Annie woke up the next morning feeling exhausted but happy. It felt like everything in the world was right.

She just loved birthdays. There was something about celebrating the day someone came into the world with nothing but pure happiness in your heart that made her smile. Even if it wasn't her birthday, she couldn't help but be ecstatic.

Plus, her birthday was quite possibly the only day she felt normal. Because it was the only day she didn't mind attention, actually welcomed it with a smile on her face. Today was no exception.

"Happy birthday to you," a soft, sweet voice began to sing.

Annie opened her eyes to see the sunlight cascading into her bedroom. Perkins crawled up onto the bed, stretching his short legs before curling up against her side. Annie's eyes moved toward the door where her mother, father, and brother were creeping inside with giddy smiles on their faces. Her parents detested their own birthdays but always made a big deal out of theirs. Especially Annie's, as it wasn't only a celebration of her birth but her survival. Plus, James had started to hate his birthday too so they all enjoyed making a big deal out for the only person who enjoyed them.

"Happy birthday to you. We love you, sweet Annie. Happy birthday to you," Evelyn sang while she and the rest of the Riddles walked into the room. Her mother sat on the bed and rested her hand on Annie's leg while her father followed behind. James went to the other side of the bed.

"Happy birthday, Annalise!" Her mother exclaimed, wrapping her arms around her tightly and squeezing hard.

"Mum, you're choking her!" James exclaimed with a laugh before joining in on the hug. "Happy birthday, sissy. You're finally twenty-one."

"Thank you both," Annie said with a huge smile that went from ear to ear. Finally, the two of them pulled away and Tom leaned in, giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead and a much less suffocating hug.

"Happy birthday, my little princess." Her father's voice was smooth and low. It was quite possibly the most comforting sound in the world, at least in Annie's mind. Well, maybe it was second to Elio's now.

"Thanks, Daddy."

The day went by in one, happy blur. First, there was breakfast, which was thankfully not cooked by her mother because her mother was a horrible chef. The one time she'd attempted to make Annie's birthday waffles was the time when three of them ended up having to be healed by her Father before Perkins had to go to the vet because he accidentally ingested a piece. Though she would admit, that was certainly a memorable birthday.

Needless to say, they had a cook for a reason.

Annie spent the rest of that morning dolling herself up for the special day. She took a relaxing bubble bath while Perkins purred and played with stray bubbles. Then, she let her brown waves dry naturally while she doused them with several products. Finally, she put on a bit of makeup, including some mascara and gloss. The look was finished with a white bustier sundress with lacy cap sleeves, some white flats, and tiny gold hoops. Annie looked at herself in the mirror before smiling. She felt pretty. She felt like a woman. Not just a girl.

Annie wondered what Elio would say if he could see her now. You're so beautiful, topolina, his voice whispered in her head. She smiled as she imagined him cupping her cheek and kissing the lipgloss off of her. Oh, Merlin, Annie, you're going crazy. Smiling at nothing and imagining voices.

Annie had never considered herself a beautiful person. She thought she might have been pretty but she also thought she was rather plain, especially compared to her mother. Evelyn was known for her style and ethereal beauty. Annie wasn't really known for anything other than being sweet or cute. It didn't exactly help her confidence.

But one man noticed her. Elio noticed her in the corner of the room out of dozens of ladies. So perhaps she didn't look like her mother but maybe she was beautiful in her own way. He certainly made her feel like she was.

"Annalise, darling, are you—" Her mother cut herself off with a gasp, her hands flying to her mouth. "Oh, Annie. Oh, you're so beautiful."

"Mum…" Annie could feel her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink.

"I'm serious, darling," her mother said as tears filled her grey eyes. "You've just grown into such a wonderful woman. I've never seen anyone more beautiful than you."

"You are, Mummy," Annie whispered, her eyes in the mirror flashing between her own reflection and her mother's. "I wish I was as pretty as you. I'm nowhere near as beautiful as you."

Evelyn's eyes widened. "Oh, darling, you don't really think that do you?" Annie nodded softly. Evelyn quickly rushed across the room and wrapped her arms around her daughter's. Annie instinctively sank into her mother's embrace, leaning back into her tall body. It was just another way Annie felt different.

"I'm nothing like any of you," Annie said softly.

"Sweetheart… do you know what I see when I look in this mirror?" Her mother asked as the two of them stared in the mirror. Evelyn placed her hands on Annie's shoulders while Annie shook her head. Evelyn smiled. "I see your brother's mischief in the brightness in your eyes that are a perfect blend between mine and your father's. I see my curls in the waves of your hair, the ones that are the same color as your grandmother's. I see your father in the way you clench your jaw when you think or when the light hits your cheekbones just right. I see the freckles that match your uncle's. I see myself in the softness of your smile, like you aren't quite sure if you want to share your happiness with the world. I see the beautiful baby girl I spent seven and a half months creating, the one that couldn't be anything less than a miracle on Earth. I see my daughter. The beautiful girl that is a perfect blend of her parents yet something entirely wonderful on her own."

Annie's vision blurred with the stinging onslaught of tears that threatened to escape. "Mummy…"

But Evelyn squeezed tighter and smiled. "I know there isn't as much darkness inside of you as there is in your father and I but I love that because it means your childhood was light. We didn't know happiness like you and your brother did. I know you don't enjoy the Dark Arts and I know you weren't in Slytherin House but those things don't matter, my darling. We humans are so much more than any of those little traits. We're entire beings made up of so many small things. So maybe you don't have a few of the big things in common with some of us, yes, but you are so much like us. You read romance books with me, you enjoy the quiet parts of life as I do, you love as deeply and as truly as your Father, you are attached to your own little pet as he is to that damn basilisk—" Annie laughed. "—and you are ten times the woman I ever was. We have spent twenty-one years loving you just as you are. So please don't change because you don't feel like you belong. You couldn't be more wrong, baby girl. From the moment you came into this world, you have been ours."

Now the tears were truly flowing down Annie's face. She turned around and wrapped her arms around her mother's waist and hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Mum."

She couldn't even put into words how much it meant to her to hear that. To know that maybe there wasn't something wrong with her. Maybe she was more of a Riddle than she thought.

"Of course, my darling. Now come on." Evelyn leaned back and smiled, squeezing Annie's cheeks as she did so. "Today's a happy day. You're becoming more and more of a woman each year. Let's celebrate that, yeah?"

Annie smiled back. "Yeah."

Evelyn spent a few minutes fixing Annie's makeup from where it smudged with the tears. And when Annie looked in the mirror again, she saw it. The similarities between her and her mother. The shapes of their faces, the fullness of their lips, their long lashes and almost-matching hair. Maybe she's right, Annie thought with a small smile to herself. Maybe I am more like her.

Tom walked into the room. "Ready to go, girls?"

"Yup!" Annie said, hopping up and grabbing her father's hand as they all prepared to apparate together.

Every year, the three Riddles spent Annie's birthday traveling to Hogsmeade to shop and enjoy the small town feel. Since she wasn't allowed out often, it was one of the few times when Annie felt like she was part of the regular world. She didn't have to worry about her safety—not with her Father right next to her and Death Eaters swarming the little village—so she could just enjoy being a normal girl. It was nice. So much so that their little outing was easily her favorite day of the year.

Annie smiled as they appeared in Hogsmeade. It was an unusually sunny and warm day for January but she enjoyed the warmth, giggling as water dripped onto her from the melting snow on the cottage peaks. She spotted a few of her Father's followers—ones who'd appeared at Riddle Manor on occasion. Her father nodded to them before looking down at her and smiling.

"Where to first, princess?" He muttered.

They spent the next few hours going around the shops, popping into the Three Broomsticks for lunch and a few sips of Butterbeer. Annie didn't particularly enjoy the taste but since it was her birthday, she drank it anyway and enjoyed the slight buzz she got afterward enough to make it worth it.

Her father treated her to many new dresses, books, and even a few music books for her piano. At the end of the day, before they headed back home, they stopped by the ice cream parlor. Annie always enjoyed the way the cold ice cream hit her teeth on the frigid winter days. Her father told the two girls to head inside.

"What's he doing, Mum?" Annie asked after they ordered.

"Apparently, a child of a rebel he vanquished back when we were at Hogwarts is showing signs of a potential attack. But he must have learned from his father because your Dad is having trouble finding him." Annie's face must have fallen because Evelyn smiled gently, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Don't worry, darling. Your father is very powerful. He and your brother will keep us safe."

But even Evelyn couldn't keep her voice from wavering slightly.

Annie decided to drop it for now, grabbing her vanilla ice cream while her mother took a hold of a dark chocolate cherry cone. After a few minutes, her father came back outside, holding a vanilla ice cream of his own. "Hey," he said with a soft smile, pointing to his treat and then hers. "The apple doesn't fall from the tree, eh?"

That made Annie smile.

They apparated home, where Evelyn had planned (not cooked) a wonderful birthday dinner. James was acting odd, fidgeting during the whole thing but Annie attested it to the lack of sleep he had the night before courtesy of their little outing last night. The day was over far too soon, though Annie appreciated the smiles it brought to her face.

She was sitting with her mother and James in the den by the crackling fire—a book in Annie and James's hands and embroidery in Evelyn's—when her father walked in. "Alright, I'll be back in a few days. Be safe. Be smart. Let me know if you need me." He tapped his head before turning to James. "Keep them safe."

"Bye, Daddy!" she called out with a smile.

"Bye, princess," he said with a soft one back. "Happy birthday."

And then he was gone. But before the air could even get cold, Evelyn had pinned her grey eyes on the two siblings on the couch. "Alright you two. Spill. What's going on?"

Annie's eyebrows furrowed with confusion. "What?"

But then she noticed the way her brother was shifting uncomfortably in his seat while their mother stared at him. "I don't know what you're talking about. I—"

"James Arcturus Riddle. I birthed you and raised you myself. If you dare try to lie to me again, I will go and get your father so fast that—"

"Fine!" James huffed. "Jeez, Mum."

"What's going on?" Annie asked as her eyes flashed between the two of them.

James started to rub the back of his neck. "Well, I sort of planned a little birthday surprise while you three were out…"

"Is it what I think it is?" Evelyn said. James just sighed and tapped his head. Annie watched as their eyes glazed, clearly talking in their heads.

"Go get it, James."

"But—"

"Now!" Her brother sighed just as her mother began to rub her forehead and mutter under her breath. "I can't believe you thought you could keep this from me. You're lucky your father didn't catch on."

"What's going on?" Annie cried.

Her mother smiled softly. "Your brother thought he could plan a surprise without me knowing. I know everything, sweetheart. Don't forget that."

"Okay…"

A minute later, there was quite a ruckus coming from the front door. "Hey! Stop manhandling me! Precious goods here— Oh hey. You have a banger of a house, mate, why haven't you invited me over here before?" she heard a familiar voice call out before her brother hissed, "Shut up, Nott."

Annie felt her heart lighten infinitely. Was it him? Was he really here? All day, she had wished he could be there with her. It felt ridiculous to even voice inside her head—she just saw him yesterday—and yet hearing his voice in her house felt like the best gift she could be given.

Soon, he appeared in the door with James grabbing him by the ear with a half-scowl, half-amused expression. Elio looked around the den before his eyes landed on Annie. A smile lit up his face. "Hi, topolina," he whispered. "Happy birthday."

"Elio!" she cried before she ran to him, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. He instantly hugged her back, tracing his hands along her spine while his head rested against her.

"I swear you get even more beautiful each time I see you," he muttered under his breath. "How does it feel to be one year older?"

"It's great. I—"

But they were interrupted by the clearing of a throat. Annie broke back from the hug to see her mother looking at her expectedly. Evelyn wore a stern expression but her eyes were light as she took in the sight.

"Oh, Merlin, it's you, Mrs. Riddle—" Elio began but Evelyn pinned him with a look.

"Please, Elio. You've never called me Evelyn and you don't need to start now."

"Sorry, Evie," he said with a sheepish smile.

Annie furrowed her brows. "You two know each other?"

Elio squeezed her waist. "Our mothers are friends, remember? I can't believe I didn't notice the resemblance at first… How are you, Evie?"

"I'd be better if my daughter's boyfriend wasn't planning on sneaking into our home later tonight."

So that's what they were talking about. Elio's face turned bright red, reminiscent of a tomato. "Sorry, Mrs. Rid– Evie. It's just… I mean, Annie's birthday… I… sorry."

Evelyn shook her head at the two boys. "You're lucky your father didn't catch on," she said to James with a look that suggested they'd talk later. "Sneaking someone onto our property is strictly forbidden."

"But, Mum, it's her birthday. I wanted to—"

"Your duty is to this family. To our safety. Not to selfish whims." Annie felt a pang in her heart before Evelyn's voice softened. "What's done is done but it is not to happen again. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, Evelyn."

"Yes, Mum."

She smiled softly. "Alright then. Welcome, Elio. Make yourself at home." Her mother turned to Annie. "You're an adult so I'm trusting you. Don't make me regret it."

Annie gulped. "Okay, Mummy."

"Goodnight, children. Behave tonight. And welcome again, Elio. If I don't see you before you go, tell your mum hello for me."

"Will do, Evie. Night."

When she left the room, a collective sigh was released. "Man. I thought she was going to murder me."

"I kind of hoped she would," James muttered under his breath before smiling gently at Annie. "Happy birthday, sissy. I'll see you in the morning." He pinned Elio with a glare. "If you try anything under my roof, I swear to Merlin, Nott, I'll—"

"You'll cut of my balls and make spaghetti with them. Yeah, yeah." Elio waved his hand nonchalantly while James stood with his mouth agape. Annie couldn't help but giggle, which made Elio's hand tighten on her waist even more.

Finally, they were alone.

Elio's mouth instantly descended onto hers. Annie gasped as his tongue delved into her mouth, welcoming him instantly. "Happy birthday, baby. Ready to celebrate?" he murmured.

She smiled. "Definitely."

I love the little lines I've put in about Annie feeling different lol. I was rereading this story and I realized how many there are where she doesn't feel like she belongs and yet Elio constantly notices the similarities between her and her parents (and her brother), James remarks how much she reminds him of their mother, and her parents (in their story) said already how similar she was to them. It just goes to show that you never know what another perspective might bring. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder (which is how I know you're all beautiful as hell). 333

Also, I know this is a filler but the next one won't be and I like having moments that aren't totally Elio and Annie focused anyway. Some extra plot is nice. Next one will be Elio's POV and spicyyyyy