A/N: This is the last chapter without Barnaby. Enjoy :)


Year 10

Early Winter, 1993

One year.

Arah could hardly believe it had been exactly one year since that heated night during Combat Training, since Callum swept her away into his office.

Arah had surprised him. A bottle of Goblin-made Whiskey- his absolute favorite- and incredibly difficult to get. Arah had to pay Jae extra just to get her hands on the bloody stuff. But he came through for her as he always did.

She'd given it to him that morning in his office. Perfectly wrapped in a Slytherin-green bow.

"What's this for?" Callum had asked, cocking his head playfully as she hopped up on his desk.

Arah noticed the confused glint in his eye.

He'd forgotten.

Not that their relationship started in any formal sense of the word, but still. The reminder shouldn't have needed saying. The heaviness spread through her chest like spilled ink, staining the morning with something she couldn't quite scorgify.

"It's been a year." Arah reminded him, smothering her disappointment through a smile.

"Since?"

"Since we've started seeing each other," her smile faltered, only slightly.

"Yer kiddin' me," Callum gasped, "Nay, that can't be."

"It is!" she laughed lightly, giving him a playful shove. "Now open it."

Callum squinted at her playfully before tearing apart the wrapping, his black eyes widening at the gift.

"No fuckin' way," he blinked, "how'd ye even find this?!"

Arah beamed, a sense of accomplishment warming her chest.

"A lady never reveals her secrets," she flipped her silver hair, smug.

"Cheeky lass." He gave her a crooked smile, leaning in close, "Thank you. Now how bout' we reenact that night a year ago, aye? Flump won't miss us if we disappear for a wee bit."

Arah teased, brushing her bottom lip with his, giving him only a taste. "How about we wait until tonight?"

His eyes glinted with anticipation. "It's a date, then. I'll make it up to you for being a shite boyfriend, aye? I promise."

Arah laughed, but her heart had already begun to guard itself. These promises — they were so easily made, so easily broken.

"Deal," she said, the word light on her tongue, heavier in her chest.

That had been this morning.

Now, the day had slipped into twilight, and Arah stood before the mirror for what felt like the tenth time as she adjusted her clothes, then her hair, then her outfit again. The anxiety gnawed at her, an uneasy pulse that thrummed in her chest as she waited for Callum's arrival.

She couldn't seem to stand still. Her feet carried her across the room without thought, her eyes darting to the clock as if it could make the minutes pass faster.

As the light outside deepened into dusk, her restless pacing brought her back to the dresser, where the familiar postcard lay, seemingly waiting for her. A small, almost involuntary smile tugged at her lips as she reached for it.

Greetings from Sydney it read in big, cheesy letters. An image of a giant Koala climbing the Sydney Opera House covered the front — the absurdity of it making her smile a little wider.

She flipped it around, tracing the familiar handwriting with her finger. She had memorized every word by now, but even so, she read it still.

Happy 21st Birthday, Arah. I hope it's filled with all the happiness you deserve.

With lo

You're friend,

Barns

P.S. The wallabies here are more terrifying than any creature I've faced so far. I swear, someone is feeding them Strengthening Solution. They are bloody jacked.

P.S.S. Miss you.

It was a simple thing.

Barnaby had sent it to her on her birthday. It was the first time she'd heard from him since the night he left.

It was the best gift she had received that day.

A soft knock jolted her back to reality.

She scrambled to tuck the postcard away, adjusting her sweater and giving her hair a final flattening before opening the door.

Callum grinned cheesily, holding a bouquet of flowers in one hand and a cupcake in another.

"Happy anniversary, Arah."

Arah's heart stuttered.

Lilies.

She hated lilies. Had told him once before — how the smell dragged up every awful memory she'd buried. Too many reminders of death; Rowan's funeral, her Dad's...

Maybe he'd just... forgotten.

She swallowed, plastering on a smile.

"How thoughtful of you," she smiled, accepting them kindly.

"And you're favorite!" He presented the cupcake proudly.

Strawberry.

Arah's heart sank.

Her favorite was chocolate — it had always been chocolate.

"What's the matter?" Callum asked, brows furrowed.

The words caught in her throat. She wanted to tell him.

Instead, she tightened her smile so hard it almost cracked.

"Nothing!" she said brightly, "Nothing at all. Thank you, Cal." She leaned in, kissing him on the cheek.

"You don't like it?" he frowned.

"No, no, I love it!" she rushed out, voice pitching too high. "I just — I'd hate to spoil dinner, you know?"

Callum looked at her, skepticism flickering across his features. But he only offered his arm. "Shall we go then?"

"We shall."

It was silly, really. To get worked up over such nonsense. Callum was sweet and thoughtful in his own way. Arah was determined to put these feelings aside. It wouldn't ruin their night.

It was ridiculous, really. To be so thrown off by something so small. But the feeling lingered, coiling tight in her chest, a knot that wouldn't loosen. Callum was sweet, thoughtful in his own way. Arah squared her shoulders, determined to bury the unease bubbling inside. Tonight was special. She would push it aside — it wouldn't ruin their night.

A chilled breeze swept through the cracked window, ruffling the curtains and cooling Arah's flushed skin as she lay naked on her side, facing Callum with that lazy smile of his.

"I can't believe it's been a year," he said, voice warm.

Arah gave him a small smile. "Yeah. Time flies."

He reached over and tucked a strand of silver hair behind her ear "I know I'm not always the best at this. But... I've never felt like this before- with anyone. I'm glad it's us. I'm glad you put up with me, despite my stubbornness."

"Don't forget arrogance, too." Arah laughed, giving him a playful nudge.

He let out a husky laugh, his smile fading as he looked deep into her eyes, the silence stretching between them.

"I love you, Arah."

She froze.

Her throat constricted. The words caught somewhere deep, like they didn't belong to her.

Say it back. Just say it.

It was just a breath. A blink.

But the silence between his words and her reply yawned wider than it should have.

Instead, she forced a smile and reached for his hand. "Thanks," she said, voice small.

The word dropped between them like a stone.

There was a long pause. She could feel it pulsing in the air between them.

Callum blinked, his smile faltering at the edges. "Thanks?" he repeated, his voice curt.

Her throat constricted, "I'm sorry, Cal, I -"

"No, no," he interrupted quickly, sitting up and raking a hand through his hair. "It's fine. I shouldn't expect you to... I mean, you don't have to say it if you're not ready."

His words were kind, but they moved around the edges of a wound, his heart bruised.

Arah squeezed his hand tighter. "I just need time," she said, willing him to believe it.

Callum offered her a sad smile and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Take all the time you need. I don't regret telling you how I feel."

Arah pressed her lips to his, her mouth lingering to signify her unspoken thanks and understanding.

They lay there a moment longer, bodies close, yet hearts painfully guarded.

They dressed slowly, in a silence that buzzed with awkward tension. Neither of them mentioned the heavy, unspoken thing sitting between them, hulking and invisible.

"Are you sure you don't want to spend the night?" Arah asked as she walked him to the door.

"Nay, not tonight. I've got an early morning tomorrow helping Flump manage the mess the Dementors have caused at Hogwarts. It's a bit of a shite show."

Arah frowned. She knew there was more to it. His ego had been wounded. He was embarrassed.

"Okay, see you tomorrow then?"

"Bright and early," he said, forcing a grin. He pressed a final, fleeting peck to her lips. "Goodnight, Arah."

"Night, Cal." She smiled.

Arah closed the door softly behind him and leaned her forehead against it, exhaling a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.

Across the room, the lilies drooped sadly in the vase, their sharp, bitter scent thick in the air. The untouched cupcake sat beside them, its frosting beginning to slump.

Without thinking, she crossed the room, scooping both into her arms in one sweeping motion and tossed them into the bin, the sound of it hitting the bottom louder than she expected.

Arah stood there a long moment, staring at the trash can, her chest tight.

Then she turned off the lights and went to bed, feeling lonelier than she had before the night began.

Two Months Later

The late evening was frigid, their breaths pluming in the wintery air. Arah's cheeks stung as they walked side by side, boots crunching softly on the frozen gravel that led to Jacob and Olivia's flat just outside Hogsmeade.

Callum's hands were in his pockets. The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable—just... expectant.

"So," he said casually, "have you had time to think about your answer?"

Arah glanced over at him. "Answer to what?"

He gave her a dry look. "Don't do that."

She swallowed, looking straight ahead to avoid his gaze. "I'm still thinking about it."

"Right." He nodded, jaw tightening just slightly. "Just figured it's been a few weeks."

His steps slowed a bit, but not enough to break pace. The unspoken words hung between them like mist in the cold.

"If you don't want to move in with me, just say so." He sighed, raking a hand through his black hair.

"I know." Her voice was quiet. "It's not a no. I just... haven't decided."

Before either of them could fumble for more, the door to the cottage opened ahead of them.

"There's my favorite sister!" Jacob's voice boomed from the doorway, warm and full of light.

Arah let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding and smiled.

"You're one and only," she called back, her laughter echoing through the quiet night.

"You're late. 5 points from Gryffindor."

"Blame him," she teased, jerking a thumb toward Callum. "He wanted to change shirts three times."

"Rude," Callum muttered.

Jacob laughed, stepping back to let them in. "Come on, Olivia's already pouring wine. She made her famous chicken and that thing you love with the caramelized onions."

The warmth enveloped them, thawing her frozen fingers and nose as the smell of roasted vegetables and something herby curled in the air. Olivia greeted them with her usual warmth and enthusiasm, hugging Arah tightly (even though they see each other nearly every day) before guiding them into the dining room.

Dinner was lovely, of course. Olivia's cooking never disappointed, and Jacob was in rare form—telling ridiculous stories from their school days, going into detail about the time Jacob and Olivia had once snuck a batch of love potion into Filch's goblet during the Christmas Feast. He had stood on the table and professed his love to Madam Pince in front of the whole school.

They laughed and drank as the wine flowed easily. There were flickers of old comfort, the kind that came from being around people who'd come to know you fully and whole.

Arah caught herself staring across the table—not at Callum, but at the way Jacob's hand rested so effortlessly over Olivia's. The way she leaned into him without thinking. The way he looked at her when she wasn't even speaking.

And something in her chest pulled tight.

"So, Liv and I have something to share with you." Jacob interrupted, grinning so wide Arah thought she'd never seen him happier. "Do you want to show them, love?"

Olivia was nearly vibrating as she beamed, holding up her left hand. A beautiful sparkling sapphire ring glinted on her ring finger.

Arah's mouth dropped. "Shut up."

"We're getting married." Jacob squeezed her hand, looking at Olivia with such adoration, Arah could sense the love bursting from him.

"Congratulations to you both." Callum grinned, raising his cup in cheers.

Arah ran over and squeezed Olivia, her heart nearly bursting with happiness for the two of them. Olivia had grown to be somewhat of an older sister to Arah, always looking out for her and encouraging her. Arah couldn't wait for her to become part of their family.

"I'm so happy for you two!" Arah squealed as she hugged her brother, "When's the big day!?"

"Alright, alright, calm down, Pip. I only just asked her last week." He grinned, bringing Olivia's hand to his lips and kissing it.

"I don't care. Tell me everything." Arah pressed.

After dessert, Olivia began clearing plates, Callum offering to help like the gentleman he was.

Jacob looked to Arah, his familiar voice echoing in her own personal thoughts.

Want to go for a little nightly stroll? For old time's sake?

Arah smiled, giving him a nod, recalling the peaceful nights they would enjoy when he was still blind. How Arah would describe the way the snow sparkled in the moonlight or the way snowflakes fluttered slowly down from the sky.

"Liv, you okay if Pip and I step out? It's been ages since I've had my little sister to myself."

Olivia nodded as she scrubbed a plate clean. "Of course."

"I love you, fiancé of mine." Jacob pressed a quick kiss to her cheek, "Save a few dirty plates for me."

Arah gave Callum a quick wave before the two of them stepped out.

The garden path behind the cottage was lit with soft floating lanterns, flickering lazily like fireflies. It was beginning to snow, the flakes clinging to her heavy cloak.

"I am so happy for you, Jacob," she said, clinging to his arm like she used to when she would guide him through his affliction. What had started as a necessity had now become habitual- she appreciated the closeness it brought them. "You and Olivia- it feels so right."

"It is right." he said simply. "I don't think I realized how much I needed her until I had her. I know we've been together for a while, so it's not like a shock, but... it still feels surreal. Good surreal."

Arah looked at him then, really looked. The soft affection in his eyes. The certainty in his posture. The quiet happiness of someone who'd found exactly what he needed.

Something inside her squeezed painfully, quiet and aching.

Arah looked to her feet, feeling the snow cling to her lashes. "How did you know?" she asked.

He glanced at her. "Know what?"

"That Olivia was the one."

Jacob smiled, the corners of his mouth curling softly. "Because she's the one I never had to convince myself about."

Arah stared at the path ahead.

"It wasn't dramatic. It wasn't fireworks or chaos. It was... easy. And safe. But also exciting. Like, even on the dullest days, I still want to hear her thoughts on the weirdest, most pointless things."

Arah snorted at this. Olivia's weird facts and puns always seemed to brighten her day.

"And because she gets me. Doesn't mean we don't fight. But we see each other. Really see. And we want the same things."

Arah's smile didn't quite reach her eyes. The air felt colder, the snow falling heavier.

Jacob glanced sideways at her, brows raised. "You alright?"

"Yeah." Arah tugged at her sleeves. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"You only say yeah like that when you're not."

She huffed a soft laugh. "You're so annoying."

He grinned. "Yeah, well, I'm your brother."

They kept walking, boots leaving prints in the snow. Finally, Jacob broke the silence again, more thoughtful this time.

"Something wrong with Callum?"

She hesitated.

"No," she said automatically. Then, softer, "I don't know."

Jacob tilted his head, studying her. "Callum doesn't make you feel that way, does he?"

She hesitated. "He tries."

"But?"

"I just don't feel seen by him. Like, he doesn't take the time to know me in the small ways you're supposed to. "

Jacob didn't say anything right away. The silence stretched, but it wasn't uncomfortable.

"He loves you?" he asked finally.

"He says he does."

"But do you believe him?"

Arah stared up at the snowy sky, blinking fast. "That's the thing. I don't know if I believe me."

Jacob looked at her gently, knowingly. "You don't love him."

She said nothing.

He didn't press.

The snow had stopped falling, leaving behind a hush only winter could bring. Their boots crunched over the frosted path as they made their way home, the world around them glittering and still.

Arah walked alongside Callum, her arm brushing against his. He was saying something — a joke, maybe — but she hardly heard him. Her mind was tangled in her brother's words, playing over and over again.

She's the one I never had to convince myself about.

Arah realized it now.

She'd been making excuses for Callum — trying to convince herself for months that things between them were fine.

But they weren't.

Not really.

You don't love him.

The words struck like a hex, tearing open the truth she had fought to bury. She didn't love him. She couldn't — not after learning what it meant to be truly loved, completely and without condition. Not after feeling it from the one person who had loved her best all along.

Arah's steps slowed. A sudden stillness settled over her, and for the first time in a long while, she felt like she could finally breathe.

She stopped walking altogether.

Callum went a few paces ahead before noticing. He turned around, frowning.

"Arah?" he called, concern threading through his voice. "Something wrong?"

She had to say it. She couldn't keep pretending.

Arah hugged her cloak tighter around herself, her heart squeezing painfully. She struggled to find the words, but they all tangled at the back of her throat.

"I, um-" she choked back a swell of emotion.

He moved toward her, gripping her arms gently. His brow furrowed. "Hey, talk to me."

Arah stilled her trembling lips, willing her beating heart to steady.

Just say it. You have to.

"I think..." She swallowed hard, voice barely more than a whisper. "I think I need some space."

Callum took a step back, his face darkening at her words.

"Space?" His voice broke.

She met his gaze, and her heart plummeted. There was such raw confusion there, such hurt. But she had to be honest with him- with herself.

"Just for a little while," she said, her voice shaking. "I need time. To figure out what I really want."

He gave a short, brittle laugh, forcing a half-smile. Like he was waiting for her to say she was joking.

"Figure what out? We're fine, Arah."

She shook her head. "I don't think we are."

"Nay, you don't mean that."

But she stayed silent, the look on her face saying everything she couldn't.

"Why?" he stammered, "I don't understand."

Arah hesitated, fighting the tears burning behind her eyes.

"Sometimes I feel like you don't see me- like you don't even try."

He laughed — a sharp, nervous sound. "This is about the flowers, isn't it? And that bloody cupcake?"

She swallowed hard. " It's not just that, Callum. It's—it's how it made me feel."

He looked at her, confused and a little desperate now. "Fuckin' hell, Arah. It was a mistake. A stupid mistake! You know I didn't mean anything by it."

"That's the problem!" She pressed, frustration growing.

For a moment, he just stared at her, like he didn't understand at all.

"So what, you're really going to end things over something so small?"

"No!" she said quickly. "I'm not ending it, Callum. I'm asking for a chance to breathe. To be sure. I owe you that. I owe myself that."

He laughed, but the sound was hollow. "Sounds a lot like ending it."

"I'm sorry," she said honestly.

He took a half-step closer, reaching for her hand but stopping short. "Arah, please. Don't do this. I can fix it. We can fix this. I'll be better. I swear it."

She looked up at him then, searching for truth behind his promises.

She wanted to believe him. Merlin, part of her did believe him.

But even if he tried to be better, he didn't understand what needed fixing. Not really.

And that gap between them — the one she'd been trying so hard to pretend wasn't there — felt impossibly wide now.

"I just need time," she said, tears blurring her vision. "Please."

Callum stared at her, helpless. He opened his mouth—then shut it again, like he didn't know what to say.

For a long, aching moment, they just stood there, the frozen world pressing in around them.

Finally, he just nodded once, stiffly.

"Okay," he said hoarsely, stepping forward and pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead.

"I love you, Arah," he mumbled into her hair. "I hope you figure it out, I really do."

She watched him behind blurred vision, the distance between them growing with every step. He hesitated once — like he might come back — but then, with a sharp crack of Apparition, he was gone.


A/N: Welp. I think we've seen the cracks forming in their relationship for a while- maybe even since the beginning.

Callum isn't necessarily "the villain" here — they're just not right for each other, and that's sometimes even harder to walk away from. He is a flawed character and blind to his own faults.

Life is messy. Sometimes it takes being with the wrong person to realize they were never truly meant for you. Arah is learning that now.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Let me know what you think! And get ready for an explosive reunion...