Trying | Hogwarts OC student

chapter 26

Despite the mounting pressures and scrutiny, Alistair continued to find solace in his meetings with Lila. They would arrange to meet in the secluded corners of Hogsmeade, away from prying eyes and wagging tongues. Each encounter was a precious escape from the rigid confines of Hogwarts and the expectations of Slytherin House.

One crisp afternoon, Alistair waited anxiously at their usual spot—a small, hidden alcove behind the Three Broomsticks. He leaned against the rough stone wall, his mind racing with thoughts of Lila. It had been days since they last saw each other, and he longed for the comfort of her presence.

Moments later, Lila appeared, her face lighting up with a warm smile as she spotted him. Alistair's heart skipped a beat as he took in her gentle features, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"You made it," Lila said softly, closing the distance between them.

Alistair nodded, a mixture of relief and excitement washing over him. "I couldn't stay away," he admitted with a small grin.

They stood close together, their hands brushing lightly as they exchanged quiet conversation and shared laughter. Alistair found himself opening up to Lila in ways he hadn't with anyone else, sharing his fears and aspirations without fear of judgment.

As they talked, Alistair couldn't help but marvel at how easy it felt to be around her. She brought a sense of calm to his turbulent thoughts, a steadiness he desperately craved amid the chaos of Hogwarts.

Hours slipped by unnoticed, wrapped in the warmth of each other's company. Eventually, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, Alistair reluctantly glanced at his watch.

"I should probably head back," he murmured regretfully, already dreading the moment they would have to part.

Lila nodded, her expression tinged with reluctance. "I understand," she replied softly. "Just promise me we'll see each other again soon."

Alistair smiled warmly, reaching out to gently tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "I promise," he vowed sincerely.

He reached out, his fingers gently tracing the curve of her cheek. Lila closed her eyes at the tender touch, a contented sigh escaping her lips.

"You're so beautiful," Alistair murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He leaned in slowly, his lips brushing against Lila's forehead before trailing a line of soft kisses down to her temple.

Lila's breath hitched at the sensation, her fingers curling around the fabric of Alistair's shirt. She tilted her head up, capturing his lips in a kiss that spoke of longing and desire. Alistair responded eagerly, his hands sliding to cradle her face as he deepened the kiss.

Their kiss grew more fervent, a symphony of lips and tongues that spoke of unspoken promises and mutual longing. Alistair's heart raced as he explored the softness of Lila's lips, his touch gentle yet possessive.

Lila melted into his embrace, her hands threading through Alistair's hair as she pulled him closer. Their bodies pressed together, each movement igniting a fire that burned hotter with every passing moment.

When they finally broke apart, their chests heaving with shared desire, Alistair rested his forehead against Lila's. "I've wanted to do that for so long," he admitted softly, his voice thick with emotion.

Lila smiled, her eyes sparkling with love and affection. "Me too," she confessed, her fingers tracing patterns on Alistair's chest. "Being with you... it feels like coming home."

Alistair's heart swelled at her words, his arms tightening around her in a protective embrace. "I never want to let you go," he whispered fervently, pressing a series of gentle kisses along her jawline.

Lila leaned into his touch, her body humming with a newfound sense of belonging. "Then don't," she murmured, her lips finding his once more in a kiss that spoke of promises made under the moonlit sky.

Before they could say another word, the distant sound of footsteps approaching broke their intimate moment. Alistair's heart sank as he recognized the familiar stride—it was Snape.

"Lila, you should go," Alistair urged urgently, his eyes scanning the area for a place to hide.

Lila hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering with concern. "Be careful," she whispered, pressing a brief kiss to his cheek before slipping away into the shadows.

Alistair watched her disappear from sight with a pang of longing, his heart heavy with the weight of their clandestine romance. He turned just as Snape rounded the corner, his expression unreadable.

"Montrose" Snape's voice was low and controlled, but there was an edge of disappointment in it. "Meeting again?"

Alistair swallowed hard, meeting Snape's penetrating gaze with a mixture of defiance and resignation. "I needed some air," he replied curtly, a touch of defiance in his tone.

Snape regarded him silently for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You know the rules," he said finally, his voice firm. "Curfew is not negotiable."

Alistair nodded stiffly, his jaw tightening with suppressed frustration. "Yes, Professor," he muttered, resisting the urge to argue further.

Snape watched him closely for a moment longer before turning on his heel and walking away, leaving Alistair alone with his thoughts and the fading memory of Lila's touch.