A note lingered between her fingers, scrawled messily on aged parchment, as Emmeline made her way up the stairs to the Astronomy Tower in an attempt to find some peace. For once, the letter wasn’t terrible ramblings from her mother, her words laced with poisonous barbs at the individuals she happened to share the Hogwarts halls with. No, this time it was her father; his apologetic worry dotted with endearments, meant to soften the blows dealt by his other half. 

     Morning dove, he wrote, so sweetly she could practically taste the sugar coating her tongue, I’m so sorry for the messages your mother has sent you. Please understand she is only doing what she believes is best. I hope you are following the rules and staying safe. I advise you do not rock the boat too much, my dearest little tulip. As you know, I am always here for you --- and on and on it went. It was as though she was at home again, standing on the middle ground between two sides, her mother holding one arm, her father the other, tearing her apart.

     All Emmeline desired was some solace, time alone in the quiet to study the stars and capture them between her fingertips, silently placing her wishes out into the universe. It was a habit she’d had, ever since she was a child, a comfort that perhaps the universe would hear her words, and alter the fate of reality. She wasn’t naive enough to believe it would work, but she held onto it regardless, allowing the act to lift a little of the weight each time.

     As she turned the corner she jerked to a stop, her eyes landing on the form of none other than Emma Vanity already occupying the location.

     “Oh, uh... I’m sorry, I didn’t realize someone was already up here,” Emmeline mumbled, not meaning to intrude. “I always tend to come here, it’s beautiful, isn’t it?” She commented, gesturing towards the star filled sky, a small smile on her lips. “Are you alright?”