The summer sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the Black Lake as students took advantage of the rare sunny day to swim and relax by the water. Y/N had decided to take a dip, enjoying the refreshing coolness of the lake as she swam to the shallows.
As she emerged from the water, the bright sunlight illuminated her skin, revealing a collection of hickeys and suggestive marks on her neck, shoulders, and collarbone. She was oblivious to the attention she was drawing until she heard the hushed whispers and felt the curious eyes following her every move.
Wrapping a towel around herself, Y/N made her way back to the shore where her friends were lounging. She could feel the stares intensifying, and it wasn't long before Marlene McKinnon, her closest friend, rushed over, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Y/N, what on earth happened to you?" Marlene demanded, her voice a mix of concern and curiosity. "Those marks—"
Y/N's cheeks flushed as she realized what Marlene was referring to. She quickly pulled the towel tighter around her, trying to cover the evidence. "It's nothing, Marlene. Just... some fun that got a little out of hand."
Marlene's eyes narrowed, clearly not satisfied with the vague explanation. "With who? Because those look like more than just a few love bites."
Before Y/N could respond, a small crowd had gathered, all equally curious about the marks. Lily Evans stepped forward, her usual calm demeanor tinged with suspicion.
"Y/N, we’re worried about you. If someone’s hurt you—"
"No, no one’s hurt me," Y/N interrupted, trying to reassure them. "It’s not like that at all. Really."
James, Remus, and Sirius approached from the other side of the lake, having noticed the commotion. They exchanged looks of concern and amusement, knowing full well they were the cause of the uproar.
Sirius, never one to shy away from a bit of drama, sauntered over with a mischievous grin. "What's all this, then? A little mystery around our dear Y/N?"
James and Remus followed, both trying to suppress their own grins. Remus, his usual reserved self, gently placed a hand on Y/N's shoulder. "Are you alright?"
Y/N nodded, her eyes pleading with them to help defuse the situation. "I'm fine. It's just... well, people noticed the marks."
James chuckled, his hazel eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, yes. We may have gotten a bit carried away last night."
The crowd’s collective gasp was almost audible. Marlene’s eyes widened in shock. "Wait, are you saying all three of you—"
Y/N sighed, knowing there was no use in denying it now. "Yes, it was all three of them. It’s complicated, but it’s consensual and no one’s been hurt."
Lily’s expression softened as she processed this information. "As long as you’re happy and safe, Y/N. That's all that matters."
Sirius slung an arm around Y/N's shoulders, pulling her into a playful hug. "No need to worry, everyone. We take good care of her."
James and Remus nodded in agreement, their expressions supportive. The crowd began to disperse, though the whispers of curiosity and surprise continued to ripple through the students.
As they walked away from the lake, Y/N felt a mix of relief and embarrassment. James squeezed her hand reassuringly. "We’re in this together, Y/N. Don’t worry about what they think."
Remus nodded, his gentle smile calming her nerves. "You’re not alone."
Sirius gave her a cheeky grin. "And besides, a little scandal never hurt anyone."
Y/N laughed, feeling grateful for their support. No matter what anyone else thought, she knew she was surrounded by love and understanding—and that was all that really mattered.
