𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐚 || 𝘳.𝘢.𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬

049. secrets and lies

"I had sex with Sirius fucking Black!" Maria whisper yells and Alyssa swallows awkwardly.

"Oh."

"And, I have no idea what to do." Maria breathes, running both her hands through her brunette locks that become slightly disheveled after.

"Maybe. . .don't bring it up in front of Stanley." Alyssa says, stabbing a piece of bacon with her golden fork. "He'll end up unintentionally spilling it to Reg, who. . .would not take it well."

"He doesn't own me." Maria rolls her eyes and Alyssa holds her hands up in defence.

"Hey—I'm just telling you the hard truth."

"Yeah, thank you." Maria says softly before the distant squawks of owls are heard from above before dozens of owls come soaring into the Great hall, each holding packages or letters. Maria spots the brown barn owl and smiles when Benny lands on her shoulder, giving him a treat as he loosens the grip on the letters in his beak and she gently strokes his white chest before the owl hoots and takes off — presumably up towards the owlery to rest after his long journey.

Maria sighs and tears open one of the letters, unfolding the parchment inside. She sees the familiar handwriting of James Potter.

Hi Mar,

I hope you're okay, me and the others have been holding up pretty well all things considered. I'm pretty sure Peter is completely terrified of what might come in the future, but Lily told him to cross that bridge when he comes to it. Still, I'm sure he's just worried for his Mum.

Me and Lily are good like really good, I was thinking and we've been together for almost a year now and I really want marry her. As soon as possible, because well, if we die tomorrow, at least we'll be bound together you know?

Anyway, enough with the soppy eugh stuff. How's Hogwarts? I heard it's mental this year, kids being sent home at their parents requests and shit, keep us updated, please.

I miss you,

Love James.

Maria sighs, scratching her nose slightly as if it might hold back her sadness and homesickness towards her older brother. But, it doesn't.

On the back of the next letter, she notices Sirius' scratchy yet impeccably nest handwriting and almost just performs a spell to have the stone ground of the hall swallow her whole and never to be spoke about again.

Maria,

I'm sorry for not writing sooner, I was actually kinda scared of what you might reply  or if you'd even respond at all.

But—look, with everything that's going on I can't stand to be like this with you, I just want you to know that whatever you felt for me I know you feel more for my brother, and that's completely fine seriously.

Just, please write back to me. I cannot sit here not knowing if you're hurt or something interesting has happened.

Also, Remus and Peter want to know whether any new pranksters have moved into the school, of course they'll be like amateurs compared to us when we started but at least they could bring some fun to the school.

Is it really as bad as people are making it out to be?

I can't imagine how you feel, not knowing any more than the prophet decides to tell you, it's a pretty shitty deal if you ask me. But, when you let us know you're alive, I'll keep you posted on everything.

Hope you're okay,

Sirius.

Maria sighs, folding both letters back into one of the envelopes.