It was raining hard. Fierce raindrops slapped against the window as dark, gray skies remained. The train rumbled on the rhythmic clack-clack of the tracks, a constant background noise. But within the confines of Emily's thoughts, there was chaos wrapping her like the blanket over her shoulders. Trying to shield her eyes from view, her mind was a tangle of emotions as the door rattled from time to time. Those who popped their head, quickly left seeing the girl sitting there. Replaying the events over and over in her mind, each memory sharper than the last.
The way Arlo had looked at her, the touch of his lips against hers, the way his brown hair had lightly brushed hers, that scent of applewood, and the guilt that had seeped into her bones. Closing her eyes, trying to block out the tidal wave that threatened to consume her, she knew that Daphne deserved to know the truth of Arlo's actions. But the thought of those consequences, of the hurt and disappointment in Daphne's eyes, made her stomach churn with dread. Lost in her turmoil, she didn't hear the compartment door open, nor did she notice the figure that stepped inside. It was only when a gentle hand touched her shoulder that she jolted back to reality, blinking away tears to see Daphne standing before her.
"Emily, are you okay?" Daphne's voice was soft, filled with worry and a hint of concern etched into every line of her face.
Staring at her best friend, Emily struggled to find the words that were caught in her throat. The lump of remorse and humiliation and regret lingered across her mind. How had she let herself be swept away by a moment of weakness, a lapse in judgment that could unravel everything she held dear? How could she face her best friend, knowing what had happened? How could she look Daphne in the eye and tell her that she had betrayed her trust? How did it come to this?
As she hesitated, unsure of where to begin, Daphne's gaze softened. Without a word, she took a seat opposite Emily, her presence a comfort and a challenge all at once. Then, as if the floodgates had been opened, the words spilled out in a rush, a torrent of confession and pain. Tears welled up in Emily's eyes as she recounted the harrowing moment in the park when Arlo had betrayed their trust. She told everything, from the stolen moments with him to the crushing weight of her guilt, holding nothing back and laying bare the truth that had festered within her. Daphne listened in silence, her expression a mix of shock and sorrow. When she finally fell silent, the compartment was filled with a heavy silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air.
"Daphne, please say something," Emily's voice was barely a whisper, filled with apprehension and grief.
Daphne's initial shock gave way to a simmering anger. A strange expression crossed her before she rubbed her temple and looked right into her soul, those blue eyes dangerously dark.
"How could this happen, Emily?" Her words were laced with pain, the hurt evident in her voice. Emily bowed her head, unable to meet Daphne's accusing gaze. "I don't understand!"
"I'm so sorry, Daphne. I never meant to hurt you. It was such a mistake," she cried softly, the tears leaking out in small drops. This was painful, it was completely horrible to watch her friend's face contort in anger, but somewhere deep down, Emily felt it was deserved.
"A mistake?" Daphne's voice rose, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "A mistake is forgetting to do your homework or spilling a drink, not kissing your best friend's boyfriend behind her back!"
Emily flinched at the harsh truth in the words, her heart breaking at the pain she had caused. Her fingers gripped the ends of the blanket covering her tightly as Daphne stood up a moment in protest.
"I know I messed up, Daph. I know I have no excuse."
Daphne felt torn between anger and love. She couldn't fathom how her best friend could have let this happen, but at the same time, she knew that Emily was not a malicious person. There had to be more to the story. How could Arlo have betrayed them both like this? How could he have jeopardized their friendship for a fleeting moment of desire? After a moment of tense silence, Daphne's expression softened slightly, the edges of her anger blunted by a glimmer of doubt. Turning back to face Emily, she saw the broken girl before her, tears staining her face.
"Emily, did Arlo force you to kiss him? Did he manipulate you into it?"
As Daphne's eyes bore into Emily's, searching for answers, Emily felt a wave of panic wash over her. How could she explain the truth without causing even more pain to her best friend?
"Daphne, it wasn't like that," Emily stammered, her voice tinged with fright. "Arlo... he forced himself on me. He kissed me, and I couldn't push him away at that moment. I was shocked and scared, and I froze."
Daphne's eyes widened in shock, a mixture of disbelief and anger flickering in her gaze. Her blue eyes darkened even more as the words came out, her fingers lightly holding Emily up as she leant forward.
"He forced himself on you?" Daphne's voice quivered with raw emotion while Emily's hands clenched into fists at her sides.
Emily nodded as a sob escaped her while Daphne's hands loosened around her shoulder. Looking into Daphne's gaze, she saw the compression and strength that resided there. It was as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders, the burden of guilt and shame lightened by the knowledge that she wasn't alone. The fear, the sense of violation, all flooded back in a rush of memories that threatened to drown her though. Daphne's anger shifted from Emily to Arlo, a white-hot rage simmering just beneath the surface. Her mind raced as she processed the words, seeing how Emily struggled to tell her what happened. The image of the boy she had admired with the reality of his actions, made Daphne deeply frown as she knew that Emily wouldn't lie to her, not about something this serious.
"That... that bastard," she spat out the words, her voice trembling with fury. "I can't believe he would do something like that. He's not the person I thought he was."
In that moment, the truth of Arlo's betrayal hung heavy in the air, a dark shadow that loomed over their friendship. They sat in silence, as the sun dipped below the mountains for a moment, their hearts heavy with weathered betrayal and pain. Before the turbulent waters of their reality crashed over them, there was a pause, a breath caught in the stillness of their shared understanding.
"I'm so sorry, Em. I can't imagine the pain you must be feeling right now. But know that I believe you, and I'm here for you. We'll get through this together."
With that Daphne stood up suddenly, her eyes with determination. She squeezed her friend's hands, and with a firm nod, she departed swiftly, her braids bouncing behind her. Meanwhile, outside the compartment, Sirius had been standing in the shadows, listening to their conversation. He had overheard the entire exchange, and the injustice done to them had stirred something within him same as it had when he told James.
As Daphne had exited the compartment, Sirius stepped forward, his eyes filled with concern.
"Daphne, wait," he called out softly, not wanting to alarm her.
Daphne turned around, her eyes widening in surprise at the unexpected presence of Sirius.
"Sirius, what are you doing here?"
Sirius offered her a reassuring smile. "I overheard your conversation, and I wanted to help. Emily told me what happened, and I've told James. Arlo won't dare to hurt you or Emily again with us around to back you up," he said firmly, his voice filled with determination.
Daphne's eyes blazed with a fierce intensity, her fists clenched at her sides as she struggled to contain the storm of emotions raging within her.
"You knew? Before me? Emily told you and none of you thought to inform me?"
Her voice rose with each word, a mix of treachery and anger seeping through. Sirius could see the pain etched on Daphne's face, the hurt in her eyes piercing his heart. He took a step closer, his voice filled with regret.
"Daphne, I'm sorry. We wanted to protect you, but I know now that we should have been more transparent with you from the start."
"Protect me? By keeping me in the dark? It's been over a week Sirius!" Daphne shook her head, her voice filled with disbelief. Her anger boiled over as she turned away, her voice trembling with raw emotion. "I trusted you, Sirius. I thought you were my friend. But to find out that you all knew about this… before me... it's just too much."
Sirius reached out a hand towards Daphne, a plea in his eyes. "Daphne, please. We were wrong, and I'm sorry. But now that you know, we're here to support you. We'll face this together, I promise."
But Daphne pulled away, her resolve hardening as she faced the upcoming confrontation with Arlo. "I don't need your support, Sirius. I'll handle this on my own. Just stay out of my way."
With that, she strode off, her footsteps echoing down the corridor, leaving Sirius standing there, his heart heavy with regret. Sighing, he opened the door to Emily's compartment, his heart heavy seeing Emily curled against the window. Tears were streaking down her cheek, completely lost in thought.
"Emily," Sirius said softly, taking a seat beside her. "I'm so sorry for everything that has happened. I know this must be incredibly hard for you."
Emily turned to him, her eyes red and puffy from crying. "It's not your fault, Sirius. You were just trying to protect us. But it's just so— so much to handle."
Sirius reached out a hand and gently squeezed Emily's shoulder, offering her a comforting presence. "I can't imagine what you're going through, but please know that I'm here for you."
Emily let out a shaky breath, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. "Everything feels so broken. How can I look at him now?"
Sirius nodded, his expression mirroring Emily's pain. "He betrayed that trust, Emily. But we won't let him get away with it. We'll stand by you and Daphne every step of the way."
Emily managed a small smile, grateful for Sirius's words of support as warmth spread through her chest, a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that had enveloped her. "Thank you, Sirius. I don't know what I would do without you and the others."
Sirius wrapped an arm around Emily, offering her a hug of comfort. "We're a team. And we'll face this together, no matter what. You're not alone in this."
The rhythmic clatter of the train wheels reverberated through the compartment, creating a soothing backdrop to the emotional turmoil swirling within Emily. She leaned into Sirius's comforting embrace, grateful for his unwavering support in the wake of Arlo's betrayal. He was truly a pillar of support in her time of need and knew she could draw strength from him. The minutes and hours passed in silence, the only sound of the gentle hum of the train carrying toward Hogsmeade station. Closing her eyes, she inhaled his citrus scent feeling the rush of happiness fill her lungs. Sensing her shaking a bit, he reached out to gently brush a stray tear from her cheeks. The touch offered a sense of comfort and reassurance as they looked into each other's eyes.
"You're strong, Emmy. We'll make sure he faces the consequences of his actions," Sirius vowed, his voice filled with conviction.
He leaned forward placing a soft kiss on her head, as she cuddled closer to him, his arm wrapped securely around her small frame.
*dot*
Daphne's heart raced as she strode purposefully towards Arlo, her mind filled with a tumult of emotions - anger, hurt, and betrayal swirling within her. Her heels clicked against the polished floor as she halted in front of the table where Arlo was seated, surrounded by their classmates going about their day, oblivious to the brewing storm between them. There was David sitting opposite him as well, his expression vague drawn to the friend's tall stance looming over them both.
Arlo's expression shifted from confusion to unease as he caught sight of the fire in Daphne's eyes, her normally warm gaze now cool and piercing. He straightened in his seat, attempting to compose himself as he addressed her.
"Where have you been? You've been gone awhile?" he asked coolly sitting back in his seat looking up at his girlfriend. But the expression crossing her was definitely not one of joy. "Darling, what's going on? Why are you so upset?"
Daphne's voice was sharp as she cut him off, not allowing him a chance to speak more. David looked down at the table, a sly grin crossing his face.
"Don't pretend like you don't know, Arlo. I know what you did, and I won't stand for it." Her words were laced with a mix of fury and hurt, causing a hush to fall over their surroundings as the nearby students glanced curiously at the unfolding scene.
Arlo's eyes widened in shock as he struggled to comprehend Daphne's accusations.
"What are you talking about? I...I didn't do anything, Daphne. You have to believe me." His voice wavered, a hint of desperation creeping into his tone as he searched her face for any sign of understanding. But her resolve was unyielding, her voice cutting through the air with unwavering determination.
"Do you really think I would believe your lies, Arlo? Emily told me everything - about the kiss, about you coming onto my best friend! How could you do this to me, to her?" Her hands trembled with pent-up emotions, her chest tight with the weight of the deception. Arlo's initial shock gave way to a flash of anger as he pushed back in disbelief.
"Emily's mistaken, Daphne. I swear on everything that I didn't do anything like that. You know me, you know I would never do something to hurt you or Emily."
But Daphne wasn't swayed by his words, her gaze unwavering as she stared down at him. "Save your excuses, Arlo. I won't be fooled by your false sincerity. You've shattered my trust, and I won't allow you to manipulate the truth any longer."
The tension in the air crackled between them, the surrounding students whispering amongst themselves as they watched the confrontation unfold. Daphne's voice rang out clear and strong, her words echoing through the open space.
"Our friendship is over, Arlo. I never want to see you again."
With that final pronouncement, Daphne began to turn on her heel, her composure faltering slightly as she felt a wave of emotion wash over her. She tried to hold back the tears threatening to spill from her eyes, her hands clenching into fists at her sides as she marched away from Arlo and David. As she turned to walk away, Arlo rose from his seat, a mix of shock and concern etched on his features. Ignoring the curious gazes of their classmates, he reached out to grab her arm, a desperate attempt to stop her from leaving.
"Daphne, wait," Arlo pleaded, his voice laced with urgency. "Please, let's talk this out. This is a misunderstanding, I swear."
But Daphne recoiled at his touch, her eyes flashing with a mix of disbelief and betrayal. "Don't touch me. You've already done enough damage."
Arlo's brow furrowed in frustration as he struggled to understand the situation unfolding before him. His girlfriend, the one he cared for deeply, was melting down in front of him and their peers, accusing him of something he swore he hadn't done. He knew that her emotions were running high, clouding her judgment, and fueling her anger, but he couldn't stand by and watch their relationship crumble without trying to salvage it. He didn't have a single clue what she was mumbling about either. A kiss with Emily?
"Please listen to me," Arlo implored, his voice softer now, trying to inject some calm into the tense atmosphere. "I would never intentionally hurt either of you. There must be some mistake, we need to talk this through."
But Daphne remained steadfast, her resolve unyielding as she turned to face him once more, her gaze hardened with resolve. His attempts to reason with her fell on deaf ears. He knew there was someway to reach her, to make her see they could work through this together, what it was about…
Daphne left little room for them as she slammed open the door to the train car. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Arlo followed after her, matching her pace as they walked through an open space, the hushed whispers of their classmates following them like a shadow.
"Darling, please," Arlo began, his tone gentle yet insistent. "I understand you're hurt, and I'm sorry for whatever misunderstanding has led us to this point. But we can't just throw away everything we've built because of a moment of confusion. Let's sit down, talk it through, and find a way to move past this together."
But Daphne's walls remained firmly in place, her heart guarded against the possibility of further pain. She turned to face him, her expression pained yet resolute. "Arlo, I appreciate your efforts to calm me down, but trust has been shattered. I need time to process everything, to come to terms with what has happened."
Arlo felt a knot tighten in his chest as he struggled to find the right words to reach her, to bridge the growing chasm between them. He knew that their relationship hung precariously in the balance, teetering on the edge of irreparable damage.
"Daphne!" he shouted with sincerity, finally seeing her stop at the call of her full name. His gaze was unwavering staring her down. "If I didn't care, I wouldn't be chasing you through this bloody train? I love you! Stop and talk to me!? I would never do anything, ever, to hurt you."
Daphne's expression softened slightly, a flicker of doubt crossing her features as she absorbed his words. She knew deep down that Arlo cared for her, that he wouldn't deliberately betray her trust. But the pain of the betrayal still weighed heavily on her heart, clouding her judgment and feeding her uncertainty.
With a heavy sigh, Daphne nodded slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Okay, Arlo. We can talk, but I need time to process everything that has happened."
Arlo's face lit up with hope, relief shining in his eyes as he reached out to gently take her hand and guided her toward an empty compartment nearby. Their clasped hands were shaking as others watched them pass by. Opening the door quietly, Arlo gestured toward the cushioned seats and waited for Daphne to start.
"Arlo, where were you during Christmas?" Daphne's voice wavered with uncertainty as she searched his eyes for a sign of the truth.
Arlo hesitated for a moment, his mind racing to make sense of the fragmented memories that clouded his recollection of the holiday season.
"I... I spent Christmas day with David," he confessed, his voice tinged with a hint of confusion. Daphne's brow furrowed in disbelief, her gaze locked on Arlo as she tried to reconcile his words with the vivid images that played in her mind.
"But I saw you at the Potters. We sat on the sofa and cuddled while you beat James at wizard chess. You even played Quidditch with him before kissing Emily," she persisted, her voice tinged with desperation.
"I've never beaten Potter at wizard chess…" Arlo's eyes widened in shock at Daphne's assertions, his mind reeling as he struggled to make sense of the conflicting realities that played in his mind.
"Daphne, I... I don't remember doing any of that," he said quietly holding his hands still, his eyes baring everything to her. "None of that sounds familiar."
Daphne's features softened, her eyes reflecting a mix of confusion and empathy as she processed the implications of Arlo's words.
"But... how is that possible?" she implored, her voice a whisper of disbelief. She studied Arlo's troubled expression, a flicker of doubt crossing her features as she absorbed his words. The rhythmic clatter of the train wheels seemed to echo the agitated thoughts swirling in her mind as she grappled with the unsettling truth that lay before her. Arlo's eyes met Daphne's, a mixture of confusion and pleading etched in their depths.
"I... I don't know, Daphne. I... I think there's something... off about my memories from that day," he repeated, his voice holding a sense of urgency that tugged at her heartstrings.
Daphne's brow furrowed in contemplation, the weight of uncertainty pressing down upon her as she grappled with the conflicting accounts that swirled in her mind. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she pressed on with her line of questioning, determination firm in her voice.
"But Arlo, if you were really at David's, then explain this to me. What did you give to Mrs. Potter?" she asked, her gaze unwavering as she searched for a glimmer of truth in his response.
Arlo's features contorted in confusion, his mind racing to recall any detail that could shed light on the tangled web of memories that veiled the truth.
"What... What item did I give to Emily's mum? I don't... I don't remember bringing anything to David's either, other than my suitcase and David's gift. I sent yours and Emily's Christmas presents ahead and asked Mr. Potter to give them to you both," he stammered, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Daphne's eyes narrowed in disbelief, a surge of frustration coursing through her at the evasiveness of Arlo's answers.
"We got our gloves—"
"Were they the right color? I looked hard to find the right shade!"
"Yes, they were lovely, Emily's too…," she said softly, closing her eyes momentarily. "Arlo, don't you see? This is important. You don't recall what item you brought that day?" she pressed, her tone firm as she sought to unravel the mystery that threatened to drive a wedge between them.
Arlo's resolve wavered, a furrow of doubt creasing his brow as he struggled to make sense of the fragmented memories that danced just beyond his grasp.
"I don't know what you're referring to," he insisted, the weight of his words heavy with the truth he sought to convey.
With each unanswered question, the chasm of uncertainty between them widened, the shadows of doubt casting a pall over the fragile trust that bound their hearts. As the train continued its journey towards Hogwarts, Daphne and Arlo stood on the precipice of a truth that eluded them, the promise of clarity. Arlo shook his head, his expression a mix of frustration and resignation as he grappled with the implications of his fractured memories.
"I don't know, Daphne. Something isn't right. But I... I swear it wasn't me," he repeated, his voice tinged with a mixture of confusion and determination.
As the train rattled on towards Hogwarts, the weight of uncertainty and mistrust hung heavy between them, the truth a jagged puzzle that begged to be unraveled.
*dot*
Returning to the table where David was sitting, his mind still spinning with confusion and concern over Daphne's words. As he sat, he noticed his friend raised an eyebrow, seeing his own troubled expression.
"Hey mate, you look like you've seen a ghost. What's up?" he asked, concern evident in his voice. Arlo let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair, trying to gather his thoughts.
"It's Daphne. I don't understand what just happened. She got so angry out of nowhere, and I have no idea why," he admitted, his brow furrowed in frustration.
"That's rough," he frowned, giving a sympathetic look. "Maybe there was a misunderstanding? Did you try talking to her about it?"
Arlo nodded, the weight of the situation settling heavily on his shoulders. "I tried, but she left before I could really figure out what was going on. She kept asking what I gave to Emily's mum, but I haven't a clue what she's talking about. I just don't want things to be tense between us, you know?" he confessed, his voice tinged with worry.
David placed a reassuring hand on Arlo's shoulder. The Ravenclaw continued to express his concerns, unaware of the mischievous plan unfolding in his friend's mind. As he spoke about the confusion and desire to resolve the situation with Daphne, the Slytherin listened intently, his smirk hidden behind a facade of understanding and support. Inwardly, David couldn't help but revel in the chaos he had caused by impersonating Arlo. The thrill of the event sent a surge of excitement through him, and he relished the opportunity to see how the situation would ultimately play out. With a reassuring smile, he offered a few words of encouragement.
"I'm sure things will work out, Arlo. Just give it some time and don't worry too much," he advised, hoping to steer the conversation away from his own role in the events that had transpired.
Arlo nodded in agreement, grateful for David's support. "Thanks, I really appreciate it. I'll do my best to patch things up with Daphne," he replied, a sense of determination in his voice.
David made a mental note to eventually come clean about this, but for now, he decided to bide his time and enjoy the aftermath from the sidelines. For now, the train was coming to a slow crawl at Hogsmeade, the place where he failed at Apparating from. Making their way through the bustling crowd, they were met with a tense atmosphere.
Daphne huffed passed them, clearly agitated and in no mood for small talk. Arlo shot a concerned glance in her direction. Before he could say anything, Potter made his presence known, his expression sour and disapproving as he eyed Arlo with disdain. It would seem based on his hardened expression, the usual jovial demeanor was replaced by a steely resolve, and the weight of a disapproving gaze bore down on Arlo with a substantial intensity.
"You really messed up this time, Stone," James said, his voice low and filled with a simmering anger. Arlo swallowed hard, unable to meet James's piercing gaze. Continuing onward David placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, offering silent support. Together, they trudged on towards the carriages, the weight of Daphne and James condemnation hanging over like a dark cloud. As they opened the door to one, the two looked around a moment seeing Emily walking closely with Sirius Black. His arm was wrapped protectively around her shoulders, the contrast between their intimate bond and Emily's tear-stained face was stark. Her eyes red and puffy from crying. David's heart sank at the sight of her obvious distress, knowing that he was responsible for those tears. Black whispered something in her ear, his expression a mix of concern and reassurance. Emily's response was a barely audible murmur. David could see the turmoil etched on her face, a mixture of hurt and anger that cut him to the core.
As they drew closer, David nervously shifted on his feet, the weight of guilt heavy on his shoulders. Arlo stood beside him, his own expression a mirror of regret and shame. The sound of their footsteps seemed to echo loudly in the tense atmosphere, a palpable reminder of the rift that had been created between them and Emily.
Black's gaze flickered briefly over the pair, his eyes cold and disapproving. Without a word, he offered them a curt glance, a silent rebuke for the pain caused to Emily. His demeanor was one of cold protectiveness, a clear indication that he would not tolerate any further harm coming her way. As they passed by, Emily cast a fleeting glance in David and Arlo's direction, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. Exchanging uneasy glances, both feeling the weight of the tension hanging in the air around them.
The weight of her gaze was like a physical blow that stirred a deep sense of regret. David and Arlo were left standing in stunned silence. The tension in the air was thick with unspoken words and untold emotions, a reminder of the consequences of their actions and the hurt they had caused.
As they watched Emily and Black disappear into the distance, David felt a pang of remorse so strong it threatened to consume him. He knew that he had a long road ahead of him, one filled with difficult conversations and genuine repentance. But as he exchanged a somber look with Arlo, a silent vow passed between them to make things right, to earn back Emily's forgiveness and rebuild the trust that had been broken. And as they turned to make their way back to Hogwarts, a glimmer of determination shone in their eyes, a beacon of hope guiding them towards a path of redemption and healing.
"The Gryffindors really hate me, don't they?" Arlo muttered, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness and frustration. David could hear the unease in his voice and knew that his friend was struggling to come to terms with the fallout. He placed a hand on his shoulder, offering a reassuring squeeze.
"It'll blow over. Just give it some time," he replied, hoping to offer some comfort amidst the turmoil.
As they boarded a carriage and began the journey back to Hogwarts, they vowed to make amends and mend the rifts that had formed among their friends. The ride was filled with a somber silence, each lost in their own thoughts as they contemplated the consequences of their actions and the impact they had on those around them.
David was particularly hidden in the shadow of the carriage, smiling and knowing that soon he could take a step in claiming Emily, taking her away from Black and that pesky brother of hers…