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The Cullen's were back the next day, and while Edward was polite to me, he was distant. It made my heart hurt, but I understood why. I hoped he had even remotely the same feelings I had for him, and if he was just as confused as I was, I would have liked the space.

Another two weeks had passed in that vein. School had now been going on for about a month. Ron was still nowhere to be found. Ginny said he hadn't turned up in England which meant no one knew where he was.

I was getting a little worried. But I knew I could handle him if the time came for it. The bruising and cuts he had left on me were all healed, my stitches had been removed a few days ago, and I think it helped my human friend group breathe a little easier.

Of course that peace certainly couldn't last.

Only it wasn't Ron this time who made an appearance.

It was Hermione. And she showed up at my school.

Ron must have been in contact with her and told her where I was. How she left Hogwarts without anyone knowing I don't know.

I was walking out with Angela, Jessica, and Mike when I spotted her by my car. It made me stop in my tracks.

"Dahlia you ok?" Jessica asked, worried, putting a hand on my arm.

Hermione looked just as awful as Ron did, albeit cleaner. The bags under her eyes were worse than the last time I had seen her. Her bushy hair was in a bun on her head. She was dressed like any normal Muggle. And she wouldn't stop staring at me.

"Who's that by your car?" Mike asked. Everyone turned their attention to her.

"Ron's girlfriend." I said. Jessica gasped, tightening her hand on my right arm.

"Do we call the police?" Angela asked, scared. I shook my head.

"Hermione isn't violent. And if she turns into it, I can take her." I said confidently.

Out of habit, I looked to where the Cullen's were. Emmett and Jasper looked to be holding Edward back. Alice was on the phone. And Rosalie was watching Hermione like a hawk.

I began walking towards my car. My three friends, though hesitant, walked with me. It gave me a sense of pride. I had found some more true friends here at Forks. And I wasn't going to leave them behind.

"This isn't New York." Hermione bit out at me, crossing her arms at her chest. She had her token disappointed look on, but that wouldn't affect me anymore. She wasn't my mother and it was high time she stopped acting like it.

"Hello to you too Hermione." I greeted, calmly. I knew I looked a far better version of myself since the last time she saw me. I was in a white turtleneck sweater with a maroon suede strapless dress on top of it. My black hair was down except for the clips holding it away from my face. I had matching maroon gloves on as well as tan flat boots. And this time, I had friends surrounding me, ready to be there without expecting anything in return. She gave my friends a cursory glance, seeming to not like what she found.

"What? You have new friends so you don't need us anymore!" She accused me. Her face had this ugly petulant glare on it, but I wouldn't let it affect me.

"You know that isn't true. I told you why I left. You can't expect me to not find friends at school. At Avlon, you and Ron weren't my only friends." I explained to her, keeping my tone calm. The last thing I needed was for her to behave irrationally and perform magic in front of everyone.

I was also thanking Merlin himself for the enchantments I placed on the school grounds the first day. Edward wouldn't hear anything about magic now with Hermione being so irrational and angry.

"Avalon! You have to be joking with me! I did everything for you! I was there for you! And when I need you, you take off!" she shouted.

"When did you or anyone else ever NOT need me?" I countered back.

"I couldn't breathe without one of you coming to me, begging me to be strong for you. Who was going to be strong for me Hermione? People I could rely on before were dead. I needed you and Ron to help me and all you cared about was wallowing in grief. I don't want to wallow anymore" I said to her.

Jessica squeezed my arm, showing her support.

"You even know what your psycho boyfriend did to Dahlia? He attacked her" Mike spoke up, quite passionately in my honor. Bless him.

"She wouldn't listen! She never listens!" Hermione shrieked, drawing the attention of others in the parking lot.

"Hermione calm down." I said, breaking away from Jessica and reaching out to her, but she slapped my hand away. I could tell Jasper and Emmett were losing their grip on Edward. I needed to end this fast.

"I don't need to calm down. I need you to come home! Where you belong. Right now!" Hermione screamed, reaching out for my left arm.

Fuck she was going to try and side apparate me. In a flash, my right hand wrapped her wrist and twisted her around til I was holding her from behind. With my other hand I placed it at a pressure point and shot magic straight into it, a stunner, and she slumped to the ground. It took all of two seconds, but it was over.

This was the first time I used magic in my left arm and it felt like electricity was shooting through me and a dull ache formed in my shoulder. It was...odd. I felt like my arm was shaking but I knew no actual movement was coming out of it. It didn't stop me from grabbing it with the good arm.

I heard Jessica shrieking from behind me, but it felt muffled. Like I had cotton in my ears. Memories of Hogwarts and the Battle again were flashing through my head. Memories of Sirius and Dumbledore and Cedric. Of Ron and Hermione, my Ron and Hermione because these two individuals weren't my friends and I want my friends, why does it feel like I'm running out of air-

"Dahlia" Cold hands were touching my face. My vision finally focused and it was Alice staring back at me worried. I let out a breath and leaned forward onto my car. Hermione was still slumped on the ground and no one looked like they knew what they were doing.

"Is she ok Alice?" I heard Angela ask from the side and I meekly gave a thumbs up in that direction.

"Deep breaths ok. I called the police and the Chief should be here any second." Alice soothed.

Merlin I'm going to make Charlie have a heart attack.

"Man D, that was badass what you did!" "Mike!" Jessica admonished our very loud friend, but I knew he meant well.

"Why does this keep happening?" I whispered, tired and not caring who heard me. I felt Alice pause before putting her hand to my forehead.

"I don't know. But you aren't alone ok?" she offered. I nodded and gave a very weak smile, but it seemed enough for her.

Not even seconds later two police cars ripped through the parking lot. Out came Officer Richards in one and Charlie in the other.

"I want handcuffs on her now!" Charlie told the other officer, pointing to the unconscious Hermione, before coming to me and taking me by the arms to keep me steady.

"Man kiddo you're gonna give me a heart attack." he murmured, making me chuckle.

"Believe me I'm not trying to." I said. He sighed, giving my arm a rub.

"I know. Who's she now?" he asked.

"Hermione. Ron's girlfriend. I guess he's been in contact with her. She didn't get the drop on me this time." I explained.

"Dude Chief Swan, you should have seen it! She went all ninja on her and like had her down in seconds. It was awesome!" Mike helpfully offered making Jessica hit him again.

"You guys saw?" he asked my three friends.

"Most of the parking lot did. But we walked with her to her car when she noticed Hermione" Jessica explained.

It made Charlie sigh harder though.

"I'm going to have to ask you three down to the station then for statements. I know you don't want to cause trouble Dahlia, but they were the closest witnesses and it's procedure." Charlie said, interrupting my own interruption.

"What about our parents?" Angela asked, worried.

"I'll have the station call them so they can meet you there. But get in your cars and head straight there ok? Dahlia, are you ok to drive?" Charlie ordered before turning to me.

"I can take her car, Chief Swan. My brother will follow to give me a ride home after." Alice butted in.

"Did you see what happened?" Charlie asked. Alice shook her head. Liar.

"I mean we saw something was happening, but I didn't come closer until that girl was already on the ground. Dahlia looked a little in shock and I was checking up on my friend" Alice explained. It made my heart warm, her calling me friend.

"Well I'll probably have the station contact you soon, but I won't drag you down with these four to. Dahlia you can ride with me." he said, not giving any room for argument.

He gave a few more orders to Officer Richards, who was quickly calling for backup, and then Charlie led me to his car. I glanced back to see Edward still being held back by Jasper and Emmett, but he looked to be just calming down now. Good. I wouldn't want him to blow his cover because of me.

When I got inside Charlie's patrol car I slumped against the window. I was tired. And sad. It was clear Ron and Hermione didn't approve of me going off on my own. And that they didn't care if my wishes were different from their own. Theirs was clearly more important. After the war all Ron talked about when he wasn't drinking was getting in the Auror program and becoming heroes all over again. Eternal glory and fame was his ultimate goal and I "have to be by his side to do it." Hermione talked of politics and changing the world through diplomacy. "Think of what we can do in the Wizarding World!"

...They never talked about the little things. Like how we were supposed to deal with everyone we lost. Did we want to go back to Hogwarts maybe? Hell maybe even join Quidditch teams and go pro...well maybe not Hermione for that one. And they never once asked how I was doing or feeling or coping or healing.

I didn't even realize til now I had lost them to the war too.

"Quiet over there Dahlia." Charlie said.

"Tired. Sad." I muttered, not really giving much else. I could tell he didn't know what to do or say so he just let me breathe and kept it silent til we got to the police station.

There was a small waiting area in the station that Charlie directed me to sit in while he helped another officer with a repeat drunkard.

I was slumped in the seat, staring at nothing when Angela, Mike, and Jessica came in. They were loud at first but grew quiet when they saw my despondent state. Wordlessly, they sat in chairs around me, Mike pulling one close so they encircled me virtually.

"Hey Dahlia...how are you feeling?" Jessica spoke first.

"Tired. Sad" I repeated sullenly. They exchanged worried looks.

"I just want to be normal. Normal teenager at a normal school with normal friends and a normal life. Obviously neither Ron or Hermione care about what I want anymore." I explained, rubbing my face with my hand. I was suppressing the tears that wanted to come out of my eyes.

"I'm sorry your friends from back home are being total jerks." Jessica said softly.

"I should be used to it." I said leaning back in the seat and staring at my hands.

"No you shouldn't." Angela said, taking my right hand and holding it.

"Ang is right D. You are super cool and you're probably the nicest person in Forks." Mike said, often in his golden retriever enthusiasm type way I had come to know.

"Thank you Mike." I said, giving as much of a smile as I could.

Finally Charlie came back over to us.

"You guys holding up ok?" he asked.

"That psycho isn't gonna be coming here is she Chief Swan?" Jessica asked.

"Jess." Angela admonished before turning to me but I waved her off.

"Psycho seems like an apt term right now. That isn't the Hermione I remember." I said, picking at a loose thread on the end of my sleeve.

"She's going to the hospital. Since she was rendered unconscious, by law we have to get her checked out in case she tries to pull any kind of lawsuit on Dahlia. After that, she'll get sent to the jail about 20 minutes away." he explained.

My friends looked relieved but I knew better. A small town hospital? Hermione will have escaped before I even leave here. Damn me for not thinking to grab her wand.

Charlie then proceeded to take my statement in the other room. Followed by Jessica, Mike, and Angela with their respective parents. They were all dismissed after their interviews but Charlie wanted me to stay after. I sent them on their way.

Sure enough, when they left, Alice and Edward walked in and headed straight for me. Without even thinking I held my hand out to Edward which he took and held tightly. He was sitting next to me, hunched over my hand like someone would try to take me away.

"Are you ok?" Edward asked, not looking away from my hand. It was the hand he had touched last time, without my glove on.

"Day by day I will be." I said instead of really answering. He held my hand a little tighter, careful not to go too far.

"So...Hermione. She's the girlfriend of the guy who attacked you." Alice stated, making sure she knew all the facts I guess.

"Yeah. I had been talking with his sister, trying to see if he had contacted any family. Should have asked about Hermione. That will warrant another call." I said, leaning my head against the wall with a sigh.

"You don't deserve this," Edward said, his voice tight.

"I know I don't Edward. But it's nice to hear it from you." I said, squeezing his hand back a bit.

Just then the phone rang and I could tell it was the news I was expecting and dreading when both Edward and Alice violently tensed up. Edward, so badly, that he let go of my hand to clutch his knees instead to keep his cool.

"You gotta be fucking kidding me?!" I heard Charlie swear in his office. Just as I thought.

He ran back over to me, glancing at the new people around me, before focusing on me.

"Let me guess...she got out." I said numbly. He sighed in frustration and nodded.

I couldn't help the laugh that went through my body. The kind of laugh you make when you don't know what else to do. Empty.

"We'll have someone patrol your house. An escort to school-"

"Charlie. Forks isn't that big of a town to waste that much man power on one person. Hermione is a whole different animal then Ron. She's calculated. She's lost this round so right now she's probably finding Ron to regroup. I just want to go home." I said, tiredly.

"You shouldn't be alone." Edward protested and I looked at him helplessly.

"Then come over. Spend the night. You and Alice. Invite your whole family! I just want to go home." I pleaded.

"Come on Edward. I've never had a sleepover. And that way you know Dahlia's safe." Alice insisted. Edward finally nodded before walking out, taking his phone out.

"He's going to call our dad. And then we will take you home." Alice said with a smile. I nodded, leaning back in the seat.

"I'm sorry Dahlia." Charlie said sincerely. I could tell he felt guilty.

"It isn't your fault Charlie. Hermione can be quite the escape artist. I didn't even think about it till now." I said, giving him a small smile, in comfort.

On the inside I was berating myself. She was right there, I could have easily grabbed her wand, but I let my shock and emotions get the best of me. Now she was in the wind and the trouble was still going to follow me. I'm not making that mistake again.

After we were free to go, Alice led me outside where Edward was waiting by our cars.

"If you don't mind Dahlia, I'll use your car to drive myself home and get clothes for us. Edward can take you home and be a big guard dog then." Alice said, teasing her brother to lighten the mood. It made me smile though and I nodded.

"Works for me Alice." I agreed. Edward, wordlessly, got into the driver's seat of his car and closed the door. I couldn't help the eye roll if I tried but it made Alice laugh as she skipped to my car. I got into Edward's car and we took off back to my place. I kept it silent. Lost in my own thoughts as Edward was clearly lost in his.

When we finally pulled up, he shut off the engine and sat there for a moment.

"What's on your mind?" I asked gently.

"You aren't taking this seriously," he said after a moment, frustrated. But under the anger and stress I heard his most prominent emotion of all; fear. He was afraid.

"I am Edward. But if I don't try to be light hearted about it, I'll probably start crying. I can't let them run my life again. I won't let anyone dictate my life again. I'd rather die ``I said, getting out of the car and closing the door. He got out quickly to fall into step behind me.

He was practically hovering over me as I unlocked the house. Walking in, I set down my bag as he quickly swept through the house, checking the rooms. I didn't mind. It did make me feel safer, knowing Edward was here.

When he came back downstairs I had barely taken my shoes off.

"All clear?" I asked. He nodded.

Smiling softly I walked over to him and pulled him into a hug again. Despite his tensing I held on til he hugged me back. I had missed this.

"Thanks for caring about me," I murmured. He made a soft noise of contentment before letting me go.

"I'm going to shower. Get comfy. Just...chill I guess? Help yourself to food?" I offered, even though I knew I didn't have any food he would want. He gave me that weak in the knees smile again before nodding at me.

"I'll be waiting for you," he said. It made me blush, for Merlin knows why, and I hurried up the steps. I made sure to grab my towel and clothes and a new pair of gloves. Just not ready yet.

I walked in the bathroom and quickly stripped down until I was in my underwear and gloves. I couldn't help but stare in the mirror. I looked like I was trying to step out of an erotica novel with the gloves still on. Shaking my head of silly thoughts, I took off the gloves revealing my prosthetic. I usually kept it on when I was asleep, but not when I was cleaning. So, carefully, I took my prosthetic off of my arm and set it on the counter. The end of my arm was roughly scared and still very red. It technically was still healing, so cleaning it was very important. The left side of my body was also recovering from heavy burns due to the blast. it was like a star on the side, spanning out even more to my chest.

But I just stared in the mirror again. It was so strange. One arm is not as complete. George knows what it's like he's missing an ear. But he can still hear. And I have a prosthetic but not everyone from the war was as lucky as me.

Pushing those thoughts aside I quickly got in the steaming water and set to work getting clean from the day. After a while, I got out and dried off quickly before starting to moisturize. One part of that was just moisturizing my body, but first came the medicated moisturizer for my left arm and left side. Afterwards I changed into some white silk pajamas. The pants were full length and so were the sleeves. I also had white gloves to put on that only went to the far upper wrist, but I didn't expect them to be looking up my shirt anytime soon. I left my hair down as it was still wet and put on a pair of blue fuzzy socks. Satisfied, I headed downstairs to see Alice and Edward at the kitchen island talking in hushed tones.

"Hope you don't mind. Just hopped in pajamas.`` I said, making them turn to me.

When Edward's eyes connected with mine they had this soft look about them. But then his gaze travelled down, taking in what I was wearing and it made me positively blush.

"How cute!" Alice said, walking over to me.

"I hope you don't mind but we already ate. Mom sent us some food, but there is plenty left for you!" Alice said, pulling me to the island where I spotted the lasagna, some parts cut out like they had really eaten. Clever.

"Thank you. and yeah totally. I didn't really feel like cooking tonight." I said, sitting down at one of the chairs. Before I could barely blink, Edward had a big piece already on a plate in front of me.

"Thank you Edward." I said, smiling at him.

Alice began chattering about these shoes she saw over the weekend that I had to come back with her to try on. They went really well with a certain dress I had bought apparently and she simply had to see me in them. But it was nice. Talking about clothes with her. Before I knew it, I had finished my serving and was near stuffed.

"So! I say we use that very big tv of yours and have a movie marathon! Of course this is while I'm doing your nails! And before you protest! I won't touch your hands. Only your toes. You have too many sandals in your closet to not add that special touch!" Alice explained. It made me laugh. She had everything of a normal sleepover covered it seems. Besides the junk food eating. But considering their diet, I figured she would gloss over it.

"Sounds like a plan." I said, hopping from my stool.

"I know there's a horror movie marathon on today, which I would be down for, but if you guys aren't that's cool." I said, picking up the remote.

"You're in the mood for horror movies?" Edward asked, amused, walking towards me. I flashed him a smile.

"Well duh. I know they aren't real. So why not enjoy them!" I explained.

"I think the next movie after this is Carrie. Which I love! So I would definitely be down." Alice said coming over with a little kit in her hands. I looked at the both of them though still in their street clothes.

"Aren't you guys going to get into pjs? Feel a little underdressed." I joked, my hand coming to pick at my sleeve.

"Oh yeah! I'll use your bathroom if you don't mind?" Alice asked. With a nod, she raced up the stairs. Edward chuckled and made his way to the downstairs bathroom. It made me smile. One sweep of the house and he probably had the layout memorized.

He was the one who came back first. In blue plaid pajama pants, white socks, and a gray shirt. And Merlin, how could his hair look any better. It simply wasn't fair. And I know he caught me staring, because he didn't stop walking til he was again in my personal space. But I wasn't complaining at all, except for the fact that he liked to tease me.

Alice's voice then rang through the house.

"Dahlia! This lotion in here smells to die for! Can I use some?"

It made me throw my head back laughing.

"Yes!" I shouted back, although she could have heard me whisper. Hopefully she wasn't talking about the medicated one though.

"I am...so sorry about my sister." Edward said laughing.

"Don't be. This is nice. You guys are helping a lot by being here. Thank you.'' I said sincerely. I began walking to the couch and plopped down on it, dragging my Weasley blanket from my chair into my lap.

"Mind being my movie buddy?" I asked, putting my BEST puppy dog eye face on. Sirius could never resist it and thankfully it seemed neither could Edward. Though he looked reluctant he sat down next to me on the sofa. I snuggled into his side, my back facing him because I knew Alice would want room to do my toes. He stiffened, bad, but after a moment he took his arm and put it around my shoulder so I could get closer to him. Score!

Alice came bounding down the stairs in her own silk pajamas that were blue. The only difference was that there was a ruffle at the pant line and it was a thick strapped tank top as a shirt.

"Make room for me!" She teased, squeezing onto the other side of the couch so I was in the middle.

The movie the channel was currently on seemed to be The Shining. Which was fine with me. While not one of my favorites, it was perfect for us to lightly watch while chatting and hanging out.

"What color do you prefer? I personally would go with this gorgeous red with silver sparkles. But on the other hand you would look so good with this baby blue too." Alice explained, holding up two bottles.

"Oh! Or this purple!" She exclaimed, digging more in the bag.

"Alice! Alice!" I said with a laugh making the excited vampire look up.

"I'm sure whatever color you choose I will love. If you think red is best, do red! I will even wear an outfit tomorrow with sandals that will both complement and show off your no doubt fabulous job." I offered. Alice beamed at me before nodding and taking out the red nail polish.

I leaned more into Edward, relishing the cold on my back, as Alice got to work.

"Are you comfortable?" Edward asked worried after a moment. I nodded with a pleased smile on my face.

"You?" I questioned, looking back at him. He just stared at me before slowly reaching out and putting some of my hair behind my ear before nodding. Merlin, how was he so good at this?

"So Dahlia? Did you have any boyfriends back home?" Alice started making both of us look to her shocked.

"Alice!" Edward exclaimed, but I laughed after a moment.

"No, no boyfriends. To be honest none of the guys ever really noticed me. Plus I was always too busy for boyfriends." I explained with a shrug of my shoulders. Edward gave my shoulder a rub with his thumb and it made me kind of melt into him more.

"That is certainly not the case here!" Alice teased, making me laugh.

"Yeah. It definitely weirds me out at times. But you know, school here hasn't been that bad." I said, pleased. Alice made a murmur of agreement.

Alice and I continued to chat, Edward interjecting here and there. He seemed more interested in my shoulder than anything else funny enough. Pretty soon, Alice was finished with my toes. And they looked very sparkly indeed. I offered to do hers, but she said she wanted to play with a floral design. I admitted I was absolute rubbish and she laughed totally ok with it.

There was a knock on the door after a little while making me jump. They didn't seem too worried though so I figured I shouldn't be. I got up with a big stretch and padded to the door to reveal Charlie.

"Hi Charlie" I greeted with a smile. He looked tired.

"Everything alright over here?" he asked, worried.

"Oh yeah! I've just been hanging with Alice and Edward. Alice did my toes." I said looking down at my feet. Charlie followed my gaze and nodded.

"Nice." he complimented.

"Thank you!" Alice called from the living room. I suddenly remembered the giant pan of lasagna in my fridge.

"Edward and Alice's mom made me this big pan of lasagna. How about you bring some home ok? You can warm it up real quick and get to bed sooner. I know you've had a long day." I said, closing the door behind him before he could say anything and scurrying to the kitchen.

"How is everything Chief?" Edward asked, standing from the couch.

"We got BOLOs out on both Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger now. I also came here to ask if you had any pictures of the two? Would help with trying to track them down." Charlie directed towards me. I sighed and nodded, walking over to my coffee table and pulling my scrapbook from the little shelf at the bottom.

"Why not use the picture on your mantle?" Edward asked.

"You still got their picture on your mantle?" Charlie interjected, confused.

It took me a moment to answer, flicking through the pages before I found a photo taken from Bill and Fleur's wedding we had managed to salvage.

"Ron and Hermione were my best friends. They helped me through so much growing up. And...maybe it's the optimist in me, holding onto the little hope I have left... but I want to think they are lost right now. That my friends are still there, but in need of help." I explained, pulling the photo from the sleeve.

"It's the most recent one I have. Ron's hair would be longer now."I said, giving the photo to Charlie. We were wrapped around each other, the three of us.

"Thank you Dahlia. Keep your chin up again. We aren't giving up on you either." Charlie said firmly. I gave him a smile before nodding.

"We'll be here for Dahlia tonight Chief Swan. She's safe with us." Alice said, sitting closer to me and wrapping an arm around my shoulder. I leaned into her a little more. I'm really glad I had them.

Edward showed Charlie out before coming back closer to us. I started going through the photos in the scrapbook starting from the beginning. With my mom and dad dancing at the fountain.

"Is that your parents?" Alice asked softly. I smiled and nodded.

"James and Lily. School sweethearts. Even though dad was an utter prick in his early years. He grew out of it thankfully." I explained with a light laugh. I motioned for Edward to sit next to me again.

"They look happy," he said softly. I nodded. "They were." I confirmed.

Next I pointed to a photo of my dad, Sirius, and Remus.

"That's my godfather, Sirius. And my Uncle Remus. He wasn't blood related, but he was as close as one could get. My dad's best friends. Drove my mum looney with their antics." I said. The picture was of them at a much younger time, but it was probably one of my favorites.

I flipped the page to show a photo, this time of me and Hedwig.

"You had an owl?" Edward asked, confused and making me giggle.

"Yeah. You were allowed pets at Avalon and one option was a bird. I got them to let Hedwig in with me. She liked it when you fed her bacon. She was preening my hair all the time." I said, rubbing a finger against the picture of my fallen familiar.

"You were so little" Alice cooed, looking at 11 year old me.

"I know. Not much has changed there." I joked.

"I think Edward likes how small you are." Alice teased. It made me look very closely at the photos to help the smile it caused. It also caused me to not see Edward's reaction, but I think I would have rathered that then see his reaction. Merlin knows how embarrassingly obvious my feelings were. Well to everyone but Edward...hopefully.

I flipped the page again to show a picture of Sirius, Remus, and me. It was Christmas in 5th year. It was the last picture taken of Sirius and, while it brought me joy, it brought me pain. Knowing both of them were gone and far too soon. But you could say that about a lot of people. Next to the picture was the one we had taken with Arthur out of the hospital. It was the entire Weasley family, Me, Hermione, Sirius, Remus, Moody, Tonks, and McGonagal.

"Is that Ron's family?" Alice asked, shocked. It made me laugh and nod my head.

"Yup. 6 boys and 1 girl, Molly certainly had her hands full." I said, pointing to Molly in the picture.

"This was our last Christmas all together. Arthur, Ron's dad, had just come out of hospital. He had been mugged. But it's probably one of my happiest memories." I explained.

I then started pointing. First at Sirius.

"That's Sirius, older of course. I lost him 4 months later from one of the earliest terrorist attacks." I said sadly. I could feel Edward stop moving next to me.

Then I pointed to Moody.

"That was Moody. He was a soldier. But a master strategist. He was killed about a year and a half later." I said. Was my voice shaking?

Then I pointed to Fred. Merlin Fred.

"Fred Weasley. He died when one of the bombs at Avalon broke apart a wall he was in front of. He was 19." I said shakily.

I pointed to Tonks next. "That's Tonks. Remus' wife. She died trying to evacuate some of the children at Avalon."

Then Remus. "Bomb." Bombarda.

It took me a minute of breathing to keep my cool. I felt naked and exposed. But then Edward slowly put his hand on my back. It helped settle me, ground me.

"There are so many others. So many innocent people died for no good reason." I said bitterly. And I was still here. I had the chance to move on and I still came back to finish the job.

"Well I'm glad you're here." Alice said softly. I turned to look at her and she had this comforting smile on her face. It reminded me of the old Hermione.

"Me too." I replied, truthfully. Which I couldn't say for certain would have happened in the first couple months after the war.

"May I ask a personal question?" Edward spoke up. He looked very reluctant to say it though.

"Of course you can." I answered, almost instantly.

"Your parents. They aren't in the photo. I know you said they passed, but...when?" he muttered out, looking like I might slap him. But I only gave him a smile, to show I wasn't angry.

I looked back down at the album and flipped to the very back. This was the picture of my parents and me when I was a baby. My little tuft of black hair poked out and I was in the middle of laughing. Mom had me in her arms and Dad was kissing my cheek.

"This is the only picture I have of us. The rest are either destroyed or lost. My parents died October 31st, 1987. I was one." I said softly, getting lost in their faces.

Both vampires had stopped breathing.

"Sometimes in dreams I hear their voices. And I made sure to write down all the stories Remus and Sirius had told me of them. They were 21." I reminisced.

Alice wrapped her arms around me tightly, unusually silent.

"Don't be sad for me Alice. I know I've gone through a lot. but that's the past. I'm here. I'm ok. I'm safe and I'm happy...I'm happy." I repeated again.

I truly was happy here. I had all these friends, who meant so much to me already. I had Charlie. I had my house, that was mine. And I had Edward. Who still hadn't moved his hand and I really really liked that.

Alice pulled back, looking like she could cry if she could, and nodded with a smile.

"Now Carrie is about to start so let's put this away, eat some snacks, and get our horror on" I said to brighten the mood. The two quickly agreed and we settled back to watch the movie. I was once again leaning against Edward with his arm around me. Alice had chosen to move to my purple arm chair and under my gray throw.

The movie brought many memories of the Dursley's actually. A girl doing things no one could explain and being punished by a strict household. I could relate. Though the end part not so much. It was when Carrie was unleashing her wrath on her cruel classmates that I felt myself dozing off on Edward.

For a cold and hard skinned vampire, he was unbelievably comfortable.

I must have fallen asleep on him because the next thing I knew, I felt myself being carried up the stairs. Edward was carrying me as if I was this treasured cargo, tightly and securely against his chest.

He entered my room and laid me down, ready to leave me, but I reached out and grabbed at his shirt.

"Don't leave me. Not you too." I uttered drowsily. I doubt I would be saying this if I was more awake and I'll be embarrassed tomorrow but I didn't want him to leave.

"Dahlia…" he started to say but I tugged at his shirt.

"Please don't leave me…"I begged again, looking at him through half-lidded eyes.

It seemed he gave in because, every so slowly and carefully, he let go of my hand and put my covers on me. I went to protest but he laid down on the bed next to me then.

My sleepy and embarrassing self threw my arm around him and sighed contently.

"Stop making me fall so hard." I muttered before succumbing to sleep.

My body didn't even register the shock that Edward was going through at my words. And the smile that grew on his face shortly after.