" all will be alright in time " | CH. FIFTEEN

---louis was aware of the impending war happening in the Wizarding Community, and he knew how severe it is in the UK. They were on their way now, after graduating in Ilvermorny last week, him and Imogen wasting no time in coming to London. His eyes scanned through the paper on his lap, the headline boring into his eyes, the ink almost seeping into him.

FOUR FAMILIES DEAD IN IMPENDING WAR
Article by Elladora Warrington

On the night of June 30th, 1978, the corpses of four known wizarding families were found dead in their homes. Namely the members from: the Lore Family, Hamilton Family, Jameson Family and Williams Family. About 10:30PM, when the neighbors of the Williams Family reported a scream from their residence. Soon, reports from the remaining families were called in. Autopsy reports from St. Mungo's suggest that each victim was cursed with the Cruciatus Curse before falling to their death with the Killing Curse. We've interviewed Aurors on the scene saying that this was the work of the rising Dark Lord, Voldemort.

It may seem that a war is among us, we suggest that all witches and wizards to be alert and keep each other safe.
Read more on page 15

Louis instinctively hugged Imogen closer, the girl sleeping soundly next to him on their voyage to England. He sent an owl to Asteria a few moments ago, informing her of the issue and asking how she's holding up and how they were on their way to her. It was only a few days from Asteria's graduation and hearing this news must be heartbreaking for her. The ships horn suddenly blared to life, signifying that they were close to land.

Imogen shifted in her position making Louis loosen his grip on her. Her eyes fluttered open before smiling at him. "We're here," she whispered.

Louis nodded, "we're here." He could only muster a small smile before frowning again. He handed the paper to Imogen, "Ria needs us now more than ever."

Upon seeing the article Imogen frowned, "what do we do?"

"We can't go to Hogwarts now, the only thing we can do is wait." A frustrated groan escaped his lips, "Merlin, why does this have to happen?"

---back in hogwarts, Asteria felt lifeless. She had been staring at the wall in their dorm for hours now, her mind being suffocated by her own thoughts. Her hand gripped Louis's letter while the latest issue of the Daily Prophet rested on her lap. The big bold letters not escaping her peripherals. Her family was dead. Her mum and dad were gone.

Somehow she can't seem to make herself believe it, can't seem to make her mind realise this is happening. It feels like only a few months ago when her, Louis, Imogen and her parents were all seated happily in Christmas Eve, exchanging presents, and just being happy. It all feels so surreal now to her. Almost like a dream.

An owl suddenly flew through their window, the bird landing softly by her side before dropping a piece of parchment; it was another letter from Louis. She only petted the owl's head before setting it back.

Dear Ria,

Me and Imogen just arrived at your house... How are you? You didn't reply to my last letter. I know all of this came as a shock to you but please don't forget that I'm always here for you. Through thick and thin alright?

I have to cut this short since I can't find the extra parchments you have stored away. You have no idea how much I want to hug you right now. Please stay safe

Sincerely
Louis

A tear finally escaped her eye, she missed him. She missed him so much. She finally got her life on track; passing her NEWTs, finding her soulmate and almost graduating. It all felt too good then life just had to slap her across the face. She felt so lost she didn't know what to look for. Everything seemed to lose their purpose. She missed her mom even though she would compare her to other kids, she knew that she wouldn't replace Asteria for any kid. She missed her dad, even if his jokes mostly missed the mark, she'd laugh anyway. It made her regret not spending more time with them. It made her regret that she wasn't better to them.

"Asteria?" A voice called out, she didn't have to turn her head to know who it was. Remus took the space next to her. He didn't know what to do, much less what to say. He didn't know if he should hold her hand or hug her or place her head on his shoulder so he just sat next to her. Not too close but close enough to make her feel that he was there. "How do you feel?"

"Like shit," Asteria whispered, her voice cracking by the end. She took the article on her lap, the words looked as if they were scrambled around the paper, her eyes not focusing to any of them. "It all just came so suddenly..." She trailed off.

Remus then mustered up the courage to move closer, wrapping his arms on her small frame as if shielding her from the world. Her head was nestled on his chest, the sound of his heartbeat ringing in her ear. "I'm here." Soon, Remus could hear a wave of sobs erupt from the girl then he felt the tears soak his shirt. This only made him hug her closer as a few tears slipped down his cheek.

"Oh, Remus..." The girl cried out, "why does it have to be them?" Her voice sounded weaker now, "God why? Everything was okay a few months ago. Everything was fine."

"There, there.." Remus whispered, trying to calm the girl. "It's okay, everything will be okay from now on. I promise." He meant it when he said that. He didn't want to make her feel the same pain she was feeling now. That day he made a vow, to protect Asteria and the people she cared about. No matter what.

---graduation caps filled the air as the whole batch sprang up in joy. All their hard work and effort has finally paid off as they have just graduated. Asteria only smiled gently at the scene in front of her; Sirius had his arms around Remus and James with Peter standing closely to Remus, the four of them laughing their hearts out as they recollect their antics here in Hogwarts. Marlene, Lily, and Dorcas sat close to her, the four of them exchanging their excitement for their future and how much they'll miss one another.

Suddenly, pink clouds exploded throughout the place and a bunch of fire crackers began to set off and in the sky was decorated with the phrase: "CONGRATULATIONS BATCH '78!   Sincerely, Messrs. Padfoot, Prongs, Moony and Wormtail"

The whole batch cheered in glee even when pink goo began to fall from the sky. Of course, Asteria thought to herself, turning her attention to the Marauders, who all wore victorious smiles. She couldn't help but chuckle to herself.

A pair of hands suddenly blocked her vision and by just the feel of their palms, she knew who it was, recounting all the times he would do this to her. She turned her head to be greeted by Louis, who wore the biggest smile she's ever seen him have.

"Congrats Ria!" He cheered, the girl automatically jumping up to meet his arms. She looked at Imogen who smiled brightly at her before giving her two thumbs up. "Can't believe you actually graduated," Louis said after setting her down, "it's a bloody miracle!"

At that, Asteria hit his back, making him groan, "I'm kidding, no need to break my spinal cord."

She chuckled at that, she took a good look at the couple in front of her. They almost reminded her of her parents. She still couldn't believe it and couldn't help but feel the heavy weight of the situation add up on her shoulders. She maintained her facade, laughing when she was supposed to but on the inside, she felt like breaking down.

Remus cleared his throat, grabbing the everyone's attention. Asteria quickly pulled him over, the smile creeping to her features again. "Louis and Imogen, this is Remus. Remus this is Louis and Imogen."

The three shook hands, smiling at one another. "So you're the soulmate Ria's been talking about." Imogen said.

"Between you and me she wouldn't stop talking about you," Louis whispered loudly, intentionally making Asteria hear. The girl blushed as he continued, "not a letter goes by without her mentioning you."

"Is that so?" Remus asked, a teasing smirk on his lips as Asteria began to turn red.

"Remus!" Sirius called out from behind him, beckoning the boy over for a picture.

Remus smiled apologetically at Asteria as she gestured for him to go. Louis watched the scene unfold inquisitively, his hand on his chin and his eyes squinted at the pair before breaking out into a smile.

"He seems nice." He commented. After the picture, Remus went back to them almost immediately. "I'm assuming you guys are dating now?"

"No, not yet," Asteria answered, "we thought of something much better than what you guys did." She said, gesturing to the two with a smirk.

"Yeah? What's that?" Louis asked.

"Well, we decided not to date just because we're soulmates but to go with the flow and fall in love naturally." She replied curtly, the smirk not leaving her lips.

"But that's the same as what we did," Louis answered, his face scrunching up in confusion as he looked at Imogen for help. The girl only shrugged her shoulders, making Louis pout at her before turning back to Asteria. "How is that better?"

"Because it's us!" She simply answered, hugging Remus close to her as the boy chuckled awkwardly. "No offense Imogen," Asteria added quickly, "but Louis dragged you down."

Imogen broke in hysterics making Louis turn to her in disbelief. "Ria!"  He whined, hugging his girlfriend close to him, "stop stealing her away from me."

"Do you often do this?" Remus spoke up, making Louis nod numerous times at him.

"She does, please tame her." He almost begged, making the other boy laugh softly.

Suddenly, Marlene squeezed herself in between Remus and Asteria, "c'mon guys, we still need to take pictures!"

Asteria turned to the couple in front of her. "Go on," Imogen said, "we'll be here when you come back."

She nodded gratefully at the girl before Marlene dragged her to their group. Lily beamed at her when she settled beside her, James, who was on the other side of Lily with his arm on her shoulder, nodded in recognition to her before turning forward to the camera. Marlene was next to Remus, her arms around the necks of both him and Sirius. Dorcas was behind Asteria, wrapping her arms around her neck, their faces squishing against each other. And Peter was next to Sirius, his arm behind the boy as Sirius did the same.

Asteria turned her head to Remus who was beside her. Sucking in a breath, she gathered up enough courage to reach down and hold his hand. The boy flinched a bit before wrapping his hand on hers, clasping their fingers together as the both of them smiled widely at the camera that James's mom was holding.

The flash was enough to crate splotched of dots invade her vision but it was worth it. The picture came out beautiful, immortalizing the moment forever. It was proof that they were there, in the huge castle hidden in Scotland. They walked there, studied there, made memories there. The eight of them.

Asteria smiled at hers and Remus's hands. It was almost invisible with the crowd but she it was the only thing she could focus on.

By the time it was all done and majority of the students have gone home, Remus and Asteria stayed behind. Imogen and Louis already took time to explore around the school grounds.

When they were already in a distance, Asteria could faintly hear her friend exclaim, "Imogen they have a lake!" She chuckled lightly with Remus following in suite.

Once they got back, they smiled gratefully at Remus for keeping their friend company. "Ready to go?" Louis asked.

Asteria nodded her head before turning to Remus, "I guess I need to go now."

The boy nodded his head, "it seems so." He engulfed her in a hug, "goodbye Asteria."

"Goodbye Remus," she whispered back, her face nuzzled on his chest before the both of them pulled away. "Don't forget to write, okay?"

Remus chuckled, "of course."