𝑳𝑨𝑩𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑻𝑯 ; 𝒕.𝒓.

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟓 ; 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭

There were only 7 days left, one whole week, a total of 168 hours before I would stay at the Riddle Manor. I did well in hiding my true feelings, I managed to surpass any questions about it or any mentioning's of the whole ordeal. No one asked why or what, they simply forgot and moved on with their lives.

It was a Tuesday, weeks had gone by, everything passed in a blur. I completed my homework and did the bare minimum. Honestly, I've been getting better grades these past few weeks as school work seems to be my only distraction from the never ending cycle of thoughts surrounding Halloween.

I spent quite a bit of time with Michelle and Pansy, we've gotten even closer and shared many secrets we've learned from the students within the walls of Hogwarts. Apparently, there's a rumour going around that Hermione's... gone to Paris... with Harry and Ron. We aren't sure if it's true or just some dickwad trying to start up unnecessary drama but I'm here ready with my popcorn and soda. As well as this, we're apparently getting a new transfer student, Michelle learned of this from her parents. No one but us three knows and I couldn't be more excited to find out who this newbie is.

As I'm left thinking about everything that's gone down within the days that seem almost irrelevant, I find myself taking my arms over my chest in an attempt to warm myself up. The temperature has been creeping lower and lower with the passing day, I was foolish not to bring a sweater over my school shirt in all honesty.

The corridors are quiet, there's no one around and considering I'm the only one that could be heard at this time of night I should expect such things. I wander through the hallways a tad longer before creeping up to the library doors, squeezing through the ever so slightly ajar door.

Upon entrance, I see the whole library covered in a sheet of fog, the air is thick and the room is filled with a shrieking silence. My breath quickens and my heart picks up a beat or two. As I've said, I dislike the dark, I hate it rather. And being at the library at 3 in the fucking morning all alone could not be creepier.

My initial intention was to just go for a little stroll, go out for a walk and clear my head. But, then I remembered a little spot in the library, one where you could get lost in the sea of stars that overcast Hogwarts. A place where it was just you, and only you.

I tiptoe through the library, around shelves and between tables. I find myself at the very back before lifting a drape and sneaking behind it. There, I find a small window, the moon's light shining through. I open the window and climb through, stepping onto a small balcony that overlooks the grounds below. Shutting the old, worn out window I take a step to the stone railing. Letting the slight breeze lift my hair from my back and the cold nip at my warm skin. My hands clasped together as I squeeze my arms close, attempting to maintain as much warmth as possible.

I lean on the railing and stare out at the open world, my eyes darting around to every little detail. The water rippled across the lake, the trees swayed gracefully with the wind, the grass illuminated a luscious green color creating a light in the overpowering darkness brought with the night.

My hands are slowly turning red and numb, my fingers make way to my face and my cheeks are now cold to the touch. My body shivering occasionally, not too often for me to notice nor worry. The presence was however disturbed once I heard the window behind my creak open. I paused, a wave of panic overtaking me, I was sure I was the only one to have known of this place. No one else would have found out as I wouldn't have known either if I didn't stumble upon it. I didn't dare turn around, but the figure behind me was quiet and shut the window after they climbed out. I didn't recognize the person who dared to join me out here, but they soon made their way to where I was standing, and I carefully looked over to see who was just as troubled as I was.