Shadow and Flame

At the Ball

Shining material fluttered and changed with every catch of candle's glow. Whether an illusion or enchantment, she found herself twirling.

She reread the note again, mouthing out the words. "Not practical for lounge wear. You know what I'm asking."

A pearl comb tucked in the parcel as well. Silver curled into a jeweled dragon, mid-flight. Opal flames scattered from its mouth. Brushing soft curls into an elegant twist, she tucked the beast in. The updo gave the effect of the dragon escaping a cave. Taking pearl pins from her jewelry box, she fastened them throughout the hairstyle.

Playing with a dash of makeup and slipping on heels, she took a glance in the mirror once more at the finished product.

Her roommate tumbled in, wearing an unflattering shade of orange.

"I thought you weren't going." Eden detected disappointment.

"I guess I changed my mind." Her roommate watched her, seeming to sour.

"And you're going in that?"

"It was a present."

"A bad one." The girl tossed a raggedy, brown thing at her.

"Wear one of mine. Believe me, I've seen Polly's gown and it'll definitely catch Rafe's attention over yours."

"All the more reason for me to wear this." With clicking heels, she strapped her wand across her thigh and left for the hall.

Wes leaned himself outside the entrance, talking to a few stragglers. Their eyes met and he broke away, a wide grin spreading on the approach.

"Eden, you look,"

A giggle interrupted as a group of fourth years entered. After they passed, her eyes lowered and she touched the dragon.

"Honestly, Wes, this is too much."

"You know I've got more money than I know what to do with."

"So, you're saying I'm a charity case?" She teased as he held out an arm.

"No one would dare think that."

Entering the ball, he led her through the crowd.

Wes twirled her around at the first dance. She warmed, feeling as if all eyes were on them. Looking past Wes, she knew it wasn't just some feeling.

"Why is everyone staring?" He leaned in.

"Here I thought you were the smart one, Carrow."

She nervously glanced around, spotting Rafe. He stood across the great hall with his usual group. And sure enough, Polly clung to him, blending in a sea of black gowns.

With the dance coming to an end, she watched him break away. He maneuvered through the crowd, coming right for them.

"Might I have the next dance?"

"Sorry, but you're not my type." Her partner's grip tightened a little on her waist.

"It's fine, Wes." He studied her before relinquishing. She tentatively placed her hand in Rafe's.

"I'll be over there if you need me." Pulling her in close, Rafe scowled at the Slytherin.

"She won't, mate." Wes seemed to be waiting for her response. She gave a slow nod, and he slid back toward the edge of the crowd. Rafe moved her away.

"You look incredible."

"Thanks." Her movements became unnaturally strained.

"Even the ghosts were speaking of you." He whispered.

"Rafe," His eyes flashed with some kind of murderous expression, head nudging toward Wes.

"What's the deal with you and Orson?" She bit her lip.

"We used to be friends."

"Sure," He said, before snickering to himself. "Just like we were."

"Not even close." She mumbled, his grip tightening.

"I see." He paused in the center of the hall. Rough fingers glided along her jaw. "So he managed what I never could?"

"Let go." She lowered her voice, glancing around. "Before you cause a scene."

"Oh, I'll give you a scene."

"Is there a problem here?" Wes strode up behind her.

"Not at all." Rafe released her, tucking one hand in his robe. He wagged the other at Wes. "But I'd watch yourself, Orson."

"Uh huh." Wes led her toward the tables.

"Langlock."

"Um on Edum." He strained against the words. Opening his mouth, she saw the effect of the jinx. His tongue secured to the roof of his mouth.

"Colloshoo" Rafe went to take a step, slipping out of his shoe. Tried as he might, his shoes stuck to the floor.

Back and forth they went with subtle jinxes right under the professor's noses.

"This is really immature." They ignored her, with twitching ears and growing fingernails.

Eden shook her head, backing away and leaving them to their own devices. She exited the ball, alone and emptied.