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i hold my breath a little bit longer
─ ·𖥸· ─
The week following the wedding, the Potter Manor was twisted into a horrific frenzy. That morning, James had sent a panicked patronus to Sirius and the two had vanished to St. Mungos with Fleamont and Euphemia. Their parents.
Now, Celeste, Lily, Alice, and Remus waited anxiously in the Potter's living room. They had all paced and theorized for hours under silent stress. The four had waited with no word or news.
Lily blew a breath, running her fingers through her hair. "I should be there with them, shouldn't I? Why am I even here ― what am I doing here?" She stood up from the cream couch, anxiously twisting her fingers as she looked towards the front door.
"They need their own time," Alice tried to suggest gently. "I'm sure they'll be back or write soon."
Lily slumped her shoulders and trudged towards the kitchen. "I'm making tea if anyone wants some."
The air suddenly cracked loudly, and James and Sirius apparated into the room. Lily instantly darted back into the room, her eyes wild with terror. "Is everything okay?"
James opened his mouth, trying to speak. His words choked in his throat and he looked towards Sirius for help. Sirius looked around the room with glassy eyes and croaked, "Dragonpox."
The silence that followed was deafening. Celeste watched Sirius, trying to figure out what he might be feeling. She hadn't known Mr. and Mrs. Potter well. But to Sirius, they were the mother and father he never had.
"I'm going to head back to St. Mungos," James mumbled, his face far away. It was like the truth hadn't settled in yet, like he didn't ― couldn't believe it.
"Can I come with you?" Lily asked softly.
James tried to give her his best smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Of course, love. They love seeing you."He glanced at Sirius, questioning.
Sirius nodded stiffly. "I'll come too."
Celeste started to say, "Should I―"
Sirius cut her right off. "You should go home, Celeste. I'll be back soon."
Celeste fell silent, wondering if she'd heard him wrong. But then he continued, "Don't worry. Try to get some rest. You look tired."
She swallowed and nodded, understanding. He needed space, and she had to give it to him. After all, he'd done the same when Marlene had died. "Okay," she said quietly. "See you soon."
