Loyalties | Barty Crouch Jr

The Apology of Requirement

September 15, 1977 - Thursday

Leonora was able to successfully avoid Thalia and Illyria for a little more than an entire week before Illyria had finally caught her alone.

She was on her way to the library from Transfiguration when Illyria reached around a corner and pulled her down an empty corridor, holding her hand over her mouth so that she wouldn't scream.

Leonora thrashed in her grip, as she hadn't realized at first that it was Illyria, but when she did, she calmed down and Illyria removed her hand.

The two girls stared at each other for what felt like a lifetime, Leonora with glaring eyes and Illyria with pleading ones.

"What do you want?" asked Leonora sharply, as it seemed like Illyria was having trouble finding words.

"Im sorry," was all she said in an almost defeated tone, her attention focused down at her black Mary Janes as if they were the most interesting thing she had ever seen.

Leonora scoffed while crossing her arms. "Oh really?" she asked amused. "You could at least look me in the eyes when you say it."

Illyria slowly brought her attention up to Leonora. She had tears welling up in the corner of her eyes, something that Leonora found bizarre, as why would she be the one crying over their fight?

"I'm sorry," she repeated as a tear rolled down her cheek. She stretched the sleeve of her robe over her hand, before wiping the tear away. "I really need someone to talk to."

"Is this the only reason you're apologizing? Because you needed someone to talk to? Not because you're actually sorry for what you said?" Leonora didn't even wait for a response before she began to turn around and walk away, no longer caring about what Illyria had to say.

"Please, Nora" begged Illyria, reaching out to grab her arm. "I did mean it. I am sorry about what I said, I really am. I know I shouldn't have agreed with Thalia, and I know I hurt you, but I really need a real friend right now. Could we please just talk somewhere in private? I feel you're the only person I can talk freely with."

Leonora sighed, putting the pieces together. "I take it our fight isn't what you're crying about right now, is it?" she questioned, fully turning around to face the girl.

Illyria shook her head 'no.'

"And why is it you can't talk to Thalia about it?"

"You know how insane Thalia is. I'm scared of what she'd do if she heard any of it. Please, Nora, it's eating me away," the girl pleaded.

Leonora stared at the girl. "Fine," she agreed, finally giving in. "We can talk, but not now. I'm headed to the library."

A small smile graced Illyria's tear-stained face. "That's okay. Meet me tomorrow on the seventh floor after classes. I know where we can talk in private."

Leonora gave a single nod in acknowledgement, before turning on her heel and continuing on towards the library.

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September 16, 1979 - Friday

After her classes the next day, Leonora found herself wandering the seventh floor, searching for Illyria. It took her longer then she'd like to admit to find the girl, as she was slouched down on the ground, hidden by a large pillar, head lowered down into her hands as if she were sleeping.