we were out of our chambers, long past curfew,

sprawled on the cold stone floor of the tower as the unforgiving winter wind

ripped our ribcages open.

stars like angelic fireflies hung above our heads

fallen warriors forever painted in the sky

a reminder of who they were, what they've done for us

and the moon never shone brighter

the paper blush of a young maiden

relishing in the undivided attention she received

"that's sirius ─ "

"your brother, right? i believe he graduated last summer, when we were in our sixth year?"

"yes."

"when you were children, how did you and sirius get along?"

i scooted closer to you

frozen rain hitting my skin.

"i was his shadow, gawking at the strange songs he sang that our mother forbidden and i remember how brave he seemed when skipping slippery rocks that littered frozen rivers. what about you?"

your voice was now weak yet silken, draped in the veil of nostalgia, honey soaked words tumbling down your tongue.

"we shared strawberry lollipops and he liked braiding crowns of violets in my hair. i still remember how tall xen used to be, how he reached the ripest peaches glowing golden in his hands."

"and now?"

"now we are alone."

"but we can be alone together."