Astrophile [J.P]

Chapter 34

~ Keep holding on 'cause you know we'll make it through

Just stay strong 'cause you know I'm here for you. ~

***

According to Alphard's will, all of his assets were equally divided between Sirius and Felicity. She had been right when she had told Sirius that he thought of both of them as his own kids, for even in such a case he didn't make any difference between them. Both of them were now the rightful owners of the house at Magnolia Crescent and the vault 576 at Gringotts.

The start of Seventh Year for Felicity, was not how she expected, to say the least. Even though she had never been a very expressive person, still she was always glad to go back to Hogwarts. That once, the case was opposite. She was dreading every second which propelled her closer to the first day of term.

She dreaded that she would have to pretend to be perfectly fine in front of others, because no one would be aware of what she was going through except for Sirius and Remus. She would have to keep going on, no matter what, because the sad truth is that life doesn't stop by the passing away of a person. Life goes on and those who are alive have to do the same.

Esther accompanied her to the station, she too knew how difficult it was for her daughter to deal with such a lot. But she also knew that Felicity was much stronger than she seemed and she would eventually make it through.

Alicia and Lily greeted her and took her off to their compartment. She silently followed, turning back once to look at her mother, who held her hand up in farewell with a sad look on her face.

Throughout the train ride, she was painstakingly silent which was quite immediately noticed by the girls. Marlene even attempted to ask her what was wrong, but got no satisfying response. They exchanged glances for they had realized that there was something off with her, but Lily gestured them not to push the matter further. She knew that Fel wouldn't like them to bother her and she hoped that her mood would get better when they reach Hogwarts.

***

The last compartment of the train which was always a center of ruckus and hazards in the Hogwarts Express, as it was unofficially registered to the Marauders, was also lacking the mischievous atmosphere.

The three boys were crowded around Sirius, huddled together in a silent agreement of comfort and compassion. It was one of their sincere ways which the other students weren't aware of. They were not just a group of friends, they were family.

And if one of them would be feeling down, like Sirius was at the moment, they would not try to distract him and cheer him up. They would offer their silent support, which was much more effective whenever any of them would be emotionally stressed out.

"Guys, I have to tell you something," Sirius spoke up finally after a while of complete silence. He had been analyzing the situation in his mind, thinking that no one except him and Remus knew exactly what was wrong with Felicity. And now of all times, she needed the support of all her friends. So he had decided to disclose the secret within his group, just so they would all be able to look after her.

Over the past few months, Sirius had realized that even though he might not fully admit it, still his feelings for Felicity and Regulus were one and the same. In both cases, he felt extremely protective, as if he was somewhat entrusted with their responsibility. The sad thing was that Regulus had distanced himself and they were no longer on the same level of brotherhood like they had once been.

But he wanted to be a better brother to Felicity, he didn't want to repeat all his mistakes. Because to him, it seemed as if fate had given him a chance to redeem himself, and he couldn't take it if even Fel left like Regulus.