Caelum Lestrange wasn’t a patient person, only potions being the exception. After all, why would he be, if his family was supposed to be waited on from the moment they appeared.
It was the reason why he was so frustrated right now.
The Floo station was filled to the brim. It seemed as if everybody wanted to go home after a day of work, and Caelum wasn't an exception.
He loved Potions, he really did; but after the Tournament fiasco, it was as if a small part of his love for it had been dirtied. Sometimes, when he was in front of a cauldron, all he could picture was Harry's face, her disappointment, her anger, even her sadness. She had already forgiven him, but at night, it was sometimes all he could think about.
His thoughts were interrupted when a movement took his attention. A brown-haired boy was sitting in front of him, on the other side of the hallway.
If Caelum had to guess, they were probably the same age. He didn't know what it was, but something about him called to his magic, to his senses. He seemed familiar, but he didn't know from where. He stopped thinking about it when the station was finally empty enough for him to leave.
The days following, Caelum would always see him, even if the place was packed. Hazel eyes in front of him, just looking around, waiting. He was the last thing he would see before leaving for home; a bulky-looking guy, whose body would be considered an oddity in his circles, in which musculature wasn't a priority.
Caelum got attached without realising it.
He'd anticipate seeing the hazel-eyed boy. Felt his heart beating faster the closer he was to the station, as if the mere knowledge of seeing him made his body go into overdrive. They never interacted properly, but he cherished their encounters.
He didn't even know his name.
It was ridiculous, to feel such a way for someone he had never actually met, but his magic, and even his body, couldn't lie. The only upside was that the guy felt the same. Caelum noticed he'd always be looking at the doors until he stepped in, and then his eyes would follow him to his seat. It made his heart race, his neck warm. He wasn't used to be the centre of attention, not unless the Brat was counted, and Caelum didn't, as Harry would always pay attention when it came to Potions–or Potioneers.
He finally learned his name months later by happenstance.
Caelum stopped in his tracks when he noticed a redheaded lady standing close to his seatmate. For once, his hazel-eyes weren't focused on him, but on the woman beside him.
"We shouldn't get involved, Leo. It's dangerous," a desperate tone in her voice made it crack at the end.
Leo, a star name. It was apt, for someone whose magic felt so fierce, so gigantic.
"We were involved the second she was attacked, Rispah," he replied, frustration colouring his voice.
Caelum had never heard his voice before. It was deeper than his, with more cadence.
Rispah argued, "let the Aurors take care of it!"
"The alleys are going to be attacked, it's meant to happen. We are the largest gathering of muggleborn, halfbloods, and squibs in all Britain. We need to be prepared." He said with finality.
The woman nodded, and left, but not before throwing him a look. "We'll back you."
He closed his eyes, and only opened them after a sigh was heard from where he knew Leo was. Their eyes connected, icy blue to hazel, the chill of winter clashing with the sweetness of honey.
He didn't hear his voice again for a while, but he was able to see his appearance. How each day, he'd look more tired, ragged. The frequent attacks by Death Eaters taking a toll. Even Caelum was affected, bags under his eyes, shaking, shrinking into himself.
Their demeanour changed the moment Harry appeared.
Leo's eyes shined, looking at her. She had called his name, and now, Caelum didn't have his attention. His gaze was focused on her approach. He could see how a little vitality seeped into his body; and how Harry herself looked softer, less guarded.
Caelum was jealous.
He wanted to be that for him, for her. He wanted the fondness on both of their eyes, the loving smile. He wanted it all. He wanted to feel him, her, in his arms, the same way they were now.
His unhappiness stopped when she turned her eyes to him. Her bright, almost unnatural green gaze collided with his blue, and Caelum could recognise the same fondness swimming in it.
"Caelum," she called him, a surprised tint in her voice. She went to his side and grabbed his hand, breaking the months-long physical boundary with Leo. "This is my friend. Leo, Caelum Lestrange. Caelum, Lionel Hurst."
Shaking hands, Caelum marvelled at finally being able to touch him; to feel him. After so many months, he had almost given up ever touching him, but now here they were, and all thanks to Harry Potter.
The touch had ignited something inside of him.
Caelum entered the station the next day. He was met halfway through, the two of them standing in the middle. Strangers surrounding them, without noticing. Another Thursday.
"L-Leo," he stuttered, and he wanted to die from embarrassment.
"I don't know you, and I miss you already," Leo admitted. "I wait for you every day."
The station was full to the brim, but Caelum only had eyes for him. Panic seeped the place when the lights blackouts.
A bad feeling creeped up his spine.
He searched in front of him, and his hands found Leo's face. Taking all his courage, he kissed him.
"I love you," Leo murmured.
His heart skipped a beat, and then he knew no more.
***
Diagon's Disaster: Floo Station left in ruins after Death Eater Attack.
The Aurors are searching for survivors.