It had rained and you could smell it throughout the castle. I absolutely loved the earthy smell of rain. The night was inky black, with white spots in it, blinking endlessly; stars. It was way past curfew, but I couldn't care less. My mind was too preoccupied to care about something as small as curfew.
The Yule Ball.
It was just announced today that there would be a Yule Ball. Everybody was to attend it. That meant me too, unfortunately.
The corridors of the castle were completely deserted. Everyone was sound asleep by this time. I was supposed to be asleep too, but my mind just wouldn't let my body rest. To kill time, and to also let my mind fly free, I decided to take a late-night walk.
It wasn't that hard to walk out of the Ravenclaw common room. The common room was empty, so no one really bothered me with questions. Besides, I was the epitome of what the teachers want every student to be like. Well-mannered, kind, loyal, and not to mention very smart. So, no one expects me to break any rule. Me and Hermione are always fighting for the first place, actually. No wonder I got put in Ravenclaw.
Let's just say, I was on every teacher's good side. Not really the potion master's because I don't think he has a good side.
No matter how much me and Hermiond fight over the smartest student status, we are actually really good friends. But that doesn't mean that I go on those crazy adventures they go to. I'm more of a quiet person. I don't speak unless spoken to, and my days are mostly spent by reading and writing. Over time, the library has become one of my favourite places.
I looked out the large glass windows of Hogwarts, and into the sky. My footsteps were the only noise I could hear. The night was chilly, the breeze giving me goosebumps. Seeing as it rained before, the night was black and cloudy still, and the grass looked even greener. Even in the darkness outside, the grass looked as fresh as ever.
A strand of my stygian hair fell over my shoulder, making my eyes automatically dart to my shoulder, where my fallen strand of hair rested. I raised my hand and twirled it around my fingers. Even though I tied my hair into a loose braid, some strands were already starting to stick out.
I sighed.
I clutched the black shawl, that I had wrapped around myself, tighter. Underneath, I was wearing my pyjamas. My cerulean silk pyjamas. I tucked my fallen strand of hair behind my ear, just as a gust of wind flew by, making the ends of my shawl flutter.
As I was walking, I could now see the turning point of the corridor. I halted, contemplating if I should keep walking or just turn around and go back to the west side of the castle, up through the spiral staircase, and into the Ravenclaw common room, and slip back inside the girls dormitories.
I decided that the latter would be best, as I should try and get some sleep for tomorrow. Now that I think about it, it was pretty stupid of me to even come out here tonight. I mean, I had classes tomorrow. Time wouldn't spare me, nor would it wait for me.
I whirled around, as I changed my direction. My footsteps were still the only source of noise that I could hear. The silence was a little scary, not going to lie.
I looked straight ahead, now determined to get to the girls dormitories quickly, and get some sleep.
Just as the thought of sleep invaded my mind, my brain reacted the opposite way, and reminded me about the ball. I don't even know why I was thinking about it so much. I could just appear to the ball to show my face, and then I could just leave after a few minutes of meaningless chatting. I probably wouldn't even wait for the dance to start.
I smiled.
As I was walking, I heard another noise except my own footsteps. At first, I shook it off as my paranoia, but later, the footsteps got louder and quicker.
My heart stopped.
Very much caught in my surprise, I stopped in my tracks. I know I should just continue walking, but my body stayed frozen, still. The footsteps got louder and louder, to the point where it sounded like it was just around the corner. It was kind of a relief since my back was facing the corner.
This is it. I am going to get caught. God, I shouldn't have taken a midnight walk in the first place. Why am I so stupid?
Suddenly, the footsteps stopped. They completely halted. "Never thought I'd see company in this odd hour." A familiar voice said. I furrowed by brows in confusion. This wasn't the voice of a teacher, nor Filch. And as far as I know, Mrs Norris can't talk.
The voice sounded familiar, though.
And to my horror, the footsteps began again, now louder than ever.
"Are you going to turn around or what?" The voice spoke again, an underlying tone of annoyance in his voice.
For some god damned reason, my body failed to listen to my screaming brain and turned around. And believe me, my eyes were not prepared to see the sight before me.
Standing there, in all his glory, was Draco Malfoy. The absolute last person I wished to see. Draco and I had never directly talked, and I was happy to keep it that way.
"Y-you look familiar. I swear I saw you with Granger before in the library. And I overheard Potter and Weasley talking about you too. Just forgot the name." Draco said. His almost white hair, once neat, was now disheveled. His clothes were messy too, and it looked like he just got out of bed. His eyes looked tired, but it was still the shade of gray I had never seen before.
"Are you mute? Do you ever talk?" Draco said, as he snapped his finger in front of my face. For a moment, I was taken aback my his bold comment and undoubted rudeness. Granted everyone was always talking about how rude and cruel Draco Malfoy was, but the girls were also drooling over how hot it was.
I did not find his rudeness hot for even a second.
My face scrunched up is obvious distaste.
"Yes, I can talk and yes and I see also. You don't need to snap your finger in front of my face, thank you very much," I retorted as I gestured to his fingers that were still close to my face. He put his fingers down, and his face was contorted into a frown. "But for your information, I didn't expect any company either." I said.
"Well, that part is clear." Draco muttered. "And I would very much appreciate if you don't use that tone with me, thank you very much." He said sarcastically, imitating me in the last part.
I felt my annoyance towards the boy build up.
"Alright, it was good to meet you. But as all good things come to an end, our lovely chat perhaps has to come to an end too. I have to run, so goodbye." I said flatly, as I gave him a sarcastic wave. I whirled around, ready to walk back to the Ravenclaw tower.
"Hey, stop," Draco called out, and I didn't stop. "Elora, right? I'm Draco, but it's Malfoy to you!" He said, his voice raised a little. I have to admit, I was a little shocked at how he remembered my name.
"Then, its Elsher to you!" I called back, as I spared him a glance over my shoulder. His was looking at me, his hands in his pockets and his posture straight as always.
He didn't respond, as I continued to walk further away from him.
