Disclaimer: Everything belongs to J.K.R!
Thanks to Cal the Wandcrafter for doing the beta-read thing!
Hope you like this One-Shot!
Enjoy! \(0w0)/
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Susan's heart raced like never before as she grappled with the challenge her friends had set – to introduce her secret muggle boyfriend to her wizarding circle. Anxiety knotted her stomach. Her friends knew about her boyfriend's muggle status, and Susan dreaded potential ridicule or mistreatment from them. Perhaps it was all in her head, but the fear loomed large.
Since Neville Longbottom's triumph over Voldemort eight years ago, changes had slowly woven through the wizarding world, reshaping norms around relationships. While the stigma against Purebloods mingling with Half-Bloods or Muggleborns had diminished, the debate around wizard-muggle romantic relationships persisted, often centred on security and safety concerns.
Susan hadn't paid much heed to these discussions, though her friends constantly warned her. The endless chatter left her ears burning, warning her about the complexities of a relationship with a muggle. She knew many relationships were built on falsehoods, born from fear of abandonment, ignorance of the unknown, or the perceived abnormality. Rarely did these tales end happily, often ensnaring one in an abusive cycle once the secret was unveiled. The victims extended beyond just the magical partner; even their magical children were impacted by the tumult. Only a handful found harmony, living peacefully with acceptance.
Susan refused to let her relationship meet such a dire fate. Her feelings for him ran deep, and she wasn't about to give up without a fight.
With resolute determination, Susan resolved to unveil her true identity by bringing him to meet her friends at the recently opened café. The aftermath was a concern left to ponder. She hoped fervently that Harry wouldn't flee in fear upon discovering her real self.
Susan anxiously lingered on Charing Cross Road, repeatedly checking her watch and scanning passing cars, anticipating Harry's arrival. She knew he'd prefer his own vehicle over public transportation.
Startled by a tap on her shoulder, she turned to find her beloved boyfriend, wearing his signature grin.
"Harry!" Susan exclaimed, instinctively enveloping him in a tight hug.
He chuckled at her surprise. "Sorry about that! You're adorable when you jump like that."
She huffed, cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"So, where's this café? I don't see it around here, and your friends we were meeting… I'm surprised you're alone," he remarked, a hint of confusion in his voice.
Susan fidgeted at Harry's question but tried her best not to show it. She reassured herself that everything would be fine.
Taking a deep breath, she replied, "My friends are already waiting at the café. I wanted to pick you up myself. Come on, it's over there," Susan took his hand and led him toward the door adorned with a familiar old sign, a place he'd only visited occasionally. He looked puzzled.
But just before entering, Susan turned to face him, her big blue eyes meeting his.
"Something up, Sue?" Harry queried, sensing her unusual demeanour. Was she planning a surprise? But his birthday was months away, dismissing the thought.
Susan met his gaze boldly, her heart racing. "Harry… whatever happens inside and whatever I do before we get to the café, please don't react. I'll explain everything there, I promise."
Perplexed, Harry raised an eyebrow at her peculiar request. 'What's going on?' he wondered. Despite his confusion, he chose to play along, offering her a reassuring smile, signalling he wouldn't cause trouble.
Relieved, Susan visibly sighed, her tension easing slightly. Harry noticed her change in demeanour. 'Now I really want to know what she's up to.' he pondered her actions with an inquisitive look.
Deciding to play along entirely, Harry nodded, taking her hand as they continued toward the café without further questioning.
Harry remained quiet as they ventured through the peculiarities of the dingy pub. Floating objects, odd attire, and the murmurs of incomprehensible words coloured their journey toward the wall leading to Diagon Alley. Susan, with trembling hands, swiftly tapped her wand against the bricks, sliding it back into her pocket.
"Well that's cool!" Harry remarked, admiring the scene. Susan simply smiled in response.
"Come on, Harry... not far now to the cafe," she urged, gripping his hand tightly, almost as if fearing his disappearance.
Throughout their stroll, Harry gawked in wonder at the magical surroundings, despite being accustomed to using magic daily. His feigned enthusiasm occasionally drew Susan's eager glances.
In less than five minutes, they reached their destination.
Cafe 90's, the newest hotspot in Diagon Alley, emanated a nostalgic vibe. The cafe, owned by a young muggleborn couple who migrated to the wizarding world but sought to retain their roots, boasted a 90's era theme. Every decor piece in the place hailed from their personal collection – cassette CDs, magazines, posters, and an assortment of ornaments adorned every nook. The cherry on top was the selection of tunes, perfectly fitting the ambiance.
A cosy haven, perfect for nostalgia or gatherings among the younger wizarding generation.
Harry nodded approvingly at some of the muggle artefacts as they passed. Susan, observing his reactions, felt a wave of relief, hoping the cafe's atmosphere would put him at ease.
Harry found Susan's behaviour perplexing. Her actions, along with her choice of the cafe, raised questions in his mind. London housed numerous fantastic places, many closer than this. Why this particular spot?
"Hey, everyone!" Susan greeted her friends, who were deep in jovial banter. They settled at a strategic table, nestled in a corner near the second-floor balcony, providing a clear view of Diagon Alley.
"Susan, you made it!" exclaimed one of her friends, welcoming both Susan and Harry with an expansive grin.
The pair settled into the only vacant chairs at the table.
"Apologies for keeping you all waiting," Susan said, placing her handbag down.
"You've made the wait worthwhile," remarked Hannah, casting a sultry glance at Susan's boyfriend.
Susan shot her a fierce glare, prompting Tracey to chuckle and offer a silent apology on Hannah's behalf.
Breaking the tension, Harry offered a warm and polite smile. "Hello, I'm Harry," he introduced himself, diffusing the awkward atmosphere.
Susan was surprised by Harry's initiative to introduce himself first. He was thoughtful. Hastily, she added, "Um, yeah… guys, this is my boyfriend, Harry. He's a Doctor at a St. Bartholomew's in London," feeling embarrassed she hadn't introduced him herself.
Regret gnawed at her for agreeing to their demands.
"Hi, Harry! I'm Hannah," she greeted, accompanied by a suggestive wink.
"Next to her is Tracey and Padma," Susan interjected, irritated by Hannah's behaviour. Confusion clouded her expression as she scanned the room. "Where are Daphne and Hermione?"
"They had some urgent tasks. You know Daphne's a healer, and Hermione works for DMLE," Tracey casually explained.
"I work for DMLE too. What happened?" Susan inquired.
Padma nodded in agreement, "But you're not needed tonight. Just enjoy the evening, right, Harry?" she directed at him with a warm smile, attempting to ease the situation. Susan huffed, but Harry gently squeezed her hand to soothe her.
"So, a Doctor, huh? That's like being a Healer, right? Healing people?" Tracey probed with curiosity.
"Yeah, it's quite similar," Harry replied succinctly.
"So, how did you two meet?" Hannah inquired, maintaining her seductive demeanour, much to Susan's chagrin.
"Great question!" Harry chimed in, eager to share. "We crossed paths at the hospital where I work. Susan was handling a case, and the victim was under my care in the trauma ward of the ICU, that's the intensive care unit, by the way. The patient was in a bad state and needed to have several wounds stitched up, and she came running in trying to get his witness statement. She needed my permission before taking them back to the Ministry for questioning," Harry recounted, prompting a nervous nod from Susan. "We bumped into each other a few more times, and it just escalated from having lunch together to… well, being together," he chuckled, delighted with his own storytelling.
Padma and Tracey nodding in understanding, while Hannah was just tossing flirtatious glances at him.
Susan's Auror instinct perked at the mention of 'Ministry', she didn't remember ever telling him that she would take the victim to the Ministry. She clearly said she would take them to the Police station.
"How can you heal people without having any magic?" Tracey pondered aloud.
Susan shot Tracey an incredulous look at the potentially dangerous query. Tracey returned her gaze with a look that said, 'Isn't this why you brought him here?
Annoyed, Susan rolled her eyes.
"Well, being a doctor isn't easy. It requires years of study, unlike being a healer, which only necessitates a two-year apprenticeship," he explained casually, taking a sip of butterbeer.
Susan's Auror instinct kicked in again. "How do you know it's only a two-year apprenticeship?" she blurted out.
"Hmm? How did I know? My mother was an apprentice before I was born. She had to pause during pregnancy because it was risky, but she never resumed after giving birth due to the war," he shrugged.
"The war?" Padma queried, confused.
"Yeah, the war. Mum and Dad were from the West Country, but I was raised in South France and only moved back about 7 years ago - but still everyone in the world knew that Magical Britain was under threat by a Dark Lord at that time. If I recall correctly, his name was Voldemort." The table fell silent, eyeing him strangely.
Susan spoke up in disbelief and incredulity. "So… you're a wizard?!"
"Uh... Of course? I thought you knew that already." Harry responded casually.
They walked away from the café in an awkward silence, Susan consumed by a desire to hide from the world. The embarrassment was too overwhelming for her to even look at him.
"So, you thought I'm a muggle, huh?" he teased, noting her reddened face.
She nodded slowly, her embarrassment evident.
"You knew all along that I'm a witch?" she questioned, a hint of anger lacing her words.
He rubbed the back of his head, admitting, "Yeah, I realised it when I heard your surname and observed your behaviour during our dates in muggle London."
"Then why didn't you say anything! I always thought you were a muggle!" Her upset was palpable, feeling humiliated in front of her friends.
He sighed. "I didn't know you saw me as a muggle. I assumed you knew!"
They exchanged a complicated glance.
"I didn't realise...," she murmured, thoroughly embarrassed. "I never picked up on it."
"I'm sorry. I should've handled it differently. I should've been honest with you from the moment I heard your name, but we never really found the right time for a proper conversation," he admitted.
"You're right. I... I was the one who avoided it whenever you tried to discuss anything beyond work or my daily life, which I filtered heavily. I'm so sorry," she confessed, casting her gaze downwards in shame.
"Susan... how serious are you about us if you still saw me as a muggle?" he asked unexpectedly.
At the entrance of the Leaky Cauldron, Harry's question hung between them, a silent presence.
Susan, keeping her gaze fixed on Harry, took a moment to collect her thoughts. "Harry, I want you to know how serious I am about us. Whether you're a wizard or a muggle, it doesn't change how I feel. Despite not having everyone's approval, my feelings for you remain unchanged. I care deeply about you, Harry. Before today, the idea of losing you or having your memories wiped had me terrified beyond belief," she admitted softly, her voice tinged with sadness, avoiding eye contact.
Taking a deep breath, Harry moved closer, gently holding her hands. Startled, Susan flinched but still averted her eyes, focusing on her shoes.
"Look at me, Susan," Harry urged gently.
Reluctantly, she met his gaze, tears shimmering in her eyes.
"I really, really like you! Meeting you at the hospital changed my life in ways I never imagined. I've come to understand what my father always talked about regarding life. I can't imagine my life without you." Harry confessed, tenderly kissing her hands, a warm smile on his face.
Her eyes widened at his heartfelt words, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Worried, Harry asked, "Susan, are you alright?"
She shook her head, wiping her tears, managing a smile before enveloping him in a tight hug, whispering softly. He held her close, returning the embrace and placing a kiss on her forehead.
"I'm okay, Harry!" she murmured amidst her emotions. "I'm just... so happy..."
Keen to hear her words again, he playfully prodded, "Sorry, I missed that. Say it again?"
Their banter turned into shared laughter and affection. With a bright smile, Harry pulled away and grasped her hand in his. "Alright! Since we left before we had dinner, how about we grab some ramen? There's a great place nearby or we could buy some packs and cook it together at my place?" It was the first time he had invited Susan over.
She hummed, "I don't know what ramen is, but it sounds wonderful,"
He gasped dramatically. "You're kidding! How do you not know about ramen?!"
Susan pouted at him with a face of mock anger. "I'm serious! Is it like... fish and chips?" She asked, puzzled.
He scoffed. "It's way better than that! I'm sure you'll love it!"
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