astronomy • marlene mckinnon

three

A week had passed since September first and the fifth year Gryffindors were heading towards the astronomy tower for their first astronomy lesson of the session.

The wind was blowing softly and the railings that enclosed the astronomy tower were still wet due to the downpour which had only stopped two hours ago. A silver-white half-moon was hidden behind the clouds, casting a blue glow in the tower.

"Look, I'm not saying I hate astronomy," Marlene leaned back against a dry wall as the Slytherins entered the tower. "I just find it useless."

"Because you suck at it." James looked at her.

"I don't-"

The four Marauders, Lily and Mary gave the blonde Gryffindor a disbelieving look.

"Yeah okay fine, I suck at it. But still, how the hell is knowing the star's positions going to help in life."

"Navigation." Sirius shrugged as if it was the most important thing.

"The fuck?" Remus asked.

"Navigation," Sirius repeated himself, then sighed as he noticed the others' confused faces.

"Just suppose you're stranded in a forest-"

"Why would I go into a forest?"

Sirius shot Marlene a dirty look and continued. "And you've lost your map-"

"I'm not that careless."

"No one cares Evans," Sirius scowled. "The point is that if you're lost you can find your way back with the help of the stars."

"Yeah, I guess we could." Peter nodded thoughtfully.

"Oh and-" James started but was cut off.

"We already have wands though." Remus pointed out with a mock confused expression.

"You lost your wand too!"

"No, I didn't, it's right here."

"No- you lost it in the forest."

"When did I go to the forest?"

Everyone stifled their laughter at Sirius's annoyed expression.

"Forget it," Sirius snapped. "Do whatever you want to. I don't care."

"Ah but," Remus sighed dramatically and put an arm around Sirius's shoulders. "You do."

"Shut up," Sirius snapped but his eyes were bright and cheeks carried a pink flush no one noticed.

"Alright class," Professor Sinistra's voice caused the seven to face the professor. "It's a bit cloudy and we can't see much in the sky, so we're having a theory lesson."

Groans filled the tower.

"So please move along to the classroom downstairs."

More groans filled the tower.

"Why did she even ask us to come upstairs?" Victoria Malfoy's voice was the loudest of all.

"It's just a floor below Malfoy," Astraea hissed at the blonde. "Stop being so dramatic."

Victoria scowled at her and Astraea gave her a cold glare before she started walking downstairs with Isabella.

"I pity you for having to deal with her," Isabella said as they entered the classroom.

"I pity myself for having to deal with life." Astraea sighed and took a seat in the second row.

But before Isabella had taken a seat next to the raven-haired Slytherin, Alexander Thorn had put down his bag on the bench.