Hello everyone!
So, we are in our sixth year and back with Gold! This year we have a little drama, cuz… let's face it, it was bound to happen sooner or latter. I do hope you appreciate it all the same!
Big thanks for everyone who reads it!
Only one more to go! Enjoy:

SIXTH YEAR – IT WAS TOO PERFECT TO LAST

It had been a good time of his life. The best actually. And it would probably end soon. It probably would have ended already, if he hadn't been running. Avoiding her like one would Fiendfyre. Nevertheless, he had not had the guts to admit that to Belle. How could he? It'd hurt enough when she finally broke up with him; no need to add calling him a coward on top of it all. – The fact that she already knew what he was doing and quite possibly already thought him a coward meant nothing.

He ran his hands nervously against his hair for what felt was the hundredth time that night. He was pacing around the Slytherin Common Room, waiting his mother's floo call. His mother wanted to talk to him! The last person he wanted to talk to was her. She was bound to ask how was Belle. And she'd know at once that something was wrong. And then… and then Robert had no idea. He let himself fall on the couch in front of the fireplace. Rubbing his eyeball forcibly with the heels of his hands. Why couldn't time have frozen over at the summer vacation? It had been all so perfect. Sighing, Gold let his hands fall down…

"Fuck…"

Half a month after the term had ended on their fifth year; his parents had asked him once more to invite Belle over to spend the day with them. He'd denied it the first time (on the summer after they started dating), afraid that it'd be too much for her, what with their reputation and all. They didn't seem very happy about it, but conceded him the point without further comments (Belle had not been so kind, slapping him on the chest saying she'd have been delighted to meet them – Gold promised her that she would, soon). This time then, he agreed. With a bit of reluctance. Though Belle knew about the rumours regarding his parents, Robert had never told her the whole truth. Now, though, she was going to meet them. And as scared of telling her as he was – afraid she'd run away, not wanting anything to do with him or his family – he knew he had to. It was only fair.

As he had anticipated, Belle's response had been an enthusiastic acceptance of the invitation. She'd even asked if she should bring anything – she was clearly nervous. With a trembling hand, Gold wrote her that nothing was necessary, but that he wanted to meet her alone before. Belle then invited him to have lunch at her home, they could take a walk latter and talk - she had probably guessed that was what he wanted. Robert and Moe French had met between the fourth and fifth year. The gentleman in the Slytherin made him want to ask the father for his blessings for dating his daughter (which had been granted with surprisingly happiness – Gold supposed that the man not knowing his family's reputation helped, and the fact that he was a Prefect like Belle probably spoke in his favour).

The first week of August then, found Robert at her house, having lunch and making small talk with her father. The man seemed happy to get to know his daughter's boyfriend more. And he'd enquired how their last year at school had been, asking about his O.W.L.s' grades (just like Belle, most of his grades had been Outstanding). After they ate, Moe shoed them out of the house, saying he'd take care of the dishes and that they could talk later. It was time. Taking him by the hand, Belle led Robert to a nearby playground. It was surprisingly deserted. She sat them down under a three and, giving his hand a small squeeze, waited for him to start speaking.

He told her everything. How, since many generations ago, his family had worked for the auror's department, as a kind of special task. They were not 'secret agents' per se, but they went on the most dangerous, crucial and secretive missions. Due to the nature of the job or maybe something else, that Gold never understood, the partners of each of the firstborn Golds had taken to joining their other half in the 'family business'.

With a deep breath and a new squeeze from Belle's hand, Robert told her about his grandparents. During the great battle against the dark wizard Grindewald, they had been called by the minister for many harsh missions. Cruel missions. They had to torture, murder, kidnap, and many other horrible things to gather up information. They did it all without complain, their discomfort never showing. They had a small lad to protect (Robert's father) and they would do anything they could in order to help ending the war.

After the war ended however, all they had done was brought forth to general public (a leak from within the ministry itself apparently). Though it showed results and was commandeered by their minister, the Golds' actions scandalized the wizard population. Everyone from their generation started to shun them. They taught their children not to trust or cross paths with the Golds. Such fear, as Belle was well aware of, was transmitted even to the next generation. The 'ruthless Golds', it was what was whispered behind their backs – they knew about it, of course. And they didn't care. Nor his father or his mother begrudged his grandparents for what they had done. And neither did Robert. At the time, it was necessary. Maybe not right, not moral, but given the circumstances and what was at stake, necessary.

Gold would never forget Belle's expression when he looked at her again after his tale. She had tears in her eyes and the intensity of her gaze was so strong that Robert glanced down at their united hands on his lap. Only then realizing how tight her grip was. She cupped his cheek with her other hand and made him meet her eyes again.

"There is nothing to be ashamed of… They, oh how they must have suffered Bobby!" and she'd hugged him tightly. "All of them. Such horrible pressure. And you…" She had backed away and kissed him soundly before he could respond. Soon after they broke up for air though, the boy had to ask.

"But Belle, they..what they did, doesn't it – " she held his face firmly between her hands then, a serious look on her face, eyes locked on his.

"Robert, I'm not saying what they did was right. Or that it's something that should be repeated. But as you said their situation was complicated… There was a lot of stake, a lot of pressure. I am sure they were not happy doing what they did, but they did it anyway. Not many could have. I think… it was very brave of them. And of you and your parents for accepting and facing this so well. You've never complained… ever. About the unfairness." She smiled, tears again on her eyes, caressing his cheek. "I'm so proud of you." Before she could say anything else though, it was Robert's turn to kiss her fondly.

The rest of that day had been wonderful. Conversations filled with much lighter topics, and her father's company.

A week later found the couple together again, this time with his parents at her house as well. Mr. and Mrs. Gold had enjoyed the opportunity to meet Mr. French when they went to pick up Belle with Robert. The three adults had a pleasant conversation, both parties conveying how happy they were about the relationship. Belle and Robert had been nervous about the meeting, greeting each other with a mere kiss on the cheek (to the amusement of everyone else). Belle had the added pressure of meeting his parents for the first time. As she soon realized, though, she needn't have worried. His mother and girlfriend hit it off at once! The older woman engaged Belle in a talk about school and charms even before they set off to the Gold's Castle in Scotland.

They arrived on the fireplace room. It was a small room in the castle, it's sole purpose was welcoming guests. It was small, but Belle's expression while she took it in left Robert feeling content. She looked so happy. From there they went to the main hall, the gasp that Belle let out making a smile come up in all of the Golds' faces. Similar reactions happened as each room was presented. Her expression became positively dazed when they arrived at the three-story high library; and Robert could not help the splitting smile that took over his face at that. His mother had been just as happy with the girl's reaction. All in all, Robert could tell Belle absolutely loved the place. And he couldn't be happier about it.

Over the course of the tour inside the castle, lunch, the tour around the grounds, tea and dinner, the talk flowed easily. It was mostly between the two women - the subject varying from books they both had read, favourite school classes, her OWL's grades (his parents were really happy with those results and they congratulated her enthusiastically), the duelling club (and how Belle had beaten him 3 times while he had won only 2) to how living in the muggle world was and her home country. Through all the conversations, Robert and his father had chipped in once or twice, more so on the last two topics. His father was as curious as his mother to learn about Belle's old home and present life. Seeing both of his parents this sincerely warm to his girlfriend had made Robert as happy as seeing Belle liking them. It had been a perfect day. So perfect, in fact, that Robert even felt brave enough to kiss her properly at the end of the day, in front of the three adults when they took her back to her house.

Their letters after and their reunion on September had been perfect as well. The relief Gold felt on having no more secrets allowed him to be more open, freer around her and their friends. Ruby and Emma had even the knack to point it out in a mocking way, receiving a proper witty answer – which proved he was still the same 'bastard' of always. However, the lack of any trace of disdain or mean spirited comments told them that he didn't mind the change. That he welcomed it. And even though Ruby, Emma, Mary Margaret, David, Ariel and Jefferson didn't really know his story, his newfound openness and relaxed state made all of their gatherings more comfortable. So much so, that it was rather difficult to find one of them without at least two or three of the others in the castle (except on a romantic date of course –unless it was his and Belle's when, obviously, Ruby would try to find a way to interrupt them).

Ruby had worried him a little, actually. Since the beginning of the year she had seemed a wee worried around him, David, Jefferson and Alice. As if she wanted to say something but didn't at the same time. He'd also caught Belle, Emma and even Mary Margaret talking to her about it, but she seemed scared on those times. As if she was keeping a dark secret. Robert had asked Belle about it, but she'd told him that he and the others would understand it soon. Those moments aside, however, the friendship between all of them was strong.

Then, October happened. That bloody Daily Prophet arrived. Robert had been having breakfast at the Gryffindor table with Belle and the others in their group when the stares started. Then the whispers. Right after the mail had been delivered. Everyone seemed to have the same idea at the same time and reached for the paper at once, but Robert was quicker. One glance at the front page however was enough; he'd frozen in shock. The damned paper fell down on the table, allowing everyone around to read the headline above his parents' picture.

"THE ROYAL SCOTISH FAMILY EXPOSED AGAIN
Protect your children!

By Rita Skeeter

It was barely 10 years ago that the case of the missing Scottish Ministry worker, Aifric McAvery, consumed the newspapers of our peaceful community. The poor wizard had been working on making a deal between the Scottish and British high society, so we all could enjoy the exact same rights in our wonderful kingdom. […] His sudden disappearance is now solved. However, it brings grave and sad, though not surprising, news. The temptation to walk on his parent's footsteps were apparently too great for the current head of the Gold family and his wife to pass up. Reliable sources told us just this week that the two aurors were the ones responsible for the shocking death. Not only that, a mediwizard told this very reporter that the poor victim showed signs of not only magical abuse, but physical torture as well. No doubts the sick minds behind this crime had –"

Gold had had enough. Without looking at anyone's faces, he had stormed out of the Great Hall, going straight to the Room of Requirement. The room, full of trinkets, had become unrecognisable after just a few minutes of him being there, taking the full force of his fury. Robert collapsed on the floor right after he was done, wand rolling out of his hand. Energy expend. He hadn't needed to look up when her heard light footsteps behind him. He knew it was Belle. Without a word, she hugged him tight against herself. He returned the embrace just as tightly.

"That was not the real story…they di-" She didn't let him finish however, making shushing noises.

"Of course it wasn't. It was written by Rita Skeeter. Nobody will believe it Bobby"

He had just held her tighter after that. Not saying a word. All his efforts were in not crying.

"You were wrong Belle…" Gold told the empty common room, still staring intently at the fireplace. No sign of his mother though.

The whole school had seemed to give him a wide berth after the news of the article spread. Only Belle and her friends had remained at his side, telling him they believed him. But Robert knew it would not last. Along with his parent's letters, asking how he was, hate mail started arriving on the following days. Though the teachers had tried to do their best to stop them, one or two always made their way. From howlers to letters which the envelop itself contained jinxes followed Robert anywhere he went. That bloody poltergeist did not help. Mocking him whenever he found Robert on the corridors.

Even though the letters and the blasted ghost (the Headmaster had been able to get him and the others under control), the stares continued. The whispers. He couldn't bear to stand too long with the others anymore. They didn't know the whole truth. Robert had told Belle what had really happened regarding Aifric McAvery (told to him by his parents on a letter), but he didn't tell them. Didn't want to. Couldn't. He started drifting more and more away from them. And becoming more and more snappy. Robert feared that soon would come the day that Belle would chose her friends, with normal families, over him. And why shouldn't she? It was better for her! If she stayed away from him her future would not suffer.

Ruby had tried to talk to him, worried about Belle and their relationship. That he should talk to them, to her at least, that he owned her that. But Robert wanted none of it. In his state of mind he'd called her out saying that she had her own big secret, why didn't she talk about it! She had run away after that, eyes wide and scared. Emma and David had been next; the first managed to get a few words before their shouting match was interrupted by the professors. And Robert had just turned around when he'd seen David coming on his direction. With all of that was going on, he wasn't really surprised when he snapped at Belle. Calling her out on their friends not trusting him anymore.

"Bobby, they know the truth, I told them! They trust you! You are the one that's pushing them away!"

"Aye, I'm sure you told them. But trust me? Believe me, Belle? I'm not pushing them away, I just can't stand being stared like that anymore. "

"Of course they trust you! They are our friends!"

"Your friends! They are your friends. And you trust too easily, Belle! How can you be so naïve? They don't believe me! Must be a relief to not have to spend time with the 'Gold' boy!"

"And you don't trust at all! How can you be so ruthless? So blind! Robert all of us are here for you! I am here for you!"

"Well dearie, ruthlessness is a family trait; didn't you read the bloody paper?"

"Robert, that is not what I meant and you know it! I'm your girlfriend! I've always been your friend; I don't know why you are shutting me out now! I'm on your side. All of us are!"

"I'm not shutting you out! I just need some time, Belle! Okay? … just… leave me alone for a while."

With tears in her eyes, she had walked away then. And respected his wish. He had managed to push away the only person he was sure stood by him. She would be fine though… all of them. They had each other. Robert felt tears welling up on his eyes. Without him to drag her down, she'd be alright. She would be fine.

He was so distracted by his own thoughts that he did not notice a head on the fireplace in front of him, observing him silently.

"She'll be fine…" he repeated out loud. Trying to convince himself.

"Sending me letters every day that are sometimes too blurred to read does not sound like fine, Robert Rumford Gold."

The boy jumped out of his seat, head snapping in the direction of the fire.

"Mum." He looked at her, and after the initial surprise, her words registered. "Wait, what? What do you mean?"

His mother frowned her eyebrows.

"What I mean is that she is miserable, Robert. And even though she's barely sleeping or eating, she is worried about you. All of your friends are."

Robert shook his head. No, they were not. They were relieved that they no longer had to put up with him.

"No, they are not. They are Belle's friends, mum. Not mine." He started pacing in front of the fireplace. His mother's eyes following him intently.

"You stubborn child."

"How would you know all of this anyways?"

"Because I've been exchanging letters with dear Belle since the beginning of the year. They have become more frequent ever since that fateful newspaper. Even though I knew you'd tell her everything I felt the need to tell her it by my own handwriting. And she accepted it all on stride Robert. I am sure she was not pleased, but, as with your grandparents, she understood our reasoning's." She paused for breath. "Mr. McAvory was on a plot against the muggleborns. We were chasing him to try to stop it, but we ended up in a duel and he was killed."

"I know that mum. The ministry covered it up, so there would be no repercussions again. They felt they owned it to our family after last time. You told me all that. And I know Belle believes me, believes you."

"Then what is the matter with you laddie? Why are you pushing her away?"

"Because I don't want her to hate me!" He shouted, a part of his mind was aware that maybe he shouldn't least he waked someone up. Then again… nobody would approach him, especially if he sounded angry. And he was angry. Very angry. Couldn't his mother understand? He wanted the best for Belle.

"What the bloody hell are you talking about?" Apparently, so was she, if she was cursing.

"Her association with me can only hurt her. Hurt her plans for the future. She doesn't want that. She's better off with her other friends." He said starting at her, daring her to contradict him. And she did.

"You daft prick." Robert's eyes went the size of quaffles at that. "Her and your friends are being hurt because you pushed them away, and for what? Fear of an improbable outcome?"

"They are not my- "

"Son! I've read her letters! The way her handwriting deteriorated tells me she has not been sleeping properly, even if she doesn't admit it. She's described talks with her friends, and they are all worried about you. In her own words, 'Emma and Ruby miss you sour presence around them'."

Robert stared at her. Forehead frowning as he thought. That… did sound like something they would say. And if he were true to himself he was aware that they had been all staring at him. Eyebrows drawn together. At first, Robert had dismissed it as disgust, or maybe just mistrust. Now though…

And Belle… she had seemed tired lately. More down. Not exuberating the light she usually did. And though he knew she was indeed sad, he thought it would be better on the long run. Better for her future.

"But…even if it is true. Mum, what about her future? I cannot compromise it for my sake. I can't." He sat down again, tired. He couldn't face his mother, so he stared at the ink stain on the carpet.

"Robert… darling, look at me." Her tone of voice had gone soft. Gentle. Slowly, he raised his gaze. "That is not your decision to make. It's hers. And if she decided that being with you is worth it, it's because it is. Do not try to make her decisions for her."

"I'm not mum… I … I don't want her to hate me. Later on, when the job offers don't show up, or when her friends abandon her because of me." His eyes welled up with tears, and his mother's voice became even softer.

"With her grades? Her duelling ranking? Having been a Prefect? Offers will be pouring over her, dear. And from what I heard of her friends it'll take a lot more than a rumour to make them leave her alone. Or you for that matter. She will never hate you Robert. She chose you, and she's not gonna change her mind. No mater what."

"How do you know that?"

"Because I went through the same thing with your father. It was quite worse though. With all that happened involving your grandparents. I've never regretted Robert. And I know neither will she. We both found people we know are worth sticking with, fighting for." She had a gentle smile on her face.

Robert looked at her intently. Hope shinning in his eyes.

"Don't push her away anymore Robert. That, and only that would be a reason for her to resent you. Merlin knows I was mad at your father when he tried to. Your girlfriend and friends miss you darling. Don't keep them waiting for much longer." Nodding his head, he knelt in front of the fire. In a rare surge of fraternal physical affection, Robert cursed the fact that he could not hug her. "Good. My job here is done then. Go rest laddie, you have many speeches to make tomorrow. Good night."

Before she could vanish though, extended his hand – not touching the fire and aware he could not actually touch her, but the action was automatic.

"Mum!" She looked at him. "I…thank you. I mean it."

"I know darling." She gave him a gentle smile and he was sure she'd would have hugged him if she could. "Now go. And take care of yourself. I expect that my next letter from Miss French will have a much happier tone." There was a smirk in her lips, but a sort of warning tone in her voice. Robert smiled. The first true smile he gave since the whole mess began.

"It will be mum. I promise."

"Good." She repeated. "Take care then, my son. I'll write to you soon. Your father sends his regards. He had also sent a slap on your head, should the need arise, but I'm glad it didn't. Anyways. Good night Bobby."

The Slytherin managed a chuckle at that. Of course his father would have. Apparently, though, stubbornness ran in the family as well.

"Good night mum, dad. Thank you." He told the empty and quiet room.

Robert just sat there, staring at the cooling ambers for a long time. She was right. Of course she was. He was being a coward and a stubborn prick. He had to see Belle. Beg her forgiveness if necessary - and he was pretty sure it would be. She was not the only one who deserved his apologies though. All of her - of their friends did. They had never left him after all, had them? Had even tried to get him back. It had been all in his fucking obtuse mind. What a fool he had been! He would make it right though.

Looking at the clock on top of the fireplace he was surprised to see the time. 2:30 already? Belle was probably asleep. A much-deserved sleep at that. She had been so tired this past week, after their fight. How could he not have realized how tired she looked? How sad? He had observed her from afar, of course. He mocked the Gryffindors so much for their big heads when he hadn't been able to see past his nose. Hadn't want to.

He got up and headed to his dormitory. He'd wake up bright and early (if he managed to sleep at all) and would head up straight to the Ravenclaw's Tower. He didn't care if anyone saw him publicly apologizing to Belle - or begging if it was the case. She was his girlfriend, his light in this bloody darkness and he had to do things right by her. Pride and reputation be damned.

As he was lying down on his bed, the clasp of his cloak draped on the chair caught his attention, making him sit up again and grab his wand. Taking the clasp away from its place quickly, he concentrated. Maybe she'd appreciate the gesture. Smiling at the result of his spell, Robert deposited his wand on the nightstand and laid down again, staring at the ceiling. One hand behind his head and the other holding up the newly transfigured red rose in front of him. He would apologize, and hopefully, all would be perfect again soon.