I have nothing to say.
Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns anything and everything HP. I just borrowed some of it so I could have a little fun.
Ch 13-A Prediction comes true.
Delia woke up to find Severus gone. She reached onto the nightstand for a piece of parchment that had Severus's handwriting.
Delia,
Depending on when you get this good morning or afternoon. I tried to wake you but all you did was said "AM." So there fore I left you where you were. I found Nicola and asked her to bring some of your clothes. She seemed unfazed. From my guess you have told her what's going on. Take your time getting ready. Just don't come out when I'm in class. You'll have to pass the door and the will raise suspicion. I informed Dumbledore of what happened last night. I'll come by to check on you at lunch.
Severus
Delia looked at the alarm clock. It was noon. She got out of bed and went over to the wardrobe pulling out her school robes and uniform. She found a tote bag beside the bathroom door with her new shoes and some other things. Delia went into the bathroom, changed, and came out. She picked up the books she had dropped. There were three: Poisons and Antidotes, Other then the Bezoar and Poisons, an Illustrated Guide. Delia sighed and began to read. She quickly ruled out Poisons and Antidotes. Severus came in through the door shortly after twelve thirty.
"Hiya Severus, how are you?" she asked as if she were on a caffeine high.
"Rather worn-out. You look refreshed. I hope you didn't miss much this morning."
"No, just Care of Magical Creatures and DADA. Nothing important like Potions," she replied nonchalantly.
Severus chose to ignore her last remark."I think you learned more about DADA last night then you have so far."
"That's mildly stating it. Well, I should be off. I have to get some lunch and classes this afternoon...yahhhhhhh."
"You sound so thrilled. I think I'm rubbing off on you."
"Nope, Don't think so. I'm starved." She went over to Severus and gave him a kiss. "I'm off. See you later."
"See you. Oh Delia, I've fallen behind in grading. As much as I hate to say this, please don't drop by after dinner. I'll get as much as I can graded tonight. Come by tomorrow night. We'll start work on your project. Read through the books."
"I will. I've got to go. I need my bag for this afternoon." With that she walked out of the door down the hallway. Severus watched her walk to the stairs. He couldn't believe how she was almost a lady, but yet she was still growing up and realizing what she was becoming. He smiled and thought to himself, give her sometime. Don't rush things. She will learn in due time. She's almost a lady, almost.
***
Delia was in the Great Hall sitting next to Nicola and Josh. She had met them in the hallway en route to the dorm. Nicola had Delia's backpack so that saved time. Delia was in the middle of telling her two closest confidants what happened at the Malfoy Manor. The two sat at the table awe struck that Delia had made it out alive.
"I am amazed!" Josh exclaimed, "You know my Dad's an Auror. I bet he would like to know what you were doing there. He hates Malfoy and anything Malfoy and anything Death Eater for that matter. I bet as you said Malfoy has a plan up his sleeve. I bet your nerves were a mess there. I'm amazed you didn't lose it there."
"You and me both. I can't get over how prissy all the women were. Man, from the way they were acting you'd think I was beauty queen."
Nicola coughed, "I hate to say this, Dee. But you are pretty. Have you looked at yourself recently! I've been in this world my whole life and I can tell you by wizard standard...your hot stuff. Any wizard would like to get his hands on you, even if you are Muggle Born. I over heard some Slytherin guys out on the lawn talking about you. They were saying you were hot, even for a Huff. However, you have your man. Nonetheless, I don't know what you see in him. But hey if he's happy, from what I gathered when I saw him this morning, then that's cool."
Josh nodded in agreement. "Hey, I can deal with it. You and well...yeah. I don't know what your parents would say. I mean you have been..."
"Yeah, Yeah," Delia said. "We know what I've been doing. I'd prefer not to think about what my folks would say about it."
"Oh Delia!" Nicola exclaimed, "I almost forgot, you got post this morning. I picked it up for you. Here. Sorry."
"Nicola, thanks it's cool!" Delia looked at her Daily Prophet and then opened her letter from home. It was from her father. The letter didn't have its usual cheery tone.
Hello Delia!
I hope the school year has started off well. Sorry for writing later then normal but the business has been busy. We got our rating and we now have four stars! I hope that explains a lot. However, your mother and I are having problems. I'm not going to keep you out of this. You are eighteen and I know you can handle this stuff. Your mother for some reason or other has been spending a lot of time with Elle. I came home the other night to your mom and Elle. Normally, this hasn't bugged in all the years they have know each other. But you know Elle has been divorced now for two years from her wife, well you knew Elle preferred women over men. Not that I have a problem with it. I had worked late and came in home at two am. Your mother and Elle and been to a nightclub...together. Your mother gave me marching orders after we had a fight and broke a few lamps. Had the Derby cops come over, woke up the neighbors. Sorry if this sounds weird but I've had a bottle of red and am sleeping
in my office.
What I'm saying is your mother and I have separated. I suspect you will be getting a letter from your mother soon, if you haven't already. I will be moving out of the house on Briarwood. As you guessed Elle will be moving a soon as I move out. Gerald and Kathy have offered to let me stay at they place until I can find place of my own. I don't know if I can put up with Gerald's son, Keith. I wonder when Gerald and Kathy are getting married. Oh well. So for the moment send letters to me here at the restaurant. As soon as I find a place, I'll place a call to the Ministry and have them get in contact with you.
Delia I still love you. You know that. I'm sorry your mother has run off with your godmother. I know they both love you too. I'm not asking you to take sides. You know I could never do that to you. I'm just asking you to love them both. Before I left the house we all agreed not to fight over you. If you choose to hate us or just one or two that is your choice. But I know you well enough to know that I doubt you will hate any of us.
I'm too drunk to write anymore.
Love
Dad
Delia read the letter two more times. She couldn't believe it. She didn't finish her lunch; she collected her backpack and ran out. Severus saw that Delia had gotten a letter then saw her run. He wanted to dash out after her but couldn't. Josh and Nicola weren't far behind. Delia has collapsed on the front lawn in the warm sunshine muttering, I'm ok, I'm ok, over and over again. Delia opened her eyes to find several people looking down on her. She sat up.
"I'm ok, I'm ok, I'm ok, I'm ok, I'm ok...I think." She then fell back down. Everything went black.
***
Delia woke up later that afternoon in the Hospital Wing. Sitting in the chairs brought in were Josh, Nicola, Headmaster Dumbledore, Professor Sprout, Professor McGonagall, Severus and Lucius Malfoy. Delia sat up in bed and said,
"Hello my loyal fan club. How's everyone."
No one laughed. Instead they looked at Delia. "What you all are acting like I died or something. I'm breathing!"
"You could have died!" Nicola exclaimed, "You fainted and hit your head. If Professor Snape hadn't been following behind us he couldn't have made you a potion in time!"
"Speaking of potion," Severus said, "you need to drink more of it." he handed her a goblet full of a odd colored purple potion. She drank it.
"So what is everyone else doing here? I mean it's nice to have a loyal fan club. I'll be giving autographs later."
Dumbledore spoke, "You can guess why myself, Professor Snape and Professor Sprout are here. Josh and Nicola refused to leave. Mr. Malfoy was here on an official Ministry visit and heard of your misfortune. You being our exchange student he was naturally worried. Miss Wheelrite what caused you to faint?"
Everyone waited in silence. Delia spoke in a soft whisper. "I'd rather not say to everyone, it's family business."
"Mr. Friedell, Miss Rodgers," Dumbledore said, "Please leave the room so I may have a word with Miss Wheelrite. Mr. Malfoy I will continue our visit in my office. Delia, its up to you if Professor Sprout and Professor Snape can stay."
Delia nodded as Malfoy, Josh and Nicola left the room. Delia didn't speak but handed Dumbledore the letter that was on the table, "You all may read it, I think it says more then I can right now."
Dumbledore read the letter and looked quite shocked himself. He passed the letter on to Professor Sprout who had much the same look as she passed the letter to Severus. Severs placed the letter on the table and said nothing. Delia looked at the three of them and shrugged her shoulders.
"I knew it was coming," she said. "My parents were avoiding each other a lot this summer. Elle was around lots. My parents bickered a great deal too. We couldn't get though dinner with out something breaking or being spilled. The car ride to Kansas City International Airport wasn't a picnic either. Man, three hours of silence will drive a person batty. They didn't talk. When they did it was a two minute squabble."
"Delia," Professor Sprout said, "I'm sorry you had to find out like this. But if you need to talk you know where to fine me."
"The same goes for me also," Dumbledore said. "Delia you know my office is open to you."
"Same goes for me, just don't hit your head anymore, Ok Delia?" Severus said.
Delia smiled at Severus joke. "Thanks. But I think I'm ok now. I'm going to send dad home a letter as soon can."
"In that case I think we can leave you alone. I'll have Josh and Nicola come after class."
"I need to stay with Delia," Severus said, "to make sure she isn't allergic to anything in the potion that can crop up later, especially with this potion. I'll only stay for a little while. Delia needs her rest."
Professor Sprout and the headmaster left. Delia was alone with Severus. Delia leaned back. "I have spent more time out of class then I have in class so far. I could write a book on it and sell it."
"You are taking this well. I'd thought you'd be more upset then this."
"Would you think I'm weird if I said I my mom has always liked Elle?" Delia said in her normal unfazed voice. "Back home if you a bi you are considered weird. Dad's been living in denial for years. Mom and Elle have been sneaking around for years. It's nothing new to me. But why are they doing something about it now is beyond me. What the hey was Malfoy doing here?"
"I don't know. But I don't like it. His son will be attending next year."
"Oh what fun! Well, I won't be here. I'll be doing what I choose. Maybe I'll go fishing."
Severus laughed. "Catch a big one for me! Anyway I should leave you be before Madame Pomfrey throws me out. I'll come by tonight to see how you are."
"I thought you were grading papers."
"I canceled classes this afternoon. I have sometime." He kissed Delia on the forehead. "See you later."
***
Delia sat in the Hospital Wing. Josh and Nicola had come in and were shooed out. Delia as in the middle of her letters home when her dinner arrived. She ate dinner and was on her last bite when Severus came in. He pulled up a chair as close as he could, sat down and took her hand. He wanted to take her in his arms to comfort her. She really had a lot going on. He was surprised she didn't lose her head. He could see she was working letters.
"Do you want to be left alone?" he asked.
"No, you are fine. I don't know what to say to my parents other then whatever makes you happy. Adults are weird. Think, I'm one already and I don't understand some things. I've been stewing over this situation all afternoon. I don't have any answers, or explanations. I am just going to accept it for what it is and love my three parents. Because after all family is what you make of it. So, it sounds weird trying to explain it to someone else, but hey who else do I have to explain it to?"
"Delia, you are far wiser then beyond your years." Severus sighed, "I don't know if you now this or not. Dumbledore is writing your folks about what happened today."
"I figured as much. As long as they don't come rushing over I'll be ok."
"Speaking of your parents may I have your father's address?" Severus asked.
"Why, you want to send him a letter? You don't even know him."
"Because I need to tell him something."
"About what? That my project is Potions? I can do that in my letter I'm sending to him."
"It's not that, Delia. It's personal. I need to ask your father for permission to court you, that's all."
Delia looked dumbstruck. That something that wasn't put into practice much back home. She could see the look on her father's face when he read Severus letter. He would get the next flight over and beat Severus up. "You are going to do that. It's kind of out of date isn't it?"
"I never thought it was. Not in this world it isn't, maybe in Kansas its old fashioned. Normally, I would ask your father in person. But in lieu of the fact he's not here makes it an complication"
Delia shook her head. "If you are sending one to my dad you best send one to my mother. I'll write down the addresses. It's kind of a pain because I have to send letters via the Ministry and then they go Muggle Post."
"I can deal with that or I can mail the letters in the Muggle Post and then your parents can send the reply to you. I'll be taking a trip to Diagon Alley this weekend. I know you need supplies so I am asking permission from Dumbledore to take you with me. Also, I have this friend who has some of the ingredients you will need. We shall pay a visit to him. Bring your ice skates. I'm going to borrow his pond."
"Ok fine. Hand me a pen and I'll jot down the addresses. You can send the letter to my mom at home and to my dad you can send it to the restaurant. Anyone else you plan on writing in my family?
"No, that will do for now, " Severus said. He let go of Delia's hand and ran his fingers through his hair. Delia looked at Severus. He looked tired. There were bags under his eyes. Delia wondered what his life would be like if he didn't have to deal with Malfoy. She was surprised that his hair hadn't turned grey. But then again wizards and witches lived longer then Muggles. Severus looked as if he was in another world. Delia reached out and stroked his hair. Severus closed his eyes and his face relaxed. Delia speculated this is what he looked like when he was younger. Delia's hand trailed down to his cheekbone to his chin and then his lips. Severus kissed her fingertips. Delia pulled her hand away and yawned.
"I should let you rest. And I should grade my papers. We will start your project on Wednesday. I also presume you are behind on your homework, which, my dear, is important."
***
Delia had finished a full day of classes for once. She had made it down for all of her meals. But she hadn't seen Severus all day, other then in class. She missed him. She went through a grueling Quidditch Practice. Hufflepuff was playing Slytherin on Friday after all. No one wanted to see Slytherin win. The Slytherins had been giving her weird looks and whispered behind her back. Delia didn't care. For once this was one match Delia wanted to win. If they lost she also realized it was just a game. Delia was sitting in Common Room when an owl came in through the door. It dropped a letter in front her. She turned it over and looked at the seal. It had an "M" embellished in green sealing wax. She knew where it was from. Delia took out her wand and levitated the letter down to the dungeons. She didn't care if Severus had said not to bother him or not. She was going to him. If he was detained she was going to go to Dumbledore. She had tried to see Dumbledore that same day but he
was out. She would have to try tomorrow. Delia found Severus in his office. He looked slightly annoyed when she entered without knocking. But when he saw the envelope a look of confusion crossed his face.
"Before you throw me out let me say sorry for bothering you but considering the circumstances I thought I better." The letter was still in midair. "I think it's from Malfoy. I just got it. I thought I better bring it down." She waved her wand and the letter fell on Severus's desk. Severus turned the letter over. He recognized the "M".
"You guessed right," he said. "You were smart not to open it. Could have a Port Key or could have something to do with Dark Magic. If you don't mind, I'll open it. Because if I get Port Keyed off I can handle Malfoy and it would scare him if I arrived in your place." Severus took his wand and poked at the letter. Once he deemed it safe he tore it open and read it. "Malfoy just wants you at one of his parties again. He's writing asking when you can come. He's given a few dates. Here you read it." He handed her the letter. Delia read it:
Dear Miss Wheelrite,
Thank you for attending my party at the last minute I am pleased you enjoyed yourself. I am asking you to set a date or select one from the list I have attached so you can come back. We all would love to hear more about Kansas and how Hogwarts first ever exchange student's experiences have been. I would make you my honoured guest again. Just write ahead of time so we can plan the menu around your dietary needs. I look forward to your response.
Your friend,
Lucius Malfoy
"My friend malarkey! HA!" She went over to the fireplace and tossed in the letter watching it burn. "I'll write a response saying not only no, but hell no! I'm never going to set a foot in Malfoys home ever again!"
"You don't have to. If he sends you another letter bring it directly to me. You did the right thing tonight. I'm not mad at you. I hope you weren't doing anything important."
"Transfiguration Homework, nothing else other then that really. Do you have a quill and some parchment handy? I'm going to write Malfoy."
"Just don't spill any ink. I know you are notorious for it. I've had several robes ruined because of your ink spills. I still have a stain on my classroom floor. And let me remind you that I was the one suggesting that you write with Muggle pens!"
"Fine you can write my letter for me or I'll go back to the Common Room and write it myself. Then I'll autograph my abstract art. As for your robes, send my dad the bill."
"No, you can write it here," he said clearing three stacks of papers off his desk, making enough room for Delia to scratch out a letter. Delia pulled the chair up close to the desk and took the quill and ink and wrote:
Dear Mr Malfoy,
I regret to inform you I cannot attend one of your functions. I am quite busy with schoolwork at the moment. Thank you for inviting me but I must turn it down. If you wish to have further correspondence with me it shall be sent through Headmaster Dumbledore.
Sincerely,
Delia P. Wheelrite
Severus handed Delia an envelope. Delia addressed the envelope and put the stopper in the ink. She handed Severus the ink and quill back. "Thanks."
"No problem. I think what you said in the letter was the correct thing to do. Malfoy really should be asking Dumbledore first. Like always the headmaster will be informed of the letter that was sent to you. I don't trust that git Malfoy for one minute.
"Me neither. I have no clue what he's trying to prove."
"Let's not think of it. But I do have some good news. My sister wrote to me. She will be coming for a visit. She is anxious to meet you. I've told my sister what's been going on between us. I presume you have told Josh and Nicola too. You'll like Sandra. I think she is bringing her two children. I won't know until she arrives."
"Cool. How long will she be here?"
"I think three or four days. I won't know for sure. She has to see what she can get off from work. She married a nice Muggle man. He works for HSBC and they live in London. Sandra arrives next Saturday evening."
"Cool, I think I best get back to my homework now as much as I don't want to. This is the year I can't slack off with N.E.W.T.S. You were in my place once, so you understand."
"Yes, I do. I have grading to do. I'm more or less caught up. I'll see you tomorrow night after dinner for your project." Delia got out of her chair. She gave him hug. Severus felt content.
"I'm off. Take care." Before he could say anything she was gone. Severus sighed and went back to grading essays.
***
AHHH What's happening next? Preview of the next chapter: Quidditch and Severus drinks a Muggle drink.
I'll try to have more up later. Maybe tomorrow. Depends on how tired I am after driving all the way to Oklahoma City and then back. I'm going to be in my boyfriend's brother's Honda.
Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns anything and everything HP. I just borrowed some of it so I could have a little fun.
Ch 13-A Prediction comes true.
Delia woke up to find Severus gone. She reached onto the nightstand for a piece of parchment that had Severus's handwriting.
Delia,
Depending on when you get this good morning or afternoon. I tried to wake you but all you did was said "AM." So there fore I left you where you were. I found Nicola and asked her to bring some of your clothes. She seemed unfazed. From my guess you have told her what's going on. Take your time getting ready. Just don't come out when I'm in class. You'll have to pass the door and the will raise suspicion. I informed Dumbledore of what happened last night. I'll come by to check on you at lunch.
Severus
Delia looked at the alarm clock. It was noon. She got out of bed and went over to the wardrobe pulling out her school robes and uniform. She found a tote bag beside the bathroom door with her new shoes and some other things. Delia went into the bathroom, changed, and came out. She picked up the books she had dropped. There were three: Poisons and Antidotes, Other then the Bezoar and Poisons, an Illustrated Guide. Delia sighed and began to read. She quickly ruled out Poisons and Antidotes. Severus came in through the door shortly after twelve thirty.
"Hiya Severus, how are you?" she asked as if she were on a caffeine high.
"Rather worn-out. You look refreshed. I hope you didn't miss much this morning."
"No, just Care of Magical Creatures and DADA. Nothing important like Potions," she replied nonchalantly.
Severus chose to ignore her last remark."I think you learned more about DADA last night then you have so far."
"That's mildly stating it. Well, I should be off. I have to get some lunch and classes this afternoon...yahhhhhhh."
"You sound so thrilled. I think I'm rubbing off on you."
"Nope, Don't think so. I'm starved." She went over to Severus and gave him a kiss. "I'm off. See you later."
"See you. Oh Delia, I've fallen behind in grading. As much as I hate to say this, please don't drop by after dinner. I'll get as much as I can graded tonight. Come by tomorrow night. We'll start work on your project. Read through the books."
"I will. I've got to go. I need my bag for this afternoon." With that she walked out of the door down the hallway. Severus watched her walk to the stairs. He couldn't believe how she was almost a lady, but yet she was still growing up and realizing what she was becoming. He smiled and thought to himself, give her sometime. Don't rush things. She will learn in due time. She's almost a lady, almost.
***
Delia was in the Great Hall sitting next to Nicola and Josh. She had met them in the hallway en route to the dorm. Nicola had Delia's backpack so that saved time. Delia was in the middle of telling her two closest confidants what happened at the Malfoy Manor. The two sat at the table awe struck that Delia had made it out alive.
"I am amazed!" Josh exclaimed, "You know my Dad's an Auror. I bet he would like to know what you were doing there. He hates Malfoy and anything Malfoy and anything Death Eater for that matter. I bet as you said Malfoy has a plan up his sleeve. I bet your nerves were a mess there. I'm amazed you didn't lose it there."
"You and me both. I can't get over how prissy all the women were. Man, from the way they were acting you'd think I was beauty queen."
Nicola coughed, "I hate to say this, Dee. But you are pretty. Have you looked at yourself recently! I've been in this world my whole life and I can tell you by wizard standard...your hot stuff. Any wizard would like to get his hands on you, even if you are Muggle Born. I over heard some Slytherin guys out on the lawn talking about you. They were saying you were hot, even for a Huff. However, you have your man. Nonetheless, I don't know what you see in him. But hey if he's happy, from what I gathered when I saw him this morning, then that's cool."
Josh nodded in agreement. "Hey, I can deal with it. You and well...yeah. I don't know what your parents would say. I mean you have been..."
"Yeah, Yeah," Delia said. "We know what I've been doing. I'd prefer not to think about what my folks would say about it."
"Oh Delia!" Nicola exclaimed, "I almost forgot, you got post this morning. I picked it up for you. Here. Sorry."
"Nicola, thanks it's cool!" Delia looked at her Daily Prophet and then opened her letter from home. It was from her father. The letter didn't have its usual cheery tone.
Hello Delia!
I hope the school year has started off well. Sorry for writing later then normal but the business has been busy. We got our rating and we now have four stars! I hope that explains a lot. However, your mother and I are having problems. I'm not going to keep you out of this. You are eighteen and I know you can handle this stuff. Your mother for some reason or other has been spending a lot of time with Elle. I came home the other night to your mom and Elle. Normally, this hasn't bugged in all the years they have know each other. But you know Elle has been divorced now for two years from her wife, well you knew Elle preferred women over men. Not that I have a problem with it. I had worked late and came in home at two am. Your mother and Elle and been to a nightclub...together. Your mother gave me marching orders after we had a fight and broke a few lamps. Had the Derby cops come over, woke up the neighbors. Sorry if this sounds weird but I've had a bottle of red and am sleeping
in my office.
What I'm saying is your mother and I have separated. I suspect you will be getting a letter from your mother soon, if you haven't already. I will be moving out of the house on Briarwood. As you guessed Elle will be moving a soon as I move out. Gerald and Kathy have offered to let me stay at they place until I can find place of my own. I don't know if I can put up with Gerald's son, Keith. I wonder when Gerald and Kathy are getting married. Oh well. So for the moment send letters to me here at the restaurant. As soon as I find a place, I'll place a call to the Ministry and have them get in contact with you.
Delia I still love you. You know that. I'm sorry your mother has run off with your godmother. I know they both love you too. I'm not asking you to take sides. You know I could never do that to you. I'm just asking you to love them both. Before I left the house we all agreed not to fight over you. If you choose to hate us or just one or two that is your choice. But I know you well enough to know that I doubt you will hate any of us.
I'm too drunk to write anymore.
Love
Dad
Delia read the letter two more times. She couldn't believe it. She didn't finish her lunch; she collected her backpack and ran out. Severus saw that Delia had gotten a letter then saw her run. He wanted to dash out after her but couldn't. Josh and Nicola weren't far behind. Delia has collapsed on the front lawn in the warm sunshine muttering, I'm ok, I'm ok, over and over again. Delia opened her eyes to find several people looking down on her. She sat up.
"I'm ok, I'm ok, I'm ok, I'm ok, I'm ok...I think." She then fell back down. Everything went black.
***
Delia woke up later that afternoon in the Hospital Wing. Sitting in the chairs brought in were Josh, Nicola, Headmaster Dumbledore, Professor Sprout, Professor McGonagall, Severus and Lucius Malfoy. Delia sat up in bed and said,
"Hello my loyal fan club. How's everyone."
No one laughed. Instead they looked at Delia. "What you all are acting like I died or something. I'm breathing!"
"You could have died!" Nicola exclaimed, "You fainted and hit your head. If Professor Snape hadn't been following behind us he couldn't have made you a potion in time!"
"Speaking of potion," Severus said, "you need to drink more of it." he handed her a goblet full of a odd colored purple potion. She drank it.
"So what is everyone else doing here? I mean it's nice to have a loyal fan club. I'll be giving autographs later."
Dumbledore spoke, "You can guess why myself, Professor Snape and Professor Sprout are here. Josh and Nicola refused to leave. Mr. Malfoy was here on an official Ministry visit and heard of your misfortune. You being our exchange student he was naturally worried. Miss Wheelrite what caused you to faint?"
Everyone waited in silence. Delia spoke in a soft whisper. "I'd rather not say to everyone, it's family business."
"Mr. Friedell, Miss Rodgers," Dumbledore said, "Please leave the room so I may have a word with Miss Wheelrite. Mr. Malfoy I will continue our visit in my office. Delia, its up to you if Professor Sprout and Professor Snape can stay."
Delia nodded as Malfoy, Josh and Nicola left the room. Delia didn't speak but handed Dumbledore the letter that was on the table, "You all may read it, I think it says more then I can right now."
Dumbledore read the letter and looked quite shocked himself. He passed the letter on to Professor Sprout who had much the same look as she passed the letter to Severus. Severs placed the letter on the table and said nothing. Delia looked at the three of them and shrugged her shoulders.
"I knew it was coming," she said. "My parents were avoiding each other a lot this summer. Elle was around lots. My parents bickered a great deal too. We couldn't get though dinner with out something breaking or being spilled. The car ride to Kansas City International Airport wasn't a picnic either. Man, three hours of silence will drive a person batty. They didn't talk. When they did it was a two minute squabble."
"Delia," Professor Sprout said, "I'm sorry you had to find out like this. But if you need to talk you know where to fine me."
"The same goes for me also," Dumbledore said. "Delia you know my office is open to you."
"Same goes for me, just don't hit your head anymore, Ok Delia?" Severus said.
Delia smiled at Severus joke. "Thanks. But I think I'm ok now. I'm going to send dad home a letter as soon can."
"In that case I think we can leave you alone. I'll have Josh and Nicola come after class."
"I need to stay with Delia," Severus said, "to make sure she isn't allergic to anything in the potion that can crop up later, especially with this potion. I'll only stay for a little while. Delia needs her rest."
Professor Sprout and the headmaster left. Delia was alone with Severus. Delia leaned back. "I have spent more time out of class then I have in class so far. I could write a book on it and sell it."
"You are taking this well. I'd thought you'd be more upset then this."
"Would you think I'm weird if I said I my mom has always liked Elle?" Delia said in her normal unfazed voice. "Back home if you a bi you are considered weird. Dad's been living in denial for years. Mom and Elle have been sneaking around for years. It's nothing new to me. But why are they doing something about it now is beyond me. What the hey was Malfoy doing here?"
"I don't know. But I don't like it. His son will be attending next year."
"Oh what fun! Well, I won't be here. I'll be doing what I choose. Maybe I'll go fishing."
Severus laughed. "Catch a big one for me! Anyway I should leave you be before Madame Pomfrey throws me out. I'll come by tonight to see how you are."
"I thought you were grading papers."
"I canceled classes this afternoon. I have sometime." He kissed Delia on the forehead. "See you later."
***
Delia sat in the Hospital Wing. Josh and Nicola had come in and were shooed out. Delia as in the middle of her letters home when her dinner arrived. She ate dinner and was on her last bite when Severus came in. He pulled up a chair as close as he could, sat down and took her hand. He wanted to take her in his arms to comfort her. She really had a lot going on. He was surprised she didn't lose her head. He could see she was working letters.
"Do you want to be left alone?" he asked.
"No, you are fine. I don't know what to say to my parents other then whatever makes you happy. Adults are weird. Think, I'm one already and I don't understand some things. I've been stewing over this situation all afternoon. I don't have any answers, or explanations. I am just going to accept it for what it is and love my three parents. Because after all family is what you make of it. So, it sounds weird trying to explain it to someone else, but hey who else do I have to explain it to?"
"Delia, you are far wiser then beyond your years." Severus sighed, "I don't know if you now this or not. Dumbledore is writing your folks about what happened today."
"I figured as much. As long as they don't come rushing over I'll be ok."
"Speaking of your parents may I have your father's address?" Severus asked.
"Why, you want to send him a letter? You don't even know him."
"Because I need to tell him something."
"About what? That my project is Potions? I can do that in my letter I'm sending to him."
"It's not that, Delia. It's personal. I need to ask your father for permission to court you, that's all."
Delia looked dumbstruck. That something that wasn't put into practice much back home. She could see the look on her father's face when he read Severus letter. He would get the next flight over and beat Severus up. "You are going to do that. It's kind of out of date isn't it?"
"I never thought it was. Not in this world it isn't, maybe in Kansas its old fashioned. Normally, I would ask your father in person. But in lieu of the fact he's not here makes it an complication"
Delia shook her head. "If you are sending one to my dad you best send one to my mother. I'll write down the addresses. It's kind of a pain because I have to send letters via the Ministry and then they go Muggle Post."
"I can deal with that or I can mail the letters in the Muggle Post and then your parents can send the reply to you. I'll be taking a trip to Diagon Alley this weekend. I know you need supplies so I am asking permission from Dumbledore to take you with me. Also, I have this friend who has some of the ingredients you will need. We shall pay a visit to him. Bring your ice skates. I'm going to borrow his pond."
"Ok fine. Hand me a pen and I'll jot down the addresses. You can send the letter to my mom at home and to my dad you can send it to the restaurant. Anyone else you plan on writing in my family?
"No, that will do for now, " Severus said. He let go of Delia's hand and ran his fingers through his hair. Delia looked at Severus. He looked tired. There were bags under his eyes. Delia wondered what his life would be like if he didn't have to deal with Malfoy. She was surprised that his hair hadn't turned grey. But then again wizards and witches lived longer then Muggles. Severus looked as if he was in another world. Delia reached out and stroked his hair. Severus closed his eyes and his face relaxed. Delia speculated this is what he looked like when he was younger. Delia's hand trailed down to his cheekbone to his chin and then his lips. Severus kissed her fingertips. Delia pulled her hand away and yawned.
"I should let you rest. And I should grade my papers. We will start your project on Wednesday. I also presume you are behind on your homework, which, my dear, is important."
***
Delia had finished a full day of classes for once. She had made it down for all of her meals. But she hadn't seen Severus all day, other then in class. She missed him. She went through a grueling Quidditch Practice. Hufflepuff was playing Slytherin on Friday after all. No one wanted to see Slytherin win. The Slytherins had been giving her weird looks and whispered behind her back. Delia didn't care. For once this was one match Delia wanted to win. If they lost she also realized it was just a game. Delia was sitting in Common Room when an owl came in through the door. It dropped a letter in front her. She turned it over and looked at the seal. It had an "M" embellished in green sealing wax. She knew where it was from. Delia took out her wand and levitated the letter down to the dungeons. She didn't care if Severus had said not to bother him or not. She was going to him. If he was detained she was going to go to Dumbledore. She had tried to see Dumbledore that same day but he
was out. She would have to try tomorrow. Delia found Severus in his office. He looked slightly annoyed when she entered without knocking. But when he saw the envelope a look of confusion crossed his face.
"Before you throw me out let me say sorry for bothering you but considering the circumstances I thought I better." The letter was still in midair. "I think it's from Malfoy. I just got it. I thought I better bring it down." She waved her wand and the letter fell on Severus's desk. Severus turned the letter over. He recognized the "M".
"You guessed right," he said. "You were smart not to open it. Could have a Port Key or could have something to do with Dark Magic. If you don't mind, I'll open it. Because if I get Port Keyed off I can handle Malfoy and it would scare him if I arrived in your place." Severus took his wand and poked at the letter. Once he deemed it safe he tore it open and read it. "Malfoy just wants you at one of his parties again. He's writing asking when you can come. He's given a few dates. Here you read it." He handed her the letter. Delia read it:
Dear Miss Wheelrite,
Thank you for attending my party at the last minute I am pleased you enjoyed yourself. I am asking you to set a date or select one from the list I have attached so you can come back. We all would love to hear more about Kansas and how Hogwarts first ever exchange student's experiences have been. I would make you my honoured guest again. Just write ahead of time so we can plan the menu around your dietary needs. I look forward to your response.
Your friend,
Lucius Malfoy
"My friend malarkey! HA!" She went over to the fireplace and tossed in the letter watching it burn. "I'll write a response saying not only no, but hell no! I'm never going to set a foot in Malfoys home ever again!"
"You don't have to. If he sends you another letter bring it directly to me. You did the right thing tonight. I'm not mad at you. I hope you weren't doing anything important."
"Transfiguration Homework, nothing else other then that really. Do you have a quill and some parchment handy? I'm going to write Malfoy."
"Just don't spill any ink. I know you are notorious for it. I've had several robes ruined because of your ink spills. I still have a stain on my classroom floor. And let me remind you that I was the one suggesting that you write with Muggle pens!"
"Fine you can write my letter for me or I'll go back to the Common Room and write it myself. Then I'll autograph my abstract art. As for your robes, send my dad the bill."
"No, you can write it here," he said clearing three stacks of papers off his desk, making enough room for Delia to scratch out a letter. Delia pulled the chair up close to the desk and took the quill and ink and wrote:
Dear Mr Malfoy,
I regret to inform you I cannot attend one of your functions. I am quite busy with schoolwork at the moment. Thank you for inviting me but I must turn it down. If you wish to have further correspondence with me it shall be sent through Headmaster Dumbledore.
Sincerely,
Delia P. Wheelrite
Severus handed Delia an envelope. Delia addressed the envelope and put the stopper in the ink. She handed Severus the ink and quill back. "Thanks."
"No problem. I think what you said in the letter was the correct thing to do. Malfoy really should be asking Dumbledore first. Like always the headmaster will be informed of the letter that was sent to you. I don't trust that git Malfoy for one minute.
"Me neither. I have no clue what he's trying to prove."
"Let's not think of it. But I do have some good news. My sister wrote to me. She will be coming for a visit. She is anxious to meet you. I've told my sister what's been going on between us. I presume you have told Josh and Nicola too. You'll like Sandra. I think she is bringing her two children. I won't know until she arrives."
"Cool. How long will she be here?"
"I think three or four days. I won't know for sure. She has to see what she can get off from work. She married a nice Muggle man. He works for HSBC and they live in London. Sandra arrives next Saturday evening."
"Cool, I think I best get back to my homework now as much as I don't want to. This is the year I can't slack off with N.E.W.T.S. You were in my place once, so you understand."
"Yes, I do. I have grading to do. I'm more or less caught up. I'll see you tomorrow night after dinner for your project." Delia got out of her chair. She gave him hug. Severus felt content.
"I'm off. Take care." Before he could say anything she was gone. Severus sighed and went back to grading essays.
***
AHHH What's happening next? Preview of the next chapter: Quidditch and Severus drinks a Muggle drink.
I'll try to have more up later. Maybe tomorrow. Depends on how tired I am after driving all the way to Oklahoma City and then back. I'm going to be in my boyfriend's brother's Honda.