Constellations of Black

Chapter 44

The stars and constellations shimmered against the heavenly void with hidden sorrow. Melancholy whispers go between celestial beings, hushed away from the mortal guests. Andromeda and the lyre had disappeared, leaving elegance and a glimpse of cosmic royalty to be a deeper mystery. Not even the watchful dragon had seen where she had disappeared to. The grace of the sacrificed was a mystery to herself. As was her twin counterpart, the scorching sea serpent.

For each cosmic ball of light that shone, many burned up. A tale destined for every star: death. Whether it was a supernova or simply burning up, it held stories and myths untold to the mortals below. All but a silent echo left wanting to be heard as the icy void encapsulated the star.

Andromeda felt like she had burned up in the cosmic ballroom, and the stammer quickly took her off to solitude in hopes of her continuously shining.

Lyra lay on her duvet, staring at the sheer canopy. The room was nearly ebony, Lyra refusing Blaise to light a candle for her to see. Blaise had removed Lyra's heels and helped remove the pins and elegant clip from her hair, hoping that would help relieve her head. Now, he was off somewhere in Slytherin's house, in case Lyra needed help or someone came looking for him.

Nerro's thoughts began to spiral, falling from one rabbit hole to another. From one school year to another and all of the things between. She started breathing heavily, nerves like ice running through her. How was her father? How was her uncle? Where was her uncle? How and where was Professor Lupin? Why was Moody so keen on making DADA absolute torture for her? Why was her stomach so full of butterflies when she was with Blaise? Was this how Mum and Dad felt? When would it be safe? When could she not hide as Lyra Nerro and embrace Lyra Black?

Lyra sat up with a small cry. Her heart was racing, blood rushing in her ears. She curled up, hiding her face in her hands. The door swung open and Blaise rushed to her side. Lynx also rushed to her owner's side, rubbing against Lyra's arm.

Cetus looked over at Ron and Hermione stormed away, quietly arguing.

"Luna, I'll be right back. My friends are fighting yet again. I'll get us drinks before I get back, alright?" Cetus excused himself after Luna nodded.

With one last look, Cetus departed from Luna and rushed after Ron and Hermione.

"Ron, you spoiled everything!" Hermione called as Ron and Harry rushed up the stairs.

"'Mione, he's just being a jealous arse," Cetus mumbled, making his presence known.

Hermione turned towards him and dropped to the stairs, softly sobbing.

"He's jealous that you were with Viktor and not him, I assume," Cetus walked up and sat beside her, "It's not your fault."

Hermione leaned her head on Cetus' shoulder and continued to cry. Cetus grabbed her hand and began rubbing her knuckles like he would for Lyra.

Blaise and Lyra shifted to the common room corner at some point, not wishing to be caught in her dorm. Slowly, Slytherin students made their way to their rooms, ignoring the pair whispering in the corner. Lyra laid against Blaise, sitting between his legs. Draco carried Pansy's heels in one hand, the other wrapped around her waist. The couple glanced at their friends, Pansy giving a look Lyra knew well. The same one she had once given to her. Ly nodded and the couple disappeared up to their separate dorms.

"Why'd Pans give you that look?" Blaise asked. Lyra looked up, their noses a few centimetres apart.

"What look?" Lyra played her innocent card before grinning, "It's a look when girls need to ask other girls about things in private."

Blaise nodded, looking between Lyra's eyes and lips. Butterflies danced in Ly's stomach like stardust in the celestial heavens.

"We should head to bed since others are coming back now," Lyra murmured.

"Yeah," Lyra felt a pang in her heart with Blaise's tone. The two got up slowly, Blaise using his jacket to ensure Lyra wouldn't risk flashing someone.

"Thank you for tonight, Blaise. I had a lot of fun and I'm sorry I made us leave early, Lyra apologised.

"Don't be sorry; the Weird Sisters aren't for everyone and that's okay," Blaise let his hand trail to the small of Lyra's back as he helped guide to the girl's dormitory stairs. She began walking up a few steps.

"Good night, Blaise. Happy Yule," Lyra turned back and beamed before rushing up the stairs to her dorm.

"Good night, Ly," Blaise traipsed dreamily to his dorm.

Lyra opened the door seeing only one dormmate was amiss. One was asleep and Pansy was sitting on Lyra's bed, already changed into her pyjamas. Lyra gave a curt nod and went to the bathroom to change out of her dress and into her own pyjamas.

Pansy scooted over once Lyra came out of the bathroom. Lyra sat beside her friend and felt magic tickle her as Pansy put a Muffliato around the bed.

"So," Lyra trailed, trying to ease herself.

"What's with you and Zabini?"

"I don't know what you mean," Lyra answered.

"Ly, either you are completely oblivious or you are dimmer than the bottom of Black Lake," Pansy replied, "Zabini is completely and utterly spellbound with you. Everyone in the group can see it, and so can other Slytherins. Salazar, I bet your brother can even tell."

"Wait- what?"

"Merlin, you are oblivious," Pansy sighed and laid her head on Lyra's shoulder.

"Blaise," Draco called before his friend went to his dorm.

"Yeah?"

"Let's chat," Draco suggested, strutting up to Zabini.

"What about, Dray?"

"You know what. You and Lyra," Draco whispered. Blaise flushed slightly, barely noticeable with his chocolate skin.

"What about her and I?"

"Admit it, Zabini. You like Nerro. Everyone can tell you have since the last term," Draco explained.

"Fine, Malfoy; I like Lyra Nerro. But she doesn't reciprocate it and that's fine," Blaise huffed; he didn't want to admit his feelings for her in the corridor.