If you listen carefully, then not only can you hear the silent chatter of the castle ghosts, but the light pitter-patter of footsteps as she skips carefully down the hallways.
If you know where to look, then not only can you see the faint light that is the castle ghosts, but the mysterious Slytherin, lurking in the shadows.
Both on the lookout for one another. Neither knowing what the other is up to.
If she skips around in a certain way, she can pass him once every day without it seeming weird. If he stopped her, she'd just say she was lost, on her way to get some pudding.
If he hides in the correct place, he can watch her as she repeatedly circles the area by the astronomy tower, where he waits. If she questions him, he can just say he's keeping out of the way of passers by.
Both trying to look at each other. Neither lying.
She goes all day without seeing the gentle smile the only she can make creep onto his face, as his eyes are wide and he gazes at her adoringly.
He goes all day without hearing her small feet bounce off the ground, whist listening to the mysterious tune she whistles, taking in every second.
Both waiting. Neither knowing when the other shall come into their sight.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
The time passes, and still neither knows when they will see the other.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
But if she keeps her eyes open, she may just see the small bit of light shining on his face through the nearest window.
And if he keeps quiet, he may just hear the sweet melody that he never forgets, even when she isn't singing it.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
Maybe he's not waiting, she tells herself.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
Maybe she's not coming, he tells himself.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
But they are wrong. They are both wrong.
Here she comes, footsteps and song echoing all the way down the hallways before she's even got there.
There he is, peering out into the light from his hiding place stilltrying to avoid eye contact but still looking at her.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
For a moment, he brings himself to do it, to speak, to say "hello," but he doesn't. Then, as a moment passes, he's missed his chance.
There she goes, skipping down the hallways.
There he stands, hiding mysteriously.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
Now if he's going to talk to get, his next chance is tomorrow. For now though, it's too late. She gone now. Long gone.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
