𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐑𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 (OC x OC)

[006] CHAPTER 13 - dandelions

"dandelion into the wind you go, won't you let my darling know?"  || ruth b.

Makayla

Today, we return from winter break. I'd share what I got for Christmas, but it'd just be a blank page. That should say enough.

Annie told me on the train that Louis had to stay at Hogwarts for the winter because of the injuries that Preston gave him. There was a pang in my heart when I heard that news because I know that it's my fault. Louis is in the Hospital Wing.

When I step foot inside the castle, I'm immediately on my way to the Hospital Wing. According to Annie, Louis should still be there. I hope so.

"Hey, Makayla," Harry randomly says, appearing next to me as I walk. This startles me for obvious reasons and he laughs. "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you. I just wanted to let you know that Ann said Louis is looking for you!"

"What?" I ask, obviously confused. "He isn't in the Hospital Wing still?"

"No," Harry shakes his head. "He was released yesterday.

I smile and nod, "Thanks, Harry!"

Before he gets a chance to respond, I'm already rushing down the hallway to the Great Hall. I see Annie, but no Louis.

"He already left to look for you!" she shouts from the Hufflepuff table.

Groaning, I turn around and run back down the hall. It feels as if I've run across the whole castle. I'm not exactly tired. I'm just lazy.

I go downstairs to the Slytherin Common Room and walk in, looking around. I get interrupted by rushing steps down the hallway. When I peak out from the common room, I spot Louis running toward the room. Finally, I step out, him stopping in front of me.

"There you are," he says, feigning an exhausted tone.

"Next time, just stay in the Hospital Wing," I jokingly pretend to be out of breath as well. We both chuckle and start walking down the hallway together.

"So, um..." Louis suddenly starts. "Why did you help me?"

I take a moment to think about the question. "I'm not sure," I say. "I guess it's the same reason I saved in fifth year during the Tournament."

"And why'd you save me then?"

"Many reasons," I manage to grasp a chuckle. "One of them probably being that I don't want to see you, or anyone really die."

"Understandable."

"I'm unsure why, but whenever I see that you need help, I act on it, but when anyone else needs help, I hesitate."

I can hear his smile as he says, "I suppose I can say the same for you."

We stop and turn to each other. I find myself staring into his eyes until we're interrupted by Snape, who is walking past us, clearing his throat as he does so.

I snap out of my trance and quickly say, "Louis, would you like to go to the garden and just sit there in silence with me?"

"I was sure that you hated silence, but sure," he teases.

I smile as we both start walking to the garden. We both, thankfully, stay silent the whole time.

When we walk into the garden, he climbs into a tree and I sit on a window, making my paint supplies and a canvas appear with my wand. I start painting almost immediately, trying to recapture the view of the garden.

For a little bit, I forget that Louis is even in here. That is until he finally speaks. "I forgot that you painted."

I glance up at him dangling in the tree above me. He starts climbing down the tree as I laugh and say, "Among other things, I guess you could consider it a silent hobby."

He hops onto his feet and takes a small yellow dandelion from the ground, nodding. Soon enough, he speaks again as he takes a step toward me. "You know," he says, placing the flower behind my ear, "you're pretty cute when you're focused."

I'm not sure why, but I can feel my lungs freeze. My heart beats faster. What is happening? Even as he walks away, I stay there, frozen.

After a minute or two, my lungs finally tense down and my heart eases. Jeez. Can Athena and Ares help me get over whatever feeling this is?

Note from Ares and Athena: Nope.