Of the Solstice (rewrite)

Calista

I always look forward to the train ride back to school, as I walked through the train I didn't see a single recognizable face. I've gone through three cars and haven't found anyone.

I turned around to backtrack to the other side, Peter and Remus stood at the other end of the train.

Thank Merlin I finally found someone, I hate having to ride by myself, I walked back towards them and they looked like they had seen a ghost.

"Mind if I join you guys?" I asked

Remus took a moment then replied, "Yeah that's fine,"

That was just odd but I'll let it slide, I sit between Sirius and James, Lilly and Peter sat on the other side with Remus standing near the door.

The silence is unsettling, I can't help but get antsy in my seat. They are all acting weird, James won't look at me, same with Sirius. Peter is always awkward so that's not out of the norm, Remus looks like he is studying me, like I've changed somehow.

"So how did the summer treat you?" I tried to break the silence.

Lily answered "it was good, uneventful as usual." After her response came a long pause.

"That's it" I state. "What is wrong with you guys?" I ask.

"Nothing," they reply almost in unison. They couldn't have made it any more obvious. It made my blood boil, my face is getting hotter by the second.

"All of you are full of shit." I finally snapped. I abruptly stand up and go for the door.

"Buggy, wait!" Remus called out. "We had a rough summer okay?"

"Why can't you guys just say that?" I asked while sitting back down.

"It's just complicated Cali," James finally spoke.

Sirius's eye caught mine, an obvious bruise plastered over the side of his face. I feel stupid, I should have just asked instead of blowing up on them.

"So what happened," I nudge my foot out to Sirius.

"I'll tell you about it later," he mumbled.

"Alright." I say quietly.

-

The train ride went by quickly, as everyone was leaving the compartment Sirius grabbed my wrist and pulled me back. He shut the door and drew the curtains, my heart started to race a bit. You never know what's going to come out of his mouth.

"I left home," he said, barely above a whisper.

I paused for a moment, that's not what I expected him to say. "You what?" I had to ask him again just to get clarity.

"I left." He turned around and leaned on the door. "I think you should do the same." He said flatly.

"Regulus didn't tell me that?" I raise my brow, "I'm certain that's something that I would have been told."

"It just happened, mother lost her mind and I had to leave." He blurted out.

"That explains the eye," I let out a sigh, "So where'd you go? I'm assuming to James's?"

He nods, "Mum said you could come too, the basement is yours if you want it."

"Sirius you know I can't do that, Evan would go mad if I came there!" I exclaimed.

"Yup, forgot about him" his eyes rolled.

His distaste for Evan pops up in every conversation, he couldn't make it more obvious. Sirius and I had a thing in third year, but ultimately it didn't last because mother found out he sympathized with blood traitors. He still has a soft spot for me, but I'd likely be outcasted from my family.

"Speaking of him, I've really got to get going," I go for the door when Sirius moves from it. "I'll see you in the common room."

-

I get off the train, nearly all the students had already head up to the castle, I looked around and he was nowhere to be found. I start my journey up the rocky path. The quiet forest made the feeling of being watched so much worse, every few steps I could hear twigs breaking in the distance, slowly getting closer. My skin felt as if it was vibrating with every- S n a p

A hand covered my mouth, and an arm wrapped around my waist pulling me into the trees. I screamed but it was just muffled. I clamped my teeth down on the hand, turning my head til they let go. I spun around and my fist connected with Evans jaw. S h i t

"What the actual fuck Calista!" He seethed, his jaw tightened. His eyes looked as if they went black.

Panic set in, "I didn't know it was you, you- you" I stuttered, "you can't just grab me like that!" Tears formed in the corners of my eyes.

He let out a deep breath and looked into my eyes, my mind was being rummaged through like a filing cabinet.

"Why were you alone with him?" He asks, his tone sent a chill down my spine.

"We were just catching up for a moment, you saw." I stammered, "You know nothing happened."

"I did see, I saw you, and that filthy traitor alone, in a train compartment."

"Evan-"

A crisp smack met the side of my face, my cheek burned and felt hot. Tears welled up in my eyes, a drop fell and stung the cut left by the force of his hand.

He stormed off without saying a word, I knew not to be alone with anyone. I deserved the blow, I stood there still stunned for a moment.

I touched my cheek and looked down at my hand, shit, there was a small streak of blood on my finger.

-

I skipped dinner, no need in making an appearance there, it's the same shit every year. I had no interest in the sorting ceremony. Getting put in Gryffindor was my family's biggest disappointment. My father was proud, everyone else thought it was disgraceful.

The common room was loud as usual, just having to pass through made my head hurt.

"Cali!" Peter called me over.

I hesitate, I don't want questions about the new blemish on my face. But Peter already thinks I dislike him.

I slowly change course to walk by him. "Hey Pete! My head is busting so I'm heading up" I say in passing.

His puppy dog eyes drooped, "oh alright, feel better!" He said

I quickly got up the stairs and to my room, flopping down on my bed is the best feeling I've had all day.