A/N: Explanation for my Darla fans if you are reading this.
If you don't know about my Darla story, there is an explanation in my profile and a half-finished story about her to check out if you are a first timer.
I have all the notes for each year that Darla goes to school. I had stopped a while ago because I lost them, but I've found them except second years. The reason I am writing Darla's story during the Deathly Hallow's is because I kept having idea's for it. Before the Deathly Hallow's came out I had Colin and Darla get together in their fourth year. My notes from before I read Deathly Hallow's (I had not expected Colin to die) had ideas about their wedding and family together. But then to my dismay I see that Colin dies. I could keep him alive of course since this is already AU but I want to keep the deaths the same and Harry's adventures the same, with of course having a witch cousin. That was why I was hesitant to really write until Deathly Hallow's came out in case I finished these series and then I had to change them.
I've read the book a quite a few times now and decided why not have it as a sad love story instead of not having them in a relationship or not killing Colin? That's when I started to write about Colin and Darla very much in love but not seeing each other, just through writing on a charmed piece of parchment Neither one gets to go to Hogwarts obviously, so they can't see each other. They do see each other sometimes but not too often. I've already got most of it done now. In the end we all know Colin's fate. I've never done a love story before but I thought about it a lot and couldn't stop thinking about it when I read the Deathly Hallows.
I will finish Darla's second year, so if you don't want to be spoiled about Darla's other years don't read this. I have to find the notes for second year. I have them for the rest, but not second year. I might have to just re-write them. That's why I wrote this one because I had it all planned out right away. They've been together a year a half before this story starts. I know it doesn't seem long to some to be love but these are teens that are 14, 15 and 16 remember.
So this is sixteen year old Darla, takes place during Deathly Hallows. The park Darla goes to isn't the same one Harry was at in the fifth book.
---
"I don't see why I can't go with you, Harry." Darla said with a slight pout as she stared at her cousin. "If I am going to go to the wedding, why can't I just spend time at the Burrow with all of you?"
Harry looked at her with a look of annoyance that he normally saved for her older brother or parents. She returned it though, she was always left out of everything. From the moment she had learned she was a witch and became closer to Harry then they had been as children he kept her in the dark. She knew he was going to be dropping out of his Seventh year to be doing something with Ron and Hermione. That hurt, just as much as she knew it hurt Ginny. Ginny who had liked Harry for years had finally succeeded in getting him to like her back and then he broke up with her.
Darla could remember the past year very well, who wouldn't? You-Know-Who had finally let the Wizarding world know that he was back after a year of hiding. It was Harry who had let the world discover the truth about You-Know-Who because he had gone to the Ministry of Magic to save Sirius Black, Harry's Godfather. Darla didn't know the full details. She had been with Colin Creevey, her boyfriend. She hadn't known that Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Neville and Luna had gone to the Ministry to try and save him because Harry had an image of him being tortured.
As it turned out, Sirius wasn't really there. You-Know-Who had planted a fake image into Harry's head because he knew Harry would want to try and save Sirius. With the aid of friends he went and walked right into dangers open arms. You-Know-Who apparently wanted him to get a prophecy concerning himself and Harry and once Harry got it the Death Eaters went after him. Sirius along with other members of the Order of Phoenix, a group in resistance against You-Know-Who realized what had happened went to save them. Sirius ended up getting killed that night but the Ministry workers showed up in time to see that You-Know-Who was in the Ministry.
Once the word was out, You-Know-Who and his Death Eaters had started attacks on the Wizarding world which all happened the previous year. Darla had lived in constant fear that the Death Eaters would attack her family but Harry kept telling her that they were fine until he was the age of Seventeen. She knew that as long as Harry could call her families home his home (and it really was, he had lived there almost his whole life) they were all safe until he was Seventeen.
But then, Dumbledore was killed at the end of the year. That had been the first fight Darla had been in against Death Eaters (and she had liked fighting the enemy even though she had been hurt) along with Neville, Ginny, Ron and Colin. While they had been attacking Death Eaters that had gotten into the school, Harry had witnessed Dumbledore's death while Hermione and Luna Lovegood were trying to keep Snape whom they believed as an enemy away. Unfortunately it didn't work (not their fault) and Snape killed Dumbledore.
Now Harry and a lot of the Order of Phoenix believed that the Ministry was infiltrated by the Death Eaters because Dumbledore was gone. They planned on attacking Harry as soon as he turned seventeen which meant she and her family were in danger as well. There was a plan that she and her family would leave before Harry so they wouldn't be in any danger. Harry was to leave with the Order of the Phoenix once they were all safely gone.
"I've been through this with you Darla." Harry said. "They might have Death Eaters guarding this place when we all leave. It will be too risky for you to stay behind ok? You will go with your parents and Dudley as planned. Hestia Jones will bring you to the wedding and then she'll take you back to your family. They will escort you to Hogwarts when term starts and you'll be with Ginny and Colin then."
"And if the school doesn't reopen?" Darla asked.
"Then you'll be safe." Harry answered.
They were in his room and Harry was planning on going through all of his stuff to see what he should take and shouldn't. The room was very messy. Darla had already gone through her trunk since she would be leaving that day. She had already put her cat, Calicalpurnia into a cat case down in the living room. She wasn't too happy about being locked up. Her trunk was already in the car. Her father had been unpacking and re-packing everything ever since he had found out about the plan weeks ago. Darla didn't know what to say to that. She just sighed and left the room thinking she wanted a walk.
She hurried down the steps and outside. She wasn't sure where her parents or Dudley was. There had been an unusual change over Dudley. He who had been resentful toward she and Harry for years had been different the past year. She had noticed it the last summer and at Christmas Holidays that he wasn't the same. He had told her he disowned her when she found she was a witch and had shown it for years afterwards. However he had been acting like a brother should for the past year. That summer he had even questioned Darla about You-Know-Who.
"Is the world really in danger?" He had asked stiffly a few weeks ago.
"Yes it is Dudley." Darla said. "But you, mom and dad are going to be safe, don't worry."
"Yeah." He said and didn't answer for a moment staring at his feet. "What about you and Harry?"
It was the first time he had shown that he cared for their cousin. Darla would see over the next two weeks' Dudley lingering outside of Harry's room as if wanting to talk to him. There was a cup of tea sitting outside of Harry's room at the moment and Darla wondered if it had been Dudley who left it there. She had meant to point it out to him but she had been caught in emotion about the separation from her Cousin that could be forever.
Another change in Dudley had been his weight. For most of his life, Dudley had been overweight. But two years of heavy lifting and hard dieting had paid off. He looked muscular instead of overweight. Dudley had been on a forced diet at first but then he suddenly started dieting by his own choice.
She would only see Harry one more time and then what? He could be killed since he was going to be out doing something. She knew it had to do with You-Know-Who and she also knew that in the end he would try and kill him. She just hoped Harry wouldn't be killed in the process.
She couldn't go too far, it wasn't safe these days so she just walked down the street of where she grew up. It wouldn't be too strange leaving since she was at school for ten months of a school year. This walk seemed different though. It was as if she wouldn't have this freedom again to take a walk. She had her wand in her pocket just in case there was a chance she was attacked. She was underage but she was sure the Ministry would understand if she had to use magic.
She headed to a small park just off from her street. There was no one out and it seemed eery. She walked over to a bench and sat down. From where she sat she could see the front of her house. She pulled out a piece of parchment from her shirt pocket to check if there were any messages on it. Darla and Colin had come up with it at the end of their fourth year. It had been Hermione who'd given them the idea.
Darla had been part of a group founded by Harry, Ron and Hermione in her fourth year called Dumbledore's Army. They had been using the group as a resistance against a teacher called Professor Umbridge because she refused to let them use defensive spells. Hermione had come up with an idea to use a protean charm on fake coins that looked like Galleon's to contact everyone in the group about meetings. The coins would feel warm in their pockets and they would know the next date of the meeting.
Colin and Darla had realized that they would be away from each other all summer, and Darla not wanting to borrow Hedwig from Harry had wondered about using the coins to contact each other.
"But then everyone in the DA will know what we are saying. We could try the charm on two piece's of parchment though." Colin had reasoned.
"I don't know how to do that spell though, do you?" Darla had asked.
"Nope, but I'll find a way." Colin had answered.
And some how he had managed to convince an older student to do it for them. They had managed to keep in contact constantly and Darla was glad for it. It was hard now to send owls to anyone because the letters could be read. Darla now unrolled the parchment but felt disappointed when there were none.
She missed Colin a lot. Some people didn't see what she saw in him but he was a good person and a lot of fun. He was also one of the main school photographers because he was very good at taking professional pictures. He had come along way from the little boy who had once worshiped the ground Harry walked on. He still did, but not in an openly embarrassing way. He soon understood Harry was a person too and instead treated him like an old friend.
They had started dating because of the DA. They had been friendly before being in the same year but Darla had never thought of him as someone to date. They had worked together a lot during the DA with Colin's younger brother. One day, Colin asked her to go to a Hogsmeade trip with her for Valentine's day and they had been together since.
She had one boyfriend, Ralph Young before him in her third year but they had broke up the summer after her third year. He had been a fifth year Ravenclaw student at the time, he was the older brother of one of the girls in her dorm had she had asked him to take Darla to the Yule Ball and he agreed. They had hit it right off but then he called Harry a liar about You-Know-Who returning and so Darla broke up with him at the beginning of fourth year.
She had a pen in her pocket and pulled it out to write on the parchment. She wasn't paying attention to her house anymore. Otherwise, she would have noticed that her family was home. That meant she had to go as well.
What are you doing? I am going to be leaving home soon. Hestia Jones, I told you about her she is our guard from the Order, well she'll be here soon. Someone else named Dedalus Diggle is also our guard. They'll keep my family safe while I'm at Hogwarts. I just wish Harry would let me go
with him.
There was a few seconds and then Darla's words disappeared so Colin was there. He must have told the parchment to clear her message off because moments later his words appeared. The parchment was voice activated. All they had to say was "clear off" for the words to disappear.
Hope it all goes ok. You shouldn't complain though. At least you can go to the wedding. I would really like to see Ginny and everyone else. Dennis is bugging me constantly because he wants to know what is going on and where You-Know-Who is. He thinks you know all of that because you live with Harry.
It was as if she sensed magic or magical people because she felt the urge to look up after some more moments of conversation. She looked toward her house and saw two people who had to be Hestia Jones and Dedalus Diggle on her front porch. Quickly she wrote on the parchment after telling it to clear off:
Have to go. Guards are here. I'll talk to you later.
She stuffed it in her pocket and ran toward her house hoping no one would be worrying about her. She hadn't known when they would be coming after all. She cut through people's yards knowing they wouldn't like it, but they would have to get over it. Harry, she knew would be getting angry because she wasn't there. She was just glad that her trunk was already in the car as she hurried up her front yard to the front door.
"There you are." Harry said when she entered the Living Room. "Where were you?"
He was already looking surprised at Dudley who was shaking his hand. Her mother looked at her angrily and she was surprised they were seriously going through with this. Her father was already out in the hall, she had passed him on her way to the Living Room She wondered if they had left without her if she had stayed out longer since her father looked as if he was about to leave when she entered. Unless they had been going to get her.
"I was at the park." She answered. "I saw them come though."
"That's good." Hestia said taking her eyes off of her mother in what had been disgust. "We were about to get you. I didn't think you would have gone too far. You should really have stayed home. We've already wasted time."
Dudley and Harry exchanged friendly words before Dudley turned away. Darla thought she saw tears in her big brothers eyes but he walked by her so quick she wasn't sure. Her mother and Harry said a quick good-bye next leaving just Harry and Darla alone.
"You shouldn't have left." He said quietly. "I know you want to come with me but you can't. Now, you'd better get going Darla. I'll see in a few days at the wedding, ok?"
"Oh Harry!" Darla exclaimed and ran to hug him. "I have a really bad feeling about tonight. Do be careful and make sure you let me know some how that you made it, ok?"
She then picked up the basket holding her cat Calicalpurnia in it and hurried out without another word as the horn blared. She blinked back tears hoping that it wasn't the last time she would see her cousin.
--
The house they apparated to was a very nice large house. There were two parts to it. There was a part for the Dursley family and a part for Hestia and Dedalus. The parts connected but through a large Kitchen. The Order had known about the Dursley's (with the exception of Darla) and their hate for magic so therefore had let the Dursley have their own little family space. They all shared the same kitchen though, therefore they all had to eat together.
They had driven from the house out into a country area where Dedalus had done something to make the car disappear. Then Hestia took a hold of Darla's arm (who had her cats case in the other hand) and her mother's arm and had apparated them to the house. Dedalus had done the same with her father and Dudley. The car was waiting for them in the driveway of the place when they got there.
"Why couldn't you have done that with us in the car?" Her father had asked looking pale.
He must not have liked the feeling on apparation. It had been unpleasant feeling, everything had gone all dark and it had felt as if she was being suffocated and everything was pushing in on her in all directions. She glanced at her mother and Dudley who also looked as though they hadn't enjoyed it.
"Only works on objects." Hestia had said. "The door isn't locked, go on in and we'll bring in your stuff."
Her family had retreated to the small family study where strangely enough, there was a television. She was surprised about that since electronics didn't work around magic too well. Hestia later explained to her that the Order had made the place to be as comfortable for the family as they could. The TV was powered by magic but she wasn't to tell her family that.
Darla was busy sitting in the kitchen with Hestia drinking a cup of tea while Dedalus had gone out somewhere saying he would return later with some information. Darla was anxious to know how Harry was doing. He was supposed to just be taken away with Mad-Eye Moody to the Burrow but apparently they couldn't apparate at all or the Ministry would have Harry.
"Harry still has the trace on him, so if he does any magic to get out of your home then the Ministry will know. So he has to leave out in the open. He will have a lot of guard with him getting him out." Hestia said. "Of course, he'll have left by now."
"Will they be flying on Broom stick?" Darla asked, "Because that just sounds foolish. I know that's how he left two years ago but Harry told me that Death Eaters could be watching the house. They'll see him."
"Well, we've left a false trail around the Ministry that Harry won't be leaving until his birthday." Hestia answered. "So, we're hoping they won't attack until then. However, as you said, yes some Death Eaters could be watching. They have a plan that hopefully works."
"And what's that?" Darla asked feeling nervous wishing she had stayed.
"There will be six others impersonating Harry tonight." Hestia answered. "Some volunteers will be Harry under the Polyjuice. They have several safe houses to get to. Once they get to them, the Death Eater's can't reach them. We are hoping that they will go for the wrong Harry."
Darla couldn't believe her ears. They were flying out in the open with the possibility of Death Eater's going after them and not only Harry could be killed but so could his impersonators. The plan didn't sound like a good one to Darla, but she didn't say anything. She just hoped maybe the Death Eater's weren't watching the place. She suddenly realized how foolish she was to leave the house, what if they had captured her? She guessed that was why everyone had been angry and it hadn't been because of the delay.
"I hate not knowing." She said. "I always get left in the dark. Harry didn't tell me they were doing this. He lied to me. He is always doing that. In my first year when there was something attacking the students, he had good lead on it but he didn't tell me. Then when he found out Sirius Black was innocent and that he was his Godfather, he didn't tell me until after he came back with Cedric from the grave yard. He didn't tell me when they went to the Ministry and now he won't tell me where he is going after-"
"My dear girl," Hestia said interrupting looking at her with indignation. "Harry did not know about this plan tonight. It will be a shock for him as much as it is for you. And as for the rest, your cousin hasn't had an easy life. Ever since Voldemort attacked him, it's been his destiny to stop You-Know-Who. He has been trying since his first year as you very well know and now everyone is saying he's the chosen one. Can you blame him for keeping secrets?"
"But I'm as good as his sister." Darla said. "We grew up together and I never made him feel out of place like my parents and Dudley did."
"And in return he wants to protect you. Did you not stop to think that maybe he isn't telling you anything because he knows you'll try and save him or try to do it for yourself? You being a Gryffindor, I am sure you wouldn't hesitate to save him or anyone else you know for that matter." Hestia said now in a gentle voice. "I have full confidence in your cousin."
Darla sighed and looked away. "I do too. I just wish I knew more. I really hope he made it ok. Is Dedalus going to the Burrow to find out?"
"Someone else will let us know. Dedalus is getting information about something else. And it's top secret so I can't tell you."
Darla nodded and took a drink of her tea. She wondered what her family was thinking at the moment and if they were worried too. She could hear the TV going but the last time she had checked. Her mother and brother hadn't really been paying attention to it. Her mother was staring off into space and Dudley was staring at the TV with a dazed look on his face. He had been the one to ask if there was any news about Harry.
"I need to talk to you and please listen, ok?" Hestia said in a gentle voice now, Darla gave a small nod. "I know you are looking forward to going back to Hogwarts, but you will not be going back. We don't know yet, but we've heard word that Voldemort will want to take over Death Eaters. He might have some teach there, which means they likely won't be admitting muggle-borns back. I'm just going by what we've heard. Now, you are already in a lot of danger because you are Harry's cousin. Having muggle-born status will not help in the situation. Therefore, even if they do re-admit muggle-borns you cannot go. They will capture you the moment you set foot on that train and they will use you to get information about Harry."
"So I am stuck here then? What about my education? What about Colin, Ginny, Neville, Patty, Julie-"
"I'm sure your friends would rather you are safe. We will, however be able to do your magical education here." Hestia answered. "You will not be able to perform magic but you will be learning the lessons and theories. If it isn't for the fact you have the trace on you, you could do magic. However, they will likely keep a close eye on you to see if you perform any magic. It will register your location at the Ministry and they'll come here."
Darla knew this was all for safety purposes but she couldn't help but feel angry. She wouldn't see any of her friends, which included Colin and now she couldn't do magic. There was also the fact that after they went to the Burrow it could be her last time ever seeing any of them. The Weasley's were the biggest blood traitor family and league with Harry. Most of them were also all in the Order. They would be targeted for sure.
Darla knew this wasn't Hestia's fault so she gave her a weak smile and nodded. It wasn't fair, but she reasoned that she had been dumb to believe she could go back to Hogwarts with Dumbledore gone. At least she had her OWL's which the results should be coming any day. With her OWL's she could take NEWT classes whenever she wanted. It meant that she would be able to perform magic either way when she was the age of seventeen.
"When are my OWL's coming?" She asked as she remembered them.
"Oh yes, I'm sorry dear." Hestia said. "I have them with me. The Order got them for you and asked me to give them to you. It was too risky to allow an owl to bring them, you see."
Hestia got up from the kitchen table and left the room. Darla drained the rest of her tea and went back to the sitting area to check on her family. They were whispering to each other now looking tense. They had to be worrying about Harry as well, even her father. At least she hoped so. He had been with them for sixteen years.
"Any news?" Dudley asked as she entered.
"No." Darla answered. "But I suppose no news is good news."
"I'm hungry." Her father said. "Do they have any normal food here?"
"Of course they have normal food here." Darla said. "Witches and wizards eat the same food as muggles do."
Her parents flinched when she mentioned witches and wizards. In the past it had been a big rule not to mention witches, wizards, magic or really any other magical term in front of her parents or they would get angry. However, the past year she had been able to without getting reprimanded for it. She wasn't going to stop saying it now when they were living with two trained ones. Her parents would have to get used to it. It was amusing in a way they would react the same way a witch or wizard would when someone mentioned You-Know-Who's name.
Hestia appeared at that moment and handed Darla an envelope. She must have heard her father mention the fact he was hungry because she then assured them quickly that she could make something up. She disappeared back into the kitchen while Darla sat down on a chair beside the couch Dudley and her parents were sitting on. She ripped the letter open quickly feeling nervous even though she wasn't going back to Hogwarts. Although, Hestia said she could still learn at home, just not do any magic.
ORDINARY WIZARDING LEVEL RESULTS
Pass Grades: (O)Outstanding Fail Grades: (P) Poor
(E) Exceed Expectations (D)Dreadful
(A)Acceptable (T)Troll
DARLA GRACE DURSLEY HAS ACHIEVED
Ancient Runes E
Arithmancy A
Astronomy D
Charms E
Defense Against the Dark Arts E
Divination A
Herbology O
History of Magic P
Potions: E
Transfiguration E
She hadn't done too badly and had even better with Arithmancy then she had expected. She had always regretted taking it instead of Care of Magical Creatures. She'd only wanted to take three more extra classes back in second year when she chose new classes. She'd gone to Hermione for advice who automatically recommended Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. Harry and Ron had told her to take Care of Magical Creatures and all three of them had told her not to take Divination.
She found the subject very interesting though. She knew that Professor Trelawny might not be a seer but she knew the subject anyway. She was still capable (with the exception of fourth year) of teaching the subject even if she couldn't predict things correctly all the time. She had to have some seer blood in her though if she had made two predictions that were right.
The only reason she hadn't taken Care of magical Creatures was because she had heard the lessons weren't that great.
"What is that, Darla?" Her mother asked interrupting her thoughts.
"Oh." Darla said looking up. "These are my exam results. They were the important exams I had to take last year."
Her mother nodded and then seemed to hesitate for a moment. "Well, could I see how you did then?"
"I don't see how it makes a difference." Her father muttered. "All magic tricks if you ask me. No use to anyone."
"No use to anyone?" Darla repeated. Never had she spoken this way to her parents, but she couldn't stand the fact that after all this time, she and Harry were still treated like freaks. "The magic tricks are saving you right now. Harry is going to use the magic tricks to save the world."
"It's no use to my little girl!" Her father said, Darla stared in surprised, he hadn't called her 'his little girl' since they found out she was a witch. "You say these magic tricks are saving us? Then why did we have to leave our home anyway? They didn't protect Harry's-" again another surprise since her father hadn't referred to Harry by his name in years- "Parents did they? They aren't protecting him now when we have to sit here and worry about him. These magic tricks are nothing but trouble or else we wouldn't have to hide. I heard that woman in there. I was listening at the door. She said you are in danger because you are magical and Harry's cousin!"
"They are useful because in the end it's the magic tricks that are going to keep us all alive." Darla said. "And don't start acting like you care or you're worried about Harry. You have never treated him right since the day he came to live us. As if you are worried about what's happening to him tonight!"
"Don't you talk to your father that way." Her mother said. "He has a point. None of us would be in this mess if magic didn't exist. My sister, you and Harry could have all grown up normally if it weren't for magic."
"The point is," Darla said feeling her anger rise even more. "That it does exist! Even if me, Harry or Aunt Lily weren't magical, we would still be in this mess today! Except maybe we would all be dead since Harry stopped him sixteen years ago at his prime . . . I bet the whole world would be taken over by now. And maybe you might not know, but Harry used the magic tricks to stop You-Know-Who from coming back in his first and second year. Harry is going to use the magic tricks to stop You-Know-Who from taking over completely. They are useful when they are in the right hands."
She stopped talking and looked around, Dudley was listening intently. She could hear Hestia preparing food in the kitchen and wondered what time it was. It had to be late so why hadn't they heard about Harry yet. She couldn't bare to think he was dead.
"So why did you fail Astronomy and History of-" her mother hesitated for a moment then said in a small voice. "Magic. You say magic's useful, so why didn't you pass all your classes?"
"I never did get into Astronomy or History of Magic too much." Darla answered. "I don't need them. I am dropping them anyway. I want to be a Healer."
"And Healers are?" Her father asked and looked as if he regretted asking it.
"Like doctors." Darla answered.
Hestia appeared at the door at that moment. She didn't look to happy as she entered the sitting room. Her family was instantly quiet and Darla was sure Hestia had likely heard everything they had been saying.
"Just got a message. Harry and the others arrived at the Burrow. All except Mad-Eye Moody. He is dead." She said softly.
Darla was shocked, Mad-Eye Moody who was a great Auror was dead? How could that be though?
"How?" She asked. "Who killed him?"
"Voldemort. I don't know the exact details except that he caught up with Mad-Eye and killed him. They sent me a patronus message. I'll know more tomorrow."
"But Harry is OK?" Darla asked and she was sure she saw her mother and brother sigh with relief. She wasn't sure what her father was thinking.
Hestia nodded. "Food is ready if you are still hungry."
Of course her family was still hungry. They didn't know Mad Eye. They had met him once but that didn't mean anything.
---
Ok, let me know when you get there please.
Darla where are you? Please let me know you are safe. What about Harry is he OK?
If I could apparate I would find out where you are and go see what's going on! It's been hours Darla where are you?
If only I could do magic. I would find out how to do those patronus messages to find out where you are.
Still waiting
And waiting.
OK so I am going mad with worry here because you told me that it was going to be very risky to leave your home. It has been hours since I last heard from you and that was when you told me you were leaving.
I've wrote down lets see, seven messages now. This is the eighth since you told me you were leaving a long time ago.
We made it here OK. Harry and the others are fine but I guess You-Know-Who killed Mad Eye Moody. It's a shame. He was a good man. He was one of the greatest Aurors too. I'm really sorry Colin. I was going to write as soon as I got home but then Hestia Jones started telling me about the plan to get Harry out of our home. I got my OWL results as well. Then I had an argument with my parents because they were saying magic isn't useful.
Well I am glad you are OK. Maybe I was going overboard but I couldn't stop thinking about You-Know-Who or one of the Death Eaters hurting your family. Sounds like you had an eventful night anyway. Too bad about Mad-Eye. So did you do well on you results then? I haven't gotten mine yet.
Well Hestia gave me mine because she thought they might find out where I was, you know since I am Harry's cousin. The only problem is, I won't be going back to Hogwarts this year. And you know. You might not be either. I know I won't be for sure.
Why not? Hogwarts is the safest place. I know the Death Eaters got in last year but the Ministry will probably be protecting the school more than usual don't you think? They won't want any of the students hurt.
They think the Ministry has been infiltrated and it can be any day before You-Know-Who has complete control over it. If they do, you won't be going because they won't want Muggle borns in. If that's the case, Colin I think you should start making plans to go into hiding. I bet they'll have all the muggle born names and they'll come after us all. I am at biggest risk because I am Harry Potter's cousin. If I went, they could capture me and try to get information about Harry from me.
Blimey! I never thought of that. You are safer where you are. I have been making plans with Greg's dad. We are already planning on my parents going into hiding any day now since Dennis and I might be going back to school. I'm going to be Secret Keeper you see. They can't go for my parents unless they go for me first. Most of the time they want you to be of age to be Secret Keeper so Greg's dad wanted to do it. But times are different now, aren't they? It would actually be safer to have say a five-year-old living at home with their parents being a secret keeper because they have to get the five-year-old first . . . but who is going to let a five-year-old be out on their own during this time right? Most parents would be watching their kids every move and their kid would never be allowed outside.
I never thought of that before. I wonder if anyone has ever used a little kid to be secret keeper? It'd be a bit complicated wouldn't it? The person would have to really be trustworthy and all wouldn't they?
Maybe not. Remember Peter Pettigrew and your Aunt and Uncle? Some Secret Keepers can sell out the families can't they? But I think my family will be much safer if I am Secret Keeper. No one but me can tell them and I'd die before I told them.
I guess that is true. It makes me angry whenever I think of Peter Pettigrew. It's going to be so boring here though. I only get to see Ginny and Harry at the wedding and then I won't see them again. I wasn't even going to be allowed to go to the wedding but Hestia promised she would be my guard the whole time. If there is any danger at all, she is to apparate me straight back here.
At least you can see them. I wish I was going because after what you've told me I think I am going to tell Greg's dad that I want us to go into hiding like he said we all should in the first place. Hogwart's won't be the same without you anyway.
Well I am going to sleep now Colin. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Good night.
Good night and I am glad you and Harry are OK.
---
Darla stared at herself in the mirror as her mother worked on her hair. She liked dressing up because she could look very pretty when she did. She wasn't the type to always dress up but she had on two occasions before. That was the year before at her Potion teacher's Christmas Party and at the Yule Ball. Most of the time she thought she looked plain and she had others say it behind her back. She was always self conscious about her abnormally long neck that she had inherited from her mother. Ginny, who was her best friend was so beautiful without even trying. Darla couldn't help but feel jealous of her.
The other three girls they shared their dorm with was also jealous of Ginny. They never openly admitted it and never said anything against Ginny to her face because they liked her a lot, but Darla had heard them. Julie seemed to be the most jealous because she wasn't pretty when she tried. Of course her bubbly personality made up for it. She managed to get dates anyway because boys liked her since she was a nice bubbly girl. There was a time in their first year when Darla had disliked Julie but that was in the past. In the past five years the girls all grew close, though Ginny and Darla were best friends. Patty and Sheila were pretty but not as beautiful as Ginny.
Darla was wearing a light blue dress for the occasion. And generously her mother was doing Darla's hair up in a fancy way for her. Darla was surprised because her mother had been a bit cool toward her since their argument the first night. However, it seemed to be forgotten as her mother happily put her hair up for her.
"I always wanted to do this with you." She told her as she did her hair. "I was always upset we couldn't have a mother daughter relationship."
"We could have," Darla said icily, "Me being a witch should not have changed anything mum."
"That's not what I meant Darla." Her mother answered. "Don't you remember how you were like when you were a little girl? You were always getting yourself dirty. You didn't like me to do your hair for you. Even at the age of ten when I thought you'd grow out of it I still had to remind you to have a bath. You didn't act your proper age until you got your- your letter."
"Oh mum, I only did that to annoy you. Don't you remember when I used to show up at the table in pajama's, even when I was old enough to know better? I only did it because it irritated you." Darla answered surprised at the way her mother's hands could work when it came to hair.
"I know. I just never understood why. Here turn around a moment."
Darla turned so her mother could work at her fringe. She was busy trying to fluff it up as she had done when Darla was little girl. She hoped her mother was trying to do the same thing. She was after all going to be sixteen at the end of August. It was strange to think about. In a year she would almost be of age in the wizarding world. She would be allowed to do magic whenever she wanted.
"You were trying to turn me into someone I wasn't." Darla answered. "And if I didn't act my age it was because you treated me like a five-year-old until I was eleven. You still treat Dudley that way."
"I do not." Her mother said looking at her sternly. "Dudley is seventeen and that is how I treat him."
"You call him Diddy and all sorts of other weird baby nick names. I'm just glad you stopped called me Dar-Dar and Darra and-" Darla began with a snort of laughter.
"One day when you have your own children you will understand." Her mother answered interrupting her but Darla caught a small smile on her mother's lips. "I'm going to do your make-up so keep still please."
"Why are you helping me for a wizards wedding? I thought you didn't like magic and all that." Darla asked. "I heard you telling Hestia last night you didn't want me going."
"She promises you'll be safe. I'm trying to be involved with your life, Darla. You're my only daughter. Is that really a problem?"
"No. I'm just surprised." Darla muttered.
They didn't talk anymore, but Darla was glad to have had a talk with her mother. She wished that all of her teenage years could have been like this. It was just too bad her family couldn't try to be part of Harry's life. They still might have been relieved he had been OK the night before but they were still glad he wasn't going to be living with them anymore. Darla couldn't understand and wondered if it was deeper then the whole magical abilities since for the first time in five years her parents were making an effort with her. Dudley was treating her like a sister again, but he had for a year.
Sometimes she suspected her mother blamed Harry for Lily Potter's death. There was also times when she wondered if her mother was jealous of the magic powers that she, Harry and Lily had. She wished her mother would talk about the past more so she could understand everything much better but her mother refused to talk about that part of her life. She wanted to ask why her mother could be civil to her but not Harry. She wanted to know why her father hated Harry so much when he had nothing to do with the past.
When her mother was finished, she turned Darla around so she could see herself in the mirror. Darla gasped. Was that beautiful girl staring back at her in the mirror really her? She had seen herself dressed up and looking pretty before, but her mother had transformed a plain pretty girl into a beautiful girl.
"See, you can be a very beautiful girl if you made the effort." Her mother said staring at her admiring her. "I've never seen you look this pretty, not even when you were a little girl."
Oh if only the girls who had called her ugly at school could see her now. It was mainly the Slytherin girls who had called her that but wouldn't they be surprised to see her? A lot of the people at school wouldn't recognize her. She couldn't wait for Ginny and Luna to see her. In fact, Luna always called Darla very pretty. Darla had just never taken her seriously because Luna always came up with strange untrue things.
Darla wanted to get to the Burrow early to talk to Harry and the others so they left the room as soon as Darla was ready. Her mother led her into the kitchen where the others were. Her father was arguing with Dedalus about wanting to get out and about while Dedalus was explaining in a kind voice why he couldn't. Dudley was sitting in his chair lifting one of his dumbbells not paying any attention to the argument as everyone was used to this by now. Hestia was busy cleaning up the morning's dishes with her wand. Her mother grimaced when she saw this, not used to all the magic yet.
Dudley dropped his dumbbell when he saw Darla, his mouth was open in shock but he yelped as the dumbbell landed on his foot. Her father and Dedalus stopped arguing at once. Hestia turned around at the silence and gasped. Wow, Darla thought with a grin. It really was funny after all. Her family had always known her to be a tomboy.
"Such a beautiful girl." Hestia said. "Of course you always are but when you are dressed up you look amazing."
"Well I've always called you princess for a reason." Her father grunted looking at her with the love he used to give her when she was a child.
"Thank you." Darla said. "When can we go to the Burrow?"
"In a moment dear." Hestia said. "We have to go over some things first, I was over this morning and there has been a lot set up to keep Harry hidden, understand?"
Darla nodded. She had suspected there was going to be a lot of measures taken at the wedding to make sure Harry was safe. She sincerely hoped nothing would happen to ruin Bill and Fleurs wedding. They were two of the nicest people she had ever met. While the rest of the Weasley family and Hermione had disliked Fleur the year before Darla had taken a liking to her right away. She had liked her when she met her during the Tri-Wizard Tournament as well.
"Harry is going to be disguised under Poly-Juice potion under the name of Barny Weasley. They managed to get some hairs of a red head boy so he will fit in with the Weasley family as if he is a cousin. You are only to call him Barny. Now, fortunately not many people know about Harry Potter's witch cousin or what she looks like and we'd like to keep it that way. You are not going to be Darla Dursley at the wedding but an old family friend named Maggie Grewts." Hestia said. "If there are any school friends you know at the wedding be sure to tell them that's who they should call you and the Weasley's plan to do the same."
Darla nodded. "That sounds reasonable, but do you really think Death Eaters can get through all the enchantments at the Burrow? I doubt they'll even show up."
"They could." Dedalus said grimly, which was unusual since Dedalus was a happy man most of the time, Darla really liked him because of that. Her father could throw any insult at Dedalus and he seemed to take it good-natured way. "We have to take every precaution there is to keep Harry and you safe."
"And further more, if there is danger you are to come with me. No if's and's or but's." Hestia continued. "You stay in my eye sight the whole time so that if we have to get out of there, I can get you and go."
Darla agreed and Hestia decided they could go. She said good-bye to her family and Dedalus before Hestia took her arm and took her into the horrible sensation of apparation. It was quick but so very unpleasant. Darla could understand why many witches and wizards didn't like to do it. There was also the risk of splinching.
They landed outside in the yard of the Burrow. Darla looked around. It looked as though they were all in the process of decorating the yard since it already looked good. Some of the wedding stuff was already set up. Darla had been at the Burrow a couple times before she had always enjoyed it there. There was a difference though, there were no rusty cauldron's or Garden Gnomes around. There were no chickens running around either. There was a large tent set up and Darla guessed that would be where the wedding was being held.
The backdoor opened and Molly Weasley appeared obviously hearing that someone was there.
"Oh you're here early!" She exclaimed. "And Darla, you look so beautiful. Well come in, come in."
Ginny appeared at the door as well. She ran out to greet Darla exclaimed at how pretty she looked. After they hugged, Ginny gave Darla a small smirk.
"We hadn't expected you so soon. I have a surprise for you inside. Come on." She said pulling her by the arm.
Molly and Hestia followed behind speaking in low tones about the Dursley's. They hurried into the small kitchen which was strangely empty. Normally it was full and Darla expected since the wedding was that day for it to be full. Ginny explained that everyone was getting ready for the wedding and they were all scattered every where. She told Darla to wait a moment before darting off leaving Darla alone in the kitchen since Hestia and Molly had gone into another room. Ginny returned moments later dragging Colin Creevey!
"Colin!" Darla exclaimed surprised. The Weasley's had only really met him a few times and that was at the end of the school years when they got off the train together. There had also been the moment in the hospital wing after the fight with Death Eaters in the hospital wing at Hogwarts. They had also met him in the Weasley's joke shop a year before. She had stayed with the Weasley's for the summer. She hadn't expected him to be invited and he had told her he wasn't coming.
She didn't care that Ginny was watching. She ran to him and kissed him. She had thought they wouldn't see each other for a while. How was it that he was here? They kissed for several minutes and might have gone on if someone hadn't shouted out.
"Oi! I think that's enough now."
They pulled apart to see Harry. He was frowning while Ron and Hermione were smirking.
"But what are you doing here?" Darla asked.
"Mrs. Weasley sent me an invitation." Colin answered. "I had helped fight last year and I guess she decided she liked me and when I came she welcomed me like she has always known me. I was surprised I could come as well. I didn't want to tell you. I wanted it to be a surprise. I have a guard here too as well. Greg's dad, he knows the Weasleys well and he had planned to come anyway so he brought me along as well. I guess I'm supposed to know you at the wedding as Maggie though right? You look so beautiful by the way Darla."
"Yeah well, try to keep your hands to yourself." Harry said still frowning.
"Oh, Happy birthday Barny." Darla said. "You are probably glad you can do magic now."
"Yes I am and you don't have to call me Barny until I have drank the Poly Juice. It's only noon now, the guests come at three." Harry said.
"Colin came early this morning. Mr. Rodgen had to do something this morning but he'll be back later." Ginny said.
"Where is Hestia?" Harry asked.
"With Mrs. Weasley." Darla said. "The house we are staying in is very nice. We have separate quarters from Hestia and Dedalus but we share the kitchen."
They spent the time catching up before Ginny, Hermione, Ron and Harry had to go get ready for the wedding. Darla told them how it was going so far in hiding and the fact she was angry she couldn't go back to Hogwarts. Hermione of course told her it was for the best because you could never be too safe these days. Harry had already known she wouldn't be going back he just didn't want to be the one to tell her. That was another secret he had kept from her. They told her what happened when they had left Harry's place. Ron and Hermione had been two of the Harry Potter impersonators.
"And George lost an ear but he doesn't seem affected by it too much." Ginny said. "The twins actually joke about it."
Darla could see Fred and George Weasley laughing about a lost ear. It did sound a bit comical in a way.
"And Percy?" Darla asked.
"Don't mention him in front of mum. She is going to be weepy as it is." Ron said.
Darla didn't see everyone else until later when they were all dressed up. George was wearing a fake ear to cover up his lost ear. She knew right away because his ears looked lopsided but she decided not to mention it. The twins looked shocked when they saw her and both gave her a hug causing Colin to go red.
"Wow, look at little Darla Dursley all dressed up." Fred said. "Never thought I'd see the day."
"You don't have mud on you from working with plants." George added with a grin.
"You both look very handsome as well." Darla answered.
"Can't notice the ear can you?" George asked.
"Oh no," Darla said even though anyone could see it was lopsided. "But even without it you'd look good."
She and Colin hung out talking about old times at Hogwarts. She knew he was going to miss it as much as she would. She remembered how bouncy he had been in his first year because he was always so excited about being a wizard. It was strange remembering back to when they were eleven years old. They stayed in the yard most of the afternoon just glad to be in the others company since they would be parting very soon and neither knew how long it would be.
At three the guest started to arrive. She and Colin watched from afar as Harry, (who was now Barny a chubby red head) Ron, Fred and George took people to their seats. They already knew where they were sitting and would sit when Harry and the others did. There were people coming in that Darla knew and a lot she didn't. She saw Luna Lovegood come and she dragged Colin over to see her after Harry had shown them to their seats in the tent that the wedding was being held in.
"Oh hello." Luna said, when she spotted them. "I didn't know you two would be here."
"Yes, we were invited." Darla said and leaned to whisper "But I'm Maggie Grewts today."
"Oh you've changed your name too? You look very pretty but you always do." Luna answered. "Have you changed your name too, Colin?"
"Nope, I'm still Colin." He answered with a grin.
Luna began talking about the upcoming school year and neither of them said anything. They didn't want to let her know they wouldn't be returning yet. She would find out at Hogwarts, but Darla was sure it wouldn't come as too much of a surprise to her.
"I don't suppose you two will be going. It's going to be strange without you." Luna said in a dreamy voice.
"No it will be too risky to go." Darla answered with a nod
"Well you are Harry Potter's cousin." Luna stated. "You shouldn't be going anyway."
They left her after a few minutes to go sit down because the tent was quickly filling up. Darla took her place beside Hestia Jones who was already sitting down and looking around. Colin sat beside her and held her hand. There were a lot of red heads sitting around and Darla decided it was a good idea to have Harry disguised as Barny Weasley, no one would really know the difference. Harry, Ron and Hermione came in after a while and took seats in front of them. Hermione looked extremely pretty as well. It was odd seeing her dressed up, Darla had only really seen her looking very pretty once and that was for the Yule Ball.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley walked down the aisle first and the chatter that had been going around died down. Mrs. Weasley was smiling but Darla had a feeling she would be crying by the end of the wedding. Bill and Charlie followed wearing large white roses in their button holes. One of the twins, Darla couldn't tell from the back of their heads let out a wolf-whistle causing some people to laugh.
But then music started and it sounded as if it were coming from the golden balloons above where Fleur and Bill would be getting married. Hermione let out an excited moan as she turned in her seat toward the Entrance so Darla turned to. Fleur and a man who must have been Fleur's father was walking down the aisle. Fleur was wearing a white dress and a beautiful tiara. A lot of people were letting out sighs as they came. Fleur who was part Veela was always very pretty but she seemed to be letting off a silvery glow that day. Everyone looked better looking than usual from her radiance. Ginny who was in a golden dress looked even more beautiful. Even Bill, who used to be a very handsome man before he was savaged by Fenrir looked good.
Darla loved Fleur for that reason. If she hadn't liked Fleur before, she would like her now because she stayed with Bill. She hadn't cared that he wasn't handsome any more and had even yelled at Mrs. Weasley for suggesting that she wouldn't want to marry Bill because of his appearance. It seemed to make everyone who had disliked her love her.
The man in the front was talking now and Darla noticed he was the man who had been at Dumbledore's funeral. She listened to him joining the two together in front and couldn't help but think of her own wedding. She hoped it could look as nice as the Weasley wedding looked. She would love to have beautiful golden balloons that made music come from them. Darla could hear sobs and knew it must be Mrs. Weasley and Fleurs mother. Darla nearly giggled when they heard Hagrid blow his nose.
When the little man pronounced Fleur and Bill as man and wife he raised his wand over their heads and let a shower of silver stars. Darla couldn't help but feel teary-eyed but she blinked her tears back quickly because she didn't want to ruin her makeup job. When everyone started to clap the golden balloons burst open, releasing birds of paradise and golden bells.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" The man called. "If you would please stand up."
Everyone did. Darla was still clutching Colin's hand tightly. She smiled at him as all the chairs rose and walls of the tent disappeared. Everyone now could see a sunset. Colin smiled back and they started walking together from the tent where the chairs floated and landed around tables. They moved from the crowd together so they could find Ron, Hermione and Harry. There were waiters going around with trays of drinks and food. Darla and Colin each grabbed a Butterbeer and looked around for any signs of them.
"Wizard weddings are very nice." Darla said. "I've never been to a wedding at all, but I've seen them on TV."
"Same here." Colin said. "I want my wedding to be like that. I don't know if it can be though."
"Why not?" Darla asked as they watched the dance floor, still not seeing anyone they knew at all the crowded tables.
"Muggles all in my family. They'll all wonder what's going on." Colin answered with a grin then took a sip of Butterbeer.
Darla giggled. "You could do memory charms on them. Make them think that they saw another wedding. I wouldn't have that problem, my parents would understand what's happening. My Aunt Marge would probably have to come though."
"Will the Death Eaters attack her?" Colin asked watching people starting to go to the dance floor now. Bill and Fleur were the first ones.
"I doubt they know about her. Oh, let's go dance Colin." Darla said pulling him to the dance floor.
He followed her without resistance, when they got to the dance floor Colin pulled her close. He was never much of a dancer, but Darla didn't care. She closed her eyes and leaned her head on his shoulder as they danced together. She was so glad she had given him a chance. She hadn't wanted to at first because he had been different when he was younger, but everyone grew up eventually.
She wondered if she could talk Hestia into letting her stay at the Burrow for a few days. She wanted to be with Colin tonight but she hadn't really been able to spend time with Harry or Ginny with all the active wedding commotion going on. She didn't see why it should hurt, maybe she'd talk to Hestia later then.
There were a lot of people on the dance floor. Darla could see Luna dancing with herself and grinned. Luna would be the only person who would do that. She was dancing as if she had an invisible partner with her and Darla wouldn't be surprised if Luna told her that's exactly who was with her.
"Look at Luna." Darla said to Colin.
He looked to where Darla was pointing and began to laugh.
"Luna is one of a kind. You know, I wish I had my camera here. Then I could take pictures home to show my parents and brother. I would like to have gotten a picture of Harry." Colin said.
"Whatever for? You know how Harry feels about that." Darla said.
"Picture of the Chosen One at a wedding would look good." Colin said with a shrug.
Some things never changed Darla thought. She was just glad he had given up years ago to get Harry to sign his pictures. Colin had pictures of Harry from when he was twelve to sixteen. She had figured the picture of Harry with Luna Lovegood at Slughorns party should be enough. Colin was obsessed with photography though, he liked to do shots of people before an event, at an even and after an event. In her third year, he had insisted on taking her picture before she was dressed up for the Yule Ball and then when she was. He surprised her the next morning by taking yet another photo of her. She had yelled at him then, but they hadn't been together at that moment.
"Oh it's just a picture of you after a night of fun." He had said.
"Besides, I would have liked a picture of you as well." He said now. "I can show everyone my beautiful girlfriend. My mom hasn't met you yet, only my dad."
"There is time." Darla said. "We won't always have to be in hiding. When we get out, I will introduce you to my parents again and you can introduce me to your mom. Dudley looks different from when you saw him last."
"Now that we've brought this up, I want to talk to you." Colin said releasing her, then grabbing her hand.
He pulled her over to a tree by the dance floor. It had a lot of decorations in it that looked very beautiful. There were some fake love birds in the tree that looked real and even moved around like love birds, they looked made out of gold though, even though they likely weren't. They were cuddling in the tree, rubbing their heads together. Darla felt a little nervous as they stood under the tree. What if he told her that they should break up until the war was over? She didn't think she could bare that and was ready to tell him it wasn't a good idea.
Colin reached into his pocket and pulled out a very pretty ring. For a second she was expecting him to get down one knee and she wasn't sure what she'd do if he did that. They were only sixteen after all.
"This is a promise ring." He said taking her hand and sliding it on her finger. "We are going to be away from each other for what could be a very long time. I promise you that even though I can't be there for you in person when you need me, I will still be there for you no matter what. When this war is over, I promise you we will be together again because I love you Darla."
"Oh Colin." Darla said.
And this is what made her angry when people asked her what she saw in Colin Creevey. To others he seemed like an annoying photographer but to her he was so much more. She remembered when one of the Slytherin girls had commented that Colin only wanted her because he hero-worshiped Harry Potter. She wished she could prove them all wrong at that moment because any of those girls would realize there was more to Colin then he let on. Only around her and certain others he was his true self.
She reached up and plucked one of the doves from the tree and grabbed Colin's hand. She wished she had something more to give him. He had put a lot of thought into this.
"With these Love birds I promise you the same." She said. "And I will always love you and thank that day you asked me to go to Hogsmeade me with you." She moved over and kissed him. "And I will always remember our first kiss no matter how awkward it was."
Colin grinned at her and murmured, "I will remember this moment until I die because-"
They were suddenly interrupted by Ginny and Luna.
"Oh break it up you two love birds." Ginny said. "You two haven't kept your hands off each other all day. Let's go dance a bit."
Colin smirked at her as he placed the Love birds in his pocket. Then the four of them proceeded to the dance floor where they started to dance to fast music. When a slow song came on, Ginny asked Darla if she could dance with Colin. Darla gave a quick nod and looked around for Harry. It was hard to find him since he didn't look himself, there were too many red heads to see though.
"Want to dance?" Someone asked.
She turned to see Lee Jordan, the Weasley twin's best friend. She liked Lee, he was very nice and almost as much of a prankster as the twins were. He used to commentate the Quidditch matches at Hogwarts when he had gone to school there. She nodded and let him take her into a waltz. She glanced at Ginny and Colin to see that they were talking about something. She wished she could have shown Ginny the ring.
"You're sure close to that Creevey boy aren't you Miss Maggie?" Lee asked grinning at her.
"Where is your girlfriend?" Darla asked. "Surely a handsome boy like you has a girl?"
"Nah, but they all want me. It's hard to decide which one I want." Lee answered laughing.
Darla laughed as well. She was so glad that she had been able to come. When the dance was over, she hurried over to Ginny. Colin had now asked Luna for a dance making a remark about her invisible partner gone off for a drink. Luna had laughed and told him seriously that she liked dancing alone, but a dance partner was a lot of fun too as long as Darla didn't mind.
Of course Darla didn't mind. Luna was one of her friends. Darla showed the promise ring to Ginny that Colin had given her. It had a Peridot birthstone. Darla hadn't noticed that before. Peridot was the birthstone for the month of August. Ginny grinned as she looked at it.
"He showed it to me when he came over." She said, "You know, I know Harry cares about me and I understand why he broke up me, but I wish we were still together. People will know that we dated and might think we still are . . . but my family is the biggest blood traitor family there is. And we have welcomed Harry into the family since Ron became friends with him. I am still a target no matter what. Harry just doesn't understand that."
"I know." Darla answered. "Harry has always been like that though. I know when this is all over you two will be back together. He was upset about it over the summer."
Ginny nodded. "I love him. I always have. Remember in our first year when-"
She didn't finish though. At that moment something large and silver appeared. They both looked at it, knowing that it was a patronus. She wondered who was delivering a message at this time. The patronus took the shape of a Lynx. Everyone around them quieted down and froze when it stopped.
"This ministry has fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. They are coming."
There was still some silence and then someone screamed. Darla started screaming too. Ginny took off quickly and Darla started to run too. She had to find Colin or Harry. She forgot all about Hestia, all that she could think about was reaching Colin or at least Harry. She saw Colin ahead looking around panicking. Luna was gone now.
"Colin!" Darla yelled running to him, "Come on!"
"You are to come with me." Someone who sounded like Hestia said. "Come on now Darla, let's go."
"Wait!" Darla shouted as figures around them began to appear. "I have to get Colin!"
But Hestia didn't listen. Colin was running over to them, but Hestia turned on the spot and moments later they were going through the uncomfortable suffocating darkness. A few minutes later, they were in the kitchen of the hiding home. Dedalus was sitting alone in the kitchen now, he jumped as they appeared.
Darla started to cry hard thinking about Colin and Harry and the others. There were Death Eaters at the Burrow at that moment and she didn't even know their fate.