'Tell Me Pretty Lies,' by moongirlel

Chapter 87: The Secret Rendezvous

[THE GREATEST - Billie Eilish]

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Fri. 13th October 1995 - 12:10am...

"—we cannot keep meeting like this." A girl whispered, "Sneaking around behind their backs. It's not right."

I crack open my eyes, peering down between the leaves and tree branches.

Harsh whispering from a secret meeting is not how I imagined the rest of my night. Or, to be the first thing to wake me up. I expected a golden sunrise, not anymore unwanted gossip.

The lanterns beside the courtyard door casted shadows across the cobblestone walls and ground. Other than the candles, the moonlight and the stars were the only light source for me to see two figures hiding from the castle's view.

"You came here yourself. You could of stayed in your dorm, and that message itself would of been twice as clear." The male answered.

Were the voices I was hearing... Kage and Hermione?

I jump down, carefully as to not make any noise. Luckily, my animagi form was one that had fur and paws.

The further I dropped down the tree, the clearer the figures became. My suspicions were correct.

Awhile ago, my intuition told me there was some romantic drama developing between these two. Now, I was eavesdropping in person, without them even knowing. Right above their heads, too.

"And leave you to go off and search for your father, with no answer at all from me?" Hermione replied, crossing her arms. "Kage, you know I'm not like that at all."

"Yeah, I know." He took his hands out of his pockets, stalking towards her. "Tell me what you came here to say. Please."

"I..." With her mouth wide, she shook her head. "...what is there to say?"

"...I'm in love with you."

Hermione's prolonged silence grew an emotional distance between the two of them for a brief moment.

Oh, well that's awkward.

"I get it, it's fine." He reassured her. "Really, Sweetheart."

The moment he turned away, her hands grabbed at his jacket. She dived in for a kiss.

And a passionate one too. As though two forbidden lovers danced their final ballad.

He carefully pushed her up against the tree, his hands frantically exploring her body, as though they've done this before.

A moment passed; his mouth moved to her neck, and she shoved him away from her.

"No... no, we can't." She said, out of breath. "I can't."

Kage stood there, deflated: his shoulders dropped. And yet, he nods. "I understand—"

"No, you don't. I... I'm in love with Ron. Not you." She waved her hands, "I'm sorry. I should have never been with you in that regard."

"You can't even say it."

"Say what?"

"That you lay with me, and you can't even own up to it. You won't own up to it." He argued. "Because of Ron—"

Hermione pushed her hair back, "I said I was sorry—"

"That's not my point—"

"I know what your point is!" She yelled.

Another extensive silence interrupted their conversation.

"...I don't understand." Kage groaned in frustration, "How could do this with me, and not ever bring this up before?"

"How could I bring any of this up?" She sighed, gradually tearing up.

He moved his hand, removing her tears with his thumb.

She smacked his hand away.

"What about the letters I wrote you? The drawings? Did any of it mean anything to you—"

"You said it yourself: I'm just your muse. Nothing more, nothing less." She lifts her head high.

"You know I didn't mean it like that, you mean so much more to me than those stupid drawings—" He tried to explain, gesturing to himself.

She soon adds, "Good luck, Quinn. I do hope that you find your father, and your mother and sister are well. I hope you find someone who can return your affections. I really do... but that girl isn't going to be me."

"That girl was you."

"Well, she isn't anymore!"

She paused, her voice growing softer. "I'm sorry, I truly am. But we cannot keep running in circles. I can no longer put myself into this situation, and do this to myself. I've got to put myself first, and my feelings. And you don't belong as a part of influencing those emotions any longer, Kage. I hope you can understand what I need—"

"Hermione—" He pleads, taking her hand.

"—and it's not you." She tugged her hand, freeing it from his light hold.

I quietly watch her leave the garden.

Kage didn't chase after her, respecting her wishes. He hung his head between his shoulders.

When the castle door closed behind her, Kage approached the stone balcony. He brought his fingers to his mouth, and let out a loud whistle. Not too long after, his broom came to his beckoning call.

He flew away.

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