Marauders Map: Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff

Disney, Shiny: Write about someone changing their appearance

Amber's Attic, Heathers: Write about taking something

Ami's Audio, The Crystal Kingdom: mirror

Days, Beautiful Day: "You're beautiful."

Piñata, fluff

Around the Board, Honeydukes: fluff

Word Count: 531

Helga doesn't know why she suddenly feels inferior, but she does. It's all too clear to her that women like Rowena do not love women like her..

She stands in front of the mirror, and she sees every flaw in perfect detail.

Flour stains her weathered dress. Her nails are dirty. Her blonde hair, pulled back in a tight braid, makes her look too plain.

Helga sighs and turns away, pinching the bridge of her nose. If she wants Rowena to fall in love with her, she's going to have to change; there's no way around it.

…

Helga feels uncomfortable in the black gown. It's finer than anything she's ever owned, and she barely recognizes the women staring back at her.

This Helga is different. The old Helga would spend hours cooking and baking or tending to her beloved plants. But she cannot be that woman anymore. If she wants Rowena to notice her, to love her, she has to be sophisticated–sophisticated or at least she has to pretend.

It hurts, making the decision to live a lie. Still, if it means fishing happiness in the end, she can live with that sacrifice.

…

"Helga?" Rowena smiles as she makes her way over. "I almost did not recognize you."

Helga swallows dryly. She wishes she could think of something clever to say, but her illusion only goes so far. She can look the part, but she will never truly be what Rowena desires.

"You look…" Rowena clears her throat and offers Helga an uncertain smile. "To be honest, you look uncomfortable. Why don't you change?"

"I have changed," Helga sighs. "That's the problem."

She can't seem to stop the words from coming out. Without even meaning to, she tells Rowena everything. Somehow, it brings her relief. As she talks about her feelings for Rowena, her desire to change into some sophisticated, beautiful woman who is worthy of her, Helga can feel a weight lifting from her shoulders. It's a terrifying confession, but it seems to set her free.

Smiling, Rowena reaches out, slender fingers brushing over Helga's cheek. "Silly girl," she says fondly. "You're beautiful. Do you really not see this?"

Helga's cheeks burn. She turns quickly, shaking her head. "I must go," she mutters.

Before she walk away, Rowena curls her fingers around her wrist. Helga thinks she should be able to pull away easily enough, but the gentle touch is strangely comforting. Her feet forget how to work.

"Don't go," Rowena says, and there's no denying the pleading in her voice. "Godric and Salazar have gone into the village for the evening, and this castle is awfully lonely. Stay with me?"

Helga's heart flutters. Part of her thinks she needs to run now. This is too good to be true, and she's painfully aware of everything that can go wrong.

And yet she doesn't want to leave, not really. All she's ever wanted is for Rowena to love her. Now is her chance, and she doesn't want to give that up.

"I shall call for some cheese and wine," Helga says with a nod.

Rowena leans in, pressing a chaste kiss to Helga's lips. "I can hardly wait."