Darla lay on her bed petting her cat while waiting for a message from Colin. So far he hadn't written back and it had been a couple hours since she had come home. She felt terrible, she had yelled at Hestia for bringing her home so soon, but she knew Hestia had to get her home safely. It was just hard knowing that she had been taken to safety but the others were all still there.
She had complete faith in Harry to get out of it alive (even though she was worried about him) it was Colin who was underage she worried about. It was also the Weasley family. What if they tortured them all about the whereabouts of Harry Potter? What about all the other guests at the wedding?
Her mother and father had run into the kitchen panicking when they saw Darla crying on the floor. Her mother helped her to her feet and made her sit on a chair in the kitchen while Hestia explained everything. Darla then yelled at Hestia, and the thought of it now made her feel guilty. She wasn't sure if Hestia had retired to her quarters or was still down in the kitchen. She had heard her parents go to bed not that long ago. They had sent her up to her room to rest after Hestia had given her a calming drought. She hadn't even gotten offended when Darla had yelled at her.
"She is in shock. I have a calming drought here though for her." Hestia had explained as her mother told her to stop yelling.
There was a knock on her door. Darla looked up to see Dudley enter. He was wearing red pajama's with gold at the end of the sleeves that Darla had bought for him the year before. She had bought them because they were Gryffindor colours, she didn't tell Dudley that though. He had been very happy about it since the only pairs he owned were babyish ones his mother had bought or crude looking ones Aunt Marge was always buying. Darla had long ago changed into her own.
"You all right?" He asked. "So those-those Death Eater people showed up then?"
"Yes." Darla answered. "We got away before they saw us though. I'm not sure about anyone else though."
"That Weazy family is fine." Dudley answered. "Hestia told me to tell you. I was in the kitchen getting a snack and she was there and told me."
"Did she say anything about Harry?" Darla asked interested now. "How does she know?"
"She said she got a message and told me to let you know. They don't know anything about Harry. She said he got a way though and so did the other guests. The Death Eaters just went around making sure he wasn't there and they are watching them now so she said to tell you that you can't send a letter to Ginny." Dudley answered. "And they didn't ask about you at all."
"He must be hiding out then." Darla answered feeling relieved. "I just wish we could get information on Colin now."
Dudley sat down in a chair beside her bed that was in the room. It was very strange to be talking about her friends from the Wizarding world with Dudley. He seemed genuinely concerned though. Darla guessed he was realizing that there was nothing wrong with being magical. He was definitely thankful to Harry for saving him from the Death Eaters with magic. He was also thankful that Hestia and Dedalus were keeping them all safe at that moment.
"Why are they called Death Eaters?" Dudley asked frowning. "They don't actually eat dead people do they?"
"No." Darla said with a laugh even though it really wasn't funny. "I don't know why they call themselves that."
"That Dedalus Diggle . . . he said no one can say that mans name who killed Harry's parents anymore. They said it's Tabooed. What does he mean? I thought no one said it anyway, except Harry anyway." Dudley said.
He was looking at the piece of parchment that Darla was waiting for Colin's message to appear on. She now knew how Colin felt about waiting for news from Darla. She had written a few messages now. Dudley picked it up and surprisingly she didn't mind. If it had been the year before she probably would have yelled at him. She felt she could trust him now though. He was no longer the same boy he was when he had plotted against her.
"I guess it means if someone says it he can find them. I don't say it ever but Hestia is always saying it." Darla answered. "I guess it makes sense though. The people who say it are the ones they want."
"What is this?" Dudley asked. "The writing has just disappeared and more is appearing."
"It's the way Colin and I communicate. Oh, give it here Dudley so I can see what he is saying." Darla said taking the parchment from him.
We are in hiding. Now that the Ministry has been taken over Mr. Rodgen, you met him at the wedding decided that we needed to do the Fidelus Charmas soon as we left the wedding. See, were not staying at my house while we are in hiding, almost like you. We are staying at my Grandma's now, she knows everything and she doesn't mind. We've been sending our stuff over there for a while but there was still a lot of stuff we had to take over that we might need. Dennis has quite a few pets that we had to move over here too and I wanted my photography stuff. Sorry it took so long to answer but we had to move quickly. Mr. Rogden said we should move today that way if they go to my place we won't be there. We had to get some people from the Order to help out as well.
"He's ok." Darla told Dudley who was watching her in bewilderment.
"You know what that reminds me of?" Dudley asked as Darla muttered "Clear off" and began writing her own message.
"No, what?" Darla asked.
"Chat rooms." Dudley answered. "It's something on the internet. I use it sometimes. You've heard of the internet haven't you?"
"Yes, of course I have. Mum and dad only got it not that long ago for you. So it's the same as this? If only we did it that way." Darla said as she explained to Colin what went on her end.
Dudley nodded. "It's cool. You can talk to anyone around the world with it. It's like talking on the phone except you type on the keyboard."
"Well Colin and I can only use this with each other. We used something called a Protean charm and something else. I'm not sure how Colin did it to be honest, but he got an older student to do it for us." Darla answered. "That way we can talk to each other over the holidays."
"Bit close to this Colin aren't you? Who is he?" Dudley asked suddenly frowning instead of looking interested.
"You've met him. I brought him over last year when the Order of Phoenix came to tell mum and dad to treat Harry right." Darla answered reading Colin's latest message.
"I was trying to pretend I wasn't there." Dudley said. "It was kind of embarrassing with all those people. Especially that man with the weird eye. Was he the kid who took our picture?"
"Yes." Darla answered giggling then was stern. "And the man with the weird eye died Dudley. He was the one called Mad-eye Moody. He was a good man."
"Sorry." Dudley grunted looking away. "Well I'm going to bed Darla. I'll see you tomorrow."
When he left, Darla smiled at the memory of Colin taking the picture of her family. He had done it so unexpectedly. They had gotten off the train and a group from the Order of Phoenix had come to the train station to tell her parents that they had to be nicer to Harry. She pointed out to Colin who her family was and as they walked over, Colin who kept a camera around his neck most times lifted the camera and took their picture. Her father had been so angry because of it.
As she smiled something, silvery entered the room and Darla felt fear as she stared at it. The last time she saw something silvery it was bad news. When Darla noticed that it was an otter she felt relieved. Hermione's patronus was an otter.
"Darla, just wanted to let you know we are OK and we are safe and hiding. Harry says to stay put no matter what."
The patronus faded. She was glad they were OK, but she wished she could send one back to them. She wished she had a way to communicate to Harry as she had with Colin. She wished Harry had sent Hedwig but she knew it was probably too risky to use her now. She would have liked to send a letter back to Harry. She quickly wrote to Colin that Harry, Ron and Hermione were OK before saying good night.
She wanted to see if Hestia was still up, so she put the parchment in her pocket and left her room. She could hear Dudley lifting his weights in his room as she passed. Her parents were already sleeping. Her fathers loud snores were coming from their bedroom. She tiptoed down the steps and hurried into the sitting room. She could see the kitchen light was on, so she hurried into it to see Dedalus and Hestia were both awake talking seriously.
"Hi." She said. "I just got a message from Hermione. They are all OK."
"Did you? How?" Hestia asked.
"She sent a patronus message. And I wanted to apologize for earlier. I shouldn't have shouted at you." She said.
"Oh, that's quite all right." Hestia said with a smile. "I understood and it's good to know they are all OK. We were just talking about that."
"Dudley told me You-Know-Who's name is tabooed." Darla said.
"Well, a lot of people in the Order use it." Hestia answered. "That's who they are trying to find at the moment. And it's well-known Harry has always said it."
"So what is going to happen now?" Darla asked. "Now that the Ministry has fallen? That will mean the Death Eaters and You-Know-Who have complete power doesn't it?"
"Yes." Hestia answered. "It's exactly what it means. We'll talk more about this later, Darla. It's late. You should go back to sleep."
Darla nodded and went back up to her room. If the Death Eaters had complete power how long would it take before they were found?
--
Darla woke up early a couple days later and went down to breakfast. Her parents were up and about. Her mother was actually helping out with breakfast while her father was sitting at the table talking to Dedalus once again about wanting to go out just for a little while. Dedalus was explaining once again why it was too risky.
"They won't know if we go out for a bit can they?" Her father asked. "I'd like to check up on the house and-"
"You silly man!" Hestia exclaimed. "The worst you could do is go back to your home. Someone could be there waiting for you. And if they aren't, they could have spells on the house that will alert someone if you or anyone goes in there."
"One of your lot could be living in my house?" Her father asked looking at her with horror. "Performing all those magic tricks, using all my stuff."
"Yes, exactly. I am glad we have sorted that out." Hestia said indignantly. "If you care about your safety and your families, you will stay put."
"Is there any other muggle thing you need?" Dedelus asked, "Do you need one of those . . . oh what do you call it, those things you put on the TV's. Muggles go to what is it called? Cinemas' is it? They watch it and then it's put into a rectangular box that you push buttons on it."
"You mean a VCR so we can watch movies?" Darla asked trying not to laugh.
"Yes, that's what I mean. I don't understand these muggle things. They are entertaining are they? I've watched the TV sometimes and it's interesting." Dedalus answered.
"I would like a telephone because I need to see what is happening at my work." Her father said. "I could lose a lot of great orders of drills. Can't you take me to work so I can check up on things?"
"Your work is going very smoothly."Hestia answered. "We have someone working there for you who has given reason for your absence. The company understands and they will let you come back when you can. Dudley's school also understands why he isn't there. He will be getting sent school work here so he can work on it."
"I would like to talk to this bloke." He said.
"I can see if can bring in a VCR so you can watch it on your TV." Dedalus said with a nod ignoring her fathers last words as an owl flew in carrying a newspaper.
"Ruddy owls." Her father said watching it. "Can't wait until I don't have to deal with them."
"You'll have to get video tapes as well." Darla said. "It doesn't work unless you have a video tape to put in it."
"Ah, these muggle things are difficult. Well, I'll see what I can do. It may not work. It took a great deal of work to get the TV to work."
Hestia took the paper and paid the owl for bringing it. She unfolded it and suddenly gasped. Everyone looked at her fearfully, even her father did. She laid it down on the table for everybody to see. Darla hurried to her to see what was going on. She gasped as well as she stared at a large photo of Harry staring back at them, blinking.
WANTED FOR THE QUESTIONING OF ALBUS DUMBLEDORE
"How can they be accusing Harry?" Darla asked. "Snape killed Dumbledore."
"The Death Eaters have taken over the Daily Prophet Darla." Hestia said. "I should have told you that, but I didn't want you to worry. They have been telling people a lot of things and changing the laws rather quickly. This," She said pointing at Harry's face. "Is a way to turn the public against Harry. You know all those rumors that went around about him being the Chosen One? Well this is their way of having everyone lose faith in Harry if they think he was the one who killed Dumbledore."
"But people have to be smarter than that." Darla said.
"They'll believe what the news tells them to believe. Of course there are people who have complete faith in Harry but you know how people are. They will believe anything. Anyway, there is a two hundred thousand galleon award for someone if they can get Harry and his wand. You know how people are when it comes to money." Hestia answered.
"Even if it means killing someone innocent . . . oh Harry, he is going to be in even more danger now." Darla murmured.
"Wait. The boy is being questioned for murder?" Her father asked staring the paper too. "Dumbledore. That's the man who came to get him last summer isn't it? He is dead?"
"You're behind on times." Hestia said with a sigh. "Dumbledore was murdered at Hogwarts at the end of the school year by one of the teachers named Severus Snape. Severus Snape is a Death Eater who double crossed us all. Harry was there when it happened so they are blaming Harry for it."
"What kind of school is this?" Her father roared. "You mean to tell me that I have sent my daughter to a school for five years where a murderer taught?"
"No one knew he was a murderer dad." Darla said. "He surprised us all."
Hestia began to read the paper while her mother continued to make breakfast for them all. Her father sat staring at the table angrily while Dedalus got up and left the room. Dedalus' house had been burnt down because he was an Order member the night of the wedding. She had to wonder if her house had the same fate. It was Hestia who told her there was a chance it was but not to tell her parents or Dudley about it.
"Looks like the Muggle-Born Register Act is starting to take place." Hestia muttered. "They're already rounding muggle-born's up."
Darla knew all about that one. Hestia had told them the day before that muggle-born's were being taken into the Ministry for questioning about where they got their blood status. She was just glad that Colin and his family went into hiding when they did. She just hoped more muggle born's had decided to go into hiding before. Of course there was still a chance they were at the moment going into hiding. As soon as they read the Daily Prophet it would make sense to do it.
She felt bad for the younger ones though. If there was a twelve-year-old in a family of muggles they wouldn't know what to do. She just hoped maybe they were friends with people who had wizard parents. Surely they would help them out. Darla sighed and stared moodily at the picture of Harry on the front of the Daily Prophet as Hestia read it.
When breakfast was over, Darla went back up to her room to tell Colin everything.
--
There was different News coming in almost every day. The Wizarding world was at it's worst. It was even worse according to Hestia then when Voldemort had taken over the first time because Dumbledore had been alive before. The Ministry hadn't been taken over, but now it was. Darla wondered what Harry was doing every day. She had word that they were fine from Hestia who kept regular contact with the Weasley family somehow. She told her that Remus Lupin had found them at number twelve Grimmauld place.
They've been to my house. Mr. Rodgen's sent a friend of his to go look from the Ministry, someone who was pretending to look for me and Dennis. He is supposed to be rounding muggle borns up I guess but he always gives them advice before hand to get away. He is lucky they haven't caught him yet. It is completely ransacked I guess. When he went, he saw that the front door was slightly open, which we had locked it of course. He thinks they were trying to find some information we might have left behind about where we might be. There were things blasted a part. All the rooms were destroyed.
Well at least you got out of there alive. I wonder what my house looks like. The Death Eaters probably went in there after Harry left to see if we left any information about where we might have gone. I know we didn't. I checked every room the morning before we left after my dad packed everything for the last time. I didn't check Harry's but he is smart enough not to leave anything behind that he shouldn't.
Do you know how they are doing? Are they still at that place you said they were at but you can't tell me where it is?
I don't know, they might have gone since we last heard. They probably won't be able to stay there long. Snape knows about it but then again Hestia says he probably won't be able to say anything because of a tongue tying curse . . . I don't really understand what she is talking about though.
I wish we didn't have to be in hiding. I am going to miss you so much Darla. And I am going to miss your sixteenth birthday.
I know. We had plans to celebrate it at the Weasley's, Ginny and I. We were going to invite you but then Snape killed Dumbledore. I still can't believe he did that. Dumbledore gave us all hope, just like Harry does. It seems like without Dumbledore we won't be able to last.
Have you heard the stuff they are coming out about Dumbledore? They say he was friends with Grindelwald when they were seventeen. Do you believe that? We get the Daily Prophet sometimes and I've read that apparently Dumbledore wanted to break the Statute of Secrecy and put the muggles away.
It's all rubbish Colin. It's Rita Skeeter who is coming up with these rumors. Don't you remember the rumors she came up with about Harry and Hermione in our third year? She just likes to make stuff up. I thought she would have changed when she wrote that interview for Harry but apparently not.
Well she had no choice right? Hermione forced her. Anyway, couldn't we find away to celebrate your birthday together? Couldn't I come over there on your birthday somehow?
I don't know. It's just that, we have the trace on us and it's muggle born's they want. What if we brought you here and the Ministry found out? I'd love to have you here because I miss you so much but what if they are watching any magic that underage muggle born's use? Wouldn't they catch you even if you did side-a-long apparation?
I don't know.
Me neither.
It's hard being locked up though. We're all getting on each others nerves. I try to stay in my bedroom as much as possible.
Same here. My dad is driving Hestia and Dedalus crazy because he keeps insisting that he wants to go out. I don't blame him for wanting to get out but the rest of us understand we can't go anywhere. Dudley and I get a long though. It is actually weird seeing as how we haven't since I was eleven.
Dennis and I get a long at times but he keeps asking me so many questions. He wants to know what Harry is up to. I keep telling him I don't know.
Maybe I can talk to Hestia. I'll see if there is away of getting you here for my birthday. Just don't get your hopes up. We both have the trace on us remember.
All right, I'll talk to you later Darla. I love you.
I love you too Colin.
--
Darla's sixteenth birthday was coming up quickly. It was the twenty-seventh of August. She had always imagined being sixteen, although she hadn't imagined having to be locked up for it. Hestia and her mother were talking about celebrating it daily. Hestia kept asking her what she wanted for her birthday and what she wanted to eat that day. Darla told Hestia she didn't want anything, but she really wanted to shout that she wanted freedom. She wanted to go to Hogwarts and have Dumbledore back a live, but of course she couldn't.
"Hestia." Darla said one afternoon a few days before her birthday. "I know it's a lot to ask and it's probably not possible but I was wondering if there was a way to get Colin and Ginny here for my birthday. I know we all have the trace on us but I was just wondering."
Hestia stared at her for a moment. "Well, there might be a way." Hestia answered. "Side-a-long apparation I think would be out. However, we may be able to use a port key. Now I'm not sure about getting Miss. Weasley here because the Burrow is being watched. We'll have to see about that but getting Mr. Creevey here should be easier. You see, as long as we don't make the port key around Colin it should be fine. They won't be able to track it unless they have surveillance on that area which they don't."
"Why can't you make it in front of him?" Darla asked.
"They can track magic around under age children. That is why when that House-Elf performed magic in your house Harry was blamed for it. You, are an exception of course. While they can track it if you do any magic, I can perform magic around you and they won't know. We've put the highest protection on this place that it will be hard for them to trace you. Dumbledore and Mad-eye made sure of that before they died. Dumbledore seemed to know there would be a time when you and your family would need protecting with magical peoplewith you, so he worked hard on this place." Hestia explained.
"So you might be able to get Colin here?" Darla asked.
"We'll have to work on some arrangements for the next few days. We can try and see if we can get Ginny here, but don't get your hopes up. I'll talk to Dedalus and we'll see what we can do." Hestia answered.
Darla felt excited about her birthday for the first time in weeks. Of course she'd rather have everyone they had been talking about inviting to her birthday but it was all right if she could just get Colin over. She and Ginny both had birthdays' in August so they had wanted to celebrate them together. Ginny had talked about inviting the girls in their dorm, Colin, Harry, Ron and Hermione of course, Neville and Luna for it.
Darla was grateful to Hestia for trying for her. She and Hestia had a lot of talks together since they had all arrived there. Hestia told her that she understood that Darla was angry that she couldn't go out and have fun. Whenever Darla vented her feelings Hestia would sit and listen. It was probably because Hestia knew that Darla understood perfectly why she couldn't go out so she didn't get angry when Darla talked about it.
"Your father seems to be taking it the hardest." Hestia had said one evening. "And you know, I can see it frustrates your mother a lot too but she hasn't said a word."
"I know. I am kind of surprised." Darla had answered. "She doesn't seem herself, ever since we got here she has been quiet and that's not normal for my mum. Both she and Dudley don't complain much even though you can tell they don't like it."
--
"Well," Hestia said to Darla at dinner the night before her birthday. "We've arranged for both Colin and Ginny to come here tomorrow. We have the best people working on getting them here without the Ministry knowing. Ginny has been helping out with her brother's joke shop a lot this summer so it won't be too hard to get her here as we thought. Colin is even easier. It seems he has the best people protecting the family at the moment. Mr. Rodgen has always been good with protective charms though. It's lucky his son goes to school with you."
"How come you can manage to get her friends here but you won't let us get out for a bit?" Her father asked. "If you can get them here safely, why can't you find a way for us to go somewhere for a while?"
"I've been wondering that too." Darla's mother spoke up. "You say these children have some trace on them . . . well we aren't magical, so they can't trace us if we go somewhere can they?"
"No." Hestia answered. "It is just too risky to have you out right now. We are taking Colin and Ginny to a very safe house . . . they cannot be traced here, but where is it that you want to go. You can't go back to your own home and you can't go to your jobs."
"I just want to get out of here for a day!" Her father answered angrily. "We've been locked up here except for being allowed to go outside in the yard. Why the ruddy hell can't we get out of here for a bit and then come back? If I'd known I'd have to be a prisoner then I wouldn't have come."
"Well then you'd be dead or imprisoned somewhere being tortured." Darla snapped.
"I'd like to visit my sister." He said ignoring Darla. "Couldn't we go there?"
"As I've explained sir." Dedalus answered in a good-natured way. "The Death Eaters could track magical activity around your sister's place. I am correct when I say her last name is Dursley? They will go after her because they'll connect her to you and your nephew."
"Wait a minute," Darla said. "What if they try and find out about any more Dursleys? What if they find out about Aunt Marge anyway?"
"We've made it so that any other Dursley cannot be tracked down. However, they could find out about her if you go there." Hestia answered. "Now, Mr. Dursley we will see what we can do ok? For now, it is your safety that matters."
Her father didn't say anything. He just began eating again. Darla wondered if it was possible to let her family out for a bit and Hestia was just saying it wasn't. They might be worried her father wouldn't want to come back to the safe house once he got out again.
--
"I've missed you so much. I'm glad I was able to come here for you." Ginny said. "It's nice to get away. We've been watched so closely lately. There are Death Eaters and Dementors all around Diagon Alley now because they think there is a chance Harry will show up there. And we know they are watching our house too."
"Was there any problem you getting here then?" Darla asked. "They didn't find out about the port key in Diagon Alley?"
Hestia had just brought Ginny with a port key a few moments ago. Ginny looked so happy to see her and Darla felt the same way. She just wished she was going back to school with Ginny in a few days. Hestia had left again so she could get Colin as well. She had to find a good place to apparate to his place so that there was no magical activity traced around him.
"Oh, we didn't do it in Diagon Alley. We just made it look like I was going to work with the twins like usual but they took me to Aunt Muriel's and then I came here." Ginny answered. "They haven't been watching her place so it's fine."
"I'm just glad you could come." Darla said. "It's been a bit lonely around here. I talk to Colin a lot but it's hard knowing I won't be going back to Hogwarts."
"You're better off." Ginny answered. "I wish it wasn't mandatory now because they are going to have Death Eaters teaching there and Snape is Headmaster."
"What?" Darla asked. "I didn't know that! Snape killed Dumbledore. That is an insult to his memory! How could they? And Death Eaters in a school!?"
"I know." Ginny said. "It's awful. It's going to be so weird there without you, Ron, Harry and Hermione and all the other muggle born's who can't come."
There was a blue light in the kitchen and a few moment's later Colin and Hestia appeared. They both were holding on to an old soda bottle. Ginny had come with an old quill. Darla felt excited as Colin stood grinning at her. He was holding a present in his other hand that hadn't been holding the soda bottle. There was also the usual camera around his neck.
Darla ran over to him and threw her arms around his neck. She gave him a quick kiss well aware that her parents were in the other room with Dedalus and Hestia was in the kitchen.
"I brought you a present." Colin said showing the small package to her.
"We'll put it on the table for now with the rest." Darla answered still hugging him. "We're having dinner and opening presents with the family but we three are allowed to do what we want until then."
"Your parents won't mind a magical gift?" Colin asked kissing her.
"They've been around constant magic for about a month now. They'll understand. Want to meet them? Then we can go in the backyard."
Colin set his present on the table and then holding hands they and Ginny went into the sitting room where her parents and Dedalus were sitting. Dedalus had managed to get a VCR and managed to get it to work by magic. Her parents now knew that the TV and lamps plus some of the other muggle appliances were powered by magic but they hadn't complained yet. Darla figured they were just grateful to have them. It was the first movie Dedalus had ever watched and he seemed to be right into, exclaimed excitedly at certain parts.
"Mum, dad Colin and Ginny are here. You've met them at the train station of course." Darla said as they entered.
"Hello." Her mother said while her father stared at Colin.
"So this is a TV?" Ginny asked walking over to it. "Dad has one but he's never been able to get it to work."
"Yes." Darla answered. "They are watching a movie right now."
"Yes," Dedalus said excitedly. "And I just don't understand. Muggle's are really clever to come up with this, that's for sure. These are real people acting you know."
"So are you my daughter's boyfriend?" Her father finally asked Colin.
Darla glanced at Colin who looked extremely nervous as her father eyed him. She didn't blame him. Her father was a very large man. He could look very mean when he wanted to be. He was squinting at Colin as if he disgusted him. Darla squeezed his hand reassuringly. Ginny didn't seem to notice. She was caught in a trance staring at the TV and talking to Dedalus.
"It's almost like a memory." She was saying. "But it's different."
"Yes." Colin said, his face very red.
"You are one of them wizard kind even though your parents aren't?" He continued.
"I'm muggle born yes." Colin answered nervously. "My dad is a milk man and my mom works as a law clerk."
"A milk man?" Her father asked. "And what do you plan on doing when you are done school?"
"Professional Photography sir. I've gotten really good over the years with it. I'll take pictures for the Daily Prophet but also I'll do pictures for weddings and family occasions." Colin answered in a shaky voice.
"I'm just going to show them around and then we are going to go outside." Darla said quickly before her father could make a remark about it.
She dragged Colin out of the sitting room to the stairs. Ginny left the TV reluctantly and followed them up the stairs. She always forgot that witches and wizards didn't watch TV so she was surprised at first that Ginny had been fascinated by the TV. There four bedrooms and a bathroom in Dursley side of the house. The fourth room was empty except for one bed in it. She had hoped that she could use it sometime for Colin to come over for a night but her father and Hestia had stamped that idea out.
"I don't ruddy well think so." He had said when Darla asked this. "That boy will never sleep over here. You understand that?"
"That room is for when we have Order members here Darla dear. There will be times when some will be here. We have two extra bedrooms on our side as well but you never know when more people may have to stay here. And don't get your hopes up that Colin can come often. We arranged this for your birthday and that's all. It's too risky to do it a lot."
"There will be more of your lot here?" Her father had asked then forgetting about Darla's question.
"Yes there may very well be more of our lot here as you put it." Hestia said indignantly. "There may be a time when we might have to hide more people. So someone might need that room. We are living in dark times Mr. Dursley."
"The rooms are a fair size anyway." Ginny said as they stopped in her own room. "It's neat. The house has two different quarters."
"Well, Hestia and Dedalus wanted to give my family their privacy." Darla answered. "But Dedalus has taken to sitting in our sitting room lately because of the TV. Mum and dad haven't said anything yet."
"I don't think your dad likes me." Colin said. "He was looking like he wanted to hurt me."
"Well, I am his only daughter I guess. I think he would prefer if I married a muggle but I don't care." Darla answered. "And I don't want you to worry either Colin. I love you."
She wasn't even sure if they would eventually end up married. They talked about marriage at times but a lot of couples she knew did. They had never really come out and said they were getting married some day. Darla didn't even want to think about it anyway, she was just happy to be with Colin and she was sure he felt the same way. She knew she did love Colin though, she had never felt that way with anyone.
They went back down the steps and hurried out the back door that was in a back room off from the sitting room. Her family was using that room as an area to keep all their coats and boots together. They could hear Dedalus laughing at the television and Darla couldn't help but smile. She really liked him a lot and was glad he was one of their guards.
The back yard was a nice size. It was all fenced in with a large garden at the back that had trails and benches in it. There was also a fountain fish pond. Hestia had told Darla the garden was made for her mother and her specifically for if they wanted to work at it. There was a private garden with magical plants that was made just for Darla. They really had worked hard at making the house feel comfortable for her family. It was just too bad her father complained a lot about it.
There was also a large deck that over looked the back yard for if they wanted to sit outside. That was where they would be eating for Darla's birthday dinner. Her father often sat on the deck alone when he couldn't take sitting in the house much longer
"So have you two got your OWL results yet?" Ginny asked as they walked toward the garden. "I wasn't sure if they'd send them to you two."
"Hestia managed to get mine." Darla said. "I got eight OWLs. One more than Harry and Ron did."
"I got ten." Ginny answered. "Acceptable's in History of Magic and Ancient Runes Exceeds Expectations in the rest except Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts, I got Outstandings in those."
"How did you get an E in Arithmancy? I only got an A in it."
"I don't know. I didn't expect to get an E in Care of Magical Creatures because I didn't study well in that one because I'm dropping it anyway." Ginny answered.
"Well you are smart." Colin said. "I failed Herbology, Divination and Ancient Runes. I don't know why I kept Ancient Runes or Divination after third year anyway."
"Because you needed two extra classes." Darla said. "I never understood why you did Muggle Studies."
"It was easy. I knew I should have picked Care of Magical Creatures instead of Ancient Runes but that was before I knew Hagrid was OK. I used to be kind of scared of him." Colin answered.
"How did you fail Herbology?" Ginny asked with smirk, "You and Darla spent a lot of time studying that one.
Colin shrugged and placed an arm around Darla's waist. "Just can't get into plants. No offense Darla."
"None taken." Darla said. "I only like them a lot because mum taught me about them since I was about two. I had a natural green thumb for them. Have you seen Neville with them though? He knows how to breed plants."
"I know, I thought you were good but then I saw Neville one day helping Professor Sprout and I think he is better than Professor Sprout." Ginny answered. "How many OWL's do you need for Professional Photography anyway?"
"Any really. All I really need is Potion's." Colin answered. "I got an E in Potions, I got that for most of them except I got an A in Transfiguration and an O in History of Magic."
Ginny and Darla laughed. He was probably the only one with the exception of Hermione or Percy Weasley to get an Outstanding in History of Magic. She hadn't even thought to ask Colin about what his results were when they had wrote to each other over the past month, but she had figured he would mention them. He didn't do too badly either then, seven OWL's was very good.
They spent the time in the back yard laughing and talking deciding they wouldn't bring up the war at all. They had spoke about Snape taking over Hogwarts at first but then changed the subject. Darla was no longer upset she wasn't going back. She just knew that she would miss Colin, Ginny and the rest of them a lot. She knew Ginny was missing Harry a lot. It was the first time for either of them not to be living in the same place as Harry since their first year. It was the first time really for Darla. Sure he had been gone for ten months in his first year but she knew he'd be back. This time she didn't know if she would ever see him again.
It was hard at times sitting around where it was safe thinking of all the dangers in the world. She wanted to fight and help get rid of all the Death Eaters. She wanted them all to pay for what Harry had been through his whole life. He had lost his parents, his Godfather and then Dumbledore. He had also been raised in a home where he had been neglected for ten years. She wished she had talked to him more when they were kids but she had been scared of upsetting her parents.
They were called in shortly before dinner so Darla could open her presents. They all sang except Dudley to her, Dudley just smiled at her. She was surprised to see her father sing, he used to when she and Dudley were little but he had stopped when they were older. He didn't put much enthusiasm in it as he sang but it still meant a lot to her. She had never known that Ginny had a pretty singing voice, but then again she hadn't heard Ginny sing before.
Her parent's gifts were nice new clothes. She showed her appreciation even though inwardly she wondered what the point was when no one would see them. Hestia's gifts were a variety of different books to keep her entertained over the time they had to hide. She also had all the school work Darla could work on over the year, including a special burner so she could work on Potions over the year and Potion ingredient. There were also a lot of new parchment, quills and other supplies she would need. Colin's present was a beautiful heart-shaped necklace locket that had their picture in it from Slughorn's Christmas party. It had been reduced to fit inside. The Darla and Colin grinned happily at the camera waving and hugging each other.
"I got Fred and George to help me out with this." Ginny said handing her a package.
Darla opened it to find a two small black chalk boards and an assortment of chalk.
"It's similar to the parchments you and Colin have, see?" Ginny said. "We can write to each other but it's also voice activated too."
She took one of the chalkboards and wrote Hello on it. Moments later it appeared on the other one sitting on the table. Ginny grinned and wiped it off and said: "Darla Dursley."
A few seconds later the chalkboard turned white. Ginny started speaking into hers and her voice also came from the chalkboard sitting on the table. Both Darla's parents were staring at it with grimaces on their faces. Darla fought back the urge to start laughing. Dudley was watching looking shocked while Dedalus and Hestia grinned.
"It turns white so you know that I had spoke to you." Ginny said. "You just say 'end' to it and it will turn back into a chalkboard."
Darla had a feeling her father wanted to say something but for some reason he was holding his tongue. There was something about Ginny that was making him behave, unless her mother had told him not to say anything he shouldn't. Darla thanked them all and asked Colin and Ginny to help her take her new presents up to her room.
Once they got into her room Darla started laughing.
"Did you see my dad's face? He is around magic daily now but I don't think he liked the chalk board. It's almost like a walky-talky though isn't it?" Darla said giggling.
"Yeah it is." Colin agreed smiling as well. "Your mum didn't look too happy either."
"What is a walky-talky?" Ginny asked. "Your mum and dad really don't like it here do they? You can tell they aren't happy."
"I know." Darla said. "They are actually being quiet tonight. Dad hasn't complained once. I'm really hoping after they've lived with magic they'll accept it. It's been a month though, so I can't see it."
They went back down to have the dinner afterwards. It was extremely delicious. Both her mother and Hestia had worked on the dinner all day. They both seemed to want the day to be good. Although her mother wasn't happy about the magic, she was still daily trying to be a part of Darla's life. She was doing a lot to show her that she wanted to be her mother again. They had a nice chocolate cake afterwards. Hestia had wanted to make it in the shape of the Gryffindor crest but Darla had told her not to. There was only so much her parents could handle.
Ginny had to go after the dinner but Colin was allowed to stay longer. Darla wanted to spend the time in her room but her father wouldn't let them, so she took him out into the yard instead. They sat by the fountain together.
"Mr. Rodgen had people check on your house you know. He had Mr. Kerley, he was the one who checked on my place go pretend to look and see if there was a chance you returned." Colin said. "They've put detector spells to make sure your family or Harry doesn't go back. If you do, they can figure out where you go afterwards."
"When did you find this out?" Darla asked leaning her head on his shoulder.
"A day ago. I decided to wait until today to tell you in person. I guess it looks like mine. Everything was thrown around and ruined. He said it looked as it a tornado went through. Was Harry's room the smallest bedroom?" Colin asked.
"Yes it was. It's better than the cupboard though." Darla muttered forgetting that Colin didn't know that Harry had spent ten years of his life in the cupboard under their stairs.
"They figured since he left all his school books behind. They went through them all to see if they could find anything in the books. There are pages ripped out of every single one and it's all over the floor. He left a cauldron there I guess. They found it in your kitchen, I think they might have made a potion in it because they made a mess I guess." Colin answered.
"I figured they might go through our stuff. I made sure we didn't leave any thing behind that we shouldn't. Mum will be angry, she made sure the entire house was completely clean before we left." Darla said.
It wasn't funny at all but the thought of the looks on her parents faces when they saw their home again almost made her laugh. Especially when they found the cauldron in the kitchen. Her father would just go ballistic. She would have to tell them about the detector spells. She smiled at Colin and kissed his cheek. Before she knew it, they were kissing even though she knew they shouldn't. She didn't care. She didn't know when they would see each other again.
"I love you so much Darla." Colin said.
"I love you too, when I'm with you I don't even think about the war. You and Ginny have given me a great birthday. Of course Hestia and my mum did as well, but you two helped make it perfect." Darla said kissing him again. "Here, I haven't put my locket on yet, I want you to do it."
She handed him the locket that she had put in her pocket. Colin took it and she turned so he could put it around her neck for her. When he clasped it together, they kissed again, not noticing that Dudley had come out. She felt Colin pulled away and watched as Dudley threw him to the ground, he looked ready to punch him.
"I swear if you hit him I will hex you when I can use magic Dudley!" Darla shouted. "Get away from him now!"
"Hestia told me to tell you to come in because it's time lover boy goes home." Dudley spat back. "You keep your hands off my sister!"
"He will do no such thing Dudley Dursley! Get in the house NOW!" Darla yelled back.
Dudley turned and hurried away. Colin lay on the ground looking shocked. Darla leaned down and pulled him back up. She knew Dudley would look back again, so she kissed Colin again before leading him back in the house.
--
"I'm sorry OK? I just don't like seeing my little sister being groped like that." Dudley said walking into her bedroom later.
"Colin is a good guy Dudley." Darla said furiously. "And I love him. I'm sorry you don't have a girlfriend to-"
"I do actually." Dudley interrupted. "We've been together since Christmas. You think you are the only one who doesn't get to be with friends? Her name is Charlene for your information and she is very pretty. We met at the Christmas ball. There is an all girl school near Smeltings and we usually have dances with them."
"So then you should understand Colin and me." Darla said.
"I do." Dudley muttered sitting in the chair by her bed. "That's partly why I acted that way. I hated seeing him kiss you but it reminded me of Charlene too. I hate being locked up like this. I really hope Harry kills that guy."
"He will Dudley, don't worry. Then you and Charlene can marry and have little Dudley's running around."
Dudley laughed now and didn't say anything. She guessed she had been selfish about Dudley. He hadn't complained once about the friends he missed but she guessed he had to miss his best friend Piers and the rest of his gang. The group had changed with Dudley, they used to beat up little kids but they no longer did that since Dudley didn't want to. They still smoked and Darla had to wonder if Dudley was having withdraw yet.
"How are you feeling going without smoking?" She asked him.
"Not as bad as it was. That's why I'm always chewing gum. It keeps my mind off of it." Dudley answered. "I didn't want to eat the way I used to and I almost started eating like that but then Dedalus gave me this gum that is supposed to help your kind stop smoking. It helps a lot."
"Well, you don't need to gain weight again after you worked so hard to get it off. You do look better ever since you lost all the weight Dudley." Darla said.
"Nearly a hundred pounds." Dudley said grinning. "I wondered if you'd noticed. You don't get upset with me for eating anymore. Remember when I used to gross you out on purpose?"
Darla laughed. "Yes. And I remember when you first started your diet. You didn't want to be on it at first so you kept sneaking food anyway. Harry and I had snacks hidden away in his room that you never knew about. His room has a loose floor board in it. That's where he hid some of his stuff." She said. "And then we didn't want to go on the diet so our friend sent us food and Harry told me I could keep mine in his room too."
"I was always jealous when you two seemed to be best friends. You always ignored me." Dudley said.
"That was your own fault. You told me I was dead to you, remember? Only because I was a witch. That hurt a lot." Darla answered.
"I know." Dudley said. "And I'm sorry. I never really meant it. I just saw the way mum and dad reacted to the magic and it was honestly kind of scary at first."
"And what do you think of it now?" Darla asked.
"It isn't as bad as I thought." Dudley answered. "But sometimes I still hate it because we wouldn't be here if it weren't for the magic. And Harry is in danger because of it isn't he?"
"I'm glad you are nice about Harry now Dudley." Darla said. "He really isn't a freak. He has saved a lot of lives in six years. He has also been through a lot more than most seventeen year olds."
"I know. He saved my life was well." Dudley said.
They talked a little longer before Dudley left to go to bed. Darla lay awake longer watching her cat sleep. Calicalpurnia was a pretty calico cat. Her father had bought her for Darla for Christmas when Darla was in her first year. She slept most of the time now but Darla remembered when she had been a kitten. She would enjoy attacking people in the Common Room. She eventually grew out of it though. She had gotten fat over the years and now she was just a lazy cat who always slept.
"Miss Crookshanks?" Darla asked her scratching behind her ear. "You two were always friends. He is at Ginny's though. They are going to take care of him for Hermione while she is out with Harry and Ron. Ginny isn't even going to take him to school so he doesn't get to go back to school either. Mrs. Weasley is going to take care of him. But you don't seem to care where you live do you?"
Calicalpurnia just purred and smiled at Darla. Darla wondered if the Weasley's would be taking care of Hedwig as well. Harry might not have taken her along since it would be hard to move an owl around a lot. She would have to ask Ginny when they talked again how Hedwig was, she wouldn't mind taking care of Hedwig for a while. She loved Harry's owl. She was a pretty snowy owl.
