Emerson Wilmore was an exemplary Ravenclaw student, known for her unwavering dedication to academics and an unyielding moral compass. However, things took a twisted and deviated turn in her life after her boyfriend, Cedric Diggory, was murdered by L...
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As they left the Astronomy Tower, Emerson walked briskly alongside Olivia, her heart still racing from everything that just happened, or almost happened, with Mattheo. The cool evening air felt refreshing against her skin as they walked through the castle, but it did nothing to calm the storm brewing inside her. Her footsteps were almost too quick, as if putting distance between herself and the tower would somehow erase the moment that just unfolded between her and Mattheo.
Theo and Enzo walked ahead of them, their hushed laughter echoing in the empty corridors and hallways as they kept glancing back at Mattheo with sly looks, sniggering and clearly enjoying his growing frustration. They were clearly unconcerned about being caught by a teacher, prefect or Filch.
Emerson didn't need to turn around to know how annoyed Mattheo was. She could feel it radiating from him like the heat of a fire, every crackle of it pricking at her skin. Each time Theo and Enzo snuck a look at him, their laughter grew louder, which only seemed to grate his nerves further.
Emerson almost pitied him for a moment, but then quickly remembered the way he had gotten all riled up earlier when Enzo mentioned the Black Lake. She shook her head to herself.
"Don't worry," Olivia whispered to Emerson, her tone teasing. "They're just trying to get under his skin, and it's working."
Emerson didn't respond immediately. She kept her eyes on the path ahead, keen to avoid any confrontation with Mattheo. It wasn't just about the dare. It was also about the kiss they had come so close to sharing. That was what really unsettled her. She could still feel the phantom heat of his breath on her lips and the tantalising pull of wanting to close the gap between them.
When they finally reached the Grounds after walking in silence, other than Enzo and Theo's snickers, Emerson finally let out a breath. She was relieved, but not completely. She continued to walk with Olivia, hoping the pace would keep Mattheo at arms distance to prevent him from questioning her decision. It was easier to give in to Enzo's challenge than to face the overwhelming tension between her and Mattheo.
The lake loomed in the distance, its dark waters rippling gently under the moonlight, offering an eerie backdrop to the spontaneous dare she accepted.
Olivia nudged her with a smirk. "So," She began, mischief glinting in her eyes. "Are you going to tell me what exactly was going on before we walked in? Because it sure didn't look like nothing."
Emerson flushed immediately, heat spreading up her neck and into her cheeks, despite the cool night air. She glanced over at Olivia, trying to shrug it off. "I just agreed to jump into the lake," She replied, trying to deflect the question.
But Olivia wasn't having it. She shook her head, her smirk widening. "Uh-huh, sure," She rolled her eyes. "That's not what I meant and you know it. I'm talking about what happened before you agreed to that. You know, when you two were practically wrapped around each other?"
