We Will Shine {Book 6 in the Star of Gryffindor Series}

Chapter 24 - Broken Again

Before we get to the story, I wanted to put a quick trigger warning here. I'll put details at the bottom of this chapter, beginning of the author's note, just so I don't spoil anything, but check that if you think something might possible be triggering to you.

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~Wren~

Zaria was arguing with someone when Nico and I got to her apartment. I didn't see who, because they were in a different room, but it sounded like Magnus. We heard angry voices that shushed at the sound of the door closing behind us.

Nico smirked at the closed door. "Trouble in paradise, you think? Maybe she's done with Caldwell."

I shook my head and walked past him to the kitchen. You couldn't pay me to get involved in their business. I ignored the low murmurs from the other room and Nico's stifled laughter. At least if they were mad at each other, they might leave us alone. Or at least me, the one who wasn't openly mocking them.

Nico reported first, and he was with Stillens for a long time. I sat on the bench across the hall, fiddling with my sleeve. I was half expecting Zaria to turn the corner and try to hurt me, even though I knew that was a ridiculous fear. She was definitely mad about us having to clean up her mess, but she wasn't stupid. She actually had a life outside tormenting me, obviously, and was very busy making someone else miserable. Besides, if she was going to do anything, she'd wait until we got back to her apartment.

Finally, Nico came out of the office, and I went in. Last time I'd reported, I'd been able to avoid the subject of James Potter, because we'd had news about Zaria. Unfortunately, I didn't have a distraction today.

"I hear that you've managed to cut yourself off from your friends?" Stillens asked, his voice cold.

I sighed. "Just James Potter. I'm back on good terms with the rest of them."

"Why don't you tell me what happened?" Stillens asked. There was an edge to his voice, and it was all I could do not to wince.

"He got mad at me over something stupid. I think I might've forgotten to tell him I was studying, and he couldn't find me." I shrugged. "He got angry, and broke up with me, and dragged Lestrange into it." He raised an eyebrow, and I quickly added, "Lestrange is over it, now."

Stillens frowned. "That is not good."

"I... I'm working on it."

"Good." He leaned back in his seat, and I tried to keep from fidgeting. "This is unacceptable. It is very important that you stay on good terms with James Potter."

"Why?" I asked. "Is he important?"

"He owns something important," Stillens said. "I believe you know what that is."

"Oh. The Cloak."

"Exactly." Stillens tapped his fingers across the desk. "He could also be useful himself, though, I think. Anger can translate into power very well. There is a reason I keep Zaria Hempsey and Magnus Caldwell around, despite their failings."

I forced myself not to react to any of that. "I'll get back on good terms with him."

"Good." He watched me for a moment. "Anything else?"

"Just..." I couldn't help bringing it up. "I was wondering about what's been happening to Astra Lestrange, lately? She threw a trash can at a professor."

"I'm aware."

After a second, I realized he wasn't going to continue. "I don't really know how to react to it."