158. Talk about a memorable (or unexpected) kiss at a holiday party

[slytherincoffee]

One of the most memorable kisses had been at the end of sixth year, right before the yearly attempt on Potter’s life. It had been late and he’d just gotten yet another missive from his parent about making his decision and how the Dark Lord promised this and the Dark Lord promised that. They were making a better, safer world for all of their kind, etc. His mind had been preoccupied with how he was going to respond to this letter without tipping his hand as to which side he was leaning on. The dormitory had been a trifle stifling, so he’d snuck out and carefully made his way to the Astronomy tower. It had become a habit of his to do this, he didn’t know why. Looking out at the stars and watching the sun come up was soothing to him. That night he’d learned that he was not the only one who had done this sort of thing, who took comfort in the stillness of the night and the gradual way the sun came up and slowly banished the dark.

She’d been there, the moonlight glinting off of her hair and illuminating her pale skin, at least as far as he could see it from where he was standing. He hadn’t been there for ten seconds when she’d turned around. She’d demanded to know who was there in a soft tone. He’d stepped out of the shadows then and he watched her eyes grow large at first when she noticed the crest on his cloak, but then she’d surprised him by simply telling him that as long as he meant her no harm, she had no problem sharing the quietude of the tower with him.

They had begun to idly talk to one another and he’d soon discovered why she was up here alone. Her mother had died tonight, on Beltane’s eve, nine years ago. He found himself telling her about his mother and the decision he’d come to at last. She’d just sat with him and listened. When he was finished talking, just as night had turned to twilight, she had impulsively leaned over and kissed him. It had taken him a moment to register this before his natural instincts kicked in and he kissed her back. After a long moment, she’d pulled away from him, blushing as she wished him a fair Beltane and then she’d scurried back to her dormitory before someone noticed she was missing.

He’d sat back against the wall of the tower, slightly dazed. The sun came up and he couldn’t help but laugh in wonder. Erzulie be praised for giving him this gift. For he had no doubt that the Guédé had orchestrated this, the Guédé were pleased then with his decision.

As he left the tower, he reflected on one thing, she’d tasted of sunlight and music to him and he wanted more. Today was Beltane after all.