My Marauders // J.P. , R.L. , S.B x OC

Ch. 22, Sleepover

Calliope sat through the Herbology class, feeling her mind drift as Professor Longbottom droned on about the same lesson she'd heard year after year. It was always about plant growth cycles, the importance of proper care, and how to handle basic magical herbs. She understood the importance of it all, but today, it felt like an exercise in tedium. She couldn't help but think of everything that had happened recently—the events with Gideon, the boys' support, and what they had yet to uncover. It was hard to focus with all the thoughts racing through her mind, but she forced herself to take notes if only to appear as though she was present in body, if not in spirit.

Soon, time passed on and she was permitted to leave Herbology. Time seemed to stretch on endlessly as Calliope sat in the library as she did each free period she had, the minutes dragging like a weight in her chest. Herbology had been a blur—another monotonous lesson, the same as it had always been. The routine was familiar, but her mind was far from focused. The scene in the library earlier kept replaying in her mind. Gideon's frantic touch, the intensity in his eyes—it all felt too much.

She hadn't blamed him, but she was scared nonetheless.

Calliope reluctantly closed her book as the sound of the bell marking the end of her free period rang through the air. The quiet stillness of the library had done little to ease the swirling thoughts in her mind, but the gnawing hunger in her stomach made it clear that she couldn't avoid the Great Hall for much longer. With a quiet sigh, she tucked the book into her bag and stood, the weight of the day settling on her shoulders.

She was far from eager to join the bustle of dinner, but she knew she had to face it. A quick glance at the clock confirmed it was time. As she left the library, her footsteps echoed through the corridors, each step leading her closer to the noise and chaos of the Great Hall. Despite her initial reluctance, she knew she couldn't skip another meal as she did with lunch. Her stomach, insistent and unforgiving, had other plans.

Calliope entered the Great Hall, her footsteps tentative as she scanned the sea of students already seated at their tables. The familiar hum of chatter and clattering cutlery filled the air, but it felt distant, as though she were standing on the outside looking in.

The long tables stretched before her, each one brimming with students, but her eyes instinctively found the Marauders. They were already sitting together, their heads huddled in quiet conversation. Sirius was gesturing animatedly, and James was laughing, his hand resting casually on the table. Remus had his nose buried in a book but looked up when he sensed her approach, offering a small smile.

With a deep breath, Calliope walked toward them. As she did, she caught sight of the empty seat next to Remus, and without thinking, she slid into it, grateful for the familiar comfort of their presence.

"Hey," James greeted her, his voice soft, though his eyes were full of concern. "You okay? Didn't see you at lunch, Cal."

Sirius shot her a warm, almost worried glance as he passed her a plate of food that the boys had already prepared for her. It included all of her favorites. "You've had a rough day, haven't you?"

Calliope nodded, forcing a small smile. "I'll be fine," she said quietly, though the weariness in her voice betrayed her. She glanced down at the plate, the food looking almost too heavy for her to eat.

"You don't have to act tough with us, you know," James said gently.

"It's just... terrifying," she confessed, her voice soft as she pushed her mashed potatoes around with her spoon. "I can't wrap my head around why someone would want to do this to me."

"Because some people are just heartless wankers?" Remus suggested, offering her a pitiful look.

Sirius reached across the table, his hand resting gently over hers. "When we find out who did this, we'll make sure they regret it," he said, his voice low, "Maybe set them on fire... just a little."