Ancient Secrets
Chapter 5
" Are you okay sweety? " Professor Vissity looked over Silvina in a rush before Silvina shook her head and spoke.
" Yeah, I'm okay. I am worried about Layla though. She is dealing with a lot. " Silvina sighed as she glanced back toward the lake before Professor Vissity spoke.
" She will come around sweety. Class ended while you were talking with her. Magical Theory will be starting soon so get going. " Professor Vissity smiled as Silvina handed her broom to her before rushing toward the castle doors.
A Few Hours Later
" Ugh... I don't like theory... " Silvina stretched as she sat down at the Ravenclaw table while food started to appear. As she started eating, Mika, Jinn and Aurora walked over and sat down as Jinn spoke.
" Man was that class boring. " Jinn sighed exhaustively as Aurora sighed and spoke.
" I know it is important but still... " Aurora giggled playfully as she noticed that Silvina had a small smear of sauce on her cheek. As Aurora motioned to wipe it off, Layla leant down from behind Silvina and licked her cheek gently before walking away without a word as Silvina looked as if her brain was melting before Mika spoke calmly.
" How unpredictable... " Mika watched Layla walk back to the Slytherin table before Jinn spoke in disbelief.
" Oh good. I thought I was seeing things. " Jinn shook his head lightly and blinked several times before turning back to see Silvina blushing brightly and Aurora looking at her with concern before Mika reached over and poked Silvina's forehead gently, Causing her to blink quickly before speaking.
" Sorry... I spaced out... Did I miss something? " Silvina looked flustered before Aurora spoke softly.
" N... Nothing... " Aurora looked away sheepishly as Jinn sighed and spoke.
" I don't know what you two talked about but Layla has been acting weird since flying class. " Jinn had a curious look on his face as Silvina spoke.
" Sorry Jinn, But I can't tell you. It is between me and Layla. " Silvina smiled sweetly as Jinn nodded in understanding before Mika spoke.
" Well, Whatever it was has changed her. " Mika looked over her shoulder as Layla noticed Silvina looking toward her and waved slightly before Silvina stood and walked over. As she got closer, Layla blushed lightly before Silvina spoke.
" You caught me off guard there. " Silvina smiled sweetly as Layla smiled and spoke.
" That was the general idea. Did you not like it? " Layla looked nervous but sighed in relief as Silvina leant down and spoke softly.
" Actually it was rather adorable. " Silvina smirked before licking Layla's cheek lightly, Causing her to blush brightly before walking back to the Ravenclaw table and sitting next to Aurora as she spoke.
" Silvina... Do you... Do you like her? " Aurora looked nervous as Silvina smiled and nodded before speaking.
" I do actually. Though I like all of you the same way. " Silvina smiled as Aurora looked discomforted before speaking softly.
" But you licked her... " Aurora glanced away slightly before jumping as Silvina licked her cheek gently.
" And now you can't feel left out. You and Jinn want that too Mika? " Silvina grinned daringly as Mika giggled and shook her head.
" I'm good with just hugs. " Mika smiled as Jinn made an amused noise before speaking.
" Yeah, I'll pass. No offence though. " Jinn smiled as Silvina giggled and spoke.
" None taken. I imagine if Mika offered you might say something different. " Silvina poked her tongue out playfully as Mika blushed furiously and Jinn simply looked away before Silvina laughed playfully.
As they finished eating, Layla walked over and spoke calmly.
" Silvina can I... Can I talk to you... In private... Please? " Layla looked uncomfortable but sighed as Silvina nodded and stood. As they left the hall, Jinn spoke calmly.
" What is happening? " Jinn looked stunned as Aurora watched Silvina with a look of longing before Mika spoke.
" I do believe that, So to speak, Is a turning point. " Mika smiled as Aurora whimpered and spoke.
" What if she steals her away... " Aurora blushed lightly as Mika looked toward her with a look that spoke volumes of her understanding as she spoke.
" Are you worried that Layla will steal Via or are you concerned that you won't have a chance to tell her how you feel before that? " Mika leant forward slightly as Aurora sighed and spoke.
" Both... " Aurora leant her head against the table and sighed before Jinn spoke.
" Seriously, What is happening? " Jinn looked dumbfounded as Mika petted his head gently before speaking.
" I'll explain later. Eat your dinner Jinn. " Mika smiled sweetly before Jinn shrugged and turned his attention to the plate in front of him.
Meanwhile
After following Layla out of the Great Hall to the courtyard, Silvina spoke softly as Layla leant against the balustrade of the small bridge leading to the main castle while looking out over the lake.
" Are you okay Layla? " Silvina looked concerned as Layla sighed loudly and spoke.
" No. I'm not okay. I don't think I ever have been. But until we talked, I never wanted to admit it. I need some time alone. Away from all this. " Layla looked heartbroken as Silvina walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder.
" You need to decide who you are for yourself. Without someone else telling you what to do, Say or think. You need to find who you are on the inside without someone overshadowing you. " Silvina smiled as Layla looked toward her with disbelief and shock before she continued. " Like I said, You and I are not so different. "
" Apparently not. But I am worried Silv... " Layla fell silent as Silvina placed a finger on her lips and spoke.
" We are friends Layla. You can call me Via like the others. " Silvina smiled as Layla blushed lightly before looking away slowly and speaking.
" R... Right... Sil... Sorry... Via. Anyway, I'm worried. " Layla looked irritated before relaxing as Silvina brushed her cheek gently.
" Talk to me. " Silvina smiled as Layla took her hand before speaking.
" I am worried that who I am inside isn't who I think. I am worried that everything that I am might... " Layla sighed before glancing away and speaking again softly. " Might scare you off... "
" I told you Layla. I won't walk away or give up on you. I will save you. Even if you don't want to be saved. I will be right here whenever you need me. You just have to say so. " Silvina smiled as Layla leant toward her, Resting her head on Silvina's shoulder gently as she spoke.
" You have no idea how much it means to me Via... " Layla sighed softly as Silvina petted her head gently. " You won't see me for a while. I don't know how long. "
" That's okay. If you get lonely, Send me a letter. I promise, I will write back. " Silvina smiled but looked confused as Layla pulled away before speaking as she turned her back to Silvina.
" I know that but that wasn't where I was going with it... " Layla breathed slowly before glancing over her shoulder and speaking shakily. " Will... Will you... " Layla paused before sighing and shaking her head. " Nevermind. It's stupid. "
" Tell me. " Silvina smiled as Layla shook her head.
" It's dumb. Forget it. " Layla motioned to walk away but froze as Silvina put her arms around her and held her gently as she rested her head against Layla's shoulder before speaking.
" This will never be stupid. You only have to ask. I have an unlimited amount after all. " Silvina smiled as Layla trembled in her arms before relaxing and sighing softly before tapping Silvina's hand gently, Causing Silvina to step back as Layla turned and spoke.
" How did you know that's what I meant? I might've meant a kiss. " Layla had an impish grin on her face before her jaw dropped and she blushed brightly as Silvina pressed herself against her and whispered.
" I haven't kissed someone before... I have wondered what it feels like... " Silvina leant forward, Making Layla tremble visibly before she licked Layla's cheek playfully and skipped away, Leaving Layla speechless and looking shaken.
After regaining her composure, Layla walked back to the main castle before leaving through the main entrance and walking to the lake. As she sat down, She pulled her knees up to her chest and sighed softly.
Friday
As Silvina was eating breakfast in the Great Hall, Headmistress McGonagall approached her. " Miss Vissity, May I speak with you please? "
" Of-course Headmistress. Am I in trouble? " Silvina looked up at Headmistress McGonagall nervously.
" Not at all. I simply need to have a word with you concerning Layla Morendi. " Headmistress McGonagall left the Great Hall and walked toward her office as Silvina stood up. Before Silvina left the Great Hall, She saw Aurora looking toward her nervously.
Silvina smiled and waved to Aurora before walking out of the Great Hall and toward Headmistress McGonagall's office. As she turned down the corridor that lead to the revolving staircase, Silvina saw Headmistress McGonagall speaking with Layla in front of the staircase. After a moment, Layla nodded and walked away down a corridor to the side of where Headmistress McGonagall was standing.
As Silvina approached, Headmistress McGonagall turned to face her. " Thank you for coming Silvina. It is very important that we speak about Layla. Come up to my office with me. "
Silvina nodded silently as Headmistress McGonagall spoke the password for the staircase and the two of them stepped onto the revolving stairs as they ascended toward Headmistress McGonagall's office. After entering her office and sitting in her chair, Headmistress McGonagall spoke calmly.
" I find myself in a difficult situation Silvina. Layla has requested that she leave school for some time to be alone and that upon her return, She is removed from Slytherin and placed into Ravenclaw. Do have any idea why she would request such a thing? " Headmistress McGonagall looked toward Silvina with curiosity on her face as Silvina responded.
" Layla and I spoke at the lake during flying class yesterday. While I haven't experienced what she has, I think I got through to her. Maybe she just wants to be around me? " Silvina looked confused and thought silently as Headmistress McGonagall thought for a moment before speaking.
" Never before has a student asked to change houses or asked to leave the school during the school year. It is a most unusual request. " Headmistress McGonagall spoke softly before a deeper voice joined the conversation.
" Indeed. I have never been wrong. But perhaps it is a simple case of reevaluation. "The deep voice of the sorting hat sounded from the top of a nearby shelf before Silvina spoke.
" Maybe. But what if it isn't? " Silvina looked concerned again before the door of the office opened and Avendus walked in before speaking calmly.
" It is much more likely that she has requested this because of you. Not because you understand her, But because you won't give up on her. You can see what she feels without her saying it. She has not had someone like that in her life before. " Avendus smiled as Silvina blushed lightly before speaking.
" I just want to help her. She is in so much pain and it hurts to see her suffering like that. " Silvina whimpered slightly as her heart fluttered before Avendus spoke calmly.
" While you do not yet understand it, I believe it is more than wanting to help her. You broke down walls that she has been holding up for a long time with almost no effort. You opened her heart when she had closed it to everyone else. It is much, Much more than just helping her. " Avendus smiled before bowing politely as he continued. " I thank you profusely for that. Layla is truly lucky to have someone so special in her life at this critical moment. "
" She isn't the only lucky one. " Silvina smiled before sighing softly as her heart fluttered again before Headmistress McGonagall spoke calmly.
" While I am not against approving Layla's request, I must ensure the safety of the other students. If I do approve this, I will require someone to keep an eye on her. To avoid any... Unnecessary hostilities. " Headmistress McGonagall fell silent for a moment before Silvina spoke quickly.
" I'll do it. I'll take care of her. " Silvina smiled confidently as Avendus chuckled softly before the sorting hat spoke bluntly.
" My decision was accurate. Layla belonged in Slytherin. That being said, A single action can completely change who a person is. While I will not disagree to reevaluation, I will also not continue to accommodate these outlandish requests. "
As the sorting hat finished speaking, Headmistress McGonagall chuckled softly before speaking.
" Such an ornery hat. Very well then. When Layla returns, We will reevaluate her position in Slytherin. Until then, I will not tolerate any slip in your attendance or attention in classes Miss Vissity. " Headmistress McGonagall smiled coolly as Silvina nodded and left before Avendus spoke proudly.
" At last... Layla might finally find herself... " Avendus sighed happily as Headmistress McGonagall nodded before Avendus bowed politely and left the office.
After leaving the office and taking the staircase down again, Silvina checked her schedule. As she noticed that she had two free periods before her first class for the day, Silvina smiled happily before walking toward the main entrance. As she walked through the corridors, Mika caught up with her.
" There you are! I saw you leave with the Headmistress. Is everything okay? " Mika looked concerned before Silvina smiled and spoke.
" Of-course. Headmistress McGonagall wanted to speak with me about Layla. " Silvina smiled as Mika looked confused and spoke.
" Did something happen? " Mika spoke confusedly before Silvina giggled and spoke.
" Actually a few things. Firstly, Layla and I are friends now. She is going through a lot and needs people around her that care. Secondly, She has left school for a while to figure out who she wants to be. Thirdly, Layla asked to join Ravenclaw when she gets back. " Silvina smiled as Mika looked stunned before making an amused noise and speaking calmly.
" Well, If she needs people that care, I will happily be her friend. It is pretty obvious that she is struggling. That being said, Jinn won't like the idea. I'll talk to him. Aurora is at the lake. She wanted to speak with you. " Mika smiled sweetly as Silvina nodded while Mika turned down a corridor to look for Jinn as Silvina left the castle and walked to the lake. As she got closer, Silvina heard Aurora talking softly before noticing she was pulling petals off a flower.
" Tell her, Don't tell her, Tell her, Don't tell her... " Aurora whimpered before pulling the last petal off the flower. " Tell her... "Aurora blushed lightly as she sighed softly before making a startled noise as Silvina spoke.
" Tell me what? " Silvina smiled warmly as Aurora panicked for a moment before stammering nervously.
" I... You... I... Uhm... Hi... " Aurora smiled nervously as Silvina giggled softly and sat down.
" Hi. You okay? " Silvina smiled as Aurora blushed brightly before taking a deep breathe and speaking softly.
" I... It's nothing. I'm okay... " Aurora sighed but looked confused as Silvina giggled and spoke.
" The flower would disagree. Come on Aurora, Tell me. " Silvina smiled as Aurora sighed audibly before speaking nervously.
" Via... I... I've been feeling jealous watching how close you are with Layla after such a short time. " Aurora sighed softly as Silvina sighed and spoke.
" What do you mean? " Silvina looked confused as Aurora giggled and smiled.
" You are so dense Via. Maybe I have nothing to worry about. " Aurora giggled playfully as Silvina spoke softly.
" Well yeah... I don't understand what you mean by how close I am to her. Did she do something weird? Did I do something weird? " Silvina looked perplexed as Aurora giggled softly.
" Don't worry Via. Everything is fine. " Aurora smiled warmly before standing and helping Silvina to her feet before walking back to the castle as they continued speaking.
" Speaking of Layla, She needs people around her that care. That can help her change. Mika has agreed. Do you think you could try as well? " Silvina had a hopeful look in her eyes as Aurora sighed softly and spoke.
" I am willing to try but I don't trust her. She hurt both you and Mika. Even if it wasn't entirely intentional, It still makes me wary of her. But I will try. " Aurora smiled as Silvina made an excited sound before smiling brightly as Aurora blushed lightly.
After walking to the castle entrance, Silvina took out her schedule to see that her next class was Herbology. After rushing through the castle to the greenhouse, Silvina and Aurora walked in as Professor Longbottom spoke calmly.
" Good morning first years. Today we will be studying the plant known as Devil's Snare. Please take out your Herbology books and turn to the correct page. " Professor Longbottom waited as everyone took out their books and turned to the page before continuing. " Now then, What would be the most appropriate spell to use against Devil's Snare? " After looking around the room as several hands shot up, Professor Longbottom pointed toward Mika before she spoke calmly.
" The book says that the best spell is Lumos Solem because it creates a direct ray of sunlight toward the target. " Mika smiled as Professor Longbottom nodded approvingly.
" Indeed it does. Which is exactly why, Today we will head outside and practice the spell Lumos Solem while the cloudy weather holds. Please follow me. " Professor Longbottom walked out of the Greenhouse with the class behind him before stopping in 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.
" I spoke to Jinn. As expected, He thinks you have lost your mind. But he is willing to at least tolerate Layla's presence if it means so much to you. " Mika smiled slightly as Silvina sighed softly and spoke.
" Well, We didn't expect him to like it. At least he is willing to cooperate. " Silvina smiled nervously before practising the spell. After roughly an hour, A loud bell echoed through the school, Causing Silvina to check her schedule. After smiling at the fact the next class was charms, Silvina, Mika, Jinn and Aurora walked to the classroom. After entering and sitting down, Everyone waited as Professor Cadence spoke sweetly.
" Good afternoon everyone. Today we will be practising the spell Alohomora. This spell is used to open locks. On your desks you will see two locks each. Now pay attention, The movements are important. " Professor Cadence smiled before making the correct wand movements. As the students followed her movements, She watched before speaking calmly. " Good. Now then, Practise the spell and remember to speak clearly. "
After practising for an hour, Silvina, Mika, Jinn and Aurora were walking through the courtyard before noticing Headmistress McGonagall and Professor Vissity walking toward them. As they approached, Headmistress McGonagall spoke sternly.
" Miss Vissity, I have received a request to test your flying skill in a tense situation. Please follow us. " Headmistress McGonagall walked toward the Quidditch pitch as Professor Vissity gave Silvina a nervous look for a moment before everyone walked to the Quidditch Pitch.
After a few minutes, Headmistress McGonagall walked to the side with Mika, Jinn and Aurora as Professor Vissity spoke slowly to Silvina.
" While I have expressed concern with this choice, The test will proceed. You have five minutes to catch the snitch and return here. And please... Try to avoid the bludgers. " Professor Vissity looked concerned as Silvina nodded nervously before picking up her broom as Professor Vissity sighed and opened a chest that was next to her feet and taking a small, Golden ball out of it. After a moment, A pair of small wings unfurled before flapping rapidly as Silvina stared toward it and mounted her broom.
As the snitch darted away, Silvina took off and followed it before Professor Vissity kicked the chest, Causing two identical balls to explode out of it before following Silvina as if she had a target on her.
As she followed the snitch, Silvina lost sight of it as the two bludgers flew directly toward her, Causing her to swerve to avoid them before circling to try and find the snitch. As she dodged the bludgers again, Silvina caught a glimpse of the snitch flying toward the Great Hall. After dodging the bludgers a third time, Silvina flew after the snitch.
As she got closer, The snitch darted left and flew through the window of the Great Hall, Causing Silvina to growl irritably before circling around and flying through the window, Causing glass to cascade to the floor as the students and teachers in the hall scattered in shock. As Silvina motioned to circle around, She saw a bludger flying toward her face, Causing her to duck as it slammed into the two massive doors, Causing them to swing open slowly before it ricocheted off the walls and floor before flying back into the hall as Silvina ducked under it again as she followed the snitch out of the hall and down the hallway while students scattered to avoid her.
After making a sharp turn, Silvina pulled her broom up, Following the snitch as it flew upwards, Through the bell tower. As she followed, Silvina swerved and ducked several times to avoid the bludgers as they bounced and ricocheted off walls and support beams before exploding through a pair of windows. As Silvina closed in on the snitch, She swerved to avoid the bells as they rang before gasping loudly as a bludger flew through the archway of the tower ceiling and slammed into her chest, Causing her to cry out in pain and throwing her through the opposite archway before the second bludger slammed into her stomach from above, Sending her spiralling toward the ground as she made a winded noise and her broom clattered against the rooftops as it fell toward the ground.
As Silvina motioned to draw her wand, The first bludger slammed into her chest again, Causing her chest to make a loud cracking noise as she continued to make winded noises as the momentum from the impact sent her rocketing sideways before looking terrified as the second bludger slammed into her face.
Some Time Later
Silvina groaned softly as she sat up, Only to be met by a gentle hand, That carefully pushed back against her as a soft voice filled her ears.
" Easy. You took some heavy hits before you landed. "
" Layla... I... I can't see... " Silvina had a shaky tone of voice as she started to panic before Layla touched her cheek gently.
" It's okay. You have some nerve damage from the bludger hitting you in the face. It will heal but you need time. Just rest okay? " Layla bit her lip as Silvina nodded and laid back against her pillow before speaking softly.
" I don't remember much. What happened... " Silvina rubbed her head tenderly as Layla spoke softly.
" After the bludger hit you in the face, They uhm... Pummelled you quite a bit before you hit the ground. Even then, It was a few minutes before the Professors arrived. The amount of damage the bludgers had done by that point... Your mum thought you were dead until she held you. " Layla held Silvina's hand tightly as she sighed softly and spoke.
" Everything hurts... And my eyes are itching... " Silvina motioned to rub her eyes but froze as Layla seized her hands and spoke sternly.
" Don't. You'll make it worse. It only itches because of the bandages. " Layla held Silvina's hands tightly as Silvina sighed softly.
" I'm glad you are here Layla. " Silvina smiled as Layla lifted her hands to her face and nuzzled Silvina's fingers gently.
" Me too. I only found out you got hurt a few hours ago but I dropped everything to come and see you... " Layla sighed softly as Silvina slowly ran her fingers over Layla's lips as she spoke.
" Didn't know you would miss me so much. " Silvina giggled playfully but froze as Layla caressed her cheek gently.
" Neither did I. " Layla bit her lip before speaking shakily as she pressed her cheek into the palm of Silvina's hand. " Can't take my eyes off you for a minute can I... "
" Guess not. I'm a bit clumsy like that. " Silvina smiled as Layla giggled softly before speaking.
" Guess you are. I'll just have to keep an eye on you from now on huh? " Layla smiled as Silvina made an amused noise and spoke softly.
" Says you, Troublemaker. " Silvina smiled as Layla giggled for a moment before sighing contently as she turned her head slowly before pressing her lips against Silvina's hand as she blushed lightly.
" I thought about this a lot. While I was away. What seeing you again would be like I mean... " Layla whimpered softly before speaking sadly. " Never thought it'd hurt like this... "
" What do you mean? " Silvina sounded confused as Layla sighed softly.
" Nothing. We can talk later. You need to rest. " Layla smiled as Silvina sat up a bit and spoke.
" But I... " Silvina fell silent as Layla pressed a finger to her lips gently as she spoke.
" It's okay. I'll be right here. " Layla smiled as she moved her hand to Silvina's cheek slowly as Silvina nodded and laid back against her pillow before quickly falling asleep as Layla caressed her cheek tenderly.
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. Headmistress McGonagall sent my dad a letter about Silvina but the ministry didn't release it until earlier today. Took us a while though. Floo network at the ministry is a bit backed up today. " Layla looked saddened as Silvina sighed and rolled onto her side, Facing Layla as she slept before Aurora spoke softly.
" Layla can I talk to you in private please? " Aurora looked stern as Layla looked toward her and nodded before carefully pulling her hand free of Silvina's grip and following Aurora out of the Hospital Wing to the courtyard. As they sat down, Aurora spoke softly. " I'll be honest with you. I am in love with Silvina. I get the feeling you are too. But... She is pretty dense. When I tried to talk to her, She had no idea what I meant when I said I was jealous about her getting close to you. "
" Yeah, That sounds about right. She didn't seem to realise what either of us were doing when I licked her cheek and she licked mine. " Layla blushed lightly as Aurora nodded before speaking.
" I could never ask her to choose. I know how it sounds but if she chooses to love us both... Is... Is it possible that we might... " Aurora sighed before shaking her head as she continued. " Nevermind. It's stupid. "
" You want to share her. " Layla crossed her arms with a stern look on her face as Aurora looked shocked before nodding. " While I am not against it, I won't share unless Silvina asks me to. That being said, I fully intend to kiss her first. "
" That's not fair! I've known her longer! " Aurora fumed as Layla scoffed loudly before speaking.
" Then you better up your game. I won't wait around for you to get your shit together Aurora. " Layla smiled daringly as Aurora scoffed and crossed her arms as she spoke.
" You better be a decent rival. I won't share her otherwise. Even if she does ask. " Aurora had a serious look on her face as Layla smirked and held her hand out as she spoke.
" Then let the best girl win. Unless Silvina chooses first. " Layla smirked as Aurora shook her hand and nodded before Layla walked back to Silvina's bedside and sat down.
Chapter 5
End