The use of the name "Merope" is a coincidence... The Sinistra sisters are named after the Pleiades, and Merope is one of the Pleiades. Hope you like it, please review!
Chapter Three: In Which a Lunarscope is Thoroughly Destroyed
After speaking with all of her sisters in turn—which had taken a long time, especially as the twins, Maia and Merope, had taken at least an hour, Celaene retreated to the peace of her study with a blank sky chart, a quill, ink, and a lunarscope. Celaene had loved the stars ever since she'd learned of their existence—they seemed so above the world, above what happened down on earth. They were distant and indifferent while still being inspiring and hopeful. Stars never hurt anyone; they never caused pain. She loved her work with them.
Celaene stood up to put some music on. She was fond of Muggle music, especially what they called "New Age", and particularly a woman named Enya. Halfway through one of her favorite songs, "Book of Days," the door opened.
"If your name is Severus Snape, turn around and leave this instant; I don't want to talk to you," she said, not looking up.
"And if your name is Eleanor Gimple?"
Celaene looked up and smiled. "Sorry, Eleanor, come in and sit down. Would you like a cup of tea?"
"Thanks, Celaene. I'd love some. What kind is it today?"
"Don't say it in such a scornful tone. Just because it's unusual doesn't mean it's not good," Celaene scolded.
"It's red."
"It's spicy. You'll like it." Celaene poured a steaming cup for her friend and pushed it across the table towards her. "So what do you need, Eleanor?"
"I just wanted to talk," said the Muggle Studies teacher much too innocently.
Celaene raised an eyebrow. "'Talk'?" she asked. "Talk about what?"
"Nothing in particular."
"Eleanor, I know you too well for that to work. Tell me, what is it?"
"Oh, alright," said Eleanor unwillingly. "You just seem so distant these days, Celaene. Sprout and I just wanted to know… are you seeing anyone special, Celaene?" She asked the last bit with a slight grin.
"You and Sprout are too nosy for your own good," Celaene muttered. "And, of course, the answer is no. I'd tell you if I was."
"So… you're open to suggestions?"
"This is getting dangerous, Eleanor," Celaene warned.
"Well… Sprout and I just think that you and Snape—"
"Don't say it again. Don't even finish that sentence. Don't do it, Eleanor."
"—Are perfect," she finished.
Celaene calmly stood up, grabbed her lunarscope, and threw it at Eleanor, who ducked, laughing. "It's not funny! I hate the sarcastic, arrogant, evil bastard, and now I hate you, so just get out of my study!"
She chased her friend out of the room and out of the tower, locking the door magically. Back in her study, Sylvia surveyed the shards of glass and metal that now littered the floor, possibly thinking about the waste, but more likely wondering when she'd be let out for her nighttime prowling.