Of The Solstice

The End of a Terrible Birthday

I made my way back to the castle, my eyes puffy and bloodshot from all the crying. They felt sore, asI held back tears as I passed other students. Some whom I recognized wished me a "Happy Birthday" as I walked by, but I couldn't even muster a smile.

I walked through the portrait door and nearly collided with Remus. He caught me by the shoulders to steady me. "Calista, are you okay?" he asked, his concern evident in his voice.

I shook my head, unable to hold back the tears any longer. "No, I'm not okay," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

James poked his head around the corner, "Oh shit, what's happened?"

Remus guided me into the common room, and I sat in the large chair, wiping my eyes.

"Can they leave?" I asked, looking at all the people in the room. "Or can we go somewhere private?" I said shakily.

Remus nodded and quickly shooed everyone out of the common room. Once they were alone, he pulled up a chair and sat in front of me, James sat on the couch beside me.

"What happened?" he asked softly.

"You can't get mad.." I glanced at them both

Remus and James exchanged a worried look before nodding in understanding.

"We won't," Remus assured me. "We're here to support you."

I hesitantly lifted my sleeve, not even exposing the entire mark before James grabbed my arm and pulled my sleeve back down.

"Hey, hey," James said soothingly. "It's okay. You don't have to show us if you're not comfortable."

"When did this happen?" Remus asked quietly.

"This morning.." I whispered, feeling the weight of the day on my shoulders.

"I'm so sorry, Buggy.." Remus rubbed the bruise on my wrist with a gentle touch.

"Moony, Sirius left me.." I looked straight at him, tears falling down my face.

Remus' expression turned to one of concern. "What do you mean he left you?"

"He broke up with me," I choked out between sobs. "After everything that happened, he just ended things like it meant nothing."

Remus pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to me. "Take your time, Buggy," he said. "We're not going anywhere."

I wiped my eyes. "He accused me of willingly being with Evan, like I had a choice in the matter."

I let out a long breath trying to stop myself from crying. Remus and James exchanged a knowing look.

"Sirius can be a right git sometimes," James said, trying to lighten the mood. "But that doesn't excuse his behavior."

"He's not the only one," Remus added, rubbing my arm gently. "We're here for you, Buggy. Whatever you need."

The door to the common room shut, and we all turned our heads to see Sirius walk in, his head hanging low. Silence filled the room as Sirius hesitated near the entrance, seemingly unsure of what to do next. Remus stood up and placed a hand on Sirius's shoulder, guiding him to the chair opposite mine.