Word Count: 460
Susan doesn't know if she can do this. The thought of letting go of someone she's known for so many years is far more painful than she would have thought possible. Hufflepuffs are meant to be loyal, but she feels anything but.
She paces the length of the Astronomy Tower again and again, trying to sort out her thoughts. Her mind is still so cluttered with confusion and emotions. Maybe it's the fact that she's spent so much time surrounded by chaos and bloodshed. All she wants to do is put it behind her and move onto happier, more positive things.
Susan comes to a stop and leans against the railing, looking down at the Hogwarts grounds below. This has always been her favorite spot. There's something comforting about being so above it all, so far away. The Astronomy Tower makes her feel safe, like nothing can touch her. She hopes it can lend her the strength she needs today.
"There you are." Zacharias appears, grinning at her as he approaches. "You and your bloody heights. I hate it."
"Good afternoon," she says politely.
Zacharias laughs, adjusting the atrociously bright orange hat atop his head. "So formal," he teases. "Blimey, you'd think you were meeting with the bloody Minister or something."
Susan almost smiles, but she can't quite bring herself to do it. She takes a deep breath and reaches out, resting her hand on her old friend's shoulder. "We've been through a lot," she says, heaving a sigh.
"I'm getting nervous…"
Her cheeks burn. She wonders if he can see right through her. Does he somehow know exactly what comes next?
"We've grown a lot," she continues.
"Grown apart, you mean," he mutters. "You know, deep down I'm not a complete arse."
Susan turns away from him, her eyes fixed upon the horizon. "I don't think I believe in 'deep down'. I think that all you are is just the things that you do."
"How philosophical," he says dryly. "Sure you aren't a Ravenclaw?"
She rolls her eyes. He's deflecting; this hurts him more than he'll ever admit. "I'm sorry."
Zacharias laughs, the sound thin and bitter. "You say that, but you seem pretty happy about the whole thing."
"I'm not."
She hates this, but she knows it has to be this way. As much as she loves Zacharias, he is too negative. Susan has spent years making excuses for him and trying to justify his cruelty, but she can't do it anymore. This war has left its mark. It's time for her to find serenity.
"Yeah, well…" He doesn't finish his sentence. Without another word, Zacharias stalks off, leaving Susan alone.
She slumps forward. Change is a natural part of life. If only it didn't hurt so much.
