Lumos; Chapter Six
Luke filled Reid in on most of the conversation once they’d escaped the hordes of reporters and made it safely to Margo’s office. An hour later they were free to leave, using a portkey Margo had set up to take them directly to the edge of Hogsmeade.
The walked mostly in silence up to the castle, hands clasped between them. When they came through the entrance hall, Luke was surprised to find things so quiet. He didn’t question it, though, allowing Reid to lead him through the halls toward the teacher’s corridor.
“I need to make a quick detour,” said Reid, and Luke was instantly suspicious. He frowned but followed Reid without question.
“Why are we here?” Luke asked. They were outside of the professor’s lounge.
“Why don’t you ask them?”
Reid opened the door, and suddenly they were greeted with cheers and whistles, a small crowd gathered in the room. A large banner floated in the air that read ‘Congratulations, Luke!’
Regardless of the exhaustion claiming his body, Luke stepped forward, a smile spreading over his face. Katie and Dervis stood at the front with their arms around each other. Casey was there, too, standing with Noah. Most of the other professors and even most of the ghosts were in attendance, cheering as he entered the room.
“You guys didn’t have to do this,” he insisted, hugging Dervis and Katie in turn.
“’Course we did!” insisted Dervis. “I’ll take advantage of any excuse to throw a party,” he grinned. “And I think this is a pretty damn good excuse to celebrate, don’t cha think?”
Luke laughed. “How can I argue with that?”
*
By the end of the night the color had returned to Luke’s face, Reid noticed. He didn’t dance as much as at the Christmas party, though Casey certainly tried to get him on the floor every chance he could, but it was clear that he was enjoying himself. He was smiling nonstop and Reid found it hard not to smile himself.
“He looks good, mate,” commented Dervis, standing alone with Reid off to the side.
“He does,” Reid agreed.
“I’m happy fer ya both,” said Dervis. “Looks like you’re gonna pull through.”
Reid was inclined to agree.
They were the first to leave the party, making the rounds and thanking everyone for showing up to support him. A few put up a fight, but Luke insisted that he was simply drained and needed some sleep. The crowd of supporters finally agreed to let Luke and Reid go, giving out hugs and final congratulations.
“Can I stay with you tonight?” Luke asked once they were in the deserted corridor.
“Of course,” said Reid instantly.
The walk to Reid’s room seemed shorter than usual, or perhaps they were simply getting used to it. They had nearly bad it to his door when they heard footsteps from behind, and turned to see Annie Judd coming down the tower steps and walking in their directly.
She stopped shyly, smiling apologetically as she approached.
“Good evening, professors,” she greeted.
“Good evening, Annie,” Reid smiled. “Is everything alright?”
“Oh, yes!” said Annie, “I heard you were back, and I wanted to come see you both and say congratulations.”
Luke beamed at her. “Thank you, Miss Judd,” he said emotionally.
“We all knew you would win,” she went on. “Everyone here was cheering for you, even the Slytherins,” she explained with a gentle laugh. “We’re really happy that you’re back. Classes haven’t been the same without you.”
Luke looked as though he might cry, but he bit it back, nodding gratefully.
“I really appreciate that,” he said thoughtfully.
Annie nodded. “I guess I’ll see you both in class tomorrow,” she said.
“That you will,” confirmed Reid. “Thank you, Annie.”
“You’re welcome, Professor,” she smiled. “Good night.”
“Good night,” Reid and Luke said in unison, watching as Annie skipped back up the steps.
Once inside Reid’s room the exhaustion Luke had mentioned before became painstakingly obvious. He practically collapsed onto the bed, taking a deep breath.
Reid moved around the room and a moment later there was music. It was slow and soft, completely instrumental.
“Come here,” he said gently, offering Luke his hand. Luke accepted, allowing Reid to pull him to his feet. Reid led him to the center of the small bedroom, wrapping an arm supportively around Luke’s waist, the other taking his hand. Luke was smiling in confusion. “I have now been to two parties with you, and yet we still haven’t danced,” Reid explained, smiling.
“Who would have guessed the Reid Oliver was a closet romantic?” laughed Luke.
“Don’t tell anyone,” warned Reid. “I have a reputation to uphold.”
“Your secret is safe with me,” Luke smiled.
He leaned into Reid, resting his head on the older man’s shoulder and holding him close. They swayed gently to the music, breathing each other in and relishing in the peace. Reid couldn’t even remember the last time he’d felt so… free. It seemed as though darkness had been lingering over him for so long that he’d forgotten what it felt like to just breathe and feel happy. Now, with Luke in his arms, he felt content for the first time in years.
“I love you, Luke,” he whispered in Luke’s ear. This wasn’t exactly how he’d planned to tell Luke, but he couldn’t imagine saying anything else in that moment.
Luke leaned back so they could see each other, a tired, but truly happy smile gracing his lips.
“I love you, too.”
*
Reid was amazed by how quickly things seemed to go back to normal. Within two weeks after the trial, even with Damian’s face appearing in the Prophet a handful of times, Luke was back to his smiling ways, even happily complaining about writing his N.E.W.T. exams and trying to catch up on grading papers. By Easter, Reid would have almost sworn that none of it had even happened based on Luke’s attitude and appearance. He knew better, though. He still spent a few nights a week with Luke curled against him. He witnessed Luke when he couldn’t quite fake it. He heard him dream.
He knew Luke, though. He hadn’t been lying about that back in the ministry. He knew Luke, and even through the occasional pain that would appear in Luke’s eyes, he could tell that Luke was happy again. His smile was sincere, and he would pass Luke’s classroom to hear laughter and enthusiasm in his voice. Luke was finally happy, and that was all that mattered.
“They’re calling you a hero now,” said Reid, sounding both impressed and entertained by the idea.
“I’m no hero,” said Luke modestly, unbuttoning up his robe.
“‘The identity of Luciano Grimaldi, the mysterious son of recently convicted Death Eater Damian Grimaldi and key witness to the case, was finally revealed during the trial to be none other than former Prophet writer and socialite Luke Snyder’ Socialite, huh?”
“Keep reading,” Luke laughed.
“‘Sources have confirmed with the family that Damian Grimaldi is in fact Luke Snyder’s biological father, and the Snyder was working in partnership with the Order of the Phoenix under Albus Dumbledore’s orders when he went undercover as a spy during The War. The Prophet has now learned the Snyder was responsible for information to the Ministry that helped to prevent several possibly deadly incidents throughout the Wizarding World. People are singing a different tune from two months ago when Snyder first came forward, many even calling him a silent hero of the war.’”
Luke rolled his eyes, coming to sit beside Reid on the bed. “I really hope these articles stop soon,” he sighed, reaching for the paper. “I think I’ll send Tabitha a letter. She’s editor now, she can kill these things before they are printed.”
“Oh come on, you deserve a little recognition,” said Reid, kissing the side of Luke’s head.
“You do realize we are going to argue over this for the rest of our lives, right?” asked Luke, frowning at Reid.
Reid laughed sympathetically. “Yes, but as long as we don’t go to bed angry, I think we’ll be alright.” He leaned in, pressing his lips against the cool skin just below Luke’s air. A smile finally crept onto Luke’s face as he turned to snag Reid’s lips with his own, the paper discarded somewhere on the floor.
*
The end of the year rushed by, a haze of exams and final papers. Some days it seemed to be going too quickly and other days dragged on without the end in sight. Still, before they knew it, it was June and the last day was upon them.
It was bittersweet, as the last day always is. Reid held a final Ravenclaw meeting where the seventh years announced their plans and final goodbyes were said.
“If you need any sort of recommendation, don’t hesitate to write me,” said Reid firmly.
Annie laughed. “Thank you Professor Oliver,” she said. She seemed to hesitate a moment before finally going with her gut and flinging her arms around the neck of the unsuspecting teacher. Reid stiffened a moment, caught by surprise, but quickly loosened up, smiling and hugging the young woman back.
“Good luck, Annie,” he said, giving her a final squeeze.
She smiled at him, adjusting the bag on her shoulder. Reid watched as she steered her trunk through the air with her wand, directing other students out of the common room.
Reid met Luke, Dervis and Katie in the Entrance Hall a short while later, careful not to get ran over by any floating trunks.
“I can’t believe this year is over,” said Katie sadly, but still smiling.
“It goes fast,” Dervis nodded. “You lot walking down to the train?”
“Of course,” said Luke happily, looking between them all.
“What about you, Reid?”
Reid rolled his eyes. “I suppose I’ll join,” he smirked.
They followed behind the crowd of students, helping to load the trunks into the final car before waving them off. Each window was crowded with small hands waving back at their professors, at the school they were leaving behind, some just for the summer and others for good.
Very bittersweet.
“I’m already anxious for next year,” said Katie as the four headed back to the castle.
“I don’t even know what all I’m doing this summer,” laughed Luke. “I don’t think I can even think about next year yet.”
“That’s right!” Dervis suddenly shouted, causing Katie to jump. “You’ll be back next year! Congratulations, Luke!” he said excitedly.
Luke laughed nervously. “Did you think I wouldn’t be back?” he asked.
“Well, your job is cursed,” chimed in Reid. “Congratulations, Professor Snyder. Assuming you don’t mysteriously disappear this summer, you will be the first Defense Against the Dark Arts professor in over fifteen years to return for a second year.”
“I hadn’t thought about that,” said Luke bashfully.
“The curse is officially broken,” Reid declared, wrapping an arm around Luke’s shoulders and kissing the side of his head.
“I expect you both over this summer,” said Katie demandingly. “No excuses.”
“Yes, ma’am,” said Luke with a mock salute.
“I told ye, Katie, we’ll double date the crap out’a this summer,” Dervis laughed.
“Oh, hush,” Katie smiled, slapping him playfully on the chest. He laughed again, leaning down to kiss her confidently.
The friends made their way to the castle and parted ways to their separate rooms to pack. Katie and Dervis stopped by Luke’s room for a final goodbye. Luke finished packing shortly after that, and made his way up to the seventh floor.
“About ready?” he asked, stepping into Reid’s room through the already opened door.
“Just about,” said Reid, waving his wand. His alarm clock and the picture of himself with his uncle and sister at her graduation neatly floated into his bag. With a final twitch of his wrist, the trunk shut and locked and his bag zipped itself. He pulled the strap of the bag over his shoulder and grabbed the handle of his trunk with his free hand.
Before leaving them made one last stop, leaving their trunks outside in the corridor as the gold falcon turned, bringing them up and into the extravagant headmistress’ office.
“I look forward to seeing you both in September,” she said after a few minutes conversation, hugging them one by one.
“So do we,” said Luke as he hugged her back. “Thank you for everything.”
“Oh don’t be silly,” she said, waving him off. “I didn’t do anything beyond what you undoubtedly deserved from me.” She smiled, looking between them. “Now out, both of you. You have a summer to enjoy!” she said, clapping her hands together.
“So do you,” said Reid with a grin as they made their way out of the room. “Don’t party too hard,” he winked.
“Shoo,” she laughed, watching them leave with a proud smile.
*
“On one condition,” said Reid firmly as they made their way into Hogsmeade. “I am not getting on a hippogriff.”
Luke laughed loudly. “Fine, fine. If that’s what it takes.”
“I can’t believe you talked me into this,” Reid groaned.
“Don’t act like you aren’t at least a little excited,” said Luke. Reid gave him a look. “Okay, okay, so meeting my family can be a bit… overwhelming.”
“Terrifying. Or maybe scarring,” Reid interjected.
“Once you try my Grandma Emma’s food, you’ll never want to leave,” said Luke as though Reid hadn’t said anything.
“I like food,” said Reid thoughtfully.
“I know you do,” Luke laughed.
“And when is this nightmare taking place?”
“Next Friday,” said Luke.
Reid grinned, resembling the Cheshire cat. “And what are our plans until then?”
Luke smirked. “Well, I figure it’s only fair that I get to see your place, too” he said seriously. “I’m sure we’ll find some way to pass the time.”
They both leaned forward, sharing a short but deep kiss.
“I’m sure we will,” said Reid with a wide smile. He took Luke’s hand, both of them clutching their bags tightly as they prepared to apparate. “Hold on,” he instructed.
“I plan to.”
The walked mostly in silence up to the castle, hands clasped between them. When they came through the entrance hall, Luke was surprised to find things so quiet. He didn’t question it, though, allowing Reid to lead him through the halls toward the teacher’s corridor.
“I need to make a quick detour,” said Reid, and Luke was instantly suspicious. He frowned but followed Reid without question.
“Why are we here?” Luke asked. They were outside of the professor’s lounge.
“Why don’t you ask them?”
Reid opened the door, and suddenly they were greeted with cheers and whistles, a small crowd gathered in the room. A large banner floated in the air that read ‘Congratulations, Luke!’
Regardless of the exhaustion claiming his body, Luke stepped forward, a smile spreading over his face. Katie and Dervis stood at the front with their arms around each other. Casey was there, too, standing with Noah. Most of the other professors and even most of the ghosts were in attendance, cheering as he entered the room.
“You guys didn’t have to do this,” he insisted, hugging Dervis and Katie in turn.
“’Course we did!” insisted Dervis. “I’ll take advantage of any excuse to throw a party,” he grinned. “And I think this is a pretty damn good excuse to celebrate, don’t cha think?”
Luke laughed. “How can I argue with that?”
*
By the end of the night the color had returned to Luke’s face, Reid noticed. He didn’t dance as much as at the Christmas party, though Casey certainly tried to get him on the floor every chance he could, but it was clear that he was enjoying himself. He was smiling nonstop and Reid found it hard not to smile himself.
“He looks good, mate,” commented Dervis, standing alone with Reid off to the side.
“He does,” Reid agreed.
“I’m happy fer ya both,” said Dervis. “Looks like you’re gonna pull through.”
Reid was inclined to agree.
They were the first to leave the party, making the rounds and thanking everyone for showing up to support him. A few put up a fight, but Luke insisted that he was simply drained and needed some sleep. The crowd of supporters finally agreed to let Luke and Reid go, giving out hugs and final congratulations.
“Can I stay with you tonight?” Luke asked once they were in the deserted corridor.
“Of course,” said Reid instantly.
The walk to Reid’s room seemed shorter than usual, or perhaps they were simply getting used to it. They had nearly bad it to his door when they heard footsteps from behind, and turned to see Annie Judd coming down the tower steps and walking in their directly.
She stopped shyly, smiling apologetically as she approached.
“Good evening, professors,” she greeted.
“Good evening, Annie,” Reid smiled. “Is everything alright?”
“Oh, yes!” said Annie, “I heard you were back, and I wanted to come see you both and say congratulations.”
Luke beamed at her. “Thank you, Miss Judd,” he said emotionally.
“We all knew you would win,” she went on. “Everyone here was cheering for you, even the Slytherins,” she explained with a gentle laugh. “We’re really happy that you’re back. Classes haven’t been the same without you.”
Luke looked as though he might cry, but he bit it back, nodding gratefully.
“I really appreciate that,” he said thoughtfully.
Annie nodded. “I guess I’ll see you both in class tomorrow,” she said.
“That you will,” confirmed Reid. “Thank you, Annie.”
“You’re welcome, Professor,” she smiled. “Good night.”
“Good night,” Reid and Luke said in unison, watching as Annie skipped back up the steps.
Once inside Reid’s room the exhaustion Luke had mentioned before became painstakingly obvious. He practically collapsed onto the bed, taking a deep breath.
Reid moved around the room and a moment later there was music. It was slow and soft, completely instrumental.
“Come here,” he said gently, offering Luke his hand. Luke accepted, allowing Reid to pull him to his feet. Reid led him to the center of the small bedroom, wrapping an arm supportively around Luke’s waist, the other taking his hand. Luke was smiling in confusion. “I have now been to two parties with you, and yet we still haven’t danced,” Reid explained, smiling.
“Who would have guessed the Reid Oliver was a closet romantic?” laughed Luke.
“Don’t tell anyone,” warned Reid. “I have a reputation to uphold.”
“Your secret is safe with me,” Luke smiled.
He leaned into Reid, resting his head on the older man’s shoulder and holding him close. They swayed gently to the music, breathing each other in and relishing in the peace. Reid couldn’t even remember the last time he’d felt so… free. It seemed as though darkness had been lingering over him for so long that he’d forgotten what it felt like to just breathe and feel happy. Now, with Luke in his arms, he felt content for the first time in years.
“I love you, Luke,” he whispered in Luke’s ear. This wasn’t exactly how he’d planned to tell Luke, but he couldn’t imagine saying anything else in that moment.
Luke leaned back so they could see each other, a tired, but truly happy smile gracing his lips.
“I love you, too.”
*
Reid was amazed by how quickly things seemed to go back to normal. Within two weeks after the trial, even with Damian’s face appearing in the Prophet a handful of times, Luke was back to his smiling ways, even happily complaining about writing his N.E.W.T. exams and trying to catch up on grading papers. By Easter, Reid would have almost sworn that none of it had even happened based on Luke’s attitude and appearance. He knew better, though. He still spent a few nights a week with Luke curled against him. He witnessed Luke when he couldn’t quite fake it. He heard him dream.
He knew Luke, though. He hadn’t been lying about that back in the ministry. He knew Luke, and even through the occasional pain that would appear in Luke’s eyes, he could tell that Luke was happy again. His smile was sincere, and he would pass Luke’s classroom to hear laughter and enthusiasm in his voice. Luke was finally happy, and that was all that mattered.
“They’re calling you a hero now,” said Reid, sounding both impressed and entertained by the idea.
“I’m no hero,” said Luke modestly, unbuttoning up his robe.
“‘The identity of Luciano Grimaldi, the mysterious son of recently convicted Death Eater Damian Grimaldi and key witness to the case, was finally revealed during the trial to be none other than former Prophet writer and socialite Luke Snyder’ Socialite, huh?”
“Keep reading,” Luke laughed.
“‘Sources have confirmed with the family that Damian Grimaldi is in fact Luke Snyder’s biological father, and the Snyder was working in partnership with the Order of the Phoenix under Albus Dumbledore’s orders when he went undercover as a spy during The War. The Prophet has now learned the Snyder was responsible for information to the Ministry that helped to prevent several possibly deadly incidents throughout the Wizarding World. People are singing a different tune from two months ago when Snyder first came forward, many even calling him a silent hero of the war.’”
Luke rolled his eyes, coming to sit beside Reid on the bed. “I really hope these articles stop soon,” he sighed, reaching for the paper. “I think I’ll send Tabitha a letter. She’s editor now, she can kill these things before they are printed.”
“Oh come on, you deserve a little recognition,” said Reid, kissing the side of Luke’s head.
“You do realize we are going to argue over this for the rest of our lives, right?” asked Luke, frowning at Reid.
Reid laughed sympathetically. “Yes, but as long as we don’t go to bed angry, I think we’ll be alright.” He leaned in, pressing his lips against the cool skin just below Luke’s air. A smile finally crept onto Luke’s face as he turned to snag Reid’s lips with his own, the paper discarded somewhere on the floor.
*
The end of the year rushed by, a haze of exams and final papers. Some days it seemed to be going too quickly and other days dragged on without the end in sight. Still, before they knew it, it was June and the last day was upon them.
It was bittersweet, as the last day always is. Reid held a final Ravenclaw meeting where the seventh years announced their plans and final goodbyes were said.
“If you need any sort of recommendation, don’t hesitate to write me,” said Reid firmly.
Annie laughed. “Thank you Professor Oliver,” she said. She seemed to hesitate a moment before finally going with her gut and flinging her arms around the neck of the unsuspecting teacher. Reid stiffened a moment, caught by surprise, but quickly loosened up, smiling and hugging the young woman back.
“Good luck, Annie,” he said, giving her a final squeeze.
She smiled at him, adjusting the bag on her shoulder. Reid watched as she steered her trunk through the air with her wand, directing other students out of the common room.
Reid met Luke, Dervis and Katie in the Entrance Hall a short while later, careful not to get ran over by any floating trunks.
“I can’t believe this year is over,” said Katie sadly, but still smiling.
“It goes fast,” Dervis nodded. “You lot walking down to the train?”
“Of course,” said Luke happily, looking between them all.
“What about you, Reid?”
Reid rolled his eyes. “I suppose I’ll join,” he smirked.
They followed behind the crowd of students, helping to load the trunks into the final car before waving them off. Each window was crowded with small hands waving back at their professors, at the school they were leaving behind, some just for the summer and others for good.
Very bittersweet.
“I’m already anxious for next year,” said Katie as the four headed back to the castle.
“I don’t even know what all I’m doing this summer,” laughed Luke. “I don’t think I can even think about next year yet.”
“That’s right!” Dervis suddenly shouted, causing Katie to jump. “You’ll be back next year! Congratulations, Luke!” he said excitedly.
Luke laughed nervously. “Did you think I wouldn’t be back?” he asked.
“Well, your job is cursed,” chimed in Reid. “Congratulations, Professor Snyder. Assuming you don’t mysteriously disappear this summer, you will be the first Defense Against the Dark Arts professor in over fifteen years to return for a second year.”
“I hadn’t thought about that,” said Luke bashfully.
“The curse is officially broken,” Reid declared, wrapping an arm around Luke’s shoulders and kissing the side of his head.
“I expect you both over this summer,” said Katie demandingly. “No excuses.”
“Yes, ma’am,” said Luke with a mock salute.
“I told ye, Katie, we’ll double date the crap out’a this summer,” Dervis laughed.
“Oh, hush,” Katie smiled, slapping him playfully on the chest. He laughed again, leaning down to kiss her confidently.
The friends made their way to the castle and parted ways to their separate rooms to pack. Katie and Dervis stopped by Luke’s room for a final goodbye. Luke finished packing shortly after that, and made his way up to the seventh floor.
“About ready?” he asked, stepping into Reid’s room through the already opened door.
“Just about,” said Reid, waving his wand. His alarm clock and the picture of himself with his uncle and sister at her graduation neatly floated into his bag. With a final twitch of his wrist, the trunk shut and locked and his bag zipped itself. He pulled the strap of the bag over his shoulder and grabbed the handle of his trunk with his free hand.
Before leaving them made one last stop, leaving their trunks outside in the corridor as the gold falcon turned, bringing them up and into the extravagant headmistress’ office.
“I look forward to seeing you both in September,” she said after a few minutes conversation, hugging them one by one.
“So do we,” said Luke as he hugged her back. “Thank you for everything.”
“Oh don’t be silly,” she said, waving him off. “I didn’t do anything beyond what you undoubtedly deserved from me.” She smiled, looking between them. “Now out, both of you. You have a summer to enjoy!” she said, clapping her hands together.
“So do you,” said Reid with a grin as they made their way out of the room. “Don’t party too hard,” he winked.
“Shoo,” she laughed, watching them leave with a proud smile.
*
“On one condition,” said Reid firmly as they made their way into Hogsmeade. “I am not getting on a hippogriff.”
Luke laughed loudly. “Fine, fine. If that’s what it takes.”
“I can’t believe you talked me into this,” Reid groaned.
“Don’t act like you aren’t at least a little excited,” said Luke. Reid gave him a look. “Okay, okay, so meeting my family can be a bit… overwhelming.”
“Terrifying. Or maybe scarring,” Reid interjected.
“Once you try my Grandma Emma’s food, you’ll never want to leave,” said Luke as though Reid hadn’t said anything.
“I like food,” said Reid thoughtfully.
“I know you do,” Luke laughed.
“And when is this nightmare taking place?”
“Next Friday,” said Luke.
Reid grinned, resembling the Cheshire cat. “And what are our plans until then?”
Luke smirked. “Well, I figure it’s only fair that I get to see your place, too” he said seriously. “I’m sure we’ll find some way to pass the time.”
They both leaned forward, sharing a short but deep kiss.
“I’m sure we will,” said Reid with a wide smile. He took Luke’s hand, both of them clutching their bags tightly as they prepared to apparate. “Hold on,” he instructed.
“I plan to.”