Venom & Virtue

chapter 21

Two nights later I found myself unable to sleep, tossing and turning in the dorm bed repeatedly.

When it got too hot under the covers, I'd kick them off, only to get cold and have to pull them back up; the cycle continuous.

I sighed up at the ceiling as 2am ticked by, the neon numbers on my alarm clock mocking my restlessness.

It had been a very peaceful day, neither of my classes had been too mentally taxing and even dinner had been a relaxed affair.

But the lack of effort had meant that I still possessed plenty of energy when I'd climbed into bed at 10pm, hoping to get a good night's sleep.

I waited a few moments longer, silently praying that I might unexpectedly pass out if I stayed still enough, but the thought of it seemed to push the opportunity further away.

Finally, I gave up, deciding to go for a walk as I rose from the mattress, pulling on some comfy shoes and a jumper.

I stepped out into the hallway, careful not to wake Daphne from her sleep as I left.

My feet carried me down the corridor, passing silently through the dark and empty common room until I was in the dungeons.

I wandered along for a while, relishing the silence and calm of the castle. It was a nice change from the usual energy of the day, tranquil in comparison.

Before long, I found myself climbing the set of iron stairs that led directly to the Astronomy tower, each one squeaking as my weight rested upon them.

It was one of my favourite places in the entire castle; Professor Sinistra rarely seemed to use it, leaving the wooden hideaway as a good location to escape for some peace, even during daytime.

I stepped up once more, finally arriving at the top, the signature scent of the sandalwood floor welcoming me.

My limbs shivered as I wandered over to the balcony overlooking the river, the countless peaks of mountains stretching beyond it.

I suddenly regretted the decision to not change my pyjama bottoms, the wind stinging my exposed flesh from its sub-zero temperature.

I reached eagerly for my wand, before I realised that I'd left it behind in the dorm.

I cursed under my breath, trying to perform the charm without it, pushing the magic to bend to my will.

After a bit of effort, the soothing sensation of warmth seeped through my bones like an ointment, relieving.

I smiled down at my hands, satisfied I'd managed it.

"You're welcome."

I jumped from the unexpected voice, nearly falling over the railing as I turned, the hairs on my neck standing to a point.

Once I spotted Draco a metre away, I relaxed, my shoulders drooping in disappointment as I realised I hadn't succeeded in my wandless magic.

"What are you doing here?"

"I couldn't sleep. You?"

"Same actually, I was hoping a walk might tire me out," I admitted, looking into the darkness behind, only just being able to make out the forms of the mountain peaks.

"Why didn't you bring your wand?"

"I forgot."

"That wasn't very smart, you don't know who might be out here."

"I didn't do it on purpose," I retorted, unhappy he was ruining my peaceful hideout, "besides, this is a school, not Azkaban."

He stepped closer, standing right beside me at the railing.