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I wanted to leave him. I needed a reason.
°• ♔ •°
When Celeste woke the next morning, her body was sore and aching from last night. She dragged herself out of bed, finding Alice and Lily awake as well. Sweeping open three of her overstuffed trunks, she began the strenuous task of fitting it all into the school's tiny wardrobe.
Lily, bless her soul, decided to help her. "I've never felt anything so soft and delicate," she marveled, admiring a custom designed scarf. "Like a kitten's fur."
"You can always borrow them, if you'd like," Celeste promised, arranging her shoes neatly. Having not known many girls her age, her eagerness rose over.
Lily squealed happily and brought her into a quick, tight hug.
Celeste's eyes widened at the gesture.
"Think Marlene will wake up anytime soon?" Alice wondered aloud from her chair.
Marlene groaned loudly and ducked under her pillow. "I'm not asleep," she said, sounding muffled and far away. "My mind is alive."
"Breakfast starts soo-" Lily began.
Excited at the mention of food, Marlene jumped and dashed into the bathroom, making the other girls laugh.
-
Only minutes later, the four girls entered the Great Hall. The enchanted ceiling dazzled with warm sunlight, promising a clear blue day. Marlene skipped ahead like a happy child and chose their seats.
Lily and Alice laughed as they all sat down at the Gryffindor table. Marlene was already devouring a raspberry pastry.
She didn't mean to stare, but Celeste couldn't help it. The carefree and casual environment confused her. She had never seen anything like it. It took a long minute before she eased herself to relax. Just as she did, the sound of loud laughter interrupted her toast.
Remus and Peter entered the hall first, laughing hysterically as James trailed close behind. They all bore matching grins plastered across their faces.
"Here we go again," Lily grumbled under her breath. "I'll be glad to be rid of Potter when we leave school."
"I think he'd find your house and bother you there," Alice shrugged.
Lily groaned, covering her face with her hands.
"Evans!" James exclaimed gleefully. "How kind of you to sit next to us!"
Peter and Remus still sniggering, sat across from James.
