Magic Academy

Chapter 16: Sneaking Out

Harry, let's go back.. Luna says I need the mark, Rachel managed to say as she kept herself close to the boy whilst being carried.

The boy remained silent for a few moments before adjusting the trembling girl in his arms, letting her get closer to him.

Don't say that when you're scared, Rachel. You're even trembling, Harry whispered in Rachel's ear as he continued to walk down the path towards the dormitories.

I can't risk losing you again. Stay by my side, please. he continued to say and then giving the girl a slight peck on the cheek.

I love you. Please, don't endanger yourself anymore.

Rachel had no idea what to do anymore, but she felt incredibly sad upon knowing how Harry felt. She loved him too, the reason why she wanted to stay alive and well. She wanted to avoid being a burden to the boy she loved, after all, that's all they were at the moment.

A boy and a girl in love.

Especiall her, who was completely human.

Alright. Don't worry, I promise you won't lose me. I love you too, Harry. she said as she too gave him a small peck, but this time on the lips.

Harry only smiled at the gesture as they reached the dormitories. But he was completely oblivious to the plan going on in Rachel's mind.

When night came, Rachel had already sneaked out of her room and was already making her way to the hospital.

The seventeen-year-old girl just couldn't bring herself to stop believing in Luna, to stop trusting her. She, after all, had promised that she would remain a loyal friend. And aside from that, Luna claimed that she wasn't safe without the mark. Rachel knew that without any leads of what could happen without the said mark, she had no choice but to go by Luna's words.

Everything was going as smoothly as planned.

Until Harry found her sneaking around.

And he was angry.

Angry and disappointed.

Where do you think you're going?! Harry inquired in a tone that indicated that he was not at all happy with what she was doing.

Rachel found no words to explain what she was doing and the boy was getting more and more suspicious of the moment.

Uuuuuuuuhhhh.... Rachel was completely speechless.

Uh, what?!?! Harry tapped his foot impatiently, waiting for an answer from the girl and suddenly an idea popped into her head.

I'm looking for Richard!! Rachel said as she acted as excited as she possibly could which made Harry quite surprised.

And why would you be doing that? he asked quite almost immediately and impulsively.

We're playing hide and seek!! Rachel exclaimed ecstaticly and Harry's eyes widened.

He gave her a look that meant that she was probably going crazy with her idea. He couldn't believe her reason after all. Richard?! Playing hide and seek?! His mind was racing for answers for all his girlfriend was letting on was a huge playful smile on her face.

Having no other choice, he took out his phone that allowed a student to make calls only within the Academy walls. He immediately dialled Richard's number and thankfully, the guy answer on the third ring. Not waiting anymore for Richard's voice to be heard, Harry started talking.

Hey Richard. Rachel's here and she's blabbing about looking for you, Harry said as he looked at Rachel whilst continuing his talk on the phone. She claims that you two were definitely playing hide and seek.

Rachel bit her lip and crossed her fingers. Please Richard! Heeeeelp! she begged to the skies as Harry was waiting for even a sign that someone was on the other side of the call.

But out of nowhere, someone had grabbed the phone in darkness and begun to shout.

HEY RICHARD!! IF YOU WENT HOME WHILE RACHEL AND ME ARE STILL LOOKING, I'LL DEFINITELY KILL YOU!!

Both Rachel and Harry were stunned to know that it was Nico who had appeared so suddenly but Harry was quick to come back to his senses and took his phone back, but the call had already ended.

Nico grabbed Rachel by the hand to drag her off, but Harry took hold of her free hand to stop them both. It was a war of glares between the two boys and Rachel could only sink in her own little way whilst waiting for either or both of them to let go of her hands.

Where do you think you're taking her? Harry was the first to speak, his voice a deadly calm but there were traces of venom in his tone.

Duuuuuh... Going to search for Richard, of course. Didn't you hear her? We're playing hide and seek, Nico answered, his voice initiating a challenge. A challenge which he knew that he would win.

Why does she have to come with you? Harry asked trying his best to keep calm despite his anger reaching levels, but it seemed that Nico was having the upper hand because of his ability to keep his temper.

Because.... we'll both be dead if we don't find Richard soon.. He's been waiting forever! Nico said and Harry was once again about to retort when the boy resumed speaking. And besides, she's sleeping over in my room. Richard already said so and she's dead if she doesn't obey, right? he smirked and Rachel couldn't help but give him an incredulous look as if he'd grown another head.

Rachel turned her attention to Harry who was about to burst from anger. And she took that as a signal to free her hand from Nico's grasp and hug the boy she truly loved, whispering in his ear.

Don't worry.. I'll be fine... I promise.. Don't you trust me? she said as she pulled back a little, her right hand, cupping his face and stroking it gently whilst her stare remained on his eyes.

I trust you a lot.. It's him I don't trust.. Harry claimed glancing at Nico for a while before turning his attention back to Rachel.

Nothing's going to happen. I promise.. I just couldn't decline when Richard told me to sleepover in Nico's room. I'm sorry.. she told him gently but Harry remained silent.

And then, Harry cupped her face with his two hands and brought her face closer to his, closing the distance between their lips and he finally kissed her. It was a gentle, butterfly kiss that lingered on the girl's lips when the boy finally pulled back.

Fine, but I'll have that kiss as payback. Come back early, alright? he managed to say as he hugged her before finally letting her go. I love you.

Rachel smiled a small smile and nodded, muttering words loud enough for Harry to hear as she left with Nico.

I love you too, Harry.