Lady Stardust

23. May 20th

May 20th

Ariene had thought about Regulus's advice the entire day. She thought about what she would say to her friends if they would even care. OWL's were starting the next week and they were all extremely nervous, spending less time goofing off and more time quizzing each other and revising. Ariene had not studied a word. She was carefully brushing Bowie, sitting on her bed, Hunky Dory playing in the background. It had been ages since she had listened to it, and it reminded her how much she loved the familiar singer. She was carefully playing out conversations in her head, considering all the different ways it could go. She could crack a joke, ease the mood. Show them that she is okay now. Of course, she was still incredibly overwhelmed about what was coming, but she decided to put it aside for when the day came, and just enjoy the rest of her year. She looked up when the four boys walked into the room. Peter stumbled and laughed at the little trip, and a small smile teased Ariene's lips.

"Hi," She said, looking at them. Their eyes shifted around the room, the mood changing immediately. "Fun day?"

They exchanged glances, clearly nervous. James was the first to speak.

"Not really, revisions, you know?" He smiled. Ariene smiled back. Her hands were shaking.

"Right. OWLs." She nodded.

"Was there something you wanted to... talk to us about?" Remus asked, uneasily. Ariene nodded again.

"Yeah. Yes. Um, so I'm a seer," Ariene said.

"We know," Peter cocked his head. Ariene swallowed.

"Right. Well, I talked to- someone- and they said I should talk to you guys," She explained, feeling incredibly awkward.

"That would be nice," Sirius said. He had the same concerned expression as his younger brother. Ariene sighed.

"Okay, well I wanted to say that I am really fucking nervous for the summer. I hate my parents' house. My sisters- they just aren't-" Ariene paused, thinking. "They're not very nice." She looked away from her hands and up to the four boys. They all looked so concerned. Ariene hated it.

"Not...very nice," Sirius repeated slowly. He gave her a look and Ariene knew what he meant just by the softness and understanding in his eyes. She bit her lip and nodded.

"And with the war and our, er, opposing views," Ariene said, putting it lightly. "I don't think I'll have a great time," She sighed.

"Ariene, that's- I'm so sorry," James said. He walked over and sat next to her, putting his arms around her. Ariene stiffened but then relaxed at his touch.

"Also I didn't tell you everything. Yes, I'm a seer, but I don't know shit about divination. I'm dropping most of my classes to pursue it," Ariene said. Remus frowned.

"Ariene, what? Which classes are you keeping?" Remus sat down. They were all getting a little more comfortable.

"I'm keeping Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, but that's all." Ariene shrugged, still stiff. James hugged her tighter.

"What? What about astronomy? You love astronomy!" Peter spoke up after being silent for a while. Ariene made a small smile.

"I know. It will be more of a hobby, I guess," She had actually taken it really hard. She loved learning about all the constellations, and the history of it all, but she knew she couldn't keep learning it if she pursued divination.

"Oh, Ariene," Sirius came and sat near her as well. Ariene shut her eyes.

"Yeah. It's-" Ariene harnessed her thoughts, trying to keep from crying in front of them.