I suppose there was one good thing about my parents shipping me off to Hogwarts every year, not that I would tell anyone what that reason was. No, because in order to remain who I was at the school and not embarrass my father, I had to hide the one thing that made me the happiest. That one thing being Wanda Maximoff, a shy girl from the Hufflepuff house. I knew that she would be trouble for me the minute I set my eyes on her. Both of us were shipped here by our parents from the States, the only difference was the pedigree. There were schooling options in the States, but no, that wasn’t good enough for our parents, they needed us to attend a school a million miles away, in a different country, because they went there as children. I couldn’t completely blame them, it was one of the most renowned schools of wizarding in our world, but I’m pretty sure a school closer to home would’ve been just fine. A million years ago, my dad was a stupid quidditch prodigy and made a name for himself and the Slytherin house, which has been passed down to me. It was pretentious and stupid, but every year he had drilled it into my head that I couldn’t do anything to ruin his reputation, not only was that burden put on me, he also placed it on my sister Yelena. Of course, she was perfect and didn’t do anything that would risk his reputation. I was the one who fell in love with the girl from Hufflepuff.
I didn’t even see the big deal in it. It wasn’t like dating someone from a different house should be that big of a deal. He didn’t even care that I wanted to date women, only that they were in the same house. I wasn’t sure why that was the hill he chose to die on, but that brought us to where we are now. In front of others, I had to pretend that Wanda didn’t exist, that she didn’t set my very soul on fire with just a small glance. I had to pretend that I hadn’t fallen in love with her two years ago when she offered to help me study for potions.
***
Another day in potions class and another day I didn’t understand what I was supposed to be doing. It was frustrating and embarrassing. It also didn’t help that I had the words of my father breathing down my neck every second of every day. I had gone to the library and decided to try studying for class tomorrow. I couldn’t get it down and it made me want to hurl things against the wall.
“Hey, you’re Natasha, right?” A small voice asked, causing me to look up.
I felt stunned. It was Wanda Maximoff. The same Wanda Maximoff that I knew could melt my heart. I knew that from the moment I saw her with the sorting hat on top of her head. She was shy, her eyes electric and saying the words her mouth didn’t. She really didn’t talk much in class, honestly this may be the first time I’ve ever heard her speak. But her voice was so calming, it had found a way to wrap around my heart and gently squeeze it. The kind of squeezing that made you physically feel it in your chest. It was like she wanted me to know she was someone safe, someone I could talk to. She’d been sorted into Hufflepuff and I could see why. I knew she was smart but on top of that, she was clearly kind. I realized that she’d asked me a question and shook my head clear before reconnecting our eyes.
“Yeah, Romanov. Natasha Romanov. Ugh, yeah, I’m Natasha.” I said with a groan.
“You’re cute, Natasha Romanov. Do you want a partner for potions?” She asked with a small giggle.
God, that giggle. There were no words to describe the way it was bouncing around in my head. Lighting up the darkest corners of my mind with its gentle, melodic tone. I was already fucked, but I swore to myself that I would find a way to hear her laugh again and again until I had enough memories of it to last me a lifetime.
“You actually understand what we’re doing in there?” I asked in disbelief as I shook away my thoughts.
“Yeah. And I’m offering to help you. Unless you don’t want the help of a lowly Hufflepuff?” She asked, tilting her head slightly.
Let me tell you, I have never felt my heart stop so quickly. There was something about the damn head tilt, it stopped my heart and I suddenly wanted to know how else she could make my heart stop. But I also felt pain with her words. She somehow thought that the house she was sorted into had any bearing of how I saw her, what I thought of her. And that wasn’t the case, could never be the case.
“Why would you being in Hufflepuff be a problem?” I asked.
“I know who your dad is, Natasha. I also get bullied by your sister. I know that your family has a problem with people who aren’t in Slytherin.” She said softly.
“Yelena bullies you?” I asked, a frown on my face.
“Yeah, but it’s not a big deal.” She tried to dismiss it.
“No, it is a big deal.” I said firmly.
“What do you want her to do? Go against your dad? You’re clearly the only one that’s willing to do that. Considering the fact that you’ll even talk to me right now.” She said with a shrug.
“No, Wands, it’s not okay. I’m going to talk to her about it.” I said, shaking my head.
“You just called me Wands.” She said softly.
“Oh fuck, is that not okay with you?” I asked quickly, feeling a panic rising.
“No, no, it was just cute. I didn’t expect it. You can call me that. Honestly, I wasn’t even sure you knew my name.” She quietly admitted.
“Oh, okay, cool. Uh I really don’t understand what’s going on in potions, so I could really use your help. But I remember you. Uh, not from like any interactions, this is obviously our first one. I just remember the day you were sorted. Oh God, that sounds so creepy. I remember it in a non-creepy way, I promise. You were just so pretty, you are pretty! You’re still pretty. Jesus Christ, yeah, yes, I need help in potions.”I rambled out, overcome by embarrassment.
“Anything for someone as pretty as you.” She said, pulling out a chair and sitting down and I felt the blush deepen on my cheeks.
We studied together for hours, not noticing how late it had gotten. The entire time, she flirted with me and I did my best to flirt with her as well. I learned that her brother was on the Gryffindor quidditch team and that being apart from him made her feel more anxious than usual. For some reason, knowing that made me feel a pang in my chest, wanting to do anything I could to lessen the anxiety she felt. Talking to her felt like talking to someone that I’d known forever and all I wanted was to know her for even longer. It was probably premature, but I wanted to know her for the rest of my life. I knew she had to go, but I wanted to walk her back to her room, not ready to say goodbye.
We walked through the halls, no one else in sight, I had to stop myself from reaching out to grab her hand in mine. But as if she knew that I wanted to do that, her hand slipped into mine, gently linking our fingers together. I couldn’t keep the smile off of my face, looking away to not give it away to her. It was amazing how much effect a hand in mine could have on me. I just felt an overwhelming calm take over my body and I wondered if she felt the same way.
“I do.” She whispered softly.
“You do what?” I asked in confusion.
“Feel the same way.” She explained.
“How did you know I was thinking that?” I asked, my frown growing.
“I’m not sure. I’ve only ever been able to do that with Pietro. We were told that it was because we had a shared mental connection. I suppose that could be true about us.” She said with a shrug.
“So you can hear my thoughts?” I asked.
“Kind of? Only when you think about them really loudly, like you have been since we started walking back.” She said softly.
“So you couldn’t hear them before? Like at the table when you first came up to me?” I asked.
“No. Why? Did you think of something you don’t want me to hear?” She lightly teased, bumping my shoulder with hers.
“Shut up.” I mumbled, thinking of the ways I wanted to make her shut up as we reached her door.
“So make me then.” She said.
Right, the whole mind thing. Though it wasn’t fair that she could read my thoughts and I couldn’t read hers.
“That’s why I tell you, anđeo.” She said with a small laugh.
“Did you just call me angel?” I asked, wanting to make sure I understood.
“I did. So why don’t you make me shut up?” She taunted.
I made sure to check my surroundings before quickly leaning in to kiss her. It lasted two seconds at the most and I knew that I wanted to kiss her more. Without saying a word, she reconnected our lips, causing my breath to catch in my throat in surprise. Right, the mind thing. I wasn’t going to complain about it when it was getting me where I currently was. I felt jittery. I really hoped this wasn’t the last time I would get to do this with her, that I would be able to see her again even if it had to be in secret, I needed more with her. I needed more time, more kisses, more hand holding, more conversation, if you could think of it, I needed more with her.
“I need more with you too.” She whispered against my lips.
***
Since that day, we had been sneaking around with each other. Something that wasn’t exactly easy. Especially since Wanda was the worst liar I had ever met. It was honestly so cute, I just hated the fact that it was going to possibly end up outing us. Thankfully, I knew that there was one teacher on our side. Not so much on our side, but she knew about us and she understood what was going on.
***
“Nat, come on. No one’s even awake right now.” She giggled, pulling me off into a hallway.
“You say that but I’m pretty sure Snape patrols the halls at night looking for kids who are doing exactly what we’re doing.” I argued.
“You don’t even know what we’re doing.” She said with a giggle.
“All the more reason to tell me.” I tried.
“Nope. Not gonna be that easy.” She said softly.
“Oh really?” I asked, pinning her to the wall.
“Uh huh.” She said, her eyes darting down to my lips.
“See something you like, Wands?” I asked with a smirk.
“Something I love.” She mumbled.
“Yeah?” I asked, leaning in even closer.
“Mhm.” She whispered, nodding her head.
I didn’t tease her any longer, leaning in and connecting our lips quickly, basking in the small moan that escaped her lips. God it sounded so good. I had no idea what her plans were tonight but there was no way I could complain about this. About being here in this moment when she was making noises like that and all I had done was kiss her. We were snapped from our bubble when we heard someone clear their throat, causing us to jump apart.
I felt my blood run cold. This was it. Someone caught us and now my father was going to know. He would know I’m a disappointment to him, that I’ve embarrassed him and the worst part was that I actually cared. I had never thought I really cared until this moment. But all I could feel was panic and nothing Wanda was saying to me was helping. I finally made eye contact with the person that had caught us and saw kind eyes looking back. Professor McGonagall. That almost gave me a sense of relief. Almost.
“What are you two doing out at this hour?” She asked calmly.
“Would you believe it if I said going to the library?” I tried.
“Natasha.” She warned.
“Okay, okay. I don’t know what we’re doing.” I admitted.
“You expect me to believe that?” She asked, raising an eyebrow.
“No, it’s true professor. It was kind of a surprise. I have a picnic set up for us down by Hagrid’s hut. He helped me set it up.” Wanda admitted.
“Are you two, dating?” She asked curiously.
“Yes.” I answered quickly, swallowing any fear I may have.
“And the sneaking around is no doubt because of your father?” She asked.
“Yes.” I confirmed, causing her to nod as she thought.
“You know, you’re fortunate enough to have had it be me to catch you. It very well could’ve been Professor Snape. And what would you have done then? He, without a doubt, would have told your father immediately what he found. How long has all of this been going on?” She asked.
“About a year and a half. Well, today’s the half mark. That’s why the picnic was planned as a surprise for Nat.” Wanda finally spoke.
“Enjoy your picnic. Get better at your sneaking if you truly wish for your father to remain in the dark about this. I’ll keep Snape busy for the night.” She said, turning swiftly and walking away.
“Holy shit.” I breathed out.
“I know.” Wanda whispered, a hand coming up to rub at her temples.
“Well, you heard what she said, let’s go enjoy the picnic and figure out how to get better at sneaking around.” I said, grabbing her hand and pulling her off towards Hagrid’s hut.
***
But the sneaking only got harder. Not because Professor McGonagall knew, but because I loved Wanda more than anything and I just wanted to shout it to the world. The small things I was allowed to take delight in were no longer enough for me. Exchanging glances, Wanda hearing my thoughts while I tried to tell her different stupid jokes I came up with and I had finally become able to listen to her thoughts. The jokes always made her laugh, even if she tried not to. She was currently trying not to listen to my thoughts, sending me a look to tell me to shut up. She knew that if she gave in and answered me, I wouldn’t shut up and at least one of us needed to understand what was happening in this class so they could teach it to the other later. She was trying to be the one to understand. Though she could only ignore me for so long before she started to feel bad and gave in.
“But Wands, imagine if you walked into a bar and there was a long line of people waiting to take a swing at you…” I thought.
“Nat…” She warned.
“That’s the punchline.” I thought, trying not to move.
“What is happening to your face? Are you having a seizure?” She asked.
“Trying not to laugh.” I said before breaking into a fit of coughs.
“That’ll teach you.” She said with a smirk on her lips.
“You know the smirk only makes me want to kiss you.” I said, internally groaning.
“Hence why I’m doing it.” She said, shaking her head.
“So is there a way I can see you tonight?” I asked.
“Isn’t Yelena supposed to hang out with you?” She asked, a small frown on her face.
“Like she’s going to care if I cancel?” I asked.
“She cared the last time you did, and then I was the one that heard about it.” She said with a groan.
“Is she still bullying you? I don’t get why. She knows we’re together and she loves you. She loves spending time with you when we all hang out so I don’t get it.” I said, looking down at what I was supposed to be working on.
“You know I’m not going to answer that. The last time you literally threatened her and you’re already in enough trouble for the whole Tony thing a couple of weeks ago.” She said.
“And apparently the threats didn’t work. As for Tony, I stand by what I did. He hit on you.” I said as we were let go from class.
“Yes, and he didn’t know I was taken. But he’s also very confused about why you were the one th beat him up. Just, don’t do anything stupid. I’ll be waiting in the library if you can sneak away in time.” She said before walking away.
I groaned and made my way to find Yelena, fully prepared to bounce her head off the floor. I found her hanging out in the Slytherin common room alone and she immediately knew I was pissed.
“Oh stop it. I can’t just be nice to her because you’re dating her.” She said, rolling her eyes.
“You can, actually.” I said with a glare.
“And how do I explain that to the others?” She asked.
“You know, she thinks you hate her.” I said with a sigh.
“Well I hope you told her I don’t.” She said, her attention finally on me.
“I’m just supposed to read your mind and know that you don’t hate her?” I asked.
“Well, why not? You read hers.” She said with a shrug.
“Apparently you and I aren’t connected enough.” I said.
“Well, when you see her after ditching me, let her know I don’t hate her.” She said with a nod.
“You know, you can’t keep playing hot and cold with her. Every time we go back home, you always act like you love hanging out with her and then we get here and you act like a twat.” I said with a groan.
“You’ve been here too long, you’re using their lingo.” She said with a laugh.
“Whatever. Can you lay off with her, please? Tell your little posse that you’re bored with her or something.” I said.
“Fine. Can you apologize to her for me?” She asked.
“Yeah. But that means you have to let me leave now.” I said.
“Yeah, yeah, we both knew you were going to skip out on me tonight anyways.” She said, waving me off.
“You’re the best, I love you.” I said before rushing off.
“I love you too.” She said with a laugh.
I ran off, making my way to the library as quickly as I could. Just as she promised, she was waiting for me with a smile on her face.
“You bailed on her.” She said, shaking her head.
“She let me off the hook.” I said with my own smile.
“Did she really?” She asked.
“She did, I promise. Also, she doesn’t hate you.” She wanted me to pass that along.
“She has a shitty way of showing it.” She mumbled.
“She’s going to lay off.” I said, wrapping my arms around her.
“Yeah? When we get back home or now?” She asked, looking at me with a pout.
“Now, my love.” I said with a small laugh.
“She said this?” She asked, still not believing me.
“She did. Now, what can I do to get rid of that frown?” I asked, kissing her nose.
“That’s not fair.” She said, fighting a smile.
“Why would I fight fair?” I asked with a smirk.
“True. You are a Slytherin.” She said with a wink.
“Oh shut up.” I said, rolling my eyes and backing away.
“No, no, no, don’t back away you’re warm!” She said, making grabby hands towards me.
“Nuh uh, Maximoff. You just insulted me with my house.” I said, shaking my head.
“But my kisses.” She said with a pout.
“Will be with me, over here.” I said firmly.
“We do all this sneaking around so you don’t get caught with me and now you’re taking away my kisses too?” She asked, her eyes growing wide.
“Does it ever bother you?” I asked.
“What?” She asked.
“The sneaking around? Pretending like you’re not in Hufflepuff when you come over back home? All of it?” I asked, unable to meet her eyes.
“Nat, I, does it matter? You’re worth it. I love you, you know that.” She said, a small frown on her face.
“I know, but I’m tired of it. I want to be able to show off my girlfriend, actually tell people I have one! I’m so sick of having to sneak around and hope someone doesn’t catch us! It’s exhausting. And we’re doing it all for what?” I asked, getting frustrated.
“Because we love each other. At least, that’s why I’m doing it.” She said quietly.
“Yeah, but why are we sneaking around? It’s because of my dad. Not because we want to.” I said, running a hand through my hair.
“And what do you propose we do? Just break up?” She asked, and I could hear her head screaming at her to shut up.
“Never.” I quickly said, forcing her to meet my eyes.
“Then what?” She asked gently.
“I have an idea.” I said, hoping she was too distracted by her swirling thoughts to have heard it.
“What is it?” She asked.
“Do you trust me?” I asked.
“Of course I do.” She said with a small frown.
“And you love me?” I asked gently.
“Nat, I’ve literally told you as much twice now. You’re the one who hasn’t said it back.” She said, rolling her eyes.
“I love you, I’ll meet you in the great hall for breakfast.” I said, kissing her quickly and dashing off.
“I love you too.” She thought.
I didn’t have time to stick around, instead finding Yelena still in the common room and fully prepared to tell her my plan. Knowing that she should probably be filled in since it was going to greatly impact her life as well.
“Yel!” I shouted, causing her to fall off the couch.
“What the fuck? I thought you and Wanda were making out in the library.” She grumbled as she got off the floor.
“I’m done sneaking around.” I said firmly.
“What? You idiot! You broke up with her?” She asked, quickly getting angry.
“No! What? Why would I- No. That’s not what I mean.” I said, shaking my head in annoyance.
“Then explain it to me like I’m four.” She said, rolling her eyes.
“I’ve made Wanda hide in the shadows for so long now and I don’t want to do it anymore. I don’t give a fuck about if dad will be pissed. He liked Wanda when he met her, even if it was under the assumption that she was in Slytherin with us. No one here knows we’re dating because it’ll get back to him but I don’t care anymore. So, I’m just simply done hiding her.” I said with a smile.
“Okay, I love that. But you still didn’t explain what you’re going to do.” She said, looking confused.
“Isn’t it obvious?” I asked with a frown.
“No?” She answered in annoyance.
“Just answer one question, do you care if I potentially blow up your life by not hiding Wanda anymore?” I asked.
“Nope. More power to you.” She said.
“Okay! That’s all I needed. Thank you! Love you!” I shouted as I made my way to my room.
“You too?” I heard Yelena call.
***
I was nervous, more than I thought I would be. Last night was a battle for sleep, my nerves flooding through my body. I knew Wanda could feel them as well, she frequently popped in my mind to make sure that I was okay. For the first time in a long time, I actually felt okay. I felt like I was going to take a huge weight off my chest and I was so anxious about finally feeling free but I couldn’t wait to experience it. Getting up for breakfast wasn’t hard, I was already lying awake in bed when everyone else started to wake up. I simply got dressed and made my way downstairs to wait for Wanda. She hadn’t arrived yet so I had gotten my food and sat down at my normal table, Yelena right next to me. Still pestering me for details on how I was going to potentially blow up her life.
Wanda walked in and instantly, the rest of the room melted away. I could see the blush on her face as she heard my thoughts about her. She walked in with a few of her friends and they all got food, sitting at their usual table, talking amongst themselves. Wanda kept sneaking glances at me, shooting small smiles my way while her thoughts invaded my head.
“You look like you haven’t slept.” She said gently.
“You know I really haven’t.” I shot back.
“True. But you’re still beautiful.” She said with a gentle smile on her face.
I leaned over to Yelena to let her know that the bomb was about to go off and she uttered an “oh shit” before giving me her full attention. I stood up with my food, making my way directly over to where Wanda was sitting with her friends, ignoring all of her questions invading my mind and setting it down on the opposite side of the table, earning a curious look from Wanda. I still had her to answer any of her questions as I made my way to the other side of the table, having everyone’s full attention on me, many of them holding their breath for what may happen. So I didn’t have the best reputation here, some people, Tony Stark, deserved to get their ass kicked. But everyone assumed that’s what was going to happen to Wanda. She was still looking at me, trying to figure out what was happening, her questioning thoughts bombarding my own. I held out a hand for her and she took it with a confused frown on her face, standing in front of me.
“What are you doing? Everyone is looking.” She said softly, eyes darting around the room.
“Let them.” I said, pulling her in for a kiss.
“We’re so dead.” I heard Yelena say with a laugh.
I ignored everyone else in the room, only focusing on Wanda and how easy and freeing it was to kiss her in front of a room full of people.
“No more hiding?” She asked, her lips still moving against mine.
“No more hiding.” I confirmed.
“And your dad?” She asked.
“Will be pissed.” I said.
“Think we should stop giving everyone a free show?” She asked.
“Let them look.” I said, pulling her even tighter.
After a few minutes, we broke away, the need for oxygen too much. She rested her forehead against mine gently, rubbing her nose on my own.
“You’re sure about this?” She asked softly.
“You are not someone I’m embarrassed by. I never could be. Let him be mad.” I said, pressing a gentle kiss to her nose.
“What will everyone say? The notorious Natasha Romanov is soft.” She said with a giggle.
“Only for you Maximoff.” I whispered before kissing her again.
Only time would tell how much trouble this would land me in, but I couldn’t find it in myself to care. I was done hiding this amazing woman away from the world and pretending that I didn’t love her. That was just something my father would have to deal with.
“Romanov.” I heard from behind me.
I pulled away from Wanda and turned around, coming face to face with Pietro.
“Pietro.” I said nervously.
“It’s about time you stopped hiding her.” He said with a bright smile.
“He knew?!” I asked, turning to Wanda.
“I told you he can hear my thoughts…” She said quietly.
“How much has he heard…?” I asked nervously.
“Only what I allow. Don’t worry.” She said with a wink.
“Are you here to give me the big brother talk?” I asked him.
“No. You clearly don’t need it if you’re willing to risk pissing off your father for her.” He said with a smile.
“Oh thank God.” I said.
“That being said, break her heart…” He said, smirking at me.
“Yeah, yeah, I know.” I said with a laugh as Wanda wrapped herself around me, pressing gentle kisses into my temple.
“Jesus Christ. That’s why you kicked my ass?!” Tony yelled as he walked into the great hall, and all I could do was bury my head in Wanda’s neck.
“Secret’s out.” She said with a small laugh.
“Worth it.” I reminded her.