A/N: What do y'all think of Leo Franklin?! Please review!

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"What are you two wearing?" Ida sat on her bed with Ramona and Briony. "Christmas colors?"

"I hadn't thought about it," Cliodhna frowned as she filtered through her trunk. "I'm not sure I even brought any," she felt a large package and pulled it out.

'Thought you may need one this year' was written on the brown paper packaging in her mother's handwriting and Cliodhna bit her lip to keep from laughing. Of course her mother knew Slughorn was going to be her Professor and that she would be invited to his Christmas Party.

"You don't even have a dress to wear?" Ida was shocked. "We were just as Hogsmeade! We could have -"

Cliodhna pulled out a bright red dress she had never seen before and held it up to her chest. "I've got this, I guess," she chuckled and looked up to see Briony grinning at her.

Ida's mouth hung open, "Have you been hiding that bloody dress from us?"

"That color's incredible," Ramona agreed. "No one else will look that good in bright red."

Summer peered out from her trunk, "I'm so glad my dress isn't red."

Cliodhna blushed, "You think so?"

Briony rolled her eyes, "We know so." She stood up, "Summer, I think I have my heels from the Yule Ball that will go well with your dress."

"Oh, brills," Summer breathed. "I don't think mine will work now, looking at it."

Cliodhna looked down at the dress and tried to keep the sad thoughts at bay. She'd get to ask her mum about the dress when she saw her in a few weeks.

"Potter will die," Ida giggled. "I know you two are only friends, but he's got eyes."

Cliodhna laughed and grabbed her wand to hang the dress from an invisible wire along the wall. "He's too busy pining for someone else, I think. Eyes or no."

"Well we don't want you two staying out too late," Ramona teased. "We want the full rundown tomorrow during breakfast."

"I can assure you I'll give you a rundown tonight," Cliodhna laughed. "Now, I'm hungry for lunch before last class and you all make me do my makeup and hair and all that."

Ida clapped her hands in excitement and followed the others out of the dormitory. Cliodhna and Briony let the others walk slightly in front of them all as they talked excitedly to the Great Hall. "Any updates on Katie?" Briony asked in a low voice.

"At St. Mungo's," Cliodhna said. "Hermione says Harry thinks it was Malfoy."

"But why? Why does he hate Katie Bell?"

"I don't think Katie Bell was the intended target," Cliodhna frowned and kept her eyes on her friends ahead of them.

"How was helping Leo last night?"

Cliodhna's eyes darted to her friend and tried not to groan too loudly, "How did you -"

Briony smirked, "Because you told Ben you were researching with Hermione when I knew you wouldn't research with her and not tell me."

Cliodhna sighed, "Damnit."

"I'm more likely to tease you if you keep this from me," she laughed. "I know he said something to you after Hogsmeade because you looked a bit shocked when you came back."

"He saw me," she frowned, "you know. But he doesn't think anyone else saw because of the snow."

"The snow that suddenly fell harder, you mean?" Briony rolled her eyes. "He promise not to say anything to anyone?"

"Yes," Cliodhna looked nervous. "But I'm still worried about -"

"Someone was bound to see something at some point, no matter how careful you are," Briony said sagely. "Better him than someone else."

"I guess so," Cliodhna sighed.

"And he obviously respects and likes you," Briony said nonchalantly. "Not going to say anything to anyone if he's asking for your help."

"How -"

Briony rolled her eyes, "It's very obvious he's into you." She eyed her friend, "Two attractive people who talk to each other who weren't really friends before has the tendency to draw my attention."

"Perv," Cliodhna pushed Briony and laughed. "You bloody perv."

The Great Hall was buzzing with excitement for the end of term and the last afternoon classes. Cliodhna just had one last DADA class after lunch before she had to "get ready" for Slughorn's Christmas party. And then the train back to London tomorrow to maybe see her mother, maybe see Cedric…

"Ron seems more red than usual," Briony nodded towards the Gryffindor table. "Hermione doesn't look -" Briony didn't finish before Cliodhna walked off.

"What's -"

"Ron's girlfriend won't let him come to the Christmas party with me," Hermione rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "As bloody friends," she huffed. "I mean to think that I bloody -"

"Hard to believe someone could like me?" Ron was fuming. "Hard to believe -"

"That's not what she's saying," Cliodhna started to intervene.

"But that I, your best friend, like you!" Hermione stood up, equally mad. "I asked you as a mate, why can't your girlfriend," Hermione spit the word out. "Believe that?"

"You're just mad because you can't anyone else to go," Ron started and Hermione looked ready to explode. Cliodhna opened her mouth to stop them both, ready to Silencio them without her wand, when Leo Franklin was there.

"I'll go with you, Hermione."

They all stopped to look at Leo who was standing next to Cliodhna and behind Ron. Ron's mouth hung open as Hermione's eyes widened. "Pardon?"

"I'd love to go with you," Leo smiled at her. "I didn't get an invite, so you'd be doing me a favor, really."

Hermione's eyes darted to Cliodhna for a quick second, "Are you sure?"

"We're mates, aren't we? You need a date, I'd love a date," he grinned at her. "What do you say?"

Hermione glanced at Cliodhna for a longer moment, saw that Cliodhna had a small smile on her face she was trying to hide, and nodded. "Um, yea, sure, okay."

"Brills," Leo grinned. "Thanks, Hermione. I'll see you later, yea?" And with a wink at Cliodhna he walked down to the other end of the Gryffindor table to sit with his friends.

Ron continued to gape. Hermione let out a long breath. Cliodhna grinned at her, "Well, that was lucky, wasn't it?"

"Yes," Hermione eyed her. "Very lucky."

Harry had finally arrived, rather breathless, saw Ron's face, and frowned. "What did I miss?"

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"This is your last class before the holidays," Snape drawled as he walked around pairs of 7th years using silent spells. "I expect you to be better than this when you return," he raised an eyebrow as he passed Briony. "If you live in a Muggle household, it shouldn't be in front of anyone."

Cliodhna, as always, made a show of flicking her wand, but she couldn't help looking around the room at the other students. Leo Franklin was getting better, and his lips didn't move at all when he blocked his mate's jinx. His lips…

"Pay attention to Ben," Briony whispered harshly next to her and Cliodhna looked back at Ben who was waiting for her to send a jinx. "Stop ogling -"

"I'm not," Cliodhna hissed back.

"That's enough," Snape said from the front of the classroom. "Hand in your assignments."

"See you tonight?" Leo Franklin grinned at Cliodhna as she gathered her things.

"Yea," she nodded and smiled back. "Good of you to keep Hermione and Ron from throttling each other."

Leo shrugged and ran a hand through his dark hair, "I've seen them fight in the Common Room before. Trying to avoid that." He leaned his head towards her, "And now I'll get an extra chance to see you before the hols." He winked and walked out the door, leaving Cliodhna behind to wait for Briony.

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"Bloody hell," Ida admired Cliodhna in her red dress. "And now Leo bloody Franklin is going to this party?" She shook her head. "Boy is going to faint."

Cliodhna rolled her eyes and ran a hand through her hair as she looked at in the mirror. She didn't want to braid it tonight, but suddenly wanted it to be shorter than it was - it felt too long and in the way. She waved her wand and some of her hair fell to the floor as Ramona gasped. "It's to my shoulders," Cliodhna met Ramona's eyes in the mirror and chuckled as the hair flew to the trash bin in their bathroom. "It's still pretty long."

Briony laughed, "Just needed a change, did you?"

Cliodhna turned and grinned at her friend, "I did." She looked at her Muggle watch. "All right," she looked at her friends. "Do I look acceptable? I need to go meet Potter."

"You're going to Gryffindor Tower, are you?" Ida teased her.

"You look beautiful," Summer smiled at her as she put her shoes on.

"Thank you for letting me put mascara on you," Ramona pushed some of Cliodhna's hair behind her shoulder. "Leo Franklin's not going to know what hit him."

Cliodhna rolled her eyes, "You are all so annoying." She laughed and winked at them all as she walked out the door and down the steps.

"Don't you want something to wear in the corridors?" Summer called after her.

"She'll be all right," Briony smirked.

Jack, in a nice sweater, and Ben in a button down and cardigan, were in the Common Room chatting and looked up when she walked down the stairs. "Well, well, well," Ben stood up and bowed, his eyebrows raised. "Doesn't someone clean up nicely?"

"You two look smart," she rolled her eyes at Ben. "You have that whiskey I can bring for Potter?"

Jack handed her a flask, "You do look nice."

"No heels?" Ben frowned. "I was really hoping for -"

Cliodhna laughed and went to leave, "See you there!"

She snuck a sip of the whiskey around the corner from Gryffindor Tower and grinned at Harry when she saw him waiting outside the portrait of the Fat Lady. "Hi Potter," she handed him the flask. "You look nice."

Harry gawked at her, "You look," he shook his head and grinned back at her. "You look very nice too."

Cliodhna slugged his arm, "Have a sip of that. You didn't have to wait out here for me, Jack gave me the password."

Harry shrugged, "Ron's pouting in there anyway, and," he trailed off and opened the flask. "Muggle?" He asked after he swallowed and closed his eyes in obvious pain.

"Yup," Cliodhna nodded. "Jack's bringing more so we can drink as much as we want beforehand." She watched him closely, knowing that he was probably about to say Ginny and Dean were still in there. "We can chat with Hermione, can't we? Ignore Ron?" She shrugged and pushed him towards the portrait of the Fat Lady.

"Wow," Hermione breathed when they walked in. "That dress is beautiful, Klee."

Cliodhna grinned and waved her hand at her friend, "And bloody look at you!" She turned to Harry, "Doesn't Hermione look wonderful?"

Harry pulled his eyes back towards Hermione and away from Ginny and Dean who were talking animatedly (and Cliodhna thought not in a loving way) near a window. "Yea, Hermione, you look great."

Hermione rolled her eyes and raised her eyebrows at Cliodhna. "Whiskey?" Cliodhna asked.

"A Prefect offering an illegal drink to another Prefect?" Leo Franklin's deep voice said from Cliodhna's right and she turned her head slowly towards him, trying to look as casual as she could. "Isn't that against the rules?" He was so close to her and Cliodhna suddenly felt the need to grab his shirt and pull him towards her and snog him senseless.

"Term's over," Hermione shrugged and took a small sip from the flask before letting out a disgusted groan and handing it back to Cliodhna. "But that is bloody awful."

Cliodhna raised an eyebrow at Leo, "Want some? Even if it is illegal?" Their fingers brushed when Leo took the flask from her and she blinked, trying not to shiver, but she felt the electricity there. Leo took a sip, his eyes never leaving Cliodhna, and handed her the flask back.

Cliodhna took another small sip before closing the flask. "Going to help you get through a night of Slughorn asking you about Quidditch nonstop?"

She couldn't help her smile, putting a hand on Harry's arm. "I think he likes Potter here more than I. A bit more famous, I think."

Harry grimaced, "I wouldn't mind if -"

"We're going to head over," Ginny's voice was rough but softened slightly when she saw Cliodhna. "You look lovely, Cliodhna. That's a lovely color on you."

Cliodhna smiled at her friend, "You always could pull off green so well, Gin. I think we'll be down soon, just want to finish this," she waved the flask at them. "Want any?"

"No," Dean answered for Ginny. "We're all right, thanks."

Ginny was clearly trying not to frown and followed Dean towards the portrait hole, "See you soon?"

Cliodhna handed Harry the flask without him asking and he took a bigger sip than last time before passing it to Hermione without a word. "Who, um," Hermione tried to ask. "Who do you think will be there?"

They all chatted for a moment about what non-students they thought would accept Slughorn's invitation, and Cliodhna admired Leo's efforts to make Hermione and Harry feel comfortable as they passed the flask around.

They finished the flask and as they were leaving the Common Room, Cliodhna discreetly made the flask so tiny it could fit in Harry's pocket without anyone knowing it was there. "We'll be able to refill it if we want," she whispered to him with a wink. "I think we both could use it."

Harry eyed her warily, clearly confused why she would need to, but didn't say anything as they walked towards the party.

Cliodhna was starting to feel better and more at ease around Leo, despite how good he looked in a dark green Muggle button-down that was unbuttoned a few…

"You look bloody wonderful," his whispered deeply near her ear as they turned the corner towards Slughorn's office and she did shiver this time. "And you cut your hair since class?" She could almost feel his smirk so close to her head. "You should wear red all the -"

He cut himself off and stood up taller to take Hermione's arm as they approached the door. "Thanks again for the invite, Hermione," he winked at her and opened the door.

Cliodhna took a deep breath and turned to Harry with a big smile, taking his arm. "Ready?"

Harry mussed his hair slightly. "Guess so," he shrugged and let out a reluctant laugh when Cliodhna punched his arm lightly. "Thanks for being my date."

"Course," she grinned as they walked in. "Now let's eat and drink a lot, shall we?"

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Cliodhna eventually found herself near a window slowly sipping the punch that Ben, likely in honor of Fred and George, had spiked, away from everyone else. She was exhausted from talking to Slughorn and some of his former students, and slightly tipsy from the whiskey and punch. She had eaten nearly her weight in canapes, mini pasties, and pies, and wanted nothing more than to go to bed and sleep the entire train ride tomorrow, but her eyes were drawn back to Leo Franklin who looked to be in deep conversation with a very drunk Slughorn and one of his former students.

"It's cold over here," Ben sidled up next to her.

"Exactly," she sighed. "It's bloody warm in here."

Ben hummed in agreement, "He looks delicious."

"I'd say don't be disgusting," Cliodhna's voice was low. "But I bloody agree."

Ben covered his mouth with his hand, but his laugh was still loud enough that a few people glanced over at them, including Leo who raised a single brow at her before slowly turning his attention to the wild gesticulation of Slughorn. Cliodhna's insides twisted.

"You should just get on with it and snog him," Ben nudged her slightly.

She took a slow sip of her punch, "Are you saying that because you're drunk?"

"No," Ben shook his head. "I'm saying it because you're single, he's single, and you're both obviously into each other." He put a hand on her arm, "And I want you to be happy."

"And -"

"Snogging Leo Franklin and moving on will make you happy," Ben squeezed her arm and waved at Harry. "Come have another drink, m'boy!"

Cliodhna smiled as Harry tried to refuse Ben's offer of another punch, before her eyes were drawn back to Leo Franklin. Ben was right, of course. She did desperately want to snog Leo Franklin. And hadn't she moved on from Cedric? She barely thought about him now. Well, she thought about him less…

"That dress," Leo was standing so close to her, their arms were nearly touching. "Looks very good on you."

"So you've said," Cliodhna looked up at him, her eyes a dark hazel.

Leo let out a small, surprised laugh. "Deserves to be repeated," he looked back out at the party guests. "Slughorn's a bit worse for wear."

"What was he talking to you about?"

"Not sure," his fingers touched the top of her hand and Cliodhna shivered slightly. "Wasn't paying attention."

She looked up at him, her stomach in knots. "It's warm in here," her voice was low. "Want to get out of here?"

His dark eyes met hers and when she turned over her hand so his fingers were touching her palms, he said firmly, "Yes."

Cliodhna looked briefly to Ben, who was now with both Harry and Hermione, but didn't nod or blink at him. She just met his eyes for a long moment, Leo noticed, and then walked purposefully out of the party. He followed her, a few steps behind, not wanting to draw attention to themselves, hoping that everyone was liquored up enough that they wouldn't notice them leave, but he knew Cliodhna looked too good in that dress, that she was Cliodhna bloody Quick, and people would notice. He kept his eyes on her.

She was leaning against the wall right outside the door when he stepped out a few moments after her, and with a lazy smile she looked up at him, her eyes dark and hooded. He wanted to kiss her here, against the cold, stone walls, her face in his hands, her hips pressed to his. But anyone could walk out of the party and see them. She pushed herself off from the wall and took his hand, not saying anything.

He followed her. He wasn't sure where they were going. She could have been leading him to his death, but he didn't care. He would follow her anywhere. Her presence was intoxicating. He barely drank any of the punch he knew was spiked in hopes that he would finally be able to kiss Cliodhna tonight. He didn't want to miss a damn thing when he finally got to kiss her.

She stopped walking and turned to face him. The hall was dim but he could see her face clearly. She was smiling but looking at him with a hunger in her eyes that frightened him slightly. She was beautiful and powerful and terrifying and Leo Franklin wanted nothing more than to be consumed by her. "Aren't you going to -" she started to tease him, her voice low, but his lips cut her off as he cupped her face and pulled her towards him. Her hips pressed into him and he tilted her head back slightly, a hand on the back of her head. There was a hint of whiskey on her lips and he pulled back for a second, his eyes opening slowly to look at her.

Her lips were full and pink as she too slowly opened her eyes, but they were no longer dark hazel. They were nearly gold and she grabbed his shirt to pull him back to her level so she could kiss him properly again.

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"You're back late," Briony winked from her bed. "We were about ready to give up and go to sleep."

"Did you have a nice time?" Ida waggled her eyebrows. "Talk to anyone besides Potter?"

Cliodhna took her snake earrings off, "Spoke to plenty of other people." She rolled her eyes at her friends. "How was -"

"Sorry, no," Ramona laughed. "We did nothing exciting, we want to hear about your night -"

"Who was there -"

"What everyone was wearing -"

"And if you and Leo Franklin snogged because it looks like you've been snogged," Ida giggled.

Cliodhna sighed dramatically, "I hate all of you." She sat down on her bed to take her shoes off. "Yes, we bloody snogged. No it doesn't mean anything. Yes, it was bloody good."

Ida squealed, "Tell us -"

"Everything," Ramona finished for her. Cliodhna saw Briony's smirk and groaned, knowing there was nothing she could do to avoid them.

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"So," Ben snuck up on Cliodhna at the Ravenclaw table as she was drinking her tea before everyone came in for their last meal before the hols. "You left rather abruptly."

"Did you get Potter and Granger home safely?" She asked him drily.

"How was it?" He sat down, his eyes wide. "Everything you hoped and more? What does -"

She watched him continue to blather on for a moment, before raising an eyebrow, "Are you done?"

He nodded excitedly.

"It was great, it means nothing, calm down. It's the holidays," she said before taking a sip of her tea. "Now that's all I'll -"

"I want to hear everything," Ginny sat down on the other side of Ben.

Cliodhna threw her hands up in the air, "How do you know?"

Ginny grinned, "Harry and Hermione mentioned you left before them. And Leo Franklin looked right pleased this morning when I saw him."

"Oh, did he?" Ben looked absolutely ecstatic. "Like he wants to date our little Klee and -"

"You are both absolutely bloody annoying," Cliodhna grumbled.

"Was it a good snog?" Ginny asked as she bit into a piece of toast.

"Yes," Cliodhna let her head fall into her hands. "Now can we stop -"

"How would you rank it -"

"I'm not ranking it," Cliodhna looked horrified.

"That's true, rather rude to Robbie, innit?" Ben smirked as Cliodhna shoved him.

"How did you two leave it?" Ginny asked. "I mean, are you going to snog in the train or -"

"Oh I bloody hope you do!" Ben clapped his hands. "How exciting and unexpected! A little tryst on the train -"

"Hardly a tryst," Cliodhna rolled her eyes. "And we didn't leave it anyway," she shrugged. "I'll see him when I see him."

Ginny and Ben looked unconvinced. "You want to snog him again."

"Of course I do," Cliodhna sighed. "It was bloody good."

Ben and Ginny smirked at each other. "Yea it was," Ben chuckled and took a sip of his tea. "Someone that bloody attractive? He better be bloody good."

"Someone who's that into you," Ginny nodded. "Better snog you right."

"You two are disgusting," Cliodhna moaned. "Absolutely disgusting."

"Don't see you leaving," Ben teased.

"Nowhere else to go on the last day of classes," Cliodhna sighed and let them talk more about Leo Franklin until the rest of the students came for breakfast and they were forced to stop.

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Cliodhna only caught sight of Leo's head on the train platform as she was helping the younger students on to the train. Her stomach twisted slightly. She did want to snog him on the train. She wanted to snog him as soon as she could. It was a wonderful snog - passionate and hot and -

"You should get on the train now," Jack tapped her shoulder lightly. "Everyone else is on."

"Oh," Cliodhna nodded and looked around at the handful of students still on the platform. "You all good?"

Jack gave her a knowing look, "I'll see you on the platform in London I take it?"

"You're not sitting with us?" Cliodhna asked as she walked into the train, sticking her head out of the door to look back at him. "Shame!" She turned to walk on to the train when she felt a hand reach out and grab her own. "Oi," she yelped and felt a sudden wave of electricity at being frightened twist in her hand, ready to shoot out, when she was face-to-face with Leo Franklin.

He dropped her hand quickly, "Static electricity?" He frowned and shook his hand out as though he was drying it, "What did you touch?"

"Don't scare me like that," she hit his chest.

"Just wanted to sneak a kiss," he pulled her towards him and cupped her head up to his so he could kiss her slowly and deliberately.

A door behind them slammed shut and they jumped apart, remembering where they were. Leo smiled lazily at her and winked as he turned to walk down the corridor, "Have a good Christmas, Quick."

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"Hullo dear," Mrs. Weasley wrapped Cliodhna in a hug as she locked eyes with her dad a few feet away. "You look well, are you feeling okay?"

Cliodhna grinned at Mrs. Weasley as the woman put her hands on her shoulders to get a better look at her. "I feel great, Mrs. Weasley."

"Good good," she patted her cheek and saw Harry coming off the train. "Oh, Harry -"

Cliodhna walked over to her dad with a smile, "Hiya, pops."

"Hiya, kid," he grinned down at her. "How are you -"

"She's doing great," Ben threw his backpack to Angus, who caught it without even looking at it, his eyes still on Cliodhna. Ben looked absolutely gobsmacked. "How -"

"Been practicing," Angus shrugged and pulled Cliodhna in for a hug. "Thanks," he whispered before pulling Ben in for a hug.

"She helped somehow, I know it, didn't she," Ben pouted. "Bloody not far, you -"

Cliodhna saw a tall, broad-shouldered, red-headed man over her father's shoulder and her face broke into a huge grin as she shouted, "Charlie!" before she could stop herself. She hugged him around his middle tightly, "You didn't say -"

"Didn't know if I'd be able to," he chuckled.

She pulled her head back slightly to look up at him and hit his chest playfully, "You still could have said you'd be here for the hols."

He looked rather sheepish, "Wasn't sure I'd get a whole week or two off and didn't want to get anyone too excited." He looked up when he saw Ginny running towards them and caught her easily. "Alright, Gin." He frowned as she hugged him tighter, "Ginny, you all right?"

"Course," her voice was muffled in his shoulder. "Now that you're here!"

Cliodhna looked around the platform, feeling eyes on her, and saw several parents staring at her. The Prophet hadn't written about her in some time, so she wasn't sure why they were still afraid of her. She tried not to sigh too noticeably when she saw Leo Franklin further down the platform, ruffling the hair of a short dark-haired girl before she jumped on to his back. He caught Cliodhna's eyes and winked at her as he carried the little girl towards the wall to Kings Cross. She ignored the twisting of her stomach.

Charlie watched as Cliodhna slowly brought her attention back to them and he tried not to frown. He had caught her staring at the tall, handsome, dark-haired man and pushed his feelings of jealousy and anger down. Cliodhna was his friend. She needed him to be a friend.

"All right, come along," Mrs. Weasley ushered them all off the platform. "We've got lots to cook when we get back and not a lot of time."

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Cliodhna helped Charlie clean the living and dining rooms as everyone else helped Mrs. Weasley cook. Angus had gone back to the Ministry after dropping everyone off at the Burrow. "I'll be back for dinner," he patted Cliodhna's shoulder. "Your mother hopes to be back here in the next day or two."

Cliodhna had tried not to frown as her father left; she had hoped Catherine would be back already.

"How are things at Hogwarts?" Charlie's voice broke into her thoughts. "No one giving you a hard time?"

"Only during the Quidditch match," Cliodhna shrugged. "Everyone's sort of left me alone after the first week or two. Helps there haven't been too many articles lately, I guess."

"Sounded like you stopping that Bludger really got people to shut up."

Cliodhna smirked, "It did."

"It was a -"

"Don't you say a stupid thing to do," she rolled her eyes at him. "It would have been worse if I let it hit bloody Zabini and -"

"I was going to say rather smart and a little brave, but now I'm rethinking that," Charlie interrupted her and chuckled.

Cliodhna shoved him playfully at the gentle teasing but didn't seem embarrassed. "How um, how are things here and at the Reserve?"

"The twins store is still up and looks good," Charlie looked up at her for a moment. "Everyone's still being followed here, though I'm left alone at the Reserve, thankfully. Some of the Order have used it as a stopping point on their way -"

"My mum?" Cliodhna looked so hopeful that Charlie's heart tightened.

"She stayed with me one night," Charlie's voice was very low and soft. "But please don't say anything to anyone."

"No," she shook her head even though she looked beyond relieved. "Of course not. She may need to again," she grinned at Charlie and Charlie's stomach twisted. "Thanks, Charlie."

He nodded and was about to say something else when the fireplace lit up green and Bill and Fleur stepped through. "Hello to the house!" Bill shouted and Ginny, Ron, and Harry rushed in to say hello.

"Billy!" Cliodhna grinned up at him as Ginny hugged him tightly. "And Fleur! How are you?"

Fleur pulled Cliodhna into a surprisingly tight hug, "Cliodhna, it is so lovely to see you." She fingered her hair, "You cut your hair, it is beautiful!"

"Oh," Cliodhna smiles genuinely. "Thank you, I did it last night, actually -"

"Right before a party," Ben said over her shoulder. "Don't you think she should make it a bit more blonde, Fleur?"

Fleur hugged Ben but Cliodhna ignored them as they continued to talk about her hair so she could hug Bill and ask how Gringotts was. "Your money's still there, a little bit seems to be added every week thanks to the twins," he winked at her.

"Not what I was asking, but thank you," she rolled her eyes.

"She's going to need a bigger vault soon," Fred stepped through the Floo.

"What with all the money we're making her," George followed his twin out of the fireplace and winked at Cliodhna before Ben nearly bowled him over.

Cliodhna hid her laugh behind her hand as she said, "Does everyone want some tea?" So that George and Ben could have a minute alone.

"That was -"

"Is he all right," Charlie leaned down to whisper to Cliodhna but she ignored him.

"Mrs. Weasley, can I get tea for our newest arrivals?"

Mrs. Weasley looked up and pulled Fred in for a tight hug, "Have you been eating the food I've been sending over, you feel thin and where's George -"

"Mum, I could really use some tea," Fred squeaked out.

"Oh, yes! Ginny, Cliodhna, could you get the tin of biscuits out, and -"

"I've got the tea, mum," Fleur's smile was wide as she handed Mrs. Weasley the tin of tea. Mrs. Weasley tried to look pleased.

"Thank you, dearie," she took the tin and smiled as several mismatched mugs floated out of the cupboards. "Thank you, Cliodhna." Cliodhna shrugged, her hands in her pockets, as the tin of biscuits landed on the table.

"Showing off?" Bill leaned down to whisper into her ear.

"That's nowhere near showing off, Billy," Ginny winked at her older brother from beside Cliodhna.

They all sat down to tea when George and Ben wandered in a few moments later, looking rather breathless. Cliodhna rolled her eyes at her brother and George's hair flattened almost immediately. "Thanks," Ben mouthed to her as Mrs. Weasley pulled George in for a hug.

They let Fred and Bill talk about recent events, how Gringotts and Diagon Alley was holding up, everyone drinking their tea, before Bill sat back and asked, "But how's school? How's your last year?" He nodded at the triplets. "How many people are bothering -"

"They aren't," Cliodhna shrugged. "It hasn't been bad, actually."

"Malfoy and his goons have been distracted," Ron said in between bites of biscuits, missing Harry's glare.

"Except during the first match of the season," Ben pointed out. "Weren't too distracted then."

"What happened?" Mrs. Weasley asked. "They didn't try anything did they?"

"No," Cliodhna sighed. "Blaise Zabini was just saying some not very nice things during -"

"All the rumors," Jack finished. "Everything the papers had said over the summer, that sort of thing."

"Well that's -"

"Klee stopped a Bludger from hitting him and some of the professors," Ron said excitedly.

"She was playing Chaser," Harry added with a grin. "Zabini screamed and couldn't finish announcing."

"Oh," Mrs. Weasley was clearly trying to hide a laugh. "I hope you weren't too injured," she stood. "It's time to finish up dinner, everyone should be here soon." She nodded to Bill, Fleur, and the twins. "You can go sit in the living room until everyone's here. Ginny, Ron, help me finish up -"

"Mum," Ron groaned but followed her into the kitchen as Ginny pouted beside him.

Charlie saw Fred lean over to whisper in Cliodhna's ear and watched her face as a flicker of sadness flashed over her face before she nodded at Fred and mouthed thank you to him.

"Who else is coming tonight?" Ben asked the group as the sat down in the living room, his eyes flashing to Cliodhna momentarily. "Are Remus and Tonks around? Sean?"

"Remus should be getting back today," Bill nodded.

"Tonks is coming," Fleur nodded. "Sean said he would stop by to see you three."

"Oh, good," Cliodhna grinned. "I'd like to see him."

"I think Diggory is," Bill stopped short. "Oh, um."

Ben rolled his eyes as Cliodhna couldn't help her smile. "You can say his name," she teased Bill. "I'm all right."

Bill glanced at Charlie before meeting Ben's eye, "I know, sorry. His shift ends late."

That intrigued Cliodhna - was he done with training already? She wasn't nervous to see Cedric, she was eager to see how he was doing, make sure he was okay and being safe, not doing anything reckless, and to make sure he was at least trying to date. As Dumbledore said, love -

The conversation had turned to Charlie and the Reserve as Ben and Jack asked him how certain Dragon Keepers were doing and if there were any new Keepers. Cliodhna paid attention even as her eyes wandered to the window to watch the sun set and the shadows grow longer. She took a deep breath and next to her, where no one could see, she waved her hand slowly, just making sure the wards she had discreetly put up when she arrived were still strong around the Burrow.

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"What can you do now?" Bill asked her, his voice low.

"A lot," she raised an eyebrow at him.

"More than before?"

"Yes," she leaned against the doorframe and looked at Charlie and Ben talking animatedly about something.

"You can't tell us," Bill offered.

"No, I could," she took a deep breath. "I've been having Hermione and my mate Briony help me control some of my, uh, instincts." She glanced at him quickly and chuckled. "And helping Ben and Jack with silent spells."

"Do you think there's more that you could do?" Bill watched her closely, and felt for the first time, what he knew Charlie had tried to explain to him. He was scared for Cliodhna and also rather frightened of her. Not that she would hurt him, but that someone would try to use her to their advantage.

"I -"

"Don't lie," a voice said behind from behind Bill and Cliodhna turned and grinned widely at her Uncle Sean. "Hiya kid," he pulled her in for a tight hug.

"I wasn't going to lie," she rolled her eyes at him as she pulled back a little. "I was going to say I don't know. But I knew that wasn't true."

"Oh?" Sean raised his eyebrows at her.

"I know there's more I can do."

Bill and Sean were silent for a long moment as Cliodhna watched them, gauging their reactions. Bill was about to say something when Charlie handed Sean a small glass of whiskey. "How are things in the outside world, Sean?"

Sean slowly tore his eyes away from his "niece" and planted a fake smile on his face. "Same as yesterday, which isn't a bad thing. At least we know what to expect for now."

"Harry thinks Malfoy is planning something," Charlie's voice was low. "Ben let it slip. George said Harry mentioned something to Arthur before he left for school."

"Yes," Sean nodded. "But we can't find anything we think Malfoy could do from Hogwarts. It's tightly watched and controlled. And no one will try anything while Dumbledore's there."

Cliodhna's skin tingled at what her Uncle Sean was saying and she felt the electricity pulse through her but she took a deep breath and swallowed the power she felt bubbling up. She didn't think it was wise to be so flippant about Malfoy but she didn't know what he'd want to do...

"Desperate to be a Death Eater, make up for his father's mistake," Bill mused. "Being desperate makes people dangerous."

"He's been skipping his duties as a Prefect," Cliodhna said after swallowing again. "Jack wanted to kick him out, but Dumbledore wouldn't let him. Said Snape would talk to him." She felt Sean's eyes on her and met them. "I'll make sure Potter doesn't try anything stupid," she shrugged. "He's bound to, really."

Charlie's lips twitched and put a hand on her shoulder, "Good of you."

"Potter can be a bit reckless sometimes," Sean agreed. "Like someone else I know."

"Don't know who you mean," Cliodhna raised an eyebrow at Sean and turned her head to the front door. "I think Tonks is here."

"No one's -"

Tonks stumbled in through the door, "I didn't even open it! How -"

Cliodhna hid her grin and went to say hello to Tonks but Sean stopped her. "How did you know it's Tonks? We have protocols, ways to make sure it's actually her and not someone using Polyjuice or -"

Cliodhna looked confused. "I know it's Tonks because she made it through my wards."

"I didn't notice -"

"That's the point," Cliodhna nodded. "Tonks! Come in, we know it's you!" Cliodhna called out.

"You don't know it's -"

Cliodhna closed the door behind Tonks without even waving her hand. "You made it through my wards and protections," Cliodhna smiled at her. "I know it's you."

"We still need to establish that it's Tonks," Sean raised his wand at Tonks and asked. "What did you say to me when you first met me at the Ministry."

Tonks' hair turned bright pink, "Oh, blimey, Sean, really?" Sean nodded grimly. "I said 'Bloody hell check out this twat."

Cliodhna let out a surprised laugh and tried to cough to cover it when Sean glared at her from the corner of her eye.

"And what did you say in return?" Tonks asked, her wand pointed towards him."

"Watch it or this twat will put you through training hell," Sean said seriously and put down his wand. "Klee, we have to maintain our protocols we can't trust that people won't try to infiltrate us here."

"Sean," she said just as seriously. "I understand. But you have to understand my protections around the Burrow, around my house, around everything are very strong."

"I'm sure -"

"And I know when people are approaching."

"I -"

She raised her hand to stop him. "We can test it later if you want. It's not worth arguing about until you can see it." She smiled at Tonks and pulled her in for a hug. "Nice to see you, Tonks."

"Good to see you," Tonks returned the hug and met Sean's' eyes over her shoulder. "Is dinner almost ready?"

"Almost," Cliodhna said and excused herself to go to the dining room.

They were about to sit down to dinner, Cliodhna in between Charlie and Fleur, when she could sense two more people nearing the perimeter of her wards around the Burrow. As they got closer she knew it was Remus and Cedric. She took a deep breath, hoping no one would notice, and opened her mouth to tell Mrs. Weasley they should wait a few minutes before eating since others were there, when Arthur popped his head in, having just come out of the Floo. "Sorry I'm late," he dusted off his hair and looked around the table. "Is everyone here? Angus was leaving the Ministry just behind me, I'm sure he'll be here soon."

A few minutes later they heard the front door open and Cliodhna said lowly to Charlie, "It's Remus and Cedric."

"How do you -"

"Cedric and Remus are here," Sean said as they all walked into the dining room. He met Cliodhna's eyes for a long moment but she merely raised an eyebrow at him before turning her attention to Cedric and Remus and welcoming them along with everyone else already seated.

"All right, let's get started, shall we? You all must be famished, the train was ages ago," Mrs. Weasley bustled around the table to hug Remus and Cedric quickly before showing them their seats.

Cliodhna barely had to look at Cedric to know he looked bloody fit. Even in his jumper, you could clearly see his arms and -

She felt Charlie's knee knock into hers and looked up at him with a wink as she took a sip of her water. No need for any more alcohol until after dinner.

They had all nearly begun to eat when Cliodhna could sense her dad approaching her wards and tried to meet her Uncle Sean's eyes but he wasn't looking at her. "I think my dad's here," she muttered to Charlie.

"Sorry?" He leaned his head towards her to hear and she could feel Cedric's eyes on them for the briefest of moments. She felt warm.

"Dad's here," she said to the table and everyone stopped to look at her. She cleared her throat and shrugged, "Our dad is here."

"How do you -"

There was a very loud knock on the door that they could only hear because they had stopped moving their forks against their plates. "I'll get it," Sean stood up.

"How," Arthur shook his head. "Impressive."

Cedric and Harry, who were sitting next to each other at the other end of the table, both watched her for a long moment before Remus said, "I thought the wards were a lot stronger today."

Cliodhna shrugged but took another sip of water.

Angus walked in, Sean behind him, and frowned when everyone simply stared at him. "I'm not that late, am I?"

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"How are you?"

Cliodhna turned her head slightly and smiled genuinely at Cedric. She had felt his eyes on her all night but had never caught him looking at her - just as he had never caught her looking - but now, as everyone was mingling around and sipping Muggle whiskey and firewhiskey, there he was. It had felt like centuries since they had seen each other - stood so close to each other - and she tried to ignore the thoughts of how his arms and chest would look when he took off his jumper.

"I'm all right," she said evenly. "How's training?"

Cedric watched her closely, his smile not reaching his eyes. "Long, hard, all you'd expect," his grey eyes searched hers. "How are you really, Cliodhna?" Her stomach tightened at the use of her full name.

"You saw the wards," she raised an eyebrow. "I'm managing it."

He watched her and didn't say anything. She wish he'd say something. She wish Charlie could come and ease the tension. It was almost like Cedric was trying to catch her in a lie. What lie she wasn't sure.

"You look well," he continued, his eyes never leaving her face.

"Less angry, you mean," she retorted and Cedric's smile did reach his eyes this time as he chuckled.

"That and," he looked out at the room of people. "I don't know," he admitted. "Happier, maybe."

She looked at him, her heart heavy, willing him to look at her, but his eyes were on Harry, Charlie, Ben, and George who were all chatting. His voice was full of a sad understanding and Cliodhna ached for him to be happy, to be free of her and the danger she brought to his life. Charlie's eyes wandered to Cedric and Cliodhna for a moment and that's when Cedric looked back at her. He opened his mouth to say something but instead he clinked his glass to hers and with a sad smile walked away to talk to Bill and Fleur.

Cliodhna felt warm and angry and sad and frustrated. She wanted to be friends with Cedric, she didn't want to hurt him. She wanted him to understand that she had done the right thing - that they had done the right thing - breaking up was necessary.

She needed to get away from everyone and get outside. She needed a breath of fresh air. She looked around and when no one was watching her, she slipped quietly out of the room and even more quietly outside the kitchen door.

She leaned against the house and took a deep breath, watching her breath as she looked up at the dark sky. She closed her eyes to clear her head, taking another deep breath.

"I'm all right, Remus," she said without opening her eyes. "I just needed a minute."

Remus chuckled and leaned against the house next to her. "No one else noticed you left. Not yet anyway."

"Didn't go as I had hoped," she admitted and opened her eyes.

"Tomorrow's another day," he offered lamely and Cliodhna laughed. "If Sirius were here he'd say you look like you need a cigarette."

"You got one?" She turned her head to look at him.

"No," Remus shook his head. "And neither would he, usually. He and James smoked them for a week start of term 6th year," he looked up at the sky as he reminisced. "Until Lily reprimanded James. Said he was killing himself, all that. Stopped immediately."

"Bet Sirius thought they looked bloody cool doing it," Cliodhna laughed.

"He was furious," Remus chuckled and looked at her. "You're doing better, aren't you?"

"Loads," she admitted. "Hermione and Briony have been helping me, Ben and Jack in other ways," she frowned. "Not one of them knows the full thing, of course."

"And the wards?"

She shrugged, "A few different things I was trying out."

"You knew it was us?"

She nodded, "I know Sean doesn't believe me, but." She sighed, "I don't know how to explain it. But, yes."

"And the electricity?"

Cliodhna could sense the slight fear in his voice but chose to ignore it. "I haven't exactly been that angry, but yes, I've been able to control the random burst."

Remus nodded. "We should go back -"

"I can't tell anyone everything," she said seriously, still looking at the sky. "No one can know the full -"

"I agree," his voice was heavy. Cliodhna looked at him, surprised, as he ran a hand over his tired face. "It's safer for you if everyone only knows bits and pieces."

Cliodhna nodded, swallowing her argument. She had expected him to say that surely Dumbledore or her mother should know everything. This was unexpected and rather disconcerting.

"Let's go back in before anyone worries," she managed to say and let Remus lead her back inside. She needed another whiskey.

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"You're to stay at the Burrow today," Angus kissed the tops of their heads as the triplets sat at the kitchen table. "I'm going to walk you over now and I'll be back for dinner."

"And what about mum?" Ben frowned. "When do we -"

"I'm not sure," Angus interrupted. "Hopefully soon. Now come on, get your things, let's go."

Cliodhna was the first one back downstairs and Angus said in a low voice, "Can you shield us as we walk over?"

"Yes," she tilted her head slightly. "Do you think that's -"

"Yes," Angus nodded. "Strong, if you don't mind."

Cliodhna nodded, surprised. Was a Death Eater going to try something on the short walk down the hill at 7am during Christmas break?

Bill answered the door with a smile, "Everyone but mum's still asleep." He waved goodbye at Angus who left the wards of the Burrow to Apparate to the Ministry. "I reckon you can go and wake them up."

Ben decided to pout at the kitchen table, clearly irritated that he wasn't going to be able to spend the day at the twins' shop, but Jack and Cliodhna went upstairs to wake the others. Cliodhna was expecting to burst into Ginny's room to wake her up. What she wasn't expecting was to nearly walk into a shirtless Charlie in the narrow hallway. "Oh!" Charlie caught her arm before she fell straight into his bare chest. "Sorry," she felt her cheeks warm as she looked up and saw he was grinning. "I thought everyone was asleep."

"Good morning to you too," he said. "I'll let you wake Ginny while I -"

"Oi, put a shirt on, Charlie!" Ben had come up the stairs now. "The sun's barely up!"

Charlie winked at Cliodhna and went into the bathroom. Cliodhna turned to glare at Ben but he shrugged at her with a grin and knocked on Ginny's door, "Wakey wakey, Ginerva!"

Cliodhna needed to stick her head out an open bloody window.

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Spending the entire day with Charlie was the remedy Cliodhna hadn't even known she needed. No one mentioned Hogwarts or the impending War, or her powers, or anything. She wished she could have spent a relaxing day with Charlie before school had started too; it would have made the first week or two more bearable. She felt so at ease with Charlie but didn't monopolize his time so Ron and Ginny could get time with their brother too.

"You two are getting along famously," Ben whispered to her while they collected eggs from the chicken coop.

"We were best friends once," she pointed out. "We still are close."

"This is -"

"Don't," Cliodhna said firmly. "Don't you push another friend having feelings for me or me on them." Her voice broke slightly and she pleaded, "Let me just be friends with Charlie, please. I need friends, Ben."

Ben presses his lips together and nodded. He wanted to argue that Charlie was different, that he clearly always considered Cliodhna as something more than a friend and different than a sister, but that wasn't what she was ready to hear. "How are you after seeing, you know?"

She sighed and her shoulders slumped, "He seemed sad. It must hurt that I have others helping me. That I didn't think he could."

"You have several people helping," Ben shook his head. "I'm happy to point that out to him."

Cliodhna met his eyes and tried to smile, "Thanks."

"You two get all the eggs?" George's voice asked from behind them and Ben dropped his basket of eggs to throw his arms around his boyfriend. Before George could shout to tell him not to drop the eggs, the basket floated in mid-air.

"I got it," Cliodhna winked at George as he caught Ben and pulled him in for a quick kiss. She took both baskets of eggs and brought them into the kitchen where Charlie was waiting by the door.

"So they're," his eyes were wide but he was grinning. "Why haven't they said?"

Cliodhna shrugged, "Easier for Ben to be able to stay with them for a few weeks over the summer if no one knew."

"But now?" Charlie took the baskets from her. "I hope they say something soon."

"I do too," Cliodhna agreed.

"But then they'll actually snog in front of us," Jack rolled his eyes.

"No they won't," Cliodhna frowned. "I," she started and stopped herself.

"They'll want to make Ron uncomfortable," Jack saved her.

Charlie watched Cliodhna as he set the baskets on the table. "Regardless, mum will be thrilled."

"Oh thank you for the eggs, dearie," Mrs. Weasley bustled into the kitchen. "Charlie, can you and Cliodhna get some extra chairs in the living room? We're having a meeting before dinner."

"Sure, mum," Charlie nodded.

"Cliodhna," Mrs. Weasley said to her softly before she followed Charlie out of the kitchen. "The wards around the house?"

"Strong, Mrs. Weasley."

"Good," she nodded. "Can you make sure Ron and Ginny won't be able to hear anything we say during the meeting?"

"Mrs. Weasley," Cliodhna started with a frown.

"I can't stop Harry from being there," her face was hard. "But Ron and Ginny aren't members yet."

"Harry will just tell -"

"I know," Mrs. Weasley put a hand on her arm. "But it will make me feel better."

Cliodhna nodded, "Of course."

Charlie was moving chairs without magic around the room and Cliodhna watched him for a moment. He was wearing a flannel shirt, the sleeves rolled up, as it was rather warm in the Burrow, and she saw the freckles that were visible on his relatively tanned arms; her eyes roved over his hands that were hard from the Reserve and from his years playing Quidditch. "Fun to do some things without magic," she said softly to him as she moved a chair. "But sometimes," she waved her hand and a chair seemingly appeared out of thin air, "you need it."

Charlie's blue eyes widened slightly as he stared at her impressed. "Did you even need to wave your hand?" Another chair appeared next to her. He laughed and standing in front of her put a hand on her shoulder. "That's bloody impressive."

She shrugged, feeling her cheeks starting to pink slightly, "My wand's in my pocket, so it's not that -"

"Klee," Charlie shook his head. "It's very impressive."

She met his eyes and smiled, feeling warm. "Thanks, Charlie."

He moved to put the two new chairs along the wall, "I reckon you don't do that in front of your classmates."

"No," she sighed. "It would be rather terrifying, I think."

"Hmm," he agreed. "I think we'll need a few more," he turned to look at her again. "What are you Transfiguring them out of?" She held up a piece of string that had come undone from her thin jumper and Charlie laughed genuinely again. "Bloody brilliant."

Cliodhna felt her heart swell. Showing someone just a tenth of what she could do and they weren't terrified for themselves or for her or worried about what else she could do. Charlie was actually impressed and not scared. She felt at ease. She didn't notice Charlie watching her face. Nor had she seen him watching her closely when she had spoken with Cedric the night before.

"I'm worried about her," Charlie had whispered to Bill the night before as they laid in their beds in the room they once shared as children.

"I am too," Bill had agreed.

"People are afraid of her," Charlie looked up at his ceiling. "She needs people to support her, not fear her."

"I think some of her mates are helping her," Bill offered lamely.

"Diggory," Charlie's voice trailed off before he cleared his throat. "That didn't seem to -"

"No," Bill agreed. "He was a wreck for a while. I think he's all right now, but."

"It didn't look good tonight," Charlie sighed. "She needs a friend. She needs a lot of friends."

Bill hadn't responded and Charlie didn't need him to. He wasn't scared of Cliodhna. He was worried for her, just as he was worried for his family, Harry, and everyone else in the Order. But he wanted to help Cliodhna in any way he could. And he reckoned now, during these next few days, he could help her by being her friend and letting her know her abilities were impressive and good.

"Do you think that's enough chairs?" Her voice broke his thoughts and Charlie nodded. "I reckon we're good here, yea."

They sat down in the chairs and Cliodhna took a deep breath. "Are you warm?"

"Always a little," he shrugged. "You are too, aren't you?"

"Always a lot," she grinned back and suddenly the room grew a little colder.

"Thanks," Charlie laughed heartily. "Good of you."

Ben and George joined them some time later, but not before watching the pair chat from the doorway. George nudged Ben with his hand, meeting his boyfriend's eyes and raising his eyebrows. Ben smirked back. So it wasn't just him that thought there could be something between Charlie and Cliodhna.

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Cliodhna sat next to Charlie and her father at the start of the Order meeting. Ginny and Ron had stomped away in a huff to their rooms and Mrs. Weasley had met Cliodhna's eyes and she nodded indiscreetly: they wouldn't be able to hear anything even with an invention of the twins.

Kingsley was about to call the meeting to Order when Cliodhna sat up straight, her eyes wide and pale. Dumbledore and her mother were -

"Are you all right?" Charlie leaned over to ask her. He felt Cedric's eyes on them from across the room.

"Someone else is here," she said loud enough for everyone to hear. "Dumbledore and," she swallowed, unsure if she should say her mother. "Someone else."

Kingsley and several other people, including Mad-Eye looked skeptically at her; Mad-Eye's magical eye was trained on the door and everyone turned to stare at Cliodhna when there was a loud knock on the door. Kingsley went to see who was there.

Cliodhna waited with bated breath as Dumbledore strode in the room. Everyone stared at Cliodhna who stood up to pull the stranger behind him into a hug. Catherine was wearing dark, dirty robes, and had long, dirty black hair, but it was unmistakably Catherine. "Let me clean up first," Catherine laughed into her hair. "You're not supposed to know it was me."

Cliodhna wiped the tears from her eyes and let Ben and Jack hug their mother before she turned to look at Dumbledore who was watching her closely. Catherine cleared her throat and waved her wand so she looked like her actual self, Catherine Randolph. "Hi, everyone," she greeted.

"The wards and protections around the perimeter," Dumbledore started, his eyes never leaving Cliodhna.

"Mine," she nodded.

"And you knew it was us," he said. It was not a question.

"I knew it was you and my mother, yes," she nodded again. The room was eerily silent. "Just like I knew everyone who arrived earlier and yesterday."

No one spoke for a long moment until Catherine cleared her throat, "Well I think that's as good a place as any to start." She took a seat next to Angus and Cliodhna sat back down next to Charlie. He leaned his body towards her so their arms were touching and she felt immediately comforted.

Dumbledore looked around at everyone gathered for a long moment and said, "Catherine and Remus have been successful at gathering groups across Europe, including other werewolves, to join us. It's slow work," he nodded at Catherine. "But it's important."

"There are some witches and wizards in Sweden and Norway that will come to our aid," Catherine said. "They don't want Him to take power either."

"Is that all?" Mad-Eye's voice was gruff. "We need more than -"

"I can't tell you where else I've been," Catherine's voice was steel. "But I assure you there are others."

"Catherine and Remus are doing dangerous work," Dumbledore said gently. "And we should not forget that."

There was a long pause and Harry said, "And what about Malfoy? Do we know what -"

"Professor Snape is watching him," Dumbledore sounded tired. "He's not a threat -"

"He was bragging about being a Death Eater!" Harry stood up in anger. "He's taking orders from Voldemort!"

"Harry," Remus shook his head. "If Dumbledore says Snape is -"

"How can we trust Snape?" Harry directed his anger to Remus. "He's a Death Eater too!"

"Harry," Catherine said firmly but in a calm voice. "If Malfoy is a Death Eater, we should be keeping a closer eye on him." She glanced at Dumbledore. "If it's alright with you, Professor, maybe Ben, Cliodhna, and Jack can keep an eye on Draco as well."

"That's a good idea," Dumbledore nodded. "If you three agree?"

Cliodhna locked eyes with Harry and nodded. "I don't mind, Professor. I think we aren't giving Malfoy enough credit."

Harry, still looking furious, nodded and sat back down. Cliodhna would talk to him later to better understand why exactly Harry was so angry about Malfoy.

There was another long pause before Mad-Eye said gruffly, "And what about you, Ms. Quick?" Cliodhna felt Charlie move his hand to her knee and squeeze gently.

"What about Cliodhna?" Angus sounded angrier than Cliodhna had ever heard him and her eyes darted to his face.

"What can she do now? Shouldn't we get an update?" Mad-Eye's magical eye was locked on her.

"She doesn't need to give an update on what she can do," Angus continued firmly. "She's a witch not some spectacle that needs to take -"

Cliodhna put a hand on her father's arm and said softly, "It's okay." She stood up and looked around the room as everyone stared at her. "As I said at the end of the summer," she started slowly. "It's not safe for you to know everything I can do." She waved her left hand carelessly and a bright light shone through all the windows for a split second. "You walked through the wards, didn't you, Mad-Eye? Tell me, did you see through my Dillusionment of the Burrow?"

Mad-Eye looked uncomfortable. "No," he said in a huff.

"Professor," she turned to Dumbledore. "How powerful was the Dillusionment on my mother? How strong was her disguise?"

"Strong," Dumbledore replied and Cliodhna saw a flicker of amusement in his blue eyes.

"And yet I've known everyone who's come to the door." Her eyes traveled around the room, feeling powerful as everyone watched her. "I can do magic without my wand."

"She can do a lot of magic without her wand," Harry interrupted.

Cliodhna's lips twitched before she continued, "I've learned to control my abilities. I haven't been as angry as that night," she met Remus' eyes. "I don't know what will happen in a situation like that, but I'll know when I'm about to lose control. I can feel it now."

There was a long pause as everyone continued to look at her. "You're not afraid of yourself any more," Cedric's voice was clear. "You're not scared of what you can do." It wasn't a question.

"No," Cliodhna agreed. "I'm not."

"We've been helping her," Ben said. "And she's been helping us practice silent spells."

"Hermione's been helping her too," Jack added. "Researching and controlling it."

There was another pause. "But you can't tell us -" Sean started.

"No," Cliodhna shook her head. "It's for everyone's safety. But I'm not scared, as Cedric said. We should all be wary, and I implore you to be. But I'm not afraid of what I can do anymore."

Dumbledore nodded and said with some finality, "Thank you, Ms. Quick."

Cliodhna sat down and without thinking reached for Charlie's hand and squeezed it. Her father patted her knee and she met his eyes; he looked sad and tired, and she knew he felt guilty that he couldn't get the group to leave her alone.

The rest of the meeting went by quickly and soon everyone was standing up and milling about before dinner. Cliodhna felt let go of Charlie's hand with a smile as they stood up. "Sorry," her smile was slightly embarrassed and Charlie couldn't help but grin back at her. "Didn't realize," she trailed off.

Charlie didn't get to respond because Sean and Kingsley approached her and with an apologetic glance to Charlie she followed them out of the room.

Charlie saw Cedric watching him but turned to Catherine and started to welcome her back when she surprisingly pulled him in for a hug. "Thank you again," she said quietly as she pulled away to look him in the eyes. Her bright brown eyes reminded him so much of Cliodhna. "Letting me stay, you know. That was risky, I know, but -"

"No one thinks to look out at the Reserve," Charlie smiled. "It was really no trouble. You're always welcome back. We have plenty of space."

"Seeing the dragons," she ran a hand through her long light brown hair. "That was really something." She met his eyes and shot him a charming smile. "I've seen them before, once, but that," she shook her head. "That was incredible."

"You don't get used to it," Charlie admitted. "I haven't yet, at least."

"I think when you do," Catherine smirked, "then that's when you need to get out." Her eyes darted to the side of his head so quickly he wouldn't have noticed if she hadn't looked so fierce when she met his eyes again. "Complacency is probably not good around dragons. Excuse me, won't you?" She put her hand on his arm and walked around him.

Charlie tried to turn to see who Catherine was going to talk to with a fire in her eye, but George and Ben approached him. "Firewhiskey?"

Charlie nodded, "Wouldn't hurt?" He took a glass from them.

"Cedric seemed to be giving you the occasional death glare," Ben whispered in his ear. Charlie didn't have to bother looking around the room for Cedric to know he was right. Diggory had probably seen him holding Cliodhna's hand.

"You seen Diggory?" Fred asked. "Or Potter? Wanted to give them a drink."

"Potter was just there," Ben frowned and looked around. "Talking to Ron."

"Cliodhna was speaking to Sean and Kingsley," Charlie said after he took a small sip of his firewhiskey. "Out in the hall, I think." Sean and Kingsley were back in the living room again and Charlie met Ben's eyes. He wasn't sure if Cedric and Cliodhna were going to fight or snog. He rather hoped they didn't do either.

Cedric was at Ben's side in an instant with a smile. "One of those for me?"

Ben nodded and handed him one, "How are you, mate? How's training?"

"Finished," Cedric shrugged and took a small sip of his whiskey. "I'm shadowing the Healers now. Should be able to see my own patients come the new year."

"That's fantastic," Cliodhna was on the other side of Charlie and accepted a glass from Jack who had joined their circle. "That's rather fast, innit?"

Charlie watched the pair interact from other sides of the pseudo-circle, as he knew Ben was, and felt like they had neither fought nor snogged. They both seemed simultaneously at ease and tense. He didn't really pay attention to what anyone was saying until Cliodhna nudged him gently with her shoulder and said softly, "You all right?"

He looked down at her, meeting her clear hazel eyes, and felt calm and comforted. He returned her smile, "I am. Are you?"

"I am now," she said genuinely.

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"That wasn't fair of them," Cedric's voice was low and as Cliodhna turned she was surprised at the anger she saw there. Sean and Kingsley had just left her in the hall, trying to get her to tell them exactly what she could do. "They know you shouldn't tell them everything."

She reached for his hand and before he could pull away, she squeezed it. "You know I wish you could have helped me," she said quickly. "You did help me, in a way." She dropped his hand and put it on his cheek so he was forced to look at her. He looked angry and confused. "But I had to get through a lot of anger before I could trust anyone to help me," she sighed. "It wasn't fair that you got the brunt of that anger," her voice grew heavy.

He put a hand on top of hers on his cheek and smiled sadly at her. "I wish I could have helped," he sighed. "I wish I could have been at Hogwarts with you now to help -"

She shook her head and chuckled, "Think of all the people you're helping now, Cedric. That's what matters. I'm so glad you're helping all those people."

"I'm glad you're letting Hermione and your brothers and whoever else help you," he dropped his hands from hers. "I really, truly am." He smiled again, his clear grey eyes not wavering from her gaze. "I'm proud of you."

She laughed, "Oh, please -"

"No," he was laughing now too. "I mean it. You're strong. And it means that you really aren't afraid of yourself any more."

"Thanks," she said sincerely. "That really means a lot." They looked at each other for a long moment before she asked shyly, "So, we," she swallowed. "Are we okay for now? Can we be friends?"

Cedric didn't move a muscle for what seemed to be a century to Cliodhna before he broke into a small, sad smile. "Of course," he nodded. Cliodhna wanted to hug him but thought that might be pushing too much.

"Thank you," she said with great relief. She wanted to ask him about friends he may be making at training or if he had a mentor or how his life outside of Healing was, to make sure he was okay, but Harry stormed into the hall. "Hey," Cliodhna put her hand out to stop him. "Potter," she tried again. "It's not worth it, trust me." She wasn't sure who he was going to blow up at but it didn't really matter.

"They're not going to listen to you if you blow up," Cedric said gently to Harry. "We believe you, we trust you."

"Why can't," Harry frowned at Cedric. "They never do believe us, do they?" He looked to Cliodhna too. "Even when you can do so much," he rubbed a tired hand over his face. "Why can't they ever just listen to us?"

Cliodhna and Cedric met each other's eyes. They didn't have a good answer.

"We should go back," Cedric said. "Reckon we could all use a drink before dinner."

Cliodhna patted Harry on the back as they followed Cedric back to the living room. Harry met Cliodhna's eyes and raised an eyebrow at her. She smiled and nodded at him. When did Harry become so perceptive?

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Dinner was a raucous affair. Most of the Order had left, but Cliodhna knew she'd be seeing most of them again before she went back to Hogwarts. The only people who had remained behind that wasn't a Weasley, Diggory, or Quick, were Harry, Remus, and Tonks.

There was no talk of the War, of Voldemort, where Catherine had been, or Cliodhna's capabilities. It was easy, relaxing, fun conversations of nothing consequential. Cedric talked about his training, Charlie about his dragons, Bill about something humorous a goblin had said that week, George and Fred about new products they were dreaming up, and Tonks about some of her clumsier mishaps at school. It felt like old times, before Voldemort had returned, before Cedric had died and come back, before Cliodhna had shot electricity out of her body. Cliodhna wished things could stay like this forever. She wanted things to go back to this, for the War to be over, for things to return to how they had been.

She knew they couldn't be as they had once been because Sirius had died and as she looked around the table and felt a sadness fall over her, she knew not everyone she loved would make it out of the War alive. She closed her eyes for a moment, felt Charlie's hand move to her knee, clearly aware she was not engaging in the conversation and that something was wrong. When she opened her eyes and looked up at him she managed a smile. She vowed in that moment to do everything she could to help Harry defeat Voldemort and protect everyone she loved. And everyone she didn't know yet - all the Muggleborns, all the people who weren't following Voldemort.

If she couldn't try to protect them, why was she given this power she didn't fully understand?

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A/N: Christmas isn't over, but this felt as good a place as any to stop the chapter….PLEASE REVIEW! :)