girls night
As the group sat in their spot in the Gryffindor common room, the weight of whispers hung in the air, casting a somber pall over the happy atmosphere from the holiday. Now replaced with unease and apprehension, shadows of uncertainty lurking in corners of the halls.
“It’s not fair to the younger students,” Lily sighed, sorrow in her voice, “ Hogwarts is supposed to be an escape from the dangers of the outside world. But instead it feels like we are in the middle of it.” her eyes clouded with worry. James placed a comforting arm on her, his expression mirroring hers.
“I’m sure we are still safe here, as long as Dumbledore is in charge,” James’ words adding a slight comfort to the group. Most of them slightly nodding in agreeance, Remus looked to Sirius who hadn’t shifted his gaze from the floors since they had sat down. Sirius’ stomach was in knots, the ounce of conversations he had heard throughout his home had him in a spiral.
“It’s bad,” Sirius whispered, his voice not more than a murmur in the chatter around them. “It’s only a little longer now until everything goes to shit.” his voice monotoned. The group looked at each other in worry. Remus and Clem exchanging glances at one another before she spoke out.
“I don’t want to talk about this anymore.” She sighed, the group nodding in a silent solidarity.
Students had begun to head to bed, knowing a long day was ahead. The quiet common room, flickering flames of the fire casting shadows onto the wall, all of them finding peace in each other’s company. They settled in their seats, each lost in their own thoughts. They knew that dwelling in the whispers of war would only feed the darkness that threatened to consume them.
As the group dispersed one by one and the common room falling quieter, Remus remained, his thoughts consuming him, worries of the next moon. Sensing his unease, Clem lingered by his side, sitting on the arm of his chair, a silent presence offering support.
“You okay, Remus?” she asked softly, her voice breaking the silence like a gentle breeze through the room. He offered her a weary smile.
“Just a bit anxious about the upcoming moon is all,” he admitted, rubbing his shoulders that ached more than usual, his voice tinged with uncertainty. Clem nodded understandinly, her eyes reflecting the flickering light of the dying fire. As they sat in a companionable silence, James approached in his pajamas down the stairs, concern etched on his features.
“You alright mate?” he asked, Remus hesitated for a moment but nodded.
“Just the usual pre-full moon nerves,” he replied with a forced smile. James’ eyes widdened.
“Dude!” his voice confused and shocked that he had said that in front of Clem, giving her a slight startle at the raising of his voice. Remus’ face fell to a deadpan.
“She knows, you idiot.” he states, Clem shoots James an awkward smile. He takes a dramatic sigh of relief and gives her a small salute.
“Welcome to the club,” he smiles jokingly, before a large yawn over takes him. “See you upstairs Moony,” Remus hums a response as James trudges up the stairs, Clem chuckling softly before a yawn consumes her as well, Remus following in a contagious manner.
“I’ll be there in the morning when you wake up,” Clem says softly, her eyes giving him a reassurancing glance. Remus melts at the sight of it.
“Just know that they might beat you to it,” He smirks, gesturing to the boys. She shrugs and picks up her book from the coffee table, the fire slowly sizzling out throwing a charm out to brighten it back up again.
“I’m sure the right words will make them leave,” She grinned, a mischievous tone peaking out in her voice.
He couldn’t help but let out a chuckle, grateful for her attempt to lighten the mood. “I’ll keep that in mind,” he replied with a wry smile, his eyes lingering on her as she settled back into her seat, book in hand. As the fire crackled back to life, casting a warm glow over the room, Remus found himself drawn to her presence, her calm demeanor a soothing balm to his scattered mind. Admiring her features as her eyes followed the pages anxiously, her eyes hungry for more as she continued to read. Lost in thought, his gaze lingering on Clem, his heart swelling with warmth he couldn’t explain. Caught in the moment, he reached out a hand to gently brush a lock of hair behind her ear, his touch lingering on her cheek.
Clem’s breath caught in her throat at the gesture, her heart skipping a beat as she met Remus’s gaze with wide eyes. In the fleeting moment, the air between them crackled with tension, the weight of their emotions hanging heavy in the air around them.
“Sorry,” Remus murmured, his voice barely over a whisper, “I just… got lost in the moment.” she shook her head.
“No need to apologize,” she replied softly, her voice filled with warm and affection, shifting herself off of him and standing up to stretch, groans in her voice. She yawned once again, a fond smile tugging at Remus’s lips as he admired her.
“Looks like it’s bedtime for you too,” he teased.
Clem rolled her eyes playfully, “I suppose so,” she conceded, raising her arms above her head, her t-shirt slightly revealing her torso. His cheeks grew slightly pink as he looked away. As he rose from his seat, both made their way to the staircase.
“Good night, Clem,” he said softly, she smiled
“Good night, Remus,” both ascending the stairs to their separate dorms, the warmth of the fire fading out behind them.
The soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over her bedroom. Clem stirred from her restless sleep, with a tired sigh, she stretched her limbs and swung her legs over the edge of her bed, the cool wooden floor meeting the soles of her feet. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, her movements slow and sluggish, she made her way to the window, drawing back the curtains to reveal the scenery of Hogwarts, earning a collective groan from her friends. The morning air was crisp and invigorating, stepping into her wardrobe she picked out a clean set of robes, brushing off her trousers before forcing herself to the bathroom. She stood in front of the mirror, her reflection blurred and distorted, exhaustion written on her face. She turned on the shower, the sound of rushing water filling the room. Stepping beneath the stream, she let the warm water cascade over her body, washing the tension and fatigue away that had been settling into her. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to be enveloped by the soothing embrace of the water, each drop was a caress against her skin. Her fragmented mind slowly piecing back together, calmness and clarity coming back to her.
She wrapped herself in a fluffy red towel, taking a moment to take a large breath, her chest fully expanding. The steam from her shower enveloping the room. Despite her exhaustion she felt slightly better and at ease for the day ahead of her. She slipped into her robes, and dried her hair as best as she could, fixing her overgrown bangs, the familiar routine acting as a comforting anchor to her anxious mind. She didn’t know why she woke up in such an anxious mood, or why she couldn’t sleep, but it was a horrible combo in her opinion. She opened the door to her room, a large yawn following, Lily shooting her a tired smile from her bed and a quiet ‘good morning’.
“You okay?” she croaked, Lily had an easy time reading Clem, usually.
“Hm? Oh, yeah, I’m fine Lils.” Clem lied, giving her a reassuring smile, throwing her bag over her shoulder. As she reached for the door handle her hand trembled slightly, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath before making her way downstairs to the common room. She felt as if her heart would jump out of her chest, each step heavier and harder than the last.
The common room bathed in a familiar morning glow, and crackling fire. She took another deep breath, trying to fully expand her chest, wanting to steady her nerves, forcing a small smile on her face before finding her seat on the couch with her friends. Their familiar voices low and hushed as they prepared for classes, Sirius looked up from his newspapers as she sat down, concern in his face.
“You alright, Clem?” he asked, his voice with genuine concern.
She hesitated for a moment, feeling she could burst at any moment.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” she replied with a forced smile, “just a bit tired is all.”
Remus’ eyes shot up, knowing she was lying. She glanced at him for a moment, knowing he could see right through her. He gave her a concerned look, his eyes motioning to outside the common room.
“I need some air,” Clem said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. The boys watching her as she disappeared, Remus got up soon after following her out. The cool air of the grounds engulfed her as she made her way to the astronomy tower, seeking solitude with her own thoughts. Tension in her chest loosening as her footsteps echoed the empty halls. As she reached the tower and stepped out onto the open balcony, she stared out into the scotland countryside, the clouds moving slowly. Leaning against the railing, closing her eyes trying to take another deep breath, letting the air fill her lungs.
Her alone time was quickly put to a halt as she heard footsteps approaching her from behind. Turning to meet Remus, his expression soft and concerned.
“Hey,” he said softly, “You sure you’re okay?”
She nodded, her throat tight, “just needed some air,” she admitted, her voice trembling slightly as she fidgeted with her hands. Remus took a step closer, his gaze steady.
“You sure that’s all that is going on?”
He was careful not to pry too much, wanting to feel his words were and invitation and not a demand. She closed her eyes, trying to keep a hold on her own emotions. She opened her eyes, shooting them straight up to keep the tears from falling.
“Just overwhelmed…” her voice soft and barely audible. He gave her a sympathetic smile, wrapping her in a soft hug, his head resting on hers.
“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked, craning his head down to look at her, tears threatened to fall again as she shook her head covering her face.
“Okay,” he replied understandingly, pulling her in close slightly swaying back and forth.
He checked his watch, before releasing her slowly to look at her.
“When is your first class?” he asked, she took a moment to remember her schedule.
“Potions, same as you,” she replied softly, he hummed a response and taped his watch.
“We should go, you need to eat something before class,” he smiled slightly. She nodded before slowly turning to face the spiral staircase, taking a breath before walking down, Remus close behind her. The halls felt more congested this morning, loud chatter echoing off the walls, large groups brushing past her. She slowly walked into the great hall, fidgeting with the hem of her cloak, seeing that it was louder than the hallways, the light feeling brighter than usual. She took a large sigh, her emotions threatening to spew over, she quickly grabbed a muffin, shoving it in her bag angrily before quickly turning on her heels almost running face first into Regulus.
His deamor cold as he looked down at her, his eyes filled with disgust.
“Watch it, mudblood.” he spat, his words dripping with venom. Remus was only a few steps behind, feeling a surge of anger and new found protectiveness rise within him. His own emotions out of wack with the full moon in a day or two, he felt his ears get hot, his face worth a thousand words. He stepped forward, blocking her from him, his voice lacing with a controlled fury.
“Watch your mouth,” he snapped, his tone sharp and biting. The chatter around them growing quiet over the harsh words, soft murmurs and gossip following. Her heart began pounding in the chest, watching the exchange between Remus and Regulus unfold. She had never seen Remus so visibly angry, his usual calm demeanor replaced with rage that was threatening to boil over. Her heart panged with unease, her felt as if there was a spotlight on her, everyone watching. She placed a hand on Remus’s arm, her own voice trembling.
“Remus, it’s okay,” she whispered, her ease pleading with him to drop it. He shook her off, his jaw clenched with emotion.
“No, Clem, it’s not okay,” he insisted, his voice tightening with anger. “I’m sick of his bullshit,” he sneered.
Regulus scoffed, folding his arms, “and i’m tired of you blood traitors thinking you can walk all over us,” he retorted, his tone dripping with arrogance and a sense of pride. Clem felt frustration beginning to wash over her over his words, she tried her best to swallow it not wanting things to escalate. She took a deep breath, stepping between the two of them, her voice firm but calm.
“Let’s just go, Remus,” she said, her gaze locked on Regulus, looking him up and down, “he’s not worth the effort.” her own voice having a sharp punch.
Remus hesitated for a moment, his fists clenched tightly at his side, begrudgingly he nodded, his anger slowly melting. With one last glare, he turned on his heel following Clem out,
“Prick,” he muttered as he brushed pass Regulus, the tension thick in the air around them. As the walked in silence to class, she couldn’t shake the feeling of uneasiness lingering in her stomach, knowing that it was far from over between them.
Clem and Remus enter potions, the remnants of their earlier argument still weighing on his mind. He couldn’t seem to shake the anger building in him, wanting to wrangle Regulus. Slughorn greeted his students with his usual geniality, his round face spilt into a wide smile as he bustled around the room.
“Ah, Miss. Bones, Mr.Lupin, lovely to see you both!” he exclaimed, his voice as cheerful as ever, feeling like nails on a chalkboard to Remus. He barely registered his greeting, his attention still fixed on Regulus’s words and the expression on Clem’s face. As he took his seat beside Clem, he could feel the tension crackling between them, as unspoken barrier seeming to loom larger with each second. Slughorn launched into his lecture, his voice rising above the murmurs of students, begining to dissect the intricacies of the lesson. Remus feeling as if his voice was scraping glass, finding his brain frazzled and unable to focus on the thing at hand. His mind replaying the moment over and over.
Clem, sensing his unease, leaned over to him, her breath tickling his neck. “Are you okay?” she asked, her voice but a murmur, concern evident in her eyes. He forced a tight smile, his jaw still tense. “Fine,” he replied curtly, his tone sharper than he intended. Clem didn’t press him further, sensing the hostility.
His frustration only grew, he struggled to focus on the assignment, his movements jerky and uncoordinated as he tried to follow the instructions. The memory of Regulus burning inside him like fire, as the bell rung dismissing the class he quickly gathered his things and darted out the classroom desperately needing a smoke. The weight of his emotions pressing down on him like a burden sinking him down. “Remus,” Clem called out, trying to follow him out but as he turned out the corridor he was lost to the crowds of people. Clem sighed, feeling a sense of unease, fighting on whether to chase him but her own feelings telling her no, tightening her grip on her backpack strap before turning down the opposite hallway towards her next class.
The afternoon continued on, Clem searching through the halls and classes for her friend. His reactive nature being foreign to her, it continued to eat away at her, her mind going elsewhere in every moment. She dragged herself to the great hall for lunch, silently hoping he’d be there, he wasn’t. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, a glow painted on the long wooden tables. The tall ceilings mimicking the clouded outdoors, displaying a blue sky with white fluffy clouds. Familiar laughter and chatter growing closer as she made her way to the section of the Gryffindor table. Plopping herself down next to Lily who was flipping through her textbook while slowly eating her now lukewarm soup. Clem’s eyes shifted to Sirius and James who both were focused on their studies, she sighed before beginning to speak.
“Sirius, have you seen Remus?” Clem asked, his eyes still focused down, pursing his lips.
“Mmm no, why?”
“He stormed out of potions this morning, acting weird,” clem continued, reaching for a plate of food
“Moon is tomorrow,” James added, his voice trailing off
Clem sighed, becoming frustrated by her friends,
“Is this common then?”
“No, but I’m sure it’s nothing,” James answered, Sirius spared a quick glance to James, telling Clem that James was lying.
“Is everything okay between you guys?” she asked cautiously, Sirius looked up, locking eyes with Clem
“Yeah, yeah, everything’s fine. Just don’t like the idea of him being alone when he’s…like this, he can be reckless.” Sirius continued, James’ face turning into a cheeky smirk.
Conversations consuming the quiet around them, voices ranging from hushed whispers to boisterous laughter. Groups clustered together, whining about classes and paperwork, others planning their weekends on a Monday afternoon. The aroma of various dishes wafting through the air. Plate pilling around the students, some half eaten, others almost licked clean. Clem continued to dig her nose into her studies along with her friends, all of them sharing their lunch period and study periods huddled in the great hall.
“Any idea where he could be?” she asked quietly, her eyes darting between her books and parchment. No answer, all of them too focused elsewhere.
“Clem, I’m sure he’s fine,” Lily's voice mumbled, buried in other things.
Soon enough, Clem found herself walking to ancient runes, taking the long way once again. Passing by some of the courtyards, taking in the spring air. The trees slowly getting new leaves, the snow quietly melting away from the warmth of the sun. Her eyes seeing a familiar shadow as she quickly walked by, causing her to stop in her tracks, turning on her heels.
“Remus,” she called out, causing him to slowly turn to face her.
He shot her a straightened smile, his eyes tired and heavy.
“Hi,” his bones feeling as if they could snap at any given moment
“You feeling a little better?” she asked, her hand brushing his secretly, he shrugged, placing his hands in his pockets, her face frowning slightly and she mimicked him. The two of them beginning to walk up to ancient ruins together.
“Well,” he began, feeling his emotions bubble, “I still want to swing Regulus around like a ragdoll then shave his luscious locks,” his hands mimicking hair flowing in the breeze, “The smell of underclassmen make me want to vomit, James’ ranting about Lily makes me want to gouge my eyes out, Divination even worse, my body feels like it’s being ripped limb by limb, and the only thing getting me through it is the cigarette’s in my pocket and the chocolate I nicked from one of the professors.” Remus sputtered out, all in one breath she assumed considering the large sigh afterwards.
Clem gave him a small look of sympathy, he looked over slightly annoyed.
“Oh don’t start,” his voice with a twang of sass, fighting his lips from curling into a grin.
She chuckled softly, opening the door for the two of them finding a pair of seats towards a window. Class went by slowly, the professor speaking in tongues almost, this year the class felt more impossible than the years before. The two of them scribbled down their notes, struggling to keep up with the topics discussed, first day and both were already swimming in homework. Remus shifted uncomfortably in his seat, trying to find a position that didn’t hurt him. His body shifted closer to her, his breath sending goosebumps down her spine.
“Care for a smoke after this?”’ he whispered, she tried her best to hide her smirk as the professor walked around their table.
“Obviously,” she replied
As Remus and Clem made their way out of the dull classroom, their minds still buzzing with tension from early confrontations with Regulus, they’re met by an unexpected sight in the hallway. A tall and confident boy, his posture rigid and poised. His uniform steamed to perfection, each button fastened with precision. His expression straight, his thoughts hidden behind his eyes of indifference. His features sharp and angular, his high cheekbones giving him a posh look of elegance. His dark hair falling in sleek waves around his sharp jaw and piercing grey eyes. Regulus’ cold gaze locked on the two of them, leaning his body on the beige pillar, his arms folded tightly across his chest. A tight sneering grin plastering on his face.
“Well, well, well, what do we have here?” he sneers, his gaze flicking between the two of them. “The newest set of Gryffindor lovebirds walking about.”
Remus’s jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides, his knuckles whitening as he glares at the younger Black. Clem stepped closer to him, her hand reaching out subtly to restrain him, her eyes pleading for peace.
“We aren’t interested in your games, Reg.” Clem starts, her voice calm.
Regulus chuckled, the sound grating on their nerves. “Oh but I think you are, Lupin especially.” he replied, his tone smug. “After all, you were the one who couldn’t keep your cool back there.”
Remus’s ears grow red in anger, his breathing beginning to escalate.
“You think you can just waltz around and insult whoever you want?” he growled, his voice low and dangerous, his eyes narrowing in fury.
Regulus scoffs, his smirk growing more pronounced with each barb. “Why not? You Gryffindors are always so high and mighty anyways,” he retorts, his voice dripping with disdain. “Just leveling the playing field.” Regulus eyes scanning Clem, taking in her body, causing her to fold her arms around herself to hide in a way.
Without warning, Remus lunged forwards, his fists connecting with Regulus’s jaw with a sickening thud. The force of the blow sends Regulus staggering backwards, catching himself, his body pressed on the pillar. He turns back, his expression with shock and disbelief, holding his jaw. The corridor fell silent, the echo of Remus’ punch ringing in the air.
Clem watches in horror as Remus’s normally calm demeanor is replaced by a primal rage, his eyes flashing with feral intensity. She reaches out to him, her voice trembling with concern but he shakes her off, his focus locked on Regulus. Regulus lunges forward, swing a fist toward his nose, Remus barely dodges it as he grabs the boy by his cloak, swinging him towards the wall, pinning the boy to the stone. His breath uneven as he swinging another hit to the Black boy, and another, and another, Regulus failing to protect himself in any successful way.
“Remus, stop!” Sirius shots, moving to restrain him along with James, pulling him off the other boy who was now bleeding from his lip. “You’ll get all of us in trouble! What has gotten into you!”
His mind was beyond reason, clouded by the beast itching to let out. His eyes raging, still stuck on Regulus, eagger to lash out again. Barty running to the boy, examining his face and caring to his side. Regulus’s fists tighten up again, trying to lung out of their grasps, Sirius’s arms locked around his waist.
“Enough!” Lily’s voice cutting through the tension like a knife, her tone firm and commanding. “Remus, cool it. You’re better than this.” he hesitates, his chest heaving with exertion, and relaxes slightly. The tension dissipating slowly, replaced by a sense of relief and exhaustion. As they catch their breath, Remus and Clem exchange a glance, both realizing the gravity of what happened. Regulus still plastered on the ground, a rag now covering his nose slowly filling with blood, the metalic smell overwhelming Remus’s senses. Remus’s emotions were already heightened with the moon tonight, and Regulus picking at the overboling kettle made it explode.
Clem squeezes Remus’s hand gently, feeling the minor cuts on his knuckles, Regulus’s eyes dart to the small exchange and rolls his eyes in disgust causing Remus to lung out again.
“What is your issue Reg!” his voice hissed, James restraining him again before he could cause anymore danger. Dragging him away from the boy, the large group falling into step beside them, expressions knitted with concern.
“You okay mate?” Sirius asked, his voice filled with concern as he looked at the boy, his face reddening with anger. Remus nods, his jaw still clenched.
“Yeah, fine,” he replied tightly, a lie of course.
Clem shoots him a worried glance, her hand intertwining with his, “lets all just head back to the common room,” she suggested softly, Remus nodded in agreement. All of them walking in a careful silence back up to the tower.
The silence continued as they all worked on their assignments, the sunsetting behind them coloring the room in warm reds through the curtains. James’s eyes darting to his watch, taking a breath before speaking.
“We should probably go soon, Moony. It’s getting late.” his voice cautious.
Remus stood up without a word, grabbing his coat and walking out of the common room without a glance to the others. James and Sirius sighed with a slight annoyance behind him, Peter placed a gentle hand on Clem and smiled softly.
“He will be fine in the morning, don’t worry your pretty head about it.” his cheeks a slight pink hue, “Wormtail!” Sirius called from the hall, the rat like boy scurrying out to follow his friends.
The girls continued to focus on their classwork, growing more stressed as the night went on. One by one burying their heads deeper in the texts, Clem’s hands tangled in her hair, ready to rip her hair out.
“I can’t do this anymore,” Marlene whined, leaning back onto the couch, her fingers pinching the bridge of her nose. “If I read one more thing on witch trials, or, or, divination using sticks! I’ll go mad!” Lily chuckled, closing her book, her parchment marking her place.
“Let’s go upstairs, have a much needed girls night,” She smiled, trying to make light of todays chaotic events, Clem’s shoulders ached, feelings as if they coudln’t get low enough to help her relax.
As the girls gathered upstairs, tensions of the evening began to dissipate, replaced by a warm comforting air. Lily set up her bed to be the main spot, filled with fluffy blankets and multiple pillows, Marlene digging in their shared snack drawer for sweets and other goodies. Mary flung herself onto the bed, laying stomach down on the bed, her feet kicking in the air.
“So, spill it, Lils,” shooting her a mischevious grin, “what’s the latest with James?” she asked, the girls all shared a glance and smiled all agreeing. Lily’s toothbrush still in her mouth as she popped her head around the corner, her face growing flush.
“Nothing!” she lied, brushing her teeth quicker to hide the smile on her face. Clem gave a quick snort and rolled her eyes, popping a candy in her mouth.
“Sure” she teased.
“You have been spending a lot of time together, we’ve all seen it,” Marlene added, plopping down beside Clem, sitting criss crossed on the mattress.
“So!?” Lily continued, her face only growing more hot. She gave a dramatic sigh as she squeezed herself on the bed.
“Fine, we kissed on New Years, and ever since we’ve been going out.” Lily smiled, slightly embarrassed. Mary nudged Marlene with playful grin.
“Lily isn’t the only one with romantic prospects. How’s your pursuit of Sirius? Still dull as ever?” Marlene sighed, and nodded. “He’s a tough one to crack, but I’m not giving up,”
Tension grew back into the room, and awkward silence before Lily shifted.
“I don’t know Marl’s part of me thinks he doesn’t fancy girls…”
“No way! I’ve seen him snogging girl’s at parties!” Mary added, trying to make Marlene feel slightly better
“Being drunk at a party isn’t a sign of someones sexuality, you of all people should know that,” Clem smirked, reminding her of their 4th year adventures.
“And I’d snog that girl again! No regrets!” a wide smile growing on her face as she crossed her arms across her chest.
Clem smiled, slowly spacing out, her thoughts going back to Remus and the earlier events. She shifted uncomfortably, the weight of unexpected gazes on her. She took a deep breath, summoning some of the courage Gryffindor is expected of. “Speaking of, guy’s, there’s someone I wanna tell you.” her voice trailing off as she shrugged to find the right wording, fiddling with her fingers.
“It’s about Remus,” Lily’s eyes darted up quickly with caution, Clem furrowed her eyebrows and softly shook her head. She respected Remus’s privacy and secrecy, even though these were her closest friends she’d never rat him out like that. Clem’s cheeks grew warm and flushed with embarrassment. “At New years, he and I, well more him, well no,”
“Oh just spit it out,” Lily said giggling,
“We almost kissed,”
Gasps filled the room as the girls processed her confession. Marlene’s expression darkening, her mood shifting on a dime from playful to somber. She retreated into herself, a wall of silence englufing her. Lily shot Clem a sympathetic look before turning to Marlene, her voice gentle. “Marlene, are you okay love?”
She forced a weak smile, her face betraying an inner turmoil, “I’m fine, really. Just… not in the mood for boy talk right now,” the atmosphere growing a heavy unspoken tension and conflicting emotions. Marlene stormed out of the room, Clem’s heart sinking into her stomach. Without a second thought, she chased after her.
“Marls wait!” Clem called out trying to catch up to her
Marlene stopped, her back turned to Clem. “What, Clem? What more could you possibly want to say?” her voice breaking and filled with pain. Clem reached out tentatively, placing a comforting hand on the girl’s shoulder. “I just…I wanted to make sure you’re okay. You seem upset, did I say something to upset you?”
Marlene turned to face Clem, her eyes brimming with emotions. “No, you didn’t, it’s my fault, I just… thought things were different.” Clem furrowed her brow, unsure of Marlene’s words.
“How do you mean?” she asked, Marlene took a deep breath, her gaze flickering nervously between Clem’s eyes.
“I can’t believe you haven’t seen it,” her voice seeping out in pain, “I thought I made it obvious, the way I look at you, care for you, affections towards you,” Clem grew more confused, her actions never felt unordinary, they all acted the same towards each other.
Marlene stepped closer to Clem, her hands shakily cupping Clem’s cheeks, and pressed her lip’s against Clem’s. Clem’s mind racing as she tried to make sense of the turn of events. She couldn’t deny the fluttering sensation in her stomach, the warmth spreading in her body, the way she thought a spark had went between them, but something just didn’t feel right.
Marlene pulled away, searching Clem’s eyes for a response, her own filled with uncertainty.
“I’m sorry,” Marlene stuttered,
“I…I don’t know what to say,” Clem stammered, her voice barely audible, her eyes locked onto the ground.
“Can’t you see how I feel? Can’t you feel anything?” Marlene’s eyes welling up in tears.
Clem’s heart sank further, watching as Marlene’s tears spilled over, mirroring her own confusion and turmoil.
“I…I don’t know,” she whispered, she couldn’t even hear her own voice over her stammering heartbeat.
Marlene shook her head, her anger giving away the sadness. “I thought… I thought you felt the same way, but I guess not,” she choked out, her voice cracking and breaking.
Clem reached out cautiously, wanting to comfort her friend but now unsure how without complicating things further. “Marls…”
Before she could finish, Marlene turned on her heels and stormed off, tears streaming down her cheeks as she disappeared down the steps of the castle. Clem stood still, the weight of Marlene’s words heavy on her heart. She didn’t know what to say, or do. A wave of uneasiness washing over her, fearing that they would never be as close as they had once been, her eyes welling up even more as she headed back to the common room.
She quickly went upstairs to her room, ignoring the girls who were giggling on the bed next to her. The room growing silent, filling with soft cries from Clem, her face buried deep in her pillow. Lily placed a gentle hand on her back, tracing shapes to help comfort her.
“What happened?” she asked softly, Clem shook her head, unable to form any words. Her heart overwhelmed with emotions.
“Okay,” Lily continued, her voice understanding and soft, Clem heard her whisper a few words to Mary before switching the lights off, the door closing behind them and a soft cascading sound of footsteps.