…Death and the Truth…

I did not leave the dorm accept to shower for a month. Professor McGonagall had been up several times to check on me. I was still doing all of my work and turning it in on time. My grades were better than ever, but I had yet to actually be in class. It was late afternoon and I sat on my bed playing with the ring Seamus had given me. I pulled on a hoody on top of my pajamas and slid into my slippers.

Using my passage and a few shortcuts I was out onto the grounds without running into a single person. Everyone was on their way to dinner now and I kept my head down as I headed to the lake. I vaguely heard students whispering as I passed. I looked around and walked into the Forbidden Forest. It was more stumbling and tripping than walking.

I watched as the sky grew darker and collapsed on the ground. My eyes closed and I drifted off to sleep. When I opened my eyes, I was at the doors of the school with Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey staring at me. "Where on earth were you Miss Potter?!", McGonagall began. I pointed at the point in the Forbidden Forest met the mountains. They pulled me to my feet and escorted me to the Hospital Wing.

Students on their way to breakfast gawked as we passed. I didn't care. Not even Peeves said anything. I was examined for an hour before Madam Pomfrey said anything. "She just needs to rest. It's a wonder nothing got to her.", she shot me a look. "Why would they. They have never caused me harm before. I leave them alone and they leave me alone. It's just that this time they brought me back to the castle.", I yelled feeling a sudden urge to protect the creatures in the forest.

Before either woman could say anything the doors to the wing open and Dumbledore strode in. McGonagall and Pomfrey filled him in. They left and I fell into a fitful rest. I groaned and pulled the sheets and pillows beneath the bed with me. I closed my eyes and sleep descended on me.

"Goodness! She is a handful!", Madam Pomfrey groaned as she pulled me out from under the bed. I rolled onto the bed and fell asleep. It didn't last long. I felt someone moving the hair from my face. "Del?", Harry asked, "Are you ok?" I groaned and put a pillow over my face. "What would aunt Petunia say?", he tried. "The neighbors are violating another rule of the neighborhood?", I whispered. He pulled the pillow from my face.

"You can't avoid things forever.", he whispered. "The hell I can.", I mumbled. Harry sighed. "Are you hungry?", he asked. I shook my head. "Tired. I'm so tired.", I sniffled. Harry winced at my reaction. I rolled over. Harry slid onto the bed and I rolled over, so my head was on his chest. He stayed until I had fallen asleep.

Luna and Ginny came to visit me. I drank some water while I listened to the newest gossip. Hermione visited me a bit later. During dinner I snuck out of the wing. I made my way to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. "Isn't this a surprise!", she cackled as I entered. I stared at her blankly. "The whole school's been talking about your recent behavior. Shame! Wonder what you'll do next!", she laughed. I smiled at her which took her by surprise.

I stayed and talked to Myrtle. I don't remember doing it, but I fell asleep. I woke up back in the Hospital Wing. Seamus and Harry were talking by the door. I couldn't tell what they were talking about, so I went back to sleep. I stayed there another week. There was a quidditch match today, but I didn't feel like going. I drank some water and went back to sleep.

Something went wrong and I jolted up in bed. It was nighttime and everything was quiet. I slipped out of the wing and down the empty corridors. I peered out of windows and observed my surroundings. Then I saw the body fall from the Astronomy Tower. A hair-raising scream escaped my lips before I could stop it. Someone was coming towards me now. I didn't recognize them. An evil sneer was plastered on their face.

They attacked me viciously and I blocked to the best of my abilities. I threw them into a wall, and they crumpled to the ground. Curiosity got the better of me and I tip-toed over. They lunged at me putting their hands around my neck. I couldn't think. My vision was going fuzzy and I smiled as images flickered through my mind.

I could breathe again. I saw my attacker several feet away. Lupin was dragging me to my feet. "Why are you down here?", he growled as he blocked another attack. I snapped my hands at the attackers. They flew into the air then slammed down to the ground. "Saw a body fall from the Astronomy Tower.", I gasped. Lupin stared at me. "They took my wand from me so I wouldn't leave.", I ran down the hall.

Lupin called after me. More attackers emerged from the darkness. I defended myself well refusing to drop my guard. I caught my breath then continued towards the tower. Hagrid's house was on fire earlier, but it looked like it had been put out. There was a crowd around the bottom of the tower. I wormed my way through. Dumbledore lay dead on the ground. My brother was being tugged away by Ginny. She caught my eye and I turned and ran back through the crowd. I kept running and did not look back. I bumped into someone. I hadn't realized I was crying, and the obscured person dragged me kicking and screaming up to the Hospital Wing. I crawled into a corner and sat there rocking back and forth. People came and went but no one noticed me.

The number of voices in the room grew but I paid them no mind. I began humming to myself. I felt a tap on my shoulder. "Delmira dear?!", Mrs. Weasley said gently. I stopped humming but didn't turn around. Mrs. Weasley and Madam Pomfrey coaxed me over to my bed. I curled into a ball as soon as I was on it. "She seemed out of it earlier. Nearly strangled to death, but still saying something was wrong and she had to find Harry.", Lupin told Madam Pomfrey.

I let Mrs. Weasley take my robe off. "When did you get these tattoos?", she gasped. I curled up and played with Seamus' ring. The Hospital Wing doors opened again. Mrs. Weasley left to go check on the newcomers. I felt my bed shift as someone sat down. "Del?", Luna nudged me. I stared at her blankly. I scooched over and she slid I beside me. Luna patted my back as I cried silently and fell asleep.

I missed the following drama. Harry and Ginny finally made it up, but I was already asleep. Madam Pomfrey filled everyone in on my condition. When I was finally awake the others were talking in hushed voices at the other end of the wing. They took no notices as I left the wing.

I wandered through the halls silently. I took off Seamus' ring. "Del?!", Seamus called from behind me. I turned and my heart broke all over again. He looked nearly as bad as I felt. I put the ring on a windowsill. He took a step toward me, but I took off down the hall. I found myself in the art classroom. I spent the day painting. They were much more morbid than they normally were, and I frowned in disapproval.

I heard the door creak open. "Del? You ready to come out?", Colin asked. I waved at the paintings. He stepped forward to observe them. He put an arm around me as he took me back to the Hospital Wing. Silent tears fell down my face. I sat on my bed and curled up. "Where was she?", Mrs. Weasley asked. "Painting in the art room.", Colin answered with a shiver.

"Painting?", Hermione asked. "Her attacker, the Forbidden Forest, the Basilisk…", he trailed off glancing out the window, "It's much darker than her usual work." Harry sat on my bed. "Where's the ring?", he asked me. I began rocking back and forth. "I ran into him when I was wandering.", my voice sounded foreign to me, "I put it on a windowsill and ran."

Harry wrapped me up in my blanket. "Del, what happened when you were in the forest?", he asked. The room went silent. I pointed outside to where the forest met the mountains. "I sat in my usual spot and cried. Then I woke up at the school. They've never brought me back. Normally I just sit there until I'm done.", I mumbled. I played with the locket before taking it off. I ran my fingers over the tattoo of the two foxes. Harry looked at Ginny.

She whispered something to him, and comprehension dawned on him. "Are you ok to talk for a bit?", Harry asked. I nodded. Ginny sat down on my other side. "What happened after you left the hospital?", Ginny asked. The tears fell faster as I spoke not bothering to omit the details of the images I'd seen when I'd nearly died. "Then before Lupin knocked my attacker away, I saw those flashes of green light, mum and dad laughing earlier in the evening, Voldemort cackling as he stepped over their bodies.", I shivered.

No one moved. I laid down and stared at the ceiling. I tapped Ginny's arm. She bent down. "Can you please tell Seamus that I still love him?", I whispered. She nodded and I fell asleep. I was released from the Hospital Wing the day before Dumbledore's funeral. The girls in our dorm had packed for me. I held each of their hands silently sending my thanks.

I put the last of my things away. I carried my trunk down to the train then went back up to join the others for the funeral. I sat in between Colin and Luna. I cried silent tears all through the funeral. I joined the others in the groups they were in as hugs and words of comfort were passed around.

I was pulled to the side. Madalyn stared into my face a moment before hugging me. I threw my arms around her as I sobbed. She patted my head until I was done. "Geez girl. You need to take better care of yourself.", she pinched my cheeks. I sniffled and brushed the tears from my face. I put my hair into a ponytail and straightened up. "I saw you during the funeral.", she started carefully, "I also saw a boy staring at you from time to time. Was it him?" She pointed at Seamus. My breath caught in my throat and I turned away. She sighed and nodded. She pulled me over to Luna and Hermione. She shot me a wink before marching over to Seamus. He was stunned at first but quickly recovered.

Whatever she was saying she waved her arms around a lot and pointed at me. Harry and Ron watched her occasionally stepping forward to calm Madalyn down. Madalyn grabbed Seamus by his collar and dragged him over. "Time for you two to make up!", she announced. She grabbed Hermione and Luna pulled them away.

"Del.", he started. I stared at the ground then bent down to examine the leaves. "Delmira I'm trying to talk to you.", he bent down with me. "I still love you too.", he whispered. I froze. I slowly looked up at him. "I'm so sorry for the way I reacted. I didn't handle the situation well and spent the past few months regretting it and getting yelled at for it.", he confessed.

"I stopped by the Hospital Wing to see you a lot. Then the last time you put the ring in the window. It hurts to see you like this knowing I caused it. Can you forgive me?", he whispered. I stood up and he followed. "Del?", he took a step forward. I wrapped my arms around him and put my face in his neck. "I missed you Seamus.", I cried.

He wrapped his arms around me. "I missed you too love.", he whispered. Seamus put the ring necklace back on me. "Don't ever take it off again.", he mumbled. I nodded and tucked it into my shirt. He bent down a kissed me lightly. "It's time to go.", he said. I held his hand as we walked down to the station.

At King's Cross I sat and began to get my things. Mrs. Finnigan was the first to come over. She passed her son and hugged me. "Your behavior was reckless but thank you for still loving my son.", she cried, "I'm so glad your safe!" Seamus stared at his mother. "What about me?", he asked. She turned to her son. "If she hadn't forgiven you, I would've disowned you.", she teased. He rolled his eyes. "It may be difficult at first, but I think you can overcome it.", she smoothed my hair.

I walked through the barrier with them. Aunt Petunia walked over to get me. "This is my aunt.", I waved Mrs. Finnigan towards aunt Petunia. "I'm Seamus' mother.", Mrs. Finnigan pointed to Seamus. He waved with his free hand. "You're the boy Del is seeing. Yes, I know. She showed me the ring you gave her.", aunt Petunia smiled. We talked for a while until Harry and the Weasley's emerged.

Dudley got out of the car to put our things away. He'd grown and seemed to have gained more muscle. It was a wonder he fit in the car. "Do we trust him?", he whispered to Harry. Seamus' eyes went wide. "My cousin, Dudley.", I whispered to Seamus. I don't think he heard me. "For now. He's on probation!", Harry teased. I pulled Seamus to the side. "I'd rather they just kill me than be on probation.", he confessed. I frowned, "I won't let them."

He smiled at me and I smiled back. "I'd most definitely kill you before they would.", I teased. He stared at me in shock and I kissed him before aunt Petunia said it was time to go. "I'll see you later.", I whispered. He nodded and went to join his mum.

I sat on my bed staring at the ceiling. Harry and Dudley were downstairs helping for tonight's dinner. I heard a knock on the door and sat up. I scrambled off the bed and straightened my skirt. Uncle Vernon greeted our guests. I made my way down the stairs.

"Oh! There you are Delmira. Come down and join our guests.", uncle Vernon waved me down. Aunt Petunia came from the kitchen. "Hello Mr. and Mrs. Finnigan.", I hugged them as I came down the last of the stairs. Mr. Finnigan joined uncle Vernon in watching the game and Mrs. Finnigan followed aunt Petunia to the kitchen. I turned to Seamus. "Come on.", I pulled him up to my room.

"So, this is your room.", he mumbled. I looked at him. "Are you ok?", I asked. He nodded. "Are you scared of my uncle, cousin, and brother?", I teased. He nodded. "Well uncle Vernon has yet to rip out bits of his mustache, so I think you're fine. Harry and Dudley will probably come and find you now that your parents are here.", I moved closer to him. He turned and kissed me gently. "Before we're interrupted.", he mumbled kissing me again.

I smiled and kissed him back. "There you two are!", Harry called. I frowned at the interruption. "Are we interrupting something?", Dudley asked. "Obviously. Did you two want to talk to Seamus?", I asked. They nodded. I sighed and followed as the waved Seamus from my room to Dudley's. "Come in Seamus. We won't bite.", Dudley waved him in, "This is much better than having you two alone in her room."

Harry pulled Seamus forward and I leaned against the doorframe. "Play nice you two!", I warned them, "I'm going to go help aunt Petunia." I smirked and went down to the kitchen. I smiled at aunt Petunia. "Why are you down here?", she asked. "The boys are playing upstairs.", I answered. She raised an eyebrow. I helped her get the rest of dinner finished as she talked to Mrs. Finnigan.

"Delmira go and get the boys will you.", aunt Petunia spoke as she put the dishes on the table. I nodded and went up the stairs. I knocked on the door. "Hello?", Harry called. "Dinnertime you three. Make sure you are presentable.", I scoffed. Grumbling and groaning emanated from the room in response. I made my way back down the steps.

Dinner went well and everyone was on their best behavior. "Seamus I would like to apologize for some of my niece's behavior. She must cause you so much worry with her antics.", uncle Vernon shot him a look. "I worry a bit.", Seamus confessed. I scoffed and rolled my eyes. Seamus pinched me under the table. "It's almost like she has a natural talent for making people worry.", Seamus chuckled.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Oh, please. Just last summer…", Harry was cut off by aunt Petunia. "You see Del took some of her habits from her previous school with her. I heard Seamus has been helping her break those habits.", aunt Petunia gave Seamus a grateful smile. "Most of her habits aren't that bad but there are some that had to be fixed.", he choked back a laugh.

"What habits?", Mr. Finnigan asked. I kicked Seamus under the table before he could answer. "Taking photos of others without permission, pulling pranks, the works.", Seamus pinched me again. Dudley watched us carefully. "Del didn't bring any photos back this year.", he muttered. I leaned over Seamus, "They confiscated my photos and my camera."

Dudley stared at the two of us. "And you let them live. I barely touched your camera and you chased me around the neighborhood for 14 hours.", he complained. I sat back in my seat. "It was right before exams and I had to study.", I mumbled. Dinner continued with light banter and the adults went to the living room to talk. "Am I allowed to spend some time alone with my boyfriend?", I asked as Dudley and Harry tried to follow us into my room.

In their brief hesitation I closed the door. Seamus pulled me close to him. "We're resorting to kicking now?", he whispered in my ear. "You pinched me first.", I smirked. He thought it over for a second. I played with his hands. "When are they moving to safety?", he asked. I dropped his hands and sat on my bed. "A few weeks.", I whispered. He sat beside me and wrapped an arm around me.

"Are you going to miss it here?", he mumbled. "I think so, but at least they'll be safe. I'll be staying with Madalyn until the wedding. Maybe you can visit me.", I turned to look at him. He looked at me. "Are you scared of Madalyn after she scolded you?", I tilted my head in confusion. He scoffed a tapped my forehead, "Who's scared of her? I could handle myself just fine!"

I snickered and turned away. "You are so afraid of her!", I laughed. Seamus flopped back onto my bed. "She told me that there are some things you may tell me in your own time. She said it's the reason behind you and your friends' behavior. You know what she meant?", he grabbed my hand. I nodded. "I'll tell you when I'm ready. Then you might understand a bit more about me and the reason why I act out so much.", I smiled at the ceiling.

Seamus pulled me down to his chest. "I'll tell you this for now. It happened when we were younger. We lost someone from our circle who was very dear to us. We watched her die.", I whispered. He pulled me closer and wrapped both arms tightly around me. "Love why didn't you tell me. Does your family know?", he whispered. I shook my head. "Madalyn's mum is the headmistress at our old school. She put us in therapy after the incident but didn't tell our parents. It didn't work and we began acting out. No matter how dangerous the stunts we pulled we felt nothing. She covered everything up and made sure our records were clean so everyone would still see us as the perfect young ladies.", I sniffled.

He kissed the top of my head. "You can tell me the rest when you're ready.", he sighed. I nodded and wrapped my arms around his waist. "You really do have a natural talent for making me worry about you.", he mumbled. I scoffed. "I almost forgot!", I gasped and sat up. I went over to my dresser.

"What'd you forget love?", he sat up. I returned and he pulled me onto his lap. I leaned close and fastened the necklace around him. "It's my father's ring.", I sat back and looked at it. "I couldn't possibly.", he began. I held a finger up. "Harry gave Ginny mum's ring and I wanted to give you dad's ring. It's a gift so you know just how much you mean to me.", I smiled.

He looked at it uncertainly. I stuffed it down his shirt. "Yay!", I cheered. I leaned down and kissed him before he could begin to protest. "Don't take it off.", I warned him. Seamus smiled and tsked at me, "If you insist." Dudley and Harry knocked on the door. I rolled my eyes. Seamus pulled me down and kissed me again. "Our time is up love.", he mumbled. I whined but got up.

I opened the door and glared. They jumped back. Seamus pulled me back and they walked in. "Why was it so silent in here?", Dudley asked. I shot him an exasperated look and sat on the edge of my desk. "You guys had him from the time he got here until dinner and I didn't interrupt.", I complained but they weren't listening.

Seamus sat in my desk chair as they talked about sports and games. I played with my locket for a bit then an idea popped into my mind. I searched through my old art bins and found an old camera. I took a photo of them. I went to the foot of the stairs and took a photo of the adults too. Seamus, Dudley, and Harry were all standing watching me as I came back up the stairs. "Delete it!", they demanded. I pointed a finger at Seamus, "How many times do I have to tell you I hate it when you're in sync?" He shrugged and took the camera. I reached for it, but Harry took it. I glared at them and turned to Harry, but he'd already passed it to Dudley. Thus, the game of monkey in the middle began. which really sucked because they were all a foot or more taller than I was. "What are you kids doing?", Mrs. Finnigan asked.

"I was testing out an old camera to see if it still worked and they won't give it back.", I replied. They rolled their eyes and scoffed. "Oh, ok then. Behave yourselves.", she smiled as she went back to join the others. I turned back with a smirk. "Behave yourselves.", I smiled. They walked back to Dudley's room and closed the door. I knocked lightly. "Can I get my camera back?", I asked hopefully. I received no answer. I pouted and went back to my room. I took my sketchbook out and began drawing. I heard laughing from Dudley's room, and I felt a sense of dread. I looked at the bin I'd pulled the camera from. Of course, it was a childhood bin of old memories.

I groaned and flopped onto my bed. It was near midnight and I stood by the front door as everyone said good night. Seamus grabbed my hand pulled me to the side. "I'll see you later.", he whispered. I nodded. He smiled and held up my old camera, "This was very interesting." I moved to take it, but he handed it to Dudley. I frowned and stomped my foot.

Harry and Dudley went back up the stairs. The adults had moved outside so our interaction had not gotten their attention. Seamus pulled me closer to him. "Let me know as soon as your safe and situated ok love.", he whispered. "You know I will.", I whispered back. He looked around then leaned down to kiss me. I responded enthusiastically and he grinned. We heard his parents calling for him. I kissed him one last time and he left.

I went up to my room. "Why is she smiling like that?", Harry asked Dudley. I ignored them and closed my door behind me. I squealed and jumped on my bed for an hour before collapsing on it. "Go to sleep Del!", uncle Vernon yelled. I jumped but got ready for bed with a smile.

Madalyn helped me carry the last of my things down to her car. I stared at the house I'd grown up in one last time. My aunt, uncle, and cousin would be leaving tomorrow. I sniffled and Harry hugged me. "It won't take long and then this war will be over ok. Promise me you won't use your senses to check in on me.", he whispered. I nodded and he wiped the tears from my eyes. I turned and hugged my aunt and uncle then Dudley. Aunt Petunia wiped a few runaway tears from my face. "Your mother would be so proud of the young woman you've become. Stay safe out there.", she hugged me one last time before going inside.

I rolled the car window down and waved as we drove off. I sat back in my seat and Madalyn put a hand on my shoulder. "Do you want me to cut on some music so you can cry in peace?", she asked. I shook my head. We stopped at a burger place to get some food then Diagon Alley to get my school things.

Her brother helped us put my things in my room. I flopped down on the floor when we were done. "We're ordering pizzas. Do you want your usual?", Madalyn asked. I nodded, "Double it." She smirked and laughed. I wrote a quick note to Seamus and sent it using one of her family owls.

I put my things away and Madalyn rejoined me. We gossiped and caught up while we did some yoga. "You look much better than last time. Why did you take off the ring if it meant that much to you?", she questioned as we took a mini break. "I wanted it to be his choice. I've told him numerous times that I'm a bit wild and he said he could handle it.", I rolled my eyes.

"Have you told him about the incident yet?", she spoke softly. "Bits and pieces. I'm getting there.", I took a sip of water. She smacked my arm. "You hold onto him Delmira. He's a good one. I never thought you'd even find someone to put up with you. I found someone before you and I've done worse than you.", she scolded me. I frowned and rubbed my arm.

We ate our pizzas and had a mini spa day. Seamus' response came while I was washing my face. Madalyn squealed and began writing a response. I ran out of the bathroom, but the owl had already flown off. I snapped the towel playfully at her. "You need to tell him. he'll be here tomorrow which leaves us enough time to give you a hair mask. Seriously Del! Do you not remember any of the lessons from school?", she teased.

I examined my hair. "I slept a lot.", I mumbled. She pushed me back to the bathroom. I let her wash and do my hair. She pinned it up. "You can handle it from, here right?", she joked. I rolled my eyes. "I have a date tomorrow so you two will have the house to yourself.", she smirked. I blushed at her innuendos. I brushed my teeth and climbed into bed.

Madalyn threw another outfit onto her bed. I had already dressed and decided to help her. "I wish I had your figure Del!", she complained. I raised an eyebrow and laughed. "Don't let your mum hear you say that!", I giggled as she threw a pillow at me. She stood in front of her mirror sighing heavily. I handed her a lovely blue skirt and matching shirt.

She slid into a pair of low black heels and examined her reflection. I held up a pretend camera and she posed. She jumped me and hugged me tightly. We heard a knock on the door. I looked out the window. I squealed and rushed to the door with Madalyn on my heels. We opened the door. Seamus and Madalyn's boyfriend stood there. "Come in Seamus. I was just leaving.", Madalyn smiled.

"I'll see you later Del.", she waved as she walked away. I closed the door once they were out of sight. Seamus stood awkwardly behind me. I pulled him up to my room. "I'm ready to talk.", I said once I was seated on the couch. He sat next to me and I turned to him so I could stay focused.

"I told you the simple version. It happened when we were 4 years old. We were on a school trip. We were playing in a field near the edge of a cliff when one of the girls fell. Our friend ran over and tried to pull her up and she managed to with our help. But when we pulled the other girl up our friend began jumping around. She loved doing good deeds.", I had to take a breath and he held my hands which were shaking.

"We kept telling her to get away from the edge, but she couldn't hear us over the waves crashing below. She landed wrong on her feet and fell backwards over the edge of the cliff. I ran forward to catch her and Madalyn helped. We tried but we were so tired from helping with the other girl. She smiled at us, whispered it was ok, then she let go of our hands.", tears streamed down my face and my voice was uneven.

"We watched as she crumpled onto the rocks below. Her last smile still on her face. Madalyn's mum put everyone in therapy, but it didn't work. It hit Madalyn harder because it was her twin sister. She's still been there for everyone else though. The night her sister died the memory of my parents dying came back for the first time.", I couldn't speak anymore. He pulled me to him.

Sobs racked my body as the tears fell freely. "Merlin's beard Del!", he whispered, "I wish you'd told me sooner, but I understand you weren't ready." he rubbed my arms. I sat in his arms until my crying subsided. He wiped the tears from my face and tilted my heads to his. "Hey. I'm here for you. If you need anything. Ok love.", he whispered. I nodded. He pulled a blanket off the back of the couch and wrapped it around me. I put my head on his chest and fell asleep.

Seamus was putting a tray of tea and sandwiches down when I woke up. "Madalyn brought you some food.", he whispered. I sat up and he pulled me onto his lap as he sat down. "I heard a bit more about it from Madalyn when she got back.", he informed me as he picked up a sandwich. I nodded and nibbled on the sandwich. "Madalyn got mum and dad to agree to let me stay here for the night. She told them the story. They want to make sure you're ok.", he tapped a letter on the table. I picked it up and read it.

"Harry's getting moved tonight so it makes sense. I'm really going to need you.", I mumbled. He kissed the top of my head. "You're not going to sleep until you're sure he's ok, are you?", he muttered. I shot him a look. He cut the tv on and we watched some cartoons as we ate.

…The Wedding…

The hour got later and later. We were in the middle of a show and something was wrong. Madalyn and her boyfriend joined us. "They're in trouble!", I gasped. They sat up and stared at me. "Impossible! They would've just left your house.", Madalyn was on her feet. "They're being attacked right now!", I shivered as fear ran through me. Madalyn and her boyfriend rushed from the room to tell her parents who were to my surprise in the Order.

Seamus pulled me to him. I was shaking and couldn't calm down. They came back with her parents. They sat down and waited as I waited for another sign. "He's there!", I gasped. Everyone froze. "You Know Who?", Madalyn asked. I nodded then tilted my head in confusion. "He's flying with no broom or anything. Just flying.", I mumbled. They stared at me. "Harry is falling out of the air!", I gasped. Madalyn's parents jumped up and ran from the room.

Madalyn left to get me some tea. I curled up. "Have you heard from the others?", I asked when she got back. "Ginny said the others haven't gotten back yet. Some of them missed their portkeys.", she sniffled. I took a sip of tea. "They'll be fine.", Seamus whispered.

Madalyn's parents came back after an hour. "Moody is missing and Mundungus disappeared as soon as the Death Eaters started attacking. Harry is ok.", Madalyn's mum informed everyone. I breathed a sigh of relief. I relaxed and finished my tea. "See!", Seamus nudged me. I shot him a look. They went to bed. We stayed up watching more cartoons until Madalyn and her boyfriend went to bed. "Time for you to go to bed too Del.", Seamus yawned as he closed the door. I changed for bed and yawned tiredly as I climbed into bed. Seamus climbed in after me and I curled up beside him. "Go to sleep Del.", he whispered. I put my head on his chest and fell asleep.

When woke up one of my legs was draped across him. I slowly moved off of him and crawled to the edge of the bed. I felt his arms pull me back. "Stay here for a little bit longer.", he grumbled. I smiled and he draped my leg back across him. I moved his hair out of his face and watched him. Without meaning to I fell asleep again. When I opened my eyes, Seamus was watching me. "What time is it?", I yawned.

"10 in the morning.", he mumbled. I rolled over. "You do have to get up at some point.", he chuckled. "Can't we just stay like this forever?", I asked, and he smiled. He sat me up and I rolled out of bed and fell on the floor. I groaned and rolled around. Seamus picked me up. "Why are you being so weird?", he mumbled. "All that sensing drained me. I'm still tired but I'm also hungry.", I whined.

He rolled his eyes. "Go get dressed.", he smirked. I looked down. He was already showered and dressed. I frowned but went to go shower. When I came out, he was on the couch watching tv. He looked up and waved me over. There was food on the table. I sat down and grabbed a burger from the food pile. "What are you going to do today?", he asked pulling my legs onto his lap.

"I have a bit of homework to finish and then I might draw for a bit.", I replied. "With the way they attacked last night I don't want you leaving the house without somebody with you. These are dangerous times Del.", he spoke with a serious tone that made me pay attention. I finished the last bit of burger. "I already have all my school things and I'll stay indoors. Ok?", I looked into his eyes.

He nodded and reached for a burger. "How are your parents?", I asked. "They're good. They miss having you around.", he rolled his eyes. I pouted. "I miss them too.", I whined. He held a hand to his heart in mock sorrow. I leaned over and kissed his cheek. "You slept with me last night. I haven't seen them in weeks.", I scolded him.

He turned and kissed me. "I wish I could stay longer.", he murmured. I shook my head. "You should let your parents know I'm ok. I won't do anything stupid. I'll be right here. I want you to stay just as much as you do you know.", I smiled. He chuckled and ruffled my hair. We spent the rest of the afternoon watching movies and joking around.

I walked him to the door. "Be careful out there.", I mumbled. He wrapped me in a hug. "I will.", he kissed the top of my head. I wrapped my arms around him. He sighed and hugged me tighter. "Tell your mum I miss her a lot.", I whispered. "She misses you too.", he laughed. I smiled and let go of him. He leaned down and kissed me before leaving.

I walked back up the stairs and found Madalyn smiling. "You're smiling too brightly!", she joked as she put on a pair of sunglasses. I rolled my eyes and threw an arm around her. "You smiled even brighter when you first started dating.", I reminded her. She went red and pushed me playfully. We went to my room and watched cartoons.

She handed me a picture before she went to bed. "You two looked so lovely while you were sleeping!", she teased as she closed my door. I looked at the photo and blushed. We were nestled close together with my head on his chest. I put the photo in my bracelet and went to bed.

I smoothed out my dress and joined Luna and Madalyn outside. "There you are!", they shouted. I rolled my eyes, and we began to walk from Luna's house to the Weasley's. I snuck up behind Ginny and jumped on her back. "What the hell!", she gasped in surprise. Luna and Madalyn jumped into her line of sight. "Who's the monkey on my back?", she asked playfully. I jumped off pouting. "Who's a monkey?", I demanded straightening my skirt.

She turned and hugged me. "Del!", she gasped. I patted her back as Hermione came into view. She gasped and ran over. I hugged her. "Take care of Harry on your trip.", I whispered so no one else could hear. She nodded. I handed her a small bag. "Harry's birthday gift. You'll make sure he gets it?", I smiled and waved my bracelet that I used for communication, "It's the last gift mum and dad we're able to get him. Should you ever need anything."

She nodded again and I turned to the others. They led us to our seats. Seamus joined us and I held his hand. "You two! I swear!", Madalyn scoffed. Luna leaned over and whispered to her. "I already gave them a gift that will last a while.", Madalyn scoffed. Seamus tapped my shoulder, "What is she talking about?" I went red and shook my head. "I'll tell you later.", I muttered.

"I love it when Del gets flustered!", Madalyn sighed happily. The wedding started and she didn't get another chance to tease me. I danced with my friends for a while. I looked around and found Seamus talking to a cousin of the Weasley's. Ginny pulled me to the side and whispered, "It's Harry." I nodded and grabbed a drink. She still had on mum's ring. "What was Madalyn talking about earlier?", she asked. I cracked open my bracelet and showed her the photo. Luna came over and laughed. "Seamus will never confront Madalyn though.", I sighed.

They stared at me in confusion. "She's right. I don't think I can bring myself to argue with Madalyn.", Seamus joked from behind me. He looked down at the photo and went as red as I was. Madalyn winked at us as she passed. We looked off in opposite directions. Ginny and Luna went to dance with Madalyn. Hermione came over. she took one look at the photo and nodded. I put the photo away.

I grabbed Hermione and dragged her to the dance floor. I danced with her then Ginny. I left to find Seamus. He pulled me to the side finding me before I found him. He handed me a drink. I took a sip. "Mum and dad are happy you're safe. Mum kept crying.", he whispered. I smiled and nudged him. I finished my drink and pulled him onto the dancefloor. "I have yet to dance with you. It's been a while.", I smirked.

He pulled me close as we danced. "Can I get a copy of that photo?", he asked. I smirked. "Can I get my photos of you back?", I countered. He closed his eyes not responding. I put my head on his chest to hide my laughter. A lynx patronus appeared in the middle of the floor. The Ministry had fallen. Chaos followed the message. Seamus pulled me out of the tent. I turned to go back and get my friends.

"Del come on.", he gasped. I saw my friends run from the tent and turned back to Seamus. He led me to the garden. "Come here.", he stretched out his arms to my friends. We sat hidden in the garden. I looked at Luna's hand. "I got bitten by a gnome earlier.", she giggled.

Death Eaters questioned everyone and sometime in the early morning they left. I stretched tiredly. Mrs. Weasley fixed us breakfast. Madalyn nudged me. I leaned towards her. "Here!", she whispered. It was a copy of the photo. I handed it to Seamus. He grinned and I rolled my eyes. "We should talk about other things!", Fred groaned.

Charlie Weasley smacked his brother's arm. "I'm much more curious to find out about Ginny's new friends.", he smirked mischievously. The twins grinned back. Mrs. Weasley shot her sons a look. "Really! They made such an interesting group last night. Not to mention all the trouble they've gotten into at school.", Charlie laughed.

We folded our arms and glared. "I think we our grades more than make up for our bad behavior and antics.", I muttered. Ginny and Madalyn nodded in agreement. "Fine then. What else do you want to talk about?", George scoffed. "What was it like when your parents met Del's aunt and uncle?", Fred asked Seamus. Seamus shook his head. "They got along really well.", Seamus replied.

I rolled my eyes. "Do you have news to share?", Fred turned to me. I held up my hands. "Not really. I'm just happy that Seamus got along so well with my cousin and brother. Even my uncle was happy. He didn't even rip out his mustache.", I sighed. Madalyn gasped. "You must've made a fantastic impression. Her uncle ripped off half his mustache after he found out about the photoshoot incident.", she held a hand to her face mimicking my uncle.

We all laughed at that. "Photoshoot incident?", Charlie asked. Fred and George filled him in. "You know I've was shocked that Seamus was able to get over that and then I found out that Madalyn's boyfriend was there.", Luna giggled. Ginny's head snapped up. "He was?!", she gasped. Madalyn pulled a photo of him out. "He's the one in the corner telling people where to go.", she smiled.

"He thought it was hilarious. Especially the reactions we got.", I laughed as the memory came back. "I want you girls to promise me you'll behave this year. I mean it!", Mrs. Weasley demanded. Madalyn and I went into proper mode at her tone. Our backs straightened and we nodded politely. Luna and Ginny bit back laughter at our response.

Madalyn's mum smiled at our response though. "7 years of training, lessons, and constant watch has finally paid off!", she beamed. Everyone stared at her in shock except me and Madalyn. "I know about all the things they get up to when they sneak out of school. They're almost as good at it as I was when I was younger.", she smiled fondly.

"You knew?", Ginny gasped. "Of course! Where else would my daughter get it from? Her father? No, he wouldn't decide to go ride a wild dragon like it's a bull.", she sipped on her water. "I could've used your help when the twins were younger.", Mrs. Weasley shot the twins a look. Seamus nudged me. I looked at him innocently. "They've grown up nicely everything considered.", Madalyn's mum continued.

"I still have the pictures if you want to see Molly. They really have matured a lot.", she offered. The women left to go look at pictures. Madalyn and I relaxed. "So, you must be the one that gave Ginny her tattoos?", Charlie turned to Madalyn. She nodded and grinned. "Yep. Model, Tattoo Artist, Singer, Actress, Dueller, and Author.", she laughed. "Your still in school!", the twins sounded slightly impressed. "Your point being. Word that you two started your business while you were still at school has already spread around the world because of the students. I heard from my friends at Beauxbatons who heard it from Hogwarts students.", she waved a hand in the air.

The eyed her for a minute then nodded. "You girls are going to behave this year, right?", Charlie enquired not certain. Ginny rolled her eyes. "Of course. We don't go looking for trouble you know. I'll make sure Luna and Del behave.", she smiled innocently. Luna smacked her arm. "I'm the one normally doing that!", she protested. I rolled my eyes and Seamus nudged me again.

I turned to him. "Verbal responses are preferred.", he whispered. I closed my eyes and rested my head on his shoulder. "I heard all about your little antics from Ron and the twins.", Charlie told Ginny. I bit back a laugh. "Then you should also know I've been thoroughly punished enough already.", Ginny sat back and stared. Madalyn and Luna burst out laughing.

She chased them around the house. "You didn't chase Del!", Madalyn panted as she collapsed on the floor. I held up my hands in surrender. Ginny leaned over my shoulder. "I think there are other methods of punishing Del. Besides chasing doesn't work on her.", she patted my head. I frowned and stared at her. "So, I know how to behave.", I pouted. Seamus scoffed and I kicked him under the table.

We sat around talking until noon then everyone headed home. Seamus went with me to my room. His parents would be staying with Madalyn's so they could protect each other. He closed the door behind us. Madalyn had gone to get her boyfriend and his parents so they could move in too. I turned to him.

He was frowning. "I thought kicking and pinching were things we agreed not to do!", he growled. I shrugged. He picked me up and pinned me to my bed. I bit my lip. "I didn't kick you that hard!", I protested. He raised an eyebrow.