AN: For the Opposite Day Challenge. A big thank you to the amazing, beautiful, perfect Sam who fed my muse this plot bunny and cheered me on.
I.
"It is that school," Titania sighs. "All of your time, all of your effort goes into that school, Godric. I'm fortunate enough if I see you twice a week."
Godric looks at his wife, gesturing helplessly in attempt to explain what he cannot put into words. "The children. I do it for the children."
She stiffens, eyes narrowing dangerously. "And that is all fine and well, my love, but you think of their children and not of starting your own family."
Shame washing over him, the wizard bows his head, unable to look at her. He has been so caught up in the dream of creating a safe haven for the future generation that he hasn't even considered his own future at home. "Forgive me," he whispers, but he knows it is too late.
II.
Defeat, Helga thinks, does not suit Godric at all. He's never been one to give up without a fight, always too fiery, too stubborn to simply accept things.
If she's honest with herself, his passion is the very reason she's loved him from the start. Bold, noble Gryffindor has always been the perfect balance to meek, thoughtful Hufflepuff.
She wonders what has happened, what could have possibly shaken her dear friend so. Of course, she doesn't ask. It is not in her nature to pry.
III.
Rowena is little help. "Love has always seemed such a silly thing. What's the use when there is no room for logic?"
Godric doesn't even consider seeking Salazar's advice. His friend is far too brutal, too fierce to offer words of wisdom on tender matters.
But Helga has always been the easiest to talk to. So kind and gentle, she's exactly the sort of person he needs, and Godric finds himself intruding, offering her all his troubles even though she doesn't ask for them.
When he finishes, he slumps forward, shoulders shaking from a sob he cannot bring himself to let out. "Sorry. Should never have-" But the words fail him, and he falls silent, helpless and uncertain.
IV.
Helga lets the silence hang between them for several minutes, should Godric find anything else he needs to say. When nothing more comes, she reaches out, resting a gentle hand upon his shoulder. "There, there, Godric," she soothes, a blush burning her cheeks at the closeness. "Sometimes these things are not meant to be."
Still, he remains silent. Helga bites her lip, searching for the right words. She is not eloquent like Rowena, nor is she as blunt as Salazar. Though she is nurturing at heart, these moments are so foreign to her.
"Perhaps your marriage was- That is, it might be possible that-" Helga sighs and covers her face, feeling at an utter loss for the right words.
"What I'm trying to say," she tries again, sliding her hands down to rest awkwardly at her sides, "is that these things do happen, and people might not always understand. But, Godric, dear friend, never forget that you are loved."
Trembling with nerves, she leans in and places a quick kiss to his cheek before pulling away. Relief washes over her as she sees the light of understanding in his eyes and the softest of smiles on his lips.
