A dangerous game(3)

693 14 0
                                    

Rumors had spread like wildfire through the castle: Sirius Black had snuck into Hogwarts

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

Rumors had spread like wildfire through the castle: Sirius Black had snuck into Hogwarts. The entire school was on edge, teachers and prefects were more alert, and the students moved in groups, whispering about the infamous escaped prisoner. But Aurora Black showed no fear. If her father was going to kill her, she'd rather he do it quickly and be done with it. She wasn't one to cower.

Her father's recent escape from Azkaban had only added to the whispers that followed her wherever she went. Most students avoided her gaze, and even the bravest among them hesitated before speaking to her. But Aurora had long since grown used to the stares, the gossip, and the cold shoulders. She held her head high, her expression as impassive as ever, not letting anyone see the turmoil that lay beneath the surface.

It was Hogsmeade weekend, and for once, Aurora was eager to get out of the castle, away from the watchful eyes and suspicious glances. She joined her usual group Daphne, Pansy, Millicent, Draco, Theodore, and Blaise as they headed toward the village. The day was crisp, the autumn air carrying a bite that cut through their cloaks, but the excitement of Hogsmeade kept their spirits high.

The group made their way to the Three Broomsticks Inn, a favorite spot for students to unwind and enjoy a drink. The pub was packed with students from all houses, the warm interior buzzing with chatter and laughter. They found a table in the corner, away from the more crowded areas, and settled in.

Daphne, Pansy, and Millicent ordered their usual butterbeer, and Draco followed suit. But Aurora had something stronger in mind. The usual sweet drink held no appeal for her today; she needed something that matched the storm brewing inside her. With a casual air, she ordered a firewhiskey.

The waitress hesitated, her eyes narrowing slightly as she glanced at Aurora. The suspicion and concern were clear on her face, but Aurora met her gaze with a confident smirk and dropped a few extra coins onto the table. The silent exchange spoke volumes, and the waitress, without another word, brought her the drink.

Aurora took her first shot, the liquid burning its way down her throat. It was a familiar burn, one that made her feel momentarily invincible, as if the firewhiskey could scorch away all her worries. Theodore, who had been watching her closely, leaned in with a smirk. "Trying to impress someone, Aurora? Or just testing your limits?"

Aurora rolled her eyes, her tone sharp as she retorted, "Maybe I'm just bored with the usual. What's it to you, Nott?"

Theodore chuckled, clearly amused by her attitude. There was something about Aurora that intrigued him, something different from the other girls in their group. She was guarded, yes, but there was a fire within her that he found both alluring and dangerous. "Just making conversation," he replied, his tone light but with an edge that suggested he wasn't easily brushed off.

Aurora ignored him, her focus shifting back to her drink. Shot after shot, the firewhiskey worked its magic, and soon, the walls she had so carefully built around herself began to crumble. The strong alcohol loosened her tongue, and her usually composed demeanor started to slip away, revealing a side of her that few had ever seen.

Draco, always the observant one, noticed the change in her. His concern for his friend overrode his usual aloofness, and he suggested they head back to Hogwarts. "Aurora, maybe it's time we get back. You don't look so good," he said, reaching out to help her up.

But Theodore, who had been quietly watching the exchange, stepped in quickly. "I'll carry her. No need for you to struggle," he said, his voice firm but not unkind. There was something in the way he spoke, a possessiveness that made Draco pause. Without any argument, he handed Aurora over to Theodore.

As they made their way back to the castle, Aurora leaned heavily against Theodore, her usually sharp mind dulled by the alcohol. The journey was a blur, the cold air biting at her cheeks, but the warmth of Theodore's body kept her grounded. She mumbled incoherently, her thoughts tumbling out in a jumbled mess. Among her slurred words, one phrase stood out, barely audible except to Theodore. "You're so handsome..."

Theodore's lips curled into a small, knowing smile, but he said nothing. He had always known that Aurora was attracted to him there was a tension between them that had simmered under the surface for years. But hearing her say it, even in her inebriated state, sent a thrill through him.

When they finally reached the Slytherin dormitory, the common room was deserted, save for the two of them. The fire in the hearth crackled softly, casting flickering shadows across the stone walls. Theodore suggested that everyone else head to bed. "I'll take care of Aurora," he assured them earlier, his tone leaving no room for discussion.

With the others gone, Theodore gently lowered Aurora onto one of the couches by the fire. She seemed to come to her senses a bit, the warmth of the flames slowly sobering her up. She looked up at Theodore, her eyes searching his face, as if trying to read the thoughts behind his calm exterior.

"Have you ever kissed anyone?" she asked suddenly, her voice a little more sober than before. The question hung in the air, surprising them both with its boldness.

Theodore chuckled, leaning back in his chair as he studied her. "You should already know the answer to that," he replied, his tone teasing but with a hint of curiosity.

Aurora pouted playfully, her voice tinged with fake sadness. "I haven't."

Theodore's eyes glinted with amusement. Aurora Black, the girl who was always in control, always a step ahead, had never been kissed? The revelation intrigued him, making him want to unravel the mystery that was Aurora. "What are you suggesting, Aurora?"

Aurora leaned in closer, her voice teasing, a challenge in her eyes. "Maybe you should be my first."

Theodore didn't hesitate. He closed the gap between them, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that was both gentle and full of unspoken tension. The world seemed to fall away, leaving only the two of them in that moment. Time slowed, the kiss deepening as they gave in to the feelings they had both been holding back for so long.

What felt like five minutes passed before they finally pulled away, both of them breathing a little heavier, their faces flushed. Aurora, now much more sober, looked at him seriously, her earlier bravado fading slightly as reality set in. "Never tell anyone about this," she warned, her voice low and filled with a vulnerability she rarely showed. "If my grandmother found out, she'd kill me."

Theodore chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Your secret's safe with me, Black," he replied, his tone reassuring but with a hint of something more, something that said this wouldn't be the last time they found themselves in such a situation.

Aurora stood up, the heat of the moment fading as she walked back to her room. But even as she left, the memory of their kiss lingered, a secret now shared between them. As she lay in bed that night, her mind raced, replaying the events of the evening. The kiss had been more than just a fleeting moment it had been a turning point, a step into uncharted territory.

She didn't know what the future held for her and Theodore, but one thing was certain: things between them had changed, and there was no going back.

Heirs of darknessWhere stories live. Discover now