I know, I know. I'm the worst ever. Long eight months without an update, but here I am. I told you guys I wouldn't be abandoning this fic, no matter how long I take to post it. I just have one thing to say: Author's block really sucks. Writing the beginning of this chapter was easy, but some things happened in my life that completely took all of my inspiration away. I would try to write and I didn't get more than a few words. It was really frustrating! I'm happy to say I'm back and that the next chapter won't take too long to be posted.

Thanks to everyone that still reads this and, again, I'm sorry for leaving you waiting like this. ;)


DISCLAIMER: Don't own anything except Charlotte, Isabelle and eventual OCs.

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Chapter 11: Ghosts of our past

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"Potter!"

"Sirius!"

The laughter was interrupted when two fuming girls came marching from the castle and headed over to the four boys that were contently sitting under a tree. Said boy looked up from the strange piece of parchment in his hands and noticed both the girl he liked and one of his best friends fixing them with a glare.

Why would that be?

Their uniforms had been charmed. The skirts, unlike the usual knee length it used to have, were now stopping by their mid-thigh, showing off a lot more of skin than it was permitted—or they were used to. Not to mention their shirts were uncomfortably tight at their chest.

It was pointless to say the two got a more than a few looks – mostly from the boys, unsurprisingly – from the moment they stepped out of their dormitory. And before one can ask, the duo even tried to find a spare uniform, but it seemed like they all but vanished like magic. Pun intended.

In the end, they had no choice but to leave their room, faces red with anger and minds planning revenge. Evidently, they knew who was the culprit, and he would pay—they would.

"Lily-Flower! Bells! What a delightful surprise!"

James raised up from the ground, stretching his arms in a welcoming manner, a mischievous smirk lifting at the corner of his mouth as his hazel eyes trailed up and down their figures. "Hmm…there's something different about you—did you cut your hair?"

In response to his mocking tone, Isabelle grasped one of the backpacks on the ground – recognizing it as James' (even better) – and hurled it at the boy, aiming at his head, although he dodged just in time, making it hit the tree and bounce back to the grass.

"Do you think this is funny?" She pointed to her clothes, narrowing her eyes at him.

By the snickers she heard coming from the other boys behind James, she knew they were very much amused with the situation. He fixed his glasses with his forefinger, trying not to grin or laugh, but failed miserably.

"I don't know what you mean, Bells… right, Padfoot?" He spoke with an innocent face, nudging his friend's knee with his foot, before changing it to a contemplative one. "I love the change in the wardrobe, by the way."

That's when Lily snapped.

The red-head flung herself at him, ready to strangle his neck—it did nothing but amuse him even further, if that was possible.

"Your arrogant toe-rag!" Her hands slapped him repeatedly on his chest while he tried to avoid the blows coming from the furious sixth-year girl. And if someone looked quick enough they would miss the hurt flashing in his eyes that was gone in a second, before he schooled his expression into one of indifference. Everyone – and literally every single person- in the whole Hogwarts knew about the infatuation James had for Lily Evans. He made his feelings pretty clear their first year and had been asking her out ever since.

And was rejected on every occasion.

It wasn't a pleasant sight at all. His friends felt bad for him because they could see how much James liked the girl and how it hurt him every time she said no—worst of all when she insulted him like she just did. Sure, he could be immature at times, and she even had reasons to scream at him when he acted like an idiot.

Did that make it hurt any less?

Well…no.

So whenever that happened, James Potter simply put on a smiley face, pretending that everything was alright. But it wasn't. His friends could see it.

Isabelle saw right through him. And even though she was mad at him, he was still one of her best friends—regardless of him always making a completely fool out of himself or getting on her nerves most of the times.

Sighing in an attempt to lessen her annoyance, the brunette seized Lily's elbows and, with some difficulty because her friend was trying to get free, dragged her away from James.

"…. you landed us in detention, Potter! Again!"

"Lily—enough…it's okay." She had to admit. Her best friend was one strong girl because she had to use a lot of her own strength to keep her from attacking James again. Yet, she didn't release her hold.

"What-why? Look at what he's done—"

"Not the first time, Lily" Rolling her eyes, she recalled every other embarrassing situation they had to suffer because of the boys. "Besides, he not the only one at fault here. Relax."

"But—"

There was a bark like laugh coming from the dark-haired boy next to James.

"Yeah, Evans. Relax." He mocked the brunette. "What's got your wand in a knot?"

Before the girl, who had turned as red as her hair in rage, could even retort or think about punching that stupid smirk of his out of his face, someone – as in the other mad girl beside her – had pushed past her and the others and stopped right in front of Sirius, and didn't even bother when he offered her what was meant to be a charming smile.

"'ello, love"

He attempted to say more, but Isabelle quickly grabbed a chunk of his dark hair and pulled it, making him jump right on the spot hissing in pain. Not even giving him time to utter a single word, the girl, with one strong pull, brought Sirius to his feet and dragged him to stand right next to James.

Behind them, Peter let out what he thought was a low snicker, though everyone heard—the brunette fixed him with a glare that promised that he would be next if he didn't keep quiet. He gulped and scurried to hide behind the last boy's figure.

Remus sighed and shook his head.

His friends were such dimwits. No wonder they were always getting on the girls' nerves.

For years, he watched as Sirius and James tried to impress them, but making a completely fool out of themselves was the only thing they ever achieved. Not to say that they were shallow and stupid—far from that actually. Behind the whole 'I-don't-care-about-anything' front they put on when around everyone else, the boys were really smart – although they weren't the best at classes like Remus himself – and they were the greatest friends one could have.

They stuck by Remus through everything—even after they came to know of his werewolf nature, his friends, never once, made him feel a dangerous beast. In fact, they went great lengths to help him through his transformation, spending three years hiding the fact they were trying to become an Animagus just to be able to keep him company on every full moon.

Sirius, James and Peter were the very definition of friends for life.

Not everybody saw it that way, unfortunately.

In their eyes, Sirius and James especially, were nothing but a pair of troublemakers with an ego bigger than their heads—from time to time causing ruckus around the castle like the attention-seeking prats everyone saw them as, having no regard for people's feelings whatsoever.

They never bothered to correct them, though. Remus wondered why his friends wanted to be viewed as such.

The boy scoffed silently to himself, recalling all the moments in their dorm with James and Sirius whining about how Belle and Lily didn't show any interest like the rest of the other girls did—the way the boys were interested in them.

No one could say it was really a surprise, because even if they wished to say something nice or smart for once, whenever the two girls were around they simply turned into retards, spilling whatever thoughts were running through their heads—Thus they tended to say something stupid that made Lily walk away from them, Belle not taking long to roll her eyes at them before following her friend.

Obviously, the brunette couldn't stay mad at them for long—not because she was the kind of girl to 'forgive and forget', but usually because she always did something to payback. Remus was only grateful that the others were her target, most of the times because he'd never dare to prank her like his friends did.

Isabelle could be quite frightening when she wanted to be, though she had a big heart and not counting all the times she was in a rampage mood, she was kind and a great listener.

Perhaps that was the reason why the werewolf boy was so comfortable around her—not that he wasn't with James, Sirius and Peter. It was just…different.

No. He didn't have feelings for her like that, even with the number of people pointing so, or asking if the two of them were in a relationship (Sirius got a look in his eyes like he just tasted something sour whenever he was around). That happened every single time he heard something of the sort, no matter that Remus himself assured him dozens of times that they were just friends.

In fact, Isabelle was way more than a friend, he thought.

Isabelle Selwyn was his little sister. Not by blood, of course. However, blood wasn't relevant to him.

He just had to remember Sirius.

Living in a house full of muggleborn hating people, whose nose were always so up in the air that it might even touch the ceiling. A prejudiced lot that did nothing but discourage and humiliate him throughout his entire life.

That was no family.

They shared blood, and yet, it did not count in the end.

So, yes… Isabelle was his sister like the boys were his brothers.

She was the first to discover his secret, even if the girl kept quiet about it with him. She spent weeks trying to find a way to help him, getting frustrated whenever she couldn't find anything.

It was one night in midsummer that Remus found her hidden behind a pile of books on the floor, pieces of scribbled parchment scattered all around her. He was taken back when he noticed her appearance. Messy hair, disheveled clothes, dark bags under her eyes—she looked like she hadn't sleep for days, with the way her eyes fought not to shut close.

Isabelle was so distracted that she failed to notice him the moment he stepped closer to her hunched figure. She was too busy chewing her nails off and pulling her hair. Only when he coughed awkwardly she glanced up from the current book she was surveying.

To say she was surprised would be the understatement of the year.

Honestly, Remus could not fathom if he should be amused or worried about how she fidgeted under his gaze and hurriedly try to shove the papers inside her bag, greeting him as if nothing was wrong.

Not that Remus believed it one bit.

It took a while, but he managed to get the truth out of her.

She explained how she had put two and two together after the countless time he went missing whenever it was a full moon, constantly with the same excuse that his mother fell ill. It was enough to make her suspicious, but she thought it was something related to his mother, at first. However, it was difficult to find another answer because Remus looked sick whenever he left, and then he was back at Hogwarts, looking as good as new.

Having read about werewolves before, it wasn't long before she recognized the symptoms—much to her surprise, Isabelle didn't feel scared at all. She knew; however, how vicious and bloodthirsty werewolves were, yet her mind refused to see Remus as such.

Just the mere thought of the kindest boy she'd ever met, suffering every single full moon by himself, unable to do anything but wait for the excruciating pain of breaking bones as soon as the transformation began…it made her heart clench for poor Remus.

Her decision was made then.

She promised herself that she'd never stop until she found a way to help him—not matter what it took or the number of times that the boy himself tried to dissuade her after he figured it out what she was doing.

Even as time passed, her promise wasn't broken.

And Remus Lupin would be forever grateful for the marvelous opportunity he received as Isabelle Selwyn entered his life.

oOo

The Great Hall burst into a loud laughter as the door busted open and two boys came barging inside. That would be completely confusing if it wasn't for the fact that the duo was dripping wet, half-naked with only their underwear as a cover—underwear that had the face of the Headmaster glaring at everyone from their…behinds.

And if it wasn't enough already, the boys were, for the lack of another word—well…bald. Every strand of their otherwise perfect and shiny hair was missing from their heads. It wasn't a really pretty sight but a very humorous one.

From the teacher's table, Professor McGonagall's face contorted into a grim expression as she took into the improper vision of James Potter and Sirius Black standing amidst the hundreds of other students that were definitely oblivious as to the Head of Gryffindor getting up from her seat, her eyes full of wisdom hardening as she walked straight to the cause of ruckus.

"Looking good, Potter!"

"Hey, Sirius, loved the underwear!"

"Mr. Potter! Mr. Black! Would you do me the favor of explaining all of this?"

The Gryffindor boys drowned out the sneers and comments echoing around the room, as soon as the voice reached their ears, making them automatically tense for they felt the dark vibes coming from behind their backs.

Midst the laughing mass of students, Belle and Lily sat with the remaining Marauders—they were laughing their asses off, except for Remus, of course, who rolled his eyes, but nonetheless had a grin on his face. However, none was having more fun than Isabelle herself.

That should teach them not to mess with them again.

Her face was challenging as she fixed her bright eyes on their motionless figures, her chin resting on her hand, elbow propped on the table. When the three sets of eyes met each other, the girl waved cynically at them—only a fool wouldn't have noticed the pleased glint her eyes held. Belle was responsible for the whole thing… and she wanted them to know it.

"Minnie! You're looking strikingly exquisite this morning."

Professor McGonagall pursed her lips. After years of trying to make him stop calling her that, the Headmistress accepted that it wouldn't happen anytime soon, and simply started ignoring him each time. Though you could certainly see her jaw clenching as if she was stopping herself from swearing or hexing him into oblivion.

"Mr. Black, seeing that you're in a quite cheery mood, am I right to assume that you are responsible for this?"

Sirius stopped for a second, staring at Professor McGonagall before he threw a subtle glance at a specific spot on the Gryffindor table. Both the ginger girl and the chubby blond boy tensed—Lily thought she was a goner. He would tell their Headmistress who was responsible for it and only Merlin knows what McGonagall would do to them.

Turning to the sit beside her, the girl faced her best friend only to notice that Belle didn't seem worried at all—if anything, the brunette was trying to muffle her snickers by shoving a mouthful of pancakes down her throat.

Wasn't she worried that she would get in trouble for it?

Not really. In the end, she knew, the boys would take the blame for the scheme—they always did.

As she expected, Sirius shook his head a grin forming at the corner of his lips, and was probably formulating something in his head, however, James was faster, and just like his friend, was grinning. "Why, Professor… being the thoughtful, kind blokes we are, Sirius and I were just thinking that everything just seemed so gloom and doom around here—well, what better way to help than doing something extraordinary once in a while."

James was a bloody idiot.

The dark-haired boy standing at his side could not help but let an amused chuckle escape, even though he was fighting the urge to smack his friend over the head for saying something so ridiculous.

The Marauders – mostly James and Sirius- would do something to get on her nerves and she would retaliate by pranking them. Never once she got detention…not for being caught because of a prank, at least. That could easily be explained by the fact that, as not to admit defeat- especially to her-, the two gits would pretend to be the masterminds behind it, and so, being blamed in her place every time it happened…which was on a daily basis.

There would be a payback for that, she knew. It was a never-ending cycle. She was more than aware that there was absolutely no bloody way that Sirius and James would pass up any opportunity to prank someone—even if said someone was called Lily Evans or Isabelle Selwyn.

It didn't matter if she got revenge on them. In fact, they liked when she did. And to be honest, so did she.

She would be the first to admit the stupidity of all of it, nevertheless, it was the way they acted around each other. At first, it was completely annoying how they were most often than not trying to get under her skin. With time, it evolved into something of their own—not even Lily, her best friend, was a part of it.

An inside joke only they were aware of. And even if she had a desire to strangle them when they were behaving like morons, Belle was their friend.

She was a Marauder.

oOo

December 17th, 1977

"She finally said yes!"

As an automatic response to that, the chatter decreased until it reached a full stop, leaving only an awkward silence to fill the room. At once, dozens of pair of eyes went to where the voice came from, making them stop whatever they were doing just to watch an exhilarated Sirius strutting into the Common Room with a slight spring in his step—one hand tucked inside his front pocket while the other ran through his messy dark locks.

No one had to ask or, in reality, think twice of one single reason that would make Sirius Black, Hogwarts' heartthrob, behave like a complete nutcase.

Many of the spectators to the scene, who were mostly sixth and seventh years, merely rolled their eyes at his figure and were quick to dismiss it as being one more of the Marauder's drama start—ignore him altogether seemed a more plausible thing to do rather than continue listening to, what they were certain was, any gibberish the group of pranksters were about to sprout.

They had more than enough the last past years at Hogwarts doing their best to endure the boys annoyingly loud antics.

"Oy, Padfoot!"

The dark-haired boy answered his best friend's call with a contagious grin, before he carelessly plopped down on the armchair beside Peter, leaning nearly his entire weight on the other's shoulder—the blond squeaked as he found himself toppling sideward towards Remus direction.

Before he could think, Sirius was already pulling him back by the nape of his white uniform shirt. The werewolf boy spared them a glance, shaking his head, before burying his head in his Charms book once again, nonetheless, his interest was piqued when Sirius and James started talking, so he just sat there in silence, listening.

"Hello, mates! Such a great, splendid, marvelous day, don't you agree?" The group watched with furrowed eyebrows as he let out an uncharacteristic dreamy sigh. "The sun is shining, the birds are singing outside and—"

"And Bells has totally lost her marbles…"

Not even the shameless snickers from his friends – and the others within ear range – after James' comment would be able to bring him from the cloud nine feeling at that moment, yet he did throw them a quick annoyed glance.

"Do not let the green-eyed monster get a hold on you, Prongs—just because Lilykins over there has yet to agree to go out with you." Sirius received a cushion to the face with a chuckle, ruffling Peter's hair, and playing choking him, while the last made a poor attempt at escaping the vice-like-hold.

"Sod off," the laughter finally came to an end with James full out pouting at his friend.

A book soundly hitting the coffee table startled them out of their cheery conversation. "What-"Lily was looking down at them, mostly having her green eyes fixated on Sirius as if trying to see through him.

The boy already had an idea of what was to come and released a long sigh, dreading the way this could end. "I know, I know..."

"Well-I certainly hope you do," her tone was condescending but there was an underlining threat in it. "I have no idea as to why Belle would even consider being around you for even a minute, much less agreeing to go out with you..."She wrinkled her nose. "But if she's happy, then great."

She took a menacing step towards Sirius, stopping right in front of him, her eyes completely serious as they gazed into his. "However, mark my words, Black, if you ever hurt her in any way, I swear I'll find a way to make you pay that will make everything Slytherins do look like a child's play. Do you understand?"

Her tone was calm and never once did her voice rise, so that no one but them could listen to her every word, yet it was about enough to leave the boys astounded for they'd never seen Lily talk like that.

Sirius knew where her concern came from.

He was nowhere near a perfect boyfriend material-being known as a flirt amongst the girls, not to mention all the baggage and the problems that came with the Black name. It was obvious that being Belle's best friend, Lily would get worried. The young man could never blame her for it.

Still, it was Isabelle Selwyn they were talking about.

She was more than just a pretty face. She was smart, loyal, brave, and so much more. In her company the haunting ghost of his past could not reach him-she would never let them.

Belle was different. Especial.

"I understand, Lily. "

And he did.

Maybe it was the conviction with which he talked, or the sincerity of his words, or even the way his grey eyes softened as if recalling siding related to Isabelle, but the redhead believed him.

Clearing her throat, Lily let her emotionless face drop and offered him a smile, a small one, but a smile nonetheless, then silently gathered her things and climbed the stairs to the dormitory without uttering anything else.

It took a few minutes to get rid of the odd mood the girl left with her departure, however the Marauders resumed their conversation as if nothing had ever happened—Sirius and James playful bickering filling the space, the former still had a glazed look in his eyes.

By dinnertime, when everyone was already full and satisfied with all of the mouth-watering food, the hallways filled with people shoving, talking and laughing, as they marched to their common rooms, the numerous torches and candles providing light enough to guide them to their destination.

"Wait for me!"

Someone passed by her, banging on her shoulder not looking back as books and several papers scattered across the floor. Isabelle cursed under her breath and watched as the culprit left with his friends, not caring that she was left to gather her things in the middle of a packed hall, trying her best to get everything and not have anyone step on her fallen parchments.

Only when her redheaded best friend came to her rescue, they were able to collect everything and finally squeeze through the crowd to reach their dorm. The duo climbed the whole staircase only stopping to tell the Fat Lady's portrait the password.

Everyone was mostly gone from the place, the only ones remaining, as usual, were the four prankster boys sitting by the fireplace, whom looked up as soon as the girls stepped within their vision.

"Hm…" James fell quiet all of a sudden, but it didn't take long for a smug grin started pulling at the corner of his mouth. "So, Bells…"

"Don't even start."

Ignoring her friend stupid gaze flickering between her figure and Sirius, Belle felt her cheeks reddening and she tried to cover up her embarrassment by clearing out her throat and tucking a loose dark strand behind her ear.

Everyone watched her reaction before she turned around and walked to the girl's staircase with Lily in tow, though she looked over her shoulder once. Her eyes met with grey ones, a fleeting, meaningful sparkle in them, and then the girls were out of sight, leaving three amused boys and a content one downstairs.

oOo

"I am not calling her that."

Was said for what appeared to be the hundredth time.

"What's wrong with the name?"

"I'm not calling her Olive. You know I hate olives, Sirius." The voice answered with finality, which made the other roll his eyes at his partner. A pregnant Isabelle, though an endearing sight to behold, could be quite a trying experience.

Sirius Black had, at least, much more luck than his own best friend, whose wife became a fierce, psycho woman—more than usual, in his opinion—that tended to explode at the minimal things ever since she got trial of how pregnancy hormones worked. Not that he dared say anything, for the devil itself sat just a few feet away from him, James' arm curled around her shoulder.

But then he was snapped back to reality as Sirius realized the hilarity of the situation, seeing Belle adorably pouting from her place on the couch where she laid caressing her prominent tummy. Leave it to her to reject any name only based on her food habits.

"What about Jamie?"

That made a chorus of groans echo around the room.

"For the last time, we are not naming our daughter after you, Prongs!"

"It's not James, though."

"But it's close enough."

"Come on, Padfoot—"

"No."

"But—"

"Enough, you two." As always, Remus had to be the mediator between the two. He returned from the kitchen with a tray and laid it on the coffee table right in front of the two females, serving them tea before dropping down on the couch beside the dark-haired witch. "Last thing they need is to hear you quarrel like a pair of old ladies."

For weeks, the group of friends met regularly at the Black's household, sitting together in the living-room or by the porch, struggling to come up with dozens of names for the future newborn girl—it seemed, however, that whenever one of them came with a name they deemed nice enough, Isabelle was quick to contradict every single one of them, driving everyone nuts.

"Why don't you name her Cassiopeia or Aquila?"

The sweet voice of Lily Potter reverberated across the room, and, surprisingly, Sirius was the one who answered.

"No bloody way—" he barked and Belle send him a meaningful look that made him swallow whatever words he was going to say next.

"Hm…what Sirius mean is that we don't want to keep with this Black tradition thing." She told them, seeing the confused faces of their friends.

For generations, ever since the beginning of The Ancient House of Black, there was a very peculiar tradition of naming every child of Black blood after stars or constellations. Belle found really amusing the fact that Sirius was ironically named after the dog-star, also the brightest one in the sky, being that his parents turned out to consider him more of nuisance than the light at the of the tunnel of their lives.

"I know!" James animatedly shook his hand in the air, gaining a glare from the woman in his arms as he almost made her spill hot tea all over her floral dress. "Jaaa-" he trailed off when every head turned to him with the same non-impressed faces. "ne?"

Lily, if she hadn't her hands occupied, would have face-palmed herself. She married a completely idiot.

oOo

March 13th, 1980

A very distinct sound of a giggling infant in the midst of all the voices filled the cozy living-room. One-month old Charlotte blabbered cutely in her mother's embrace, big doe eyes blinking at the people around her, including her own father, who looked as if Christmas had come early and he was staring at the most marvelous gift he could ever receive.

Isabelle stood up with baby Charlotte in her arms, coming to a stop just as she reached Remus' side. The werewolf smile up at them from his place close to the fireplace, a mug clutched in his hand—there was an easy-going expression on his face, in contrast with the recurrent brooding look he, most than often, sported.

The moment the newest Black addition got within his reach, her chubby, pale arms, automatically, extended at his figure as if asking to hold her. It was clear that no one would be able to deny the child anything – not when she had those pretty grey eyes that could make anyone melt at the mere sight of it.

James and Lily were huddled in a corner watching everyone else, the last was already at the last months of pregnancy. Her husband never got tired of trying to get on her nerves by jokingly telling her something related to her weight, to which she would counter with something along the lines of 'This is no fat, James. This is just your child making me look like a hippopotamus'.

Of course, Lily was already in love with the little bundle forming inside of her, but sometimes James could drive someone to utter madness.

Isabelle let Remus take her daughter from her arms before letting Sirius guide her to the loveseat. Yet, Charlotte didn't seem to mind or even notice her mother's absence, because the second her godfather cradled her tiny figure to his chest, she found herself content with playing with Remus' honey colored hair.

The man felt affection and pure adoration blooming in his chest when he stared down at her, happy that she didn't seem afraid of him. If anything, the girl appeared to have a strange connection with the werewolf—Sirius, for time to time, would mumble in jealously about the unfairness of it all. She was his little girl, after all.

Remus kissed the crown of her head, a smile growing at his lips when she suddenly found herself fascinated with messing with his face. Her mouth was pulled into an adorable pout, nose scrunched up in concentration while her petite hands roamed across his cheekbones, poking at the skin, then tracing his eyebrow with her index finger.

There was no denying it. Charlotte Black was one cute baby.

All the while, none of them took notice of the lonely figure standing at one spot in the same room they were occupying – silent, eyes surveying the scene with an unknow emotion. The voices ran across the room as the minutes went by, and only when the clock struck midnight did the friends depart with their goodnights.

Yet again, no one saw the lonely figured disappearing into thin air, but not before leaving a last glance at the group. A mix of joy and sorrow.

oOo

"Thank you, Professor."

The floor creaked under her shoes. The Headmaster looked up at her from his half-moon glasses and offered her a smile, although it did not quite meet his usually twinkling blue eyes.

The dark-haired witch abandoned the basin with the swirling memories, and headed towards the door, her head still replaying everything she'd seen.

"Have a goodnight, Ms. Black." She could only nod at him in response, too numb to do anything else.

Even feeling eyes on her back, she didn't turn around. She needed to be alone and desperately wished for her bed, feeling exhaustion crash upon her heavily, however she knew it was not physical exhaustion.

With quick steps Charlotte exited the office and headed to her dormitory, the door closing behind her.

oOo