Nothing to say. Enjoy.
We know the discklammmers by now.
***
Ch 20-The Truth About Elle
Severus had canceled his classes for the day. He was more worried about Delia. She had been asleep for three hours now. He knew she needed the rest. He also knew her family was going to be showing up at any moment. He waited at the entrance to the school. He was going to tell exactly what happened. Dumbledore had wanted to see Severus as in yesterday. But Severus didn't feel like telling about his horrible night twice. He saw Delia's folks arriving with Lucius Malfoy. Needless, to say they looked enraged. As Josie got closer she had an evil look on her face. Josie approached Severus.
"I can't believe it. I thought you were...er! WHERE'S DELIA!" her mother demanded and then smacked him across his face.
"I don't know what this rat has told you," Severus said rubbing his cheek. "But let me inform you it's a lie. Delia is safe and sound. I will not disclose her location at this time in front of this git.".
"Severus," Albert said threatening, "If you don't tell us where our Delia is I will see to it personally that Mr. Malfoy has you taken away from here!"
"Now, Professor Snape. Would you kindly enlighten us," Malfoy said. "Where Delia Wheelrite is. I know you kidnapped her last night."
"Ohhh such the liar we are today, Malfoy. I didn't abduct Delia. I would never do such thing!"
"By the way, Professor Snape I have informed Delia's family how I found you two on your bed. I will ask again, where is she Severus?"
Severus was about to lunge at Malfoy when Headmaster Dumbledore came out. "What is the meaning of all this Professor Snape? Where's Delia?"
"Delia is right here!" Delia said, her voice tired. "Hiya guys. WHAT THE FRIG ARE YOU DOING HERE MALFOY!"
"Delia you should be resting!" exclaimed Severus.
"Tell your parents how you were kidnapped by Severus." Malfoy said. "Tell them about the Love Potion. Tell them how he had you under the Cruciatus Curse."
"Mom, Dad, Elle!" Delia pleased. "Listen to me. Malfoy is joke. It wasn't Severus. He rescued me. You have got to believe me."
"She is under the influence-" Malfoy said before he was cut of by shouting from Delia and Josie.
"SILENCE!" Dumbledore shouted, "All of you. I have Mr. Fudge in my office. He has told me the entire story as far as he knows. I know we are all concerned for Delia's well being. Shall we take this to my office before we get anymore onlookers on their way to the Great Hall?"
***
"And that as Paul Harvey would say that is the rest... of the story." Delia said, lying on the settee in Dumbledore's office. The walk up from Severus chambers to the front entrance to the headmaster's office wore Delia out. She closed her eyes. Telling her family the entire recount of what happened was enough to drain her. She was ignoring Malfoy as he was exclaiming his attempts to explain last night. He was saying Severus had kidnapped her and Malfoy was the one trying to save her. Delia hoped no one was buying his story. Fudge was being quite the whole time but finally spoke.
"Miss Wheelrite how can you accuse Mr. Malfoy of being a Death Eater? When you and I know they are all in Azkaban? I think, my dear you have been reading far too much in the Restricted Section. I will ask Dumbledore to take away your privileges for a while until he thinks you can handle the situation. Last night you just ended up in the wrong place with Severus. I don't know why your headmaster keeps him around. Severus has no right to take you away from the grounds last night. I don't know about this tall tale about being under two of the Unforgivable Curses. I have asked Headmaster Dumbledore to have Severus fired for his illicit behaviours towards you. If it were up to me I would send you back to America. I can see that this exchange program had caused more problems then it's worth. I don't understand the madness here at Hogwarts. Mr. Malfoy and I are going to return to the Ministry and let the Headmaster take care of things here. Good day to you all!"
Fudge and Malfoy left Dumbledore's office. Delia finally said what had been raging in her head for the last few minutes, "What a bastard that Malfoy! I can't believe what a loon Fudge is! MALFOY JUST CAN'T WALK AWAY FROM THIS! I HATE MALFOY! HATE HIM! HATE HIM! HATE HIM!"
"Delia clam down!" her father shouted.
"I WILL NOT! I AM UPSET" she shouted, he tone then changed. "Headmaster, sir, you aren't going to fire Severus are you? He didn't do anything wrong. Mom, Dad and Elle, you guys believe my side of the story don't you? Fudge is an idiot."
There was silence in Dumbledore's office. Delia sat up from the settee. She was crying. Severus sighed and said, "I'll pack my things and leave at once." He left the office. Delia looked at her parents.
"I guess that means I'm going back to Kansas," she said in between tears. "I'll say good bye to everyone and get my bags. Sorry for anything I did you all. I'm sorry I let you down. All I wanted to do was come here and learn. I'm sorry I've screwed up everything for everybody. But it seems as if no one believes me."
"Delia did any one here say we didn't believe you?" Dumbledore asked soothingly.
"No, but I thought-"
"Ah, my dear no girl could come up with a wild story as that unless it did in deed fact happen. I do believe you. As for your parents I don't know."
"I believe you Dee," Josie said softly.
"Thanks Mom!"
"I believe you too. I never trusted that Malfoy fellow," Albert said. "Severus isn't a bad chap. I like him."
"That is the coolest thing I've heard. Thanks Dad!"
Elle cleared her throat. "I also trust you. I've even been keeping a secret. I don't know how to state this more then I am a witch myself."
"No way!" Delia exclaimed. "For real?"
"Yes, I am. I must say you are lucky to attend Hogwarts. I went to school in Salem."
Albert and Josie were in shock. Josie was the first to speak. "Elle! I never! Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"You and Albert would have thought I was joking. At first you weren't receptive of Delia's powers. It was me that convinced your parents to send you here Delia."
Albert was wide eyed. Fawkes came over and perched on his shoulder. Delia smiled and gasped, "Oh my god! Severus. He thinks he's been sacked. Is he Headmaster? Is he going to be sacked?"
"No, Delia." Dumbledore said, "Why would I fire Severus? He's the best Potions Master we have ever had."
Delia gasped and ran off the settee saying, "I'd better go tell him. Bye!"
By the time Delia had ran to the dungeons she was out of breath. She ran into the classroom and skidded to a halt. She almost crashed into Severus's desk. Severus looked up from cleaning out one of his desk drawers.
"Ah, my little fiancé. You have come to say good-bye haven't you? I will find employment somewhere. I will write to you everyday. I will have to learn to use the Muggle post more frequently. I promise I will send for you in Kansas when I have found a suitable job and place of residence. I'll take Nell with me. I love you and I don't want to do this but I have too."
Delia was still breathing hard, "Dumbledore...has...hasn't...s-s-s-sacked...you."
"Delia, your parents looked as if they wanted me out. You are a good girl. Don't defy your parents by staying engaged to me. It is your choice. If you decide to break the engagement, I will understand. I just want you to remember that I do love you. I love you enough to let you go."
"So old Snape when's the wedding? As Delia's father I am entitled to know. I am after all turning her over to you."
"Dad, Mom, Elle, Headmaster, Josh, Nicola. What are you all doing here?" Delia exclaimed.
"I am here to tell Severus that he isn't fired. Stop looking so grave, Severus." Dumbledore said.
"I'm here cause I want to know where the HELL you were last night." Nicola cried, "When you aren't in your bed, I worry! We've been buds for years. How much have you kept from me? DON'T YOU EVER DO IT AGAIN!"
"I'm here because Nicola said I better come along. I just wanted to ask if I could borrow a Galleon." Josh said.
"Mom what are you and Elle doing here?"
"I'm here to tell Severus what I am," said Elle. "I don't know if Delia beat me to it. But I'm a witch."
"No, she hadn't mentioned it." Severus said. He was looking quite puzzled.
"I'm here because I didn't want to be left out. I alos need to say sorry to Sev. I shouldn't have smacked you" Josie said.
"Just great, what's next? Is A.J. dropping by for coffee?" Delia said being droll.
"Well now that you mention it Delia, no." A.J. said coming out of Severus's office. "I heard through the grapevine something went on. I had to come see if you and Severus were all right. I can see I have dropped in at a bad time. I'll come back."
"No, you are fine A.J.! My folks are here. Let me introduce you around." Delia introduced everyone to A.J. He nodded and shook hands.
"It was a pleasure to meet you all. Severus and I typically have lunch on Friday afternoons when there is a Quidditch Match."
"D'oh! I forgot about Ravenclaw is playing Gryffindor! I am such a bad Quidditch Captian!" Everyone in the room laughed. "Well in that case shall we get some coffee and then have lunch and enjoy an afternoon of Quidditch?"
"I think that is the best idea I have heard all day." Severus said.
***
The Quidditch match amazed Delia's family. Ravenclaw beat Griffindor. It was a good match. Delia always knew Griffindor would put on a good show. Elle had never seen Quidditch, but played Quodpot back when she was in school. A.J. seemed to be enjoying himself. He looked rather pleased. They all had after all decided to sit in the Hufflepuff stands. Delia's posse was getting bizarre looks from the Hufflepuffs. Severus was getting the scariest of looks. Hufflepuff feared Professor Snape. They didn't quite understand what was going on or why he was even sitting with their Quidditch Captian.
Once the match was over Nicola and Delia took her Elle and Josie to Hogsmeade. Delia showed them around. Severus, A.J., Albert and Josh went to the Hogs Head. They all agreed to meet up for dinner at the Three Broom Sticks. Elle liked Hogsmeade. She found many things to take back home.
Once dinner was over Delia's family left to return to London. Josh and Nicola politely excused themselves. A.J. had left hours ago to get back to his plants. That left Severus and Delia alone to walk back. It was cool clear night. Delia and Severus were holding hands. Delia giggled.
"A girl always frets about telling her parents she's engaged. She wonders what her parents will say. I just figured out I don't have to worry about that! It's already out in the open." Delia was howling with laughter. "I think it's funny how my parents found out."
Severus smiled, "It was rather unique how they did find out. I'm not going to push you to set a date. I know you have this year to finish out. It would be asking a lot for you to plan a wedding right now for this summer. I can wait until next summer. We can plan out the wedding next year and we can have a really nice wedding. But let's forget about that for the moment. How you figured out what you will do after you graduate from Hogwarts?"
"No, I'm still waiting on rejection letters from Oxford and Cambridge. I sent the applications off over the summer. I should be hearing from them anyway now. I have decided to study Anthropology. I hope you don't think I'm a nutter."
"Delia I learned you were a nutter a long time ago. I still love you. I think Anthropology is an excellent subject. It's something practical Muggles have, in fact, invented. I'm not going to fault you for it. Tomorrow we are meeting your parents in front of the Leaky Cauldron at ten O'clock. You can bring Josh and Nicola with you as you know."
"Why are we going to Diagon Alley?" she asked.
"Your father is insistent on seeing my bank account. I think he's worried I'm a poor man. Your father thinks very highly of you, Delia. He doesn't want to see anything bad happen to you. I can say the same if we have a daughter. I bet she'll be as pretty as you."
Delia laughed, "If she is anything like I was, oh man! But I'm more worried about what dress to pick out. Mom and Elle like you. Elle was saying if she was younger and single she'd run off with you!"
"I've noticed Elle is quite a character."
"Anyway is your sister still coming tomorrow?"
"I completely forgot about Sandra coming!" Severus exclaimed. I'll send her an owl as soon as we get back. She can meet us in Diagon Alley."
"Good, you do that. When I get in I am falling a sleep and sleeping like I never slept before. I am tired. Anyway last night I had some of my hairpins in my hair. Where did you put them?"
"I have them in my chambers in a box. You can pick them up when you want."
"Thank you. I was wonder where they went."
"Delia if I asked you to talk Kansan would you?"
"Kansan? What do you mean Kansan? It's English!" she said quickly.
"I want you to talk to me like you do to your mother."
"I talk the same I talk to my mother as I am talking to you."
"No, you don't. You drop things in your speech and you say different things. Talk to me like you would talk to your mother!"
"Okey fine. He goes," she took a deep breath and started to speak fast. "Well, ya see I walkin' down the street when-all-of a sudden this weirdo ina- Chevy pick up started blarin' his horn at me. I was thinkin'... what does he want? So-o-o I walked over and I asked'em. I say Yo, dude, whadda want? He says, I jus' wanna know where is the nearest Wal Mart. So I said to'em. That's simple! Jus' take this road you are on till ya get to Red Powell, hang a left and ya can't miss the joint-it's-on-the right. He said thanks and I said cool. There I spoke Kansan. Did you understand any of it?"
"No, but I find it fascinating! Say some more!"
"I'm too tired! I'll talk Kansan later." They reached the front steps to the school. Severus walked Delia to the Hufflepuff dorm. Delia gave him a quick kiss and headed off to bed.
We know the discklammmers by now.
***
Ch 20-The Truth About Elle
Severus had canceled his classes for the day. He was more worried about Delia. She had been asleep for three hours now. He knew she needed the rest. He also knew her family was going to be showing up at any moment. He waited at the entrance to the school. He was going to tell exactly what happened. Dumbledore had wanted to see Severus as in yesterday. But Severus didn't feel like telling about his horrible night twice. He saw Delia's folks arriving with Lucius Malfoy. Needless, to say they looked enraged. As Josie got closer she had an evil look on her face. Josie approached Severus.
"I can't believe it. I thought you were...er! WHERE'S DELIA!" her mother demanded and then smacked him across his face.
"I don't know what this rat has told you," Severus said rubbing his cheek. "But let me inform you it's a lie. Delia is safe and sound. I will not disclose her location at this time in front of this git.".
"Severus," Albert said threatening, "If you don't tell us where our Delia is I will see to it personally that Mr. Malfoy has you taken away from here!"
"Now, Professor Snape. Would you kindly enlighten us," Malfoy said. "Where Delia Wheelrite is. I know you kidnapped her last night."
"Ohhh such the liar we are today, Malfoy. I didn't abduct Delia. I would never do such thing!"
"By the way, Professor Snape I have informed Delia's family how I found you two on your bed. I will ask again, where is she Severus?"
Severus was about to lunge at Malfoy when Headmaster Dumbledore came out. "What is the meaning of all this Professor Snape? Where's Delia?"
"Delia is right here!" Delia said, her voice tired. "Hiya guys. WHAT THE FRIG ARE YOU DOING HERE MALFOY!"
"Delia you should be resting!" exclaimed Severus.
"Tell your parents how you were kidnapped by Severus." Malfoy said. "Tell them about the Love Potion. Tell them how he had you under the Cruciatus Curse."
"Mom, Dad, Elle!" Delia pleased. "Listen to me. Malfoy is joke. It wasn't Severus. He rescued me. You have got to believe me."
"She is under the influence-" Malfoy said before he was cut of by shouting from Delia and Josie.
"SILENCE!" Dumbledore shouted, "All of you. I have Mr. Fudge in my office. He has told me the entire story as far as he knows. I know we are all concerned for Delia's well being. Shall we take this to my office before we get anymore onlookers on their way to the Great Hall?"
***
"And that as Paul Harvey would say that is the rest... of the story." Delia said, lying on the settee in Dumbledore's office. The walk up from Severus chambers to the front entrance to the headmaster's office wore Delia out. She closed her eyes. Telling her family the entire recount of what happened was enough to drain her. She was ignoring Malfoy as he was exclaiming his attempts to explain last night. He was saying Severus had kidnapped her and Malfoy was the one trying to save her. Delia hoped no one was buying his story. Fudge was being quite the whole time but finally spoke.
"Miss Wheelrite how can you accuse Mr. Malfoy of being a Death Eater? When you and I know they are all in Azkaban? I think, my dear you have been reading far too much in the Restricted Section. I will ask Dumbledore to take away your privileges for a while until he thinks you can handle the situation. Last night you just ended up in the wrong place with Severus. I don't know why your headmaster keeps him around. Severus has no right to take you away from the grounds last night. I don't know about this tall tale about being under two of the Unforgivable Curses. I have asked Headmaster Dumbledore to have Severus fired for his illicit behaviours towards you. If it were up to me I would send you back to America. I can see that this exchange program had caused more problems then it's worth. I don't understand the madness here at Hogwarts. Mr. Malfoy and I are going to return to the Ministry and let the Headmaster take care of things here. Good day to you all!"
Fudge and Malfoy left Dumbledore's office. Delia finally said what had been raging in her head for the last few minutes, "What a bastard that Malfoy! I can't believe what a loon Fudge is! MALFOY JUST CAN'T WALK AWAY FROM THIS! I HATE MALFOY! HATE HIM! HATE HIM! HATE HIM!"
"Delia clam down!" her father shouted.
"I WILL NOT! I AM UPSET" she shouted, he tone then changed. "Headmaster, sir, you aren't going to fire Severus are you? He didn't do anything wrong. Mom, Dad and Elle, you guys believe my side of the story don't you? Fudge is an idiot."
There was silence in Dumbledore's office. Delia sat up from the settee. She was crying. Severus sighed and said, "I'll pack my things and leave at once." He left the office. Delia looked at her parents.
"I guess that means I'm going back to Kansas," she said in between tears. "I'll say good bye to everyone and get my bags. Sorry for anything I did you all. I'm sorry I let you down. All I wanted to do was come here and learn. I'm sorry I've screwed up everything for everybody. But it seems as if no one believes me."
"Delia did any one here say we didn't believe you?" Dumbledore asked soothingly.
"No, but I thought-"
"Ah, my dear no girl could come up with a wild story as that unless it did in deed fact happen. I do believe you. As for your parents I don't know."
"I believe you Dee," Josie said softly.
"Thanks Mom!"
"I believe you too. I never trusted that Malfoy fellow," Albert said. "Severus isn't a bad chap. I like him."
"That is the coolest thing I've heard. Thanks Dad!"
Elle cleared her throat. "I also trust you. I've even been keeping a secret. I don't know how to state this more then I am a witch myself."
"No way!" Delia exclaimed. "For real?"
"Yes, I am. I must say you are lucky to attend Hogwarts. I went to school in Salem."
Albert and Josie were in shock. Josie was the first to speak. "Elle! I never! Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"You and Albert would have thought I was joking. At first you weren't receptive of Delia's powers. It was me that convinced your parents to send you here Delia."
Albert was wide eyed. Fawkes came over and perched on his shoulder. Delia smiled and gasped, "Oh my god! Severus. He thinks he's been sacked. Is he Headmaster? Is he going to be sacked?"
"No, Delia." Dumbledore said, "Why would I fire Severus? He's the best Potions Master we have ever had."
Delia gasped and ran off the settee saying, "I'd better go tell him. Bye!"
By the time Delia had ran to the dungeons she was out of breath. She ran into the classroom and skidded to a halt. She almost crashed into Severus's desk. Severus looked up from cleaning out one of his desk drawers.
"Ah, my little fiancé. You have come to say good-bye haven't you? I will find employment somewhere. I will write to you everyday. I will have to learn to use the Muggle post more frequently. I promise I will send for you in Kansas when I have found a suitable job and place of residence. I'll take Nell with me. I love you and I don't want to do this but I have too."
Delia was still breathing hard, "Dumbledore...has...hasn't...s-s-s-sacked...you."
"Delia, your parents looked as if they wanted me out. You are a good girl. Don't defy your parents by staying engaged to me. It is your choice. If you decide to break the engagement, I will understand. I just want you to remember that I do love you. I love you enough to let you go."
"So old Snape when's the wedding? As Delia's father I am entitled to know. I am after all turning her over to you."
"Dad, Mom, Elle, Headmaster, Josh, Nicola. What are you all doing here?" Delia exclaimed.
"I am here to tell Severus that he isn't fired. Stop looking so grave, Severus." Dumbledore said.
"I'm here cause I want to know where the HELL you were last night." Nicola cried, "When you aren't in your bed, I worry! We've been buds for years. How much have you kept from me? DON'T YOU EVER DO IT AGAIN!"
"I'm here because Nicola said I better come along. I just wanted to ask if I could borrow a Galleon." Josh said.
"Mom what are you and Elle doing here?"
"I'm here to tell Severus what I am," said Elle. "I don't know if Delia beat me to it. But I'm a witch."
"No, she hadn't mentioned it." Severus said. He was looking quite puzzled.
"I'm here because I didn't want to be left out. I alos need to say sorry to Sev. I shouldn't have smacked you" Josie said.
"Just great, what's next? Is A.J. dropping by for coffee?" Delia said being droll.
"Well now that you mention it Delia, no." A.J. said coming out of Severus's office. "I heard through the grapevine something went on. I had to come see if you and Severus were all right. I can see I have dropped in at a bad time. I'll come back."
"No, you are fine A.J.! My folks are here. Let me introduce you around." Delia introduced everyone to A.J. He nodded and shook hands.
"It was a pleasure to meet you all. Severus and I typically have lunch on Friday afternoons when there is a Quidditch Match."
"D'oh! I forgot about Ravenclaw is playing Gryffindor! I am such a bad Quidditch Captian!" Everyone in the room laughed. "Well in that case shall we get some coffee and then have lunch and enjoy an afternoon of Quidditch?"
"I think that is the best idea I have heard all day." Severus said.
***
The Quidditch match amazed Delia's family. Ravenclaw beat Griffindor. It was a good match. Delia always knew Griffindor would put on a good show. Elle had never seen Quidditch, but played Quodpot back when she was in school. A.J. seemed to be enjoying himself. He looked rather pleased. They all had after all decided to sit in the Hufflepuff stands. Delia's posse was getting bizarre looks from the Hufflepuffs. Severus was getting the scariest of looks. Hufflepuff feared Professor Snape. They didn't quite understand what was going on or why he was even sitting with their Quidditch Captian.
Once the match was over Nicola and Delia took her Elle and Josie to Hogsmeade. Delia showed them around. Severus, A.J., Albert and Josh went to the Hogs Head. They all agreed to meet up for dinner at the Three Broom Sticks. Elle liked Hogsmeade. She found many things to take back home.
Once dinner was over Delia's family left to return to London. Josh and Nicola politely excused themselves. A.J. had left hours ago to get back to his plants. That left Severus and Delia alone to walk back. It was cool clear night. Delia and Severus were holding hands. Delia giggled.
"A girl always frets about telling her parents she's engaged. She wonders what her parents will say. I just figured out I don't have to worry about that! It's already out in the open." Delia was howling with laughter. "I think it's funny how my parents found out."
Severus smiled, "It was rather unique how they did find out. I'm not going to push you to set a date. I know you have this year to finish out. It would be asking a lot for you to plan a wedding right now for this summer. I can wait until next summer. We can plan out the wedding next year and we can have a really nice wedding. But let's forget about that for the moment. How you figured out what you will do after you graduate from Hogwarts?"
"No, I'm still waiting on rejection letters from Oxford and Cambridge. I sent the applications off over the summer. I should be hearing from them anyway now. I have decided to study Anthropology. I hope you don't think I'm a nutter."
"Delia I learned you were a nutter a long time ago. I still love you. I think Anthropology is an excellent subject. It's something practical Muggles have, in fact, invented. I'm not going to fault you for it. Tomorrow we are meeting your parents in front of the Leaky Cauldron at ten O'clock. You can bring Josh and Nicola with you as you know."
"Why are we going to Diagon Alley?" she asked.
"Your father is insistent on seeing my bank account. I think he's worried I'm a poor man. Your father thinks very highly of you, Delia. He doesn't want to see anything bad happen to you. I can say the same if we have a daughter. I bet she'll be as pretty as you."
Delia laughed, "If she is anything like I was, oh man! But I'm more worried about what dress to pick out. Mom and Elle like you. Elle was saying if she was younger and single she'd run off with you!"
"I've noticed Elle is quite a character."
"Anyway is your sister still coming tomorrow?"
"I completely forgot about Sandra coming!" Severus exclaimed. I'll send her an owl as soon as we get back. She can meet us in Diagon Alley."
"Good, you do that. When I get in I am falling a sleep and sleeping like I never slept before. I am tired. Anyway last night I had some of my hairpins in my hair. Where did you put them?"
"I have them in my chambers in a box. You can pick them up when you want."
"Thank you. I was wonder where they went."
"Delia if I asked you to talk Kansan would you?"
"Kansan? What do you mean Kansan? It's English!" she said quickly.
"I want you to talk to me like you do to your mother."
"I talk the same I talk to my mother as I am talking to you."
"No, you don't. You drop things in your speech and you say different things. Talk to me like you would talk to your mother!"
"Okey fine. He goes," she took a deep breath and started to speak fast. "Well, ya see I walkin' down the street when-all-of a sudden this weirdo ina- Chevy pick up started blarin' his horn at me. I was thinkin'... what does he want? So-o-o I walked over and I asked'em. I say Yo, dude, whadda want? He says, I jus' wanna know where is the nearest Wal Mart. So I said to'em. That's simple! Jus' take this road you are on till ya get to Red Powell, hang a left and ya can't miss the joint-it's-on-the right. He said thanks and I said cool. There I spoke Kansan. Did you understand any of it?"
"No, but I find it fascinating! Say some more!"
"I'm too tired! I'll talk Kansan later." They reached the front steps to the school. Severus walked Delia to the Hufflepuff dorm. Delia gave him a quick kiss and headed off to bed.