Chapter 13: Stars

Deli,

This is your final week. You will kill your target, and I will get you out of Azkaban. This is your moment. This is the end. I expect him dead before Friday 6pm at the latest.

-Aibek

Delilah remained silent and still, holding the parchment with disappearing letters. The chilly dormitory remained empty besides her own presence. Delilah didn't react, for she was prepared for this. She knew this was it. It was time.

Sleet pelted the curved windows. The holidays were over. Students returned regretfully knowing their studies would become more rigorous with O. W. L. s approaching. Delilah's regrets were different. She wouldn't be around long enough for her to take the tests. If only her life were that simple.

Delilah sighed before stashing away the now blank parchment into her book bag. She headed to the common room with heavy steps.

"Hey, Delilah. Are you okay? You took awhile," Rowan asked with concern. Her hair managed to look even darker in the gloomy lighting.

"I just got distracted. I'm okay. The weather is making me tired." Delilah barely smiled.

"I don't blame you. Knowing what's to come is tiring me out already. The future is a scary thing," Rowan stated. The two walked down together for breakfast.

Delilah didn't have the words to speak. She wished she could explain to Rowan that she was a good friend to her. She was one of few that she could rely on with most tasks. Rowan would only grow suspicious of her confessions. Delilah's feelings would remain unsaid. Her best friend would never know.

Delilah had never performed the killing curse before, nor did she know how. She could figure it out no doubt, but her guilt kept her away from that knowledge. Any time she tried to research the curse, she would get distracted. Talbott almost successfully killed her without it, surely she could come up with a unique way as well.

She flipped through The Secret Dueling Book in the common room to collect ideas.

"Flying solo?" Talbott chuckled, sitting next to her at the round table. Delilah was jolted. She quickly put the book away. "And keeping secrets?" He tilted his head in puzzlement.

"It's- a diary. Sorry, but I feel that's personal." The last thing she needed was Talbott avoiding her again. Seeing the dueling book would break his trust in her.

"Rowan is in the library. She thinks studying there will be more effective, although I disagree since almost every fifth year student is there doing the same."

"I plan to wing it honestly. I have a photographic memory anyway," he smiled.

"Oh, quit with your puns. It's ridiculous," she halfheartedly laughed. "Why are you so happy, anyway?"

"Tomorrow night is a meteor shower, " he began.

"And that makes you happy?"

"Deli, this is a rare occurrence. I also never repaid you for finding my mother's necklace. I-" he paused. "I was wondering if you would like to watch it with me?" he blushed.

This was too easy. Was it real? Was this a dream? Delilah felt like fate was truly taking over. Not only was her fate becoming reality, but so was Talbott's.

Her normal butterfly feeling was instead numb. If she said no, she would escape the plan but risked her own life. If she said yes, his death was settled.

"Deli?" Talbott waved a hand in her face. "Are you still there?"

"S-sorry... Yes, I'd love to watch it with you. What time?" she faked a smile.

"It'll get dark at around 9pm. We could watch it near where we found the necklace? We'd have to be careful of the Whomping Willow, but that area is the clearest. There'd be no way we'd miss it."

He's going to die tomorrow night. This is the end. Fate has spoken. All of this is too easy.

"I'll meet you there at nine. I'll fly there to avoid attention," she stated.

"We could probably get away with walking down there together, since we're in the same common room," Talbott suggested. His face became more stern. "Unless, that's not what you want?"

"What- Well, of course we could. Silly, me..."

"Deli?" He said softly.

"Y-Yes?" Her eyes watered but she held back the tears.

"I trust you."

"I know." Delilah felt her heart shatter like glass. Her desires stabbed her mind like rose thorns. Her soul ripped itself apart in grief.

"I'm going to head down. I'll see you in class, Deli. Try to ease your mind a little bit. Too much studying isn't good for anyone. "

She merely nodded as he departed from the room.

"Mother," Delilah whispered. "Please give me strength and guidance to do the right thing."

"Who are you talking to?"

Tulip walked up to her table and sat where Talbott was seated previously. She placed Dennis on the round table.

"N-nobody." Delilah was hoping Tulip wasn't the sudden source of guidance.

"I don't believe you, Delilah Tytonidae," she chuckled. "You were talking to yourself, I bet. You should get a toad. It'll be less lonely."

"Yeah, sure..." Delilah responded. A question suddenly came to mind. "Tulip?"

"Yes, Delilah Tytonidae?" She patted Dennis on the head with her finger. He didn't move, as if he was used to this.

"You don't follow rules, yet your parents work for the Ministry. How do you get away with that, not being who they want you to be?" Delilah fumbled her fingers.

"Well, it's not like they're going to kill me over it. They ground me, take away my things, and I just repeat the process. One day I'll be free anyway. Why, do you want to break some rules with me?!" She stood up in excitement. Dennis was startled and leaped away. Tulip caught him and put him back on the table in his original place.

"N-no... Sorry, I was just wondering, since my father is also in the Ministry." Delilah's interest faded.

"Even if they did try to kill me," Tulip began again. "I would just fight back. Then probably run away and make new friends. Well, I would TRY to take Tonks with me. I run my own life," she beamed.

"Yes, run your own life... Thanks Tulip. "

Tulip scooped up Dennis into her hands. "You've given me a brilliant idea, Delilah Tytonidae. Thank you. I'm off!"

"Wait, what idea?" she asked quickly.

"Students like yourself need more company to talk to. Time to release toads into the Prefect's bathroom! Ooo I hope Charlie is in there tonight..." She cackled before rushing out.

Tulip's exit left Delilah with raging thoughts. Could she fight back? Could she just run away? Her father was a powerful wizard. This wouldn't be easy.

No, the stars are clearly aligned in such a way that I am destined to go through with this. Not everyone can just go against fate like Tulip.

Delilah packed her bag and exited, leaving the common room deserted.

Potions class was her next destination, although she never could look at Professor Snape quite the same. Sometimes Delilah felt that he knew that Ben told her his secret. She just couldn't be certain. Knowing that the professor was most likely a Death Eater was frightening. Her own goals would be at risk if she went to anyone with that information, even to Dumbledore. Delilah had to remain silent on the subject.

Delilah had to stick with Penny on every project to avoid his agonizing glare. This meant working with Chiara too, which was awkward.

"Hey, Lilah!" Penny waved energetically, bouncing her golden braids.

"Hey," Delilah responded with less enthusiasm.

Chiara simply blushed and looked away.

"Oh, don't worry sweetie. Lilah is just a friend," Penny smirked.

"I-I'm not jealous..." Chiara whispered.

"Lilah, why the long face? Is Ben stalking you again?"

Delilah quickly shook her head to cut her off. Professor Snape peeked in their direction.

Penny understood immediately and, with great difficulty, stopped talking.

"I'm fine," she whispered toward Penny's ear.

Penny nodded with a smile. Chiara quickly grabbed Penny's hand and began to hold it under the table. The silver haired witch did not have much self esteem.

Delilah sped through the dungeon after class. Penny still managed to catch up to her.

"Lilah, wait!"

Delilah knew she had to. Penny would only call louder the more she ignored her, bringing attention to them.

"T-thank you," Penny breathed.

"Where's Chiara?"

"She had to go to the hospital wing," Penny replied. She straightened up.

"Oh, is she alright? She seemed fine in class." Delilah was confused.

"Lilah, you're silly. Everyone knows she is an amazing healer. She helps Madam Pomfrey when she has the time," Penny giggled. She began walking with Delilah.

"Clearly not everyone knew that." She tried her best to chuckle but failed.

"Lilah, what's wrong? Boy trouble, is it? Oh my gosh how are you and Talbott? Are you guys okay? Do I need to brew a love potion-"

"Penny, stop. Please. I'm okay, really. I'm just tired from studying."

"Where's Rowan?" Penny darted another question at her.

"In the library again, I guess." Delilah actually wasn't sure this time. Her mind had been so caught up in her destiny that she didn't realize Rowan had missed Potions class.

"Penny, I have to see Rowan. I have to go." Delilah began walking away. "And... thanks for being my first friend here. You did a lot for me. Thank you." Delilah hurried away before Penny could speak or question her words. Delilah would never know Penny's response.

Delilah clashed with Madam Pince, the cranky librarian, as soon as she entered the library. Pieces of parchment she was carrying dispersed through the air and onto the floor.

"What in blazes, Miss Tytonidae?" she scowled. "This is a library, not a racetrack." She flicked her wand, causing all of her paperwork to come back into her arms in a neat pile.

"I am so sorry, Madam Pince. Actually, have you seen Rowan?" Delilah questioned quickly.

"Rowan Khanna? Actually, I haven't as of late, which is strange," she said quietly.

"Thank you," Delilah responded before rushing back out. She could hear Madam Pince complaining as she escaped.

She dashed up the steps. Please be there. Delilah almost hit the door before the eagle knocker had a chance to speak.

"What lights the way-"

"Let me in, NOW!" Delilah cried.

The eagle knocker continued as if she never spoke. "- but provides no heat?"

"D-d-death..." Delilah could barely say the word.

"Correct." The door opened quietly. It created a single rush of air that traveled through Delilah's long hair.

Her heart was beating fast as she creeped in. The common room had a couple of first years doing homework together. No Rowan.

Delilah made her way to the girl's dormitory with haste. She entered to see Rowan sitting on her bed, rustling through notes.

"Hey, Delilah," she said without looking at her.

"Rowan, where have you been?!" Delilah jumped over and hugged her, which was odd for her.

"W-what do you mean?" Rowan tried to say through the hard squeezing.

"You missed Potions, and you weren't in the library." Delilah let go.

"Oh, I..." Her eyes said nothing. Her facial expressions were the same. "I must have forgot. Sorry." She continued flipping through paperwork. "Aha."

"Forgot? You? You don't forget things, Rowan. What are you trying to find anyway?" Delilah tried to peek over Rowan's shoulder.

"It's nothing. I'm just trying to study up on potion making. " Rowan tucked away the mysterious parchment again.

"Um, you could have just came to class then. What's going on with you? Is it the O. W. Ls stressing you out? Look at me."

Delilah briefly caught sight of Rowan's dull expression. "I think you need some sleep. I can't see you being focused enough to even eat dinner," Delilah worried.

"Sleep... Yes, that would be nice..." Rowan laid down without even moving her books and parchment. Delilah moved them off her bed and onto the nightstand. It was impossible tell which note Rowan grabbed and put back.

Delilah slowly backed out of the room. She felt nauseous. Not only did she have to end the life of someone she cared about the following night, but now her good friend was acting out of sorts. Her world began flipping upside down. A feeling of claustrophobia emerged, as if her life was in a tight box being given to a dementor to feed on. Any happiness she had left disappeared into the winter air.

I don't know if I want to see anyone else tonight. I doubt I'll keep any food down either. Maybe I'll rest like Rowan... Plus, I'll keep an eye on her better that way.

With her strength waning, Delilah barely made it back to the dormitory. Rowan was already sleeping, or so it seemed.

Yes, that's what I need to do... Sleep...

Delilah threw herself onto the bed with one last bit of effort. She dozed off immediately.

"Delilah, get up. Delilah. Today's the big day. Get up," a voice pestered.

Light entered the crescents of Delilah's eyes. The blur became clearer with each blink. Rowan appeared, her mouth matching the spoken words. Delilah sat up. Rowan was sitting on the edge of her bed.

"The... big day?" Delilah asked as she stretched out.

"With Talbott," Rowan said bluntly.

Delilah flinched. "Rowan, what do you know?"

"That there's a meteor shower tonight. Talbott is waiting for you in the common room. He's worried as to where you were yesterday evening. I told him we both fell asleep but he wasn't buying it." Rowan didn't smile. Delilah had never seen her this serious.

"Oh, that makes sense... I guess I'm already dressed. Are you ready for breakfast too?" Delilah was relieved that her secret mission was still safe.

"Yes," Rowan stated.

The girls met up with Talbott in the common room.

"So, is it true? You just... fell asleep?" Talbott asked. The three walked downstairs into the echoing hallway.

"I had a headache and Rowan was tired from studying. Don't worry, I'm feeling much better now. I'm excited for our date with the stars tonight," Delilah blushed.

"I am too," he blushed back. "I'm glad you're feeling better. Um, Rowan? Are you okay?"

Rowan was walking like an empty vessel. She didn't speak, nor acknowledge that anyone else was speaking.

"Deli, is she... cursed?" he whispered into her exposed ear. Delilah got goosebumps from his sweet breath. She had to replay in her head what he actually said to register his words.

"Cursed? No, Ben hasn't been any trouble for awhile. She's just tired." Is she? How did I not think to check this?

"Well, alright. You know her better than me. I'm going to head off to the owlrey. I'll see you in class, and then again tonight." He winked at her and moved away.

Delilah took a closer look at Rowan. The only trouble was that she didn't know what she herself looked like under the Imperius curse, let alone anyone else. She waved a hand in front of Rowan's face.

"Merlin's beard, what are you doing Delilah?" she snapped.

"S-sorry. I was just making sure you're still awake. Let's sit down." The two sat down on the long bench. Immediately, breakfast foods of all kinds appeared out of thin air, filling the area with a delicious aroma. It was enough to allow Delilah to forget her stresses temporarily. Her hunger needed to be dealt with before thinking further. Rowan and her feasted in silence.

The rest of the day was just as quiet. It was as if bereavement was already among them, them being Delilah and Rowan. Other students didn't bother with them, for they had their own issues to deal with. Penny was too wrapped up in her relationship to realize her other friends lacked emotions. The professors didn't even call on Delilah to answer their questions like they normally did. The world seemed to be leaving Delilah. She occasionally looked around for Ben, whom she found looking just as sulky. Somehow they were all connected. She couldn't find the energy to care. She just had to get tonight over with.

Like a cat ready to pounce, the night was upon them. Rowan didn't stick around the common room. She left for the dormitory as Delilah patiently waited for Talbott to join her. She did dress nicer than usual, wearing a navy blue dress with glittering stars. This dress would help her blend into the night as she did the deed. Her shoes remained casual for a quicker escape. Delilah's hair was wrapped up in a messy bun to stay out of her eyes. She only had one shot. She had to make sure her aim wouldn't be hindered.

Talbott came down the stairs in a midnight blue dress shirt with a bronze colored tie. A smile stretched across his face.

Delilah didn't expect him to dress up at all. This truly felt like a date. Her mind began playing tug of war. Should I just have a wonderful date with him and deal with Father later? Or do I ruin everything as planned for my own safety?

"Hey, Deli. You look... beautiful." He reached his arm behind his neck in shyness.

"You look absolutely stunning, " she blurted. Talbott chuckled at her. She forced a laugh herself, trying not to act depressed in front of him. The moment he suspected her attack, it would be all over. Her plan will fail.

"So, shall we?" Talbott extended an elbow. Delilah wrapped her hands around his arm as he escorted them down. "Remember to keep quiet," he whispered calmly. Delilah nodded.

Without detection, the couple made it out onto the grounds. The air was breezy, but warmer than previous nights. They scurried towards the area with the Whomping Willow, being cautious not to end up too close to its hammering branches.

"We did it," he let out a long breath.

"That we did," she sadly.

"Deli," he began. "Thank you for coming out here with me. I wouldn't want to experience this alone, despite my normal desire for isolation. Look up!" He extended a finger to the sky. Shooting stars reflected in his glittering eyes.

Delilah glimpsed at the magnificent sky. Wrapped in various blues, purples, and teals, groups of sparkling stars raced above the horizon. Nature itself was a magic beyond any wizard. She focused hard, hoping to never forget this memory.

Delilah felt Talbott's warm hand on hers. A rush of excitement surged through her momentarily. The longer she allowed this to happen, the harder it would be for her to end his life. Delilah had to let go.

As she let go of his hand, she turned in such a way to aim with her eyes. Talbott was perpendicular to the Whomping Willow tree. He frowned.

"I'm sorry," he interjected. "I thought you would have been okay with that, being this is sort of a date."

"Talbott, if anyone is sorry it's me."

"Why is that?" he asked softly.

Delilah drew her wand from her pocket as fast as she could, tears drenching her face.

"Everte statum!" cried Delilah.

Talbott was painfully knocked backwards several feet. He lost his balance and fell to the cold ground. Above him, the Whomping Willow reared up one of its branches, ready to strike. Talbott just barely saw it and rolled out of the way. The heavy branched crushed the ground beneath it, leaving a bald spot of dirt. Another branch powered through the windy air to crush its opponent. Talbott once again rolled, not having time to get to his feet nor reach for his wand. Delilah watched the battle from afar, half hoping he would escape this scene.

The sound of the thudding branches made Delilah jump each time. Despite being further back, she could feel the ground vibrate beneath her. As Talbott finally got up, it was too late. One of the branches caught him from behind, hitting him hard enough to knock blood out of his mouth. His body shot forward and tumbled across the grass and snow.

He was hit again. Then again. Sometimes his body would fly forward quicker than a shooting star above. Delilah closed her eyes for a minute.

Sound seemed to disappear. Her world disappeared. She couldn't nor wanted to move. The nightmare was being tuned out.

What have I done?

She opened her eyes to a new fright. Rowan was running at her with her wand pointed outward. It clicked for Delilah right away. Rowan wasn't this aggressive. Rowan wouldn't ever miss class. This wasn't Rowan. Talbott was correct and she didn't listen. She was cursed.

Delilah heard Rowan yell the bewitched sleep charm among the loud thuds of the Whomping Willow branches. Her eyes grew heavy instantly. Her head spun. She felt her unstable body hit the hard ground. Everything went black.