Dumbledore's welcoming speech had become something the older students learned to tune out. Having heard it for six years, it had become a predictable prelude to the start of each school year. The same words, the same jokes, and the same expressions were all too familiar now.
Clara and Arabella sat next to each other on the long wooden benches in the Great Hall with the other Hufflepuff's, the enchanted ceiling above them mirroring the night sky outside. The soft murmur of students filled the hall, punctuated by the occasional clink of cutlery as house elves prepared the feast.
Arabella, still adjusting her robes, glanced around at the familiar faces and the new ones, feeling a mix of nostalgia and anticipation. Beside her, Clara let out an exaggerated sigh, her gaze fixed on the empty plates before them.
"How much longer do you think?" Clara whispered, impatience clear in her voice. She shifted in her seat, her stomach grumbling softly.
Arabella smiled slightly, understanding her friend's eagerness. "Not long now, I hope," she replied, her eyes drifting back to the staff table where Dumbledore was still speaking, his eyes twinkling behind his half-moon glasses.
The hall was filled with the glow of floating candles, casting a warm light on the students' faces. The house banners hung proudly, adding splashes of colour to the stone walls. The scent of food began to waft through the air, making Clara fidget even more.
Arabella's mind wandered as Dumbledore's voice droned on. Her vision had turned to Leo who was listening to Dumbledore's speech. The sight of him sent wonders to her mind. She did run away from the relationship, instead of truly ending things.
Finally, Dumbledore's speech concluded with a flourish, and the clapping of hands filled the hall. Clara's eyes lit up as the tables magically filled with an array of delicious foods. She wasted no time in piling her plate high, while Arabella reached for a serving of mashed potatoes, feeling a sense of contentment settle over her.
On the other side of the Great Hall; The Marauders had sat together all of them eating. James and Sirius having some kind of contest to who can finish their food first. Whoever lost had to hang their underwear on Dumbledore's chair for a welcoming prank. "We need to do something tonight, welcome the first years." Sirius pointed out, with food in his mouth.
"You know, Hard to believe you had the noble title." Remus sassed cringing at the sight of it. "And I'm not getting my prefect title away."
James stressed booting his shoulders a little bit. "You'll be fine." Drinking his water. "Pete has the map, and Minnie can't just take it from you."
"That's propitious," Sirius exclaimed.
"Spell it," said Remus.
"Th-There is a chance." Peter defended Remus. "McGonagall is already glaring over here." The boys had turned their heads a little, mostly James and Sirius seeing the older woman trying to enjoy her food.
Yet keeping an eye on the four of them. Sirius had smiled and waved over to her causing her to shake her head unapprovingly knowing that they were planning something. "Come on, Moony. Those first years need something to look forward to. don't ya' think?"
"I don't." Remus disproved before sighing. "But you're right," Giving in remembering how fun it was, to just mess around half of the time. "After me and Lily give instructions to the new prefects."
"Don't you mean, me, you and Lily," James smirked.
"No," said Remus. "Me and Lily. But I'll put in a good word."
Clapping his hands together and high-fiving Remus. Sirius had looked at Lily for a second. "Mate, don't you think you're being too desperate? I mean, Remus isn't trying and he's-"
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cherry wine ( remus lupin )
Fanfiction"You told me not to run away from something, and here you are running away" But now, Remus thinks he's forbidden with the weight of the moon on his shoulders. Though he is, there will always be a cherry tree, close by to g...
