Word Count: 419
Really, it is more scandalous than Helga would like. She takes special care as she makes her way through the dimly lit castle. The corridors are empty; curfew is in place. She is grateful for it. Godric and Rowena finding out would be much better than one of the students… Just the thought of it makes her shudder.
She forces the thoughts from her mind as she stands before Salazar's living quarters. Before she can even knock, the great doors open, and he gestures her inside. "My love," he whispers, kissing her quickly on the cheek. Despite the negative words people throw at him, Salazar has always been so proper, happily accepting that she prefers a certain amount of modesty. "I am glad you could join me."
"I would not have missed it for the world."
These are her favorite moments. Here, with Salazar, hidden away from those who may not understand. These are the times, so late at night, that she feels most alive.
"I had the house-elves bring us a little something," he tells her, gesturing toward what smells like apple bread.
"You didn't have to do that," she says, feeling guilty that she had shown up empty-handed. They so rarely do anything beyond sitting and talking and just falling a little more in love with each passing second.
"I wanted to."
He cuts two slices, and they sit in silence, eating together. The apple bread is just as good as it looks, so soft and warm that it almost melts in her mouth.
"You don't have to go back," he tells her. "You could stay with me tonight."
Helga laughs and shakes her head. "You know I cannot, Salazar. If anyone knew…"
She wishes she could just say yes. It would be so much easier if she could live her life without a care in the world. But it isn't that simple, and she knows that Salazar of all people, with his pride in tradition, understands, even if he wishes he didn't.
He doesn't protest, and she is glad for that. It makes her heart ache a little less. "One day, my love," he tells her. "One day, there will be no need for secrets because I will do things properly."
It's such a pretty thought, one that she wishes for more than she could ever say. Helga doesn't know if it will ever become a reality, but that doesn't matter. It's a lovely promise, and it feels her nights with the sweetest hopes and dreams.
