Fate of Fangs, Claws, and Hearts | Marauders Fanfic / Part 1 (paused)

25 - Hogsmeade

"Somewhere beneath the stars, a Thestral wonders if it's ever considered 'good-looking.'

...

Phil's POV:

Could it be said that I had settled in? After more than a year at Hogwarts, in this world of humans, had I truly found my place? Uncertainty gnawed at me, for everything was different, yet there was a strange appeal to it all.

My gaze drifted towards the sky, where stars glimmered like tiny white dots scattered across the darkness. From my spot on the Astronomy Tower, I could see them clearly, their light reaching out to me from such great distances.
Sitting on the cold stone floor, I let my legs dangle over the edge, slipped through the iron railing. A chill wind swept by, urging me to turn away from the starry expanse. I resisted the urge, letting my eyes plunge into the inky blackness below, an abyss that seemed to stretch forever. My hair, loose and wild, danced around my face, hanging over the edge along with my feet.
My gaze traced the contours of the tower's stone walls as they disappeared into the darkness below. I pulled my cloak tighter around me, but not because of the cold. No, there was something else, a sense of presence that permeated the night. My eyes were drawn upwards, almost involuntarily, to where the moon emerged from behind a veil of clouds. It was not full tonight; that event had passed only two days prior. Yet, its pull was unmistakable, a silent call that resonated deep within me.
The knowledge that I could transform into a werewolf at any time was both unsettling and natural, a constant shadow in the back of my mind. Thoughts of my father surfaced unexpectedly. What kind of man had he truly been? Was he still alive somewhere out there?
These musings were dangerous, so I cast them aside, returning my focus to the moon. Its light enveloped me, filled me, but it would never dominate me. That, I had vowed. Not the curse, nor my father, would hold sway over my life. I had made a promise to them, to myself. I would remain strong, fight for a life among humans.

Even if I'm not one...

»Wake up!« Lily's voice jolted me from my thoughts, dragging me back to the present. I shifted in bed, groaning at the unwelcome interruption. Turning over, I pressed my face into the mattress, unwilling to face the day. But Lily, relentless as ever, yanked the covers off, knowing full well I could not sleep without them. The morning air crept over me, a cold and unpleasant sensation.
Reluctantly, I opened my eyes, rolling onto my back and rubbing my face. Just as my eyelids began to droop again, Lily's voice cut through the fog of sleep, »Oh, come on, Phil, it's such a beautiful day!« Her enthusiasm was a sharp contrast to my mood. I startled when she shouted again, directly into my ear.
With a sigh, I sat up, crossing my arms over my chest. My bare feet touched the wooden floor, and a yawn escaped my lips.
The dormitory was a flurry of activity. Excitement buzzed in the air as the other girls prepared for a trip to Hogsmeade. Alice was hopping around, toothbrush in mouth, while Dorcas rummaged through her dresser, tossing clothes onto her bed. Mare was nowhere to be seen, probably in the bathroom, and Lily was sorting through her own wardrobe. I, on the other hand, wanted nothing more than to close my eyes and drift back into sleep.

Just a few more minutes...

»If you hadn't come back so late last night, you'd find it easier to get out of bed,« Lily admonished, her tone maternal. I stretched and snorted softly, watching as she pondered over a pile of tops.
»Where were you, anyway?« she asked, pulling a green, long-sleeved shirt over her head.
»On the Astronomy Tower,« I replied simply.
»Why? And how do you always manage to sneak around the castle without getting caught? I mean, sure, there are secret passages Dumbledore showed you, considering, you know, but still?« she inquired, genuine curiosity lighting up her face.
I shrugged noncommittally, gathering my clothes from their various hiding places around the room. Neatness had never been my strong suit. Lily's comment earned a faint smile, but I said nothing more about my night on the tower.
»Great answer...« Lily joked, a playful glint in her eyes.
I pulled on a pair of tights to hide my skinny legs, layering knee-high socks over them for extra warmth. Despite having gained some weight, I still felt self-conscious about my appearance. Years spent in the woods had left their mark. If only I could look like a healthy human right away, without these constant reminders of my past.
»I explored the castle over the summer,« I explained, tugging a black sweater over my head, »The boys know a lot of the secret passages, too.«
»Pshil, tshey ar stillsh called idiodsh,« Alice mumbled through a mouthful of toothpaste, words garbled but her meaning clear.