In the midst of Halloween, a few students proposed a ball. As soon as their petition was granted, the castle bustled with excitement. With dates and dresses to find, girls scrambled madly back and forth and out of their rooms.
The eve of the ball, Digby swooped in through the window. The black owl dropped a couple of envelopes onto her sheets before perching himself beside the bed. Giving him a pat and snack, she shoved her assignments aside.
She grabbed the one from her uncle first. Scrolling down, her heart sank. He insisted she stay at Hogwarts for the holidays, that they'd be out for vacation.
I'm not welcome anymore.
The thought lingered as she reached for the other.
Carrow,
Meet me in the lower east corridor this evening after supper. I've a proposition for you.
W
"Incendio." She whispered.
Both papers hissed and crackled, amber popping off curling edges. Her roommate came bumbling in, a stack of books thumping against a desk.
"Do you smell smoke?"
"Think it's just our collective brains hard at work." The other Ravenclaw undid her tie, tossing it aside.
"How are you getting on, Carrow?"
"Splendidly." Eden brushed a burnt piece off her arm.
"Polly's out for your title of top witch." Her roommate smugly grinned. "And your beau."
"Polly can have both for all I care." Eden pulled her long hair into a ponytail. "Honestly, I'm too hungry to care otherwise." She grabbed a textbook for a companion.
The great hall echoed, students speaking over each other. Taking her usual seat by the doors, she flipped through her studies in between sips of stew.
She couldn't help herself. Between peeks here and there, she observed Rafe. Clustered with his usual gang, sure enough sat Polly. She curled up at his side, prattling on.
His dark gaze fixed on her. Unmoving.
She quickly shifted her attention across the room, accidentally catching another pair of stalking eyes. Eden stayed on the Slytherin, challenging with a raised brow. He flashed a smile, nudging at the door.
Trouble.
"Hello, Carrow." Someone plopped down, blocking her view. Muddy curls bounced as the Gryffindor scooted in.
"Bennett." Biting a roll, she swallowed against an unwelcome feeling. "To what do I owe this honor?"
"I've come to see how you are."
"Sure you did."
"Seriously. What happened between you two?"
"Out with the pleasantries, I see." The other girl seemed quite lacking in courage, fumbling with her hands.
"Last year you both seemed so chummy."
"Your perception, really."
"I understand if you're going through a hard time. But don't push him away."
"Are you saying this out of concern for me or for him?" She gestured to Rafe and the cuddling girl beside him. "Because he seems fine to me."
"We both know that's nothing. He's always liked you."
"I'm sorry. I just don't feel the same about your brother." She brushed stray crumbs off her skirt. "I take it this means I'm out of the group?"
"Were you ever really part of it?"
"You've got a point there." She gathered her book. "Nice talking with you."
"Likewise."
Eden made her way out of the hall, coming upon a fork. Funny how every hope and intention before can be changed in a single after.
She headed into the lower east corridor.
YOU ARE READING
Shadow and Flame
Fanfiction***Newly Revised*** After receiving a mysterious letter, Charlie Weasley is prompted to head back to Hogwarts. A girl has been missing for years, the case shrouded in a mystery only he can solve. Will the shadows of the past overtake him? Or will th...
