CLOSE TO YOU • jp + sb [1]

01.15| FAREWELL HOGWARTS

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

THE Gryffindor common room was awash in the soft, golden light of the late afternoon sun. The end-of-year festivities were just beginning to build up, but for Selyna Diggory, the sense of excitement was tinged with an undercurrent of melancholy. She sat nestled in a cosy couch, her fingers absently tracing patterns on the worn fabric as she glanced around at the familiar surroundings she would soon be leaving behind.

James Potter lounged beside her on the couch, his arm draped comfortably around her waist. The conversation between James and his friends, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew, was animated as they discussed their plans for the future. James was optimistic about his prospects, eagerly talking about his hope to be accepted into the Auror Training Program. "It's a long shot," he said with a grin, "but if anyone can make it, it's me."

Remus, ever the dreamer but with a more grounded approach, was discussing his aspirations with a thoughtful expression. "I don't really have a concrete plan yet," he admitted, "but I'd love to come back to Hogwarts as a professor someday. I think it would be amazing to teach here."

Peter nodded vigorously. "That would be brilliant, Remus! I bet you'd be a fantastic teacher."

Their conversation was light-hearted and full of the anticipation that accompanies the closing of one chapter and the opening of another. Selyna listened, her own feelings a mix of excitement and sadness. The prospect of the future was exhilarating, but the thought of leaving behind the only home she had known for seven years made her heart ache.

The peaceful moment was abruptly interrupted when the common room door creaked open. In stumbled Sirius Black and a younger girl, Mary Macdonald, both laughing and leaning into each other for support. The sight of them elicited a collective gasp from the group, particularly from Selyna, whose eyes widened in surprise and, if she was honest, a hint of hurt.

Sirius, always the embodiment of carefree charm, was wearing a wide grin. His arm was casually draped over Mary's shoulder as he guided her towards the group. "Oh, hello mates," he called out with a jovial tone, as if nothing unusual had occurred.

James arched an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Sirius, what's this then? A new project?" His voice was teasing, but his eyes flickered with curiosity.

Sirius's grin widened. "Mary and I have just been on a wonderful date, haven't we, darling?" He cast a playful glance at Mary, who giggled and nodded, her cheeks flushed from both the laughter and the evident affection she felt.

Selyna felt a pang of jealousy. It was irrational, she knew—she was with James now, and she had no right to feel possessive or envious. Still, seeing Sirius with someone new so soon, especially someone so close in age, stung. Especially hearing Sirius call another girl, 'darling', that was her name. The sight of Mary's bright smile and the way Sirius's eyes crinkled with genuine happiness reminded Selyna of what had been and what was now irrevocably changed.

Mary sat down next to Peter, and Sirius took a seat on the opposite end of the couch from where James and Selyna were seated. The group made polite conversation, but the atmosphere was different now. Selyna could feel an uncomfortable tension hanging in the air. James's arm around her waist seemed heavier, as if it were a shield against the awkwardness that had settled over them.

James cleared his throat, attempting to break the ice. "So, Sirius, Mary, when did this begin then?" His tone was light, but Selyna could sense the underlying curiosity.

Mary blushed. "Oh, only the last week or so," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Sirius and I ran into each other last weekend and he showed me around his favourite spots of Hogsmeade. We had a wonderful time."