October 8th, 1890 — Hogwarts Corridors

The castle was eerie after dark, almost unnervingly so. Gone were the cheerful ghosts and chatty students, and in their stead was looming shadows and the echoes of footsteps. Thus far, Alice hadn't been spotted by any prefects or professors, nor did she intend to be. In just a few more minutes she would be back in the Gryffindor common room and safe from the reprimands of missing curfew. She hadn't meant to miss it (she so rarely did) but she had gotten so distracted with her charms homework that time had just slipped away. Her favored hidden corner of the library was too hidden, it seemed, if the librarian had missed her in his sweeps.

A few more minutes. Luck would remain on her side for just a few more minutes.

There were no lit torches down the next corridor, so Alice had no choice but to draw her wand and cast lumos. Despite knowing the path back to her dormitory as well as she knew the farm back home, she wasn't keen on being surrounded by blackness. Without the small light from her wand it was as though she was walking through an endless tunnel, one that would swallow her whole if she allowed it.

She made it maybe a quarter of the way down the corridor before feeling the hair rise on the back of her neck. Someone was coming, from which way she didn't know but her grip tightened on her wand all the same. Alice wasn't talented at DADA, but all of Edison's recent help had given her a new confidence in the subject during times like these.

  

Patrolling the corridors after dark was one of the prefect duties he liked the least. Although he was known to remain awake late into the evening studying, Ned did appreciate what little sleep he did achieve. The additional responsibility meant that he either went the entire evening without rest, or he had to shuffle things around and try and snatch time elsewhere.

The evening had been progressing without incident. Aside from a gaggle of third year girls who had been cutting it close, Ned hadn't seen anyone else save for the other prefect who had been assigned to the same shift as him. In fact, it had been some time since he had seen them, which either meant they were wandering the lower floors, or they'd called it an early night.

Rounding a corner, he noticed the tell-tale light of a wand, not too far from where the entrance to the Gryffindor common room was meant to be. Ned suppressed a sigh, assuming it was one of the first years again and quickened his footsteps. He loathed taking points from his own house, but rules were rules.

Unknown to him, he was coming up behind Alice, whom he wasn't able to immediately identify in the dark. The closer he wandered, the more he realized that the owner of the lit wand was a bit taller than a first year. Once he was near enough to be within arms reach, he cleared his throat.

  

---

Pretties by Bee <3 <3

Her footsteps quickened instinctively as the person neared her. Despite knowing it was likely a professor or prefect, Alice couldn't help the slight fear of what if. What if a troll had entered the castle? Or a vampire? What if it was someone with the intention of hurting her or worse? Alice wasn't usually a very nervous person, but she had never been the sort to be truly confident in such dark scenarios. Any sort of horrific creatures could be lying in wait, after all.

The person behind her cleared their throat and Alice shrieked in surprise, dropping her books in the process. When had they gotten so close? Turning on her heel, Alice took a few steps backwards, her wand poised and ready to defend herself if need be. This was what Edison was training her for, after all. Not to excel in class, but to be able to protect herself. She wouldn't let him down because of a random professor spooking her.

She couldn't quite make whomever the figure was out in the dark. The glare from her wand hindering her normally perfect vision. "Hello?" she greeted cautiously whilst hoping it was in fact a person and not a dangerous vampire toying with her.

The following 1 user Likes Alice Dawson's post:1 user Likes Alice Dawson's post
   Edison Moony

---

Amazing set by Bee!

If Ned was the vindictive sort, he might have relished the fact he had made a rule breaker scream. Instead, he cringed, feeling horrible that he's startled them so terribly. One of the books' spines landed on his foot, and he was glad the darkness concealed the twisted, pain expression that contorted his face.

As Alice lifted her wand, he raised both his own wand and his other hand to shield his eyes from the blinding light. Was that a glimpse of red hair? That wouldn't necessarily narrow it down. There were quite a few students who were gingers.

It wasn't until he heard her voice that he allowed his wand hand to drop. "Alice?" He questioned, his voice dripping with confusion. He would be able to recognize her voice anywhere, and she was the absolute last person he would ever expect to be out of bed. Had something happened? Was she in pursuit of one of the others? Or headed to the Hospital Wing?

"Are you alright?"

  

---

Pretties by Bee <3 <3

Edison's greeting immediately soothed any fears she had about any sort of vampire attacks. For even if there was one about to descend upon them he could adequately protect them both. Alice might've been aloof as of late, but her trust in him had never — and would never — fade. Very few, if any, could claim to be the same caliber of person as he.

Alice lowered her wand as to not blind them both anymore and stepped closer towards him. "Edison," his name came in a relieved sigh. Perhaps he wouldn't deduct house points from her. Merlin, how could she even begin to explain that to the group? In her four years at school Alice hadn't ever been the source of a deduction. She always left such shenanigans up to Cameron and Sloane. "I lost track of time in the library working on our charms homework. I was tucked away in my corner," she explained as best she could. "Are you on patrol tonight?"

  

---

Amazing set by Bee!

Ned let out a sigh he hadn't realized he was holding when it seemed Alice had merely been distracted by homework. It was an understandable reason, and one he really couldn't fault her for. From the way that everyone had been acting lately, though, his brain couldn't help but worry something else had been going on.

"You are hard to find in that corner, especially if you don't know where to look," he admitted. It was a genius hideaway. She wasn't likely to be bothered by anyone who didn't know where to specifically look for her.

"Yes, but I'm nearing the end of my patrol." He glanced around as if to check and see if anyone else was out and about in the halls. He was inclined to not take house points. It wasn't as if Alice was a repeat offender or she was out and about for no good reason. He'd been lenient before to a first year who had found themselves hopelessly lost. However, if anyone else happened upon him, he would need to.

  

---

Pretties by Bee <3 <3

Her corner was one of Alice's most heavily guarded secrets, most of their friend group didn't even know about it. Edison did, of course, but that was because she had willingly shared it with him years ago. He deserved a quiet place to hide just as much as she, perhaps moreso now that he was a prefect too. She didn't imagine he had the time for many quiet moments. Merlin, had she just disturbed one with her late return?

"It's a good corner," she laughed lightly. "Saved me from many impromptu tutoring sessions." Not that Alice minded tutoring, but she just sometimes needed time to focus on her own work. That the new librarian wasn't familiar with the corner yet would work well in her favor.

Perhaps he wouldn't deduct house points, then. "I can make it back to the common room if you need to finish," she offered. Truthfully, she hoped he didn't force her to walk back alone through the rest of the dark hallway, but she would survive it if she must. "It's not too much further."

  

He laughed at the mention of impromptu tutoring sessions, "Yes, those impromptu tutoring sessions are always...ah...interesting. Particularly when one needs to intervene on a scouring charm that has instead lit half their table on fire." He would never be able to dash that incident from his brain. He much preferred impromptu sessions to be someone completely forgetting an exam was coming up.

"I can accompany you. I usually make it back to the Fat Lady and loiter for about ten more minutes before my time is up." At least, that's usually how he timed it. Either way, he wasn't about to leave her to wander alone down the dark hallway. While he was certain that nothing dangerous lurked, he wouldn't ever be able to forgive himself if he was somehow wrong.

"Besides, it'll be nice to have some company. It's been a while since we've had a walk." Most of their interactions lately had been exclusively about homework or tutoring their friends.

  

---

Pretties by Bee <3 <3

"I think I'd take the scouring charm over an exploding potion," she said with a laugh. The green sludge that coated the potions classroom following that particular tutoring session still haunted Alice's memories. How the student had even managed to concoct such a disaster she had never understood, as none of the listed ingredients were known to create such a reaction.

Relieved he wasn't abandoning her to continue her walk alone, Alice fell into an easy step besides him. She missed this during the last few weeks, missed being able to just chat freely. Her edging away from their friendship was necessary, she knew, but he was still her best friend. Not being able to be relaxed around him was an unfair stressor. "Thank you," she told him earnestly. Really, she shouldn't have expected anything differently.

This time when she sighed there was no relief in it. He was right, they hadn't talked lately, but what could she say? It wasn't as though her OWLs were this year, and the drama within the girls' dormitory wasn't one she wished to share. "We've all been busy, I guess." A weak excuse, though perhaps he wouldn't see right through it.

  

---

Amazing set by Bee!

Ned laughed, "Yeah, there aren't exactly counter spells for potions gone wrong." At least a fire could be extinguished with another spell. Sludge could just continue to eat away.

It wasn't terribly far to the common room entrance, but he didn't feel the need to rush. It was so difficult to snatch moments with just Alice. Between schoolwork, prefect duties, and the drama he hadn't put much effort into investigating in fear of prying, it seemed like 'free time' was a bit of a challenge to come by. He'd found he'd been somehow spending more time with Sisse, which was a bit strange seeing how much closer he and Miss Dawson were.

"Yes, it certainly seems as if everyone is...preoccupied." He could see through her comment, but he was a bit too polite to point it out more than a small comment. "At least there's a Hogsmeade weekend soon. That will be a nice break."

  

---

Pretties by Bee <3 <3

Merlin, she had missed his laughter. Their friendship had always come so easily, in many regards it was easier to be near him than most of her siblings. Alice smiled, "that, and counter spells are generally less messy." The sludge of that disaster had taken weeks to scrub from her cauldron, and, if she really tried, Alice would swear she could still smell the awful swamp like scent.

Alice was dreading their free weekend, a new experience for her. She only got to experience the town during the school year, but the recent drama had dampened any excitement she might've felt. How was she to enjoy the weekend when her normal partners were all at odds and she couldn't even freely go with Edison? Any time spent alone had to be carefully thought out now, Sisse's feelings held to the highest regard. Knowing he knew something was amiss was no help, either, for if he asked it would all come tumbling out in one great jumbled mess. Alice never could keep secrets from him, after all.

"There is," she agreed with a nod. "I was hoping to visit Whizzard's." The potion's text was a predictable one for her to seek, but it was the latest edition so who could blame her? "Were you planning to go?"

The following 1 user Likes Alice Dawson's post:1 user Likes Alice Dawson's post
   Sloane Bixby

---

Amazing set by Bee!

He smirked at her comment, though it likely wasn't easily seen in the darkness. Scrubbing cauldrons was something he loathed to do, even when the potion turned out correctly.

Ned didn't realize Alice was dreading the weekend; it was usually such an enjoyable time. He always liked sharing his hometown with her and pointing out some of the hidden gems that Hogwarts students who didn't dwell in Hogsmeade always bypassed. He didn't even mind when Anne would eventually pop out of nowhere to accost them with questions. It would be strange that she would be back at the castle.

"Yes, it will be nice to spend a day without first and second years underfoot." He didn't have any destination in mind. His pocket money was always of such a small amount that he tended to save it during the first few Hogsmeade weekends so he would be able to purchase Christmas gifts. It was the company he most looked forward to. Though, he wasn't sure how the lingering tension between everyone would play into it.

"Would you like some company at Whizzhard's? I wouldn't mind browsing. I may also stop into Honeydukes. I'm sure Anne would appreciate something sweet to help soothe the disappointment that she cannot visit until third year."

  

---

Pretties by Bee <3 <3

An afternoon spent alone with Edison sounded like a dream, but it was one that could never come to fruition. Alice would never forgive herself if her feelings somehow revealed themselves to Edison and ruined any chances Sisse might've had. That was assuming Edison even felt the same, which judging by how cheerful he was with everyone, was unlikely. No, she couldn't be alone with him for an afternoon like they used to. Not anymore.

"I already promised Sisse to head down with her," Alice explained in a lie. Hopefully Sisse hadn't already had plans, or would at least be willing to cancel those plans if she learned Edison would be joining them. "You're welcome to join us if you like." Then, once the pair were chatting amongst themselves, Alice would quietly slip away. It was the least she could do. "I'm leaving the sweets up to Bridget this year, it's her first time being able to visit the town."

  

---

Amazing set by Bee!

One corner of his lips drooped down in a half frown, admittedly disappointed that Alice seemed to already have plans. He was a bit thankful for the dark hallway, so she wouldn't realize the thoughts in his head. However, when it seemed he would be welcome to join them, he found himself grinning again. He supposed it would be alright if he accompanied her and Sisse. They were both rather pleasant to be around. "As long as Miss Thompsett agrees."

He wouldn't want to intrude, of course. "I'm sure Bridget will be thrilled to finally be able to enjoy it. Warn her away from the blood pops." The latter statement he said with a laugh.

It seemed they had reached their destination, and Ned felt that gnawing sense of disappointment again, but he shook it off. Perhaps, they could linger in the common room for a moment. The portrait of the Fat Lady seemed to be chatting with another nearby portrait, but once she noticed them she paused to give the pair a bit of a stare. "Adder's Fork," he stated simply. Instead of swinging open like usual, the portrait only edged open a crack. After a moment of hesitation, since he didn't quite realize it had opened at all, Ned began to reach out, intent on helping it swing the rest of the way.

The following 1 user Likes Edison Moony's post:1 user Likes Edison Moony's post
   Sloane Bixby

---

Pretties by Bee <3 <3

Sisse would agree, provided she had no plans, of that Alice had no doubts. "I'll ask her in the morning before breakfast," she smiled. With how late it had gotten she dounted Sisse was still awake. Even if she was, Alice wasn't about to break the awkward tension in the girl's dormitory with weekend plans. The request could wait until they were walking to breakfast in the morning.

"Oh, I have, profusely." Alice would've fallen for a blood pop had Edison not warned her off them. They just looked so appealing that she used to believe they were a joke. "We'll see if she takes me up on it."

That the end of their walk had arrived disappointed Alice immensely, for she knew another walk like it wouldn't happen again for a long while. She stood quietly as Edison directed the portrait to open, but frowned when the frame didn't swing wide. How peculiar. Alice reached for the edge of the frame, intent on seeing if it had opened at all, when her fingers grazed his. For a second, she wasn't sure how to respond, leaving her hand touching his in the dark for too long a moment before dropping it back to her side. "Sorry," she murmured, her cheeks as red as her hair with embarrassment.

The following 1 user Likes Alice Dawson's post:1 user Likes Alice Dawson's post
   Edison Moony

He hoped Sisse would be agreeable, but he figured she would be, unless they had wished for a girl's day. He wasn't sure what that entailed exactly, but he had been alerted to their existence recently. Either way, he wasn't about to think too deeply on what girls got up to alone.

Still chuckling over blood pops, Ned didn't realize Alice had also moved in to try and make the portrait budge. When their hands unexpectedly met, he froze, lingering there even while she did. He didn't wish to wrench away and have her worry that she'd done something wrong, but he knew how improper it was. The wave of relief he felt when she drew away was muddied with disappointment, but he couldn't quite understand why the simple act had him sputtering out a matching apology at the same time Alice muttered her own. "Sorry."

Ned wasn't the sort to turn pink with embarrassment, but the back of his neck felt warm, his stomach tightened, and he couldn't quite will himself to meet her eyes. Thank Merlin it was dark.

"I..." He started to say, but the only words he could find to finish that sentence was. "I think it must have just been stuck." The door gave way fairly easily once he gave it a good push. The dark hallway opened up onto an equally dark common room, only the lingering embers of a fire still present in the fireplace. It was empty save for someone's cat who snoozed on the settee.

  

---

Pretties by Bee <3 <3