Scarlet Darkbloom and the Secret Tower

Chapter 15: The Suspicious Candles

After Serena calmed down, she sat up and smiled at me. "Thank you." She said, leaning against the stone wall.

I nod. "Of course, but... I think we should talk about this. What is this about?"

Serena sighed. "I suppose I should tell you. You did, after all, rescue me from sitting on top of a tower. That would've been a long fall..." She took a deep breath. "You see, my parents splitting up is hard. I don't know who's side to ever be on. I want to see my mom for Christmas, but I can't leave my father on his favorite holiday."

I pat her hand, not personally relating to the struggle but I could hardly imagine what it would be like to have to choose between two parents.

"And, of course, if I choose one, then the other would think I've sided with them. I want to live with my father, but then my mother would grow upset and rebellious. People will always side with my father, though, because they think my mother is out of control, but then she feels horrible because she really is a good person. She loves us so much she can hardly control it sometimes. I just can't break her heart more than everything else that is happening is. I'm trying to be the family peacemaker because Scorpius will do whatever he wants." Serena told me, the weight coming off her shoulders as she discussed with someone.

"Why, Serena," I say, stopping her from continuing. "I can't imagine how you're feeling. But I don't think your parents want you to choose one of them, I think they are just going through really rough things themselves. After all, they loved each other enough to get married; to start a family. I'm sure it's difficult for them to lose someone they cared about, though it's something they probably needed to happen. I think that they're afraid of losing anyone else. It's okay for them to be sad for a little while. But know that not everything is on you, it's something that you have to go through together as a family."

Serena paused a second, then laughed sadly. "Oh, I've missed you and your wise answers. I suppose you're right, I should just focus on my work and continue to owl them both. I love them so much, I wouldn't want either of them to forget it. Christmas is so far away."

I smile, nodding to agree with her. I then take my opportunity, digging around in my pocket to find the necklace. "Actually, what I wanted to talk to you about was this necklace I saw and thought of you. I thought you'd really like it." I say, giving the pink necklace Narcissa had given me to give to Serena.

She smiled, immediately putting it on. "Thank you," She said softly, the pendant in her palm as she looked at it.

I smile back. "I know you've been really upset and sad, so it has a feel-better charm on it. Nothing harmful, don't worry. Just don't take it off - perhaps it will make you feel a bit better. I wanted to do something nice so you didn't feel like you were all alone."

Serena shook her head, smiling at me. "When did you get this?" She asked.

"Well, it's one of your Christmas presents. I just thought you could do with some cheering up early." I respond. Serena laughs again.

"Well, you've succeeded. Thank you." She stood up, going to the desk and pulling out her own piece of parchment. "I think I'm going to write to my parents right now,"

I nod. "Of course. I need to head back to the castle anyway. See you around," I tell her, smiling and waving before I exit the tower.

Hoping the necklace would work, I skipped down the staircase in the tower and headed back to the castle, thinking about everything that had happened. I could hardly imagine what it would be like to have a family that was split apart. Shaking away the sad thoughts, I decide to go to the secret tower. I was almost positive Layla would be there, working on spells.