Constellations of Black

Chapter 74

Spring was coming. Ly could tell with the eerie fog that seemed to linger forever with the rain. The arrival of flowers and days of warmth felt so far away tucked past piles of books, blankets, and cosy nights around the Slytherin fireplace. The escapees from Azkaban had disappeared from the headlines as quickly as they had arrived. The lack of updates gnawed deeply at Lyra, in a way she couldn't voice. It was too quiet, still, and well hidden in the shadows for her liking.

The one thing that had brought her some peace was the sudden flow of letters from Regulus. After months of silence, he had finally begun writing again, apologizing for the lack of communication around Christmas. There was little explanation in his words, but Lyra didn't mind. She was too elated to hear from her father again. The letters were enough. His familiar, careful handwriting filled the pages with vague reassurances and the promise of gifts to make up for the missed holiday. She hadn't received much in terms of explanations, but in her heart, she was just relieved that he hadn't disappeared entirely.

Lyra clutched his recent letter, finding comfort in the inked words. He had promised a few extra gifts for her and Cetus' birthday as a way to make up for the lack of gifts on Christmas. Regulus was still alive and writing to Lyra, and to her, that was all that truly mattered. For now, she was content with what little she had, even if she longed for her father's hugs more than anything.

"Ly," Draco called, snapping Lyra's attention towards the sofas.

"What, Dray?" Lyra folded and tucked her father's letter into her school robes.

"You've been staring at the lake forever. Something's on your mind," Vince chirped.

Lyra walked towards the sofas, taking a seat with Pansy. Even with most of the Inquisitorial Squad consisting of their group, they didn't want to risk someone snitching for not following the rules. She laid her head on Pansy's shoulder, and Pansy dropped her head on top.

"I was just thinking, that's all," Lyra brushed off.

"Another letter from your father?"

"Mhm," Lyra hummed, "He's apologising for not getting me anything for Christmas and wants to make it up for my birthday."

"Please tell me we're doing something for it this year," Pansy said, pushing Lyra off her and shaking her.

"We have like a few months until the actual day. We have time," Lyra rolled her eyes playfully, a smile cracking on her face.

"I can see if Father will send something over from Italy," Theo suggested.

"Please," Lyra whined, clasping her hands like she was praying, "I miss Sfogliatella."

"You like Sfogliatella? I saw you more as someone who enjoys Bomboloni more," Theo quirked a brow.

Lyra dramatically fell onto Pansy.

"Don't remind me of those, it'll make me miss Italy even more," Lyra laid her hand across her face, earning chuckles from the group.

"Are you sure you don't want Nott to request them now?" Draco chuckled.

"No, I need something to motivate me for after OWLs," Lyra sighed contently.

Her gaze flickered towards Blaise, who just smiled at her with the same look in his eyes from their moment by the window. She sucked in a breath subconsciously and her fingers lingered around the fine chain.

"Mother made a good choice with that necklace," Draco commented.

"When I was staying with you, she must've noticed that I only wear silver," Lyra shrugged, fighting back a yawn, "Plus it was the only gift I got."