Gemma had spent most of the start of the summer outside in the garden or hanging out with Julie. They often used this time, plus Christmas, to catch up on the year.

"So..." Julie started. "Don't shoot the messenger... but I've been hearing lots of rumours flying around that you fancy Sirius."

Gemma started laughing. "Doesn't everyone fancy Sirius?" Gemma says. "That doesn't sound like a particularly juicy rumour..."

"I know." Julie said. "But I was surprised to hear it. And I'm even more surprised by your reaction. Or lack of a reaction..."

Gemma frowned. "What do you mean?"

"A year ago, you would have been annoyed that people thought you fancied Sirius." Julie said now. "In fact, wasn't it at Sirius's birthday party last year that you kept getting asked about him, and you found it really annoying?"

Gemma thought for a moment.

I suppose so. I guess it just doesn't bother me. It's Sirius. Everyone fancies him. And I can understand why. He is attractive. And funny. And he does have moments of being incredibly sweet. Not that I would tell him that.

He's also frustrating, annoying and a bit of an idiot...

Gemma shrugged. "It doesn't bother me." She said. "Sirius is a friend, and almost every girl in school fancies him. I don't think it matters if my name gets added to that list. Not like anything will happen between us."

"Won't it?" Julie asks now, raising her eyebrows. "Because I've also heard rumours that Sirius fancies you too."

Gemma laughed a little. "I doubt that." Gemma said.

A guy like Sirius wouldn't fancy a girl like me.

"Why?" Julie asked. "Why wouldn't Sirius fancy you?"

Gemma looked at Julie, not wanting to give her answer.

Because I'm boring and plain. I don't wear make up or dresses or style my hair pretty. I'm just... me.

Gemma shrugged. "He just wouldn't." She said. "And I don't care either way. Sirius and I are friends. That's all."

"Ok." Julie said, unconvinced.

"When does your cousin arrive?" Gemma asked now, trying to change the subject.

Matthew, Julie's cousin, was a muggle. But he was aware that Julie was a witch. Gemma had never met him, but knew that his parents had sadly died when he was young and he now lived with an Uncle on the other side of his family. Most holidays though, he would stay with Julie for a few weeks.

"Saturday." Julie said. "He's only here for a week though. You'll have to come and meet him. I can't believe you haven't yet!"

"I know, I'd love to." Gemma replied. "Maybe you could both come round to ours. Help me keep Mum company..."

Gemma trailed off. George had recently revealed that he had been consulting back at the Ministry. He assured Gemma he wasn't fighting again and his purpose was purely to help the Minister locate any information to help uncover some of Voldemort's plans. But Gemma was nervous. As was Cynthia.

"Is she still upset?" Julie asked now, aware that Cynthia was not speaking to George much at the moment.

Gemma nodded. "When he's around for a few days, she calms down." Gemma explains. "But as soon as he disappears again, she gets moody. Then she gets upset." Gemma paused. "Sometimes I'm at a loss of what to say to her, so we just in silence for hours. It's painful!"

Julie gave Gemma a sympathetic smile. "I'm sorry." Julie said. "It must be difficult. Plus worrying about your Dad too."

"Exactly." Gemma replied. "It's one thing worrying about Mum being unhappy, but then I remember where Dad is and what he's doing. I hate it."

"It's difficult." Julie said now. "But he's helping. Which is more than most people can say."

Gemma nodded and smiled. "That's true." She said. "I am proud of him. I just hate the unknown. But I guess it's part of the job. And what I'll be walking into myself, soon enough."

If I get the OWL results I need!

"Being on the other side is often the hardest." Julie said now, and Gemma smiled at her.

"You're so wise, Julie Summers." Gemma said now. "Oh, I meant to tell you... Dumbledore has been visiting us too!"

"Has he?!" Julie asked, surprised. "Why?"

"I've no idea!" Gemma answered. "Dad won't say, and I don't even think Mum knows... which is a whole separate argument... but he keeps coming round. They disappear into the study for 10 minutes, then Dumbledore leaves. It's all very mysterious."

"Dumbledore must be involved in fighting back against Voldemort..." Julie said now.

"Exactly." Gemma said. "A wizard like Dumbledore wouldn't shy away. Dad has told me loads of stories about him from when they were younger. You know they fought together against Grindelwald?"

Julie nodded. "I remember you telling me that." She said. "I always forget that your Dad is such good friends with Dumbledore."

"Me too." Gemma admits. "I think it's because Dumbledore isn't exactly a friend that comes round for tea. He comes round for quick secretive talks, holding odd looking notebooks..." Gemma laughed a little. "What I would give to get my hands on that notebook Dumbledore and my father keep passing back and forth! I bet it is filled with secrets!"

Gemma grinned and Julie laughed. "Please don't do anything stupid Gemma." Julie said, shaking her head.

"Merlin, no!" Gemma cried. "I wouldn't want to piss Dumbledore off and I certainly wouldn't want to piss my Dad off. My life wouldn't be worth living!" She added, chuckling.

They moved their conversation onto lighter subjects, before Gemma headed home. George was away until tomorrow, so she wanted to be there for her mum.

A week later, Gemma was relaxing in the living room, when she heard a noise from the hall.

"Gemma" Cynthia cried. "You have post! I think it's your OWL results!"

Gemma leapt up and ran quickly into the hall.

Here we go. Here we go. Come on Gemma!

She took the letter from her mum, heading back into the living room as she tore it open. She scanned the page quickly, then let out a huge sigh of relief.

"Outstanding for... pretty much all my subjects" she said grinning. "Exceeds Expectations in... all of the rest! Even Herbology!" Wow. Gemma turned to her parents and grinned. "I did it!" She cried. "I got what I needed!"

"Oh well done, Gemma!" Cynthia said, wrapping her in a hug. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks Mum." Gemma said, hugging her mum back before scanning the page again.

Double check everything... Yes! This is amazing!

The doorbell rang and Cynthia disappeared to answer it.

"You're well on your way to becoming a great Auror, Gemma." George said, kissing her lightly on the forehead. "Well done."

"Thanks Dad." Gemma said, smiling.

She suddenly heard Julie's voice from the hall. "Gemma!!!!" Julie cried, running into the room, waving her OWL results.

Gemma smiled, and let Julie attack her with a hug. Julie then went on to reveal her OWL results, which were equally strong. Gemma then shared hers, and they were both thrilled they got exactly what they wanted.

"Oh well done, Julie" Cynthia cried, hearing Julie's results. "Your parents must be so proud."

"Thanks, Mrs Arwin." Julie replied. "They are. Although they don't really understand half of it. My father really can't get his head around Divination"

"I don't think any of us can." George added, laughing.

"Julie." Cynthia started. "Why don't you and your parents join us for dinner tonight? To celebrate your results?"

"Oh thank you Mrs Arwin." Julie replied. "We'd love to, but my cousin is staying with us and we wouldn't want to leave him on his own."

"Well he can come too." Cynthia replied. "The more the merrier."

"Oh... if you're sure?" Julie asked. Cynthia nodded. "Thank you, I'll ask them."

Julie headed home to ask her parents about dinner, and 10 minutes later the telephone rang. George and Cynthia loved the telephone. It was another muggle item they found fascinating. Whenever it rang (which was rare... the Summers were the only ones who phoned them) they would always get excited and do a little dance to the ring tone.

Gemma had to remind them that they actually needed to answer it…

Cynthia got off the phone to confirm Diane and Michael Summers would be coming for dinner, with Julie and her cousin Matthew.

The four of them arrived at 7pm, with Julie heading straight up to Gemma's room. Eventually the two girls joined the others downstairs, and Gemma said hello to Julie's parents and met Matthew.

He was 17, tall and very good looking. He had a nice smile, which he often threw in Gemma's direction.

He is very nice to look at, Gemma kept thinking to herself as they ate. Great smile!

After dinner, Julie and Diane helped Cynthia to tidy up while George took Michael outside to show him his new shed. He had proudly built it by hand, and although it was slightly wonky, it was impressive.

Matthew and Gemma were left alone, so they moved into the living room. Gemma sat on the sofa, with Matthew joining her.

"So." He said. "You're a witch too huh? I thought you guys were all warts and crooked noses."

She laughed, and he smiled her.

"But you…" He continued. "...are exceptionally beautiful."

Gemma was taken back by his comment, and couldn't help but blush. "Thank you." She replied awkwardly.

He chuckled. "Could I take you out? For a coffee?" He asked.

Hmmm, this goes against Sirius's no date rule... but I like dates!

And Matthew isn't at school with me, so he won't be expecting anything!

And I can just make it clear on the date that I'm not looking for anything serious.

"Yes. I'd like that". Gemma said, smiling.

"Great." He replied. "Tomorrow, 2 o clock. I'll come here and pick you up."

"Sounds good." Gemma replied. This is exciting!

Cynthia, Diane and Julie entered the room with tea and coffee, and Diane called out to George and Michael to come back in. They finished their drinks and wrapped up their conversations, before the Summers made to leave.

Gemma grabbed Julie and pulled her aside.

"Matthew is taking me for a coffee tomorrow." She said quickly and quietly.

Julie's eyes widened. "Oh Merlin, Gemma! That's exciting." She said.

Gemma laughed. "Don't m get carried away, it's only coffee." She replied. "But he's…. nice… and hot!" Julie pulled a face at that last comment.

I suppose it is her cousin.

Julie then leant in for a hug and said goodbye.

Gemma hugged Diane and Michael, then Matthew leant over and kissed her lightly on the cheek.

"Until tomorrow." He said, and Gemma once again blushed.

Matthew then turned his attention to Cynthia and George, thanking them for their hospitality, for the lovely dinner and their kindness.

Hmmm... a real gentleman it seems.

The next day, Gemma got ready for her date with Matthew. She chose a simple yellow summery top, paired with light jeans and sandals. She headed downstairs, to wait for Matthew. When he pulled up outside, Gemma shouted goodbye to her parents.

"Hi." She said, as she opened the door.

"Hi." He replied, smiling. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks, you look good too." Gemma said.

He looks very good!

Matthew led her to his car, and they headed into town. The conversation flowed easily, mostly about his education.

He was entering his last year of school and had to start thinking about whether to head straight to university or go travelling first. He wanted to study law, which would require a lot of time and dedication, so he wanted to have some fun and see the world before he committed to that.

They arrived at the coffee shop, and Matthew ordered the drinks while Gemma found a table.

"So." He said now. "What do you want to do when you get older?"

"I want to become an Auror." Gemma replied quickly.

She laughed as she noticed the confused look on his face.

"It's sort of like the police." She said. "They are responsible for keeping order and balance. Keeping the dark witches and wizards off the streets."

"Interesting." Matthew said. "Sounds dangerous."

"It can be." Gemma said, shrugging slightly. "But the training you go through is intense, so only the best make it. Both my parents were Aurors. It's how they met."

"That's cool." He said, smiling. "So you have it in your blood then?"

Gemma laughed. "I guess so."

"So, are there many dark witches and wizards in your world?" Matthew asked now.

"Yes. Unfortunately." Gemma replied.

"Julie doesn't talk about your world to me much." Matthew said now. "But in the last couple of years, I've felt like there is something going on. Something that scares her."

Gemma didn't respond.

Something is definitely going on. And it's definitely scary.

"I've noticed she looks at the papers more, and makes a big deal out of random accidents." He said now.

He started eyeing Gemma up, who was still staying quiet.

"Or do you not like talking about it either?" He asked.

Gemma smiled at him. "It's complicated." She said. "There are some dark witches and wizards out there right now that are hurting a lot of people. But... there are also those fighting back." Gemma shrugged. "Julie doesnt like the fight. I think it's hard for her to process it all."

Matthew nodded. "But you..." He said, with a small smile. "You like the fight?"

Gemma smiled. "Yes I do." She said, laughing a little.

"So will you need to go... join this fight then?" Matthew asked now. "These dark witches and wizards that are hurting people. And the ones fighting back. Will you be joining that?"

Gemma nodded. "Yes. In a couple of years." She said. "When I'm out of school."

Matthew stared at her for a while, so Gemma just looked back at him, waiting.

"You're so young." He said.

"I'm only a year younger than you!" Gemma countered, laughing a little.

"No... I mean, you're so young... to be going to war." He said, and Gemma felt sad.

Yes. I suppose I am. As are all my friends. But this is the world I live in.

Gemma forced a smile and moved the conversation on. She focused on Matthew and his travel plans, should he decide to take a year off before University.

Matthew then drove her home, getting out of the car to walk her to her door.

"I had a really nice afternoon." He said, smiling down at her.

"Me too." She replied.

He looks like he wants to kiss me. Uh oh. I haven't laid down any of my rules.

"Listen, Gemma." Matthew said now. "I have another year of school and then I'm probably going to be travelling and then I have 3 years of Law School. I'm not looking for anything serious but... I'd like to hang out with you again. If our paths cross."

Phew!

Gemma smiled at him. "I'd like that." She said. "Im in a similar situation. What with school... Auror training... the war."

Matthew nodded, then slowly stepped towards her. He bent his head down to hers, and gently brushed his lips against her lips, before wrapping his hands around her waist and bringing her towards him.

He kissed her gently, but firmly. It was quick, but enjoyable.

"Goodbye Gemma." He said now, smiling and heading back to his car. Gemma smiled back, giving him a small wave and heading inside.

That was a fun day. I'd definitely like to see Matthew again. If he's in the area...

Over the next week, Gemma swapped letters with Lily, Alice and Mary, all sharing their OWL results. She was relieved that they had all got what they wanted.

Gemma was surprised to receive a letter from Sirius too. It was short and simple, sharing with her his results and asking her how she got on.

She wrote back to him, and he replied almost instantly, telling her that he almost fell of his chair when he read her Herbology grade.

Gemma laughed and rolled her eyes at him.

As the summer holiday moved into August, George was spending more time working back at the ministry.

Things between him and Cynthia were better, but still strained, and Gemma noticed that Dumbledore was visiting more and more.

Gemma rarely saw him though, often just hearing his voice in the hall, before hearing the study door shut. She was tempted to try and listen in, but she knew she would get caught.

Soon, there was only one week left before Gemma was due to return to school. And during the night, she woke up with a start.

She heard the sound of something crashing to the floor. Then some muffled cries. Someone shouting spells.

What the... fuck! Are we under attack?!

Gemma jumped out of bed quickly and grabbed her wand, moving towards her bedroom door.

She crept outside her room, and heard both her mother and father throwing curses from inside their bedroom. She heard other voices too, but she couldn't work out how many.

Ok. We're under attack. Breathe Gemma. You can handle this.

She moved slowly and carefully along the corridor, so she could look inside her parents bedroom. She held in a gasp as she saw her parents fighting 4 Death Eaters.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Gemma's heart was hammering in her chest and her breath was getting short.

Focus, Gemma. Focus.

She noticed the Death Eater closest to her was fiercely attacking her father.

I should stun him. Get him down. Help Dad.

Gemma focused her breathing and quietly muttered a stunning spell. The Death Eater closest to her froze, and fell to the ground.

The Death Eater just behind him though, who had been attacking her mother, turned around. Gemma froze.

She could barely see his face, but she could see his eyes. And somewhere inside her churned with fear.

I know those eyes. But how? Where from?

The Death Eater continued to stare at her, his eyes burning into her with hate and a determination to kill.

He threw a curse in Gemma's direction, and she had to move quickly to escape it. Panicking, Gemma ran towards the stairs, then stumbled down them quickly, hearing the Death Eater's heavy footsteps close behind her.

Think. Think!

Gemma turned at the bottom, heading down the hall and into the kitchen.

Maybe I can loop around. Get back upstairs.

But the Death Eater was too quick. He threw a spell at her, and Gemma felt herself lift up off the floor and go flying over the kitchen counter.

Her body slammed into the wall and floor. Everything ached from the force.

Ow! Crap.

Ok. I need to move. I really need to move.

Gemma stood up, but immediately ducked back down as another curse came her way. She threw an attacking spell at him, but he protected against it easily.

She then threw another, and this time, it hit him. He stumbled backwards slightly, so Gemma threw another attack.

Remember Defence! Remember what Seymour has taught me.

She focused on her Defence Against The Dark Arts lessons, and threw as many spells as she could, forcing him back against the wall.

She then started to run again.

I need to get him upstairs, closer to Mum and Dad.

She made it into the living room, but the Death Eater had recovered quickly. Quicker than she had expected.

She felt an arm wrap around her waist, and she was thrown easily into the wall. She dropped her wand.

Crap! No!

Gemma reached out for it, but felt a heavy weight press down on her hand, crushing it. The Death Eater pressed his foot harder into her hand, then swiped the back of his hand across her face.

Ow! Ow that hurts. Blood... I can taste blood.

Her cheek hurt and her eye was swelling. Gemma looked up and the Death Eater loomed over her, his wand pointed at her.

Please don't kill me.

"Well, well, well…" He said slowly. "Aren't you a pretty little thing. Would be a terrible shame to ruin that face of yours."

She looked up at him. Why do I recognise you? Who are you?

"But I'm going to anyway." He said, laughing to himself. He flicked his wand and Gemma felt the side of her face burn. She raised her hand, and felt a huge cut across her cheek.

He flicked his wand again, and this time Gemma felt pain rippling across her chest.

Please let me go. Please don't kill me.

Gemma realised now that she was crying. She was terrified.

"Little miss Gemma Arwin." He said now. "Maybe I should keep you alive so my son can enjoy tormenting you too."

He started to laugh and Gemma's body ran cold. She knew then who he was. Where she recognised him from.

Mulciber.

He suddenly leant down towards her and wrapped his fingers around her throat. His hand tightened, and Gemma felt herself lifted up, being held against the wall. She was on her tip toes, her hands clawing at his hand, trying to get him to release her.

She couldn't breathe. Little black dots started appearing in front of her eyes. All she could see was the evil glare of the man who was going to kill her.

I'm not ready for this. I'm not ready to die.

He snarled at her. "Then again." He said. "I do enjoy killing pretty little things like yourself. I suppose I could just take you home with me and I can share your death with him. I know he'd enjoy it. He talks about you. Often."

Breathe Gemma. Focus on breathing.

"I'll be making sure that you're just close enough to death so you beg me to kill you." He said now, smirking at her. "I'm going to tear every piece of flesh from your pretty little body…"

He flicked his wand again and Gemma felt her arm burn. The pain shot from her shoulder to her elbow.

Please stop this. Please kill me.

Her heart sank as she realised she wanted to die. She didn't want to face any more of this torment. Her body ached. Her body burned.

Please kill me. She thought again, tears continuing to fall. Part of her wondered if the tears were more for her failure than for her pain.

Mulciber raised his wand, to strike again, when suddenly there was a noise from upstairs.

He turned slightly, lowering Gemma and loosening his grip. The noise came again, and this time, he released her.

Gemma slid down the wall, her body tired and sore as she crumpled to the ground, her breathing catching up with her.

The Death Eater fully turned away from her now, listening. Gemma looked up at him.

He's distracted. I should do something. I should move.

But I can't. I'm too weak. Everything hurts too much.

Gemma closed her eyes.

No! I can't give up. I can't lose this fight.

Gemma opened her eyes and quickly called for her wand. It flew towards her, and she sent an attacking spell at Mulciber just as it landed in her hand.

He flew backwards, the spell causing more damage than Gemma had anticipated.

Come on! Move!

She forced herself to stand up even though everything hurt. She stumbled towards the bottom of the stairs and slowly began to climb.

Move faster, Gemma. Move faster!

As she was half way up the stairs, she heard a noise behind her and she looked back. The Death Eater was already at the bottom of the stairs, anger filling his eyes as he stared up at her.

She turned back to continue up the stairs, and saw a figure standing at the top. She froze. Her heart seemed to stop. Suddenly, a flash of green light shot past her.

The figure at the top was briefly illuminated. A terrifying man stood before her, anger and hate consuming his features. Gemma hardly recognised him.

Dad?

Gemma slowly looked behind her, back to the bottom of the stairs. There she saw Mulciber, dead on the ground.

She let out the breath she had been holding and turned back to her father.

"Gemma." He called to her, slowly moving his way down the stairs to where she was. "I'm so sorry Gemma. Are you ok?"

He reached her and placed an arm around her waist to help her get up the remaining steps.

Gemma was looking at him, still in shock. He was back to be her father. The stern but fair man she knew and loved. Not the enraged Auror she had just witnessed murder a man.

He took her into her bedroom and told her to sit down. Then he disappeared, returning a few moments later with Cynthia.

"You need to lie down, Cynth." George said, helping her get to Gemma's bed. Gemma jumped up and helped too.

"Are you ok?" Gemma asked her mother.

"Yes, I'm fine." Cynthia replied, lying down. "I just hit my head."

"Both of you, stay in here." George said now, his voice firm. "The Ministry will be here soon, plus Healers from St Mungo's. Please. Stay in here while I sort this."

Cynthia nodded, so Gemma nodded too.

"Gemma." Cynthia said. "Come here darling."

She reached out her hand, which Gemma took and she crawled on to the bed to lie down next to her mother. Cynthia wrapped her arms around her daughter, holding her tightly.

Eventually Gemma heard voices and footsteps in the house. Two Healers arrived, tending to Gemma and Cynthia's wounds quickly, before taking them to St Mungo's.

After a short while, they confirmed that Gemma was going to be fine. Her wounds were healing, but slowly as they were deep.

Cynthia was also going to be fine. She had been briefly knocked out but only had mild concussion.

George finally arrived, having clearly refused treatment for some time. He had taken most of the hits, with his back and leg badly damaged, but he refused to be coddled. He did, however, agree to stay in the same room with Cynthia and Gemma.

They were all given dreamless potion to help them sleep through what little was left of the night.

Gemma was grateful. Every time she had closed her eyes she could see the eyes of Mulciber. And not just the Death Eater who had attacked her. But his son too.

The next day, Professor Dumbledore appeared at their door, stepping slowly into the room.

"Albus." George said, standing slowly to greet him.

Cynthia smiled at him but turned away slightly. Gemma smiled up at him too, unsure why her mother was being so cold.

"George." Dumbledore replied. "How sorry I am to hear of this attack on you and your family. Are you all doing ok?"

Gemma noticed that Dumbledore was mostly looking at Gemma when he asked this.

"We'll survive." George said. "All part of the job."

Gemma noticed a strange look in her fathers eye as he said this. Dumbledore seemed to nod in understanding.

Talking in code again... and what job? Dad's retired.

Unless he means helping out at The Ministry. But surely he's not doing anything so dangerous that we would be attacked!

"Miss Arwin." Professor Dumbledore said now, moving towards her. "How are you feeling?"

Gemma shrugged. "Ok." She said quietly. "Tired. Sore."

Scared.

"As you will be aware." Dumbledore continued. "You have used magic outside of school. The Ministry is required to investigate all cases of underage magic, and I am called upon to consult."

Gemma started to panic. I'm going to be expelled. Expelled for protecting myself.

Gemma could sense her parents were also getting ready to defend.

"Do not panic, Miss Arwin." Dumbledore said now. "You are not being expelled. In these circumstances, where both your life and the lives of your family are under attack, it has been agreed to waive the penalty of expulsion from Hogwarts."

Gemma breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you professor." She said. Dumbledore nodded to her, before moving back towards George.

Gemma watched, hoping to hear their conversation, but unfortunately she couldn't hear anything. She was amazed by how quietly they were talking.

Cynthia continued to look away from Dumbledore and Gemma frowned, wondering why her mother was so angry towards him.

"I am relieved that you are all doing well." Dumbledore said now, addressing all 3 of them. "And I wish you a speedy recovery. I will see you all very soon."

He bowed his head to them all, and left.

After a couple of days, they were all healed and free to go home.

The Ministry was providing additional protection around the Arwin household, as there was an obvious concern that they would be targeted again.

George mentioned that they could be moved to a new location, but Cynthia had said no. She did not want to be forced out of her own home.

The Ministry suspected that George had been attacked because he was getting close to uncovering something Voldemort did not want uncovered.

What that was, was unknown to The Ministry. He was helping on a few cases, although none of which seemed too dangerous.

Gemma wondered if instead, it was her fathers involvement with Dumbledore that was the reason for the attack. It would also explain why Cynthia had been so cold to him.

Dumbledore visited again when they returned home, this time spending over 2 hours with George in the study. Gemma was curious, and incredibly tempted to listen in or try to get her hands on that notebook... but she knew she shouldn't.

After Dumbledore left, George sat Gemma down to talk to her.

"Albus has informed me that the Death Eater who attacked you..." George said, pausing slightly. "The one I killed. Mulciber. His son is in your year."

Gemma nodded, wondering where this was going.

"He also informs me that you have had a couple of run ins with Mulciber." George said now. "That perhaps... you two are becoming... enemies."

Gemma looked down, shrugging slightly. "He likes to torment my friends." Gemma said. "And I don't like that. So I tell him to stop. I may have... used force. Sometimes.

George sighed, taking her hand. "I don't encourage fighting for fighting sake, Gemma." He said. "But the Mulciber family are dark. And I have no doubt that Mulciber boy deserved whatever you have thrown at him. But please..."

George paused, squeezing Gemma's hand. She noticed something in his eyes. Something she hadn't seen before.

Fear?

"Please... be careful, Gemma." He said now. "Don't seek him out. Don't give him a reason to hurt you."

Gemma looked up at her dad, feeling sad. He's so worried about me. He saved me, but now he looks like he's hurt me.

"I'll be careful, Dad." Gemma said. "I promise. I'll try and stay away from him."

George smiled a sad smile. "Good." He said. "And Albus will be keeping an eye out, Gemma. Please go to him if you feel uncomfortable or if you have any concerns. He's a trusted friend. I know he will do what he can to help you."

Gemma nodded. "Thanks Dad. I will." She said.

"And..." George said now, pausing slightly. "Your mother doesn't know. And I would like to keep it that way. She'll only worry herself to an early grave."

Gemma nodded again. "Ok, Dad." She said. I don't want mum worrying. And dad is right. It will only make her ill.

Gemma then excused herself to go upstairs and lie down. She was tired. Exhausted. School would start back up soon and she needed to rest.

The following day, she received a visit from Julie, Alice, Lily and Mary.

They had all been incredibly concerned and frustrated that they weren't allowed to visit at St Mungo's (Ministry orders).

They spent the day with Gemma, telling her how brave she is and how she'll make an amazing Auror one day.

She received letters from James, Sirius, Remus and Peter, telling her similar things.

Telling her that she was brave. Telling her that will make a great Auror. Telling her everything she would usually want to hear.

But I'm not brave. She thought to herself, after the girls had gone and she re-read the letters.

I'm not brave at all. I panicked. I cried. I wanted to die. And I would have died. If that Death Eater hadn't been distracted, he would have killed me. Then they wouldn't be telling me I was brave.

And as for becoming an amazing Auror. I doubt that. How many Aurors run away? How many Aurors cry and beg to die. How many Aurors freeze and panic and fail.

I'm no Auror. And I never will be.