Trying | Hogwarts OC student

chapter 22

A Hidden Meeting

The winter evening was unusually crisp, the stars scattered across the sky like scattered diamonds. Alistair's heart raced with a mix of excitement and apprehension as he paced the grounds near the edge of the Forbidden Forest. His plan was risky, but the thought of seeing Lila again, away from the watchful eyes of the castle, filled him with a sense of determination.

He glanced at his watch, the time ticking away slowly. The castle was quiet, its stone walls silent and stoic under the moonlight. Alistair had chosen a secluded spot by the lake, far enough from the main paths to avoid detection but close enough for a brief escape if needed. The plan was simple: Lila would arrive under the cover of darkness, and they would spend a few precious hours together, away from the chaos of Hogwarts.

Minutes stretched into what felt like hours until a shadow moved gracefully across the moonlit path. Lila appeared, her figure silhouetted against the pale light, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. She wore a thick coat, her breath visible in the cold air, but her smile was warm, lighting up the night.

"Alistair," she whispered, her voice breaking the silence like a gentle breeze. "You made it."

He stepped forward, his own smile mirroring hers. "I wouldn't miss this for the world. Come on, let's get away from the castle before anyone notices."

Together, they walked silently along the lake's edge, the water shimmering beneath the moon's glow. The cold air was sharp against their cheeks, but the warmth of their shared company was enough to chase away any lingering chill. They found a small, secluded spot on the shore, where the rocks created a natural barrier from the outside world.

Alistair sat down on a large stone, patting the space beside him. "This place is perfect. Quiet, away from everything. Just you and me."

Lila sat down, her eyes scanning the horizon. "It's beautiful here. I never imagined Hogwarts could be so... serene, away from all the noise."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the sounds of the lake and the occasional rustle of the wind the only interruptions to their peaceful moment. Alistair took a deep breath, the weight of his recent struggles lifting, if only for a moment.

"So," Lila began, breaking the silence. "How have you been holding up? Hogwarts sounds like a battlefield sometimes."

Alistair shrugged, his expression growing serious. "It's been tough. The Slytherins don't make it easy, and Snape... well, he's as relentless as ever. But having you to talk to, knowing that you're out there, makes it bearable."

Lila reached out, her hand finding his in the darkness. "I'm here for you, Alistair. No matter what. We'll get through this together."

The sincerity in her voice brought a lump to his throat. He squeezed her hand, a silent promise passing between them. "Thank you, Lila. I don't know what I'd do without you."

They talked for hours, sharing stories, dreams, and fears. The night seemed to stretch on endlessly, each moment filled with the warmth of their connection. They laughed, they listened, and for the first time in a long while, Alistair felt a sense of peace, a reprieve from the chaos of his daily battles.

As the first light of dawn began to paint the sky with hues of pink and gold, Alistair knew it was time to take Lila back to the edge of the Forbidden Forest, where she could slip away without attracting attention. They walked slowly, the morning chill seeping into their bones, but neither wanted the night to end.

"Thank you for coming, Lila. This meant more to me than you can imagine," Alistair said, his voice thick with emotion.

Lila smiled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'll always be here for you, Alistair. No matter what happens, we'll face it together."

With a final, lingering hug, they parted ways, Lila disappearing into the shadows of the forest while Alistair made his way back to the castle, the first rays of dawn breaking over the horizon. The memory of their night together, the feeling of her hand in his, was enough to keep him going through the days to come.