Of The Solstice

The Mark

~This chapter has~
~mature themes~

I walked up to the top of the astronomy tower, leaning my elbows on the rail. The cold wind hit my face, making the tears feel like ice. Regulus stood beside me, facing the door, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Calista," he said softly breaking the silence, "I'm so sorry."

I looked at him, tears streaming down my face. "What am I going to do?" I whispered.

Regulus put a hand on my back, trying to comfort me. "I'm sorry, Calista. I should have told him sooner."

"Reg I told you to tell him almost a month ago" I turned to him.

Regulus's voice was filled with regret as he spoke. "I know, Cali. I'm sorry. I didn't think Evan would take it this far. I thought I had time to tell Sirius."

I shook my head, wiping away my tears. "It doesn't matter now. What are we going to do about the mark?"

"I hope you have a lot of long-sleeved jumpers,"Regulus said trying to lighten the mood.

I sighed and looked down at the mark on my arm. "I can't hide it forever. I have to find a way to get rid of it."

Regulus nodded in agreement. "We'll figure it out, Calista. We'll do whatever it takes."

A few moments of silence passed as I took a deep breath. "Isn't your 18th birthday supposed to be special?" I asked, feeling a sense of disappointment. "First, my friends avoid me like the plague, and now this."

"Do you want to go down to the lake?" Regulus took my hand.

"I want to go back to my dorm for a little while Reggie. I need to breathe for a moment" I squeezed his hand. "I need to talk to Sirius"

Regulus nodded understandingly. "Alright, Cali. Just let me know if you need anything."

I gave him a small smile before turning and making my way back down the stairs. I quickly walked to the Gryffindor common room hoping to find Sirius there.

When I entered through the portrait, I found Remus and James sitting on the couch a banner that said "Happy Birthday Bugs" was hung on the wall above them. Marlene and Lilly were hanging up balloons and Dorcas accidentally popped one as I came into everyone's view.

"Hey, happy birthday, Cali!" James exclaimed, standing up to give me a hug. Remus and the girls also came over to wish me a happy birthday.

"Thanks, guys," I said, trying to sound cheerful.

But my eyes were scanning the room, looking for Sirius. He wasn't there.

"Hey, have you guys seen Sirius?" I asked, trying not to sound too worried.

"He went out for a walk a little while ago," Remus said. "He seemed pretty upset about something."

My heart sank. I knew he was upset about the mark, but I didn't expect him to avoid me altogether.

"Okay, thanks," I said, turning to leave.

"Wait, Cali," Marlene called after me. "We have a surprise for you!"

I turned around to see Marlene holding a large wrapped package. I forced a smile, trying to hide my disappointment about Sirius.