A Star For You

Fifteen

After changing, the two walked together to the Great Hall, taking their time. When they arrived at the entrance, Estelle reached over and grabbed his hand. He flinched but then squeezed her hand gently. They both took a breath and walked in together, though they didn't remain holding hands. Estelle frowned slightly at this inability to be open about him but it vanished as quickly as it appeared. They walked up to the professors table normally, not drawing any attention to themselves. Estelle was smiling the whole way, many students stared at her questionably. They wondered if she knew who she was walking with at that moment and wondered why she would look so happy for. 

Then Elio walked in while the two had just sat down, holding Neville's hand. Elio was grinning like mad, his head raised high and laughing while Neville's whole round face started to glow red like the remembrawl he had gotten years ago during his first year here at Hogwarts. He tried to avoid everyone's stares while Elio was basking in it. When the pair reached the high table, Estelle couldn't help but stare at their hands that were together. She blinked, things suddenly clicking even further than they did after their conversation a few days ago.

So this is what he meant when he said he had people he loved who he wanted to protect. Not just because Neville was his friend but Neville was his lover. After things suddenly becoming clear, Estelle couldn't help but smile at her brother and Neville, truly happy for them. She put aside her negative feelings about the whole Severus situation for a second and let her brother have his moment. Elio caught Estelle smiling and hesitantly smiled back, his smile growing wider when he realized and knew his sister was happy for him. He knew they were fighting right now but right now, this moment, meant so much to him. 

"Afternoon, sis." Elio beamed, as he grabbed food. Students in the Great Hall were still whispering and pointing at the professors table, all curious and surprised at what they had just seen. They ignored it thought, acting as if nothing was wrong or out of place. Elio was wearing a light green turtleneck with a cream coloured wool sweater over top with grey trousers. His hair was messy as usually and he was wearing his glasses. He looked extremely happy even if he was the topic of the castle as this moment.

Estelle smiled back at him, "Good afternoon Eli; Neville." She glanced at Neville beside him, his face still red from the moment he walked into the Great Hall holding Elio Beauregard's hand. But he managed to squeak out a good afternoon, not looking whatsoever at the students' stares and points. 

She laughed, going back to eating. She felt incredibly happy for her brother, as well as Neville. When she had glanced at them while she ate and after they arrived, they had such love in their eyes it was overwhelming. They looked truly happy to finally be open rather than hidden away for so long. This made Estelle happy since as long as she could remember, Elio was either with her or alone. 

 After finishing, Estelle decided she needed some fresh air so she went to the astronomy tower. Severus had some potions to brew, for one of his upcoming lessons, so they parted for now. She arrived, breathing in the chilly but fresh air as she usually did. 

She looked out at the view and sighed a sigh. She closed her eyes, humming while she did so. She was feeling quite peaceful and happy for the first time in awhile and she had no idea why. Maybe it was because Elio and how he was able to share something he loved like that in the open. As this dawned on her though, her heart tinged in jealously. She knew if she ever did something like that with Severus, it would be far worse than just silly whispers and curiosity. Suddenly, her thoughts getting distracted, she felt something ruffle in one of her pockets in her dress and glanced down. She reached in and a little note was in there. She grabbed it and opened it, gasping out loud. 

It was from Severus and it read, "Nice tattoo, miss shooting star." 

She dropped the note, her face red. She tried looking at her back but she knew it was impossible, trying for nothing. She put her head in her hands, her face on fire. She had completely and utterly forgotten that she had a tattoo and that Severus could see it. He had seen it. Even her brother Elio had no idea she had one...