Chapter 35: Unspoken Confessions

Lady Elara Gryffindor warmly smiled at Salazar as they sat in the peaceful garden, sunlight filtering through the trees. She sipped her tea thoughtfully, then leaned forward slightly.

"Salazar, dear," she began softly, "love is a complicated thing, but it must always start with honesty. You cannot carry this weight alone any longer. Rowena deserves to know your heart fully, without hesitation. Only then will you find clarity—no matter the outcome."

Salazar looked down, the burden of his unspoken feelings growing heavier by the day. But Lady Gryffindor's words began to lift that weight, piece by piece.

"I... I will," Salazar finally replied, his voice firm. "I can't keep this to myself any longer."

Lady Gryffindor placed her hand gently on his. "You are a brave man, Salazar. You've faced much worse than this—trust yourself."

With renewed resolve, Salazar asked, "But what about her family? How do I approach them? They already have plans for Rowena's future..."

Lady Gryffindor smiled knowingly. "Families can be difficult, but they are not without reason. If you are sincere, and your love for Rowena is true, you will find a way to convince them. You must be patient but firm in your intentions. Her family needs to see that your love will bring her happiness."

Salazar nodded, feeling lighter. For the first time in weeks, he felt clarity about the situation. He stood and bowed his head to Lady Gryffindor.

"Thank you, Mother. For everything. I don't know what I would have done without the love you and Father have shown me."

She stood too, wrapping him in a gentle embrace. "Go, Salazar. Speak your heart to her."

Later that Day

Rowena sat with Helga in the library, her face clouded with doubt. Helga had noticed her friend's distraction throughout the today, she decided to press her.

"Rowena," Helga said, her voice soft but insistent, "I can tell something's on your mind. What is it?"

Rowena hesitated, feeling a wave of emotions surge up inside her. She had been holding it in for too long. Finally, unable to keep the weight of her feelings inside any longer, she spoke.

"It's Salazar," she confessed, her voice shaking slightly. "I... I'm in love with him, Helga. I have been for a long time now. But there's my engagement to my family's friend. I don't know what to do—what my family will say, what Salazar truly feels. I'm... trapped between two worlds."

Helga listened carefully, her expression calm and compassionate. When Rowena finished, Helga placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"You need to listen to your heart, Rowena," Helga said gently. "You've always followed your intellect, but love... it doesn't always follow logic. You love Salazar, don't you?"

Rowena nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "Yes, I do. More than I ever thought possible."

"Then that's what matters," Helga said. "Whatever your family asks, whatever expectations they place on you—you have to be true to yourself first. And besides," she added with a playful smile, "you won't be alone in this. Last night, Godric, Nick, and I overheard you and Salazar. We know what's been going on between you two. And we'll support you, whatever you decide."

Rowena gasped, her face turning red with embarrassment. "You... heard us?"

Helga nodded. "But don't worry. We're all on your side. You and Salazar deserve to be happy, and we'll stand by you, no matter what your family says."

Just then, Salazar appeared at the doorway, his eyes locking with Rowena's. He could feel his heart pounding, but there was no turning back now.

"Rowena," he began, his voice steady, though his emotions threatened to overwhelm him. "May I speak to you? Alone."

Rowena exchanged a glance with Helga, who nodded encouragingly before standing up and walking past Salazar. As Helga left, Rowena felt her heart race, knowing that the conversation that followed would change everything.