The rest of the semester passed smoothly for Dom. She still had detentions and had to tread lightly with professors. However, she enjoyed time spent with Angus, and her friends, and Aberforth. Aberforth had informed her that Harry had invited him to Christmas dinner and he had accepted, which pleased Dom immensely. She also noticed that with all the drama her friends were finding, they had very little time to ask her about her sister. They were too busy gushing over Jemima's budding relationship with Vlad or Roxy Weasley's fist fight with Iris Aldermaston to worry about the perfect Victoire Weasley. Before she knew it, Dom was heading home again. She hoped her parents had enough time to cool down to give her a little more freedom than she'd had on Grandma's birthday weekend. Angus had promised to visit, and she couldn't bear to disappoint him. Luckily, her father made no mention of her previous punishment. He was too busy telling Victoire how proud he was of her grades and joking with Louis about his brawls with Duncan Zabini. Louis and Duncan had hated each other ever since Louis had beat Duncan in a game of Snitch Snatcher, where Duncan had to jump naked into the Black Lake, as a result of a bet, in their first year. Dom was content to be ignored by her parents. As long as they weren't punishing her, she didn't care what they did. Victoire and Louis both had their mother's look, but Dom looked more like a Weasley than a Delacour. When she was old enough to consider it, she figured her father must be proud that someone had carried on the Weasley traits, but he had always doted on Victoire for her beauty and Louis for being a boy. Dom eventually just figured that there were enough red headed Weasleys in the world that she didn't stand out to anyone, not even her own father. Over time she had taken to keeping quiet at home. If her parents preferred the company of her siblings, she wouldn't get in the way of their happiness. She spent most of her time on her first week home out on the beach. She had a cove far enough away from the house that her family wouldn't find her there. This was where she painted. She spent hours out on the beach painting the ocean and the birds. She enjoyed the peacefulness of the water and the sound of the wind through the dry grass. A week into break, Dom was cleaning her room when she heard a knock on the door. She looked out her second story window to see a familiar face on the steps below. She grinned widely as she rushed out of her room and down the hall. Just before she reached the steps she heard her father's voice.

"Oh, hello Angus. Victoire, the door." She stopped cold when she heard that. She knew he was wrong, but having her father tell Victoire that Angus was here to see her hurt more than Dom though it would. She heard Angus rush to reply.

"Oh no Mr. Weasley-"

"Angus!" Victoire's voice brought Dom back to the present. "How lovely to see you."

Dom bristled at the sweet voice Victoire spoke with and marched down the stairs.

"Hi Angus," Dom smiled. Angus smiled back, and Dom walked straight up to him and kissed him hard on the lips. She knew he would be taken aback, but she also knew that her father would be even more shocked. She pulled away and took Angus's arm. "Come on. I've got something to show you," she said as she lead him toward the beach, leaving behind her dumbstruck father. They walked in silence for a while.

"So… are you gonna tell me what that was about?" Angus finally asked.

"My father needed to learn a lesson," Dom replied nonchalantly.

"Ah, and that was the only way to show him," Angus said haughtily.

"Hey," she said with a light slap on the arm, "I'm not the one who asked you out just to make Vic jealous." At that Angus turned to face her.

"That wasn't the only reason," he said seriously. Dom smiled at him.

"I know. You also wanted somebody to protect you, cause you were afraid of the shrieking shack," she said with a smirk as she turned and skipped off down the beach.

"Hey!" he shouted, chasing after her. When he caught up to her, Angus lifted Dom up and spun her around. They both laughed loudly as he put her down. When they had collected themselves Dom spoke.

"Come on, it's just over this dune," she said with a smile. Angus followed Dom to her cove. In her spot where a few of her paintings and a sculpture of a sea star made of clay from the beach.

"Wow," he said as he examined her work, "this is amazing." Angus smiled from ear to ear. "I'm so proud of you. You should show these to your parents."

"No," she said, "I can't. They won't understand."

"How could they not. These are amazing," he argued.

"They'll think it's just a hobby. They'll never accept them if I tell them that this is what I want to do. I would be a disgrace. Especially compared to Victoire, and her grand aspirations to be a healer," she replied.

"Hey," he said, catching her hand, "you are not your sister, and your sister is not the only version of success."

"Tell that to my parents," she mumbled.

"Gladly," he quickly replied. She smiled at him and held him close. They spent the afternoon splashing in the waters and he watched her paint. By late afternoon, they were sitting together in the sand with their hands intertwined.

"Tell me a truth," she said.

"I was taught to ride a broom at the age of two," he replied, "tell me a secret."

"I didn't steal Professor McGonagall's time turner," she replied. Angus sat up straight.

"Why didn't you tell anyone?" he asked.

"It's my turn. Tell me a story," Dom said, avoiding the answer. Angus sighed.

"When I was five, I discovered my dad's old potion kits. He works in demolition so obviously it was stuff I shouldn't have been touching, but I didn't know that. I knocked a bottle over the stairwell, and I accidentally blew up my house. I was ok, but I did sustain a few scrapes and bruises when the floor collapsed under me. My mum was furious, mostly at my dad," he said. Dom was laughing throughout the end of his story. "Now," he said as she composed herself, "why didn't you tell anyone?" Dom looked out at the water.

"Because I understand what it's like to be ignored… to be invisible, and I don't have as much to lose as some people," she said.

"Dom you have plenty to lose. Your dad grounded you, you can barely talk to your family anymore, and you'll have that reputation wherever you go in the wizarding world," Angus argued.

"Gus," she said fondly, "I know you're concerned, but trust me. This is for the best. Besides, I already couldn't talk to my family, and I didn't even get expelled. Nothing permanently damaging happened."

"I just don't understand. Who do you know that's worth risking your credibility and your relationship with your family?" he asked.

"Someone like me. Someone who just wants to be loved and is tired of living in the shadows of the greatness of others. Everybody deserves to be seen," she replied. Angus slowly began to smile.

"I love you," he said as he kissed her cheek.

"You can't tell anyone," she warned, to which he nodded, "and it's my turn. Tell me a promise."

"I promise that I will see you. I will see the real you, and not the girl who can't compare to those around her. I will make everyone see you," he said.

"Wouldn't that be nice," she said as she leaned back into his embrace.

Christmas morning was chaos at the Weasley house. The morning was spent opening presents. Dom received new quills, a new cauldron, and a new book of potions. She knew her parents were trying to encourage her in her chosen career and tried to be grateful. As they began to leave for Grandma and Grandpa Weasley's house, her father approached her.

"Dom, Harry has invited the Finnigans to Christmas dinner with us. It seems Seamus mentioned that he and Katie had no relatives left to go to," Bill told his daughter.

"Angus is coming?" she asked.

"Yes, I do believe so," he replied.

"Thanks dad," Dom said as she rushed back up the stairs.

"Where are you going?" he called.

"To get ready," she yelled.

"I thought you were ready?" he yelled back. Bill shook his head. "If I didn't know any better I'd think you were your sister," he muttered to himself. Eventually, the Weasley's made it out of the house and arrived at their destination. Molly greeted her son and his wife enthusiastically, and then she turned to give each of her grandchildren a huge hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"Don't you all look just lovely today," she cooed as she led them all inside. In the large front room sat Uncle Harry and Aunt Ginny on the ancient, patterned couch next to the enormous Christmas tree. The tree was covered with silver bulbs and tinsel and had lights of every color strung up to the top where a beautiful angel sat in a poofy white dress. James ran through the doorway, chasing Albus, with Lily straggling behind. Each was wearing a sweater bearing their initial on it. Grandpa was in the doorway talking to Kingsley Shacklebolt, who had shed his minister's robes for a simple sweater. In the kitchen, Aunt Hermione was pulling an apple pie out of the oven as Rose mixed the punch. Uncle Ron, Uncle George, Uncle Charlie, and Uncle Percy were gathered in the next room, drinking beers and laughing together. Dom travelled through to find Roxy and Molly on the stairs whispering to each other. She watched as Teddy stopped his conversation with Neville and Aberforth to rush across the room and sweep Victoire into his arms. She smiled to see her sister so happy even if she knew Victoire did not reciprocate the sentiment. Dom caught Aberforth's eye as he looked in the direction of the couple. He broke out into a wide grin as she approached.

"Happy Christmas," he said, wrapping her into a big bear hug.

"Happy Christmas," she replied with a grin, "Happy Christmas Professor Longbottom."

"Happy Christmas Dominique," Neville replied, "I noticed that you decided not to take herbology this year."

"No, I'm taking transfiguration, potions, and charms," Dom replied.

"Ah, so you're the one stealing all the students," Neville said pointing at Aberforth, "oh well, at least I have some students left. Victoire is still one of my top students."

"She always was the smart one," Dom replied as good naturedly as she could.

"All you Weasleys are smart kids, though I'd prefer if your cousins were not so unruly in class," Neville replied with a grimace.

"James?" she asked.

"James," Neville replied, "and Fred, and even Roxy. It seems the only ones I don't have to worry about are Rose and Albus."

"They're good kids. I can't imagine them pulling the stuff James does," Dom replied.

"No," Neville said, "they've been model students so far." Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the front door opening.

"Seamus, Katie dear, how good to see you. Please, come in," she heard Molly say. Dom smiled.

"Excuse me," she said to Neville and Aberforth before dashing into the front room. There she found Seamus and Katie Finnigan shedding their coats, and coming through the door behind them was Angus. "And you must be Angus. How lovely to meet you," Molly said, giving the boy a crushing embrace.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well Mrs. Weasley," Angus replied politely.

"Oh what a sweet boy," Molly exclaimed as she patted his shoulder. Angus shed his coat and that was when he caught sight of Dom. He smiled as he quickly crossed the room to give her a tight hug.

"Happy Christmas," she said as she buried her face in his shoulder.

"That it is," he replied with a grin, "I want you to meet my parents." Dom nodded, and he led her over to where his mother and father sat on the couch with Harry and Ginny.

"Mum, Dad, this is Dominique," Angus said as the adults turned their attention to the young couple.

"Dominique, it's so nice to finally meet you. Angus has told us so much about you," Katie greeted with a smile as she gave Dom a hug.

"Thank you Mrs. Finnigan, it's nice to meet you too," Dom replied.

"Hello Dominique," Seamus said.

"Mr. Finnigan," Dom replied as she shook his outstretched hand.

"Tell us about yourself dear," Katie said, "we've heard plenty of good things about you from Angus. I heard you like to paint." Dom's eyes grew wide at that. She looked quickly to Angus, who had an apologetic look on his face, before she turned back to Katie.

"Not really Mrs. Finnigan, I paint sometimes, but I'm working on finishing school to become a potioneer," Dom said earnestly as she could. She could not have Angus's parents telling her family about her art, it would ruin everything.

"Oh really? What do you plan to do with that?" Seamus asked.

"I haven't thought about it too much, but potions is one of the only things I'm really good at," she said modestly.

"Well if you ever want to look into demolition, I'm sure you could make some potions we could use," Seamus said.

"Thank you Mr. Finnigan, I'll keep that in mind," Dom replied.

"How is the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor? Angus tells us you are in her house. We never had a professor keep that position more than a year when I was in school," Seamus said.

"Professor Jones is nice. She is strict but protective of the students, similar to the way I hear Professor McGonagall was when she was a Head of Gryffindor House," Dom replied. She didn't have many interactions with her Head of House, but she did like the woman.

"That's good. McGonagall was great. I might have preferred it if she hadn't been quite so strict about the rules though," Seamus said, muttering the last part.

"She was strict, because none of you boys would follow those rules, dear," Katie said, giving Seamus a jab in the side.

"Wait a minute, we weren't that bad. So I set a classroom on fire, big deal," he shrugged.

"That is exactly what I'm talking about. You couldn't go a day without setting something on fire," Katie argued.

"I wasn't that bad," Seamus said again, "you barely even knew me then."

"Ay, but I knew you mate," Harry joined in, "you couldn't do a simple spell like Wingardium Leviosa without setting the feather on fire." Angus and Dom began to laugh with the adults as Seamus just huffed. "And remember that time in the Great Hall, you tried to turn your water to rum and it exploded," Harry added. Another bout of laughter broke out amongst the group.

"I think I remember that," Katie exclaimed breathlessly.

"Well that's just wonderful," Seamus groaned, "you know I'm quite proficient with magic. Let's not forget who blasted the bridge at Hogwarts to keep the snatchers out during the war."

"I'm sorry, dear. Did we upset you?" Katie said, grabbing Seamus's hands.

"No I'm alright. My pride might not recover, but I'm fine," he griped. Katie laughed.

"I'm glad to hear it. I would hate to have you sore at me on Christmas," she said sweetly.

"Never," Seamus replied with a smile as he leaned in to kiss his wife. Angus smiled over at Dom. Dom enjoyed the banter between Angus's parents. Her parents were always very sweet with each other, but their relationship was very much based on physical attraction and respect. The Finnigan's seemed to have more than that. They were held together by friendship and laughter. They were able to joke with each other, but knew when to stop and when to comfort. Dom mused that it was similar to the way she felt with Angus. She was comfortable to say anything to him, and knew that he would always respond the right way... most of the time. Dom was pulled out of her musings by Aunt Hermione's call that dinner was ready. The family convened in the oversized dining room. Grandpa Arthur sat at the head of the table while little Lucy took her favored seat opposite him. The rest of the family filed into seats with the adults at one end and children at the other. Dom sat in between Aberforth and Angus. It was the perfect spot until she looked across the table. She was sitting opposite Teddy and Angus sat opposite Victoire. She looked to Victoire's right to see Louis was there. She hoped that Vic would spend all her time talking to Teddy, or Louis, or even Professor Longbottom who sat on the other side of Teddy. The family sat patiently as Aunt Hermione brought out the largest turkey Dom had ever seen. Behind her, Rose had carried in a sweet potato casserole. Grandma was behind her with a tray of pigs in blankets and a dish of honey roasted carrots. They brought out all the dishes including cranberry sauce, Yorkshire pudding, and spiced red cabbage. The room was filled with delicious smells, and everybody thanked Aunt Hermione, Grandma, and Rose for cooking this year. Dom guessed that her mother would offer to cook with Victoire next year. She doubted she would be included if her mother decided to offer. Once everyone was seated Grandpa stood up at the end of the table.

"Hello everyone. It's wonderful to have you all hear. Merlin's beard, we do have a full house tonight." Everyone laughed. "I wanted to say how grateful I am to have you all here and safe. I've seen many things in my life, and many which I would not care to remember. But this keeps me going. Coming here and seeing the faces of my wife, sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, colleagues, and friends… This is worth it. All the trials we have faced have been worth it to make this possible. You are all my family. We have seen war, rivalry, monsters, and we have survived it together. Hermione, Molly, Rose, thank you for this delicious meal. I think it's about time we all ate." Arthur finished with a smile, and there were few dry eyes at the table. The younger children began to clap and soon the entire table was applauding Arthur's speech. Arthur made a curt bow, before sitting back at his seat. Dom waited patiently as dishes were passed around the table. She watched everyone smiling and listened to their conversations.

"You know, Victoire and I should help with zee meal next year," she heard her mother say.

"Oh that would be lovely," Grandma replied. Dom smiled to herself.

"James! Stop it!" she heard Albus cry from the other end of the table. Dom turned to see mashed potatoes running down her cousin's cheek. She laughed with the others when she noticed the empty spoon poised in his brother's hand.

"James Sirius Potter!" Dominique saw James' face pale as he turned to face his mother. "If I find you throwing any more food, you will not be eating the food. Is that understood?" Ginny held her son in her gaze and all the other children held their breath.

"Yes Mum," James mumbled.

"What was that?" she asked.

"Yes Mum," James said louder.

"That's better," she said, and she resumed her meal. As soon as Ginny had turned away, Fred burst into laughter. He was soon joined by Louis, Molly, and Roxy. The four of them nearly surrounded scowling James and blushing Albus. On the other side of Albus, Rose laid a hand on his shoulder and wiped the potato off his face. Dom's view of her cousin's argument was interrupted by Angus.

"You there?" he asked as he waved a hand in front of her face.

"I'm sorry," said with a blush, "I was just watching the show James and Albus just put on for us."

"Such talent," Angus joked. Dom laughed.

"Angus, right?" Teddy asked from across the table.

"Yeah," Angus replied, extending a hand.

"Teddy Lupin. It's nice to meet you. You're a seventh year?"

"Yes," Angus said.

"Whatcha doing after school kid?" Teddy asked as he shoved a piece of turkey in his mouth.

"Teddy, mind your manners," Victoire scolded as she swatted his arm.

"I'm planning on becoming an auror," Angus replied.

"Brilliant, me too," Teddy replied, "I may be able to help you out… once I pass the test myself that is."

"Yeah," Angus said with a laugh, "that'd be great."

"You play quidditch Finnigan?" Teddy asked.

"Keeper."

"Ah, I was a seeker myself," Teddy replied, "any good competition this year?"

"Slytherin's always an important one, but Ravenclaw is pretty good this year too. Slytherin still has both Krum boys though."

"Blimey, that should be illegal. Those boys have to be two hundred fifty pounds each," Teddy balked.

"Yeah, we've been training hard to be quick enough to out fly them. If they catch us we're toast." Dom cringed as she remembered Angus being crushed by Emil Krum and falling to the ground. "It's Emil you have to watch out for. Vlad is the calmer of the two."

"Vlad is sweet. His brother shouldn't be allowed on the pitch," Dom interjected.

"Being sweet won't win games," Victoire spoke for the first time.

"No, but it will keep you from killing someone. I don't think Emil cares what happens to his opponents," Dom argued.

"Since when did you care so much about Vlad Krum?" Victoire asked.

"He's a friend of Jemima's. I don't want people being rude to them just because his brother is an arse," Dom said.

"Jemima Jordan?" Angus asked. Dom nodded. "Isn't she a chaser for Hufflepuff?"

"Yes," Dom replied.

"Ooh," Teddy responded, "I wonder if that relationship will make it past the next Slytherin v Hufflepuff game?"

"I hope it does. They're both very sweet," Dom replied.

"They'll be fine. Vlad's a rational guy. He wouldn't let quidditch come between him and his girl," Angus said. Then he smirked at Dom. "It's a good thing you don't play quidditch. I don't think I could handle getting beat by my girlfriend."

"As long as you know I would beat you," Dom replied. Angus and Teddy laughed. When the meal was finished, Harry stood in the doorway of the Burrow.

"Alright, who's up for a family game of quidditch?" he shouted. Everybody cheered as they made their way out into the yard. Harry picked Angus and Teddy to be captains. Angus's first pick was Harry, followed by Ginny, Fred, and Bill. Teddy had picked Ron, George, Katie, and Charlie. It was Angus's turn, and in front of him stood James, Louis, Roxy, and Lily.

"Well," Angus said dramatically, "I want to win, so I'll have to pick…" He let his eyes travel over his options. "Lily!" The ten year old jumped up in the air, and ran to hug Angus.

"Yes!" she cheered before turning to stick her tongue out at her remaining cousins. The whole family laughed as the choices continued until Teddy had James and Roxy, and Angus had picked Louis. The teams gathered brooms and went out to the Weasley's practice quidditch pitch. Fleur officiated the game, and the rest of the family sat and watched. Dom grew tired of the game and wandered back to the house. She was sneaking another helping of spotted dick when she overheard voices in the other room.

"Neville I'm sure it's not what you think," she heard someone say.

"She comes home later every evening and won't ever tell me why. I'm afraid of the effect it will have on Eva if she's never around," Neville said. Dom crept across the room to listen better.

"Neville, just because she's working late doesn't mean she's cheating on you." Dom recognized the disapproval in Hermione's voice.

"It's not just that. It's the man she's working with, Rolf Scamander. She mentioned him a few months ago and hasn't stopped talking about him since. How accomplished he is in their field, and how ingenuitive his ideas are. She practically worships the man," Neville complained.

"Well have you talked to her about it?" Hermione asked.

"Oh yes, I just walked up to my wife and accused her of being unfaithful," Neville said sarcastically, "I just feel like she has so much more in common with Scamander than me. What if she just finds him more interesting than me?" Dom heard the fear in Neville's voice when he asked his question.

"Neville, Luna loves you. One colleague isn't going to change that," Hermione assured him.

"One colleague is all it takes," Neville replied, "and she happens to spend nearly every waking minute with this colleague." Hermione sighed. Dom turned to sneak back outside, knowing that she had already heard too much. When she turned, she saw Luna and Audrey entering through the back door. Dom panicked knowing that Neville did not know his wife was in the house. She burst into the room.

"I've seen Scamander-"

"Aunt Hermione. Professor Longbottom. Hi," she blurted out. Neville and Hermione looked visibly shaken by her outburst.

"Dom!" Hermione exclaimed, "you cannot just barge into other people's conversations like this." Hermione looked as if she was going to continue scolding her, when Luna entered the room.

"Neville there you are. I didn't even know you were in here," she said.

"I didn't know you were inside either," Neville said looking nervous.

"What were you doing?" Luna asked.

"Just talking about the kids and such," Hermione interjected, "I've never been a big fan of quidditch."

"Me neither," Neville agreed.

"I know," Luna said with a smirk, "you never would dress up to support the teams with me."

"Luna, nobody would dress up to support the teams with you," Neville replied. They both laughed. Luna came over to give him a peck on the cheek.

"Well enjoy yourselves. We're just grabbing some drinks before we head back out," Luna said.

"Have fun dear," Neville said as she left the room. Dom was silent until she heard the door close. She felt both adults' eyes upon her.

"Dominique," Neville started tentatively, "how much did you hear?"

"A little, not a lot," Dom admitted sheepishly. Neville was silent for a while.

"Thank you," he finally said.

"What?" Dom asked.

"For barging in when you did instead of letting Luna be the one to barge in and hear," he replied, "can you promise me you won't share what you heard with anyone."

"Of course," she replied quickly.

"Dominique, I'm sorry for yelling at you dear," Hermione said.

"It's ok," Dom replied, "I'm used to it." Hermione gave her a questioning look. "I should go back outside," Dom said quickly to change the subject. She turned to leave, but stopped at the door.

"Professor," she said slowly.

"Yes?" Neville replied.

"If you're afraid she won't love you as much as him, couldn't you just ask her why she loves you?" Dom said. "That way, she doesn't know you suspect something, and you can find out what it is she likes, or loves, and if she describes the same qualities in Mr. Scamander. Then you could also tell her why you love her, so she knows you still care." Neville sat silent for a moment. He smiled at Dom.

"You're a bright young witch Miss Weasley. Thank you for your advice. I appreciate it," he said. Dom smiled and left the room. She found that the rest of the family was coming inside. She learned that Harry had caught the snitch and won the game for Angus's team. She also learned that Lily had scored a point on Uncle Ron, who insisted that he let her do it. The family had finally gathered back inside, and Grandma announced that it was time for presents. Dom received a knit scarf with a large D sewn into it. She watched as her siblings and cousins opened their various sweaters, scarves, gloves, and hats. All the adults received cookbooks and spice jars. After the gifts had all been given, Angus pulled Dom aside.

"I didn't want to do it in front of everyone, but I got you something," he said as he pulled a small package out of his pocket.

"Angus," she breathed as she reached to open the gift. She opened the box and inside was a small necklace. It was a clear crystal with a pearlescent silver liquid inside. "It's beautiful," she whispered with a smile.

"It's my memories of the first time we met," he said. She looked up at him.

"Angus it's wonderful, thank you." She gave him a kiss, and let him clasp the necklace around her neck. She hooked her finger around the bauble and swung it in front of her face. The liquid inside careened into the crystalline walls appearing something like a raging ocean. She laughed as she watched it. Angus grabbed her hand to lead her back out. "Wait!" she said. She took out her wand and summoned his gift from the other room. "I got you something too." Angus smiled as he opened the package. As he pulled the top of a small object burst out of the box. Angus caught it and held it still while it squirmed. In his hand was a teacup painted with gold and red ornate designs. Angus tried to examine the design but was interrupted when the cup started squirming again.

"What is it?" he asked.

"It's a spell I created. I've only been able to use it on teacups so far. I have one too." She pulled Vie out of her pocket. Vie sat calmly in her hand as Angus's cup struggled to be closer to the new arrival.

"Yours is so much better behaved than mine," Angus complained.

"He's older," she commented, "you don't have to keep it, but I figured you might like it."

"I love it. This is amazing. Thank you Nicky," Angus said, "Does anyone else know about your spell?"

"Ab does, but I made him promise to keep it a secret. McGonagall knows too," Dom replied.

"Wow," he said, "why'd you keep it a secret?"

"It's mine. There aren't a lot of things that I can claim that about. It feels like a part of me and I don't want anyone to take that away," she replied.

"Why did you share it with me?"

"Because I trust you… and Ab," she replied. Angus smiled and leaned down to give her a kiss.

"Why'd you tell McGonagall?" Angus asked curiously.

"Ab made me do it. I think he wanted me to show it to the world, but I made them both promise not to share it," Dom said.

"Ah," he replied, "shall we rejoin the group?" Dom smiled and took his arm as he led her back out into the room. The rest of the family was gathered around the room singing Christmas carols. Angus led Dom to sit with him next to his parents on the sofa. They all sang and enjoyed themselves. As the afternoon wore on people began to leave. The Finnigans left first, thanking the Weasleys for their hospitality. Angus gave Dom a kiss goodbye as he followed his parents out the door. Dom was then left to mingle with her family. She approached Lilly, Hugo, Lucy, and Eva. The four of them were playing a game of Exploding Snap. Dom walked up behind them, pulled out her wand, and whispered,

"Nihlex." Suddenly, to the surprize of the children, the cards began tearing around the room, exploding at random. She heard shouts from the foyer when the cards began to move to other parts of the house. She ambled into the room to see the adults frantically trying to get rid of the cards before they exploded. She began to laugh as she watched Ron try to catch a card that subsequently exploded in his face. Fleur and Victoire had hidden under a couch while Teddy and Bill stood in front of them swatting away cards. Dom watched as a card came from behind and exploded, sending her mother and sister dashing from their hiding spot with singed dresses. Dom guffawed as she watched this and the rest of the cards either explode or be dealt with by her family. When the comotion had died down, everyone exchanged questioning looks. Harry was the first to laugh, followed by Ron, Ginny, Hermione, and George. Dom smiled until she made eye contact with her father. He stalked over to her and pointed to the door. Dom hung her head and walked through the carnage her spell had left behind.

"Oh come on Bill, it was a good prank," George yelled.

"George," Bill spat vehemently, "I would appreciate it if you minded your own business and let me discipline my children as I see fit." No one spoke as Bill led Dom out of the house.

"What were you thinking?" Bill yelled as soon as they were out of earshot.

"I was just having some fun with the kids," Dom said.

"Fun? Someone could have been hurt. Merlin's beard Dom what goes on inside your head? You're not a child anymore. You're almost of age. You need to start acting like it," Bill continued.

"Nobody got hurt. It was just a prank," Dom defended herself.

"Nobody? You mother and sister were caught by a blast under the couch. A card exploded in your uncle's face-"

"He thought it was fun. It's not my fault mum and Vic have sticks up their bums," Dom argued.

"Dominique! We were trying to have a pleasant Christmas with the family. Is it so hard for you to behave for just a day? You just don't know when to quit. Stealing at school and now this. Your siblings were never this much trouble," Bill yelled.

"Are you serious?" Dom shouted back incredulously, "If Louis had done that you would have given him a stern look and sent him on his way. You might have even laughed with him, because he's a boy and that's what boys do. You would never have reacted this way with either Vic or Louis."

"Victoire and Louis have not proven themselves irresponsible in the past. You have been on a rebellious streak this whole school year. What's changed Dom?" Bill asked his tone softening a bit.

"Changed!" Dom shouted louder now, "Nothing has changed Dad. I don't know what you want from me. Nothing I do is ever enough for you. I'm sorry that I'm not Victoire. I'm sorry that I'm not a boy. If you didn't want me you should have gotten rid of me long ago and it would save us both the trouble. I don't know what I ever did to make you hate me so much." Dom was sobbing by the end of her outburst. She turned on her heel and fled into the tall grasses surrounding the house. Bill made to go after her but found he lost sight of Dom quickly. Bill stood in his parent's yard in shock. Fleur came out, changed into one of Ginny's dresses, and approached her husband.

"Where is Dom?" Fleur asked softly.

"I don't know," Bill said absently.

"Did she go home?" Fleur asked, confused.

"I hope so," Bill said. There was a long pause. "What have I done?"

"What do you mean?" Fleur asked becoming worried.

"When did we lose her?" Bill asked, "I don't even know her anymore. Where did I fail her?"

"Bill, eet eez not your fault. She has been thees way all year," Fleur said to comfort him.

"But we raised her. Do you think if she was happy she would have stolen that time turner? What has she really done? She gets good grades, doesn't cause trouble at school, and she is pleasant to other students and teachers. The time turner is the only thing she's done wrong Fleur." Bill was starting to put together the pieces, and began to realize how much he had truly neglected his daughter.

"She 'as always been quiet. Are you sure she feels zees way? She 'as alwayz appreciated her space. She never joins Victoire and I on outings," Fleur said in response.

"Having space and being ignored when you are present are two different things. Fleur she refused to tell me why she stole the time turner. She said I would be more angry with her if I knew the reason. What if she stole it to change her past? To fix the times we ignored her for Victoire... or Louis. I can't think of any other reason she would need a time turner," Bill asked desperately. His eyes begged Fleur to tell him he was wrong.

"Surely it could not have been that bad," Fleur breathed. They sat in silence for a moment.

"'I don't know what I ever did to make you hate me so much.' That's what she said to me," Bill said with a vacant voice.

"Bill… where did she go?" Fleur asked again, pleading this time. Bill looked up sadly.

"I don't know," he said deliberately. Fleur looked as worried as he did now.

"We have to go, now," Fleur said as she headed back inside. Bill followed her, and they quickly rounded up their remaining children. They quickly apparated home.

"Dom!" they both shouted as they entered the house. Louis and Victoire were very confused as to why their parents looked so worried. Bill and Fleur continued to yell Dom's name as they search the house. When they got to her bedroom, they found it completely empty. There was nothing left but the bed and the dresser in the corner.

Dom sobbed in the dark room. She could never go home after this. She knew her parents loved her siblings more, but now she knew that they didn't think of her at all. If the only times they were aware of her were when she was failing, then they had been absent for the majority of her life. She couldn't organize her thoughts. All she felt was pain… and cold, and darkness. She pulled out her wand. "Lumos." Nothing happened. Even the simplest spell would not work. Her thoughts, her heart, was too dark, too hurt to perform the magic. She needed to feel something. She needed warmth. A mother's love. A light. Something. She closed her eyes and felt her pain. She felt urged through the sorrow to try again, but a new spell came to her lips this time. "Anima fascinatio." When her eyes opened she found a light filled the small room. She saw a woman in the light. Though Dom didn't know the woman, she felt as though she belonged in her arms. As she leaned into the warmth of the figure beside her, she noticed the similarities to the warmth of a patronus. This was different though. She had not conjured up any happy memories for this figure. This spell had been born of pain, and used that to create the very thing Dom had needed most, a mother's love. Dom fell asleep in the embrace. She didn't know when it went away, but when she woke up she was alone in the room. Then she heard a noise.

Aberforth came home in the evening after the Christmas party at the Weasley's. He was still concerned for Dom after her parents had frantically left the party to search for her. He laid down his coat and put a pot of water on the stove for tea. He wandered into the small sitting room. He jumped back at the sight before him. There on his floor, was Dom. She was asleep and next to her was an old rucksack. Aberforth stood in the doorway in shock. When he gathered his wits, he decided to leave her to sleep and figure out specifics when she woke up. Ab was still sipping his tea when Dom finally emerged.

"Hey," he said when he saw her enter. Dom's eyes were red and raw, and she looked very much like a child that had been awoken in the middle of the night from a bad dream. Without a word, Dom collapsed into Aberforth's arms and began to sob. Aberforth just held her and whispered soothing words as she cried. Dom fell asleep in Aberforth's arms. He didn't have the heart to wake her, so he carried her to his room and tucked her into bed. His first instinct was to contact Bill and tell him where Dom was, but one look at Dom and he knew that was the last thing she would want him to do. He decided it could at least wait until morning. In the morning, Aberforth made porridge and coffee. Dom came down, and he invited her to sit at the table. They didn't speak until Aberforth finally decided to break the silence.

"What happened?" he asked gently. Dom looked into her empty cup as if she was searching for the answer in it.

"They don't even notice," she said hoarsely. There was a pause before she spoke again. "I think I would prefer it if they purposely ignored me, but to know that they genuinely forget me. They are always disappointed, because they don't notice me if I'm not screwing up." Dom looked across the room, but never made eye contact with Aberforth. The old man sighed.

"Dom, your parents love you. Yes, they pay attention to your sister, because she has a personality that begs attention be paid. That doesn't mean they don't love you. Let me tell your parents you're here," he said.

"No," she replied, finally meeting his eyes, "they won't be worried Ab. They'll be angry that I left. If you bring them here, I'll be gone before they arrive. Even if you sneak them in, I know how to get out unseen. Please Ab. You're all I have." Aberforth saw the plea in her eyes and knew she was telling the truth. He pulled her into a hug.

"Alright. I won't say anything, but you have a family who loves you. Don't discount them so quickly," he said.

"I didn't," she replied resolutely, "I gave them sixteen years."