Shadow and Flame

Whisperings

Eden tucked herself onto a bench along an empty hallway. Releasing a breath, an invisible weight loosened in her chest before returning with full force.

Unleashing the dragon from her hair, she studied the opal's eye. The welsh greenback winked at her, jewels glimmering in the warmth of flame.

A hush fell around the corridor, and Eden turned to the darkened path.

Ears strained. What was that?

It began as a low hum. Unintelligible words blended together, creating nonsense. And then it came. Clear as crystal, sending chills along her back.

"Eden Carrow." The voice bellowed. He repeated her name over and over. The ominous song beckoning.

She stood.

"Who's there?" The call drew her in.

Torches flickered before extinguishing. She grasped the straps of her heels and the dragon comb. The objects becoming slick as she approached the cracked door.

"Hello?" She lifted up her dress, grabbing her holstered wand. The door opened, and the voice vanished.

"Lumos." She casted, light filling the space in front of her. She inched forward.

The room appeared to go on and on, never quite ending. She must've walked thirty paces before she called out.

"Lumos Maxima!" Brilliant light filled the entire corridor. Eyes adjusting slowly, the one who called her came to focus.

Her eyes widened in terror, tripping over herself at the feet of the creature. Right above her, the teeth of a Hungarian Horntail flashed. It's mouth widened.

The dragon's throat glowed a hot amber, smoke clouds billowing from his nostrils.

A paralyzed Eden braced herself for the fire's onslaught.

"Riddikulas!"

Fire turned to confetti, and the dragon to a puppy in a clown's suit. Wes helped her up, hands roaming over her.

"Are you alright?" She stepped from him, eyeing the peculiar new form of a boggart.

"I should go." Brushing past, she ventured toward her dormitory.

"Hold on." She picked up a bare-footed pace. "For heaven's sakes, Carrow." He darted ahead, blocking her way.

"Let me pass." She demanded, but he braced her shoulders. "What are you...?" Before she knew what was happening, he was enveloping her in a snug embrace. She breathed in his cologne, a hint of moss and pine clinging to his suit.

"I thought," He didn't finish. Pulling back, he took her in.

"Here." She gathered her wits, slapping the comb in his palm and starting off. He stayed beside her.

"Curious thing." Her shoulders heaved. "I really wouldn't have expected,"

Looking both ways, she pushed him outside to the darkened courtyard. "Out with it."

"I only went after you to apologize."

"We both know that's not what you were about to say." Dropping her heels, she held her wand at the ready. "The fire consumed more than my home that night."

Eden casted. Vibrant blue shot out, disappearing into wood. It poured out from the tree line, circling above them. Her glorious patronus dissipated, the glow somehow lingering on.

"It consumed me."

"Is that why? Why your ani..."

"Don't. Don't say it." She rubbed her forehead. "You know what'll happen if they find me out."

"But I'm a witness."

"Come on, Orson. I thought you were smart." She crossed her arms. "You really think anyone's going to take the word of two kids from families like ours?"

"I wasn't jumping at the idea. I personally like where I'm at."

"Sure. If not to fly over and spy on the girl's bath right?" She only meant it as a joke, but his eyes narrowed.

"Eden," He reached for her. She shrank back.

"Let's go back to ignoring each other. Alright? You were doing so well, forgetting I existed. Let's go back to that." He leaned in, catching her hand and holding it to his chest.

"Who said I ever forgot you?" He lowered himself, lips parting.

"I sure hope to find students tonight, Mrs. Norris. Been awhile since we've had a proper shackling."

They broke away heading in opposite directions. She turned back at the crossroads, watching him tuck into shadow.

Was Wesley Orson about to kiss me?

Heading back up the tower, she tapped a finger to her lips, wondering of what might have been.