Secrets of the Full Moon

Chapter 9

The weeks that followed were nothing short of life-changing. I found myself becoming fast friends with James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter—The Marauders. They quickly pulled me into their world of mischief and camaraderie. Before long, I began to understand just how deep their bond ran, built on years of loyalty, mischief, and shared secrets that set them apart from everyone else at Hogwarts. The legacy of their adventures around Hogwarts was nothing short of legendary, and it wasn't long before they trusted me enough to share their secrets. From sneaking around the castle with the help of the Marauder's Map to hearing tales of their infamous pranks, I felt like I'd finally found my place among them. I was no longer just the new girl trying to survive; I was part of something bigger, something special.

At the same time, the letters with my parents and Genevieve continued, though it was far from easy. My letters to my parents were written with caution; I didn't want them to come down on me harder than they already had, but I also refused to let them control me. I told them about my improved grades and how I was staying out of trouble, but I made it clear that my friends were none of their business. As for Genevieve, I kept my letters light, avoiding the heavier subjects but making sure she knew how much I missed her. I could tell from her responses that she was still in the dark about so much, and it broke my heart. My parents' lies about me had clearly affected her, but I was determined to break through that wall and show her the truth. Each letter was a battle, but one I wasn't willing to lose.

I was finally starting to feel like I was settling in, not just with the Marauders but also with the girls in my dorm. It took a while, but I was beginning to find my place among them. At first, they weren't sure what to make of me, the quiet girl who'd transferred in the middle of term. But over time, things clicked. We'd stay up late, chatting about classes, laughing about boys, and complaining about professors. It wasn't long before Hogwarts started to feel like more than just a school. It was becoming a home, a place where I could breathe, away from the constant shadow of my parents' expectations.

Now, as I stood at the top of the Astronomy Tower, the night air cool against my skin, I realised just how far I'd come. The familiar silence of the tower wrapped around me, and the stars above seemed closer than ever. I leaned against the stone railing, taking in the endless expanse of stars. The distant sounds of the castle were faint, barely reaching the tower. The tower had become a place of comfort and serenity. I spent every other evening up here most of the time just as an escape from the bustle of Hogwarts, which takes some getting used to. Up here, it feels like nothing matters—no parents, no expectations, just the quiet, comforting presence of the night sky. 

My mind wandered back to Genevieve. It wasn't fair. I wanted to protect her, but I didn't even know where she was or why our parents had whisked her away. All I had were the vague letters from her. She was completely unaware of the lies they'd filled her head with about me. And the letters from my parents... those were worse. Every word seemed designed to guilt me back into the daughter they wanted—proper, obedient, silent.

The soft sound of footsteps broke the stillness. I didn't turn around, already knowing who it was. James had a habit of checking on me when I disappeared, and I could hear the familiar shuffle of his approach.

"Hey," he said quietly, settling beside me. He didn't need to ask why I was here.

We stood in silence for a moment, both of us looking out over the grounds. I could feel his presence next to me—steady, reassuring. He had a way of knowing when to just be there without needing to fill the silence with words.

"You alright?" James finally asked, his voice soft but carrying a hint of concern.

"I'm getting there," I replied, still gazing at the stars. "It just feels like... no matter how far I go, my parents still have their claws in me. I thought coming to Hogwarts would change that. But every letter from them is just a reminder of how much they still want to control me. It's exhausting."