My Secret Shadows

《Chapter 8》

Lillian's POV:

I straightened my crown as I ducked through the front doors of Hogwarts. The huge mahogany gates (carved with the Hogwart's crest) had been thrown open to admit the guests, who had not arrived yet.

A long, glowing trail of jack-o-lanterns lit up the trail towards the castle. Dumbledore and the other Professors stood waiting for me, with the students all lined up behind their head of house.

The entrance to Hogwarts was filled with girls in glittering gowns and boys in sleek tuxedos. My eyes unwillingly traveled to Snape. He was standing a little ways apart from the other Professors, wearing his black cloak.

The chest of his white, button down shirt was barely visible. It looked like a star in a night sky. I tore my gaze away as I saw his ebony eyes catch me looking.

A trumpet blast sliced through the dusky air as the sound of hoofbeats drummed the ground. A silver light appeared in the Forbidden Forest, growing larger as the trumpet sound swelled in volume. An elk cantered out of the trees, with a silver lantern glowing from its antlers.

Upon it's back was an elf. But this wasn't a short, knobbly little house elf. He was tall and beautiful,with piercing blue eyes and a mane of silver blond hair. I couldn't help but wonder if he was still single...

The sight of him elected excited gasps, pointing of fingers, and whispers. The huge elk and lordly rider were followed by a procession of 26 dappled horses, each with a gorgeous rider. Thrangmire's school crest was a leaf and a golden celtic twist. With a snort, the majestic elk pawed the ground and stopped. The rider slid off.

He dipped his head in greeting. "Dumbledore of Hogwarts, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. These are my most prized pupils, hand-selected by me. I look forward to Thrangmire's and Hogwarts continued relations."

Dumbldore bowed. "King Kaimyth Dawnslaught of Thrangmire, the pleasure is mine. Our gamekeeper Rubius Hagrid will be honored to care for your mounts. Hogwarts welcomes you." He applauded and the students joined in, whooping and cheering. I clapped politely.

A King?! No wonder he was so good looking. Severus sneered at Kaimyth as if he could read my thoughts. Suddenly, a strange clunking and whirring sound roared out.

An odd shape was outlined in the sky, and it looked like a very large bird. As it got closer, black clouds of smoke sputtered from it's engine. It looked like a sleek, wooden bird covered in vines and exotic flowers.

The contraption landed on the grass, narrowly avoiding a handful of lit pumpkins. Students pointed and coughed as the smoke cleared.

A Witch emerged from the open top, dressed in a gown made entirely of leaves. A fat corn snake was draped over her shoulders like a living shawl, and her deep brown skin and dark tresses gave her an exotic beauty. Behind her clambered 26 students and one man.

He was tall, with the same rich brown skin the color of coffee and a lopsided grin. He had goggles on his forehead and wore leather gloves. The Scottsdale crest was a pink flamingo.

Dumbledore extended his hand and the woman shook it. "Ah, Syvia Drune. Welcome to Hogwarts. I hope you find the temperature to be to your liking." Syvia shook Dumbledore's hand and placed her other hand on the man's shoulder.

"This is my husband, Rodriguez Malguel. He will be my new Co-headmaster of Scottsdale." Rodriguez shook Dumbledore's hand and motioned to the nervous students behind him. "Scottsdale hopes to innovate and create lasting friendships with Hogwarts and Thrangmire."

Dumbledore smiled, his half-moon glasses twinkling. "Welcome all. Now without further ado, let the Annual Fall Ball commence!!" He swept his arms out and the great hall doors whooshed open with an invisible wind.

It tousled everyone's clothing and hair, and I fixed the edges of my dress as the gust blew through. Headmaster Kaimyth and Co-Headmasters Syvia and Rodriguez talked about Wizard Politics as their students mingled with Hogwarts students into the great hall.

I picked my way into the hall with the mass of students, but nearly tripped on something near the edge of the wall. I would have fallen flat against the wall (and probably broken my nose) if it wasn't for the strong arms that snaked around my waist.

I gasped as the wind was momentarily knocked out of my lungs. When my vision cleared, I realized I was in the arms of Headmaster Kaimyth.

"Are you alright?" His perfect brow was creased in concern. He carefully released me, his slender fingers sliding off my waist. I nodded and attempted a curtsey. "Thank you, King Kaimyth Dawnslaught."

His icy gaze traveled to my lips. "There is no need to thank me. And you, Aethelreda (noble maiden) may call me Kai." My heart sped up as he leaned closer, placing a kiss on my temple. I stifled a giggle. What was wrong with me?

Something on the ground shone in the candlelight. I smiled at Kai and said, "One moment please." I crouched down and picked up a small glass vial. This was what has tripped me. I popped open the top and sniffed. The vial was empty except for white residue. It smelled absolutely awful, like ten day old socks and armpit bo. I gagged and replaced the top.

It had a familiar smell, but I couldn't quite place the name of the potion residue. I could only remember that this potion was illegal. Severus would know... "What was that?" Kai asked, watching me slip the bottle into my pocket. "Something of no importance." I replied.Kai shrugged (His shoulders looked quite chiseled) and offered his right arm.

"May I escort you to the dance floor?" I accepted his arm and laughed. "Yes, you may." Kai led me to the center of the dance floor, where the magical musicians struck up a waltz. "You have lovely eyes."

He murmured, twirling me. I blushed as we seemed to float across the dance floor. Kai was a superb dancer, his silvery blond hair swinging softly as he placed each footstep in perfect harmony with the music. For some reason, Kai was so much easier to talk to than Severus.

I almost had a heart attack when I noticed Severus lurking in the shadows. How long had he been standing there?! He stalked up to Kai, and I couldn't help but notice Severus was the same height (6' 3") as the majestic elf king. "May I cut in."

Severus's voice was soft and menacing, and it wasn't a question. Kai stared at Severus for a moment, before he stiffly replied, "Of course."Kai leaned down and kissed my hand before walking off.

I turned to Severus. "Why do you always ruin everything good?" He didn't respond. He only stepped closer. I huffed."Kai is a nice person, and we were having a fantastic time until you ruined it!"

Severus placed one hand on my hip and gently threaded my other hand in his hand. The song that began to play was hauntingly beautiful, both soft and dangerous, light and dark. I couldn't resist as he pulled me close, swaying in time to the melody.

"Severus I-"He placed a finger over my lips, and I gave in to the music. I never felt as alive with anyone as I did that night. His touch was electric and cold, but his eyes burned with secrets and truth.

I could tell Severus was enjoying this as much as I was. And yet, he still seemed to be hiding something from me. As I studied his stony features, I wondered how someone could feel emotion without showing it.... the music swelled to a crescendo and faded away.

Severus's hand slipped from mine and he melted into the crowd. I blinked and the spell was broken...