On Opposite Sides
Prologue:
Silver and Cold
The hall was filled with students from fourth to seventh year. Familiar faces were masked and disguised, leaving me clueless on whom to ask for a dance. Across our table, a lady sat with ease. I think we have come across each other a few times by the hall, but I was not sure. Her face was hidden beneath the silver mask lined with a green lace. She was alone, so I gathered all my guts and approached her.
"Uh… Hi." I said, feeling the air become more and more saturated.
"Hi," She said shortly, then looked away.
"Would you… care for a dance?" I offered her the red rose with a golden stem.
"She gave me a reproving look and raised her own. Her rose, unlike the rest that a Slytherin gave, had a Silver flower on the green stem.
Before I could walk a step further, she told me, "But I wouldn't mind if you stay and keep me company." She continued, "He has been keeping me here for a while now." She said, not wanting to speak of 'his' identity.
I had to try my luck, "This song won't take three minutes before it's over. Please… just one dance. We'd go back to this table once the song is over."
"I really am sorry… but I can't."
I wanted to take my mask off and tell her who I really was, but that would ruin everything that this masquerade ball is all about. Nevertheless, I gave her my rose.
"No, sir… Please, ask someone else." She said, refusing to take the rose.
"I insist, Slytherin." Just then she gave me a faint smile, "I can manage. Keep the rose."
"Thank you… You are one of the reasons why I'll never forget this night." She happened to have looked towards the door. She abruptly stood up, "Oh, but you can't stay here for long. He's coming."
I wanted to know who she was pertaining to. If I recognize the face of her partner, it would be easy for me to identify this Slytherin that stood before me. But when I looked towards the entrance, I saw a lot of people. Whoever she was speaking of, I couldn't discern.
"Gryffindor," she said as she took three silver petals off her rose. "There still is next year." She smiled, giving me the petals. She leaned closer and kissed me lightly on the cheek. "Goodnight." She added before she turned her back on me.
"Slytherin," I called. She turned to face me, but then my attention was caught by a different voice.
"Harry," Cho approached me. "I have to tell you something."
"Cho I'm-" I was interfered. My gaze never met hers. I watched as the Slyhterin made her way into the crowd.
"Harry, please, listen." She paused, seemingly uncertain on what she was about to say. "I think I'm starting to like you again."
I lost sight of the mysterious Slytherin lass. "Look Cho. This isn't the right time to talk about this." I paused, "You shouldn't have told me."
There was an awkward silence between the two of us.
"I'm sorry." She said, looking away.
Just then, I realized what I've just said.
"Cho-"
"No, Harry, It's alright." She turned her back at me and left.
It was that closing chapter in my life that started it all.