The Marauders: A Hogwarts Tale

Winter had settled firmly over Caerleon, blanketing the rooftops and streets in a pristine layer of snow that sparkled like diamonds under the ethereal glow of enchanted streetlights. The city buzzed with the anticipation of Yuletide celebrations; its streets adorned with vibrant festive decorations.

Strings of magical lights cast warm, flickering hues onto the cobblestone paths, and wreaths of holly and enchanted icicles added to the enchanting atmosphere. Ethereal steam, shimmering with crystalline dust, wafted up from vents in the ground, keeping the streets comfortably warm despite the biting chill of the season.

Back within the towering walls of Excalibur Castle, the chill of winter seemed to seep into the ancient stones, wrapping the halls in a tranquil, velvety darkness. The subdued quiet was occasionally interrupted by the crackling of hearth fires or the muffled laughter of students mingling within their dormitories.

In the privacy of his room, Godric collapsed onto his bed, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. His bare torso glistened faintly in the dim candlelight, flushed with exertion. He managed a grin, his crimson eyes half-lidded as he turned his head toward Raine. "By the Old Gods, Raine…" he panted. "You're… absolutely incredible."

Raine lay curled against him, her bare form pressed close as her snowy white tail swished lazily, her golden eyes glowing with satisfaction. Sweat clung to her cascading hair, giving her an almost ethereal glow. "Well, you're the one who's improved so much," she teased, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips. "A fast learner indeed, Ser Gryffindor… my brave lion."

Godric met her gaze, his expression softening into something far more tender. He reached up to brush a strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering for a moment as they gazed at one another. Their shared moments like this had grown more frequent.

Raine had been spending more nights in Godric's room, their bond deepening with each passing day. Though they took great care to keep their trysts a secret from most, it was clear that some of their friends already knew—if not from direct observation, then from the undeniable glow of happiness they radiated.

Despite the occasional word of caution, neither Godric nor Raine could resist the magnetic pull that bound them together. Their love burned fiercely, a bright flame against the chill of winter and the trials of the world beyond those stone walls.

Godric chuckled softly, his fingers drawing lazy patterns across Raine's bare back, his touch light and tender. Yet, his smile faltered for a moment, his crimson eyes catching on the faint glow of the Excalibur Crest magically branded into her skin. The mark, so cruelly etched as if she were mere property, sent a pang of anger and sadness through him, but he quickly masked it, not wanting to ruin the peace of the moment.

Unaware of his brief shift in mood, Raine nuzzled into his neck, her snowy white hair tickling his skin. "Hhm, it seems a sword isn't the only long, hard thing you've learned to wield, Godric," she purred, her voice dripping with playful mischief.

Godric nearly choked, his face turning a deep shade of red as he sputtered. "Raine! You're… you're impossible!" he exclaimed, his embarrassment evident in the way he avoided her gaze.

Raine giggled, the sound light and melodious, filling the quiet room like a warm breeze. Her golden eyes sparkled with amusement as she nestled closer to him, her head finding a comfortable spot beneath his chin. Godric's arms instinctively wrapped around her, pulling her securely against him.

"Godric…" Raine's voice was soft, tentative, as though she were unsure whether to speak her thoughts aloud. She took a deep breath, her golden eyes meeting his. "What do you think about… you know… kids?"

Godric stiffened slightly, the unexpected question catching him off guard. "Um… kids?" he echoed, scratching the back of his neck nervously. "Well, I… um…" He bit his bottom lip, searching for words.

"Not now, of course," Raine quickly backpedaled, her ears drooping slightly as she looked away. "I mean… I didn't mean to… I'm sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself. Forget I said anything."

Godric's heart softened at her sudden retreat. He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "No, don't apologize, my love," he said. "Truthfully, I'd love to have kids someday. Start a family." He smiled down at her, his crimson eyes shining with sincerity. "And right now, there's no one I'd rather do that with than you."

Raine's face lit up with a radiant smile, her golden eyes sparkling with joy. She leaned up, her lips brushing against his in a soft, loving kiss. "I love you, Godric Gryffindor," she murmured, her snowy tail swishing gently, brushing against his leg as they nestled closer together.

Godric chuckled, the warmth of her affection filling his heart. "I, for one, can't wait to introduce you to Uncle Gareth."

"Oh?" Raine's blush deepened, her ears twitching. "Do you think he'll… well... um..." She gestured to her wolfen features, her tail giving a self-conscious swish.

Godric laughed lightly, shaking his head. "He might be a bit… surprised at first. But I have no doubt he'll warm up to you," he admitted, grinning. "Besides, he's always going on about how I should find a 'nice girl in town' and settle down. Maybe a little too eager to see me start a family, but I understand where he's coming from."

"For what it's worth, my darling," Raine said as she nuzzled his nose, "I can't wait to be part of your family."

Godric's smile softened as he pulled her closer, his arms encircling her protectively. "Neither can I," he whispered, the promise of a shared future filling the room with a warmth that rivaled even the crackling fire in the Ignis Common Room.

****

In the stillness of the night, Godric was pulled from the depths of his slumber by the faint sound of distress. His crimson eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the darkness of his room. The glow of moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting soft, silvery patterns on the walls. He could feel Raine trembling beside him, her form curled into itself, her snowy tail limp and lifeless against the bed. Her breaths came in uneven gasps, her body wracked with silent sobs as tears streamed from her tightly closed eyes.

"No… please… don't…" she whimpered, her voice fragile and broken, like glass on the verge of shattering. "Please… stop… it hurts… Mommy… Daddy… Skye… help me… please."

Godric's heart twisted painfully at the sight of her anguish. He leaned closer, gently wrapping his arms around her trembling form, pulling her against his chest. His voice was soft, steady, and filled with warmth as he whispered, "Shh, Raine, it's okay. I'm here, my darling. You're safe. No one can hurt you now."

This wasn't the first time. It had become a nightly occurrence—a cruel cycle of torment that plagued her dreams. Night after night, she would tremble, cry, and whimper, her mind trapped in the clutches of haunting memories. Memories that Godric knew she carried like shackles, binding her to a past filled with unimaginable pain. He had never pressed her about them, never forced her to relive what had scarred her so deeply, but he saw the weight she bore. It was etched in every tear, in every pained murmur that escaped her lips.

His heart burned—anger surging like a firestorm for the monsters who had left her so broken, a silent promise of vengeance made in the depths of his soul. Yet sorrow followed, equally fierce, for the pain she continued to endure. He felt helpless, knowing that all he could do was hold her and hope his presence could bring her the smallest comfort.

Gradually, her trembling began to ease under his gentle touch, her breathing slowing to a calmer rhythm. Her golden eyes remained closed, but the faint crease of fear softened in her features as she nestled closer to him, seeking solace in his arms.

Godric, however, remained awake, his hand tenderly brushing through her long, snowy hair as he stared into the darkness. A deep frown etched into his face, his thoughts swirling like a tempest. He could not erase her nightmares, nor could he change the past that haunted her. But what he could do—what he vowed to do—was stand by her side, protect her from harm, and, one day, ensure that those who had caused her pain would face the justice they so richly deserved.

"I'll keep you safe, Raine," Godric whispered. He gently brushed a tear from her cheek, his fingertips grazing her soft skin. "I promise I'll find a way to free you... to free all of you. As long as I live, you'll never face this alone. I love you, more than anything."

Raine stirred slightly in his arms, her eyelids fluttering as she emerged from her troubled sleep. "Mmm... Godric?" she mumbled. "I'm sorry... did I wake you?"

He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "Everything's fine, love," he murmured soothingly. "Just go back to sleep. I'm right here."

She sighed softly, her tense body relaxing as she nestled closer to him. Godric held her tightly, gazing out into the velvety darkness of the room. The moonlight cast a silvery sheen over them, highlighting the resolve in his eyes. He knew the path ahead would be fraught with challenges, but with Raine by his side, he felt a newfound strength.

"I'll be here when you wake," he whispered, more to himself than to her. As her breathing deepened, slipping back into slumber.

****

"By Charlemagne's Throne, it's absolutely freezing out here!" Godric exclaimed, tugging his coat and scarf tighter around himself as if it might shield him better from the biting chill. His breath billowed out in visible puffs, curling in the frosty air. He turned incredulous crimson eyes toward Raine, who sat beside him with an unbothered grin, her usual tunic and a tattered scarf her only concessions to the weather.

"How are you not freezing to death?" he asked, shivering as another gust of icy wind swept across the frozen lake.

Raine chuckled softly, her golden eyes sparkling with mirth as her snowy white tail swished lazily behind her. "I come from the Howling Mountains, remember?" she teased, leaning slightly closer to him. "The winters back home make this feel like a brisk autumn day." Her voice was light, playful. "It's also one of the perks of being a wolf therianthrope. The cold doesn't bother me."

The two of them sat at the lakeside pavilion, its graceful architecture adorned with a delicate dusting of snow. The frozen waters of the lake glimmered faintly under the pale winter sun, and the surrounding forest stretched endlessly, its trees draped in pristine white. From where they sat, the snow-clad buildings of Caerleon were visible in the distance, chimneys puffing streams of smoke into the wintry sky.

Raine rested her head against Godric's shoulder, her breath misting softly in the air as she sighed contentedly. "Godric," she murmured, "these past weeks have been the happiest of my life."

Godric turned to look at her, his expression tender as he gently took her hand in his own. His gloved fingers clasped hers, warming them against the cold. "Mine too, Raine," he said softly. "I never thought I could feel this way about anyone."

"I…" Raine hesitated, fidgeting slightly as her golden eyes flickered with a mixture of nervousness and resolve. "I have a surprise for you, my darling," she said softly.

Godric watched her closely as she rose to her feet, reaching into her tunic with deliberate care. From beneath the fabric, she slowly withdrew the diamond snowflake pendant he had seen before. It caught the pale winter light, sparkling like a fragment of the night sky. The silver chain glinted as she unfastened it, holding the pendant delicately in her hands.

"Remember what I told you about this pendant?" Raine asked. "It once belonged to my mother." She paused, taking a deep breath as she stepped closer, extending it toward him. "I want you to have it."

Godric's crimson eyes widened in shock as he stood, taking her hands in his. His gaze flickered from the pendant to her face, disbelief written across his features. "Raine… no," he said. "I can't accept this. It's too precious to you."

Raine shook her head, her expression firm yet tender. "No, Godric," she said. "My mother once told me that this pendant should be given to… to my mate." The word hung in the air, carrying a weight that made Godric's breath hitch.

His grip on her hands tightened slightly as her words sank in. The significance of her gesture, the depth of her trust, and the profound meaning behind the act resonated within him. Memories of Rowena and Sophia's words flitted through his mind, their warnings and wisdom now making perfect sense.

"This pendant is more than a keepsake," Raine continued. "It's an heirloom that's been in my family for generations. It is said to have belonged to Shin Hati, one of the Five Heroes of Avalon."

Godric's eyes flickered to the pendant, now understanding the enormity of her gift. The diamond shimmered in her hand like a tiny star, a testament to the legacy it carried. He could feel his heart pounding, overwhelmed by the honor she was bestowing upon him.

"Shin Hati is a symbol of loyalty among my people," Raine said,. "This pendant represents my promise to you, Godric. Just as your bracelet was yours to me, this is mine to you." She placed it gently into his palm, her fingers brushing his. "I will love you… for all time."

Godric's throat tightened, his emotions threatening to spill over as he held the pendant with reverence. He looked back at her. "Raine… I don't have the words. This… this means everything to me." He pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her protectively. "I promise to honor this gift, and to honor you. Always."

Raine smiled against his chest, her tail swishing softly behind her. "I know you will," she whispered.

With a tender smile, Godric lifts the pendant, his hands trembling slightly as he slips it over his head. The cool weight of the chain settles against his chest, the diamond snowflake resting just above his heart. He looks down at it for a moment, as if to ensure its presence is real, before lifting his gaze to Raine.

Without a word, he leans toward her, and she meets him halfway. Their lips meet in a gentle, lingering kiss, filled with unspoken promises.

Raine pulls back slightly, her cheeks flushed, her golden eyes soft and full of affection. "Mmm… we should head back," she murmurs. "I've got chores to finish, and you have classes waiting for you."

Godric groans, rolling his eyes dramatically. "Ugh, Defense Against the Dark Arts again later," he grumbles. "And I heard Professor Serfence just got back. Must have been some assignment. Professor Workner said he'd only be gone a week or two."

Raine chuckles at his frustration, her laughter light and musical. She reaches for his scarf, her delicate fingers deftly tying it neatly around his neck. She pats the knot gently, a small act of care that made his heart swell. Leaning in, she presses a soft kiss to his lips.

Godric's expression softens, his crimson eyes warm as they linger on her. "I'll see you back in the room later, okay?" he says.

Raine nods, her snowy hair catching the light as she smiles warmly. "Just try not to miss me too much, alright?" she teases, her tail swishing playfully behind her.

He pulls her into a brief but firm embrace, his arms wrapping around her protectively. "Impossible," he says with a soft chuckle. "I'll be counting the minutes until I see you again."