Ancient Secrets
Chapter 6
As Aurora and Silvina entered the training area for Flying class, They saw Professor Vissity standing next to what appeared to be a footlocker. Every few moments the footlocker would shake violently and fall still. As they approached, Professor Vissity spoke softly.
" Please pick up your broom Silvina. Headmistress McGonagall has asked me to provide you with a special test today. " Professor Vissity smiled as Silvina nodded and walked over to where her broom was laying on the ground before standing next to it and speaking softly.
" Up. " Silvina giggled softly as her broom flew to her hand without hesitation. As she walked back, Professor Vissity spoke again.
" Your test today is quite simple. Catch the snitch. " Professor Vissity smiled before Silvina spoke softly.
" Catch... Wait a minute. You want me to chase the Golden Snitch around school and catch it? " Silvina looked toward Professor Vissity with confusion as Professor Vissity giggled softly.
" And you have two minutes to do so. Ready? " Professor Vissity smiled but as Silvina motioned to speak, Professor Vissity kicked the footlocker softly and a small golden ball flew out of it quickly in a blur, Quickly followed by two larger balls that looked like cannonballs. " Go! And do watch out for the bludgers. "
Silvina looked up alarmingly before mounting her broom and taking off quickly. The moment she rose into the air, The two bludgers began chasing her as if she had a target on her. As she dodged the first one, Silvina noticed the Golden Snitch out of the corner of her eye. As she swooped down and tried to catch it, A bludger flew over her head, Missing her by millimetres. As Silvina rocketed past the group of other students, The two bludgers flew behind her, Barely an inch off the ground. As Silvina shot upwards into the sky to chase the snitch, The two bludgers flew upward directly toward her from the side. As Silvina's hand closed around the Golden Snitch, One of the bludgers slammed into her shoulder as the second slammed into the side of her stomach, Knocking her into the air away from her broom. As Silvina gasped painfully and a look of terror etched on to her face as she spiralled in the air and began falling, She gasped loudly as her wand slipped out of her robe pocket and waved in the air before pointing toward her as the tip glowed softly.
After a moment, Silvina realised that she was falling much slower than before her wand had started glowing. As she fell gently to the ground, Silvina held out her hand as her wand floated toward her gracefully. As her hand closed around it, Her wand stopped glowing.
After a moment, The group of other students ran over to her with shock on their faces. As Silvina stood, She gasped in pain and fell to the ground before passing out.
A Few Hours Later
Silvina awoke slowly and groaned in pain but as she motioned to sit up, A soft hand touched her shoulder as a familiar voice filled her ears.
" Lay still. You need to rest. "
" Layla? " Silvina rubbed her eyes gently and looked toward the source of the voice as Layla smiled down at her with teary eyes.
" I leave you alone for a few days and you go and get hurt. I just can't take my eyes off you can I? " Layla smiled happily as tears fell down her cheeks slowly.
" Layla I... " Silvina stopped as Layla placed a finger on her lips gently and shook her head.
" We can talk later. Rest now. Your ribs need time to heal. The bludger broke three ribs when it hit you. I promise I won't go anywhere until you get better. " Layla smiled and stood up before kissing Silvina's forehead gently and sitting back down again.
" Okay. We can talk after I rest a bit more. I am so happy to see you Layla. " Silvina smiled brightly as Layla held her hand tenderly and smiled as Silvina fell asleep again.
As Silvina slept, Mika, Jinn and Aurora walked in. As they walked toward Silvina's bed, Aurora saw Layla holding Silvina's hand. Layla jumped slightly as Aurora spoke.
" I didn't realise you were back Layla. How did you get here so quickly? " Aurora spoke with surprise in her voice as Layla turned to look at her.
" I got here about an hour ago. I was in London with my Dad when a Ministry official alerted us to an unusual magical signature at Hogwarts. We both came here using the Floo network and Headmistress McGonagall explained what happened. I ran here the moment she told me that Silvina was hurt. " Layla turned back to Silvina as tears formed in her eyes again. " Just can't take my eyes off her for one minute without her being reckless... "
" If I can Layla... I... I need to talk to you. Can we go somewhere private and talk while Mika and Jinn watch over Silvina? Please? " Aurora had a pleading look in her eyes before Layla turned to her and nodded as she stood up and followed Aurora out of the room.
After a few moments, Layla and Aurora walked out of the main doors and into the courtyard before sitting down in a quiet corner before Layla spoke softly.
" So what did you want to talk about? " Layla spoke calmly before Aurora sighed and spoke slowly.
" I wanted to talk to you about Silvina... And me... I have to be honest with you, I am in love with Silvina. I have been since I met her in Flying class. I know you have feelings for her too Layla. " Aurora looked toward Layla as her cheeks flushed bright red.
" Well... I... That's... " Layla blushed brightly before sighing softly. " It's obvious isn't it... "
" It is. Which is why I wanted to speak with you. We are both in love with Silvina. And Silvina is in love with both of us. " Aurora stopped speaking as Layla blushed brightly before a look of shock appeared on her face. As Aurora continued, Layla listened carefully but retained her look of shock. " Silvina loves us both very much and I... I can't ask her to choose. I want to say that even though you might not like me and that we haven't really gotten to know each other... I am willing to talk to you and figure out what to do. I don't want to lose Silvina, But I also don't want her to have to choose between us Layla. " Aurora turned to face Layla as Layla shook of her shock and sighed softly.
" I kind of figured it out before Silvina started trying to help me. The way she looked at you in class and the way she spoke when you were around... Aurora, Silvina is the only person who has really been there for me. Who has really tried to help me and who understands me. I love her with all of my heart. But I can't ask her to choose either... " Layla sighed sadly. " I won't make her choose. I'll back off. Just take care of her alright? "
" You don't have to back off Layla. Silvina will be heartbroken if either of us hide our feelings for her. I was thinking... And I know it sounds weird... But maybe we can... Well... Share? " Aurora blushed brightly as Layla looked at her with surprise on her face.
" You want to share Silvina? She isn't an object! " Layla pouted angrily as Aurora sighed.
" I know she isn't. She is so much more and she is so special in so many ways. But I can't handle the thought of her heart breaking because one of us wasn't willing to let the other love her. I want what is best for Silvina. If that means sharing her love with you then I will accept that. " Aurora spoke calmly but her tone of voice was full of confidence and determination.
" And you know that I have requested being resorted in to Ravenclaw right? You can handle me being around Silvina more often? " Layla spoke calmly before Aurora nodded and spoke softly.
" Layla... I honestly didn't trust you before. Or like you. But Silvina... She told me that you were going through some really hard experiences and that you just wanted someone to care for you. I trust Silvina with my life and if she thinks you deserve a chance to change and a chance to be better... Than so do I. I am willing to be your friend as well Layla. But only if we can work together to make sure that Silvina never has to feel heartbroken. That is the only condition I have for sharing her love with you. " Aurora spoke calmly as she looked toward Layla with a pleading look as she whispered softly. " Please don't ask me to hide my feelings for her Layla... I just can't... Not now... " Aurora sighed as she ran her fingers across her lips slowly.
" You... You kissed her... " Layla blushed brightly as Aurora nodded silently. " I was really hoping that I would get her first kiss. But... I can handle having her second kiss. Aurora if you had said this to me a few weeks ago I would have laughed and punched you in the face. But honestly... I just can't ask you to hide your feelings. I can see how much you love her just in the way you talk about her. I have no problems sharing her love with you... But I have one condition. " Layla spoke firmly as Aurora looked up at her nervously. " I will only share Silvina's love with you if you promise you will try and get to now me. I really do need people around me that care and I want to get to know all of you better. I am so sorry for causing any of you harm and I am so sorry for tormenting you and saying the things that I said. I didn't know any better. Silvina is making me realise that there is another way. I want to be friends with all of you. " Layla smiled nervously but gasped loudly as Aurora stood up and hugged her tightly.
" Thank you so much Layla. Of course I will get to know you and be your friend. " Aurora smiled brightly as tears formed in Layla's eyes. After a moment, Layla put her arms around Aurora and hugged her gently.
" Thank you Aurora. You have every right to be angry with me or hate me and you choose not to. Thank you so much. " Layla spoke shakily but continued to hug Aurora for a few moments before stepping back and wiping her tears away.
" Should we go back and sit with Silvina? " Aurora smiled brightly as she finished speaking.
" Yeah. I need to apologise to the others as well. By the way... I can see why Silvina loves you Aurora... You... You kind of glow... " Layla smiled happily and blushed lightly as Aurora giggled and took her hand before walking back toward the Medical Wing.
As Aurora and Layla walked in, Jinn and Mika looked over at them. When they approached, Mika smiled but Jinn looked away with a look of irritation on his face. After a moment, Layla sighed and spoke softly.
" Jinn, Mika... I am sorry. I am so sorry for what I did and said to you both. Silvina made me realise just how wrong I was and how mean I was being. I know I don't deserve a chance and I don't deserve your forgiveness but I needed to apologise. I really am trying to change and I do want to get to know you both better. I hope we can eventually be friends. " Layla smiled nervously as Jinn turned to look at her with shock on his face as Mika stood up and hugged Layla gently.
" What you said really hurt my feelings Layla. But Silvina told us you were dealing with a lot and didn't mean what you said. I forgive you. I would be happy to get to know and become friends. " Mika stepped back and smiled brightly as Jinn stood up with a stern look on his face.
" You know it is going to take time for me to trust you Layla. " Jinn paused for a moment as Layla nodded sadly. " That being said... I never thought I would hear you apologise to anyone. While I don't trust you... I can see that you are trying to change. I'll give you a chance. But only one. " Jinn spoke sternly as Layla looked up at him with a grateful smile.
" Thank you Jinn. A chance is all I ask. " Layla smiled slightly as Jinn nodded. As Layla motioned to speak, A softer voice made her turn her head toward Silvina.
" I knew you would all come around. I am so proud of you all. " Silvina smiled brightly as tears of happiness formed in her eyes. " I am so happy you are all willing to give Layla a chance. It means a lot to me. "
As Silvina sat up slowly, Aurora moved to the left side of her bed and held her hand gently as Layla sat down on her right and did the same. After a moment, Silvina sighed happily and spoke softly. " My two favourite girls. I am glad you are trying to get along. "
" You don't know the half of it. " Layla smiled mischievously before leaning forward and kissing Silvina gently. As she moved back and blushed brightly, Aurora spoke.
" Not even close to half of it. " As Silvina turned her head, Aurora leaned forward and kissed her gently. As Aurora moved back, Silvina sighed and blushed brightly.
After a few moments lost in her thoughts, Silvina snapped back to reality and spoke softly. " Wait! So.. Does this mean... "
" We both love you with all our hearts Silvina. Aurora and I talked about it and neither of us can handle having your heart break if one of us hides our feelings. So we decided that is in your best interest if the two of us... Share. We have agreed to get to know one another and do our best to become friends. " Layla spoke calmly and smiled brightly as a look of surprise etched onto Silvina's face.
" You... You mean I don't have to choose? " Silvina spoke shakily as tears formed in her eyes. " I don't have to stop loving one of you... "
" No. You can love us both. Layla and I can handle it and we will work together to make sure that we both take very good care of you and that you never feel heartbroken. You are incredibly special to both of us Silvina. " Aurora smiled happily as Silvina cried softly.
" I was dreading having to choose between you. I love you both so much and it was breaking my heart thinking that I had to decide. I am so happy that I can just love you both. Thank you both so much for this. IT means everything to me. " Silvina cried softly as she spoke but smiled brightly as Aurora and Layla both kissed her cheeks gently.
" You are one lucky girl Silvina. Take care of them both. " Mika smiled brightly as Silvina nodded. After a moment, Jinn leaned forward and whispered into Layla's ear.
" Consider this your way to prove that I can trust you. Break her heart and I will personally ensure that you suffer accordingly. " Jinn smiled as Layla nodded nervously. " I am glad that we have an understanding Layla. "
Layla sighed softly before speaking. " Thank you all so much for the chance you are giving me. I know I don't deserve it from most of you but I am so glad that you are giving me the chance. " Layla smiled brightly as Mika and Aurora giggled softly.
" Do you really think that Silvina would have let us decide otherwise? We chose to give you this chance but even if we hadn't, Silvina would have convinced us eventually. " Mika smiled as Silvina pouted at her.
" Which is why I love her so much. She is the only one that was willing to look past what I was doing and saying and see the person I was trying to hide. " Layla turned to Silvina an smiled brightly as Silvina blushed brightly. " Now I hate saying it this often but you need rest.. " Layla paused as a bell chimed loudly throughout the school. " And it's time for class. Except for me. I need to speak with Headmistress McGonagall. "
" You will visit me again right? Both of you? " Silvina looked toward Layla and Aurora longingly as they stood up and smiled brightly.
" You couldn't keep us away if you tried. " Aurora spoke softly before leaning down and kissing Silvina lovingly.
" No one could. Ever. " Layla smiled before leaning down and kissing Silvina deeply after Aurora stood up straight again. " You are officially stuck with the two of us. "
" Somehow I think I can live with that. " Silvina smiled mischievously as Layla and Aurora blushed brightly before walking toward the door. Before walking out the door, Layla and Aurora looked back toward Silvina longingly. As the door closed, Silvina smiled brightly and waved happily. As Silvina sighed happily, A deep voice made her jump slightly.
" It seems you have succeeded where everyone else has failed. " As Silvina looked up, She saw a tall man standing beside the end of her bed. " The last time you and I spoke I failed to properly introduce myself. My name is Avendus Morendi. "
" You are Layla's father right? " Silvina held her hand up to Avendus with a smile. " It's a pleasure to meet you. "
" It is a pleasure to properly meet you as well Silvina. Layla speaks of you quite fondly. I am glad she is finally expressing herself. " Avendus Smiled as Silvina blushed brightly." I have but one question for you. "
" What would you ask of me? " Silvina spoke calmly but gasped as Avendus leant forward suddenly.
" Cherish her. Take very good care of my daughter. She needs someone that will be there for her and always support her. You can do that yes? " Avendus spoke sternly but smiled as Silvina nodded. " Than I am glad that she her love is not misplaced. Thank you Silvina. " Avendus stood straight and bowed politely before leaving the Medical Wing quietly as Silvina sighed nervously.
Several Hours Later
Silvina was sleeping soundly as Layla and Aurora walked in to the Medical Wing and sat beside her bed. As they sat down, Silvina stirred for a moment before rolling over to face them and sighing softly.
" She looks so peaceful. " Layla smiled and blushed lightly as she gazed at Silvina.
" Yes she does. To think that she is so scared of herself but can look so peaceful. She really is amazing. " Aurora smiled as Layla nodded quietly.
" I didn't want her help. I didn't want her around. But she just kept hanging around. Kept following me and trying to get me to talk to her. Now... I... I don't know where I would be without her. Being away from her... Even though it has only been a few days... It felt like there was a big empty space in my heart. I didn't realise how much I loved having her around until I left. She really has changed me. " Layla blushed brightly as Aurora placed a hand on her shoulder.
" Silvina has a good way of doing that. She always sees the best in everyone. She saw the best in you even when the rest of us thought the opposite. " Aurora spoke calmly but smiled as Layla looked up at her. " But that is different now. We are all willing to give you the chance to change. And Silvina will be with you every step of the way. " Aurora smiled as Layla smiled up at her.
" I was so scared when I was told she was hurt. I nearly cried when I saw her laying here. I just... I feel so... Protective of her now. I've been gone for like three days and yet... " Layla blushed and sighed softly. " She means the world to me Aurora. How did I fall in love with her so strongly... So quickly... " Layla looked toward Silvina with longing in her eyes as Aurora spoke.
" Like you said. She was there even when you pushed her away. She showed you another way when all you could see was pain and darkness. She showed you that there was at least one person that understood you. That knew how you felt. That was totally unwilling to give up on you. Even when you wanted her to. My mom says that love is what we make of it. Everything Silvina has done was her way of showing you her love. " Aurora smiled brightly as Layla blushed bright red.
As Layla motioned to speak, Silvina's soft voice filled her ears. " All that mattered was helping you Layla. It meant everything to me to try and help you. When you walked away from me at the lake during Flying class that day that you told me everything, My mom landed next to me as you left and I... I broke down into tears. It hurt so much that everything I was trying just caused you more pain. Then you asked me for a hug when you asked to speak with me in the Great Hall and I realised just how much it was helping. That even thought my help hurt you sometimes, You really did want my help. Even if you said you didn't, Deep down you needed it. Needed me. " Silvina smiled and blushed brightly as Layla giggled and spoke softly.
" I have been wondering Silvina... When... When did you first start having feelings for me? " Layla looked in to Silvina's eye as Silvina smiled.
" Since you made Mika's potion explode in Potions class. " Silvina giggled softly as a look of shock appeared on Layla's face.
" You did see me do it! I knew it! " Layla pouted irritatingly as Silvina giggled softly.
" Of course I saw you do it. I was standing right beside you when you did it. " Silvina giggled softly as Layla continued pouting. " I didn't see someone that was doing something to be mean. I saw a beautiful but trouble girl that was in dire need of someone that cared about her and was acting out. I felt so many things just looking at you. I felt the need to help you, I felt like I was the one that should be there for you. I felt like I had a thousand little butterflies flying around inside me and my hands wouldn't stop shaking. " Silvina groaned softly as she sat up before laying back against her pillow as tears formed in Layla's eyes.
" You... You saw me for who I was straight away... Why... I tried so hard to hide it. I thought it was a weakness and you pulled it out of me like it wasn't hidden at all. How do you effect me so much Silvina? How do you make me feel like I am the most important thing to you? Even knowing that you love Aurora as well... I still feel like the most important thing in the world to you. How do you make me feel this way? " Layla moved forward slowly and gently rested her head against Silvina's shoulder as tears fell down her face.
" Because that is what you are. I care very much about both of you and you both are the most important girls in the world to me. I would do anything for both of you and I love both of you with everything that I am. You and I were connected before you even knew why I wanted to help you. You and I were connected in all the ways that you needed to connect to someone else. Sure our history was different but we understood each other. We understood how each other felt. That is why. Because we are connected. " Silvina smiled as she slowly pulled Layla close and hugged her lovingly. " And we always will be. "
" I love you so much Silvina. I was so scared I was going to lose you... " Layla looked in to Silvina's eyes as Silvina spoke softly.
" I will always be here Layla. Even when we are apart I am with you. I am with both of you. I always will be. " Silvina smiled before reaching her arm toward Aurora and pulling her in to the hug as well. " I love you both so much. "
" We love you to Silvina. " Aurora spoke tenderly as she leant in to Silvina's shoulder gently.
" With all of our hearts. " Layla smiled but cried softly as she hugged Silvina gently.
After a few hours of talking and a few very tender hugs, Layla and Aurora once again left Silvina to rest. As Silvina was lying in bed, Professor Vissity walked in as the last rays of sunset disappeared over the horizon.
" I didn't mean for you to get hurt sweety... I knew the bludgers were a bad idea... " Professor Vissity looked down at Silvina sadly as she continued. " Wolfe was adamant that you couldn't reach your full potential if we didn't push you to your limit. "
" Wolfe is right. I can't learn if I am always being protected or babied. Yes it was a painful lesson but you always tell me that the most important lessons always hurt. " Silvina smiled at Professor Vissity as she giggled softly.
" That's my girl. Always so brave. I didn't just come here to be all sad though. I have good news. " Professor Vissity smiled brightly as she stood and turned toward the door where a girl who Silvina recognised as the Ravenclaw Prefect stood smiling toward her. As Professor Vissity motioned to her, The Prefect smiled and walked quickly to the side of Silvina's bed before speaking happily.
" Hi Silvina. My name is Emily. " Emily smiled happily as Silvina giggled.
" Our house Prefect. Emily Paige. Sixth year Ravenclaw and Captain of our Quidditch team. It's a pleasure to properly meet you. " Silvina giggled softly as a look of shock appeared on Emily's face.
" You know a lot about me for someone I just met. " Emily smiled as Silvina giggled again.
" You might say that I like knowing who I bunk with. We do share a room after all. " Silvina giggled as Emily gasped softly.
" I am so sorry! I hadn't even noticed! " Emily began breathing quickly as if she was flustered before Silvina placed a hand on her arm and giggled softly.
" That is alright. I don't exactly stand out. " Silvina smiled as Emily giggled.
" You will. I saw you catch that snitch during Flying class. I was on my free period and happened to be sitting on one of the walls that you flew over when you chased the snitch. Which is why I am here. I want to formally invite you to join the Quidditch team as our Seeker. I spoke with Headmistress McGonagall and she has approved the request. All you need to do is heal up... And say yes of course. " Emily giggled softly as Silvina looked between Emily and Professor Vissity with shock and awe on her face. After a few moments, Silvina sat up rapidly and spoke loudly.
" YES! OW! Ow... Ow.. " Silvina gasped painfully as Emily and Professor Vissity caught her gently and carefully laid her back against her pillow. " That was dumb... But yes. Of course yes! I would be honoured to join the team. "
" YES! " Emily threw her hands in to the air happily and giggled loudly. " Ravenclaw hasn't won the Quidditch cup in years and we couldn't find anyone in higher years that wanted to join the team. I told the other members about your flying and they are dying to meet you. Come find me when you are all healed up and I will introduce you to the team. Thank you so much Silvina. " Emily smiled brightly and hugged Silvina carefully before skipping out of the Medical Wing excitedly. After a few minutes, A thunderous cheer echoed through the corridors before the doors of the Medical Wing burst open and a flood of blue robes filled the room. After a moment, Emily squeezed her way through the crowd of smiling faces and spoke softly.
" Silvina I am so sorry. The entire house almost caused a stampede trying to leave the hall to come and see you. They have a few questions... Despite my telling them that you need to rest. If... If you feel well enough to talk for a bit? " Emily smiled apologetically as Silvina giggled happily.
" Of course I can talk! I have been losing my mind with boredom just laying here doing nothing! Ask away. " Silvina smiled happily as Emily turned back to the crowd and raised her hands to silence them.
An injury, A love confession and A special request.
What lies ahead for Silvina and her friends?
Read on to find out!
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