Every Thursday after practice, I had gotten used to having my best friend waiting for me outside the quidditch field. I often wondered how long would it last, being surrounded by so many interesting fellow Ravenclaws I’d assume Eirwen would rather enjoy their company instead of hanging out with me. But there they were again and again, and they wouldn’t complain about me stinking or falling asleep while they tried to help with my charms assignments. This particular afternoon, while we were working on the library, they were looking a bit distracted, so I asked if something was wrong.
“Oh it’s nothing, just thinking of something Amit mentioned last night.” they answered.
Last night… of course, they had been at the astronomy tower as usual, gazing at the stars together. How I wished to be in his place, but there was nothing I could offer Ei instead. Amit had such knowledge it would have them in awe, claiming gasps and looks of wonder. Those I could hardly ever pull from their beautiful icy eyes.
“He told me of these astronomy tables, and how they’re placed all throughout the Highlands. I only saw the one he showed me at the school grounds, but I’m curious to see more!” Eirwen was definitely excited about this, so I indulged them for a moment.
“Do you know where the others are located?” I asked.
“Not exactly… they could be anywhere really, the problem is… No, I would never.”
“Never what? What’s the problem?”
They seemed hesitant, but answered at last “The thing is, they activate only at night. And I’m not built for wandering out in the wild in the dark on my own.”
“Well perhaps you can draw one for me and I can search for them?” I suggested. But they instantly shook their head and patted me on the back.
“You have better things to do. Like your potions homework!” was their final statement, and pulled their quill up to my face. They had already completed the assignment, in perfect handwriting, putting my empty piece of paper to shame.
During dinner, I couldn’t stop thinking of our talk. They really loved gazing at the stars, the whole thing was fascinating to them… how could I compete with star filled skies?
I tried to discreetly peek at the large table behind me, where all the Ravenclaws were dining. And I noticed Amit talking to Ei once more. A fire was burning inside me. It sparked in my chest everytime I saw them together. I should feel happy for my… best friend, to see them fit in so perfectly, to let them fly- that was it!
Right after everyone left to their common rooms, I grabbed my broom, took a quick look at the mirror in my bedroom to check my hair wasn’t a complete mess, and ran back outside.
My first instinct was to check the astronomy tower, so I jumped on my broom and flew all the way up there. But no, there was no one around there. It was a beautiful summer night with a full moon, so it seemed strange to me. Perhaps they were going to bed already? No… Eirwen would either read something first, or gaze at the stars from her own window. So that was my next move.
I flew to the top of the Ravenclaw tower, where I couldn’t really access. So I checked from my broom, trying to find them through the glass. I took some rocks from my pocket, and threw them gently at the glass window, hoping someone would notice. Right before I could throw a third little stone, Eirwen opened the window with a confused expression.
“Rammy? What are you doing here?”
“I thought we could go for a little ride? It’s full moon tonight, meaning…”
“No, silly. We’ll have plenty of light to search for those tables from my broom! I thought you Ravenclaws were smarter…” I sentenced with a smug smile on my face.
“You… you want to help me search for them?” their expression changed to surprise.
“Well, you couldn’t ask for a better person to fly you all over Scotland.” I flew my broom closer to the edge of the terrace, leaving us face to face. “I’ll have your back, as always. What do you say?”
Eirwen blinked and recovered their usual coolness. “Alright but… just a little round and we come back to the castle.”
“We’ll be here before sunrise, I promise.” I said, and scooched a little closer to the tail of my broom, leaving enough space for them to sit in front of me. They carefully sat in their spot, and grabbed firmly to the handle. “Hold tightly” I said, and placed my hands firmly on top of theirs, commanding my broom to lift up and away.
I knew they trusted me, but still tried to make them feel safe as much as I could.
“How are you hanging in there?” I asked, but the look on their face, trying to absorb the wonders of the sky above us, was enough of a good indication.
“This is amazing! The stars look so pretty up here!” their smile made my heart skip a beat, and I felt the need to drive my gaze away before I made them feel weird about it.
“If it’s not too scary for you, I want to show you what flying with the best really feels like…” I said with my usual confident aura.
“The best?” they snorted with a chuckle. And that was enough for me to grab on tighter to the broom under our hands and make us free fall like a roller coaster ride. They screamed from the sudden fall, and bursted out laughing when I pulled us back in time before hitting the lake beneath us. The reflection of the white moon bounced against us, and the water sprinkled our feet as we flew swiftly just above. I took us up up and away in a rush, and made us spin in the air, making sure they were safely tucked under my chest at all times. Their hair was dancing uncontrollably, matching the pale clouds right in front of us. And with a kick of my feet we went right through them, revealing a clear sky with a giant full moon in front of us. I slowed our pace almost to a stop, and got absorbed by the sight before me. The moon was beautiful, yes, but the way the beams of moonlight shined on their eyes… I had to clear my throat before speaking.
“So? Will you still question my flight skills? Or need more convincing?” I asked while I played with one strand of silver hair in my fingers.
When they turned around to face me, our noses touched. But they didn’t even flinch.
“No. I’d rather stay like this…Ramses,”
After hearing them say my name… like that, my heart started pounding harder in my chest. Was it my imagination or they meant it that way? What would happen if I kissed them right there? I did not want to ruin the moment, but I didn’t know what to say… and then I noticed a shiver in their skin.
“You’re cold. Sorry, I took you too high Ei.” I had nothing to offer but my own warmth, so I leaned towards them and pressed my body against their back, resting my chin on their shoulder. Then I took us a bit lower, even if it meant losing that amazing view, I would not have them feel cold or uncomfortable. Fortunately, I could feel their cheek getting warm against mine, so I was doing a good job at that.
“T-thank you. I think we’re getting closer.” they mumbled.
“Oh, right! The tables…” I had already forgotten them.
“There! I think that’s the one!” they exclaimed seconds later, and pointed towards a stone surface in a cliff. We descended right there, and I let them inspect the thing thoroughly.
“Let’s see… Amit showed me to spin it like this… and this…” they murmured while looking through the telescope. “Merlin! there it is! Ramses, look!”
“What? What should I be seeing here?” I asked, looking at the group of stars.
“Ohhh… now I see.” I couldn't see anything, but I didn’t want to seem dumb.
“Amit won't believe me when I tell him!”
“Amit these, Amit that… what about the guy who took you up here?” my words left my mouth before I could think them through. But instead of getting mad, they laughed.
“Oh… don’t tell me the great Ramses Bakari is jealous of another boy?” They teased me with a smirk, balancing on the tip of their toes.
“First of all, I am not jealous.” I lied, “...and second, I'm not a boy...” I said, while I grabbed them by the hips and pulled them towards me, “...I'm a man.”
Their fragile hands were resting on my chest, and their icy eyes fixed on mine. I could never decipher what they felt when they looked like a startled deer. We stayed there quietly until I asked: “Did the cat eat your tongue?”
“Tongue…” they repeated quietly. “I mean, alright alright I get it. No need to get all cocky now. But… you're right, you did get me here. And I had an amazing night.”
“Hm.” I replied, and let go of my grip.
“Thank you…” they replied timidly. And my defenses fell to the ground when I saw a faint blush on their pale cheeks. Gods, they were so beautiful…
“Ready to go back to the castle?” I asked, patting their pretty head.
“Yeah, alright… I guess we should.” They answered with a hint of disappointment in their voice.
While we were flying back, I assured them:
“We can do this again any time you want, you know?”
“Really? You don't mind?”
“Of course not! You say when and I'll be there!”
“Ok then, I take your word.” They sounded less disappointed after that.
As we approached the Ravenclaw terrace again, I descended carefully so they could land safely on their feet. They climbed down with the help of my arms, and turned back to face me with their hand guarded in mine.
“I had an amazing time today, Rammy. I owe you.” They said.
“You owe me nothing silly, you already put up with me everyday.”
“No, I really want to do something for you. Anything.”
“Hmmm be careful what you promise Eirwen.” I teased and smiled mischievously.
“I will think of something. Goodnight, Flamey.”
I lifted the hand I was holding up to my lips, and kissed it.
I let go of their hand, and pulled back my broom. I left my little dove safely in their nest, and flew back to my room. But not before spinning around with joy, the joy they left in my heart was bigger than my ego. And I was too full of it.
My snow angel, if only they knew…
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