The Other Potter

Cicatrize

Cicatrize; to find healing by the process of forming a scar.

Elijah hadn't been home since his talk with Lily, which was just over a week ago. He'd been jumping from different friends' houses, but most of his time had been spent at Lucas'. Regulus had told him he could stay for as long as he needed and that there was no need for him to rush home until he felt comfortable. He tried not to overstay his welcome though, spending the night prior at Alix and Jayden's house with Felix and Ezra. But with the summer slowly coming to a close he knew he needed to go back to his parents within the next few days to collect his things for school.

"So, what's the plan?" Alix asked, returning to their table with a tray of Butter Beers. They'd all decided to meet in Diagon Alley to get the last few bits they needed for the school year. She pulled out her list, looking it over. "Has everyone got their dress robes yet?" she asked, looking to Elijah who shook his head.

"No, I was just going to reuse one of the many I have back at my parent's house." he shrugged.

"But your parents always get you red dress robes, this time you can get them in whatever colour you want. Something that makes your pretty eyes pop." She grinned, pausing for a second, "Plus, I need you to help me pick out my dress. I have three on hold."

"Well, we've all got ours," Jayden said, wanting any excuse to get out of going dress shopping. "so maybe we can go get the last few bits on Felix's list and meet you guys at The Apothecary?"

"We can meet you there and then I think that should be everything." Alix hummed, looking to Elijah, "You coming back to ours?"

He shook his head, "No, I'm going to go back. School starts in two days and I need to talk to them before the year starts." he sighed, shaking his head.

"What are you going to do?" Felix asked, sipping his butter beer leaving him with a frothy upper lip.

"I don't know..." The boy groaned, rubbing his face with his hands. He knew what he wanted to do, he'd had the papers drawn up before his and Lily's talk, but it was a big step, and he knew there would be no going back. There was an active war going on inside Elijah between his heart and mind, and he knew he'd have to allow one to fall tonight.

Ezra put a hand on his shoulder, "You'll figure it out, and you always have a bed at any of ours if and when it's needed."

Elijah forced a small, unconvincing smile as he nodded. "Thanks, Ez."

"Have you spoken to Sirius or Remus about it?" Jay questioned.

"No, I sent word to them that I was safe, but I've not gone into any details or tried to talk to them about it. I just.. I don't even know where I'd begin." He sighed heavily, getting lost in his thoughts for a moment as he started to overthink everything. He shook his head, turning his focus back to his friends. "Let's talk about something else... Like, why do we need dress robes for this year anyway?"

All four friends shared a concerned look. Things were different this summer, normally if they were lucky Elijah would sneak out to spend time with them, or he'd tell his parents he was staying home for Spring break and go to one of theirs, but he'd never run away from home. He'd never risked his parent's reputation by essentially cutting them off.

"Well, my father says we have an interesting year ahead of us, and that it will include a winter ball. So I don't think anyone will be going home for Christmas break this year." Felix shrugged, going along with the change in subject.

"An interesting year?" Alix muttered, frowning at the phrasing. "Sounds ominous."

"A winter ball? Why? That sounds ridiculously dull and over the top." Ezra groaned, letting no out a loud huff. "The only reason I like the ones our parents throw is because no one is ever really monitoring us, but you can bet your broomsticks that Filch will be watching us like a hawk along with the rest of the faculty."