You Only Live Once

CHAPTER 13

The biting December wind whipped across the Hogwarts grounds, carrying the scent of pine and oncoming snow. It was December 10th, and for the first time in what felt like a century, Mira and Pandora found themselves completely alone. The usual group was scattered by the demands of school and sport. Theo, Regulus, and Evan were currently shivering through a brutal Quidditch practice, while Barty had been dragged away to tutor a third-year student at Professor Slughorn's special request.

The two girls were mentally exhausted from the mountain of assignments piled on them before the holidays. They had decided that a walk was the only way to keep their brains from melting into sludge. It seemed to be working; within minutes of leaving the castle, they were both laughing so hard that the cold air burned their throats.

"There's something I really need to ask you, Mira" Pandora said, her laughter dying down as she suddenly turned serious. She slowed her pace, her eyes fixed on the frosted grass beneath her boots. "You don't have to answer, but I need to ask"

Mira felt a tiny prickle of worry. Pandora was usually the most light-hearted person she knew. "Go on, Dory" she urged, bumping her shoulder against her friend's.

"Where have you been going every Sunday morning?"

The question hit Mira like a bucket of icy water. She had often wondered how Pandora hadn't noticed her absence during their usual Sunday breakfast times in the Great Hall, but she had assumed the blonde girl was just lost in her own thoughts. Mira had wanted to tell someone—someone other than James, who had basically figured it out through sheer brotherly nosiness. She wasn't doing anything wrong, but the longer she kept it a secret, the heavier it felt.

"I've been going for an early walk" Mira replied, trying to sound casual.

"Alone?"

"With Theo"

Mira waited for the shock, for the teasing, or perhaps the lecture. Instead, Pandora just nodded. "Alright"

"Alright?" Mira repeated, confused by the lack of reaction.

"I already knew, Mira. I was just giving you the chance to come clean" They had reached the shores of the Black Lake, where the water looked like dark, polished glass. "There's nothing wrong with it, by the way. I was just wondering why you didn't tell me. I thought we were close" Pandora said, looking down at her feet with a small, sad expression.

"And we are" Mira rushed to say, stepping closer and resting a hand on Pandora's shoulder. "I haven't told anyone, Dory. Honestly, I don't even know why myself"

Pandora lifted her head, her pale eyes searching Mira's face. "I do. It was something that was only yours. You felt like no one could ruin it this way"

Mira let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Pandora had a way of seeing right through people. It had felt like a separate part of her life, a little bubble that didn't belong to the war, the future, or the expectations of the Slytherin house. It was just for her. And for Theo.

"I should also inform you that Barty, Reg, and Evan know as well" Pandora added, pursing her lips.

Mira's jaw nearly hit the ground "How? How does everyone know?". she asked in exasperation, her eyes widening.

She wondered if Regulus had told them, or if they had all just been watching her more closely than she realized. A wave of anxiety washed over her. If the Slytherins knew, did Lily know? Did Remus? The idea of her secret being common knowledge made her feel exposed.

"And lastly—" Pandora started, her voice turning shy.

"Please tell me that's the end of the surprises" Mira groaned.