Constellations of Black

Chapter 53

As the girls' dorm room in Slytherin House lay stripped of its usual decorations, a sombre atmosphere filled the air. Each of the four girls moved quietly, their expressions reflecting a mixture of sadness and anticipation for what lay ahead. Robes and clothes were neatly packed into trunks, the room gradually emptying of its familiar charm.
Amidst the organized chaos, Lyra paused by her nearly bare bed, a pang of nostalgia tugging at her heart. The walls, once adorned with colourful posters and charmed pictures, now stood plain and devoid of personality. Each girl had multiple charmed pictures from the Yule Ball when they were helping get ready. Across the room, Pansy zipped up her trunk with a determined expression, her gaze flickering briefly toward her friends.
"Can you believe it's over?" she mused, her voice tinged with a wistful hint. Aurora, one of the other dormmates, perched on the edge of her bed, nodding in agreement.
"It feels surreal," she admitted, her eyes tracing the empty spaces where memories had once hung, "But we always have next term."
"At least we don't have to worry about all of the homework anymore," Pansy sighed as she finished organizing her belongings. Her gaze lingered on the room that had been their sanctuary for the year.
Lyra smiled faintly, her voice soft with emotion. "Me too," she murmured, her thoughts drifting to the countless nights they had spent together, sharing secrets and dreams within these walls. The countless fits of laughter and tears they shared.
Just then, Lynx, Lyra's feline companion, meowed as she sought attention amidst the flurry of activity. The sound drew a collective smile from the girls.
"I hate the end of term," Aurora scratched Lynx on the head, the feline purring softly.
'What are you all doing for holiday?" Mary, the other dormmate, asked as she tried to lighten the sombre mood.
"Dad's taking my step-mom, me and my siblings to America; wants us away from England and Europe if You-Know-Who is back," Aurora answered.
"Dad is letting me go with Theo and his family to Italy for a few weeks," Pansy admitted, sheepishly.
"Oh?" Lyra raised a brow, fidgeting with the collar of her blouse. She tried pushing back the recent memory of Barty Junior choking her.
"What about you, Ly?"
"Oh, um. I'm not sure," Lyra answered, "Dad hasn't said anything about this summer. But I want to go visit one of the other estates."
"Sometimes simplicity is always nicer than being busy," Aurora commented.

Snape paced the dimly lit office, his footsteps echoing softly against the stone walls. His mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions and thoughts, each pulling him in a different direction. Lyra's piercing question reverberated through his consciousness like a haunting melody. 'Now you believe me?' Her voice, laced with hurt and betrayal, lingered in the air like an unanswered accusation.
As he walked back and forth, Snape's gaze flickered, torn between memories of the past and uncertainties of the present. The weight of Lyra's words bore down on him, stirring a complex mix of regret, remorse, and a gnawing sense of realization. The depth of her hurt was a testament to the fractures cracking in their newly formed bond.
Severus knew he was the architect of those fractures, having betrayed his goddaughter by doubting her, by failing to believe her when she needed him most. The betrayal he sensed in Lyra's voice that fateful night cut deeper than any spell he had ever encountered. The haunting fear he had glimpsed in her mother's eyes just the previous evening tore at his heart as he forcefully pushed away memories of Barty.
Snape locked the door and let his tears fall. The second time he had cried for his mistakes. First, when Lily Evans-Potter was killed by the Dark Lord, and now, with Lyra Black getting attacked by Barty Crouch Junior.

Lyra held Lynx tightly, ensuring the feline wouldn't escape from her hold until Lyra got into a compartment. Blaise walked beside her; the two were quiet in the middle of the excited crowd. Draco, Theo, and Pansy were a few steps ahead of them, chatting and laughing. Lyra watched as Pansy looked back and smiled before she boarded the train with Dray and Theo.
Blaise glanced at Lyra, a silent understanding passing between them, acknowledging the weight of recent events that lingered beneath the surface. Despite this, there was comfort in the presence of friends and the promise of the journey ahead.
"Do you know if you are coming back next year?" Blaise inquired softly, his tone reflecting genuine curiosity as they settled into an empty compartment. Lyra's expression briefly clouded with uncertainty as she considered Blaise's question.
"I'm not sure yet," she admitted, her gaze scanning the platform momentarily before returning to Blaise, "With the rumours of him coming back, Dad might decide to take Cetus and me back to Italy."
Blaise nodded in understanding. The spectre of Voldemort's return cast a shadow over their futures, introducing a layer of uncertainty that was difficult to ignore. Cetus knocked on the glass window, giving a small smile. Behind him, Lyra saw platinum blonde hair. Blaise nodded and motioned the two in.
"Thanks, Zabini. Everyone's so excited to go home for the summer," Cetus sat beside Blaise, letting Luna sit beside Lyra.
"Hello, Lyra," Luna smiled. Lyra gave a small smile in return.
"Ly, stai bene?" Cetus asked as the train whistle sounded.
She nodded slowly.
"Sto bene, penso," Lyra answered as the train lurched forward.
Cetus nodded.

As the Hogwarts Express journeyed through the picturesque Scottish Highlands, Lyra gazed out of the window, captivated by the changing scenery. The rolling green hills dotted with patches of thistle, lavender, and lily of the valley brought a bittersweet smile to her lips, each flower carrying its own symbolic meaning—strength, healing, and happiness.
Despite the beauty passing by outside, a wave of exhaustion crept over Lyra, evident in the tight-lipped smile she wore and the occasional yawn she couldn't stifle.
"Take a nap, Ly, you need it," Cetus's voice broke through her reverie, drawing the attention of the others in the compartment.
"I'm fine, Cet," Lyra replied, meeting a questioning look from Blaise.
Blaise's brow furrowed slightly, concern evident in his eyes as he observed Lyra.
"Are you sure? You seem tired," he remarked gently; Blaise could tell she was from how light she slept last night and the nightmares.
"I'm fine, Blaise," Lyra frowned and looked back out the window; she knew he meant well but she didn't want to sleep after those repetitive nightmares.
As the train continued its journey through the Scottish Highlands, the scenery outside shifted gradually. The green fields were occasionally interrupted by quaint Muggle farmhouses, their presence a reminder of the world beyond the magical realm of Hogwarts and the wizarding world.
Lyra's gaze drifted back to the window, her thoughts momentarily captivated by the changing scenery. The peaceful atmosphere, however, failed to dispel the underlying tension that hung in the air. Blaise, Cetus, and the others exchanged a knowing glance, silently acknowledging Lyra's growing despondency.
The camaraderie among them faltered slightly as they observed Lyra's mood souring. Blaise cast a concerned look towards Cetus, hoping the twin could help. Amidst the quiet rumble of the train and the breathtaking Highland vistas rolling by, an unspoken understanding settled among the group—a shared awareness that something weighed heavily on Lyra's mind, casting a shadow over what should have been a joyous journey back home.
Cetus frowned as he stared at his sister, understanding why she let her thoughts run wild. He looked at Luna, who was reading a Quibbler magazine upside down. He gave a small smile at the sight as he heard the trolley witch shouting down the car about people wanting sweets.

Translation:

Stai bene? - Are you okay?

Sto bene, penso - I'm fine, I think