Shadow and Flame

Odd Little Dreams

Pouring over notes, Eden plopped an apple slice into her mouth. Tartness danced on her tongue, eyes stalking across the courtyard toward a group of Slytherin.

Wes seemed to be at the center, engaging with each and every one of them.

"Are you listening, Eden?"

"Uh huh," Attempting to recover, she held out the apple core. "I'll be right back."

Warm rays flirted with her skin, but the coolness of her interior overpowered. Giving a shiver, she returned to the awaiting Gryffindor. And in her place sat a caramel-candied fifth year.

With a high-pitched giggle, Eden's notes crumpled underneath clunky boots.

"Excuse me." She attempted. Repeated. Ignored, she kicked the girl's feet aside.

"Hey!"

Eden gathered her bundle, shoving the papers in her bag. Straightening, she acknowledged only him.

"I should be getting to class, Rafe. Good to see you." He shot up and strode alongside her.

"About that other girl. She came up to me."

"Okay." She quickened her pace, heading for the dungeons.

"Look. I know we haven't put a label on things, but I want you to know that I'm serious about this. About us."

She bit her bottom lip, calculating. "I'm serious about our friendship too."

"Hold up," He took her arm, leading her to the side of the hall. She glanced around. "I'd say we're a little more than friends."

His hand lingered on her arm. Slinking uncomfortably out of his grip, she lowered her voice.

"I don't think now is the best time for this conversation." His brows scrunched together.

"Are you telling me you don't feel the same?" Cornered, she tilted back on her heels.

"I'm saying I don't want to jeopardize our friendship."

"You're joking right?"

Eden felt all eyes turn on them as his voice raised. Her cheeks burned.

"You're not thinking straight. Whatever happened this summer," He stopped himself. "Everyone already thinks we're together. What were we heading towards, if not this?"

"Long lasting friendship?" He shook his head, jabbing his wand at her heart.

"Is there a problem?"

Wes came in between them. The pair of males puffed their chests, seeming to size each other up.

"I'm going to class now." She mumbled, ducking away and back down the path.

"This isn't over, Eden."

Wes fell into step beside her. She quickened her pace, but couldn't seem to shake him.

"What was that about?"

"Quidditch." She stated flatly. "Don't you have mischief to be on about with your mates?"

"Who says I'm not up to a little mischief right now?" Making the mistake of looking at him, she tucked her lips into a straight line. "Trouble in paradise?"

"Shouldn't you be seducing some unsuspecting Hufflepuff? Just leave me be."

"We're both in NEWT potions, remember?"

A paper fluttered out of her bag, floating down to stone.

"Wingardium Leviosa." He caught, taunting it between them. She snatched. "No thank you?"

"Fine. Thanks." They paused before the door. "Now leave me be."

"Your secret's safe with me, Carrow."

She swallowed the fear crawling up her throat.

"What're you on about?"

"Oh, you know." A smirk. "That you're obsessed with me."

"In your dreams." She rolled her eyes, inching under the door frame. He leaned in from behind, his voice deep and rich.

"Every night."