Ancient Secrets
Chapter 5
After speaking with Headmistress McGonagall, Silvina checked her timetable and noticed that her first class for the day was Charms. As she walked toward the Charms classroom, Silvina heard Mika calling out to her.
" Silvina! I saw you leave the hall with the Headmistress. Are you in trouble? " Mika spoke nervously before Silvina smiled happily and shook her head.
" No. Headmistress McGonagall wanted to speak with me about Layla. " Silvina smiled as a look of shock etched onto Mika's face.
" Why? What does anything concerning Layla have to do with you? " Mika spoke with concern in her voice before Silvina responded.
" Layla is in so much pain and has been through so much in her life. I want to help her to realise that she doesn't have to hurt others. I want to become friends with her. And I think you, Aurora and Jinn should to. Layla needs people around her that accept her and care for her. " Silvina smiled as Mika thought quietly. After a moment, Mika spoke calmly.
" Any friend of yours is a friend of mine Silvina. I don''t know what Layla is going through but I am sure she has her reasons. If you think being friends with her will help her to change then I will be friends with her. I just want you to know that the three of us are very wary of this. Jinn especially. " Mika had a tone of concern in her voice but was calm as Silvina spoke.
" Thank you Mika. I know this is difficult. But Layla deserves a chance to change. I am not asking anyone to trust her, I am just asking that she be given the chance. " Silvina spoke pleadingly with Mika as they entered the Charms classroom.
" I will speak to Jinn about it. I wanted to speak with him anyway. Can you talk to Aurora? " Mika smiled as Silvina nodded happily and thanked her before Professor Flitwick spoke.
" Good morning class. Today we will be practising the Alohomora charm. On your desk is a simple lock. Using Alohomora will unlock it. Your Charms book will detail the movements and pronunciation. " Professor Flitwick smiled as the students in the class opened their books and began practising the spell.
Aurora and Jinn were sitting together and Silvina and Mika sat together. After an hour, A bell chimed to signal the end of the first class. As they left the class, Silvina walked with Aurora as Mika spoke with Jinn.
" You serious? You want us to be friends with Layla? " Aurora spoke with disbelief in her voice before Silvina responded.
" I know I am asking a lot Aurora. But Layla needs people around that care for her. I am not asking you to trust her, Just to give her a chance. " Silvina spoke pleadingly as they walked toward their next class.
" It will take some time for me to trust her but if you think this is a good idea I am not against it. I trust you Silvina. " Aurora smiled as Silvina thanked her. As they continued to walk, Jinn caught up with them.
" I was right Silvina. You have lost your mind. How is being friends with Layla a good idea in any way? " Jinn crossed his arms as Silvina responded.
" Because I understand how she is feeling Jinn. Layla told me everything that she is going through. I don't need you to trust her but she deserves a chance to change. " Silvina spoke pleadingly with Jinn but his mistrust and dislike did not budge.
" Silvina this is a bad idea and it will not end well. I don't trust her. And honestly if you do, Your making a mistake. I won't stop you from doing this but I want no part of it. I'm sorry. " Jinn walked ahead of Silvina, Aurora and Mika as Mika spoke softly.
" I am sorry Silvina. He is adamant that this is the worst idea you have come up with. I will keep trying but I just don't know if Jinn can accept this. " Mika spoke softly as they entered the Potions classroom.
" I honestly didn't expect him to Mika. But I appreciate that you will keep trying. " Silvina smiled happily as Mika nodded before they walked over to an empty desk. After a few moments, Jinn joined them but did not speak.
" Good morning class. Today you will be making the Wiggenweld Potion. Please take out your textbooks and turn to the appropriate page. " Professor Patil spoke calmly before students started turning through their Potion Making textbooks.
After turning to the correct page, Students walked all around the room collecting the required ingredients. As Silvina walked back to her desk and placed the ingredients on the desk, Jinn spoke softly.
" Silvina... I just want you to know that I am still your friend. I think being friends with Layla is insanity. That being said I am still your friend and I will support you. I don't trust her but you believed in me when I needed it so I'll do the same for you. " Jinn smiled as Silvina hugged him gently.
" Thank you Jinn. I don't expect any of you to trust her. I just ask that you trust me. " Silvina smiled again as Jinn nodded.
The four spoke amongst themselves while following the instructions for the Wiggenweld Potion. After about an hour, A bell sounded to end the class.
After putting away the equipment they used, The group of four walked to the Great Hall for lunch. As they sat in the hall having lunch, A musical cry echoed through the hall as Kari flew through an open window and swooped down gracefully before landing softly on Silvina's outstretched arm. After Kari dropped a letter into Silvina's hand, She nuzzled Silvina's cheek affectionately before taking off and flying back out of the open window. After a moment, Silvina opened the letter and read it.
"Silvina, Headmistress McGonagall would like to see us in her office after lunch. I will see you there. Love Mom."
Silvina smiled before looking at her mother who smiled and waved to her happily. After waving back, Silvina finished her lunch before walking to Headmistress McGonagall's office. As she walked in, Professor Vissity arrived and walked in with her.
After a moment, Professor McGonagall spoke. " Thank you both for coming. I wanted to discuss the question of Silvina having her broom instead of using the school brooms. After considering the reports from Professor Vissity and seeing you flying after Layla, I have decided to approve your request. You will be allowed to have your broom Silvina. " Professor McGonagall smiled as Silvina smiled brightly.
" Thank you Headmistress. I was really nervous about having to fly a broom I had never used before. Having my Firebolt makes me far less anxious about flying. " Silvina smiled brightly again after she finished speaking.
" There is one more thing Silvina. I heard from Professor Wolfe about your use of personal spells in Duelling class. I must say that I am impressed that you have created your own spells at such a young age, But I must also reaffirm that using such spells outside of Duelling class will result in disciplinary action. Am I clear? " Professor McGonagall spoke sternly but smiled as Silvina nodded her understanding. " Good. You may leave now Silvina. I have some things to discuss with Professor Vissity. "
" Yes Headmistress. Thank you again for letting me have my Firebolt. " Silvina smiled happily before leaving the office. As the door closed, Headmistress McGonagall spoke calmly.
" I understand now why Silvina feels so concerned about her magic. From what Professor Wolfe described, Silvina's magic is powerful enough to break through shield spells. If that is true, I can imagine how destructive her magic would be in an open area. " Headmistress McGonagall spoke with concern in her voice before sighing softly. " That being said I daresay we should still keep an eye on her. That magic is indeed quite unpredictable. "
" Yes it is. The incident in America was not exaggerated at all. Her magic destroyed a building. " Professor Vissity spoke softly before sighing and continuing. " Silvina is adamant that there was someone walking toward her with a wand pointed at her but none of the witnesses could confirm that. "
" Interesting. Surely she would not imagine such a thing? " Headmistress McGonagall spoke softly as Professor Vissity shook her head.
" No she wouldn't. It makes me wonder though... " Professor Vissity had a look of concern on her face as she spoke.
" Indeed. No witness accounts but Silvina saw someone walking toward her. Perhaps we will ask her for a description sometime so we can investigate. " Headmistress McGonagall looked toward the door as Professor Vissity nodded silently. After a moment, Professor Vissity left the room, Leaving Headmistress McGonagall to her thoughts.
The Great Hall
As Silvina walked back into the Great Hall, Mika ran over to her. " Where did you go Silvina? "
" Headmistress McGonagall wanted to see me. She is letting me have my Firebolt. " Silvina smiled brightly as Mika giggled.
" Your not the only one. Nearly half of the First Years got their brooms approved. Jinn, Aurora and I got ours to. " Mika smiled happily as Silvina hugged her gently.
" I am so relieved. I was so anxious about using the school brooms. " Silvina sighed in relief as Mika giggled.
" So was I. Jinn wasn't overly happy about it either. But now that we have our brooms we will be just fine. " Mika spoke calmly and smiled as Silvina nodded.
After a few minutes, A bell sounded, Signalling the start of the next class. Silvina took out her timetable and looked at it to see which class she had next. Next on her timetable was Herbology. After smiling excitedly, Silvina skipped toward the Greenhouses happily.
As she entered the greenhouses, The rest of her classmates were already there. Professor Longbottom was speaking but paused and looked to the door as Silvina entered.
" Running a little late today Miss Vissity? " Professor Longbottom smiled as Silvina giggled.
" Just a bit Professor. Headmistress McGonagall wanted to speak to me. I apologise for being late. " Silvina smiled warmly as Professor Longbottom chuckled.
" No matter. We were just discussing the plant known as Devil's Snare. Please get your Herbology book out and describe Devil's Snare for me. " Professor Longbottom smiled as Silvina took out her Herbology book and turned to the correct page before speaking.
" Devil's Snare is a rare plant that constricts creatures within it's reach. Struggling against the constriction makes Devil's Snare grip tighter. Devil's Snare dislikes sunlight and prefers dark, Damp environments to grow. " Silvina finished speaking and closed her Herbology book as Professor Longbottom spoke.
" And which spell would be most effective against Devil's Snare? " Professor Longbottom looked toward Silvina with expectation on his face as she responded.
" That would be Lumos Solem. Lumos Solem creates a ray of sunlight in a directed beam at the target. " Silvina smiled as Professor Longbottom chuckled softly.
" Indeed it does and is a most effective spell against Devil's Snare. Fifteen points to Ravenclaw. Now then class, Today we will head outside and practice the spell Lumos Solem. Please follow me. " Professor Longbottom walked out of the Greenhouse with the class behind him before stopping on an open area of grass and turning to face the students.
" Now pay close attention to the wrist movements and pronunciation of the spell. " Professor Longbottom looked around at the students before continuing. As he pointed his wand toward the sky, Professor Longbottom motioned his wrist slightly as he spoke clearly. " Lumos Solem! "
A bright beam of sunlight shone from the end of his wand as he spoke. After a few moments, The light receded. As he turned to face the students again, Professor Longbottom smiled warmly before speaking. " Now pair up and practice the spell. Remember the wrist movements and pronunciation. "
As Professor Longbottom finished speaking, The students broke up into pairs and started practising the spell. Mika and Silvina paired up as did Aurora and Jinn. As they started practising, Mika spoke quietly to Silvina.
" Have you heard anything from Layla? " Mika spoke calmly as she looked toward Silvina.
" Not yet. She has only been gone a couple of days though. I'm sure she will send a letter or something soon. " Silvina spoke calmly but had a look of concern on her face as Mika responded.
" What if she doesn't? " Mika spoke calmly but regretted her question as a look of sadness appeared on Silvina's face.
" She will... " Silvina sighed softly before smiling to Mika and returning to practise.
After about an hour, The bell chimed to signal the end of class. As Professor Longbottom dismissed the class, Silvina took out her timetable to check which class was next. Her final class for the day was History Of Magic.
" We have History Of Magic next. Hopefully it isn't as boring as it sounds. " Silvina spoke calmly before sighing softly as Aurora groaned.
" The one class that I am not looking forward to. It just had to be today. " Aurora sighed disappointingly before the group started walking toward the History Of Magic classroom.
Once they arrived, the group of four took their seats and took out their History Of Magic books, a quill and a bottle of ink. Once all the students were seated, Professor Binns spoke calmly.
" Good afternoon students. Today we will be discussing the Gargoyle strike of nineteen eleven. The strike of nineteen eleven was a wildcat strike. The term wildcat strike refers to a stopping of work by unionised workers without permission from the union. In this particular strike, The wildcats, So to speak, were winning. It was then that..." Professor Binns continued speaking as Silvina groaned softly.
" This class will be the death of me. How does anyone at all find enjoyment of any kind in this? " Silvina whispered to herself, Not expecting anyone to answer.
" I don't know but I am going to fall asleep at this rate. " Jinn spoke quietly before laying his head on his arms and groaning in boredom.
" Are we ever going to actually need any of this? Honestly at what point in our lives are going to need to recite any Magical History? At what point? " Aurora groaned in frustration before sighing and resting her head on the desk in front of her.
" I honestly don't know but it is making my head hurt. " Mika spoke softly and sighed before Silvina spoke calmly.
" Ugh... I think I'll just take a nap. Wake me when it's over? " Silvina looked to her friends who all nodded before Aurora spoke.
" If we don't fall asleep too. " Aurora sighed and yawned softly as Silvina closed her eyes.
After about an hour, Silvina awoke suddenly as a loud bell chimed to signal the end of class. As she put her book away and nudged her friends to wake them up, Professor Binns spoke
" At our next class we will be discussing the Soap Blizzard of thirteen seventy eight. Remember to take notes if you feel so inclined. " Professor Binns spoke in a tone of voice that made it sound as if he was actually uninterested as to whether or not students took notes or paid attention in class.
As Silvina walked out of the classroom, Aurora called out to her.
" Silvina! Can I talk to you... Um... Somewhere private? " Aurora smiled sheepishly as Silvina looked at her with curiosity in her eyes before nodding quietly. After waving goodbye to Jinn and Mika, Aurora and Silvina walked to the castle courtyard and sat down before Aurora spoke softly.
" I wanted to talk to you about Mika and Jinn. Since she took that curse for him, Jinn has been looking at her... Well... " Aurora paused for a moment as Silvina responded.
" As if he really likes her. " Silvina smile as Aurora looked at her with shock on her face. " Yeah I've noticed. I do pay attention Aurora. " Silvina giggled softly as Aurora smiled.
" Nothing gets past you huh? " Aurora giggled softly as Silvina smiled.
" So you want to talk about getting him to admit how he feels right? " Silvina smiled as Aurora nodded.
" Well... Yes. What if Mika feels the same way? What if she likes him the same way? " Aurora spoke calmly but had a pleading look in her eyes.
" Okay, Okay. You can stop giving me the puppy dog eyes Aurora. I'll help. But we are not pushing them into anything. Just finding out if they feel the same way. " Silvina had a stern look on her face but smiled as Aurora nodded. " Good. Now then, Let's go and find them. I'll talk to Mika. "
" And I'll talk to Jinn. " Aurora nodded before smiling as the two girls stood and walked off to find their friends.
After a few minutes searching, Silvina found Mika sitting in the courtyard outside the castle. As she sat down next to her, Silvina spoke to Mika.
" Hey Mika. What are you up to? " Silvina smiled sweetly as Mika looked toward her with a confused expression on her face.
" What are you doing Silvina? " Mika closed the book she was reading and shifted the way she was sitting as Silvina spoke softly.
" Since when do I need to have a reason to sit with one of my three best friends? " Silvina spoke calmly as Mika gazed at her with disbelief in her eyes.
" You think I am gonna buy that? What are you up to? " Mika smiled mischievously as Silvina sighed and sat back down.
" Alright. I suck at lying anyway. Aurora and I have seen how you and Jinn look at each other. We are trying to get you two to admit how you feel. " Silvina smiled nervously as Mika blushed brightly.
" Silvina! " Mika had a nervous but irritated look on her face as Silvina giggled softly.
" It wasn't my idea! Aurora convinced me to help her. But you do have feelings for him don't you? " Silvina looked toward Mika slowly as Mika sighed softly.
" Of course I do Silvina... I... I love him. " Mika sighed softly as a soft hand touched her shoulder gently and she looked up to see Jinn looking down at her. As Mika blushed brightly, Jinn leaned down and kissed her gently. As Silvina giggled, Aurora sat next to her. After a moment, Jinn straightened up and held his hand out to Mika. " We should go for a walk. "
Mika blushed brightly but couldn't get any words out so instead she nodded silently and took his hand. As they walked away, Silvina nudged Aurora gently.
" Well played Aurora. " Silvina smiled mischievously as Aurora spoke.
" I walked past the courtyard to find Jinn and saw Mika sitting there so it was an easy gambit. You played your cards pretty well too you know. I knew you sucked at lying but I never thought you couldn't do it at all. Worked out well though. " Aurora smiled as Silvina sighed softly.
" Yeah. My mother always taught me that the truth is always quicker. Yes it can be painful, But the truth will always hurt less than if you lie first. So I just don't do it. ' Silvina smiled as Aurora wrapped her arms around Silvina's neck and hugged her gently.
" That's a good thing Silvina. Your friends will always know that we can trust your word because you never lie to us. It's a very good thing. " Aurora smiled sweetly before standing up and walking back toward the Great Hall.
After sitting down in the Great Hall, Aurora and Silvina looked up to see Mika and Jinn walking in. As they sat down, Mika blushed brightly before Silvina spoke teasingly.
" Isn't young love such a wonderful thing Aurora? " Silvina giggled playfully as Aurora spoke.
" They are such a cute couple aren't they? So adorable. " Aurora smiled teasingly as Mika continued to blush brighter before Jinn spoke softly.
" And what of you two? Anyone special that either of you have feelings for? " Jinn smiled before Silvina sighed softly.
" Honestly? " Silvina looked toward Jinn and sighed as he nodded. " I miss Layla. "
Aurora, Mika and Jinn looked toward her with surprise on their faces as Silvina continued.
" Yeah she was mean to begin with but getting to know her the little bit that I did... She has been through a lot and although she will never admit it, Deep down I think she is actually a sweetheart. She just doesn't know it yet. " Silvina smiled slightly before Jinn spoke calmly.
" So you have feelings for Layla? " Jinn finished speaking as Silvina went bright red as she stuttered hopelessly.
" Well... That... I... " Silvina sighed and blushed before speaking in almost a whisper. " Yes... "
Jinn smiled as Aurora gasped. " You know... I may have misjudged Layla. When she said please to you, She spoke in a way that I have never heard her speak before. She was like a totally different person. It was like it wasn't even Layla. " Jinn smiled as Silvina looked toward him with surprise on her face. " But if she ever does anything to hurt you... " Jinn had a look of ferocity on his face before smiling happily.
" I am glad you will look out for me Jinn. And I am glad you understand. " Silvina smiled brightly as her cheeks flushed red before Jinn turned to Aurora.
" And what about you Aurora? Anyone catch your eye? " Jinn spoke softly before Aurora sighed and stood up slowly.
" Yes... But she has feelings for someone else... " Aurora walked away quietly as Jinn's jaw dropped.
" Oh dear... " Jinn spoke softly as Silvina looked toward him. After a moment of Jinn looking at her with a dumbfounded expression, Silvina realised who Aurora was talking about and stood before walking out of the hall and trying to find Aurora.
" Aurora? Aurora where are you? " Silvina walked through the courtyard slowly but stopped as she heard the sound of someone crying. Upon investigating the source of the sound, Silvina found Aurora sitting against a wall in the courtyard with her knees against her chest and her head rested on her knees. As Silvina sat down, Aurora spoke softly.
" Silvina I... I have loved you since we first met. I hoped with all my heart that you felt the same and to hear that you love someone else is just... " Aurora cried softly as Silvina her arm around Aurora gently.
" I am so sorry Aurora. I wish I had known sooner... " Silvina sighed softly as Aurora looked up at her slowly. " I... I do have feelings for Layla. I have so much in common with her and I understand what she is feeling... I just.. " Silvina stopped speaking and gasped softly as Aurora pulled her close and kissed her gently. After a few moments, Aurora pulled away and spoke softly.
" I had to do that at least once... I love you Silvina. And although it broke my heart to hear that you love someone else... I can't just stop loving you. I know it might make things awkward between us but I just... I just want to love you... I want you to love me... " Aurora spoke shakily with sadness in her voice but hadn't noticed that Silvina was lost in her thoughts. After a few moments, Silvina tilted Aurora's head up and kissed her gently. Aurora shivered slightly as the kiss electrified her senses. As Silvina moved back, Aurora spoke softly.
" Silvina... What are you... " Aurora fell silent as Silvina simply shook her head before kissing Aurora again. After a few minutes of repeated kisses, Silvina moved back and sighed softly.
" Aurora... I..." Silvina looked into Aurora's eyes as she sighed once more. " Can I... I mean... Is it possible to love you both... "
Aurora gasped softly as tears built up in her eyes before she spoke so softly that her voice might fail her if it were any louder. " You.. You want to love us both? Layla and me? "
" Yes... Honestly... I have been so unsure... I have had feelings for Layla since I spoke to her in flying class. But... And at first I thought it was my imagination but when you kissed me... Aurora I have had feelings for you since we met as well. I didn't really know what they were at first but now... Aurora I... I do love you but please... Please don't make me choose..." Silvina turned away as tears formed in her eyes. After a moment, Aurora moved forward and put her arms around Silvina gently.
" I could never ask you to choose and I won't make you choose. I don't mind if you love someone else Silvina... I just wanted to hear that you love me to. We can talk to Layla when she comes back to school. Just... Be with me for now? " Aurora smiled sweetly as Silvina looked toward her and nodded slightly before kissing Aurora tenderly.
After about half an hour, Aurora and Silvina walked back to the Great Hall. As they sat down, Aurora leant against Silvina gently.
" So you two are? " Mika spoke softly as she leant against Jinn happily.
" We... Have an understanding. I would never ask Silvina to choose and she cannot bare to. She loves both Layla and myself. We intend to speak with Layla when she returns. " Aurora spoke softly but smiled as Silvina put an arm around her gently.
" At least you two are on the same page if nothing else. " Jinn spoke calmly and smiled as Mika nuzzled his neck playfully.
" It is a start. I really hope it works out. " Silvina spoke softly and smiled as Aurora traced the palm of Silvina's hand with her fingertip. After a few minutes, A musical cry echoed through the Great Hall as Kari flew through an open window and glided gracefully down toward Silvina's outstretched arm.
Kari chirped happily after dropping a small letter in to Silvina's hand. As Silvina turned it over, She smiled brightly. " It's from Layla. "
After opening the letter, Silvina read the contents slowly.
The letter read: " Hi Silvina. I just wanted to let you know that I am safe and I am doing okay. I.. I miss you and can't wait to see you again. Be safe. Layla. "
" She misses me... " Silvina blushed softly as she folded the letter carefully and put it in a pocket in her robes. As Silvina smiled slightly, Aurora wrapped her arm around Silvina gently as she spoke.
" I'm glad she is doing okay. It's good to hear from her. " Aurora smiled as Silvina nodded happily. After having something to eat, They each went off to their house dormitories and went to bed.
The Next Day
Silvina awoke slowly and yawned as she stretched and got out of bed. After getting changed into her robes, Silvina walked to the Great Hall for breakfast. As she sat down, Mika, Aurora and Jinn sat beside her.
" Good morning sleepyhead. We were wondering if you were going to get out of bed today. " Mika giggled playfully as Silvina smiled slightly.
" Is that still an option? " Silvina smiled again as Aurora nudged her playfully.
" You can't stay in bed all day Silvina. We have classes. " Aurora smiled and giggled as Silvina groaned and rested her head against the table.
" Ugh... Nope. I'm gonna go back to the dormitory and make a blanket fort. And draw with crayons. And play with stuffed animals. " Sylvia smiled as Aurora and Mika giggled softly.
" As much fun as that would be Silvina, I do expect to see you in class today. " Professor Vissity's voice made Silvina jump slightly as she sat up and spun around.
" I... Um.. " Silvina smiled nervously before Professor Vissity leant down and hugged her gently.
" It's okay sweety. I know you have had a long few days. It is okay to want a day to yourself every now and then. " Professor Vissity smiled before walking out of the Great Hall as a loud bell chimed to signal the start of classes for the day.
Before leaving the Great Hall, Silvina took out her timetable and checked what her first class was.
" Flying first. No wonder mom decided to check on me... " Silvina sighed softly before standing up and walking out of the Great Hall with Mika, Aurora and Jinn in tow.
As they walked through the courtyard, Aurora held Silvina's hand gently as she spoke. " I'm really glad we had that talk Silvina. It really hurt when you said you had feelings for someone else. "
" I know it hurt... And I didn't mean to hurt you Aurora. " Silvina sighed softly but smiled as Aurora stopped walking and kissed her cheek gently.
" You can't choose who your heart desires Silvina. I understand that. I am just happy that you decided to accept who my heart desires... Even if it might be temporary. " Aurora smiled before kissing Silvina gently and continuing toward the training area for Flying class.
A heart torn between two people she loves dearly.
How will Silvina handle this situation when Layla returns?
Read on to find out!
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