Word Count: 404
These are the moments that Rowena loves the most. Here, lying in the soft grass and gazing up at the glittering stars in the inky sky, she feels invincible. The stress of the castle and students and lessons seem to melt away until all that is left is her and her lover.
"Do you ever wonder if we made the right choice?" Helga murmurs, her hand resting in Rowena's. "Are we making a difference in the world?"
Rowena considers for a moment. It is still too early to tell the impact of their school just yet. Hogwarts has only been running for three years now. Still, she sees the proof. Those they have taught and trained are changing the world. Perhaps they are small changes now, but she knows they will amount to great things. She can feel it in her bones.
"I believe so," Rowena answers. "We have done so much already. Is something troubling you, my love?"
Helga chuckles and moves closer. She shifts so that her head rests on Rowena's chest. The warmth and closeness makes her heart flutter. She wonders it Helga can hear how unsteady her heartbeat is. If she notices, she doesn't say anything.
"It seems so strange. In a way, I have what I have always desired. You are by my side, and we have a family of sorts."
Rowena smiles at that. Falling in love with Helga is dangerous. There are too many people who would never understand, who would call their love tainted and strange. That doesn't stop them, of course. She believes nothing could ever stop her from loving Helga.
With their challenges, they knew they would never be able to have the things they might have with a man. It never mattered. They have had each other for so long, and that is all that matters.
But she realizes that Helga is right. In their own way, they have found a family.
"Ever the hopeful one, dearest," Rowena says softly.
Helga moves again, angling her face so that she can press a chaste kiss to Rowena's lips. "How can I be anything but hopeful? We truly are so blessed."
Maybe life is strange and difficult. Maybe the two of them will never be accepted as they are. In spite of it all, Rowena does not mind. She has Helga, Hogwarts, and an infinite number of glittering stars overhead. What more could she want?