Louis/Hugo

Prompt: Endurance

Endurance

July 20, 2025

It had always baffled Louis how Hugo Weasley had ended up in Gryffindor. His quiet, reserved temperament and his hatred of conflict made him better suited to Hufflepuff. But there was a strength and bravery in Hugo that often went unnoticed. Fred and James were brave to the point of recklessness, Rose and Victoire were brave in the way they stood up for what they believed in. Lily and Roxanne were tough and even Albus had that strong, Gryffindor spirit that defined the Weasley-Potter clan. But Hugo was different.

There were different kind of bravery. While the rest of his family paraded their bravado loud and proud, Hugo endured hardships quietly and kept his emotions to himself. And he had certainly endured his fair share of hardships.

It was Lily's wedding that made Louis realise just how brave his cousin truly was. The ceremony had been truly divine and Lily had looked beautiful, despite her being five months pregnant and heavily showing. No one had even noticed, for the pure joy in her face had made her glow with happiness. She and Lysander were dancing gracefully in the middle of the dance floor, to the soulful trill of Roxanne's voice, and the happy couple were almost oblivious to the world around them. Everyone was joining in the festivities; everyone, Louis noticed, except Hugo. He was standing by the bar, a glass of Firewhiskey in his hand as he drank himself into a stupor.

Louis approached him in concern and sat next to him, ordering himself some Firewhiskey. Hugo barely noticed his presence, and took a heavy swig of his drink.

"Steady on there, Hue," Louis joked, trying to lighten the mood with his casual humour. "You don't want to pass out before you get to dance with the bride."

Hugo looked at him blankly and pushed his glass away. His expression was solemn, almost forlorn, and Louis couldn't understand why. Hugo and Lily had always been extremely close, so he should be happy for her. It was the proudest day of her life and Hugo was acting as though it was a funeral and not a wedding.

"What's wrong with you? You look like someone just told you that Father Christmas doesn't exist."

His dark brown eyes were dull as Hugo sighed deeply. "It's more complicated than that," he replied softly.

Louis wasn't satisfied with the vague response and crossed his arms. "Come on, spit it out. What's bothering you?"

Hugo glanced behind him to see Lily and Lysander wrapped up in each other, looking blissful. His bottom lip trembled and he squeezed his hands tight. Louis noticed is reaction and frowned.

"You don't know what it feels like," Hugo began, "To see the person you love, marry someone else."

At this, Louis became even more confused. "Lily? Hugo, Lily's your cousin…"

"It's not Lily."

Realisation dawned on Louis. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Hugo was in love with Lysander? He never would have guessed. The Scamander twins had always been close with Hugo, Lily and Roxanne, as they were all around the age. Lily and Lysander had been together since they were fourteen, and four years later, they were married. All that time, Hugo had dealt with his feelings for a boy that was not only straight, but in love with his cousin. A surge of pity for the boy overwhelmed Louis and he swallowed uncomfortably, not knowing what to say.

Hugo noticed his inner turmoil and smiled wryly. "Yes, you've figured it out. I'm gay. Go ahead and laugh at me."

Louis frowned. "Why would I laugh?" he asked, offended. "I don't think it's funny. I think it's horribly sad. How did you endure the pain all this time?"

The younger boy shrugged and looked away, wringing his hands together.

"Does anyone know?"

"No," Hugo shook his head. "And I'd like it to stay that way. No one can find out, especially not Lily. You can't tell anyone, okay?"

Louis nodded seriously and patted his cousin on the back for comfort. "I won't tell a soul. But I think you should tell your family. They won't care."

Hugo nodded vaguely and retrieved his Firewhiskey, downing it in one gulp. Louis sighed and left the bar to join Charlotte. No matter what anyone said, his cousin, Hugo, was the bravest man he had ever known.

A/N: This took me forever to write. I knew exactly what was going to happen, I just didn't know how to write it. I hope you enjoy. Poor Hugo, I think that would be terrible to endure. Also, Lily and Lysander get married very young, as Lily falls pregnant when she's 18. Please read and review! xx

Ages: Hugo (18), Louis (23).