Secrets of the Full Moon

Chapter 3

The words from the letter hung over me like a storm cloud as I sat alone in the Gryffindor common room, the fire casting flickering shadows across the walls. My parents' final threat echoed in my mind, hardening into a lump of fear and anger in my chest. Disowned. Erased. Their rejection felt like an icy grip around my heart, squeezing tighter with every heartbeat. Even though they treated me with such coldness, they were still my parents—the people who had raised me—and their words cut deeper because of it. Despite everything, part of me still longed for their approval, making their harshness even more painful to bear. I tried to remind myself that I was finally at Hogwarts, the place I'd dreamed about since I was a child. Here, I had a chance to forge my path, away from my parents' suffocating expectations and the weight of the Greengrass name. But their words still stung, making me doubt my every step. Just as I began to relax my mind, I heard a voice from behind me. 

"Mind if I join you?" It was Remus Lupin, his eyes were warm and considerate. "You look like you could use some company."

"No, go ahead," I moved my feet making room for him to sit next to me.

I sat quietly, staring at the crumpled letter in my hands, when I heard Remus's voice "I guess that's the letter from your parents?"

I glanced up at him, trying to hide the frustration on my face. "Yeah, it is."

Remus took a seat next to me, a sympathetic look on his face. "Want to talk about it?"

I hesitated, then sighed. "It's just... they always find a way to make things worse. Even when I'm trying to start fresh, they have to remind me of everything that's wrong with me."

Remus nodded, clearly understanding. "They really know how to push your buttons, don't they?"

"Yeah," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "It's like they think it's their job to keep me grounded—except it feels more like they're trying to bury me."

He gave a reassuring smile. "I know it's tough. But you've already taken a big step by coming here and making a new start. That's something to be proud of."

I appreciated his words, even though they didn't completely ease the sting. "Thanks, Remus. I just hope things get better from here."

"I'm sure they will," he said confidently. "And you have got us now. You're not alone."

I nodded, feeling a bit better. "Yeah, that helps. I just wish I could forget what they said and focus on making the most of this."

"We can help you with that," Remus said. "One step at a time."

I smiled faintly, grateful for his support. "Thanks. That means a lot."

I had just meant him and I was already pouring my heart out to him, that's different. Normally I am a closed book and I bottle my emotions up inside of me until I am alone. Then I let them all flow out.

"We should get back to bed, it's getting late and we don't want to be too tired for tomorrow."

"Alright, thank you for the talk Remus, really it meant a lot."

"Anytime."

And with that, we headed into our respective dorms. It wasn't until I lay down on my bed that I realised I didn't know what Remus was doing up this late and I didn't even think to ask him.

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of laughter and chatter outside the dormitory. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across the room. I stretched and glanced around at my sleeping dorm mates, all still wrapped up in their blankets.

As quietly as I could, I got out of bed and got dressed. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that today was a fresh start.

After getting ready, I headed down to the Great Hall, my nerves tingling with anticipation. As I entered, the hall buzzed with the morning energy of students getting breakfast and preparing for the day ahead. I scanned the Gryffindor table and spotted Sirius waving me over. James, Remus, and Peter were already seated, engaged in some discussion.

"Oi Bella! Over here!" Sirius called, patting an empty spot next to him.

I smiled and made my way over, sliding into the seat. "Morning, everyone," I said, helping myself to some toast and eggs.

"Morning!" James greeted with a mischievous grin. "Ready for your first day?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, a bit of excitement in my voice.

"Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it quickly," Remus assured me. "If you need help finding your way around or with any classes, just let us know."

"Thanks, I appreciate it," I said, feeling more at ease.

"So, what's your first class?" Peter asked, his mouth full of porridge.

I pulled out my schedule and scanned it quickly. "Looks like I've got Transfiguration first."

"Ooh, McGonagall," Sirius said with a wink. "You'll love her. She's strict but fair, and really knows her stuff."

"You don't have Transfiguration with me?" I asked, glancing at the boys.

"Not today," Remus replied. "We have Herbology first thing."

"Ah, I see," I said, trying to hide my disappointment.

The conversation flowed as we finished breakfast, the boys offering tips and anecdotes about various teachers and classes. I felt a sense of belonging that I hadn't expected, surrounded by these new friends.

As we all stood to leave for our classes, I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The day stretched ahead, full of promise and new beginnings.

"Good luck," Remus said with a reassuring smile. "We'll meet up for lunch."

With a final nod, I followed the stream of students out of the Great Hall, ready to dive into my first day at Hogwarts.

Hogwarts is already totally different to Beauxbaton, in the best way possible. I can already tell I am gonna like it here, so much.

After Transfiguration, I had Defense Against the Dark Arts, then Charms. After that, it was finally lunchtime. I had Sirius and James in my DADA class and James and Peter in my Charms class. So lunch was the first time we would be all together again. I made my way to the Great Hall for lunch. The hustle and bustle of students filled the air, and I quickly spotted the boys already gathered and deep in conversation.

I slipped into the seat between Sirius and Remus, who greeted me with a warm smile. "How was Transfiguration?" Remus asked, genuinely curious.

"Not bad," I replied, feeling more relaxed now that the morning was behind me. "McGonagall's class was intense, but she's amazing. How was Herbology?"

"It was a riot with Sirius and James in there," He chuckled. Telling the story of how Sirius had made some clever remarks about the new professor's eccentricities, which left everyone in stitches.

"Hey, the professor didn't even notice!" Sirius protested with a grin. "I still say he was asleep with his eyes open."

James chimed in, "And let's not forget Peter's purple smoke incident in Charms."

Peter flushed a little but laughed it off. "At least I gave Professor Flitwick something to talk about for the rest of the year."

Remus shook his head with amusement. "You three seem to have a knack for making a scene in every class."

The conversation ebbed and flowed as we shared more stories from the morning. Sitting with them, I felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, grateful for the friends I had found here at Hogwarts.

*Another chapter done

This chapter is just the beginning of their friendship. I am feeling like this chapter is too short, but what do yall think?

Let me know if yall have any suggestions, edits or comments for me.

See yall next chapter!*