**Disclaimer** I do not claim to own anything that's not mine (J.K. Rowling wrote these amazing things before I could even dream of them). I do claim my main character, Dee.
I reunited with the hallways and secret passages, almost giddy to be back. Hogwarts only seemed slightly different, its hallways not as loud and full of students like it would usually be. I made my way to the Gryffindor common room.
"Welcome back." The Fat Lady greeted before swinging open to let me in. Inside was chilly, dark and quiet. Frowning, I looked around. Usually it was full of light, warmth, cheer, and plenty of students. Now, only a few sat quietly in a corner working on homework. That damn lady has sucked the life out of this place. Shaking my head in anger, I pushed past it all. I was a woman on a mission. I need to see my man! I smiled at the thought. I climbed up the stairs to the boys' dormitory. I opened the door slowly so that if anyone noticed, it would look like it just hadn't been closed properly and the wind caught it. Loud voices were echoing through the room as I stepped in. Looking around, I saw Fred, Lee, George, Alicia, Angelina and Katie playing a combo version of truth or dare and spin the bottle. Lee was blushing and so was Katie, so I figured they must have just had their turn at the game and something embarrassing happened.
"Your turn Alicia." Katie said quietly, her ears still bright red. Fred and George laughed quietly between themselves while Lee shot them dirty looks. Alicia spun the bottle and it landed on George. She smiled mischievously before saying;
"Truth or dare?" George made a show of trying to decide which one to choose. I stood, nervous, frozen to my spot. I didn't like this one bit. Why was George playing this anyways? Grrr.
"I bet he picks truth." Angelina debated with Katie. I mocked her by mouthing a repeat of her words. Stupid girls. Grrr. Why are they up in the boys' dormitory anyways? George knew he had to pick dare now or he wouldn't hear the end of it.
"Dare." He decided. Alicia grinned smugly. I wanted to slap her. No. I wanted to KILL her. I glared, daring her to dare my man.
"I dare you to kiss me." She said with a flirtatious wink. That Squib! I am going to kill her! George seemed to think it over and I was seething. I wanted to rip her hair out, strand by strand. My hand absently covered my mouth, holding in all the anger I wanted to spew out. HE'S NOT GOING TO DO IT. HE WON'T DO IT. I tried to reassure myself. Alicia leaned closer to him, as if to tempt him. Fred stared at George as if watching something you know is horrible about to happen in a horror movie. George leaned towards her, their faces so close together. NO! I wanted to cry out to stop him. My anger bubble popped as the reality of what was happening stabbed into my heart. I couldn't watch it. I turned and fled out the door, tears streaming down my face. My heart felt like someone had just "Adada Kedavra"d it.
Tears and sobs hindered my breath as I ran. I didn't know where I was heading until I reached the Black Lake. I stopped suddenly at its edge, my toes inches from the water. I stripped off my cloak, jeans and tee shirt, down to my underwear. Diving in, the cold enveloped me, nearly freezing. I didn't care. Maybe the cold would numb some of the pain that was destroying my heart.
I stayed underneath until my body wouldn't allow it anymore. As I bobbed to the surface, I stared at the shore. My pile of clothes set there, alone. The memory of George sitting there, holding my clothes hostage, flashed through my mind. Tears leaked from my eyes again. I hated feeling like a damn broken facet. I wiped angrily at my tears, trying to push all thoughts of George from my mind. I soaked in the Black Lake until the sun set. My toes were blue, just like my mood, but I didn't care. I couldn't care. I was broken.
B-B
I sulked around the castle. Umbridge was a menace to Hogwarts, but currently, I had problems giving a damn about it. The depressing monster that has lurked underneath my heart, finally won his way to the top. HE NEVER REALLY LIKED YOU. HOW COULD YOU EXPECT HIM TO REMAIN FAITHFUL WHEN YOU'RE NEVER AROUND? HE'D THINK YOU ARE HIDEOUS ANYWAYS ONCE YOU FINALLY SHOWED YOUR SCARS. WHO WANTS SOMEONE WHOM YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THEY'LL DISAPPEAR ON YOU? YOU SHOULD HAVE NEVER LIVE! Tears were constantly running down my face but I was always quiet. I was being obedient, keeping a close eye on Harry and Umbridge. I kept constant vigil but it was always with a wooden stare and blank mind.
When Hagrid finally made it back, I went to see him.
"What's wrong Deirdra?" He asked almost immediately.
"Nothing." I replied quietly, not caring if I convinced him or not. He frowned but let it drop. We talked for about an hour or so before we heard three sharp raps on the door, followed by a voice, I'm pretty sure Harry's, calling out.
"Hagrid it's us!" Hagrid looked to me quickly. I mouthed to him, "I'm gonna go." So as he let the three in, I slipped out. Trudging through the snow was difficult and I hated leaving foot prints behind but I couldn't change that. I made it into the castle and headed to Gryffindor Commons. I could wait there for Harry, Ron and Hermione to return from Hagrid's. I hoped they were careful. I didn't want to see them get into anymore trouble. Harry had already been banned from playing Quidditch… One of these days that evil witch is going to get what she deserves and I hope it's soon. I meant Umbridge, not Alicia. Though I was close to wishing evil on Alicia, it wasn't really her fault…not quite.
B~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~B
I sat in the corner of Da's office, sulking. He knew I was here but didn't push me to come out or to talk to him. He knew I was upset over something but knew I'd only get mad at him if he tried to drag it out of me. The door jostled as someone knocked loudly. Da called them to enter. In came Professor McGonagall with Harry and Ron in tow.
Harry had seen in a dream, Mr. Weasley get bitten by a large snake. Da was quick to react. Mr. Weasley had been attacked while guarding the prophecy. Da hurried the portraits to find him. The Weasley children were all gathered. We had to worry about Umbridge asking too many questions and not being happy when we didn't answer them, so Da decided it best to get the group out of here while he could. They were to travel by port key to Grimmauld Place before Umbridge could stop them from leaving. Da looked to me, knowing I was still there.
"Keep them there. Keep them safe." He whispered. I grabbed the port key just before it ported. Everyone stumbled as they landed but I landed gracefully on my feet. It was going to be a long night for everyone and I wished I wasn't there because I had to see and hear the pain and frustration George felt as they had to wait. It's hard to see the pain of others and feel like you can't or wouldn't be welcome to help and comfort them…
B~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~B
I sulked as I followed the Weasleys to St. Mungo's. Mad Eye had dragged me along for some reason. I didn't want to be around George if I could help it. Just seeing him made me feel like I was going to shatter into a million pieces.
As we all gathered around Mr. Weasley's bed, I sank down in a nearby chair. They talked; the twins kept trying to pry information out of their father about how he got injured. I tried not to listen. Just the sound of the twins' voices was enough to set my heart to aching. Soon, Mrs. Weasley decided it was enough and shooed her children out. Mad Eye and Tonks came in then. Mad Eye smiled at me after greeting Mr. Weasley. I didn't smile back. I just didn't have it in me. They began discussing the events of Mr. Weasley's attack. I looked up and noticed extendable ears poking out from under the door. I felt a smile tug at my lips but I resisted it. A sudden "Pop" startled everyone, Da had apparated in to join us. Da smiled at everyone in greeting.
"How are you doing Arthur?" He asked.
"Still bleeding but I'll survive." Mr. Weasley answered.
"You left Hogwarts alone with that woman?" Mrs. Weasley demanded.
"Just for a few minutes. Minerva is keeping an eye on things. I just wanted to check on Arthur in person and handle another matter." Da explained. I glanced to the door again and noticed that the extendable ears were gone.
"What other matter is there to handle?" Tonks asked.
"Well, I know I'm going to get pushed out of Hogwarts soon by the Ministry. So, I'm leaving behind a part of myself with whom you may be able to contact me through since I'll probably have to go into hiding. She's been around for a long time now, helping me out." My heart raced as suddenly I realized he was probably talking about me. "I trust her completely and so should you." Mad Eye smiled and winked at me. "Deirdra, please show yourself." Da requested. I froze, mouth agape and eyes wide.
"Come on girlie! It's about time!" Mad Eye growled at me as he saw me frozen. Mr. & Mrs. Weasley and Tonks looked at both Da and Mad Eye in confusion. I blinked rapidly and sighed. Turning myself visible, I smiled meekly at everyone from my chair. Da grabbed my hand and pulled me up, pushing me closer so everyone could see me better.
"Hi." I said softly. Mr. & Mrs. Weasley looked to each other and back to me. Mrs. Weasley put a polite smile on her face.
"Well, Hello dear. It's so nice to meet you. I'm Molly." She introduced herself. I smiled and took the hand she offered me.
"Hi Mrs. Weasley. I already know who you all are." I said to help eliminate the pointless introductions.
"This is my daughter, Deirdra Nadine Kendra Raschell Dumbledore." Da introduced me more to help them understand. They all, except Mad Eye, looked shocked.
"But…How? Who?" Mrs. Weasley stammered.
"Delilah." Da said softly and I could hear the sadness in his voice. Mr. & Mrs. Weasley stared at me, shocked. I felt odd under their scrutiny and wanted so badly to disappear.
"Um…" I didn't know what to say.
"I'm sorry. We're being quite rude." Mrs. Weasley apologized with a meaningful look at Mr. Weasley. He flashed a smile at me. An awkward silence fell over everyone.
"Please make sure you keep in contact with Deirdra while I'm away. She'll be able to relay your messages to me." Da spoke up. They all nodded their agreement. With that over, I decided it was okay to disappear again, so I did. "No Deirdra. Show yourself again. I think you need to physically be visible while you're with the Weasleys and at Head Quarters." Da called to me.
"But I thought you said it was too dangerous. What about my uncle?" I asked.
"Times are unsafe for everyone now and I'd really like you to let the Weasley family get to know you. It'll be for the best." I started to feel panicky.
"The best for who Da?" I asked, irritated.
"You of course and a certain other Weasley…" He suggested. I got upset.
"There is NO certain other Weasley Da." I said almost in tears. He seemed confused but not as confused as everyone else. I became visible again; probably just long enough for them to see my tears but I didn't care. I was out of here. I disapparated away.
B~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~B
Mrs. Weasley stood at the stove cooking. Mr. Weasley sat at the table resting and having a conversation with Sirius. No one else was about. Mrs. Weasley had sent all her children outside to play in the snow. I sat invisible in the corner.
"So Dumbledore has a daughter? That ol' rascal!" Sirius said with a laugh.
"Yes. Her name is Deirdra. Her mother, Delilah Rookwood, was killed by her own brother when she was pregnant. The doctors had said the child was dead as well but apparently we were duped. Such a tragic tale though…" Mr. Weasley said sadly. I felt tears prickle in my eyes again at the mention of my mother and her death. "But apparently the touch of death left its mark on the girl causing her to be able to become invisible. So unique, so amazing…"
"You know the Ministry would be drooling to get their hands on her if they knew about her. She'd be their next subject for magic experimentation…" Sirius added. I frowned at this.
"She might be around here somewhere you two! So watch what you say. She seems to be a bit sensitive." Mrs. Weasley scolded while glancing around the room as if looking for me.
"What woman isn't sensitive?" Sirius asked sarcastically. Mrs. Weasley gave him a light smack on the shoulder.
"Don't make me send you to your room." She playfully threatened. Sirius and Mr. Weasley both laughed.
Just then, an owl swooped down and pecked on the glass of the back door. Mrs. Weasley opened the door for it. I recognized the owl immediately. It was my owl, Trixy. She had a letter tied to her leg. Sirius reached to untie it and Trixy pecked aggressively at him, stopping him. Mrs. Weasley then tried and she was met with the same response. I made myself visible and stepped forward. My soft leather boots not making a sound as my feet moved over the rough wooden floor. The only sound you'd hear from me is possibly my faded blue jeans rubbing together at my thighs. Have I gained weight? Maybe a little… I brushed my fingers through my long hair, hoping it looked decent and tugged my soft blue sweater down in case it had ridden up. Trixy hooted happily when she saw me and flew to land on my shoulder, effectively drawing everyone's attention to me. They all gaped at me for a moment before finally smiling.
"Is that your owl?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Yes. Sorry about the pecking, she's not one to allow anyone other than the intended to take her letters." I apologized and explained. Sirius beamed at me.
"Hello. You must be the elusive Deirdra I've heard about." He said charmingly, holding out his hand to me. I took it and shook it. "I remember your mother. You look so much like her." He added, sounding sad.
"Yes, that's what people tell me." I said, trying to not be sad by the mention of my mother.
"You shouldn't just hand out invisible. It'd be so nice to get to know you better." Sirius added with a wink. OMG. Is he hitting on me? He's old enough to be my father! I released his hand, resisting the urge to wipe my hand on my pants. …But then again, wasn't Da older than that to my Mum? I decided to ignore his last statement and looked to my letter.
"Is it from Dumbledore dear?" Mrs. Weasley asked. Looking at the handwriting, I shook my head no. It was from George. I broke the seat, intending to read it but then I couldn't go through with it. I rolled it back up and tied it back to Trixy's leg.
"Return this please." I told her and walked back to my corner, turning invisible again. The back door flew open just as I set myself down. In walked all the kids, including George. Trixy hooted and few to him, landing on his shoulder. I caught the sharp looks that Mr. & Mrs. Weasley and Sirius exchanged out of the corner of my eye. George took the letter from her leg and looked crestfallen to see it was his letter, returned. Fed clapped a hand down on George's shoulder.
"She's not happy George." He said matter of factly.
"Who's not happy?" Mrs. Weasley said with a quick glance at my corner.
"Nobody, Mum. Don't worry about it." George replied gloomily as he wadded up the letter and tossed it into the fire. That's right… I'm just nobody… Fresh tears flowed.
***AHHH! Don't hate me please! I love you guys. 0=) LOL. I know last chapter was sooo short and not very exciting, but here is this one that is much longer and definitely a bit exciting even though it is sad. *pout* It made me sad to write it too. Sorry. Did anyone notice I upped the rating? I moved it up for mild language, sensitive subject matter, frightening moments and some sensuality. Hehe…oh ya baby. ;) And does anyone think that I update TOO quickly? It seems like my views aren't as high when I update as fast. Thanks for reading. Please review! If you wanna yell at me, I'll understand. Just don't forget to tell me you love me too. ;p LOL