On the Run

Chapter 13

<~>This chapter is by me! ~ E <~>

Aveline's POV.

Slowly I come to. The cold wind ripples through the air, cutting into our jackets and our very hearts it seems.

My eyes dart back and forth, my body still paralyzed to the cold ground.

Leo is standing over me, his dark eyes darting around like he doesn't trust anything. I can't blame him, those Dementors found us way too easily.

"Are you okay Aveline?" He asks gently, bending down and helping me to my feet. I stagger but I manage to stand fully. I feel immediate resentment towards myself. I failed with my patronus when it really mattered. I failed and my mistake could have cost us our souls. It's unforgivable. From here on out I make a promise to myself to never let anything beat me. Ever.

I respond, telling him that I'm fine, but my voice shakes, even I don't believe me. Leo wraps me in a hug, which I gratefully lean into. It surprises me at how fast our friendship or whatever it is is moving. No one has ever liked me like this.

I start to play in my mind the sick images the Dementors projected there. My mother, dad, sister and brother, horrifically mutilated, dead, tortured. Their bodies eagle-spread with gruesome looks of dead fear in their faded eyes.

I stop that train of thought when I feel a jacket being gently put on me. I turn my head to the right, to see Leo's face right there. He's putting his jacket on me. His dark eyes look into my dark eyes with a warmth that sends shivers down my spine. Is it just me or is his face getting closer to mine!? At the last moment, Leo gently brushes his lips against mine and pulls away, leaving me breathless with anticipation.

We start to lean in, when Dylan loudly throws our things on the ground angrily.

"Get away from her!" Dylan hisses at Leo. What the hell!? Why is he being like this! He needs to start trusting Leo and Claire. He's been nothing but a complete asshole to Leo! And Leo's been super helpful.

My glare silences Dylan, although his hazel eyes still glimmer with unspoken words. Leo is standing right next to me, an arm wrapped callously around my shoulders, pulling me into his chest.

"Dylan! Damnit what your problem!" I spit. Why's he like this! I don't understand!

"You know what, never mind Aveline! Let's just go," Dylan hisses.

"Oh, thank you whoever did that powerful patronus, I could feel my mind slipping, you saved me," I sigh, not wanting to admit that I needed saving like a damned maiden, but also wanting to acknowledge that someone did save me and has my gratitude.

"It was me," Leo whispers, just loud enough for the rest of us to hear.

I turn around and wrap my arms around Leo's shoulder's tightly. My cheeks flush ever so slightly when I notice that our chests are pressed against each other's. I release him from the embrace, although he doesn't look like he wants me to. His cheeks are faintly red as well. I wonder if he noticed what I had.

"Eff off Leo!" Dylan yells aggressively, his eyes darting wildly at Leo.
"That was my patronus!" He exclaims.

"Bull! Why are you trying to one up Leo! It's not an effing game!" I hiss, before Leo can say anything.

Dylan looks confused at first, then angry. He turns away from me quickly, with a look in his eyes that I don't trust. It rubs me the wrong way. Maybe I'm paranoid, but reckless abandon would be far more fatal.

"Okay okay! While this isn't uncomfortable at all!!! I think we'd all prosper by keeping on walking," Claire announces. Her bright red hair is starting to come undone from her braids, giving her a slightly insane appearance. She looks like some character from a television drama.

We all agree with Claire, Dylan a tad reluctantly. He keeps giving Leo poisonous glares occasionally.

We set out again, everyone picking up our packs.

After a few moments I fall into step with Leo. He twists his face up and sticks his tongue out, giving himself a rather grotesque appearance, sending me into a small fit of giggles. We trade casual conversation until Claire yells that she wants to stop for the night. She says something about not caring if we die as long as she sleeps. Honestly Claire is pretty awesome. She's a good person to break up any awkward silences.

We set up camp, which is just some blankets and three pillows that we stash under a tree to escape any potential rain.

Claire and Dylan start a discussion about Charms class. Claire must be older too because I'm not following what they're saying.

"Take a walk with me," Leo whispers suddenly in my ear.

I agree and we both lightly walk away from camp. I feel Dylan's eyes digging into my back as we leave.

We are at a large tree when Leo surprises me by turning against me and pining me to a tree. He leans in and so do I. We stand like that for awhile before I decide to break the kiss.

"That was really nice," I smile. Leo grins at me.
"Listen, can you maybe try and patch any resentment Dylan has towards you? Maybe take him on a walk and talk. I don't want our group to be divided," I whisper.

Leo nods hesitantly.

I thank him quietly and give him a peck on the check before we walk back.

When we get to the clearing, Dylan's eyes go wide.
It's probably because Leo and my clothes are all messed up, which happened when we both tripped over a log on the way back. But I don't have to defend myself to Dylan, he can think whatever he wants.

Claire and I crawl into the blankets just as Leo and Dylan walk away from camp.

I fade into a peaceful sleep as the image of Leo and I kissing replays in my head.

~~~
That's all! Hope you enjoyed it! I'd love feedback and what you think is going to happen next!