Moonlit Bonds: The Tale of Moony and Snowy

Chapter 176 - Protective Friends

As the weeks of winter passed, the Marauders and Eliza settled into a rhythm of studying, pranks, and navigating their last year at Hogwarts. Yet, beneath the surface of this routine, Eliza struggled with lingering shadows from the summer. Nightmares plagued her sleep, leaving her exhausted and anxious. Despite the warmth and comfort of Hogwarts, the scars of her past haunted her dreams, refusing to fade.

One particularly cold night, Eliza awoke with a start, her heart pounding and her breath coming in short gasps. The remnants of the nightmare clung to her, the echoes of screams and pain refusing to dissipate. She glanced around the room, her eyes adjusting to the dim light. Sirius, who had been keeping a vigilant watch, immediately noticed her distress.

"Eliza, are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and filled with concern as he moved to her side.

She shook her head, unable to find her voice. Sirius wrapped an arm around her shoulders, offering silent comfort as she tried to steady her breathing. Moments later, Remus, who had been sharing a bed with James, appeared at her other side, his brow furrowed with worry.

"Another nightmare?" Remus asked softly, his hand finding hers and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

Eliza nodded, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I... I can't shake them, Remus. Every night it's the same. I feel like I can't escape it."

Remus exchanged a concerned look with Sirius before speaking again. "You're not alone in this, Eliza. We're here for you. Whatever it takes, we'll help you through this."

Sirius nodded in agreement, his voice firm. "And don't think for a second that you're a burden. We're your family, and we take care of each other."

Eliza managed a weak smile, her heart warmed by their words even as the fear lingered. "Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you both."

As the days turned into weeks, Remus and Sirius's protectiveness over Eliza became more pronounced. They shadowed her through the corridors of Hogwarts, their presence a constant reminder that she was never alone. They sat beside her in classes, always ready to lend a hand or a comforting word when the weight of her nightmares became too much to bear.

One afternoon in the library, as they pored over their N.E.W.T. revision, Sirius noticed Eliza struggling to keep her eyes open. He nudged Remus, who glanced up and immediately saw the exhaustion etched on her face.

"Eliza, maybe you should take a break," Remus suggested gently. "Get some rest. We can handle the rest of the studying for today."

Eliza shook her head, her determination overriding her fatigue. "I need to keep going. I can't afford to fall behind."

Sirius reached out, placing a hand on her arm. "You've been pushing yourself too hard. Just a short nap, alright? We'll wake you if anything important comes up."

Reluctantly, Eliza agreed, her body betraying her need for rest. She leaned against the back of her chair, her eyes drifting closed almost immediately. Remus and Sirius exchanged a worried glance but remained silent, letting her sleep.

Despite their best efforts, Eliza's condition did not go unnoticed by their teachers. Professor McGonagall, always observant, pulled Remus aside after class one day.

"Mr. Lupin, I've noticed Miss Black seems rather unwell. Is there something I should be aware of?" she asked, her tone laced with concern.

Remus hesitated, knowing Eliza valued her privacy, but he also recognized the importance of honesty. "Professor, Eliza's been having a rough time lately. Nightmares, mostly. They've been affecting her sleep."

Professor McGonagall's expression softened. "I see. Thank you for informing me, Mr. Lupin. I'll ensure she receives the necessary support."

True to her word, Professor McGonagall arranged for Eliza to have additional sessions with Madam Pomfrey, who provided potions to help ease her sleep and calm her mind. While these measures offered some relief, the nightmares persisted, a relentless reminder of the trauma she had endured.

Despite the ongoing struggles, the unwavering support of her friends made a significant difference. Eliza found solace in their presence, knowing she could rely on them no matter what. The Marauders' camaraderie, once defined by mischief and laughter, had deepened into a bond of unwavering loyalty and love.

As they navigated the challenges of their final year, Eliza's resilience grew. She drew strength from her friends, determined to face each day with courage, even as the shadows of her past lingered. Together, they forged ahead, united by a shared promise to protect and support one another through whatever trials lay ahead.