn't get enough and always, always he wanted more.

His fingers pushed deeper into her hair, the tips grazing against her scalp as his lips pressed to the delicate shell of her ear. Emboldened by the fact that she wasn’t pulling away, he pressed further kisses over her ear until they found the delicate skin underneath. She was trembling, the fresh scent of apples filling his nose as he savoured her softness under his lips.

Breathing a little faster now, his lips moved to her jaw and the soft curve of her cheek before pressing slowly and softly near the corner of her mouth. It was bold, his heart racing, but he just couldn't stop himself.

“Garreth…”

He heard her properly that time, her breath hot against his face as she breathed just as hard as he did, her hand had cupped his face and her lovely eyes burned so close to his that there was no way he could stop himself before his mouth claimed hers.

The soft press of his lips was met with an eager press of her own, the kiss lingering with an aching need that had him seeking for more. Kissing her again and again, starved and hungry for that sweet softness he had been craving for so long. Daring to swipe his tongue against her lower lip was so worth it when he was rewarded with her soft moan, her lips parting to welcome him and he didn’t hesitate before sliding his tongue into her mouth with a moan of his own.

Her response was almost overwhelming after waiting so long to experience this kind of intimacy with her, their bodies couldn’t be any closer and she clung to him, their kiss deepening further until there was nothing else but her. So lost in the feel and taste, Garreth didn’t realise that they were moving until they hit the wall with a thud, MC pressed up against it as his hips pinned her tightly.

He didn’t want to stop, his body was aflame with want for her, but he paused, pressing his forehead against hers as they both tried to catch their breaths. His thumb traced her cheek, sliding down and over her lower lip that was damp and swollen from his kiss.

“Wow…” he whispered. “That was… I could do that forever.”

Her eyes were glazed with a fire that called to him as her lips curved into the sweetest smile. It made his ache sharpen, and he pressed another kiss to those soft lips, already craving more. Her eyes closed, her lashes fluttering against her cheeks as he nibbled at her lower lip, but as she opened her eyes, he could see the hesitation. That fiery haze was clearing, and he knew what she was going to say. He pulled back, fighting the disappointment that was about to sweep over him as he nodded.

“Garreth, I…”

“It’s alright,” he said, seeking out her hand and holding it firmly in his grasp, bringing it up against his chest where his heart thumped a maddening beat. “I know, it’s too soon. I understand.”

“I’ve already hurt him once,” she said with a wince. She shook her head regretfully. “I can’t stomp on him further. It’s not fair. I’m sorry.”

“Hey, it’s okay,” he said, cupping her face again, swallowing down his disappointment. “I understand. Oscar is my brother, I don’t want to hurt him either. I lost control of myself. It’s me that should be apologising.”

“No,” she whispered, her fingers tracing over his cheek. Her touch was feather-light as she explored the shape of his face, trailing over his eyebrows and nose, her thumb brushing over his lips as she followed the movements with her eyes. “Don’t ever apologise for kissing me like that, Garreth. I could never regret such a thing…”

He stared at her, holding his breath. “What does that mean?”

“It means that this is everything I knew it would be, but we have to wait,” she said, biting her lip. She met his gaze, her eyes searching for understanding. “We can’t hurt Oscar. Let’s just give it some time.”

This was all sensible talk, of course, but he wasn’t sure he had the patience for it. Especially now he knew what it was like to kiss her and hold her like this. She didn't regret it, she wanted it too. The urge to jump and cheer was so vivid it almost brought tears to his eyes.

His joy would be his brother's pain, though. She was right. The thought of stopping was unbearable, unthinkable.

What if they didn't have to stop?

“We could be discreet,” he said hopefully, a smile lifting his lips. His eyes twinkled at the idea, his fingers sliding up into her hair again to cup her head. “When we are alone, we can be like this. We can keep it our little secret for a while. What do you think?”

To have her in his arms like this and face the prospect of giving it up tightened his chest. He held her closer, begging with his eyes and gentle strokes in her hair. This is what he wanted. It was everything. It would be the best birthday ever if she agreed to be his.

He could see the cogs turning in her mind as she thought about it, a war raging behind her eyes that he wanted to win. Of course, he loved his brother, and hurting him would be the last thing he would want to do.

But this was her.

He had wanted her for so long, and Oscar knew it. He wouldn’t have told him to stay away from her if he didn’t. Was it so wrong to want to win for once? Oscar always came out a winner. When would it be his turn?

“Can I try and convince you?” He grinned. He bent to press a kiss to her lips, trailing his mouth to her jaw and savouring the soft gasp she made as he pressed teasing kisses to her throat, his tongue sliding against her skin in a daring taste. The soft sound she made as he gently sucked her neck was everything.

“You don’t need to convince me,” she said, her voice a little breathless as she guided his face back to hers. “But this is what I mean about having self-control around other people. If I say yes to you, and we do this, we can’t touch each other in public. Nobody can know about this…”

She groaned and put her hands to her face. “Oh, Garreth, we would be lying to everyone! Can we really do that?”

“It’s not lying,” he said, gently removing her hands from her face. “Not really. We’re just keeping it for ourselves for a while. A special secret just for us. But, if you really don’t feel comfortable with it, then we don’t have to. I would never make you do anything you didn’t want to do, MC. No matter how much I want to be able to kiss you. I’ve waited this long, I can wait for a while more.”

“How long have you been waiting?” She asked, her voice almost a whisper.

He felt his cheeks warm, his gaze flicking down to where his hand was still holding hers before lifting back to meet her eyes. “Since you asked if I could write to you over the summer break,” he admitted.

He had been delighted when she had slipped him her address, even if it did mean he had to commit to actually writing letters, he didn’t mind doing it for her. Every letter she had sent he had saved, they were all in a large envelope that he kept safe, returning to them every now and then to read over what she had written. Along with all the mentions of her in his journal, he’d never written so much about a single person before.

So much of her was threaded through his existence. His writing, his art, and his everyday thoughts were all circled around her. Even the air he breathed needed to carry the scent of her these days.

“I kept all of your letters, you know,” she said. “Every single one I saved. My favourite is the one with the hummingbird drawing at the bottom. It’s so beautiful.”

His lips curved into a shy smile. “Well, they are beautiful birds. Small and mighty, a bit like you.”

“Oh, Garreth,” she said, shaking her head, a fond smile on her lips. She kissed him again, a soft brush of lips. She stayed really close, their noses almost touching as she met his gaze. “Do you think you can keep our secret during the party tonight?”

“So, that’s a yes? We’re really doing this?” He asked, eyes lighting up.

She nodded, smiling. “We’re really doing this.”

He made a whooping sound of delight, giving in to his joy, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist to lift her clean off her feet and swing her around. She laughed, her arms finding their way around his neck, the feeling that she was right where she belonged strong in his heart.

….*....

“You are looking rather cheerful this evening, MC,” Poppy said as she smoothed her hand over her dress and smiled at her own reflection in the looking glass of the ladies' toilets. She threw MC a curious glance. “What’s put you in such a good mood?”

MC’s smile was secretive, the warmth in her eyes fed by the glow that was desperate to burst out of her chest. She touched her fingers to her lips, still thinking about Garreth’s kiss from earlier, and couldn’t help the wider smile that lifted her lips. It was so tempting to admit the truth and tell Poppy what had happened in the bathroom earlier, but she held back. Her and Garreth had promised to keep it their secret for now, and there was something very special about it being just for them.

“I’m just enjoying the evening,” she said, adjusting her blouse. “It’s time to move on.”

“Oh, does that mean you are going to dust off the top five list? Who will be next for a kiss?” Poppy giggled, her eyes narrowing with interest.

MC’s blush was dark, and she waved Poppy off. “Don’t start with that nonsense,” she scoffed. “I thought you would have forgotten all about that now you have Sebastian.”

Poppy gave a little sigh, her mouth twisting thoughtfully. “Maybe. I mean, don’t get me wrong, Seb is lovely,” she said carefully. “But, I’m not sure if it’s really anything long term.”

MC gaped at her. “But… Poppy, you slept with him!”

“I know, and it was so good. I don’t regret Seb being the first at all,” she said, her cheeks flushing a bit. Then she shrugged, her face turning regretful. “I just don’t see him being the last. Something just doesn’t feel right, and I think he knows it, too. Please, don't be angry. I wasn't sure how to tell you.”

A wave of sadness washed over MC. Her two best friends together seemed like the ideal situation, but the thought of them not being happy was the last thing she expected to hear. She stared at Poppy, thinking over the bright eyes and flushed glow she had been sporting lately and wondered what had gone wrong. Perhaps it shouldn’t have been so hard to imagine, especially after the way things had ended up for her and Oscar.

It was hard not to have the initial instinct to defend Sebastian. He had been hurt enough, and she didn’t want to see it happen again. Looking at Poppy, a girl who had been her first close female friend, she wondered if she would be able to choose a side if it came down to that. She could only hope that Poppy was right in her assumption that Sebastian felt the same way.

“I'm not angry, Poppy,” she said, placing her hand gently on her arm. “But, you need to talk to him. The longer you leave it, the harder it gets. Trust me.”

“I do plan to speak with him,” she said. “But not tonight, and don’t you say anything to him, either. I know how close you two are.”

“I won't say anything, I don’t want to get in the middle of it,” MC said firmly. She had enough problems of her own without getting tangled up in theirs. “Come on, let’s get back to the party. I haven’t bought my special brews from Garreth yet.”

Poppy smirked and pulled two little bottles from her dress pocket, holding them up with a wiggle. “It’s a good thing I thought ahead then,” she said, handing one to MC. “Bottoms up!”

Downing the little drink, MC gasped and coughed, putting a hand to her chest as the brew burned all the way down. “Bloody hell!”

Poppy giggled through her own spluttering before grabbing MC by the arm. “Come on, let’s go and dance. We need to find you a boy to kiss as well.”

“Poppy, no…” MC protested, but it was pointless. Poppy may be small, but she had no problems dragging MC back out into the pub where the band was in full swing.

The Three Broomsticks was packed to the rafters with students and locals, and the band was playing music that got your feet stomping. There were already plenty of patrons dancing, the atmosphere one of good-natured fun with paper streamers decorating the room. The bar was busy, two or three people deep in places, and Sirona looked rushed off her feet, but her smile was wide as she served her customers.

Despite the crowded pub, MC was already seeking out the whereabouts of Garreth, finding him holding court with his friends. His gaze immediately locked with hers, and he gave her a soft smile. Ever since she had arrived, they had been catching each other’s eyes across the room, unable to stop seeking each other out as the memory of their kiss played out in her thoughts. A line had been crossed now. All she could think about was having another taste of his kisses, her gaze pulled to his mouth, her body warming with an ache that pulled hot and fierce.

Did it show on her face when she gazed his way? Their eyes would meet, and that ache would flare, her lips twitching at the corners before she dipped her gaze away, that little smile lingering on her lips.

It was impossible. He was so close and yet so far, within reach and yet he was like forbidden fruit, her hands fidgeting with the need to feel his warmth, but held back out of respect for the boy who was at his side.

Oscar had been near him all evening so far and she still hadn’t plucked up the courage to speak to him yet, putting it off and keeping her distance from both Weasley boys. All she could do was stare at Garreth with longing and wait for their next stolen moment.

In the meantime, Poppy had pulled her to the dancing area, joining the throng of people taking part in a dance that saw them switching partners as they moved around the space. They started by dancing together, Poppy’s earlier worries over Sebastian seemingly gone as she twirled and skipped with MC.

As the partners moved to switch, Poppy giggled and shoved MC right into the arms of a tall, dark haired chap who gave her a huge smile before twirling her around. He looked vaguely familiar, a seventh year Ravenclaw if she wasn’t mistaken, but before she could get a chance to speak to him, the couples were swapping again, and she found herself in the arms of a pretty, blonde witch.

The dance was fast, and combined with the effects of Garreth’s potent brew, MC was breathless and flushed when she found herself in the arms of Oscar. Breath catching, she stared up into his familiar blue eyes, his hands warm and firm at her waist as they spun in the dance. His smile was aimed at her, as disarming as ever, and she gave him a hesitant smile in return. The last time she had been in his arms, it had been far more intimate, but that was behind them now.

“You look lovely,” he said near her ear. There was something dark and longing in his eyes as she looked up at him, and she swallowed hard, resisting the urge to pull away from him.

She lowered her gaze, unable to look at him as the weight of Garreth’s kiss lay over her. That was where she longed to be, after all, with Garreth, and she feared the truth would be laid bare in her eyes. It should be Garreth’s hands at her waist, leading her in a dance like he had that day in the centre of Hogsmeade.

Oscar's fingers gently caught her chin, tilting her face up towards him. “MC…”

“Don't,” she said quickly, the look in his eyes saying more than enough. It made her chest squeeze, fearing she might have to say the words that had hurt him all over again. “Don't say anything, please.”

The effort to hide his disappointment played out across his face, but he nodded, continuing on with the quick steps of the dance until she was whisked away into the arms of another, his words swallowed down and left unspoken.

Glancing back over her shoulder, she met his gaze. Whatever he had been about to say was better left unsaid, no matter how difficult it was to see the loss on his face. It was time to move on.

Losing the enthusiasm for the dance, MC excused herself from her partner and made her way from the dance floor, a tight band squeezing around her chest. The air felt too hot and restrictive, the noise and press of bodies had become overwhelming and she needed some air.

The night sky was littered with stars, the air crisp and fresh against her flushed cheeks as she sought a moment in the darkness, the soft glow of various lights in the village adding to the cheerful charm of Hogsmeade. MC rubbed her arms, her skin chilled through the thin fabric of her blouse, turning as the door to the pub opened again behind her.

Garreth appeared, alone and so very handsome in his burgundy shirt and dark, grey waistcoat, his mop of hair tumbling about his freckled face. He paused, a hesitant smile on his lips as he regarded her.

“I saw you with Oscar,” he said, slipping his hands into his pockets. As he spoke, his breath misted in the cold air. “I just wanted to see if you were alright.”

The urge to run to him, to throw her arms around him and bury her face into his neck, seemed to consume every nerve ending in her limbs. She flexed her fingers, forcing her feet to remain planted on the well-worn cobbled street. Someone could see, and lips would whisper. Keeping the secret was going to be harder than she thought.

“Can we sneak away? Do you think we would be missed?” After asking, a small laugh slipped past her lips, and she shook her head. “What am I saying? You're the guest of honour, of course you will be missed.”

Garreth smiled and moved closer towards her. “If that's what you want, just say the word, and we will go.”

He pulled a hand from his pocket, reaching out to touch his fingers to hers. His eyes held more warmth than any flame as he looked at her. They could go right now. She pictured it, grabbing his hand and running to the nearest Floo point. They could be gone in moments, their lips free to kiss, their hands free to hold each other away from all the prying eyes.

But she wasn't so selfish that she would drag him away from his own birthday party.

The door swung open again, and Leander stumbled out, laughing as his friend Elijah staggered out behind him, chasing off any imagined dreams she may have of making a sneaky getaway. Clearly, they had been indulging in a few of Garreth’s potent brews and were well past the tipsy point. How everyone was going to sneak back to the castle without being caught was a mystery MC didn't fancy solving.

“There he is! Hey, birthday boy,” Leander cheered, pointing at them. He took in the scene, and MC went to remove her fingers from Garreth's, but he grasped them tighter as he turned to look at his friends. “What are you up to, Garreth, eh? Are you trying to get yourself a birthday kiss or something?”

Elijah chuckled and nudged Leander's shoulder. “I thought Nellie was going to do that.”

Leander shook his head and put his finger to his lips. “Shh, no. Nellie wants to, but Garreth wants to kiss MC, but that's a secret. Don't tell her. Or Oscar…”

MC looked at Garreth with an eyebrow raised. So much for being discreet. He gave her a sheepish look and rolled his eyes.

“Fuck sake, Lee. Can you not keep your trap shut for five minutes?” Garreth grumbled.

Leander still had his finger over his lips, giggling as him and Elijah swayed on their feet. “Garreth, shh. She's right there.”

Elijah mumbled something about leaving them to it and pulled Leander back towards the door, both of them almost falling over their own feet as they managed to get the door open in another fit of giggles.

MC removed her hand from Garreth's and folded her arms, trying to give him a stern look, but it was hard. He looked too adorable standing there looking guilty, his cheeks flushed pink.

“Did you tell Leander about us?”

“No, at least not what happened today, but Leander has known how I feel about you for a while.” He was fiddling with the buttons on his waistcoat, the toe of his boat scraping against the cobbles. “I'm surprised he hasn't blabbed before now to tell the truth.”

“I see,” she said, tilting her head slightly. She narrowed her eyes, pretending to ignore the flutter in her tummy at his admission of having feelings for a while. “So, Nellie wants to give you a birthday kiss, does she?”

Garreth shook his head, green eyes earnest and wide. “I wasn't going to let her, MC. I swear it on the sword of Gryffindor. You're the only girl I want to kiss.”

MC fought back her smile, the tightness in her chest seemingly gone as she looked into those green eyes, the sweet natured person behind them holding a magic aura that just seemed to make everything feel that much lighter and safer. Whenever she felt lost, he pulled her back, his light a warmth she couldn't help but follow.

It was so easy to believe him. There was no doubt that he wouldn't let Nellie kiss him, and even though the very thought of it made her tummy twist with envy, she felt safe that it wouldn't happen. She felt safe with Garreth.

“So, I don't need to be hexing Miss Oggspire just yet, then?” She teased.

“No need at all,” he said.

He took her hand again, lifting it to his lips so he could press a quick kiss to the back of it, and smiled, green eyes twinkling now. “A little taster for what I want to do once we can be alone. For now, let's get back to the party before Leander tells the whole pub I want to snog you silly.”

MC smirked. “Maybe I will get to hex someone after all if he does.”

He chuckled and took her arm. “Come on, let's get you a drink. There will be no need for any hexing. You leave Leander to me.”

….*....

To dance with MC, just a simple touch to her waist and a look into her eyes, and all the feelings Oscar had been trying to push down came bubbling back up. He still wanted her.

Stupidly, he had taken it too far and touched her face, opened his mouth, and nearly made a fool of himself. The swiftness with which she had shut him down told him plenty. There would be no going back.

There was no escaping the lingering glances between her and Garreth either. Maybe it was because he was looking for it. Garreth’s journal and Trixie's words still plagued him, and he couldn't help but watch out for little signs. They were circling each other, staying further apart than usual, and yet their eyes seemingly found a way to keep a connection.

When MC had left the pub after their dance, he had fought against the urge to follow her, and then Garreth had made his way towards the door instead. Oscar watched his brother disappear after the girl he had lost and shook his head. It would be like holding back the tide trying to deny what was under his nose, and he really wasn't sure how he felt about it.

Jealous, perhaps, jealous and annoyed that his own brother would take his girlfriend. Torn, because of his natural instinct to want his brother to be happy, too. He knew Garreth felt inadequate at times, and Oscar had wished for him to find his way. Why did that have to be with MC, though?

Wallowing in his own self-pity, Oscar headed for the bar in search of a whiskey. Drowning his sorrows was likely a dumb choice, but right now, it seemed to be in order. He was on his second shot when a familiar waft of perfume filled his nose, and he looked down at a pair of eyes currently settled as a deep, midnight blue. Trixie always had a smile for him, those pretty little lips curved upwards with sinful promise.

“You always look pleased to see me, Trix,” he said, twirling his glass on the bar top. “Can I get you a drink?”

Her smile widened a touch. “I'll take a whiskey, seeing as you're offering.”

Oscar signalled for another shot and leant against the bar, eyeing the dark-haired girl beside him. He didn't flinch back as she lifted her hand and gently brushed a lock of hair back from his forehead.

“Why so sad, Oscar? It's supposed to be a party,” she said softly.

“You were right,” he said with a sigh. “I think MC and my brother are inevitable.”

“I'm sorry, honey,” she said, her hand lingering to touch his cheek. “Try not to let it bring you down, though. Sometimes, things don't work out how we want them to. We just have to find ways to move on.”

There was something very sad behind her eyes when she said this, and it made him study her thoughtfully. She had always been a means to an end if he was being honest, a tumble in the sheets, and then gone. She had never been one for the deep and meaningful side of things, and yet lately, she had been softer than usual.

It was a side of herself she rarely showed. He felt bad for using her, his realisation from the other day catching up to him. His actions had consequences, and he wondered if he had ever hurt her feelings. If he had, she had never shown it. Trixie was always hanging around near the Quidditch ground, and she always had a smile for him. They had never made any promises to each other, and that way, nobody should have gotten hurt.

The whiskey glass appeared on the bar for her, and he reached out to pass it along, her own hand moving to pick it up, too. Their fingers brushed, eyes meeting with a smile.

“Is that what you did after us?” He asked. “Did you just move on?”

Trixie merely smiled and held up her whiskey glass in salute. “Here’s to moving on,” she toasted.

….*....

Garreth had been urged up onto a table top in full view of everyone, the band playing along as the pub sang Happy Birthday to him. All the attention was becoming a little overwhelming after a whole day of it, and all he could think about was MC’s suggestion about slipping away somewhere on their own. His eyes sought her out in the crowd of school friends around him. Her smiling face was the only one he wanted to see.

As the clapping and cheering thundered around him, he jumped down from the table and saw Nellie Oggspire waiting eagerly for him. A momentary flicker of panic lit through him after what Leander and Elijah had mentioned, his eyes glancing at her hopeful eyes and smiling mouth. There was nothing wrong with Nellie. She was perfectly lovely, but there was only one girl for him. Just as he was pondering how to put her off in a gentle, kind manner, a flurry of brunette hair and strong arms saw him being pulled away through the crowd.

“Come on, birthday boy,” Sebastian chuckled, slapping him heartily on the back. He leant in close to Garreth to speak quietly into his ear. “That was a close one. Nellie nearly pounced on you then, and you don't want that when a certain Hufflepuff is giving you the soft eyes. MC has been staring at you all night. Got something to share, Garreth?”

Garreth gave Sebastian a side-eyed look, his cheeks colouring up wonderfully as they pressed through the crowd. Relief at avoiding Nellie mingled with the realisation that it would be very hard to keep this secret from Sebastian.

“I don't know what you mean,” he said carefully. “Thanks for saving me, though. Nellie is lovely and all, but not my type.”

“Don't you worry, mate. I've got your back,” Sebastian said with a grin. “Why don’t you ask MC for a dance?”

Garreth glanced over to where Oscar was chatting with Trixie. They were laughing, Oscar leaning in close, his most charming smile on his lips as his hand touched her elbow. Ever since he had spotted them together, he had felt tense and agitated. He wondered if it was jealousy. After all, it wasn't that long ago that he had been sneaking into broom cupboards with Trixie.

It wasn't jealousy, though. No. He was pissed off.

Garreth had been the master of restraint all day since his kiss with MC in the bathroom and all to save the feelings of his brother. Well, Oscar didn’t look too bothered now, with his hand tracing up Trixie’s arm.

“Your brother just can’t help himself, can he?” Sebastian said, following the direction of Garreth’s gaze. “I hope that wasn’t going on whilst he was with MC. Trixie is always sniffing around him.”

“No point worrying about it now,” Garreth said with a sigh, turning to search out MC. “Where is MC? I might just ask her for that dance after all.”

Sebastian patted his shoulder and smirked. “Go get her, Weasley.”

Approaching MC shouldn’t have made him nervous, but he could feel the tremble in his hands as he drew nearer. He felt like everyone was watching him as he put a tentative hand to her elbow. Maybe Oscar would come and drag them apart, try to stop them. Garreth would like to see him try. He would fight for her this time. All that training with Sebastian had given him a boost of new confidence.

MC's eyes met his, a smile lifting her lips as she turned from her chat with Poppy. “Hey, Garreth.”

“Erm, I was wondering… May I have the next dance?” He asked, holding out his hand towards her.

The seconds seemed to stretch as she looked down at his hand, her teeth catching at her lower lip in a way that made him want to snatch her up and run away with her. Poppy was watching, her face splitting into a wide grin as she gave MC a gentle nudge.

“Oh, how charming! MC would love to, wouldn’t you?” Poppy gave MC another nudge with a little giggle. “He even has freckles.”

MC’s face flooded with colour, delicate pink staining her cheeks and neck as Poppy continued to urge her forward. Garreth gave them both a puzzled look. What did his freckles have to do with anything?

However, MC was placing her hand into his, handing over her mug of Butterbeer to Poppy as she gave him a shy smile. “I would love to dance with you,” she said softly.

It was the perfect excuse to be able to place his hands on her, holding her waist and her hand, as they twirled about the floor. Joining in with many other couples doing the same, it was easy to get lost in the crowd, and he risked holding her a little closer.

“What’s so special about my freckles, then?” He asked, leaning close to her ear to speak above the music.

He caught her smile as she leaned in to answer. “Would it interest you to know I have a ‘thing’ for freckles? I find them very attractive.”

“Is that so?” He lifted his arm to twirl her around, his arm sliding about her waist to hold her even closer. “Then it might interest you to know I don’t just have freckles on my face.”

His mouth twitched in amusement as her wide eyes glanced down at his chest. He brought their clasped hands up between them, displaying the back of his with a playful smirk. “I also have them on my hands.”

There was that gorgeous smile of hers, her laughter bringing the sparkle out in her eyes. It felt good to see it, even better knowing he was the one who put it there.

Her smile faded, though, as her gaze drifted towards the bar. A shadow flickered in her eyes, and he turned to look at Oscar and Trixie still there together. He felt his stomach tighten, and he turned them both so MC had her back to the bar.

“Just keep your eyes on me,” he said softly. “I've got you.”

They moved with the music, their bodies grazing against each other in the most teasing of brushes, each touch building on the flame that flickered inside of him. She did as he said and kept her gaze on him.

As the song came to an end and they paused to clap, MC moved as if to leave the dance floor. Garreth reached for her, his hands sliding about her waist from behind, tugging her back.

“Where do you think you’re going?” He asked, his mouth dangerously close to her ear. “That was only half a dance. I’m not done with you yet.”

“Garreth,” she gasped, twisting to look at him. “Isn’t this a little daring? People can see us, you know.”

Oscar could see, more like, but Garreth found he didn't care. He turned her fully so that she faced him, his hands securely holding her waist now. “One more dance with me, or we can sneak out of here. Either way, I fully intend on keeping my hands on you.”

His heart was racing at his boldness. He didn't want to push her too far. However, he couldn't seem to hold back. He was tired of holding back for others.

“Oh, really?” She said, her eyebrows lifting. “You're sounding rather confident, Mr Weasley.”

He leaned in, eyes fixed on hers, his blood on fire as his hands subtly squeezed her waist. “Are you telling me you don't want more of what happened earlier?”

Her hands gripped his forearms, her eyes darkening as her chest began to rise and fall more rapidly. It was fascinating to watch, and so very arousing. That delicate pink blush stained her cheeks again, and her lips parted so invitingly that he was barely hanging on to his restraint. How many nights had he lain awake fantasising about her looking at him in this way? He’d lost count.

The music started up again, and her hands slid up to his shoulders as they began to move. Her eyes never left his, and when he twirled her around, their fingers sliding against each other’s as he held their hands above their heads, she immediately locked gazes with him again when he pulled her in close. She had not spoken again, merely choosing to dance as the tension slowly built between them.

His hand splayed out against the small of her back, fingertips grazing the waistband of her trousers as her hips moved with the music. Slowly, the other dancers were beginning to fade out. The pub was packed full, and yet it felt like it was only them in the room. Leaning in, his head next to hers, he felt the tickle of her hair against his cheek. The floral tones of her perfume were intoxicating, his eyes drawn to the graceful curve of her neck, the smooth skin just begging to be kissed.

“If you keep looking at me like that, I’m going to kiss you,” he said. “Everyone else be damned.”

“Then I guess you had better get me out of here,” she murmured softly.

His heart hammered against his ribs, her eyes deep pools of longing that promised to drown him. “Meet me outside, across the street from the entrance. Five minutes.”

She nodded. “I’ll be there.”

Garreth shifted back, lifting his arm to twirl her once more before pausing to bend and press a kiss to the back of her hand in a polite, courtly bow. He lifted his eyes to hers, his gaze loaded with the promise of their meeting.

With one last longing look, he let her hand go and left her. He needed to find Sebastian and make his excuses. It was time to get out of here.

….*....

She was breathing far too fast, the air in the pub suddenly very hot as she pushed her way through people towards where she had left Poppy. It wasn’t panic that was making her chest thud wildly. It was anticipation. Her blood thrummed with it as she arrived beside Poppy, and her cheeks flushed.

“Will you be alright if I leave?” MC asked, pressing her hands to her cheeks in an effort to cool them. “I’m going to call it a night and head back.”

Poppy grabbed her arm and pulled her into a quieter corner, her lips twisting up into a smirk. “Please tell me it’s because you’re leaving with Garreth.”

“Whatever do you mean?” MC moved her hand to her forehead, trying and failing to look innocent.

“Pfft, are you kidding me?” Poppy chuckled. “I genuinely thought he was going to kiss you on that dance floor. You could barely take your eyes off each other. And now, you're in a hurry to get out of here. Come on, you're not fooling me.”

MC winced. “So much for being discreet,” she groaned. “Okay, yes. I'm leaving with Garreth.”

Poppy gasped, grabbing her hands as a huge smile split her face. “I knew it! Sebastian has not outright said anything, but I am not silly. Garreth is on your kiss list, isn't he?”

MC felt the heat scorch her neck and bloom on her cheeks. She nodded, biting down on her lower lip. “I want to kiss every freckle he has,” she confessed. “All of them. Every single one.”

Poppy squealed in excitement and hugged MC, practically jumping up and down. MC hugged her back, a little relieved to have finally admitted it out loud to someone. There was still the nagging doubt, though.

“Does this make me a bad person?” She asked, tucking her hair behind her ear. “I mean, is it too soon after Oscar?”

Despite seeing Oscar getting cosy with Trixie at the bar, that nagging guilt still plagued her. Telling herself that she didn't care what he did now, she tried to forget the image of him touching Trixie on the arm. She would be lying if she said it didn't sting a bit. Her gut feeling had been right all along. It wasn't meant to be.

Oscar seemed able to move on, which meant she should be free to do the same. Garreth was waiting for her. All she had to do was reach out and take what her heart craved.

Poppy's smile faded slightly, and she took hold of MC's hands again. “Does it feel wrong to be with Garreth?”

“No,” MC shook her head immediately. “It feels right and has done for a while. I just didn't want to hurt Oscar more than I already have.”

“Oscar is a big boy. He will be just fine,” Poppy said, patting her hands. “You weren't together that long, and it wasn't too serious. We're young, MC. We are discovering ourselves and what we want, and that's okay. You need to do what feels right for you, and if that means you leave here with Garreth tonight, then you go for it.”

MC swallowed against the tightness in her throat, squeezing Poppy’s hands gratefully. “I love you, Poppy.”

Poppy smiled. “I love you, too.”

Poppy's eyes then lit up mischievously, and she opened her little bag, digging deep before pulling out a small vial of potion. She slipped it discreetly into MC’s hand. “Take this with you. Just in case.”

“What is it?” MC opened her hand to take a look at the pale, pink potion. Poppy covered her hand back over it with a smirk.

“Let's just say you will need it if things get particularly hot and interesting between you and Garreth,” she whispered, her eyes twinkling. “It will stop you cooking up a little Weasley.”

“Poppy!” MC gaped, her whole body flushing as she clutched the little vial to her stomach, glancing quickly around them. “For Merlin's sake! Where did you get this?”

Poppy smirked. “It's sensible to be prepared, MC. Sebastian and I took precautions and made sure to have a ready supply, as should you, if you want to take the next step. Even if you don't use it tonight, keep it on you. Make sure you drink it the same day you let him take you. It should cover you for 24 hours.”

MC felt a rush of heat, titillated at the feel of the potion in her grasp, a sensual throb pulsing between her thighs at the thought of Garreth taking her. She smoothed her thumb over the vial and then slipped it into her pocket, taking a steadying breath.

“Thank you,” she said, nodding.

“Go on,” Poppy said, nodding towards the door. “I will cover for you like you did for me, so don't worry about coming back to the dormitory tonight. If you want to stay with him, then stay. Even if you just sleep. Be happy, MC. You deserve it.”

With one more quick hug, MC left Poppy in the Three Broomsticks, heading out into the cold, night air to meet with Garreth. Her pulse fluttered in anticipation as she hurried across the cobbles to where Garreth was waiting against a stone wall.

He held his hands out towards her, and she took them, letting him pull her close against the lean warmth of his body.

“It's not quite midnight,” he said, his arms circling her waist. She put her arms around his neck, fingers curling into the soft locks of his hair. “That means it's still my birthday. I was thinking, how about another one of your amazing hugs? Maybe it will be even better than this afternoon.”

Pressing herself up against him, MC smiled before touching her lips to his. She felt the excitement, the heat that stirred deep within her, and she didn't doubt it at all. This is where she wanted to be. “Take me to your dormitory, and I will see what I can do.”

She heard his breath catch, his darkening green eyes staring intently into hers.

“Are you sure?”

She nodded, that feeling of safety that came from being in his arms only proving just how sure she was.

“I just want to be with you,” she said softly. She brushed the wavy strands of his hair back from his forehead, savouring the feel of it sliding through her fingers. “Is that okay?”

“More than okay,” he smiled. He held her tightly. “Hold on to me and relax, MC. I will get us to the gates of Hogwarts.”

MC clung to him, her head against his shoulder as she felt the thick swirl of his magic envelope them, and Hogsmeade vanished in a dizzying spin of black as he Apparated them away.

To be continued....

#hogwarts legacy fanfic #garreth weasley #oscar weasley #garreth weasley x mc #oscar weasley x mc #blueraineshadows #garreth's groupies

43 notes · View notes