Eleanor Rigby
All the lonely people
Where do they all come from?
All the lonely people
Where do they all belong?
13th October 1973
“Who has my curlers?” Marlene screeched over the din of the girls dorm, frantically rummaging through her trunk.
With the new academic year, an odd shift began amongst the Black twins and their friends. It was as though over summer the cohort of third year had suddenly realised that their crushes were more than silly adorations. Marlene was already dating some Ravenclaw boy, planning on going to Hogsmead with him to mark their budding relationship. Hence her flurry of panic as she tried to find the top she’d bought that summer that apparently made her chest look nice.
It was tangible. This crackling to the air as these teenagers began to look to each other in ways they had never before. Blushing glances, books on laps as the boys refused to look the girls in the eyes.
They were beginning to grow up. No longer children, but not yet adults. This odd stage of living, in which every experience was new.
It was especially clear to Ara as she watched her friends rush around in a flurry trying to get ready for the first Hogsmead weekend.
Marlene had deemed it the perfect opportunity for them all to show off their changing bodies - throwing shirts and skirts around the room as she barked out orders while trying to get ready, herself. Lily, on the other hand, was not particularly excited to ‘show off’ at all. She fought to keep her jumper on despite Marlene’s encouragements (or, more accurately, threats).
“Quit staring and shove on those jeans!” Ara blinked from her daze to the sight of Marlene stood in front of her, hands on her hips. With a bashful smile, Ara jumped to attention, grabbing the blue denim and rushing to get in the bathroom before someone else took the chance.
After squeezing into the trousers and pulling one of Lily’s floaty tops, Ara whizzed back into the dorm - just in time for Alice to burst in, sweaty and huffing in her practice uniform. She rushed towards the shower without a second glance, ignoring Marlene’s shout that she’d laid her out an outfit.
Quidditch trials had occurred the weekend before the Hogsmead trip - James and Alice coming back to the Tower with bright grins as they excitedly informed their friends of their success. Alice Brown was now the Gryffindor Seeker, James taking place as a Chaser. The Prewetts had clapped him on the back, grinning at their new teammate as they promised to show him the ropes. Fabian had even offered to lend him his old theory books, stating that Arithmancy had a surprisingly useful place in Quidditch theory.
They’d celebrated that night with chocolate from Remus’s stash and snuck cake from the Kitchens - promising to get butter beer the next weekend to properly mark the achievement.
An event that Remus sadly couldn’t attend; holed up in the hospital wing after a particularly brutal full moon the night before. When his dorm mates visited in the morning, they promised to bring him back enough chocolate to fill his bedside table.
Remus was practically engulfed by one of James’s jumpers - having been handed a few by the boy to help keep his bones from creaking. The boys did not comment on his lack of funds; a fact the blond boy was eternally grateful for. It was far easier to accept old jumpers than to admit his parents did not have the money to send him for his own.
Even the twins had a reasonable pouch to spend over the term. Their parents may have been awful, but they had more money than they cared to deal with.
Not Remus, though. Not when his dad hadn’t worked for the Ministry in years, not when his mother was always too full of nerves to get a proper job, outside of managing their home. It was lucky that Hogwarts tuition was covered, given that his family lived on trades and scraps from his grandparents’ wills.
He figured he was lucky the moon had fallen when it did; at least his friends wouldn’t see how poor he truly was. Luckier still that his current growth spurt had ended. They always made full moons worse.
“I can’t believe you’re going on a date for your first ever Hogsmead trip,” Lily frowned as she wiped blue shadow over her eyelids to match her jumper, looking through the mirror to Marlene. The blonde was twisting her long hair into a gold clasp - glancing back at Lily with amusement.
“I have you to do the good and proper first Hogsmead experience. I’m sure you’ll tell me all about it.” Marlene spoke primly, shrugging on an old jean jacket. “You’re going with Ara, right?”
“Yeah.” Lily smiled tightly, looking through the mirror to Ara, sat on her bed with her hair bunched in her hands as she tried to weave it. With a laugh, Lily made her way over to her curly-haired friend - snatching the hair tie and taking over. “We’re gonna check out the bookshop with Pandora.”
“Of course Pandora’s going to be there.” Marlene huffed, rolling her eyes as she tucked her fallen hair behind her ears. “Do you three ever actually spend time apart? There’s always at least two of you together.”
Ara watched as the two girls glared at each other - helplessly stuck in the middle as she tried to figure out how things had gone snarky so quickly.
“It’s called having friends, Marlene.” Lily bit back, tying the end of Ara’s braid. Satisfied, she nodded - standing and offering an arm to Ara. The girl accepted it with a confused look, shrugging at Marlene helplessly as Lily dragged her to grab her bag and leave the dorm.
“I hope you have a lovely time, Marls!” Ara called over her shoulder as they pushed through the doors. “You don’t have to constantly be at each other’s throats, you know?” She looked to Lily as they walked down the stairs; a sour expression colouring the ginger’s lovely features.
“She keeps being rude about Sev.” Lily sighed. “I know he doesn’t make it easy, but he isn’t a bad guy. And now Alice has started being stiff with him.” She lamented, miserably clinging to Ara’s arm.
They made their way through the Common Room, ignoring the chaos of the upper years trying to find their friends and dates.
“I’m sorry, Lils.” Ara rested her head against Lily’s shoulder, tucking their linked arms closer.
“It is what it is, I suppose.” She shrugged. “I just wish he’d taken me up on coming to Hogsmead. I think he’d really get along with you and Pandora, if he just got out of his head.”
“Maybe next visit?” Ara offered, knowing both she and Pandora would hate for that to happen. Really, Ara had no hard or negative feelings towards Severus. Well… best not dwell on that. If she would say anything, it was that he was a grouch and weirdly possessive over Lily and Ara simply didn’t appreciate anyone telling Lily what to do. Besides, he dampened Pandora’s aura apparently. Ara didn’t appreciate that either.
They found the boys waiting by the castle doors - decked in their casuals. James was leant against the wall, a knitted jumper underneath his long grey coat. Peter was looking towards the girls, a bright smile on his face as he spotted them. He lifted an arm to wave - his denim jacket crinkled with the motion.
“What the hell is that?” Sirius gawped, pointing to Ara’s legs as the girls reached them. It wasn’t as though he could really comment; he was wearing similarly cut trousers, flared around his smart boots. To be frank, their outfits were eerily similar - down to the white shirts and black fitted coats.
“They’re called trousers, Siri.” She deadpanned, adjusting the denim over her hips as she scanned the crowd for a head of blonde hair. “I borrowed them from Marlene.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen your legs before.” James muttered, looking away under Lily’s scrutiny beside Ara. It was like she could see his blush through his dark skin with those intense eyes.
“I haven’t either.” Ara joked, brushing her short braided hair over her shoulder as she moved past the boys to join Pandora up ahead; the blonde donning pink and green robes that were utterly bizarre and so perfectly her. Lily followed after a glare at the boys.
“Why’s she always mad at us?” Peter asked quietly, frowning as he watched Lily walk away.
“Who knows the inner workings of women?” Sirius shrugged.
“You literally have an inside source.” Peter spoke pointedly, tapping his temple.
“It doesn’t work like that.” Sirius grumbled.
“It’s not exactly like I can ever find it out for myself.” Peter rolled his eyes, moving to catch up with the girls.
The boys followed with a shrug.
“Oh, do thank your mum for the curl tips.” They overheard Ara tell Peter as they caught up.
“Will do.” He nodded, bumping her shoulder with his own. “She’ll be glad that her expertise with her own curls has helped another.”
“Your mum sounds wonderful. I see it clearly runs in the family.” Ara smiled; Peter’s cheeks pinking.
“What plans have you girls got?” He asked the trio, trying to deflect before anyone caught his blush.
“I promised Reg I’d get him some pumpkin pasties.” Ara sighed. “Apparently, he and Evan have been studying and the boy only works if bribed.”
“Why does he care about some Slytherin?” James scoffed, Ara’s head snapping to face him.
“Evan was his childhood friend. Some people actually stick by them.” Ara stuck her nose up, turning away to link arms with the girls. James watched her with a deep blush - transparent even against his dark skin.
“Why are the girls so grouchy today?” James muttered to himself, scratching the top of his head in thought.
It was quickly interrupted as two heads of ginger spotted the group, waving as they moved closer.
“Look over here, Gid!” One of the Prewetts - Fabian, they supposed - whooped as the group joined the hoard of Gryffindors making their way down to the bridge.
“First ever Hogsmead, is it?” Gideon grinned as he inspected the group, skipping alongside them.
“Well, we are third years.” Lily huffed.
“Right you are-”
“Our fair, ginger friend.”
“Do you have a point or are you just here to speak in riddles?” Pandora asked airily, as if she weren’t known amongst the school for that exact thing.
“Just wanted to wish you a happy trip.” Gideon shrugged, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
“It’s not every day that your baby cousins experience the joys of Hogsmead for the first time.”
“Huh?” The twins spoke together, befuddlement clear on their faces.
“You didn’t know?” The Prewetts gawped.
“Our mum is Lucretia Black.” Fabian explained.
“She’s your dad’s sister.” Gideon piped in.
“Oh.” The twins replied, lamely. “We really ought to have paid more attention to Wally’s lessons on bloodlines.”
“Are you both related to everybody?” Lily stared in disbelief.
“The Blacks have a foot in every door.” Fabian nodded, sagely. “Barely speak to mum though, since she married dad.”
“Apparently our grandparents didn’t approve of the match, but dad’s a Pureblood so they couldn’t do shite about it.” Gideon chimed in with a hollow laugh.
“I can’t believe we’re cousins.” Ara blinked, a small grin twitching at her lips.
“Really?” James laughed. “I think that’s the most sensical thing I’ve heard about your family yet.” The Black twins turned, blinking at him. “Two sets of mischievous twins.” He elaborated, much to the amusement of the others.
“Now you know, you ought to also know that mum and dad say they’re on your side, if you should ever need anything.” Gideon shrugged. “Blacks look after their own, after all.”
With a glance between themselves, the Black twins burst into laughter.
“It’s funny,” Sirius began.
“I don’t think any Blacks by name actually follow that.” Ara finished with a giggle. “But thank you, Gid. And thanks Fabe, I hope you have a lovely trip.”
“Oh we will.” The twins grinned, winking at the younger lot. “We’ve got dates.”
With that, they flounced away.
“Are you related to everyone?” Lily exclaimed after a moment, clearly having failed to hold in her question.
“Dunno.” Sirius shrugged, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
“Our family tree has a lot of branches.” Ara mused.
“I think I see the carriages!” Peter pointed, distracting the group from the topic as they grinned at road ahead. Students were queued in chatting groups, waiting as wooden carriages drew into place.
As they got closer to the carriages, Ara Black let out a little squeak. The group looked to her pale face with utter confusion - save for Pandora. She stepped towards the front of the carriage, looking at the empty air with horror.
“Are you alright?” Lily frowned, chewing her lip as her friend looked to her in disbelief.
“You don’t see that?” She asked incredulously, arm extended to point at the space before the carriage.
“You see the thestrals too.” Pandora piped up, with her usual dreamy look.
“That’s what that is?” Ara gawped, eyes fixed on the unhealthy looking horse that only she and Pandora could see.
“Can someone please explain to the muggle-raised half-blood what the bloody hell a thestral is?”
“It’s like a skeletal horse, Petey.” Ara explained as she watched the thestral, inching slightly closer as her curiosity outweighed her fear. Hesitantly, she rested a hand over it’s body before finally placing it down to feel the odd skin. It was so cold she shivered. “Like skin stretched over the skeleton, creepy little white eyes and oh you’re just a sweetheart, aren’t you!” She giggled as the thestral snorted at her hand before butting its head against it - encouraging her to continue.
The boys all watched in alarm as (to their eyes) Ara patted the air and giggled. Pandora stepped closer with a smile.
Can I see? Sirius asked, his eyes glossing over as he saw through his twins eyes. Wicked.
“Why can’t we see it?” Lily asked quietly.
“It can only be seen by those that have personally seen death.” Remus spoke, looking to Ara with confusion.
With that, all eyes spun on Ara.
“Well, I don’t know. I haven’t seen anyone die.” She shrugged.
What about the dreams? Sirius asked, his hand twitching subconsciously as Ara pet the thestral again.
I don’t think dreams count, she sighed, knowing his next comment before it entered their mind.
But Dumbledore thinks they’re visions.
Fuck off. She glared at him - booting him from her mind before returning her gaze to the thestrals.
“Some people see through the disguises magic commands.” Panda commented absently as she joined Ara in petting the thestral.
“And how are my wackspurts today?” Ara replied with a grin of relief. She could always trust Pandora to deflect attention off her.
The girl looked at her and titled her head slightly, narrowing her eyes for a moment before nodding.
“The infection is clearing up. Though, your aura’s gone a little orange.” She frowned lightly. “Very pale.”
How the blonde saw auras (or if she even did), Ara would never know. But months of debates had taught her all about them, about the little insights into people’s days as their aura shifted shades.
“What’s that mean?” Sirius asked.
Loss of self. Panda thinks I’m losing myself. She replied in their mind, the only trace of the conversation held in the furrowed brow that Sirius sported after her comment.
“Come on then,” she motioned for the others to move, “time to head down.”
——
The moment the group had arrived, they’d split up to explore the shops. The boys went to Zonkos with wild grins and joshing arms. Lily stayed with the girls as they browsed the town, disappearing as Severus sent her a wave.
“I’ll meet you in the book shop!” She called behind as she skipped away; her skirt billowing behind her.
With that, the two first friends linked arms and entered Honeydukes. They made their way through the bustle of students, snatching up pumpkin pasties and sugar quills before quickly departing. As they roamed their way to the book shop, Pandora rested her head on Ara’s shoulder with a heavy sigh.
“What’s on you mind, Panda?” Ara asked, squeezing her arm lightly.
“I’ve been attempting to better understand my cousins.” Pandora announced, lifting her head to look Ara in the eye.
“And how is that going?” Ara queried, pushing open the door to book shop - eyes scanning for Lily’s bright hair.
“I have discovered a great deal. I am tied and knotted through the Rosier family in ways I daren’t think too long about.”
They meandered through the aisles, picking up random books and placing them back down.
“Is this about your visions?” Pandora stiffened, blinking widely at her friend. “I’m not an idiot.” Ara huffed, rolling her eyes. “And considering everyone but you thinks I’m a Seer too, I figured I ought to pay attention to the things you say on the matter.”
“Rosier women are born with Sight. But we never live long enough to share it with our daughters.”
“How horribly unfair.”
“It is the way of life. There is only room for one Seer at a time.”
“Did… was that when your visions started?” Ara hedged, holding her friend’s arm a little tighter at her confirming nod. “Oh, Panda.” Ara sighed, laying her head on her friend’s shoulder. “Why do visions have such cruel origins?” She lamented.
“I know you are not a Seer, my dearest friend.” Pandora spoke very softly, as though willing her emotions to remain in check. “But Death and Destiny have hooked and strung you like a marionette. And I fear for when they tug your strings.” Ara pulled her head up to look Pandora in the eye. “You may not See as I do, but Destiny and Death shroud you.”
“I can’t believe in destiny, Panda.” Ara huffed. “If fate exists, I fear whatever plans she has for me.”
“I believe.” The blonde replied simply. “We share in our dreams of other times, though mine are far more forgiving. And I dreamt of you when I was a little girl. I have always known I would love you.”
“Panda-”
“I don’t much mind if you can’t accept Destiny; she has always accepted you, as she has me.” Pandora continued, looking to Ara with those wide blue eyes. “I See you. And I knew you would find me.”
“I didn’t need destiny to find you, Panda.” Ara reached for her cheek, touching it softly. “You were the first friend I chose. You were my choice, and no one else’s. I love you too.”
“Thank you for believing that.” Pandora said simply, placing her hand over Ara’s cheek - just for a moment.
Hidden behind a tapestry lay a smaller room, filled with row upon row of records. With a squeal, the girls flooded in - exploring the variety of magical and muggle artists.
There, stood comparing two records as she gnawed at her lower lip was Lily Evans. Her head bobbed up as though she sensed them enter, a bright smile coating her lovely features.
“There’s a French section, Ottie!” Lily gasped excitedly, Ara rushing to her side to scroll through the selection. “Do you speak French?” Lily wondered.
“Bits and pieces. Not enough to be fluent.” Ara shrugged. “Enough to make small talk, I suppose.”
“Still an achievement.” Lily smiled, nudging her gently. “And I bet you’re selling yourself short. You practically lived in France ’til you were eight.”
“And we spent most of that time in the Manor.” Ara shrugged. “We only got to leave when our cousins were there too. And I still lived at Grimmauld most of the time.”
“Months out of the year.” Lily sassed. “Regulus says you guys spent half the year in each country.”
“Regulus doesn’t know how to keep his mouth shut.” Ara grumbled. “He can speak French. He picked it up, ridiculously easy. At least I’m better than Sirius. He can barely say hello.”
“Considering his grasp of English, I’m not surprised.” Lily sighed dramatically, the two girls falling into giggles as their eyes met. “I still don’t understand how you’re related to him.”
“Why’s that?”
“You actually read!” Lily giggled.
“Not as much as I should.” Ara laughed. “Always too many other things to do.”
“Too many pranks to pull.” Pandora spoke knowingly.
“The Abbotts’ hair grew back after a day.” Ara shrugged, failing to hide her grin. “And Dennis shouldn’t have knocked over Sirius’s potion just because he nicked a ginger root.”
“I’m fairly certain it was an accident.” Pandora looked to her pointedly.
“Better than what you all did to the Slytherins in our year.” Lily shook her head. “It took Sev a week to stop hiccuping.”
“But wasn’t it amusing?” Ara shot back, the twitch of Lily’s lip giving away her true emotions.
“I suppose.” She shook her head again, this time with a little laugh. “He kept hiccuping every time he tried to say ‘potions’.”
The three girls spent several hours in the book shop, grabbing at all the muggle and magical books and records they could carry. As they made their way to the counter, the girls queued to pay - Ara offering to shoulder the lot.
“How much do I owe you?” Ara asked politely, looking up to the young shopkeep with soft eyes as she finally reached the front of the line. Pandora and Lily stood off to the side, shouldering their bags.
“Tell you what,” he grinned, leaning on the counter, “just keep showing your pretty smiles around here and I’ll cover whatever you need.”
“That’s very kind.” She smiled back, innocently - accepting the book from the man and pulling Lily from the store with a wave.
“See you around, darlin’.” The man called as they stepped through the door, bell ringing in their wake.
“What a slime.” Lily shuddered, linking her arm with Ara’s as Pandora took her other side - taking their purchases from Ara’s hands.
“What do you mean?” The other girl replied absently, scanning the shops for signs of their friends.
And God, though it was the time to explain to Ara the casual objectification by men - how now the girl was a part of the world, she would face it simply due to her sex and kindness … Lily simply couldn’t break her friend’s heart.
Despite it all, Ara had a great capacity for naivety. In its worst moments, it led to her making awful decisions like agreeing to a betrothal to protect her brothers. In its best moments, it prevented her seeing the darkness that kids like Lily knew well. The dark haired girl still believed in human kindness. That when people offered things up, it could be without ulterior motive.
“Never mind. I think I’m just hungry.” Lily smiled at Ara’s bright grin, deciding to keep an eye out for her friend.
“I bet the boys have got a table at the Three Broomsticks.” She squeezed Lily’s arm, pulling her friends forwards.
While the boys may not have been in the Three Broomsticks - a brief conversation with Sirius in her mind informing Ara that the boys were still in Zonkos deciding exactly how many dung bombs were too many to buy - Mary McDonald sat in a booth alone, fighting off some older Ravenclaws that wanted to snatch it from her.
“Mary!” Ara waved, dragging her friends over. “Thanks for holding the booth, sorry we took so long.” She spoke once they were closer - the Hufflepuff girl shooting her a look of relief.
“Hello Dorcas.” Pandora smiled to the Ravenclaws - looking at a tall girl with lovely twists cascading down her shoulders.
“Oh, hello Pandora.” The girl blinked, a little uncomfortable. The girls knew that Pandora was not wholly accepted within her own House; it was no wonder she spent so much time with the Gryffindors.
“Goodbye.” Ara spoke to the Ravenclaws, pulling herself into the booth beside Mary.
“Helga, I thought they’d never leave me alone.” Mary groaned once the Ravenclaws had walked away. “I promised the Amelias that I’d save us a booth, but they never showed up.” She grumbled.
“Just means we get the pleasure of your company instead.” Lily shrugged, slotting in on her other side.
“I’ll fetch drinks.” Pandora spun and walked away to the bar. Upon Lily’s worried face, Ara let out a little giggle.
“She’ll likely get us all a butterbeer.” Ara promised. “Nothing too bizarre, don’t worry.”
“I’ve never had butterbeer.” Lily admitted.
“Me either.” Mary added, a small smile creeping over her soft features, crinkling her wide nose. She looked particularly lovely that day; her curls shiny and voluminous in a way Ara knew her own hair could never be.
“You’ll love it.” Ara promised as Pandora made her way back with a tray.
They enjoyed the ambiance of the pub as they took their first sips, smiling to each other as the Muggleborn girls agreed that butterbeer was bloody tasty.
“I love this place.” Lily gushed, blind to the thin moustache formed by her butterbeer over her upper lip. “Isn’t it homey?” She turned to Mary with a smile.
“Yeah, it feels dead like a proper pub. Just a bit loopier.” She agreed, reaching over and gently wiping the foam from Lily’s lip.
“I’ve never been to a pub before.” Ara smiled widely as she surveyed the establishment.
If this was what every pub looked like, Ara understood why people loved going so very much. It was cozy - brown walls plastered with Quidditch posters and musicians setlists. The lighting was dimmer than Ara had expected; a soft orange glow washing over the room, painting the patrons in streaks of gold and light. Warmth from the crowd of diners and drinkers, with a heady smell of smoke filling the air. Ara inhaled deeply, oddly soothed by the scent of tobacco and sweetness. It felt like a memory, something sweet and lovely.
“You’ve never been to a pub?” Lily gawped, much to Ara’s amused dismissal.
“Our parents didn’t exactly take us out anywhere. If we ever leave the house, it’s to visit some crummy relative or go to some stupid wedding.” She shuddered. “And the Potters aren’t exactly social people.”
“I spent most of my weekend in the pub as a kid.” Lily admitted bashfully. “Mam and dad would sit with their mates and give Pet and I enough money to cover a half pint of lemonade and packet of crisps each. We used to play on the swings out back for hours.” She reminisced, a soothing fondness blanketing her words. “Sometimes dad would let us sneak sips of his beer. It tastes awful but we did it anyways.”
“Bella always lets me share her wine at family events.” Ara smiled. “I think I got tipsy at Narcissa’s wedding.” She admitted with a blush, her friends giggling with her.
“My papa once let me try his fairy wine.” Pandora piped in with a soft smile. “I ended up speaking in riddles for the rest of the evening.” She giggled, taking a sip of her butterbeer.
“I’d love to see that.” Ara grinned. Their moment of laughter was quickly interrupted by a flash of light in their eyes. “What in the Merlin?” Ara breathed, looking Mary’s way.
“I got a new camera over summer!” Mary breathed out, excitedly - unnoticing of her friends rapid blinks as they tried to see past the flash. It was a muggle design, similar to the Wizarding style save for its slightly blockish form and that the picture was immediately printed. As Mary waved it about, the others watched on - spying as the ink began to clear and the image emerged.
“Muggles really do have their own magic.” Pandora remarked, much to Ara’s agreement.
“Professor Manto did say that everyone has magic in them, that we’re all tied together by magic and fate.” Mary piped in. “Though, she then went on a tangent about Patel’s uncle even though he doesn’t exist.”
“I’m so glad I dropped Divination after that first week.” Lily admitted bashfully.
“Honestly, Manto is bonkers! And that’s coming from me.” Ara scoffed. “Reg’s cat would be a better Divination teacher than her.”
“He does always know when there’s a mouse hiding.” Mary nodded. “He’s really an invaluable member of our House.”
“If only he weren’t so stinking grumpy.” Lily mumbled behind her butterbeer, glaring at her memories of the cat sticking its nose up at her.
“He is very resourceful.” Ara replied to Mary, not without shooting Lily the dirtiest glance.
“I want a cat.” Lily declared. “Sev and I always said we’d go to that pet shop in Diagon Alley and pick ourselves out familiars.”
“How’s your friend Sev?” Mary smiled.
“He’s alright.” Lily shrugged, awkwardly - mumbling the words. Upon her friends pointed looks, she let out a little sigh and shrugged again. “He barely talks to me outside of studying in the library or Potions classes. We said we’d go to Honeydukes together, but he ditched me for bloody Avery. I think his Slytherin friends are getting to him, even though he swore they wouldn’t.”
“I’m sorry, Lils.” Ara reached for her hand across the table and squeezed it. She’d known there was more than the ginger was letting on, especially given the sorrow to her eyes as they’d found her in the book shop. Whatever she and Severus had spoken about, it had clearly affected her.
Still, the girls were together. And Lily would not be left alone.
With a smile, Ara raised her glass - the others clinking against it in a toast.
“Now, lets not let Severus put a dampener on our days. To us and our good fortunes!” She cheered, winking at her friends.
“To good fortunes!”