𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐏A𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄, jp

Home.

Izzy still felt sick when she woke up, and her head was banging in ways she didn't even know were possible. She remembered everything, thankfully, and felt her stomach churn even more and the thought of what had happened.

She practically crawled out of bed and to the bathroom, throwing up again and then washing the lingering smell of sick and alcohol off of her body. She felt disgusting to say the least. She made no effort with her appearance, she simply brushed her hair and threw on a pair jeans and a jumper.

Nobody was in the dorm, they'd probably all gone to breakfast, which Isabella would not be joining.

Instead, she began to gather the last of her belongings and threw them into her trunk, trying her hardest to block out all of the racing thoughts in her head.

The door creaked open just as Izzy was stuffing a rolled-up sweater into the corner of her trunk. She flinched, heart in her throat, but relaxed slightly when she saw Marlene step inside, balancing a plate in one hand and a cup in the other.

"I brought you some toast and tea," Marlene said gently, setting it down on the bedside table. "Figured you wouldn't go down."

Izzy nodded, blinking hard. "Thanks," she murmured, her voice rough. "And... for last night. I know I wasn't exactly easy to deal with."

Marlene shrugged lightly, her face kind but concerned. "You were upset, it's okay. Besides, you're one of my best friends, Iz. You don't have to thank me."

"Thanks, Marls," Izzy stared at the mess in her trunk, she still had so much to do with such little time before they had to get on the train. She felt her throat tighten as Marlene took a cautious step closer.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Marlene asked quietly.

"No." Her answer was immediate, firmer than she intended. She winced, swallowing. "I can't. I just don't want to."

Marlene nodded, though the worry didn't leave her eyes. "Okay. Just... I need you to know that I'm here. And also," she hesitated, "James and Remus didn't show up for breakfast either, so I'm sure they're both embarrassed."

Izzy stiffened. "I don't want to talk about either of them."

"Izzy..."

"I don't want to talk about anything to do with it, Marls."

The room fell silent, Marlene didn't push. She just stood there a moment longer before sitting on the edge of her own bed, watching Izzy with quiet concern as she went back to packing.

~~~~

The Hogwarts Express rumbled steadily along the tracks, the usual chatter, games of Exploding Snap, and bursts of laughter were nowhere to be heard. Instead, the girls sat in scattered silence, each lost in their own hangover, confusion, or worry. The sunlight filtering through the windows felt too bright, the echo of footsteps in the corridor too loud. Even the trolley witch's usual singsong call passed them by without a word.

Dorcas sat curled up by the window, her head resting against the glass, a pair of sunglasses perched on her nose despite the grey skies outside. Mary sat next to her, sipping slowly at a lukewarm bottle of pumpkin juice with a grimace, her knees pulled to her chest. Neither spoke.

Marlene sat stiffly in the middle seat, arms folded tightly across her chest. Her eyes kept flickering to Izzy, who hadn't moved in over an hour.

Izzy was curled in the corner seat, coat bunched under her head like a pillow, her knees drawn up toward her chest beneath a wool blanket someone had silently draped over her. Her face was turned toward the wall, away from everyone else, eyes closed — but no one was convinced she was actually asleep. She hadn't spoken a word since they'd boarded the train. Not when they'd found an empty compartment. Not when Dorcas offered her the window seat. Not when Mary handed her a bottle of water and muttered, "You should drink." Not even when Marlene brushed the hair gently from her face and asked, in a whisper, if she was okay.