Harry is a diva. A heartbroken diva :')
Trigger warning for mentions of suicide
Also, enjoy 4 POV's :')
It was a beautiful April morning, and the sun was shining brightly. A chirping of birds could be heard outside Theo's window as soon as he awoke. His mouth watered as he inhaled the aroma of freshly baked cakes wafting up from the kitchen. For him, turning ten was an exciting milestone. He was the first to reach ten out of everyone, except for Blaise and Regulus, who had been ten since September.
Theo rubbed his eyes and exited his bed, still in his pyjamas. Stretching felt fantastic today, more than it was on any other day because he was ten! And because he was ten away from his father, who treated his birthday as something worth punishing him about. A bit concerned, Theo had gone to Blaise last night and shut down. It took him quite a bit of time until he could finally admit what the problem was. Would Theo be punished here, too, for daring to live another year?
Horrified, Blaise comforted and held Theo until sleep came to the trembling boy, though nightmares plagued him, and he woke up screaming three times.
Theo wasn't sure yet whether Blaise not being with him right now was a good thing or not, but he decided to wait and see. Perhaps the boy had woken earlier, as he usually did when he ran laps around the Quidditch pitch with Rilo.
Deciding to check out what was happening, Theo opened the door and tiptoed downstairs, careful not to make too much noise. Blaise had assured him that no one would ever lay a hand on him if he had something to say about it, but it was still best to be safe than sorry.
The young Nott heir was surprised to see Narcissa and Isabella, the Duchessa, already up, talking in hushed voices over a cup of tea. He stopped for a moment to listen but heard nothing that mattered to him, then quickly made his way back upstairs.
Taking a deep breath, Theo stepped into the bathroom, feeling a bit tense as he did so. Soon, being able to have a birthday without fear would come, which would just be one more thing he could celebrate. Turning on the shower, the boy watched as the steam started to fill the room. He quickly undressed and stepped into the warm water, letting it wash away his worries. When he emerged from the shower, he found a pile of clothes neatly laid out on his bed. They weren't his, and yet surprisingly, it was his size. Was this his first birthday gift? Delighted at the thought of having new clothes, He quickly dressed and went downstairs to join Narcissa and Isabella. It felt wonderful to have something new, but there was no note, so it could have come from anyone.
Somehow, in the time that he went down the first time, and now, the manor's grand hall had been transformed into a spectacular venue for a birthday celebration. Swirling decorations of silver and green hung from the high ceiling, casting a magical glow on the ornate wooden tables, set perfectly with an array of magical delicacies. One table held an impressive birthday cake decorated with intricate sugar sculptures that seemed to come alive, marching around the edges of the cake.
Theodore eyed himself in one of the grand mirrors on the walls near the grand staircase. He was dressed in a tastefully tailored robe of coral and teal and was a picture of pureblood elegance. The boy was the centre of attention for the first time in his life. His bright eyes sparkled with unmasked excitement as he was surrounded by his friends Rilo, Blaise, Sala, Regulus, Draco, and Ursa, all immaculately dressed for the occasion.
"I can't believe this!" Theo gushed, looking around wondrously. "I can't believe you did this for me," and then he was crying, laughing and crying as he ran around the room, looking at every single thing that was put out just for him, including the table that had so many presents on it, it had to be extended.
Blaise, a striking figure in his sapphire blue robes, engaged Theodore in a friendly debate about the latest broom models, though why he spoke about that specifically, Theodore didn't know. Of course, Blaise looked gorgeous, and just being near the boy made him happy. He could have spoken about an Acromantula if he wanted, and Theodore would have been pleased. Meanwhile, Rilo and Regulus were conversing deeply about their recent magical exploits, a trip through the forest with the wolves, which wasn't so cool if Theodore said so. Draco and Sala, both attired in robes reflecting their family colours (baby blue and jade), stood aside, observing the playful interactions with quiet amusement.
Little Ursa, wearing a delicate romper adorned with tiny, fluttering hummingbird charms, happily shared his latest drawings with anyone who'd listen, his bright eyes twinkling with pride. He had made one for Theodore, who was extensively pleased by this.
Overseeing the entire scene were four adults: Remus, Severus, Narcissa, and Isabella. Their wealth was understated but undeniable in their elegant and tasteful attire.
Wearing his traditional wizarding robes, Remus was in deep conversation with Severus, their discussion animated and filled with laughter, a rare sight for those familiar with the normally stoic Severus. Though it was only for the day, Theo felt pleased that both Severus and Remus would come to his party.
Narcissa, a vision in a shimmering dress that echoed the colours of the moon, observed the children with a gentle smile, her blue eyes filled with warmth.
Narcissa had bought Laramie and Lorimer matching clothing, and the two looked incredibly adorable. Theo noticed Regulus talking to her, and she looked contemplative and uncertain. "We'll do it in May," she said decisively. Theo moved away, not keen on getting involved in things that were definitely not his business.
The Duchessa, regal and elegant, was effortlessly engaging in conversation with the adults and children alike. Her laughter echoed through the hall, the pearls around her neck shimmering with her every move, matching the twinkle in her playful eyes.
Soon, it was time for the birthday toast, and Theodore stood up, looking perfect and smiling politely. The boy lifted his glass, hesitating momentarily, as he prepared for his birthday speech in his mind. What could be said that would encapsulate everything he felt? Deciding to be a basic brat, he thanked everyone for attending and for their thoughtful gifts and wished them all the best for the future. Theodore was grateful when he didn't stammer, and when all the guests cheered, clinking their glasses in celebration, the boy let out a very soft breath of relief.
"He does realise we all live together, right?" Theo heard Rilo murmuring behind his raised glass to Blaise, who chuckled deeply, nudging him in the ribs to be quiet. Blaise shook his head, a knowing glint in his eye. "It's okay," he said. "He's just being himself. We all have our own ways of living." He smiled and clinked his glass against Rilo before taking a sip.
Theodore smiled balefully; his friends knew him well, that's for sure.
As Theodore blew out the candles on his cake, a shower of silver and green sparks erupted, casting a soft, magical glow around the hall, lighting up the faces of the excited children and the proud adults. Theodore beamed, happy to be surrounded by his friends and immediately plopped down into Blaise's lap when everyone returned to their conversations.
Theodore continued looking around in wonder, even as he felt Blaise's arm wrap securely around his waist. The boy didn't even gaze at him, continuing his conversation with Rilo about their workout the next day. For once, though, he didn't mind. All he could feel was a warmth deep in his heart filled with the love and joy of the moment. Theo craved the feeling of being acknowledged, and just by Blaise knowing he was there and holding him was enough. He couldn't help but smile as he made a wish for the future. Then, with a clap of thunder, the sparks died away, and the room was plunged into darkness. Theodore felt a sudden burst of courage and confidence as if his wish had been granted. The boy knew that anything was possible in life and that he could accomplish anything he set his mind to.
Theo found it strange that he was suddenly looking forward to the future with a newfound optimism.
The room was then filled with faerie lights, which made Laramie and Lorimer suddenly animated, and they danced around, speaking in a language no one understood, but everyone still watched, mesmerised and awe-filled.
Theodore smiled, leaning further into Blaise, feeling complete when Rilo joined in on their small cuddle. These were his people. These were the people who would take him far in life and protect him. It was with a sudden thought that Theo knew what he would do in his spare time. To keep his boys safe, he would learn how to fight with a knife; that would help him to be a helper, not just a burden.
It was a nice feeling, being sure of himself for the first time in his life. He felt a solid connection to the magic of the world and a deep understanding of his own potential. Theo was determined to make the most of it because it would bring him to an end where everyone was happy in his mind, including himself.
The grand hall was filled with applause and cheers, creating an enchanting symphony of laughter and joy that echoed throughout the manor, marking a perfect end to Theodore's memorable birthday celebration. As the night drew to a close, Theodore and the other kids got to dance together. Theodore was filled with pleasure as he danced with his friends. He especially loved dancing with Blaise. Blaise spun him around in circles, and they both laughed in delight as Theodore twirled and spun in the air. The two of them moved in perfect harmony, and it felt like they were in their own little world. Theodore could feel the energy in the room; joy, freedom, love, happiness, and completion. As the music faded, Theodore knew that this special moment would stay with him forever. He made sure no one was looking before pecking Blaise on the lips, then twirling away before Blaise could do or say anything back.
The evening wound down, the grand hall reverberating with the sound of violins and laughter. As the last notes faded into the night, and many of the residents of Highclere castle returned to their rooms, it was clear to all present that it was a birthday party Theodore would remember for a lifetime.
As April the 20th came to an end, and everyone had gone to bed, Theo vowed to make sure everyone always got a nice party like he did, so they could feel loved and like the best person in the world, and if Rilo and Blaise joining him to hold him the entire night, well that was just the icing of the cake, wasn't it.
The sun shone brightly in the sky, casting a warm, comforting glow over the grounds. The lush grass of May swayed in the gentle breeze, and the birds sang sweet songs from the trees. The adults sat on the verandah, admiring the newly installed pool and chatting happily. Regulus had a herbology book open on his lap, intently studying the contents of magical plants. He decided he wanted to plant some and started to draw out a plan. Meanwhile, the house elves were bustling around, preparing a picnic lunch for everyone to enjoy after a long day of fun in the sun.
The sun shone brightly on the large, verdant backyard. It was the perfect day for gardening. Regulus, a preteen with an adult mind and a curious glint in his eyes, diligently began preparing a patch of land, a Herbology book laid open nearby.
Seeing his friends and bonded brothers, Harry and Sala, approaching, Regulus looked up, "Good morning, Luis, Sala. Ready to help?"
Harry scratched his head, uncertainly looking at the prepared patch of land. "We've never really done this before, Laurie. Are you sure we can handle it?"
Regulus preened a little at the almost forgotten nickname. No one had called him that since the orphanage.
"You've never done this before," Regulus corrected staunchly, a patch of dirt on his nose as he dug the earth carefully.
Harry rolled his eyes, mimicking Sala, who did the same.
"Sure, mate," Sala muttered, hissing something to Vasuki, who hissed back.
Regulus smiled warmly, as if their reluctance was nothing to be sour about, and nodded his head. "Absolutely. You'll learn as we go. Come on, it'll be fun."
Just as they started to work on the patch, little Ursa ran towards them, a small packet in his hand. He waved it excitedly in the air. "Regulus! I want to help!"
Regulus kneeled to his level, grinning. "Good morning, Ursa. Of course, you can help. What do you have there?"
Ursa opened the packet to reveal sunflower seeds. "Aria's sunflower seeds!" At least he didn't take them from Narcissa or the Duchessa; at least a house elf would happily offer them.
"That's perfect, Ursa!" Regulus exclaimed, taking a seed from him. "Would you like to plant them?"
Ursa's eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly. Regulus guided Ursa to the garden and helped him dig a hole, Harry and Sala following. Ursa then carefully placed the seed inside and covered it with soil. He patted the ground lovingly, with a big smile, before sitting down right next to it as if hoping it would immediately begin to sprout.
"What the hell are you planting, Reg?" a new voice asked as Blaise arrived, with Theodore pursuing him eagerly. Regulus grinned. "A pumpkin, of course!" he said, gesturing to the pile of orange seeds on the ground. Blaise and Theodore exchanged a look and then burst out laughing.
"Wrong season, mate," they snorted, guffawing behind their hands.
Regulus frowned, embarrassed by his mistake, but magic should have made it not matter. He quickly covered the pile of pumpkin seeds with dirt and stood up, a slight blush on his face. "Let's go get lunch," he said, hoping to change the subject. But a strange thing happened moments after they all went to get lunch. Pumpkins began to sprout up from the ground where Regulus had left the seeds. Everyone was surprised, and Regulus couldn't help but blush again. He was sure that his mistake had caused this strange occurrence. But it didn't stop there. Soon, the pumpkins grew legs and spindly arms, which began to grab the people around them. Everyone ran away in terror, leaving Regulus alone with the strange pumpkins, a cheeky smile on its mangled face. It captured Regulus, who was the only one who had remained behind.
As Regulus was embraced by the pumpkins, he began to glow, and before he knew it, he had transformed into a giant pumpkin himself. He was now the same size as his new pumpkin family, and they all lived happily ever after.
Except not, of course, as Ursa ran back to see his pumpkin brother and immediately called for Narcissa, shouting his head off. Narcissa had arrived with a potion in her hand moments later, and she quickly threw it on Regulus, freeing him from the pumpkins' embrace.
"Don't you reckon you should kill the freaky pumpkins?" Sala asked, raising his eyebrows at the mud-covered Regulus.
"Yeah, I don't want to join the pumpkin family next," Harry added.
With a sigh, Narcissa waved her wand again, muttering something, and the pumpkins disappeared. He promptly thanked her for saving him, and they all decided to return to the castle, never to explore the pumpkin patch again.
"Why does everything crazy always happen around you, Regulus?" Narcissa asked him, quirking a brow.
Regulus chuckled, "I guess I just have a knack for getting into trouble. I'm sure glad you were here to save me, Narcissa!" He grinned, giving her a grateful pat on the back. Narcissa rolled her eyes but couldn't help but crack a smile. "You know, if you ever need help, I'll always be here for you. Just don't make it a habit, okay?" She said, her voice warm and teasing. Regulus laughed and agreed, feeling a little more reassured.
Draco and Sala had gone off to swim while Harry, Theo and Blaise lounged in the pool cheers, munching on something he couldn't identify. With a sigh, Regulus went off to shower so he could relax on the lounge chairs without making them dirty. At least Regulus had fun, and no one got hurt. The idea of turning someone into a pumpkin, even temporarily, had its merits, and he wondered if this time around at Hogwarts, he could be a prankster instead of a role model.
Taking a step towards the showers, he smiled as he pondered that thought as he undressed. His mind was already picturing the surprise on his friends' faces as soon as he turned them all into pumpkins. He would have to be careful and not get caught, though, or he'd be in massive trouble. At least having the Prince name prevented anyone from looking too closely; maybe he could find a way to drop the Arcturus name, as he was sure his grandfather was the only one with that name. It wouldn't take a genius to figure it out.
By the time he returned, Blaise, Harry and Theodore had already jumped into the pool, screaming with delight. He joined them, and they celebrated his presence with a few backflips into the pool to show off. They spent the rest of the daylight playing games and laughing in the pool.
"That was so much fun," Sala told him later, once they all gathered for a light evening tea set up by the house elves during the day.
"Yeah, we should definitely do it again," Harry agreed, grabbing a marshmallow and a branch, imitating how the Duchessa did it before following and holding the tiny branch over the fire.
"Come on, lads!" Blaise called from his spot around the firepit.
Theo, Draco, and Ursa came running, sitting around the few seats left. Laramie and Lorimer were in their wolf forms again, nuzzling against Harry's and Sala's laps.
"Why don't we play a game?" Theo asked, kicking a pebble. "I'm bored."
"Truth or dare?" Blaise asked excitedly.
"Everyone game?" Regulus asked, wanting to make sure it was okay before playing what could turn out to be an uncomfortable game.
"Sure," Harry and Sala agreed simultaneously, shrugging.
No one else said anything in the negative, so Blaise nodded. "Why don't you go first, Regulus?"
Regulus leaned back and started the game by asking Harry, "Truth or dare?"
Harry, being a daring kid, chose dare. Regulus thought for a moment and then said, "I dare you to climb to the top of that big oak tree and touch the highest branch."
Harry hesitated for a moment but then took a deep breath and started climbing. He reached the top and touched the highest branch, earning cheers and applause from the other kids. Grinning from ear to ear, Harry jumped to the ground from the top, which caused Narcissa and Isabella to scream, but it seemed Harry had been practising his magic, and he caught himself easily on the floor, rolling over in a move that would likely make Blaise proud, and, turning to look at the boy in question, he was right.
"Good man," he heard Blaise say to his brother. Harry preened.
Regulus pinched the bridge of his nose and turned away. His bonded brother was mad.
The game continued with Sala daring Draco to do a somersault, Ursa daring Theodore to sing a song, and Blaise daring Regulus to do a cartwheel. Everyone was having a great time, and the laughter and excitement filled the front lawn.
Halfway through the game, Laramie and Lorimer switched into their physical forms and joined in, making the group of kids grow even bigger. They were both a bit shy at first, but the other kids made them feel welcome and included.
Regulus was next and chose truth.
Sala thought for a minute. "Did you ever steal anything before?" Regulus flushed in annoyance. "I stole some cool things from Filch's office in my third year," he mumbled.
Harry was up next and chose dare. Sala dared him to do a middle and front splits, and Harry happily obliged. It seemed like the boy enjoyed physical movement in a way he had not before. Blaise really had changed him.
Theodore chose dare, and Blaise dared him to do a silly dance, which he did with gusto.
Blaise chose truth, and Regulus asked him what his biggest fear was. Blaise admitted that he feared his family getting hurt but didn't elaborate. Laramie chose dare, and Harry dared her to sing a nursery rhyme in a silly voice. Lorimer decided truth, and Draco asked him if he had ever lied to his parents, and he admitted that he had.
As the game continued, the dares became more daring, and the truths became more revealing. Ursa had to do a handstand (which he shockingly did rather well), Blaise had to eat a spoonful of flobberworm mucus (which he threw up immediately after), and Theodore had to write a brief letter to his crush and send it with owl post then and there. Laramie had to hop on one foot while reciting the alphabet (she did it in French), and Lorimer had to wear a silly hat for the rest of the day.
It was what happened next that ruined the entire evening.
Sala chose truth, and Draco asked him who his crush was. Sala blushed heavily, and though he glanced at Harry (who was oblivious), he refused to answer and was punished by having to do a dare instead. "I dare you to kiss Regulus!" Draco said, annoyed that his ploy hadn't worked. And suddenly, the game was no longer fun because despite having given Sala numerous kisses before, it had never been in the way that Sala and Harry had shared. Reluctantly, Sala went over and kissed Regulus, despite Regulus attempting to show the boy with his eyes not to do it. It was fast, quick, and over before anyone could blink, but when they looked around, Harry was gone.
Aurelius ran as fast as he could, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't believe what had just happened. His boy, his Sala, his everything, had kissed someone else right in front of him. The fourth kiss that he had never ended up giving to the boy. The fourth kiss that belonged to him. He had never felt so betrayed or heartbroken in his life. How could Sala do this to him? How could Regulus allow him?
He felt like his heart had been ripped out of his chest. He had never felt such pain before. He had trusted Sala with everything, and he had just thrown it all away for a stupid game.
As he ran, he felt the tears streaming down his face. He didn't care who saw him or what they thought. He just needed to get away from everything and everyone. He needed to be alone with his thoughts and his pain.
As Aurelius ran deeper into the castle, he felt like he was running away from everything he had ever known. The young Zabini boy didn't know where he was going but couldn't bring himself to care.
Finally, he found himself in a deserted corridor, far away from the noise and the laughter of the kids he had just played with.
Aurelius looked around, blinded by the tears in his eyes. He must have been somewhere deep inside the castle, as even he had never seen this place, and Aurelius prided himself in having explored every corner of Highclere Castle that he could.
He was in a place where no one would ever find him. He collapsed onto the cold stone floor, his sobs echoing off the walls. He had never felt so alone or lost in his life. He couldn't stop them if he wanted to.
As he lay there, staring up at the ceiling, he replayed the events of the night over and over in his mind. The way Regulus had looked at him in fear for a split second before Sala had approached him, the way he had kissed him. It was all too much to bear.
Aurelius knew he should be angry at Draco for initiating this, but Draco was actually dumb. The boy didn't know anything, did he. All Aurelius could feel was numbness. How could he have been so blind? How could he have trusted someone so completely, only to have them betray him in the cruellest way possible?
As the night wore on, Aurelius stayed there, alone with his thoughts and pain. He didn't know how to recover from this, but he knew one thing for sure: he would never trust anyone again.
For the first time since September, Aurelius called onto his magic, begging it. Please, can I have a blanket? I'm so cold...Please don't let anyone find me. Please let me just be left here to my own devices. I can't bear anything right now.
It never occurred to Aurelius that magic wouldn't listen to him, and once a very warm and fluffy blanket covered him as if from the arms of magic herself, Aurelius fell into a troubled sleep.
Unbeknownst to Aurelius, a wall had appeared, blocking him from sight, a significant, invisible barrier obstructing him from the view of anyone and everyone.
(the next day)
Sala was trembling. "I can't find Harry anywhere!"
"Where did you look?" Regulus asked, also panicking, but he hid it better.
"Everywhere!"
"Where is my meraviglia?" the Duchessa joined the fray, a frightened and angry Blaise behind her.
"Aurelius hasn't been to bed, nor has he come to breakfast!" Blaise said, keeping his voice as contained as possible, but he was shaking.
It wasn't immediately that Blaise knew something was wrong, but when Auri had missed their workout session, he began to get worried. If it was one thing that his brother enjoyed, it was working out.
Blaise jogged to his brother's bedroom and, upon finding it empty, opened all the doors from where his brother might have decided to sleep. When all those did not have his missing brother either, he checked all the rooms, even if they did not have a bed.
"I don't understand," Blaise said very softly but knew from how Sala flinched that he sounded deadly. "My brother has been missing since last night, and you didn't think to tell me or our mother?"
The Duchessa put an arm around his shoulder that Blaise had to restrain himself from throwing off. He wanted his brother, not undue comfort!
"I looked everywhere!" Sala hissed at him, his eyes red-rimmed and upset. "I just can't find him!"
Blaise turned away, not deigning the boy with a response.
He ignored how his mother and Narcissa instructed everyone to search a part of the castle but moved away, not involving himself.
Blaise was desperate to find his missing brother Aurelius within the castle. He had searched every nook and cranny, every hidden passage, and every secret room in the castle. But all his efforts were in vain. Aurelius remained missing. Blaise knew he had to resort to more extreme measures to find his brother. He had already been searching the entire day and had skipped all his meals. When nighttime came, and everyone slept, Blaise refused to stop searching, ignoring and glaring as everyone turned in for the night.
Sometime around three hours after midnight, his mother came to him and covered him with a shawl. "I know you want to find your brother, and so do I. He has been gone for two days now, and everyone is worried. Even a "point me" hasn't worked. Don't forget your connection to your brother and the family magics."
Blaise nodded; he could do this.
Blaise paced back and forth, anxiety coursing through his veins. Another two hours had passed, and the number of tomes he had to search through just to find the correct ones for his current necessity made him want to cry for the first time in a while. His brother Aurelius had been missing for almost three days, and there was no sign of him anywhere. Blaise had scoured every inch of the castle, searching high and low, but to no avail. It was as if Auri had simply vanished into thin air.
But Blaise was not one to give up easily. He was determined to find his brother, no matter what it took. And so, he turned to the family magics - the dark and secret spells that had been passed down through generations of his family.
With a heavy heart, Blaise delved into the ancient tomes that held the secrets of his family's magic. He read through page after page, searching for any spell or enchantment that might help him locate his missing brother. He tried them all - spells of divination, scrying, and teleportation. But none of them seemed to work.
Exhaustion crept over him, and unwillingly, he fell asleep on the table, his arms spread and his face showing the signs of dried tears.
It was hours later, with the sun streaming into the library, that Blaise awoke with a gasp. How could he fall asleep! He failed his brother so hard.
Blaise was growing desperate now. He knew that time was running out and that every passing moment brought his brother closer to danger. Had the kid even eaten? And so, he turned to the most dangerous and forbidden of all the family magics - the spells of blood magic.
These magics were banned and hazardous, but Blaise was willing to do whatever it took to find his brother. He began by performing the ritual of "Blood Magic". This dark magic required the sacrifice of one's own blood to summon a powerful demon that could reveal the location of any person anywhere in the world.
With trembling hands, Blaise drew the silver knife he always kept on him and cut deeply into his palm. He muttered the incantation he had learned from his father and felt a surge of power flow through him. Blaise tilted his hand and squeezed, letting the blood flow into the magic circle he had drawn on the floor. Blaise then chanted the incantation that would summon the demon. The demon appeared in a cloud of smoke and asked for the name of the person Blaise was searching for. Blaise whispered, "Aurelius Lucien Zabini", a little desperately, and the demon disappeared, leaving behind a smoke trail leading Blaise to a hidden chamber in the castle.
Suddenly, he could see things he had never seen before — a hidden door, a secret passage, and a chamber.
Blaise followed the visions and the smoke left by the demon, moving through the castle with a sense of purpose. He climbed stairs and descended into dungeons, following the twists and turns of the hidden passageways that only he could see. Blaise then remembered the "Shadow Magic". This magic allowed one to travel through shadows and emerge anywhere within 1000 metres. Blaise closed his eyes and focused his mind on the darkest corner of the castle. He stepped into the shade and appeared in a room he had never seen before. The room was filled with ancient artefacts and magical objects. Blaise searched the room but found nothing to help him find his brother. He stepped back into the shadow and emerged in another part of the castle.
Blaise then decided to use "Mind Magic". This magic allowed one to enter another person's mind and search their thoughts for any information. It was similar to legilimency, except there was no need to see the person. The only downside was that you had to be blood-related, as you used your own blood to enter the other mind.
Blaise closed his eyes and focused his mind on his missing brother. The older Zabini knew precisely the moment Auri felt his presence. Blaise wrapped his arms around his brother within their minds and was relieved when Auri didn't fight him. It was strange because it almost felt as if his brother had lost his will to fight.
When he entered his brother's mind, he saw again the same strange corridor he had never seen before and the barrier that had somehow locked his brother in. Blaise searched Auri's thoughts for clues, already running towards where the shadows now led him.
How long had his brother been running that he got this far and this lost?
When Blaise reached the barrier, he knew, this time, that his brother was behind it.
Break the barrier! Nothing happened. Please break the barrier! Still nothing.
Blaise took a deep breath. The barrier was so tall and thick that he wished he had his wand already so it would be possible to break it with a proper spell, but he didn't even know the right words to say.
Break the barrier! Please, my brother is behind here; I don't want him to die! I-I'll give you my soul. Please just break the barrier...
A sudden shimmer appeared before Blaise, where he lay crying against the wall that separated him from Auri.
In a voice that matched the shimmering appearance of the woman now standing there, she said, "You would give me your soul to save your brother?"
Blaise looked up at her and didn't even hesitate. "Yes," he said, "I would."
"Swear it," she said, her voice now sounding like cold amusement.
"I swear, if you break the barrier and allow me to safely reach my brother and take him to safety, I will give you, mother magic, my soul."
She moved closer to him, "You don't even want to know what it entails?"
Blaise shivered but knew he didn't want to know. "When the time comes, I'll accept whatever it is you want from me."
Mother magic dimmed away, and when the wall shattered, Blaise was ready.
Finally, after three days, there was Aurelius.
Much like him, Auri's eyes were wet from tears and nearly swollen shut. He wasn't moving, though, and with a flare of panic, Blaise lunged forward to check his pulse. The gentle pitter-patter of his brother's heart nearly made him heave in relief.
Terrified and unsure of what to do now that he had found Auri, he uncovered the boy first to be sure he had not somehow found himself with injuries.
The smell of urine plagued the area, making Blaise wrinkle his nose. Had Auri really had no access to a bathroom?
"Auri? Auri, can you hear me?" His brother didn't respond or move.
He needed his mother. By some grace of magic, there was a Floo right next to him.
Throwing in a handful of Floo powder, Blaise stuck his head in. "Duchessa Zabini quarters."
The fire turned green, but he could see no one there. "Mother? Mother! Mum!"
No one was there.
Grand entrance hall, maybe?
He took his head out and threw new powder in. "Grand Entrance Hall!"
The fire turned green again, "Mother? Mum!"
Feeling like crying again, he did something he never thought he'd do.
Once more, he took his head out, threw fresh Floo powder in, and quickly and gently partly lifted his brother in his arms. The boy was wet. Had he soiled himself because he was passed out?
"S-Severus Snape's Personal Quarters, Hogwarts!"
It was a risk, especially travelling with someone who wasn't conscious, but he didn't know what else to do. He had already sold his soul; he didn't have much else to give.
He clung to Auri with all his might, and when the Floo spit him out, he curved himself so that he landed on his back, protecting Auri from hitting his head.
"What in Merlin's name?" Severus Snape said.
"I'm s-sorry!" Blaise whimpered. "I couldn't reach my mum, and Auri is unconscious!"
Severus was by him in a moment, his wand in hand. "Lumos," he murmured, and the wand light showed Auri, barely breathing and unmoving.
"Expecto Patronum!" Severus added, and a large, beautiful doe exploded out of his wand tip.
"Both your sons are with me. One is unconscious and unwell; the other also needs your help. The Duchessa, please," he told the doe, and she ambled out of the room and disappeared.
"Do you want to explain why my Godson is unconscious?" Severus asked him, but Blaise had no more words left.
Severus went to the Floo and threw some powder inside. "Madam Pomfrey!" he called, his voice calm but urgent.
"Severus! It's four o'clock in the morning! Is everything alright?"
"My Godson will be arriving to the hospital wing," he told her. "Please prepare a bed."
Aurelius was a tall but now very thin and frail boy; it seemed he had lost four kilos in the few days he hadn't had food. He was barely making a sound as he was brought into the Hogwarts Medical Wing. Severus Snape, always the stoic figure, took charge immediately, ordering Madam Pomfrey to come and assess the boy's condition.
"Madam Pomfrey, we have a young boy here who needs your attention immediately. He has been severely malnourished and dehydrated, and I suspect he is also suffering from magical exhaustion," Snape said, his voice commanding and authoritative.
Madam Pomfrey rushed over and began her examination of the boy.
As she worked, the Floo to the Medical Wing turned green again, and this time the Duchessa Zabini stepped through, and Blaise was torn between jumping into her arms and hiding.
"How is my anatroccolo?" she asked Severus, sitting beside Auri and stroking his feverish head.
Blaise had no idea why his mum was referring to his brother as a duck but remained silent.
"He needs food, fluids, potions, and a bed," Severus said.
Snape turned to the Duchessa fully, despite her eyes only on her son.
"Madam, can you tell me what happened to your son? How did he end up in this state?" he asked, his eyes fixed on hers.
The Duchessa wiped her tears and took a deep breath. "To my knowledge, the children were playing a game, and —" Here, she glanced at Blaise, but he shrugged. Getting involved now would gain the wrath of pretty much everyone in the room.
"—and Aurelius suddenly got up and ran towards the castle. The kids were pretty tightlipped, but it seemed like an argument had broken out immediately after."
Snape's eyes narrowed. "And it took three days to find him?" he asked in disbelief.
The Duchessa shook her head. "Everyone assumed he had gone straight to bed," she said. "And Blaise realised when Aurelius didn't meet him to work out."
"We started searching right away after," Blaise said quietly.
Snape nodded thoughtfully. "Very well. Madam Pomfrey, how is the boy?"
Madam Pomfrey finished her examination and turned to Snape. "He's in an appalling state, Severus. He needs immediate care and attention," she said.
Snape nodded. "Take him to the private infirmary and do everything you can for him. I want him to have the best care possible."
"And," Severus winced, "Please keep this from the headmaster."
The Matron gave Severus a very stern look, then sighed. "Alright, only this time because it's your Godson."
Severus gave a very audible sigh of relief once Madam Pomfrey had vanished and sat down heavily in a chair.
As the boy was taken to the private interior of the Medical Wing, Blaise remained silent. He was too traumatised by what had happened to speak, and now that Auri was being taken care of, he had a moment to think about what he had done.
Blaise didn't regret selling his soul for magic to listen to him, nor did he really understand why magic wanted to bargain with him, of all people. But it was done now, and he had promised magic when she wanted him; he would do whatever she wanted.
Snape turned to him. "Blaise, can you tell me anything about what happened? Any details that might be useful?"
Blaise shook his head. "I don't know, Sir. It all happened so fast," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. Truthfully, he had seen what happened and the mocking way Draco had wanted Sala to divulge who his crush was and how the boy had immediately snuck a look at his brother. But Draco was as oblivious as his brother was, and didn't notice, so instead, forced him to do a dare, which Sala felt obliged to do as part of the rules. Auri had left too quickly to see that Sala had barely touched Regulus and had hardly done anything to the other boy to earn Aurelius' wrath or perhaps his heartbreak. Still, here he was now, the result of whatever insanity his brother had created this time.
Snape placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Blaise. We'll figure out how to fix whatever happened once Aurelius wakes up. But for now, we need to focus on healing him. He needs our help."
Blaise doubted anyone would tell the truth about what happened, and it certainly wasn't going to be him, as it was. He wanted to hurt everyone there, especially Sala, even if the boy hadn't meant it.
The group made their way to the private infirmary, where Madam Pomfrey had already begun treating Aurelius for his various ailments. The boy was so weak and frail that he could barely move, but Madam Pomfrey was determined to help him recover.
The Duchessa and Blaise watched as she worked, tears streaming down their faces. The boy had been through so much that they could only hope he would pull through.
Hours passed, and finally, Madam Pomfrey emerged from the infirmary. "Mr Zabini is stable for now, but he's not out of the woods yet. He needs rest and plenty of fluids and nutrients," she said.
Snape nodded. "Thank you, Madam Pomfrey. We'll make sure he gets everything he needs."
She returned to Aurelius and gave him one more potion, patted him gently on the head, and went to her private rooms, perhaps to rest or maybe just to wait and watch the charms she had placed on Aurelius to watch his status.
Madam Pomfrey was a skilled healer, and her ministrations were soon having an effect. Aurelius began to stir, his eyes flickering open.
As he came to, Aurelius was disoriented and confused. He looked around, unable to focus on anything. His throat was parched, and he felt weak and shaky.
Severus stood at the foot of the bed, observing Aurelius. Blaise could credit him for being stern, but he had a certain compassion for his Godson, which Blaise respected. Blaise was sure that with Severus being the Head of House for Slytherin for so long, he would have seen many cases like this before and knew how to handle them.
"Rest, Aurelius," he said, his voice low and soothing. "You are safe now. You are in the hospital wing of Hogwarts, and you will be taken care of."
Auri nodded weakly, his eyes closing again. He drifted in and out of consciousness, his body wracked with pain and weakness. But the potions and charms that Pomfrey had administered were doing their work, and slowly but surely, Auri began to recover.
Days passed, and Aurelius remained in the hospital wing. Pomfrey and Snape watched over him, making sure that he was comfortable and well-cared for. As time passed, Aurelius grew stronger, his colour returning to his cheeks and his appetite slowly improving.
Blaise, Severus and their mum visited him daily, checking his progress and ensuring he was comfortable. The older Zabini boy was pleased with Aurelius' progress and knew he would soon be well enough to leave the hospital wing and return home to Highclere Castle.
Finally, after a week in the hospital wing, Aurelius was deemed well enough to be released. He was weak and still a little shaky, but he was much better than he had been.
"Can't believe you stayed all the time, Blaise," Auri told him softly, gripping him around the shoulder as Blaise gently held him around the waist as they went back to the Floo.
"I'd do anything for you," Blaise replied, and really, Auri had no idea how true that was.
Theodore sat in the Highclere common room, the quiet afternoon enveloping him as residents of the castle busied themselves, preparing for the upcoming birthday celebration of the Black-Malfoy twins. His gaze fell upon Rilo, sitting alone in a distant corner, lost in his thoughts.
"Theo," Rilo's eyes flickered, barely acknowledging his presence. "Joining me won't change a thing."
Theodore studied Rilo, noticing the hardened look in his eyes. He cautiously placed a hand on Rilo's shoulder, speaking with concern in his voice.
"Rilo, Sala and Draco's birthday is coming up soon. They miss you, you know. We all do."
Rilo stiffened at the mention of the boys but remained silent.
"We're all worried about you, Rilo. You've changed, but you don't have to face this alone. We want to help."
Rilo's gaze met Theodore's, flickers of anger dancing in his eyes.
"You wouldn't understand, Theo. You haven't watched someone you lo- care about," he quickly amended his sentence, and Theo graced him by pretending he didn't notice.
"Betray you in front of your eyes, and feeling completely helpless and useless and pathetic."
Theodore absorbed Rilo's words, his heart heavy with understanding.
"Rilo, I may not have experienced exactly what you have, but I know what it feels like to be broken. Let us be there for you, help you heal."
Rilo's face softened momentarily, then hardened once again.
"I don't need your help, Theo. I don't need pity or sympathy. I just need to be left alone."
A sense of helplessness swept over Theodore, but he refused to give up.
"Please, Rilo, don't shut us out completely. They miss you; I miss you. Sala and Draco, they want nothing more than to celebrate their birthday with you."
Pain and defiance flickered in Rilo's eyes as he gave his response.
"They can celebrate without me. It's better that way. It's better for everyone."
Theodore's heart sank as he watched Rilo retreat further into his shell, lost in the depths of his own sorrow.
"I wish I could bring back the old Rilo, the one who radiated life and laughter... but I can't do it alone. We all want to see you smile again."
Rilo remained silent, his gaze fixed on some distant point.
"Please get out of my face, Theo. I tolerate you, but don't make me regret that decision."
Theo felt his heart hurt the way Rilo was talking, but he, too, saw what had happened and knew exactly how the boy felt. If Blaise went and kissed someone else the way he liked to, Theo would have raised hell too.
With a sigh, he left Rilo alone and went to search out Blaise, the only other person who might be able to change the boy's mind.
Theo sought refuge in Blaise's room, his face etched with concern. He recounted his conversation with Rilo, attempting not to get hurt all over again.
"Blaise, it's worse than I thought. There was this glint in his eyes, so cold and distant. I fear what it might mean."
Blaise's expression mirrored Theodore's worry, sharing his burden.
"I've noticed it too, Theo. Rilo has built walls around himself, shutting everyone out. Our words seem to bounce right off him."
They sat in silence, the weight of their friend's pain palpable in the room.
"But we can't give up on him, Theo. We have to keep trying, no matter how long it takes. They miss him, we miss him. He needs us."
Theodore nodded, determination marking his features.
"You're right, Blaise. We owe it to Rilo to keep fighting for him, to remind him that he's loved, that he's not alone. We won't give up."
They clasped hands tightly, their mutual pledge to support their friend unyielding and unwavering.
Except by the time June 5th came around, Aurelius was just as adamant about not celebrating as he had been four days previous.
"I'm not going to celebrate with traitors," he sniffed when both Blaise and Theodore came to him, yet again, to try and change his mind.
"Please? For us?" Blaise said, practically begging. "I don't want to go alone. And Theo isn't good enough company."
Theo would have felt upset about what Blaise said, except the boy was currently holding his hand and squeezing it extremely hard without looking at him.
It was worth it for the slight quirk of the lips that Rilo sent them, and with a sigh, he gave in, finally, finally, and stood up.
"Alright, but I make all the calls, and I don't want to be anywhere near either of them or Regulus. So you stay on both my sides, and don't let any of them get close to me. If they do, I'm gone."
"We will do something tonight," he said and left it at that.
Truthfully, it didn't help that June meant exam time, and the stress was getting to everyone's heads. Theodore, ever the optimist, tried to keep everyone's spirits up. He reminded them that they had studied hard and were more than capable of passing the exams. The Nott heir encouraged them to keep their heads up and focus on the end goal. When no one cheered up, Theo decided to take a different approach. They would take the day off. Thinking fast, he approached Rilo again, a little hesitant now that the boy had been snappy and quick to bite.
"I think everyone could do with a day off," Theo began, sitting directly across from Rilo once more in the common room.
The boy assessed him seriously, looking at him so profoundly that Theo began to wonder what could possibly be on his mind.
"Did anyone ever tell you that you're handsome?" he asked, speaking quietly and thoughtfully.
Theo felt his heart jump into his chest.
"Your brother says it pretty often," he said, remaining calm.
"Hmm." He said, looking back into his book.
"Rilo,"
The boy looked up again, a sigh passing his lips.
"Yes, Theodore."
"Can you move your plan to now?"
"Fine, but if we get into trouble for doing it early, I'm not taking the fall."
Theo stared at him. What could they possibly do that would cause them to get into trouble.
"Deal."
Another sigh.
"Call everyone together; I will make the announcement."
Theo left quickly. It was easy enough to find everyone, as they were procrastinating their studies by sitting around the table and snacking.
"Aurelius has an announcement to make," Theo shouted so that everyone turned to look at him. "Please go to the common room so he can tell you."
There was a mad dash to the common room, which would have been funny, had he been in the mood to laugh. But really, he missed the old Rilo, the one who would love you with nary a smile.
By the time he returned to the common room, everyone was there, even the Fae Wolves, who were staring at Rilo in a dreamy sort of way, that made him stare back.
"Alright," Rilo said, standing on the table as if this were normal. "
"It has been agreed that I will be the one organising the trip for the Black-Malfoy twins."
Theo glanced over to the boys in question and noticed the flash of hurt over Sala's face that Rilo hadn't bothered to use his given name.
"I have decided to organise a day where all we do is act like Muggles."
There was silence, but Rilo didn't seem to care.
"I don't plan on asking permission, but if you would like to do so, be my guest."
No one moved, so Rilo continued.
It was likely Rilo had dared not bring this idea to Narcissa or the Duchessa, as they would probably kill him.
"I think it should be interesting since Theodore," he pointed at the boy, despite it being unnecessary, "had a nice birthday, and it should be that way for everyone." His voice was so cold that Theo shuddered. "Even traitors" had gone unsaid, but it was loud and clear that Rilo had meant it.
Although Rilo's plans were meant for out of the castle, the entire place had been set up gloriously, just like it had been for Theodore.
The birthday wishes went around, and Theo noticed, quite obviously, that Rilo didn't approach either of the twins to offer his greetings.
Once all the gifts had been given (Rilo's was notably absent)
The boy called another meeting with the group and, in hushed tones, explained his plan.
"There is an old, secret passage that leads out of the castle, and if everyone stays quiet, we can use it to sneak out without anyone noticing."
There was a general murmur of assent, and although the plan was risky, Theodore was sure it would work.
"We will be out all day, so feel free to pack a bag with any kind of essentials you think you might want since we can't return to the castle once we leave the wards, as in and outs might trigger the wards too hard." Again, no one complained at Rilo's instructions, and within minutes, everyone had a satchel packed with things for the day. As they made their way through the secret passage, the group kept silent until they were away from the wards and out of sight.
"So, do you have a plan for this?" Regulus asked, grinning at the others. But Rilo shrugged and didn't answer him. To avoid any unnecessary awkwardness, Theodore answered, despite it not having been him that the question was asked. "We are going to act like Muggles for a day."
Rilo was doing an outstanding job of ignoring how everyone stared at him like he had fallen off his rocker.
"First order of business is the itinerary," he said. His voice was still emotionless, and if it hadn't been obvious yet, it was now that Rilo really didn't want to have anything to do with this day.
"We can go to the cinema, ride on the bus, or even go to the park," he continued, undeterred by the disbelief on everyone's faces. "It'll be fun!" he added with a laugh, but the laughter was mirthless and didn't reach his eyes.
Theodore pinched the bridge of his nose, glancing at Blaise with a sharp jerk of his chin.
Blaise sighed, glaring at the others who were nodding encouragingly.
"Great brother of mine, I think this is a terrible idea."
Rilo stared at him, his hand saluting his brother.
"Well, be my guest if you want to do this on your own. I can certainly fuck off and go back to being by myself. You agreed to let me lead, so either I lead or I go."
"Language!" Blaise hissed at him, but Rilo merely glared, a sheen to his eyes that had not been before. Did Rilo want to cry?
For the first time that day, Sala spoke up. "All we do is study all day! I think it will be nice to do something different."
"I say we try it." Draco nodded in agreement.
If the boys expected Rilo to feel happy that they were involved, they were sorely disappointed. He didn't acknowledge either of them.
"No, it won't work. We'll just end up in trouble." Theodore muttered very quietly, as he didn't want Rilo's anger on him. No one heard him, even as he shook his head and crossed his arms. "No, I'm not doing it." It felt good to say out loud, but he wasn't surprised when no one looked at him either.
What a day it was turning out to be.
"What fun things can be done in the Muggle world?" Ursa asked, rolling his eyes at the dramatics. And surprisingly, Rilo answered him without being cold. "The movies, for one. We can also go bowling or mini-golfing," he continued. "Or we could just go out for ice cream."
"And we could explore the city," Sala said again, his eyes lighting up. Did that boy have a death wish? Why was he trying to talk to Rilo when he acted this way.
"Maybe find new places to eat or even shop for souvenirs." Rilo persisted, already walking in a random direction, forcing everyone to follow him.
"How do you know that?" Regulus asked, scrunching his nose.
"Mrs Hacker spoke about it all the time." Rilo did not look at Regulus when he responded; his voice had returned to the cold, toneless voice he had been using since his return to the castle.
Blaise sighed again, shrugging at Theodore. "Fine, let's try. But we need to get back in time before Narcissa and the Duchessa check our beds. Deal?"
Rilo smiled, grabbing Blaise's hand and dragging him out of the street, pulling him into the lane and then down the road to where the Muggle town merged with their hidden castle. Rilo got gutsy once and climbed onto the roof of the next building, running across and then flying over to the next building without appearing to care if he might fall to his death.
"He has a lot of Wrackspurts surrounding him," Lorimer said dreamily, his gaze still slightly unfocused.
"I think he doesn't want to live; that's what the Nargles are saying," Laramie added.
Theodore exchanged a startled look with Blaise.
"He's suicidal?" he whispered quietly enough so only Blaise could hear.
"This boy will be the death of me, I swear," Blaise growled, following in his footsteps with everyone else as they all ran across the rooftops, though they used the small bridges that linked the buildings instead of jumping to the next one like Rilo had done.
"We are looking for the entrance to the old cathedral!" he announced, still laughing like a maniac.
"Yes..." Blaise whispered to him, a warble to his tone that Theo had never heard on his friend before. "I think he is."
They eventually found it, and Rilo was the first to make it through, dancing around the entrance in a graceful way that only he had been able to manage. Blaise shook his head and followed after him with the others close behind.
The group made their way through the old cathedral, exploring the forgotten hallways and chambers. When they found the ancient theatre, they were all amazed at what they saw. Rilo smirked, proud of himself for finding the right path.
"They have movies playing every night," Rilo whispered to them, pulling Blaise by the hand again, as they had got separated when Rilo was doing his death run.
The kids giggled as they entered the movie theatre, wide-eyed with wonder. Rilo was suddenly in his element, pointing out all the different kinds of candy, popcorn, chocolate, soda and hot foods the theatre had to offer. He grabbed a large bucket of popcorn and a few boxes of chocolates, some random hot foods that Theo had no idea what they were called, and then they all made their way to the theatre, choosing seats near each other so they could talk and laugh throughout the movie. It was good they were the only ones there, as it would have been annoying for other people how loudly their group was actually talking amongst themselves.
Once the lights dimmed, Theodore watched Rilo calm down long enough to watch the others with a pleased smile. Theo could tell they were excited to experience a movie for the first time, and it seemed Rilo was getting a smug satisfaction out of it as he had been the one to have introduce them. They settled into their seats, munching on popcorn and candy, and soon the movie began.
It made Theodore feel a little better, and with a squeeze of Blaise's hand (as Rilo had squeezed himself into a corner, choosing Blaise to be on his right side,) he knew that Blaise felt better too. It was nice to see that Rilo was just as excited as the others to watch the film, and he hoped that even for a little while that the movie was playing, Rilo would forget about his sadness.
It was strange, Theo mused as the time quickly passed, that whether Rilo wanted to or not, he had given everyone a gift. This was something that was unheard of to a pureblood, and that was pretty much their audience.
Everyone was enjoying themselves, and if he and Blaise were on edge, no one else noticed.
"What will we do about him?" Theo asked Blaise during one loud scene where the music blasted over the speakers.
"We can't leave him alone, for starters," Blaise answered.
"I think we need to both be with him at night and take watches."
"I think I need to tell my mother, too," Blaise added, "How the hell do I tell my mother that her son wants to end his life?"
"I don't know, but I can come with you."
"Why is Rilo taking this so seriously?" Theodore asked, feeling bemused.
"Sala was-is? His everything."
"Did he get the butterflies with Sala?" Theodore asked, knowing about the unique family magic of the Zabini boys.
"I don't know; he never told me."
"Now we have to sneak back," Regulus groaned three hours later when the movie was finally over, and everyone stretched to get blood back in their limbs.
As the credits began to roll, Rilo started to herd everyone out of the cathedral.
"Now we have to get back." Rilo agreed nonchalantly, already moving out of the theatre and into the cool night.
"Maybe this Muggle thing isn't so bad after all," Draco said, with Sala nodding eagerly.
"We can go again and do those other things you suggested."
Ursa said, smirking, though it was obvious the boy was exhausted.
Theo knew the boys would come begging Rilo eventually. And it was likely the boy didn't even tell them how ridiculous they all looked in their attempt to look like Muggles.
Theo saw it, but he thought it was still nice that everyone had made an attempt for Rilo, despite it being Sala and Draco's birthday.
Theo watched as Rilo retreated to his room, his usual vibrant energy dampened by a cloud of sadness. It had been a long day, filled with laughter and distractions, but Theo and Blaise knew better. They could sense the turmoil beneath Rilo's façade, the heaviness that weighed on his heart. Without a word exchanged, they shared a knowing glance and followed Blaise's brother into his room.
Theo gently closed the door behind them, casting a soft, warm glow from the room's enchanted candles. Blaise moved closer to Rilo, his hand reaching out to tenderly brush against his arm. "Hey, Rilo," he murmured, his voice filled with genuine concern. "We know something's been bothering you. You don't have to pretend with us."
Rilo's defences wavered, and his eyes welled up with unshed tears. He turned to face his friend and brother, allowing them to see the vulnerability he rarely showed to others. "I... I just... I couldn't let them see how much it hurt," he whispered, his voice cracking.
Theo's heart ached as he moved closer, enveloping Rilo in a gentle hug. "You don't have to bear it alone, Rilo. We're here for you. Always."
Blaise joined in the embrace, his arms encircling both Theo and Rilo. "We love you, Rilo. And we won't leave you to face this darkness by yourself. We're here to chase away the shadows."
Together, the three friends stayed entwined, finding solace and strength in each other's presence. They talked late into the night, sharing their fears, their hopes, and their dreams. They laughed, they cried, and they offered unwavering support, knowing that healing began with the simple act of being there for one another.
Theo found himself grateful that the coldness had all but wiped away around him and Rilo's brother, which was such a relief he nearly wept himself.
As the moon reached its zenith and the weariness settled upon them, Rilo's eyes grew heavy, exhaustion finally taking hold. Theo and Blaise exchanged a knowing glance, their unspoken agreement palpable. They carefully guided Rilo to his bed, tucking him in with tenderness and care.
Sitting by Rilo's side, Theo spoke softly, his voice laced with determination. "We won't leave you, Rilo. Not tonight, not ever. We'll take shifts watching over you, making sure you're safe until morning."
Blaise nodded in agreement, his eyes never leaving Rilo's sleeping form. "We'll keep you protected, my brother. You're not alone in this battle."
They settled into their vigil, one laying in bed, wrapping his arms around the sleeping figure, while the other remained alert, watching for any signs of distress or unrest. The night wore on, but the boys remained steadfast, their love and concern acting as a shield against the darkness threatening to consume Rilo's spirit.
Hours passed, and the weight of exhaustion began to bear down on them. Blaise gently nudged Theo, his voice hushed. "Go get some rest, Theo. I'll keep watch for now."
Theo reluctantly nodded, and they switched places, wrapping himself around Rilo and holding him as if his life depended on it. Blaise gently squeezed Rilo's hand before making his way to a nearby armchair. Theo closed his eyes, finding solace in knowing that Blaise was there, keeping Rilo safe. The sounds of steady breathing and the warmth of their shared love wrapped around them like a protective cloak.
In the soft light of dawn, Blaise joined the other two in bed, and Theo stirred from his slumber long enough to acknowledge his best friend. Rilo's eyes fluttered open, too, and he looked up to see Theo and Blaise watching over him, their expressions filled with love and unwavering support. His face shuttered, and tears flooded them again, and he quickly shut them, snuggling back against Theo's chest where it had been a moment ago.
Theo smiled, a sense of hope blossoming within him. "Rilo, when morning comes, we'll talk to the Duchessa together. We'll find a way to face whatever it is that's troubling you. You don't have to face it alone anymore."
Rilo made a noncommital sound and pulled Blaise to spoon him from the back, and Blaise complied, wrapping his brother with love to the best of his ability.
Theo and Blaise exchanged a glance, their determination mirrored in their eyes. They knew that together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead. United by love and friendship, they were prepared to weather any storm that threatened their bond. They would both do anything for Rilo.