Of The Solstice

Second Chances

I spent my Sunday tucked away in the library, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere away from everyone. But my solitude was disrupted when Evan sat down across from me. I tried to ignore him, knowing that if I tried to dismiss him, it would only make things worse. However, he spoke up and shattered the silence, "You know my parents have been in touch with your mother."

I nodded, my eyes still fixed on the page in front of me. Evan's hand began to reach for my book, and I knew I couldn't ignore him forever. With a deep breath, I finally spoke up. "What did they say?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"There she is!" he said tauntingly. "Your mother is relieved to know that we are back together." he said with a smug grin on his face.

I placed my book on the table with a deep sigh, trying to keep my composure. "We are not back together," I said firmly, my eyes fixed on Evan's.

"But my dear, might I remind you of our time in the astronomy tower?" he taunted, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. "You said you understood."

I felt my face go hot, a wave of nausea hit as I realized what I agreed to. I had no words to say to him, I felt that if I opened my mouth I'd vomit. He sat looking at me, a smile planted on his face, "What are you reading?" He picked the book off the table.

I took a deep breath and tried to relax into my seat. "It's a muggle book," I said softly.

He examined the cover and the page I had left the book on. "I don't see how you read this nonsense," he commented, placing the book back on the table. "Come walk with me," he said with a smile, extending his hand towards me.

"Evan, I have no desire to even be sitting with you." I said firmly.

Evan's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly composed himself. "Come on, Calista," he said, leaning in closer to me. "We used to have fun together. Don't you remember?"

I narrowed my eyes at him, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. "That was a long time ago, Evan. Things are different now."

"Are they really?" he asked, his voice low and seductive. "I think you still feel something for me. I can see it in your eyes."

I shook my head, trying to dispel the memories that flooded my mind. "You're mistaken," I said firmly.

"Neither of us have a decision in this, and you know that." He stood up, stretching his hand out to me. "Now take my hand and let's go on a walk."

I hesitated and took a deep breath. "Fine." I put my book in my bag and stood up. "I'm not holding your hand."

"Suit yourself," he shrugged and began walking towards the door. I followed him, keeping a safe distance. The cool evening air hit my face as we stepped outside.

"So, how have you been?" he asked, breaking the silence between us.

"I don't think that's any of your concern," I replied, keeping my tone icy.

"I know I hurt you," he said softly, stopping to face me. "But can we at least try to be civil?"

I looked away, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I'll try," I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Is your mark healed?" He asked with no hesitation.

I stopped dead in my tracks. "If that's what you want to talk about, I'm leaving."

He turned to face me. "Calista, let's be frank. This is an arranged affair, and you were fine with it until you went back to the Potters for the summer," he said with a stern tone. He walked towards me, and as he placed a hand on my shoulder, I couldn't help but flinch away from his touch.

"I was never fine with it" I said, looking down at my feet.

Evan lifted my chin with his finger gently. "Please give me another chance so our parents get off of our backs," he pleaded. His eyes darted back at the castle, then down at me.

I hesitated for a moment, conflicted about what to do. But ultimately, I reluctantly nodded. I knew this wasn't the best course of action, but it felt like I had no other choice.

Evan leaned down and kissed me. After a few seconds, he wrapped his arm around my waist, and I hesitantly let my hand travel up his chest. Pulling back from the kiss, I spoke firmly, "If we're going to try this again, I have rules."

He looked at me with a smirk, his hand still on my waist. "Hit me," he said.

"You're not allowed to touch me without permission," I said, my tone serious.

He nodded "I think I can handle that." he paused "Anything else?"

"You will not talk down to me" my tone still the same.

He looked at me for a moment before nodding slowly. "Alright, I understand. Anything else?"

I hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "I need to take things slow. No rushing, no pressure."

He nodded in agreement. "Okay, I can do that. We'll take things at your pace."

I felt relieved that he was willing to listen to my boundaries. "Thank you," I said, a small smile forming on my lips.

He leaned in and kissed me again, this time with a gentleness that I had never felt from him before. "I want to do things right this time," he whispered against my lips.

I gripped his tie firmly and pulled his head down to whisper in his ear, "If you even think about removing my shoe without my explicit permission," I paused "I will not hesitate to kill you myself." As I turned to walk away, my eyes met the angry gazes of James and Sirius. They were standing a few feet away, their arms crossed over their chests. I felt a lump form in my throat as I realized they had witnessed the entire exchange.

Evan leaned down to my ear and whispered, "You might want to handle that. They look like they're ready to kill me."

Evan stepped back as James and Sirius approached, their wands drawn and pointed towards him. "What the hell is going on here?" James demanded, his eyes flickering between me and Evan.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "It's okay, guys. We were just talking."

Sirius scoffed. "Talking? That didn't look like talking to me."

I glared at him still fuming about yesterday. "I don't need your approval for anything I do, Sirius."

James lowered his wand slightly, but he still looked wary. "You sure you're okay?" he asked me.

I nodded. "Yes, I'm fine. Evan was just leaving."

Evan gave me a nod before turning and walking away. I let out a sigh of relief as James and Sirius put their wands away. "What was that all about?" James asked me.

"Evan and I are getting back together," I said firmly, gathering my composure.

Sirius raised an eyebrow, "After everything that's happened?"

I took a deep breath, "We've talked things through and we're willing to give it another try. But please, don't make a big deal out of it."

James nodded, "Alright, we won't."

"Like hell we won't!" Sirius says, raising his voice.

I felt a knot form in my stomach at Sirius's outburst. "Sirius, please," I pleaded with him.

He looked at me, his expression softening. "I'm sorry, Calista. I just don't want to see you get hurt again."

"I know," I said, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "But I need to make my own decisions, even if they're not the ones you would make for me."

"Calista I hope you know what your doing." James said.

I nodded "Just trust me." I looked at them both, and walked away towards the castle.

"Calista," Sirius called out to me as I began to walk away. I stopped and turned back to him.

"I just want you to be careful," he said, his expression softening. "We care about you and don't want to see you get hurt."

"I know," I said, feeling grateful for his concern. "Thank you." With that, I turned and walked back into the castle.