𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐝𝐞 || 𝐃.𝐌

Chapter 1 - The Astronomy Tower

Year 4 at Hogwarts

Ivory's POV:

It was well past midnight, and yet I still couldn't seem to fall asleep. The ticking of the clock echoed in the stillness of the room, each second adding to my growing frustration. My mind raced with restless thoughts. Twisting and turning every minute. Time seemed to slip away, and yet I couldn't find rest.

I finally climbed out from under the covers and sat on the edge of the bed. Glancing over at Ginny and Hermione, I noticed how both didn't have any trouble sleeping. Perhaps a bit of fresh air would clear my mind. I reached beneath the bed, searching for my slippers. I accidentally knocked my trunk slightly, which made a loud squeak. I froze, holding my breath, body tense. Luckily, Ginny and Hermione didn't wake up from the noise.

I still couldn't find my slippers or shoes anywhere. I'd probably left them at Luna's dorm last night. Sighing, I brushed off my hands and stood up. Maybe I should just crawl back into bed, because walking without shoes was the only option at the moment. "Fuck it.", I muttered.

The floor felt rough and cold beneath my feet. Quietly making my way to the door was more challenging than I anticipated, especially with the mess we had left behind in the dorm the previous night. Suddenly, a sharp, stinging pain shot up from beneath my foot. I must have stepped on something.

"Ouch!" I winced, maybe a little too loud. Ginny woke up and got out of bed to investigate the noise. It was actually hilarious to see her struggle in the darkness. The door was slightly opened, and she glanced around the hallway. "Shit Ivory, you scared the life out of me.", Ginny exclaimed, her hand flying to her mouth in surprise, while the other pressed against her chest to feel her racing heart.

"Hi..." I gave a somewhat awkward smile, as I nonchalantly rubbed my foot.

Leaning against the doorframe, she raised an eyebrow, her gaze dropping to my feet. "Did Luna brainwash you into walking around without shoes or something?" Given that I had been with Luna the night before, who rarely wore shoes herself, the question was reasonable. I shrugged, not knowing how to respond.

"I see. So where are you going?"

"I'm just going for a walk."

"Right... well, be careful. Don't get caught. Snape's been walking around the hallways at night lately. At least that's what Dean Thomas told me."

"Are you going out again with Dean Thomas?!" I frowned, though part of me couldn't help but feel excited for her. Ginny had the biggest crush on him last year.

"Goodnight, Ivory.", Ginny replied quickly, closing the door behind her. I chuckled and stumbled off. I just hoped I wouldn't get caught, otherwise detention would be on my schedule for tomorrow.

"Lumos...", I whispered, drawing my wand. The tip of my wand lit up. It was just enough light to help me see, so I would not step on anything again. One of my favorite hiding spots in the school was the Astronomy Tower. I used to come there quite often, so finding my way to it wasn't like a maze, even though the castle is ginormous.

I had to admit, walking alone through the school so late at night was a little unsettling. Despite the nerves, I focused on staying calm, and quickly made my way through the silent, dark hallways. I stopped when I heard footsteps echoing faintly in the distance. "I'm alone here, everyone's asleep.", I repeated to reassure myself.