When the Moment comes

“I would like to show you the night.” Eradian whispered. He leaned closer to brush his cheek against the dark locks. “It is more magical than any other.” he assured under the curious gaze of his date. Gorgeous, obsidian eyes, Eradian thought. They matched the silk, black robes the youth wore tonight with ever present elegance. Whenever Eradian made a new suggestion, these eyes always filled with amazement, like the youth could not believe it was directed at him. This look, Eradian found nearly tragic, although he could not explain why it touched him so deep inside, stirring the need to protect this creature, and leaving Eradian awed and humbled. “Come with me.” he called patiently and was rewarded when a delicate hand was trusted into his open palm.



At the door, Eradian had a silent exchange with the guards, ordering them to remain where they were. Eradian led his date away from the noise and light, being allowed to wrap a hand around the youth’s waist; who seemed to accept the gesture as their routine. Eradian missed this touch. Tonight they did not dance. His date was limping. It was barely noticeable to anyone except Eradian. He noticed the hurt at once. Eradian was left vaguely unsatisfied with an elusive answer. His date became upset when Eradian asked about the injury, thus he did not probe farther.



Eradian was not intending to lead them far, only far enough to ensure they were not disturbed. The night was truly magnificent. It was warm for the last day of October with the stars shining overhead. His partner didn’t seem to notice, his eyes trained on the dark path ahead. Eradian stopped them. “There is a better way to see the night besides looking down.” he suggested mildly, turning the youth until they faced each other. “Look up.” He prompted. Eradian tilted his date’s chin with a finger until he could see star reflections dancing in the depths of the black eyes.



“Oh.” The lips parted in a faint whisper, more tempting by innocence. Eradian leaned to kiss them. He was tender and not demanding, intending to pull back much sooner than he wanted. The youth, initially startled, didn’t allow him to move away.



So rarely Severus allowed his heart decide his actions. Unwillingly, he trusted Eradian not to hurt him. Even when he was teased, it was always mild. Eradian knew exactly when to stop before Severus was remotely uncomfortable. Nor did the wizard make any mistakes in judgement, being stern in assertion and yet merciful. This trait reminded Severus of the Headmaster Dumbledore, another person Severus came as closely to trust as it was possible for him, before Eradian. These two wizards were right about most unexpected things, such as the night. Perhaps it was the company. Severus felt the magic simmering in the night air all around them. He kept his eyes trained on the path ahead, not daring to look at his escort. Earlier, when Eradian leaned close, Severus wanted to reach out and touch the smooth, sun tanned skin. The need to touch another scared him. What if Eradian didn’t want to be touched? Severus certainly did not enjoy being touched by others; except the hand resting on his waist defied all doubts and atoned with years of self-preservation.



Eradian was even closer when he stopped them, insisting that Severus should look up. Less than an inch separated them. Insistent finger tilted Severus’ head until he could see stars twinkling in cold serenity overhead, as their light enhanced majesty of the lands and of the castle.



“Oh.” Severus said in wonder. A second arm wrapped around his waist removing the tiny distance which was left between them. Then he was burned. He didn’t recognise at first the warmth spreading to every cold corner of his being. The kiss was overwhelming however it was not demanding. Severus had control. He could stop the kiss should he desired. Yet, he didn’t want it to end. When Eradian reluctantly tried to move away, Severus wrapped his arms around the taller wizard’s neck. He kissed Eradian with a desperate abandon, taking forbidden fruit before it was forever taken from him.



He whimpered when strong hands caressed his shoulders and slid downwards caressing his back. Severus clung tighter to Eradian, uncertain that he could stand when the heated kisses ran along his jaw to the neck.



The first stroke of the clock up at the Hogwarts’ tower shattered their embrace.



“It’s twelve.” Severus said urgently. All his fears resurfaced in an instant.



“So what?” Eradian tried to kiss Severus again still dazed.



“So, I’m leaving.” Severus replied. The clock struck again. He pushed against Eradian’s chest trying to break the embrace.



Eradian tightened the hold. “Please don’t go.” He asked thinking that perhaps his date was instructed by his protective family to return home no later then twelve. A rule Eradian hoped to convince the youth to break. Surely the family would understand if the boy told them about him. The clock ringing, loud and monotonous broke in between their swiftly exchanged words.



Now, he had to leave now, before the charm wore off. Eradian couldn’t see him, couldn’t come to loath him. “Let. Me. Go.” Severus demanded now struggling openly to break the tight grip.



“At least tell me when I may see you again.”



Severus, desperate enough to be prepared to bite the man, did not reply. He didn’t want to hex the man just yet. Luckily, Eradian released him, afraid to injure the youth. Severus instantly ran. The clock was on the tenth count.



Eradian followed. “Please wait.” He called desperately. He realized something extremely foolish. “I don’t even know your name.” He tripped over something underfoot and nearly sprawled on the ground. When Eradian regained balance the slim figure dressed in black was lost in the darkness. Eradian regretted bitterly being such a fool. Tonight he intended to voice his feelings for the other. He should have summoned the courage earlier. And most certainly he should have known his date’s name. How could he find the other without as much as a name? Something which he tripped over shimmered dully on the ground. Eradian picked it up. It was a black shoe. As Eradian examined it, he discovered that the shoe was enchanted to adjust only to its owner. Eradian smiled with as a new hope blossomed to life. The shoe was the magic key to the boy and to love. “I will find you.” He promised.