Of The Solstice

Christmas

I tossed and turned for hours, unable to sleep. Eventually, I had to get out of bed. I slipped my shoes on and walked out of the boys' dormitory. I walked all the way to my room and slowly opened the door. My eyes locked on Marlene's bed. Tears welled in my eyes, and my heart sank as I walked towards her bed and sat on it.

The tears began to stream down my face. "Damn it," I whispered as I wiped my eyes.

After a few minutes, I composed myself and stood up. I walked over to my dresser, changed into more comfortable clothes, and left the Gryffindor tower. As I made my way to the astronomy tower, I hesitated to open the door and listened for any voices. After not hearing anything, I pushed the door open and climbed up to the viewing deck. It was the first time in a long time that I had been up here alone.

I whipped out my wand and conjured a blanket, then sat down against the railing and brought my knees to my chest. I wrapped myself in the blanket and let out a deep breath. The cold winter air nipped at my nose, but it was so peaceful up here that I didn't want to leave.

I heard the door shut and let out an annoyed sigh. "Can I please have one fucking peaceful moment?" I shouted out at the person.

"Do you want me to leave?" Reggie asked, climbing up the stairs.

I leaned my head back, "Are you alone?" I asked.

"Yes," he replied.

"Then you can stay," I said, then looked back out at the stars.

He sat beside me, and I noticed he looked just as worn out as I did. Without a word, he waved his wand at the blanket, making it bigger. I scooted over to make room for him, and we both wrapped ourselves in it. He put his arm around me and I leaned my head on his shoulder.

I tilted my head to look at him, "Did you help us escape?" I asked softly.

He nodded, but remained silent. He leaned back on the railing and played with my hair. After a few moments of silence, he let out a sigh. "I'm sorry about your friend," he said.

I paused for a moment, "Do you know who killed her?" I asked.

"Barty," he finally said.

I felt frozen, unsure of how to react, Reg pulled me closer to him and leaned his head on mine.

"Calista, you need to be careful," he said quietly.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"You owe The Dark Lord, and he will come to collect what he wants sooner or later. Had I not helped you escape..." he trailed off, not finishing his sentence.

"Reggie, Im not going to go into hiding because I owe a debt to Vol-"

Reggie quickly puts his hand over my mouth, "Don't say his name Cali," he warned. Reg removed his hand, his expression turned serious, "Cali, please listen to me. I'm not asking you to go into hiding just because of a debt. You have no idea what he's capable of." He paused for a moment, then added, "I don't want to lose you."

"I know you don't, Reg," I said softly, trying to reassure him.

"Cali, you have no clue," he chuckled.