Life at Hogwarts settled into a routine. The semester was half over. Dom had found a good friend in Angus Finnigan. While she had Billie, Lottie, and Peggy, she had never had the comfort she felt with Angus. She could talk to without fear that it would spread to others. He knew who she really was. Her dreams. Her passions. The only person she'd ever felt this free with was Aberforth. He accepted who she was. Her family expected her to be Victoire. Even her "friends" expected her to have the poise and charm of her sister. Angus didn't compare her to Victoire. He didn't like Victoire. She enjoyed that. Of course, she loved her sister, but she'd never found another student who didn't adore her older sister. It was a relief to rely on someone else, instead of taking everything into her own hands. It was because of her friendship with Angus that she finally attended a quidditch game. The Gryffindor quidditch game against Slytherin was one of the biggest games of the year. Angus was the keeper for Gryffindor. Dom didn't enjoy playing quidditch, but it was fun to watch. She sat into the stands as the teams entered the pitch. She smiled as Angus came out followed by her cousins, James and Fred. James was a seeker just like his father and grandfather. Fred had become a beater like his father and was joined in his position by Chester Wood. The other two Wood boys, Hugh and Franklin, were chasers along with Archie Wright. Angus winked at her as he flew by, which caused some of the girls around her to swoon. She winked back as she watched him go by. She was glad that Ravenclaw was not participating in this game, because she didn't want to have to choose between Angus and her house. She watched as Angus took up position by the rings. He was very agile and she found herself actually enjoying the game. The Gryffindor team was winning handedly, and things began to get out of hand from there. The beaters on the Slytherin team began shooting for the Gryffindor chasers whether they had the quaffle or not. Barney Davies knocked Archie out of the air and Duncan Zabini had crushed Franklin's hand with a bludger. Dom started to get worried at the increasing violence. Her fear increased when Felix Flint and Emil Krum caught either side of Angus' broom and rammed him into the rings he was guarding. She watched in horror as his body wrapped unnaturally around the metal pole, and he slid to the ground. The Gryffindor stands were in an uproar, and just when Dom feared that the game would turn into an all out brawl, James caught the golden snitch and ended the match. Dom rushed out of the stands and down the stairs just in time to see Angus being carried off to the hospital wing with Archie, and Franklin following behind. Dom watched them go and knew she would not be let in to see him any time soon. She decided to wait out in the courtyard. As she waited, she caught sight of James storming by. He was accompanied by Euan Bagby, Rupert Balsall, and Finlay Baddock as usual, with little Lewis Carmichael following like a lost puppy. Dom followed after them.
"James what are you doing?" she called when she was close enough.
"I'm teaching those rotten cheaters a lesson," he said determinedly. Dom shook her head.
"James you can't. You'll get in more trouble than them if you do this. Don't stoop to their level," she replied.
"You don't get it Dom. This team is my family, and I have to protect it. If I let them hurt my team then I've failed them. They have to pay," Jame spat. Dom thought about telling him that she did care deeply for at least one member of the team and understood his need for revenge, but she kept that to herself.
"James I don't want to see you get hurt," she replied instead.
"Since when do you even come to quidditch games Dom?" he shot back, "go back to your books or wherever it is you hide, and leave me alone." Dom was taken aback by James' harsh words and stopped her pursuit. However, she still saw James and his crew approach the Slytherin quidditch team. She saw James punch Duncan square in the face. She saw Barney give her cousin a bloody lip, and she saw the flailing of limbs that ensued as the boys attacked each other. She also saw Professor Hestia Jones and Headmistress McGonagall enter the courtyard from behind her, and saw them separate the boys and lead them back to the castle. Dom knew she could have prevented the fight. If she was Victoire, James would have listened to her. She knew she could not make James see she was right or he would think she was gloating. Instead she sat back in the grass and watched the wind pass through the whomping willow and over the grounds. In the evening, she went to the hospital wing, and found a great group of students surrounding the beds of the injured Gryffindor players. Archie was conscious and had his girlfriend, Elsie Balsall on one side, and his best friend Alfie Walker on the other. Franklin had his brothers by his side as well as Layla. The sight that stopped Dom from entering the wing was Victoire sitting on the edge of Angus' bed. She was administering some kind of medicine as a group of girls watched on, ogling. Among them were Peggy, Lottie, Jemima Jordan, and Tillie McLaggen. Dom's face fell as she watched the girls fawn over her friend, and promptly turned on her heel to head back to Ravenclaw tower. She was asleep before Billie or Tia returned to the room. After transfiguration the next day, Dom returned to the hospital wing. She entered, and to her delight, found the room empty save Archie and Angus asleep in their beds. She entered slowly and Madam Pomfrey smiled warmly at her.
"He was asking for you dear," she said cheerily.
"He was?" Dom said bewildered. She knew they were close, but it made her heart jump to know that he had wanted her there. She approached his bed, and sat beside him. She brushed his hair out of his face and fixed his blankets. Madam Pomfrey brought her a chair. She began to read as she sat by his side.
"There you are," he said after a while.
"You're awake," she smiled.
"Why didn't you come to see me yesterday?" Angus asked.
"You looked a little busy," she replied, dropping her eyes.
"Hey," he said, making her meet his eyes, "I didn't ask for that. I would've much rather had you there than any of them."
"I'm still not used to that," she replied sheepishly.
"Well get used to it," he replied with a grin, "so how'd you like the game?"
"How can you ask me that? You got hurt," she replied aghast.
"I mean before Slytherin started playing dirty," he said exasperatedly.
"You're very good," she said.
"You have to say that you're my friend," he replied.
"No I'm serious, you blocked way more goals than Vlad Krum did," she said.
"You sound like my mum," Angus said and they both began to laugh. Their laughter was cut short when the door flew open. Victoire floated in followed by Tillie, Elizabeth Thompson, Matilda Finch-Fletchley, Molly, Roxy, and Annabel. The Gryffindor girls were no doubt here to provide company for their brave young quidditch heros. Victoire was taken aback by Dom's presence in the room, but quickly resumed her march to Angus's side.
"Angus, we've come to keep you company. It must be so dreadful to be alone in this dreary old hospital wing all day," she said sweetly.
"Does it hurt bad?" asked Tille quickly.
"How can we help?" Matilda asked.
"Is there anything we can get you?" Elizabeth chimed in.
"Ladies," Angus said silencing them, "I am grateful for your concern, as I'm sure Alfie is too, but seeing as my companion is asleep, I think that makes me the authority on visitors. I appreciate your dropping in, but I would like to be alone with the lovely Miss Weasley for now. That is, Dominique Weasley." The group just stared at Angus. Roxy and Annabel giggled to each other as they turned to leave, closely followed by Molly. Looking deflated Matilda and Elizabeth turned to leave as well, leaving Victoire and Tille. Victoire was able to collect herself, while Tille remained dumbfounded.
"Well," Vic said shortly, "if you ever need anything you know how to find me." Angus smirked at her.
"I think I'll be alright. Your sister is an excellent nurse," he replied. At that, Victoire span around quickly and hurried out of the room with Tillie trailing behind.
"Angus, you didn't have to be so rude. They were only trying to help," Dom scolded.
"Of course, they all want to help suffocate me and finish what Felix and Emil started," Angus griped.
"They were trying to be nice, and you were so blunt. No doubt they'll be spreading rumors about us throughout the school now. You should have been more careful with your words," Dom continued her reprimand.
"What if I want them to spread rumors?" Angus said seriously.
"Why on earth?" Dom started, but was interrupted by Angus pressing his lips to hers. Though she was startled by it, Dom found herself enjoying the kiss and returned it. They broke apart and Dom refused to meet Angus' eyes.
"Hey," he said pulling her face up to look at him, "that wasn't so bad was it?"
"No," she said lightly.
"I don't care if they spread rumors or if I was rude to them, because I don't care about them. I care about you. I love you," he said sincerely. Dom's eyes filled with tears as she looked away. "Nicky, are you alright? Did I say something wrong?" Angus pleaded worriedly. Dom shook her head unable to speak.
"That's the first time anybody's said that to me in years," she said after she composed herself.
"Not even your parents?" Angus asked appalled.
"They're very busy," Dom said weakly. Angus looked furious.
"Nicky, listen to me. I don't care how anyone else treats you or what your family thinks you're worth. You never have to feel like you are less than anyone. I promise to never make you feel like you are less than you are," he said earnestly.
"How do you know what I am?" she asked him tearfully.
"Because I know you. You are so ready to help others and make them feel good about themselves, that you don't realize that is part of what makes you so amazing. You have such a big heart, and you're funny, and you're so smart, and you are someone I want to be around all the time," Angus replied, "let me be your champion. I'll never get tired of telling you how great you are." Dom smiled brightly as she enveloped him in a tight embrace. When Madam Pomfrey returned to the room, she found Dom asleep in Angus' embrace. She smiled to herself, before waking the girl and sending her to bed. On her way through the halls, Dom heard a loud crash. She stopped to find out where the source had come from. She turned a corner and noticed a great number of professors hurrying toward the library. She tried to stay hidden but Professor Jones saw her.
"Miss Weasley? What on earth are you doing out of bed?" she asked.
"I was just coming from the hospital wing Professor. What happened?" Dom said.
"We're not sure, but you'd better hurry along to bed dear," she replied sternly. Dom could tell that Professor Jones was rattled, which made her even more curious about the crash. Andromeda appeared from the direction of the crash.
"Hestia come quickly," she said, "Dom? What are you doing awake?"
"I was just going to bed now," Dom replied. Andromeda nodded and shooed her away. Dom walked back to Ravenclaw tower as the professors hurried away in the opposite direction.
Dom was having the best school year of her life. She was accelling in her classes, and thanks to Aberforth, her family was no longer berating her about what she was going to do with her life. She didn't even mind the gossip around school about her and Angus Finnigan. She was thrilled, because it was true. She didn't care at all, because she and Angus could laugh at their petty remarks knowing that they had each other and didn't need their approval. Victoire even seemed to accept her relationship with Angus and had stopped sending her dirty looks in the halls. She finally felt like she belonged somewhere. She enjoyed spending time with Billie, Lottie, and Peggy during the schooldays, and often spent weekends with Angus. They often ventured to Aberforth's hut in Hogsmeade, and the two men would sit and watch her paint. They both praised her skills. Angus supported her passion for art, and encouraged her to pursue her career in it after Hogwarts. It was now mid-November, and Dom was surprisingly happy to be heading home for her Grandmother's birthday. Her family had gotten permission from the Headmistress to spend a three day weekend at home to celebrate Molly's birthday as a family. Dom walked through the halls on her way to the Great Hall. She heard a loud thud come from the closet next to her. She threw the door open to find Lottie on the floor holding a small golden ring with an hourglass in the middle.
"Lottie what are you doing?" Dom asked.
"Nothing," Lottie replied with tears in her eyes.
"What is that?" Dom asked, gesturing to the artefact in her hand.
"It's mine," Lottie replied nervously.
"Lottie that's a time turner. The only one in the school belongs to the Headmistress. How did you get that?" Dom asked.
"I needed it. You have to understand Dom. I have to go back in time and make Carys fail at something big. My parents have to see her fail or they'll never love me," Lottie said, crying.
"Lottie your parents don't hate you. Do you really think that making Carys miserable will make you happy? I know how you feel, but I also know that if I were to make Victoire miserable I would feel so guilty," Dom said gently.
"That's why we are different. I would love to make Carys miserable," Lottie replied vehemently.
"Lottie, even if you make Carys miserable, it doesn't mean that your parents will love you more. You spend so much time worrying about Carys that you're making yourself miserable. She gets enough attention without you giving her more." Lottie appeared as though she was going to protest, but then looked thoughtful. "What if you did something that would make you happy? Don't worry about pleasing your parents or your sister. Find what makes you happy. What do you like to do? What are you good at?" Lottie considered Dom's words.
"I like to teach," she said tentatively, "and I like to practice charms."
"Then forget the time turner, and go practice charms, not to prove that you can, but for fun." Lottie smiled at Dom.
"Thank you Dom. I don't know what I was thinking, and I don't think I would have listened to anyone else. You're the only one who understands me," Lottie said. She wrapped Dom in a tight embrace. Suddenly, they heard voices.
"It has to be a student. The staff would have no reason to take it, because they already have permission to use it." The girls froze at the sound of the Headmistress's voice. Lottie looked at Dom with pure fear in her eyes. She then looked at the time turner in her hand, and began to cry. Dom quickly grabbed it from her.
"No," Lottie said.
"Lottie, you can't be caught with this. Your parents will kill you, and you'd be expelled. Maybe my family name can buy me some leniency," Dom whispered hurriedly. Just then Minerva McGonagall opened the closet door with Madam Hooch and Andromeda Tonks behind her.
"Miss Weasley. Miss Corner. Why are you two in a closet?" McGonagall asked. She then saw the tiny golden object in Dom's hand. "Miss Weasley!" Dom looked at her hand, and slowly offered it to the Headmistress. "What are you doing with this?" McGonagall asked sternly.
"I… I stole it… I stole it... so that I could change my family, to make them love me. I'm sorry Headmistress. It was wrong and I know it, but I just can't stand the way they treat me… Lottie had convinced me to return it when you found us," Dom said quickly. The three professors were shocked.
"Ms. Weasley. My office, now," McGonagall said sternly, "Ms. Corner, I thank you for your help." With that Dom was escorted away, leaving Lottie alone in tears.
Dom sat outside the Headmistress's office as voices arose from inside.
"Minerva be serious, do you honestly think that girl would have stolen your time turner? She hasn't broken a rule in her entire life," came Aberforth's voice.
"What do you expect of me Aberforth? She confessed I found her with the object in her possession. Do you think it just fell into her hands?" Minerva retorted.
"Surely there is an explanation," Aberforth pleaded.
"There is. She told us exactly why she took it, and that is still no excuse for stealing in the first place," Minerva shot back.
"However she got it, it doesn't matter. Now we have to decide what to do with her," Andromeda said calmly.
"This is grounds for expulsion," Minerva said.
"No!" Aberforth said, "I will take responsibility for Dominique. If anything else should happen, let the blame fall on me." There was silence. Dom listened intently through the door.
"Very well," Minerva said, "but she shall still be punished. She has a nine o'clock curfew and detention for the rest of the semester." The finality in the Headmistress's voice was clear. The door opened shortly after, and Dom watched as Andromeda, Madam Hooch, Professor Longbottom, Professor Slughorn, Professor Sinistra, and Professor Jones filed out. She hung her head until they had all passed and then entered at the beckoning of the Headmistress. McGonagall told Dom her punishment. Dom stayed silent and nodded. "Do you wish to say anything in your defense Miss Weasley?" McGonagall inquired.
"No Headmistress," Dom said.
"Very well. Your parents have been notified. You are free to go. I am very disappointed in you Miss Weasley," McGonagall said. Dom nodded as she stood to leave. Outside the door, Aberforth was waiting for her.
"You, with me, now," Aberforth said sternly. The man was silent the entire way to his office. When they reached his office, Aberforth closed the door and rounded on Dom.
"What the hell were you thinking?" he shouted.
"I'm sorry. I promise not to do it again," Dom said weakly.
"I know you didn't steal the bloody time turner. The question is who did? Who are you covering for?" he asked pointedly. At this Dom found her resolve.
"No one. I stole it myself, because my family hates me and I can't stand it," she shouted. At this, Aberforth softened.
"Dom… You know that's not true? I know you. You're too smart to jump into a decision like that. Do you realize you could have been expelled? Your family doesn't hate you, but if they did this wouldn't help. As it is, you may have already done quite a bit of damage," Aberforth said. Dom looked at him.
"Maybe I don't care if my family hates me. I have friends, and Angus, and I have you. Maybe there are things that are more important than pleasing my parents," Dom replied.
"Dom this isn't just your parents we're talking about. This is your future. You're a thief now. Are you willing to face the rest of your schooling knowing that no one will trust you?" Aberforth said.
"I'm not going to have to look to any of these people for a job. My reputation here won't follow me into the muggle world. I'll be fine. Some things are worth a bad reputation. I can build up trust. Some people can't recover from something like this. I can," Dom said seriously.
"You won't tell me who it is?" Aberforth asked.
"Who?" Dom replied.
"Ok," Aberforth said with a sigh, "somebody should know how lucky they are to have you." Dom smiled. Aberforth hugged her.
"Thank you," she said, "you're all the family I need." Aberforth just held her as tears fell from both their eyes.