As they left, Severus glanced back at the classroom. "Looks like we've got an exciting afternoon ahead of us. I can't wait to see what the forest has in store."
Priamos smiled, adjusting his cloak. "Me neither. Let's make sure to be prepared for anything."
The two made their way to the old oak tree, their excitement growing with each step. The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the grounds. As they reached the tree, Severus checked his gear, making sure everything was in place for their adventure.
Priamos approached, clutching his cloak tightly. "So, what should we expect in Eleonorin Forest? Any tips for a first-timer?"
Severus looked at him with a reassuring grin. "Just stick close, and keep your eyes and ears open. We'll follow the trails, and if we're quiet, we might even spot some magical creatures. Remember, it's all about the experience."
Severus and Priamos set off towards Eleonorin Forest, excitement evident as they walked through the academy grounds. The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow, making the forest look dark and inviting in the distance.
As they neared the forest, Severus took the lead, his steps confident. "The trails should be easy to follow," he said. "We just need to be careful and respect the wildlife."
Priamos looked around nervously, his eyes full of anticipation. "What magical creatures might we see? I've heard stories, but I'm not sure what to expect."
Severus grinned. "There are reports of everything from glowing sprites to elusive forest spirits. We'll have to stay quiet and keep our eyes open. If we're lucky, we might see something extraordinary."
As they entered the forest, the setting sun cast a magical light through the canopy. The air was cool and smelled of moss and fallen leaves.
"Stick close and keep quiet," Severus instructed as they ventured further. "We don't want to scare anything away."
They followed the trail, with Severus leading confidently. The forest was alive with sounds: rustling leaves, distant bird calls, and the occasional snap of twigs underfoot.
After a while, Priamos noticed a strange, shimmering light among the trees. "Severus, look over there," he whispered, pointing to the glow.
Severus squinted and said, "Let's check it out."
They approached cautiously, and the glow turned out to be a cluster of tiny, luminous creatures, flitting around like fireflies. Their soft, blue light danced through the air.
"Those are forest sprites," Severus said in awe. "They're harmless and beautiful. Just don't try to catch them."
Priamos watched, amazed. "This is incredible. I never imagined I'd see something like this."
Severus nodded, clearly pleased. "That's the magic of the forest. Sometimes, it's the little things that make the adventure worthwhile."
They continued exploring, spotting other magical signs: glowing plants, curious creatures peeking from the underbrush, and a softly glowing stream.
As the sun set and the shadows grew longer, Severus checked his watch. "We should start heading back soon. It's been quite an adventure, and I don't want to get caught here."
Priamos agreed, looking around nervously. "I agree. This has been amazing, but I don't want to get lost."
As they retraced their steps, the forest became darker and more mysterious. Despite the growing darkness, Severus guided them safely back to the old oak tree.
Just as they neared the oak tree, Severus suddenly stopped. "You know, Priamos, I just remembered I need to grab something from the edge of the forest. I almost forgot!"
Priamos looked puzzled. "What do you need?"
Severus waved a hand. "Just some extra supplies I left there earlier. It won't take long. Why don't you wait here by the oak tree? I'll be back soon."
Priamos hesitated, glancing at the darkening forest. "Are you sure that's a good idea? It's getting darker.
Severus gave a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I'll be back quickly. Just stay put, and I'll return soon."
Priamos nodded reluctantly. "Alright, but be quick. I don't want to be left alone here for too long."
Severus nodded confidently. " I'll be back before you know it."
With that, Severus turned and walked back into the forest, quickly disappearing among the trees.
As Severus went further, the darkness increased, with the trees blocking most of the light. The glowing plants created strange shadows around him.
Suddenly, a figure appeared from the shadows. Before Severus could react, strong arms grabbed him, pulling him close. A hand covered his mouth, silencing his surprise. The figure's face was hidden, but the kiss that followed was intense and passionate, leaving Severus stunned and confused.
He struggled at first, but the hold was firm, and the kiss didn't let up. His heart raced, a mix of thrill and unease. Despite his attempts to push the figure away, the kiss continued, as if trying to convey something deeply felt.
After what felt like an eternity, the figure finally pulled back, their breath mingling with Severus's. The figure remained close, their face still hidden. Severus tried to steady himself, his mind racing to understand the encounter.
"Who are you?" Severus demanded, a mix of anger and confusion in his voice.
The stranger chuckled softly. "I don't know "
Severus squinted into the darkness, trying to see the stranger's face. "Why did you—"
Before he could finish, the figure slipped back into the shadows, leaving Severus alone and disoriented.
He took a deep breath to calm himself and hurried back to the old oak tree where Priamos was waiting.
When he reached Priamos, the concern in his eyes was clear. Priamos looked up, worried. "Severus, are you okay? You look... shaken."
Severus smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I'm fine. Let's head back to the academy."
Priamos studied Severus closely, his brows furrowed in concern. "You sure you're okay? Something seems off."
Severus gave a quick nod, trying to shake off the confusion. "I'm fine, really. Just a weird run-in, nothing to worry about."
Priamos didn't push the issue but kept a watchful eye as they began the walk back to the academy. The path felt darker now, and the air had grown colder, adding a strange stillness to the atmosphere.
Severus's thoughts kept drifting back to the mysterious figure, the kiss, and the way it had all happened so fast. He couldn't make sense of it. His mind raced, searching for any clues that might explain who it was, but he came up blank.
"Severus," Priamos's voice cut through his thoughts, "if something happened out there, you can talk to me."
Severus sighed, "Thanks, Priamos, but I'm alright. Let's just get back."
Once they reached the courtyard, Priamos gave him a final, worried glance. "If you ever want to talk, I'm here."
Severus chuckled. "I know. Thanks."
They parted ways, Priamos heading toward the dormitory while Severus made his way to his own room. Once inside, Severus leaned against the door, his mind still spinning from the kiss in the forest. He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm the wild rush of thoughts.
His hand brushed over his lips, still feeling the warmth left by the stranger. "What was that about?"
He shook his head, pushing away the lingering confusion and deciding it was something he'd have to figure out another time. For now, all he wanted was to rest.
As he settled down, another knock came at the door. Opening it, he saw Seiren standing there, her expression soft with concern.
"I heard you were out late," she said quietly. "Everything okay?"
Severus nodded, trying to sound more at ease. "Yes sis. Ahmmm, I'm heading to bed now."
Seiren smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Alright. Just remember, I'm always here if you need me."
"Thanks, Ate," Severus replied with a small smile.
Seiren gave him a gentle squeeze on the shoulder before leaving. Severus closed the door. He sat on his bed, staring at the ceiling, still wondering about the mysterious kiss but deciding to leave it for another day. For now, he needed rest.
The next morning, Severus strolled into the library, spotting Evreux at a desk, reading a thick, dusty book. Evreux, as usual, looked calm and detached, his face showing no sign of emotion.
"Morning, Evreux," Severus called out, grinning as he approached.
Evreux gave a short nod, barely looking up from his book. "Morning."
Severus sat down across from him, leaning in with a smirk. "You'll never guess what happened last night."
Evreux turned a page, his voice as flat as ever. "Not interested."
Severus wasn't going to let it go that easily. "Oh, come on. You're not even a little curious?"
"No."
Severus's grin grew wider. "Someone kissed me in the forest."
Evreux's hand paused for just a second before he continued flipping pages. "And?"
Severus leaned even closer, trying to get a reaction. "A mysterious figure just grabbed me out of nowhere and planted one on me. Isn't that strange?"
Evreux finally looked up, his face as calm as a pond. "You attract strange things. I'm not surprised."
Severus chuckled. "You're just jealous. Admit it, Evreux, you're dying to know who it was."
"I really don't care."
Severus tapped the table, watching Evreux's unreadable expression. "Cold as ever, huh? You're not curious at all? You could be next, you know."
Evreux's eyes flickered slightly, but he kept his voice steady. "No one would dare."
Severus raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Oh? Maybe you're the one who did it."
Evreux's gaze didn't waver. "Ridiculous. Why would I kiss you? I'm a man."
Severus leaned back in his chair, laughing softly. "You're no fun, Evreux. But I'll figure it out. Maybe it was you—too shy to admit it. Even if you're a man that's not enough reason to not kiss me. I'm irresistible after all"
Evreux turned another page, his tone as flat as ever. "Scram"
Severus teased, grinning. "You're just a mystery wrapped in a cold shell. Maybe you were trying to show me your softer side last night."
Evreux finally looked Severus straight in the eye, his voice cool. "If I were trying to show you anything, you'd know."
Severus blinked, taken aback for a split second before his grin returned. "Really?"
Evreux went back to his book. "Tsk."
Severus chuckled again, satisfied with his teasing.
Severus wasn't done yet. He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand, eyes gleaming with mischief. "So, what do you think, Evreux? Do you approve of the kiss? Was it bold enough?"
Evreux didn't even flinch. "I don't have opinions on things that don't matter."
Severus grinned, undeterred. "Come on, you must have some thoughts. You know, if you ever wanted to kiss me, you'd have to do better than that mystery figure. It was nice, sure, but it lacked... passion."
Evreux flipped another page, his expression as cold as ever. "You seem to be under the illusion that I care."
"Oh, you do care." Severus wagged his finger playfully. "You just won't admit it. Bet you're sitting there, fuming with jealousy. Maybe you're upset someone got to me first."
Evreux raised an eyebrow slightly, but his voice remained flat. "Jealousy is for fools."
Severus laughed. "See? There you go again with the 'too-cool-to-feel' act. I bet you're just dying to know who kissed me. But don't worry, Evreux, you'll always be my favorite."
"Fascinating," Evreux muttered, his eyes never leaving the page.
Severus leaned in closer, his voice low and teasing. "You know, you should just admit it was you. No one kisses like that except someone who knows me well. The mystery figure was... daring but careful. Sounds like someone I know."
Evreux turned yet another page, barely acknowledging Severus's words. "Your imagination is exhausting."
Severus smirked. "Fine, keep pretending. But it's only a matter of time before the truth comes out. And when it does, I'll be here. Ready for round two."
Evreux finally closed his book with a soft thud, looking Severus directly in the eye. "If you're done wasting both our time, I suggest you find something more productive to do."
Severus chuckled, thoroughly enjoying the lack of reaction. "I'm never done with you, Evreux. You make teasing far too much fun."
Evreux stood, his tall frame casting a shadow over the table. "Then you must have a dull life," he replied coolly, walking away without another word, leaving Severus smirking after him.
"See you later, mystery kisser," Severus called out, his voice full of amusement.
Evreux didn't even glance back, his retreating figure as calm and stoic as always. Severus leaned back in his chair, grinning.
Severus wasn't ready to let Evreux off the hook so easily. He quickly gathered his things and followed, catching up with Evreux just outside the library.
"Hey, Evreux!" Severus called out, jogging to keep pace. "I was just thinking, maybe you need a little more practice. You know, to get those kissing skills up to par."
Evreux didn't slow down. "I don't need practice."
"Oh, sure," Severus said, bouncing alongside him. "Because who needs practice when you're already perfect? But think about it—if you really were the mysterious kisser, don't you want to improve?"
Evreux kept his stride steady, eyes focused straight ahead. "Shut up, I'm not discussing this."
"Fine, be that way," Severus continued, unperturbed. "But you can't deny it's a good topic. Who else would pull off a dramatic kiss in a dark forest? It's almost... poetic."
Evreux's jaw tightened slightly, but he remained silent.
Severus didn't give up. "Or maybe you're just waiting for the perfect moment. You know, to sweep me off my feet with a grand gesture. I'll keep my eyes open for that."
Evreux stopped abruptly, turning to face Severus with a cool stare. "If you don't stop, I'll start to question your sanity."
Severus grinned wider, not the least bit deterred. "Ah, so you are a little curious. I knew it! Admit it, you're just trying to play hard to get. Classic move."
Evreux's expression remained stoic, but his patience was visibly wearing thin. "Your persistence is commendable, but not appreciated."
"Persistent? Me? Never!" Severus said with exaggerated innocence. "I'm just genuinely interested. Besides, I think it's sweet that you care enough to keep it a secret."
Evreux's eyes narrowed slightly. "This conversation is pointless."
Severus didn't back down. "Pointless? But it's so much fun! You should really lighten up, Evreux. Maybe next time, just come out and say it if you're the one who kissed me. It'll save us both some time."
Evreux sighed deeply, turning back to continue walking. "If you must follow me, at least try to be quiet."
Severus fell into step beside him, still grinning. "Oh, don't worry. I'll be quiet. But only if you promise to tell me everything. Deal?"
Evreux stopped once more and looked Severus dead in the eyes. "Deal: I will tell you nothing. Now, kindly leave me be."
Severus burst into laughter, his amusement unrestrained. "Alright, alright! I'll give you some space. But remember, I'm always here to remind you of your secret."
"You're impossible."
"Impossible and proud of it!" Severus called after him, waving. "Catch you later, Evreux!"
Evreux walked off. Severus watched him go, still grinning widely.