Argus Filch shuffled through the halls of Hogwarts, Mrs. Norris trailing at his heels. The new school year was underway and he was eager to catch students breaking rules. As caretaker, discipline and order were his life's purpose.
Coming around a corner, he nearly collided into a student hurrying by.
"Watch where you're going!" Filch growled.
The student turned. It was Astoria Greengrass, a Slytherin girl of petite stature with long dark hair. "Sorry," she murmured, not meeting his gaze. She continued on her way.
Filch watched her go, a flicker of intrigue sparking in him. She had always been different than other students. Quiet, but kind. And with a subtle beauty.
He shook the thoughts from his mind. Such musings were ridiculous. He was an aging, embittered caretaker and she, a young witch from a proud pureblood family. They inhabited different worlds.
But that brief interaction sparked a fascination in Filch. He found himself noticing Astoria as she went about her day. He admired her graceful movements and shy smiles. An unfamiliar longing to connect with someone filled him.
Opportunity arose late one night when Astoria entered the trophy room, not realizing Filch was there polishing awards. She gasped. "I'm sorry, I couldn't sleep and just wanted to walk."
Filch nodded, fighting the urge to send her back to her dormitory. Instead, he gestured for her to sit. To his surprise, she did. They began talking.
Filch learned Astoria was lonely being the youngest Slytherin in her year. She felt overshadowed by her popular older sister. Astoria in turn saw past Filch's rough exterior to the sensitivity in his soul.
So started a series of secret nighttime meetings in the trophy room. They'd talk for hours, slowly opening up. Astoria made Filch laugh with her wit. She drew pictures of cats when he described Mrs. Norris’s exploits. He fascinated her with stories about the castle and its many artifacts.
During the days they'd exchange furtive smiles across the Great Hall. At night, they'd meet and continue unraveling each other's hopes, fears and dreams. One evening under the candlelight, they shared a tender first kiss.
As winter break approached, they made plans to meet in Hogsmeade on Christmas Eve. Filch waited nervously at the Three Broomsticks, hoping Astoria would come.
When she arrived, his heart leapt. They sat in a private corner, sipping warm butterbeer. Filch shyly gave her a silver necklace he'd purchased for her, a cat pendant with emerald eyes that matched Mrs. Norris.
"It's beautiful," Astoria breathed, kissing his cheek.
Later, they walked hand in hand down snowy streets aglow with holiday lights. At the edge of town, they stopped to admire the starry sky. Astoria turned and looked at Filch adoringly. "I don't care what anyone thinks. You make me feel so happy and alive. I love you."
Filch hugged her close, a mix of euphoria and fear rising in him. He wanted this but was old, cantankerous, and set in his ways. Could he really make her happy?
Sensing his hesitation, Astoria gazed at him earnestly. "The heart wants what it wants. Please, don't let doubts keep us apart."
Filch nodded, knowing she spoke the truth. She saw the man beneath the bitter surface. With her, he became his best self. "I love you too," he confessed.
As snow fell gently around them, they kissed, ready to follow their hearts into this unlikely but beautiful romance.