Lonely

Chapter Five

Leo's father left two days later. She knew he had waited as long as he possibly could, but couldn't risk it any longer. He had left in the early hours of the morning, Leo could still imagine how it felt as he pulled her in for one last hug, kissing the top of her head and whispering to her, "Be brave my little lion, take care of your mother and sister." Leo wondered how long it would be until she would be able to hug him again or hear his kind voice.

A week later Remus had returned, finding the Tonks' house much more subdued than when he had left it, still adjusting to the reality of a missing member. As soon as he had arrived he had pulled Dora into his arms, apologizing through his tears for what his fear had caused him to do, and promising to never leave again.

Later that evening Remus had pulled Leo to the side and explained that Harry had played a large part in him realizing his mistake of leaving. Leo's stomach had fluttered at the mention of Harry, and she was relieved to know that he was safe and seemingly unharmed. Remus had looked at her kindly and said, "He was very concerned when I mentioned that your family was taken in for questioning, and wouldn't calm until I assured him that you were unharmed."

News of Harry had briefly provided a much-needed distraction for Leo, however, she quickly returned to her melancholy state, spending many hours outside, imagining where her father might be and if he was safe. She dreaded leaving her mother, as well as her sister and Remus, who had decided to remain at the Tonks home for the time being.

So it was for this reason when September 1st arrived, despite it being her 17th birthday, Leo awoke sweaty and with a knot in the pit of her stomach. Her trunk was packed and waiting for her downstairs, she threw the last of her belongings in her backpack and slung it over her shoulder before heading down to where her mother was waiting.

Leo exited the hallway and entered the kitchen to find her mum, sister, and Remus waiting by the table, a candle stuck in a stack of pancakes. "Happy Birthday Leo!" They all said, smiling kindly at her. She appreciated the effort, and the care that they all had for her, but felt as though she may be sick just looking at the pancakes. Leo managed to eat a few bites before saying, "Thank you so much, it really means a lot and well... You all know how much I wish I could stay."

This statement was especially true after she had read in the paper yesterday that Snape had been announced as the new Headmaster of Hogwarts. Leo knew her family was putting on a brave face for her sake, but none of them wanted her to leave any more than she wanted to.

Her mother accompanied her to the station, hugging her tightly as the train whistled loudly. "Focus on your studies Leo, and stay safe. Write to me and let me know about everything." Leo nodded, she knew that with her father on the run her mother would be extra worried about her away at school. She was glad that Dora and Remus would be at the house to distract her and give her something to do.

Leo squeezed her mother extra tight before stepping up off the platform and into the train carriage. She pushed down her worries and headed down the train car looking for her friends. It didn't take her long to spot Hannah, Susan, and Ernie tucked away in a compartment. She rushed in and threw her arms around the girls, before turning and hugging Ernie as well. Leo already knew that Justin wouldn't be there, as a muggle-born he wasn't allowed to return to Hogwarts. She wondered if he had allowed the Ministry to place him on the registry, or if he and his family had gone into hiding. From what Leo knew of Justin's character she figured it was most likely the latter.

Justin's absence highlighted the difference of the school year, as well as the world around them. The group began to discuss and catch up on everything that happened in their lives over the summer. Leo squeezed Hannah's hand as she shared about her summer following the loss of her mother, and her friend reciprocated the comforting gesture as Leo recounted her family's trip to the ministry and her father having to go on the run.