Lady Stardust

33. December 1976

December 5th

Ariene had her hair up, held there with a wand. Sirius had taught her how the other day. She was studying her notes, holding them up in the air. Remus was sitting on his bed, silently reading as Bowie lay on his chest, purring softly. Ariene looked up when Sirius opened the door and closed it softly behind him.

"Hi Ariene," He said, his face flushed.

"Sirius," Ariene greeted him. She began packing her notes into her bag.

"Erm, what are you doing?"

"Don't worry, I'm leaving." She slung her back around her shoulders and started to walk out of the dorm. Sirius put a hand on her shoulder as she was walking out.

"Thank you," He said softly.

"You didn't expect me to stay in here, I'm sure," Ariene grinned slightly as Sirius's cheeks turned red.

"I meant- never mind."

"It's okay Sirius. Can I take the map?"

"Sure." Sirius handed Ariene the map and she waved goodbye to Remus before walking out. Remus and Sirius had both talked to her about the arrangement about a week ago. It was awkward, but she was glad they had talked to her about it. She assured them she would never tell anyone and that they could be open with her about it. Ariene was also happy they had sorted it out.

Recently the three had been a lot closer, especially since Dorcas had not talked with her for quite a long time. Ariene knew Marlene had something to do with it, but she couldn't blame her. Ariene would likely do the same. She often wished it was still last year. She remembered Sandrine once asking "Would you rather go back or forward in time?" Ariene answered quickly, "Forward." Now she knew she had a different answer. Ariene thought about the past years quite often, reminiscing on the summer she spent with Sandrine in Paris, the fun weekends they would spend together in Beauxbatons.

"Hey. Ariene." A hand rested on her shoulder and Ariene jumped slightly, before looking up. "How are you?" James said, messing his hair up. Ariene snorted.

"I'm great," She said, her sarcasm heavy.

"I'm sorry. Really. I still think that something is up with him, maybe." James had been entirely convinced that Ariene and Sirius had been sleeping with each other the past week.. Ariene had to drink a shot of veritaserum and swear that she wasn't in order for him to believe her, and James was still trying to make up for it.

"He could just be happy he doesn't have to go home for Christmas." James bit his lip. Ariene could tell he wanted to ask her.

"Yes. I'm going back for Christmas," Ariene looked down at the desk. James sat down across from her and rested his head in his hands.

"Ariene. I promise you that the second you're in trouble I'm on my way." Ariene looked up at James.

"Really. You'd go to Marseille." Ariene smiled slightly at the ridiculous offer.

"You have Floo in France, right?" James looked completely serious, and Ariene almost laughed.

"James, I'll be fine. And yes, there's Floo in France."

"Good. Okay, do you want to come back to the dorm with me?" James stood up and messed up his hair.

"Sure." Ariene stood up as well and pushed her chair in. "Well actually- let's just go to the great hall,"

"Ariene?"

"Yes?" James walked over and pulled her into the warmest hug Ariene had gotten in a while.

December 14th

"Barty. We should go." Ariene looked around for the voice.

"Barty, we should go." Ariene turned around when she heard this voice for the second time. Regulus.