Chapter 10: Forgiveness

Delaney was home alone a few days later when the doorbell rang. She answered it to face Galen.

"Hi Delaney."

"Hi Gale."

"These are for you from Neville," He said handing her a bouquet of beautiful flowers.

"I don't want them," She said, crossing her arms angrily.

Galen shrugged and said. "I'll just leave them here then." He said leaving them on her end table.

"Thanks."

Galen nodded and left. Delaney was going to throw them away until she noticed the card. She caved and started to read it. It read:

Delaney,

This is the first birthday that we're not spending together in a while. But I know that's completely my fault. I'm so sorry about the way I treated you. You didn't deserve the way I treated you. I know you're just trying to protect me like we've always done. You will always be my best friend, confidante, the second most important woman in my life besides my mum. By the way she says hi and happy birthday. I know you don't have a double standard that just came out in anger. I'm guessing you told Harry and Hermione because Hermione threatens to hex and castrate me almost every time I see her.

Your ashamed best friend,

Neville Franklin Longbottom

Delaney teared up at the card. She didn't even need to look into his baby blue eyes to become putty in his calloused and strong hands. Ugh, It wasn't supposed to be this easy.

It was now a couple nights later, she was going out to dinner with my coworkers. A few minutes into dinner, Delaney noticed Neville and Flora a couple tables away. No, she did not plan this.

"Oh, look who it is," Susan said, following Delaney's glance.

Delaney kicked her under the table.

Susan groaned and said. "Ouch."

"You didn't plan this did you?" Aria, another of her coworkers said.

"No, of course not."

"I find that hard to believe."

Before she could respond, the server brought them their drinks.

"May I take your order?"

They ordered. Every now and then, Delaney would steal a look at Neville and Flora.

"Stop staring, I'm starting to think you're jealous," Susan said, smirking at her best friend.

"I'm more worried than jealous."

"Why she seems nice," Aria said.

"Not helping," Delaney said.

She shrugged.

"Flora has him eating out of the palm of her hand all over again," Delaney said frustration evident in her voice.

"Maybe she's changed." said another one of her coworkers one of the ones who actually knew the whole story.

Delaney groaned and said. "Again, not helping."

"I think you're worried because you're jealous."

Delaney asked. "How does that make sense?"

"You're just worrying to cover up the fact that you're jealous," Susan smirked again.

"Oh, shut it. That firewhiskey is going to your head," Delaney said.

"Whatever you say."

They continued eating.

Delaney still hasn't told Neville that she had forgiven him yet. That would hopefully change tonight though.

"Neville?" She asked walking in his flower shop.

"Sorry, Delaney he just left." Gale said.

Delaney sighed and said. "Where was he going?"

"On a date with Flora," He frowned.

Delaney nodded and started to walk out of the shop but he caught up with her.

"If you want some company, I'd be happy to stay with you."

Delaney nodded she had always liked Galen. She agreed to stay with him. They talked and laughed. Galen's cell phone rang. She didn't realize he had a cell phone.

"Okay, boss," He said as he hung up.

Delaney looked at him and said. "I take it that was Neville?"

"Yes."

"How did his date go?"

Galen sighed and said. "He said she cancelled at the last minute."

"That's horrible."

Galen smirked to himself he knew this was just a cover. She was happy that his date didn't go well. Not because she like to see him hurt but for the opposite reason. Neville and Flora went on a few more dates and they went off without a hitch. Delaney went on a few dates too but none of them turned into anything. Neville still didn't know that Delaney had forgiven him.

She still needed a date for Harry and Hermione's wedding so she walked into Fred and George's shop a few days later.

"Hi Lanes," George greeted, hugging her.

"Hi George."

Before he could respond two familiar faces walked in.

"Justin? Chris?" Delaney asked smiling at her ex-boyfriend and her friend.

She had dated Justin briefly in their sixth year. Since Justin was a muggle born he couldn't come back for their seventh year actually that's one reason why they broke up. So she hadn't heard much from him. She didn't even know he survived the war but apparently he did. That's a relief.

"It's nice to see you again, Delaney," Justin smiled at his ex-girlfriend.

"You too, Justin."

"So, everyone standing here you've dated." George laughed.

Delaney blushed sheepishly.

"We never dated, we're just friends," Chris said.

Everyone nodded.

"Does anyone want to grab lunch, I'm starving. I've been slaving away all day," George laughed.

"I could eat," Delaney said, agreeing with her ginger friend.

The other two guys nodded.