Song:
Nothing New (Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers)
"And I can feel time moving. How can a person know everything at 18 but nothing at 22?"
"You look beautiful."
"I'm aware." Callisto stated dryly, extending her arm behind her back to zip up her dress. Remus' expression fell at that. He always zipped up her dresses, or buttoned her shirts, and now she was doing it on her own. He liked the intimacy of it, how he would kiss her shoulder or collar bones after helping her out, but he couldn't do that anymore. It was yet another way for her to ignore him, always limiting herself at the most basic interactions.
"Do you know what time you'll be back?"
"Sometime." She vaguely answered checking through her bag one more time.
"Listo, I-"
She just exited the bedroom, making Remus curse under his breath. He reluctantly got out of the bed and followed her in the living room, dread filling him as he thought of all the ways she could blow him off yet again.
"Can we please be mature?"
"Why? Do you want to insult my friends again?" Callisto asked. "I don't have anything to say to you."
"I'm just trying to protect you." Remus defended. "Even if Narcissa isn't bad, the people there are Death eaters. That doesn't change."
"You find no issue with me going on missions like that, so what's the problem now?"
"You know I hate it when you go on missions." Remus argued. "You're putting yourself in unnecessary danger right now."
"Everything is dangerous now." She retorted. "You can't expect me to pause my fucking life just because of the war. My friend is getting married, I'm going to go there."
"At this point you're asking to get in trouble."
"At this point you're asking for a fucking fight."
"It's better than having you ignore me for a week straight!"
"Because you're wrong about them!" Callisto exclaimed angrily. "You don't even know them, why are you judging them?!"
"Because you can't see the fucking obvious!"
"Spare me the bullshit." Callisto coldly said, picking her bag from the table. "I'm leaving."
Remus didn't say anything, his jaw clenching.
"Don't expect me home tonight."
~ ~ ~
"Should I put a darker lipstick on?" Narcissa asked, slapping the bridesmaid's hand away. The girl held the lipstick between her fingers, waiting awkwardly for Callisto to answer.
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"Obviously."
"Okay, this is fine." She stated, motioning for the girl to continue applying the lipstick. When she was done, Narcissa stood up, smiling as she touched the fabric of the wedding dress.
"Careful not to smear your makeup." Callisto said as she took it off the hanger, opening the door to the bathroom. "Call me if you need any help."
Narcissa snickered, "Getting dressed?"
"Wedding dresses are a pain in the ass, Black." Callisto murmured. "Trust me, I know."
"Yes, everyone remembers your failed wedding, Claire." Narcissa teased. "Can't wait for the successful one..."
"What successful one?"
"With Lupin, of course." Narcissa smiled. The genuine happiness behind her words only managed to anger Callisto more at Remus. There he was, completely insulting her friend, when she was rooting for him in her absolute state of ignorance. "Is he here?"
"Eh... no."
"I told you to invite him." Narcissa frowned. "Both him and Sirius."
"They couldn't come." Callisto murmured, with an apologetic smile. "Remus is caught up with work, and Sirius had to-"
"He didn't want to come." Narcissa interjected, her expression falling ever so slightly. "Sirius did not want to be at my wedding."
"It's not because of you."
"That's alright." The woman forced a smile, taking her dress in her arms. "I'll go change and you should probably take a break... I'll see you for final touch ups."
"Call me if you need anything."
Narcissa nodded and disappeared in the small bathroom, leaving Callisto behind alone in the room with the bridesmaid. They exchanged a look, the girl's friendly smile being met by absolute dismissal as Callisto walked out the room, closing the door shut behind her.
"What's gotten your panties in a twist?"
She slightly jumped at the sound, turning around only to be met with Tobias Nott. He was dressed up to match the occasion, his tie being the only thing out of place. He looked more tired than she could remember him, his pupils dilated.
"Fix your tie."
"You mean fix my untied." He cheekily said. "It's not tied, therefore, it's not a tie, so, you see where I'm going with this."
"No, I stopped paying attention the moment you didn't do as I said."
"Ouch." Tobias murmured, shaking his head. "You didn't answer my question."
"Because your question was completely inappropriate." Callisto stated. "Stop prying."
"Seeing as you know my dirty little secrets, it's only fair I learn yours."
"What secrets?"
Tobias smirked, "That I'm a Deatheater and that I killed Brown, to name a few. I bet you were scared when you saw us in the pub..."
Callisto looked him up and down, "Yes, almost pissed my pants."
"Careful, Claire. There's some weird ass motherfuckers lurking around here." He tsked. "You should be glad I'm not into that."
"Yes, you're into Regulus, not me." Callisto smoothly said. "No matter how much you try to make it seem as if you want to fuck me."
It was his time to be stunned, the overconfident, arrogant facade breaking as if she had thrown a sledgehammer to a mirror. Callisto almost let out a laugh at his dumbfounded expression, his dark brown eyes filled with fear.
"What's wrong, Tobias?" She teased. "Are you scared that I know?"
"How?"
"I'm not an idiot." She stated, as they both made their way to the venue. "The only thing your 'flirting' managed to do was anger my boyfriend."
"Yes, that was part of the plan." Tobias smoothly said. "The other part of the plan was not having anyone suspect my little crush. Although, if you offered, I wouldn't say no."
Callisto ignored the last part of his answer, "Complete failure by the way. You might as well write it on your forehead."
"I can't have that." He sighed, his stress now evident as more and more people took their seats in the venue. "My parents are here. They can't suspect anything."
Callisto rolled her eyes, "Just don't talk to Regulus in public."
"It's not that." He hissed, his gaze fixed on an old couple seated on the second row. "I don't have a fucking date."
"So what?"
"All the others do, Claire, open your damn eyes."
"Then find someone and get off my back." Callisto retorted. "And fix your tie!"
" I don't know how to!"
"Are all men this useless?"
Tobias didn't say anything as Callisto quickly turned to face him and straightened his tie. He winced slightly as his neck forcefully bent down from the abrupt way she grabbed the two parts of the tie. Callisto didn't say anything as she tied it, turning back around.
That was only when she noticed the old couple looking at her curiously. She glanced up at Tobias, a sly smirk on his lips. He he nodded politely to the older man, as if he was acknowledging his attention. Roman Nott seemed pleased, despite not gesturing any further.
"I have a feeling they think we're dating."
"Unlike you, I can stand up to your mommy and your daddy." She calmly said. "Why should I go along with this?"
"Because I know something you don't." He hinted, the smirk never leaving his lips. It was obvious he was enjoying this. She hadn't expected him to be any less of an asshole even when he was depending on her help.
"And what is that?"
"You pretend to be my date for now, and I will tell you what he's planning for his next attacks."
Callisto's eyebrows furrowed, "Go on."
"He's taken an interest in some people." He explained. "Potter, because of his family and for sheltering Sirius. McKinnon because she's been causing some real fucking issues in the last two raids. That Mad-eye guy, for obvious reasons. Finally, the Longbottoms for capturing Hansen."
To say that she could clearly feel every heartbeat against her chest would be an understatement. Yet, she remained completely neutral.
"We already know that, Nott."
They very much didn't.
"If that's all you have to give me, then you better find someone else to kiss Roman's ass."
"Lupin, for some ungodly reason." Callisto bit down on her tongue. "And Sirius, but that's only natural, I suppose."
"And me?"
Tobias gasped, "My, my... how selfish."
"Your dad's watching, Nott." Callisto reminded him, sending a polite smile to the man observing them like a hawk. "Have they mentioned me?"
"It's like you don't even exist." He admitted. "Only Snape has mentioned you once or twice, but who cares about him anyway? It's rather surprising your name hasn't come up, especially since you're all lovey dovey with Lupin. Greyback has an aneurysm every time someone mentions him, it's rather funny to watch."
"Greyback the werewolf?"
He nodded, "If they get their hands on him, you might want to keep him away during the full moon."
"That's fucked up."
"Anything more you'd like to know?"
"What's your mother's name?"
"Tamara."
"Let's go get introduced to the fucking in-laws then."
~ ~ ~
Callisto tried to put all the new information to the back of her head and enjoy the wedding. She had taken her place next to the bridesmaids, telling herself that having fun at the wedding was the best she could do at that moment.
Lucius was beaming in his tailored suit, his blonde hair slicked back in a low ponytail. Neither Regulus nor Tobias had made the final cut to be one of his groomsmen, not that they minded. They were sitting in the front row, waiting patiently for Narcissa to come out.
The doors burst open and she walked in, her arm linked with her father's. She had an unusual smile on her lips, full of happiness as she strolled down the narrow aisle and got up the three steps to take her place next to Lucius.
It was a beautiful ceremony, she had to admit that much. Everyone seemed to be happy for the newly-weds, or at least they pretended really well, and as per Narcissa's request, there were no discussions about the war. It was a breath of fresh air in all the chaos, a much needed break for all sides.
"So, you grew up with your aunt?" Callisto nodded. "How was that?"
"My aunt did a great job." She briefly responded, sipping some of her champagne. Tamara mimicked her gesture, only to be stopped as Roman took the glass out of her reach.
"You're a year older than Tobias, right?" The woman continued, not minding her husband's gesture too much.
"Yes." She answered. "I met him through Narcissa."
"What are you occupied with at the moment?"
"I'm training to become a healer." Close enough... "I've taken an apprenticeship and I plan to work at St. Mungo's, if it is permitted."
Roman nodded. Tobias relaxed visibly next to her.
"I have read in a few articles that you're part of the research committee." Callisto stated. "What is that like? I assume it's a lot of work."
"You'd be correct." He answered. "Unfortunately, there are some disagreements among the members. We're hoping that common sense will prevail."
"In terms of...?"
"Who's allowed to publish potions." Roman completed. "It is simply irrational to think mudbloods, or even half-breeds, have the knowledge to produce a new potion. They are simply not adept enough to compare with someone that has the magic of both parents flowing in their blood by birth, in addition to being raised in a magical environment."
Callisto just nodded, not saying anything more.
"It is the same thing with females." He continued. "I would expect Tamara to be able to recreate a potion accurately, but create a new one? It is a sign of lack of care for the family, if someone can spend as much time on a project."
It was Tamara's turn to just nod, not saying anything more.
"Being a healer is a noble profession, Callisto." Roman stated. "But, I suggest you focus on making your own family, now that you are young and good-looking."
"You know better, after all." She hummed with a smile, the tinge of sarcasm in her voice making Tobias pale and Tamara smirk. Thankfully, Roman didn't seem to notice.
"I assume you have received your NEWTs." Tamara swiftly changed the topic. "Were your results what you expected?"
Callisto smirked.
"So and so..."
"It won't bite your finger off." Remus cheekily said, taking the folder from her hands. "Here, let me open it for you, Miss Drama."
"I'm not dramatic, this is scary!"
"Callisto." He sternly said, opening the folder and taking out the paper. He skimmed through the contents, a smile etching on his lips as he reached the end, and looked at her.
"Is it bad?"
He just handed her the paper, resting his head on her shoulder as she went through it. She let out the breath she was holding, her heart thumping so hard against her chest she felt lightheaded.
"I got an A."
"You got 3 Os, an A and two Es." He stated. "Do you know what that means?"
"No."
"No more DADA." He kissed the top of her head. "No more Transfiguration." Another kiss on her cheek. "No more Divinations." He kissed her jawline, pulling her closer to him. "No more Charms."
He kissed her neck, his breath hot as he whispered in her ear.
"Just Potions, Claire." He smiled. "I'm very proud of you."
"Would you like some more champagne?" Tobias asked, snapping her from her daze. Even when they were fighting, she didn't seem to be able to get Remus off her mind. "I can go get you another glass."
"No, thank you." She politely said. "I avoid drinking."
It took all of Tobias' will not to burst into laughter, masking his obvious amusement by drinking some of his own champagne. Callisto checked her watch, almost laughing in glee when she saw it was time for the speeches.
"Unfortunately, I must go give my speech." She stated, standing up. "It was really nice meeting you both."
"Us too, Callisto." Tamara smiled. "Tobias, please escort Callisto to her table."
"Of course." He nodded, standing up, and taking her hand. Without any second thoughts, they both walked away in silence, heading to the table where Narcissa was sitting. Tobias almost tripped over his own steps, making Callisto scoff.
"Stop staring at Regulus' ass and watch where you're going."
"They liked you."
"Aw, great, that means we can get married now!" She sarcastically remarked, resisting the urge to smack the back of his head. "Get your shit together, Nott."
"Merlin, woman, don't bite."
Callisto didn't say anything more, instead taking her seat down next to Regulus and Narcissa. He refused to acknowledge her, staring straight ahead of him with his lips forming a thin line and an annoyed expression in his eyes.
Callisto stayed silent as Lucius' best man gave his speech, Narcissa kicking her lightly under the table to signify it was her turn.
Callisto stood up, everyone's eyes turning on her, except for Regulus'.
He didn't look at her even when she mentioned him in her speech, jealousy bubbling in his chest. Regulus knew that the mere idea of feeling jealous about Callisto being with Tobias for the wedding was more than just irrational, but he didn't dwell too much on it. His eyes trailed over to where he was sitting, only for embarrassment to curse through him as he saw Tobias already looking at him.
Narcissa kicked him under the table, the sharp heel of her shoes making him wince slightly. His eyes met with hers and she glanced up at Callisto, who was giving her speech, not too bothered about the silent exchange behind her.
He could already hear what she wanted to say, even if she couldn't do so. It would be something along the lines of 'Who are you fooling by saying you don't care, when you're eyeing him right now like you want to smash his head on the table?'.
Very mature reaction.
"Narcissa, Lucius," Callisto finished, turning to look at them. "I wish you eternal happiness."
Narcissa stood up to hug her, tears in her blue eyes as she buried her head in Callisto's shoulder.
"Thank you." She murmured, wiping the stray tears away. "I love you, Callie."
"I love you too."
"How cute." Regulus murmured under his breath, both girls turning to glare at him.
"Lucius," Narcissa called, his head immediately turning to face her. "Mind talking with the guests alone for a bit?"
"No problem."
Narcissa smiled at her husband and took both Callisto's and Regulus' hands, heading to the exit of the venue. She motioned at Tobias, who reluctantly stood up and followed them outside to the garden.
Whether nobody was there under Narcissa's strict order or not, wasn't very clear. Yet, Callisto was thankful for the peace and silence. The thick, dark green vines were revolving around the marble columns, the scent of jasmine and night flowers spreading in the air.
"Is there a reason we're all gathered here?" Tobias asked, casually bending down and taking two bottles of champagne from behind the marble bench.
Narcissa's eyes narrowed, "I hope you paid for these yourself."
"Absolutely not." Tobias smirked, popping the first open. "I raise a toast to the bride, and to whatever the fuck she wants to say to all of us."
"Don't be a prick, Nott." Callisto scoffed, forcefully grabbing the second bottle from him. She could hear Remus' voice in her head, telling her to let the bottle down and instead come home, but she pushed it away. "You're not the only one that had a difficult day."
"Merlin, my father is such an ass..."
"No shit." Regulus stated, annoyance lacing his voice. "Get in line, Nott."
"Funny." Narcissa hummed, shaking her head. "Unlike all of you, my parents actually tolerate me."
"How do you get them to do that?" Callisto marvelled, taking a swig from the cold champagne. "It's extraordinary."
"Well," Narcissa began, sitting down on the bench. "I don't look like my disowned brother."
Regulus just nodded, and took the bottle Callisto handed him, taking his turn with the champagne.
"I also don't talk back to my father, I don't want to pursue a career as a painter and I actually have a stable relationship."
Tobias scoffed.
"And as for you," Narcissa said, turning to Callisto. "I was a very calm baby."
"I'll be damned..."
"I also don't poison people, I don't scrape my rings against their furniture just to ruin them and I didn't release a niffler in their bedroom."
"Well, that's fucking boring." Callisto retorted, smiling teasingly. "Can we stay out here?"
"Yes please." Narcissa sighed, leaning back on the wall. "My shoes are killing me."
"Take them off then." Regulus suggested, already loosening his tie. Narcissa did just as he said, relief obvious in her face as she let go of the high, tight heels.
"Have you all noticed we've never seen Claire without socks or shoes on?" Tobias hummed, shaking his head. "What are you hiding?"
"Are you asking to see my feet?" Callisto asked, mildly distraught.
"I'm just curious as to what you are hiding inside the abnormally long socks you wear." He explained. "Not a sexual thing..."
Callisto just patted Regulus to the back, "Good luck with this one, Reg."
"Yeah, that was weird." Regulus murmured, frowning. "How the fuck have we never seen you barefoot?"
"Everyone was wearing their cute open toed heels at graduation, except for you." Narcissa accused. "What is wrong with your feet? Hell, do you even have feet?"
"Are you all fucking serious right now?"
Regulus and Narcissa looked like they were about to be sick.
"No, we're all accusing you of having fucking...tentacles, or something else instead of feet." Tobias answered, waving his bottle around. "I need to know whether I introduced my parents to a squid, or an alien..."
"Are you Satan?" Regulus inquired accusingly, his eyes narrowed. "Someone told me he has tentacles, and you're evil, so that's a perfectly logical assumption."
"I'm not a squid, or-or an alien!" Callisto exclaimed, her cheeks flushing red. "Not Satan either!"
Narcissa scoffed, "That's exactly what a squid, or an alien, or Satan would say, don't you think?"
"No!"
"Well, I do." Narcissa continued. "I knew there was something off about you the day we went swimming and you had your socks on."
"Has Lupin even seen you without socks on?"
Callisto just stammered a long line of "what" and "I", her cheeks growing hotter by the second.
"He hasn't?!" Regulus exclaimed, his eyebrows furrowing in shock. "Socks stay on when you fuck?!"
"At least I get action!" Callisto blurted out defensively.
"Yes, we know." Narcissa stated dryly, referring to all the times she had found the dorm locked, or had awkwardly greeted Remus as he left the dorm. "Now, can we please get on to what I actually called you all here for?"
"I had forgotten about that...'' Tobias murmured, bringing the bottle to his lips. "Sure, Cissa."
"I am now married." She stated, her voice quivering slightly. "And as much as I am happy, because I really do love him, they have different expectations now."
"What do you mean?"
"Things are changing for me, and I have a really bad feeling that I can't shake off..." She trailed off, her voice somber. "I heard you're both going to be sent on missions now and, Callisto, they won't allow me to see you once they understand you've betrayed your blood."
"But, I'm your maid of honor." Callisto said, confusion overcoming her. "If that was the issue, I wouldn't have been here."
"This is my wedding." Narcissa stated definitively. "I wouldn't allow anyone to mess with that. The day is soon coming to its end though, and I don't know when I'll ever see either of you..."
"I'm your cousin."
"You're a Deatheater first." It was the truth, but it still stung him. "Your loyalty is to him, and him only. They don't care about families."
Callisto scoffed, "So, what now? We just part ways as if nothing happened? As if we're fucking strangers?"
"Narcissa's not wrong." Regulus tried to reason, only to be met by her glare.
"I don't care, Regulus!" She retorted angrily. "We could never just become strangers, don't you see? We all know too much about each other, to pretend that we're ever going to manage to take separate ways!"
They all knew what she was talking about, the accusation in her eyes was clear as day as she looked at him and Tobias. Narcissa didn't want to meet her gaze, instead looking away.
"I know Nott killed him. I know it was Regulus' task. I know Narcissa knew all along about the attack. You all know I was there, and what I did. For fuck's sake, you all know I covered for you!"
Her voice was merely above a whisper, the fear to be heard overcoming any feeling of anger. They were all guilty of doing something completely forbidden, just to protect each other. It made sense for Callisto, Regulus and Narcissa; they had bonded over something even they didn't understand. But Nott? They weren't friends, Callisto didn't see as someone she could trust until she realized that with the knowledge she had, she could either hate him, or treat him as one of their own.
After all, he was protecting Regulus. He had earned their respect fair and square.
"You can't expect me to pretend I never knew you, when I have to look into Sirius' eyes every single day, while knowing I'm the reason Ares' killers aren't in Azkaban."
She let out a laugh; a laugh so haunting, it only solidified her words.
"In a sense, we all killed him."
"You're not to blame." Narcissa stated. "You didn't know..."
"We all killed him, Narcissa." She repeated. "He shot the fucking curse, but we all did it."
"Perhaps then, it's even better if we part ways." Regulus coldly said. "Our loyalties lie with each other, but our sides are opposite. The way things are, we'll never be safe unless we see things the way they do, just in black and white."
"If I see an Order member, Claire, do you know what I'm supposed to do?" Tobias asked, ignoring the alcohol burning his throat. "Capture you, bring you the headquarters, torture you in every possible way, until you're dry of information. And then, I'm supposed to kill you."
He paused for a moment.
"Instead, I fucking gave you intel, so that you can trick my parents into thinking I have finally turned into the son they always wanted." He laughed. "Funny thing is, I would have told you anyway, because his brother is in danger."
Regulus stayed silent.
"And your boyfriend is about to become dinner for Greyback!" He exclaimed. "This is dangerous. This, is a fucking deathwish, because the moment Lupin disappears and Black fights back, they'll put the pieces together, and do you know what's going to happn then?"
"What?" Narcissa asked, panic evident in her voice as she turned to face Regulus. Lucius hadn't told her about that. In fact, nobody had. "What is he talking about?!"
"We're all dead..."
"We're all fucking dead." He confirmed. "So, yes, we shouldn't have to go back to strangers, but we will. Otherwise, we might as well come clean about our sins and let those who play God punish us."
"I can't hurt you."
"We can't hurt you either, no matter what." Narcissa promised. "But this can't go on. Callisto, we're all hanging by a thread..."
"Don't tell me they don't mind you being friends with us." Regulus had hit head right on the nail. "I don't like it either, but we have no choice."
It was the second time Callisto would think of the time they'd have together, only that now, it wasn't because one of them was being dragged into darkness. There was no turning back now, they had reached the tipping point.
So, she nodded, her finger tracing the rim of the bottle.
"Let's make those last few hours count then." The words felt bitter on her tongue, the sense of deja vu almost overpowering her. "We have all the misery in the world in front of us, what harm would it do?"
It was Regulus' turn to smile bitterly, as if he knew this was the last time he would see her,
"No harm at all."
~ ~ ~
"Don't expect me home tonight."
That didn't stop him from pacing up and down the small apartment, unable to shake off her memory, or at least her words. It was almost four in the morning and she was still out, in the middle of a war and right into the Deatheaters' den of all places. He had gone to James', hoping she'd be home when he came back, but he was met with the same coldness that seemed to reign whenever she was away.
The unmistakable sound of the key fitting snugly in the lock and twisting was what made him stop on his tracks, one hand reaching for the wand in his pocket. He visibly relaxed when Callisto came in, the stench of alcohol immediately hitting him as she messily closed the door.
"You're back."
"M'sorry." She murmured, letting her keys on the table. Her makeup was smudged around her bloodshot eyes, and she was shaking slightly. She immediately fell into his arms, Remus bringing her closer to him as they swayed slightly in silence.
"You did nothing wrong..." He whispered, stroking her hair. "I should have trusted you about them. They're your friends."
"They can't be anymore." She blurted out, hot tears rolling down her cheeks. "Please, Remus, let's just leave... I-I can't anymore..."
"Let's just get you to sleep and we can talk about it in the morning, okay?"
"I'm so tired of being afraid." She whispered, clutching the fabric of his shirt even tighter with her fists. "I can't lose you too..."
"You won't lose me, baby." He murmured, kissing the top of her head. "Never."
"Promise me."
"I promise, you'll never lose me."
"Promise me you won't leave me alone."
"I promise, Listo." He swore, looking down at her. He wiped the tears on her cheeks with his thumb, pecking her lips softly.
"Call Sirius..." She slurred, rubbing her forehead tiredly. "Tell him to... tell him to go to James' tonight."
Remus frowned.
"Why?"
"Please." She whispered, shaking her head. "I'm so tired, Remus, just-just tell him to go to... to James' for tonight, please."
Whether he did as she said because he was actually alarmed, or because it was the only way the terrified look would leave her blue eyes, he didn't really know. She only relaxed after she heard Sirius promise he would go to James', letting her head fall on top of Remus' chest.
At that moment, she was thankful for her dazed state, because it made her appreciate the warmth of his body close to hers even more.
She just prayed she'd never have to wake up without him next to her.
~ ~ ~
I'm sorry :(