Chapter 24

Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns Harry Potter and co. I created Melissa.

They had had a quiet day, especially since the Dursleys were out. Mel was cleaning the dishes from dinner when Harry ran into the kitchen. Startled slightly, Mel jumped, which caused water to splash onto her shirt.

"Damn!" she said, backing away from the sink. "Was that necessary?"

"Sorry," Harry said, rolling his eyes. Stretching out his hand, he said, "These came for you."

Mel dried her hands and took the letters from him. She examined them, turning them in her hands. One was from Cedric. She was actually quite surprised it was not a howler. The second was from the Ministry. Curious, she opened it first.

"What is it?" Harry asked. Mel looked at him, wondering why he asked. He must have looked at the sender's name when he brought it done.

"I need to go to the Ministry tomorrow. They want to make sure it was me who cast the Patronus spell last night."

"Why? I thought they had a way to tell if it was or was not underage magic?" Harry asked.

"They do, but they know mistakes can be made. They probably want to find out why I am here with you. I'm sure it's nothing major," she added, seeing his look of worry.

Harry nodded. "You should probably read the other letter. Cedric's owl is upstairs, refusing to leave."

Harry smirked before heading back upstairs. Mel sighed and finished taking care of the dishes. She did not want Harry to get in trouble with the Dursleys for leaving a mess. She stared at the letter as it sat on the counter for a few minutes before picking it and flipping it over in her hands. Taking a deep breath, she tore the letter open. It was as she expected. His letter was full of anger, hurt, and worry. Mel wrote a quick note on the back of the parchment, explaining about the attack and that she was fine. She needed to see him soon…. She would go to him after her stop by the Ministry tomorrow.

XXX

"Mel, wake up! Did you hear that?"

Harry's urgent whisper broke through Mel's light sleep. She stretched herself out and groaned. She rolled over and looked at Harry. He was sitting on the edge of his bed looking at the door. His body was rigid as he listened intently. Mel listened and heard muffled voices from downstairs. She sat up and grabbed her wand. She saw Harry copy her movements.

"Stay behind me," she said. She waited for him to agree before opening the door. They both slipped out and walked as quietly as possible. The voices were clearer now. It sounded as if there were a dozen people downstairs. Mel was surprised they were not keeping their voices down. As they neared the top of the stairs, she realized the tone of their conversation was more curious and excited than malicious or secretive. She stopped walking and switched on a light.

"Professor Lupin!" Harry said, pushing past her and running down the stairs.

"What are you all doing here?" Mel said, slowly following Harry downstairs.

"We came to get Harry and you, and take you both to a safer location," Remus explained.

"Harry, why don't you go get your things," Mel suggested. Harry frowned at the dismissal, but left anyway. He was eager to be gone. A young witch with bright violet hair followed him up to his room.

"Remus," she said quietly. She did not want the others to overhear. However, she need not have worried, they were all too fascinated by the muggle appliances. Except Moddy, who was peeking out the window every few seconds. "I won't be coming with you."

"Why not?"

"Well, I need to go to the Ministry in the morning. I think they just want to ask why I was near Harry and using magic," she hesitated, knowing Remus would not like what she was going to say. "Then I am going to stay with Cedric for a bit."

"Is that so?" Remus asked. He was not happy. He folded his arms in front of his chest and frowned.

"I'm eighteen and have been on my own for a few weeks now. I think I'm capable of taking care of myself," she said firmly.

"You could've contacted me or Sirius or Dumbledore, and someone would have brought you to a safe place. You chose to hide and be on your own," he said, his tone was slightly accusatory.

"I did not want to be trapped or restricted, which is what would have happened if I had asked for help," Mel said, keeping her voice level.

"So what exactly do you plan on doing?"

"I'll get a few more hours of sleep here, pack up and go to the morning. I'll be fine."

Remus gave a frustrated sigh, which Mel took as a sign of consent. Harry came back downstairs. He and the purple-haired witch were carrying his trunk. They had stacked his broom and birdcage on top of it.

"Ready," he said, handing of the trunk to one of the other wizards and grabbing his broom off it. "You're not coming are you?"

"Not yet," Mel said apologetically. "I'll come see you in a few days, promise."

"All right," Harry said. The others start trickling outside. Mel gave Harry a quick hug, quickly because she did not want to embarrass him. Remus put a Disillusionment Charm on him, gave her a one-armed hug, and they both went to join the others. Mel watched them takeoff from the window. She locked the door and went back upstairs. Harry's room was very empty now. She had not realized how much space he actually took up. She set his alarm clock and lay down on the bed, falling asleep quickly.

XXX

The alarm went off far too early for Mel's liking. She crawled off the bed and pulled out the yellow dress and shoes Lindsey had gotten her for Christmas. After making herself presentable, she transformed her knapsack into a matching purse, took a deep breath, and apparated to the Ministry.

Mel looked around for some sort of a directory. She needed to find Mafalda Hopkirk, who worked in the Improper Use of Magic Office. However, she was unsure what floor that was located on. She was looking for some form of a directory when she bumped into someone.

"Oops, I'm sorry," she apologized, turning to face the person. "Oh, hello Mr. Weasley. How are you this morning?"

"Fine, thank you," he said, smiling good-naturedly. "Are you lost?"

"A little," she admitted sheepishly. "I need to find Mafalda Hopkirk's office. I have a meeting with her in fifteen minutes."

"She down on my floor. I'll show you where she is."

"Thank you," she said, following him to the elevator. "This place is quite impressive. I've only ever heard my friends describe it."

"Yes, it is," he said distractedly. They pushed their way inside the elevator, and he pushed the button for his floor. Mel had to steady herself with the metal railing as the elevator jerked down. Just as she righted herself the elevator came to an abrupt stop.

"This is us," Mr. Weasley said. She followed him out of the elevator, careful to not get in anyone's way. "Now go down this hallway here," he said, pointing to the left, "and it's the third to last door on the right."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Weasley," Mel said, turning to walk down the corridor.

"Oh, Molly would like you to come dinner soon. She thinks it'll be good for Harry."

"I'd be glad too. Thanks again," she said, waving.

Mel walked quickly down the corridor, weaving in and out of the crowd. She paused outside the door and straightened up her appearance. Her knock was answered by a clear and crisp "come in."

"Hello Melissa. How are you?"

Mel looked up and was surprised to see Amelia Bones, Lindsey's aunt, sitting at the desk. "I'm fine, Ms. Bones. And you?"

"Oh just fine," she said cheerily. "It's rather slow today, though you'd never tell with all the fuss out there. Please, have a seat."

Mel sat across from, growing slightly confused. Wasn't she supposed to meet Hopkirk? "Ms. Bones, I thought I was meeting Mrs. Hopkirk. Am I in the right place?"

"Yes, you are. Mafalda's running a little late this morning, so I'm filling in for her," she explained. "As for why you were called here, I must say there seems to be some sort of a mix up."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know why they thought it was necessary to call you in here. You've done nothing wrong. No muggles saw you. I know that you would never risk exposure, so you must have had a reason for performing the Patronus Charm," Amelia said matter-of-factly.

Mel smiled. She thanked Merlin she had become friends with Lindsey. This could have gone so differently if they had not been. "I was visiting Harry Potter—we're friends from school, you see—when we were attacked by two dementors. I only used the spell to protect us."

"Well, it is odd that two dementors were that far from Azkaban. However, a lot of odd things are happening," she said, her carefree manner disappearing. "Off the record, my family and I believe what Dumbledore, Potter, and Diggory said in the spring. I'm sure you do as well, which is why you need to be on your guard. There are some who will use any means necessary to discredit us."

"I understand," Mel said, smiling.

"Well, I think we're done here," Amelia said, shuffling some papers around.

"Have a good day," Mel said, getting up and walking toward the door.

"You too dear."

Mel walked back to the elevators, her nerves gone for the moment. The corridor had cleared a bit and it was easier for her to meander through the people. Not paying attention, she got on the first elevator that opened. Out of the corners of her eyes, she could see a few others were in there with her. She did not pay attention to them until some held her upper arm in a vice grip. Startled, she turned to see who it was.

"Cedric!" she said. He loosened his grip and she threw her arms around him. The other two people were looking at them curiously, but Mel ignored them. "What are you doing here?"

The elevator jerked to a stop before he answered. He took her by the arm again and led her out. He took them to a small, empty office about halfway done the corridor. He pushed her inside rather roughly and shut the door behind them.

"Cedric, what are you doing?" Mel asked, regaining her balance and turning to face him.

Again, he did not answer. Instead, he crossed the room in three strides, pinned her to the wall, and crashed his mouth to hers. Mel's body reacted to his movements before her mind could stop it. Cedric pressed his body into hers. One of his hands was wrapped in her hair to hold head steady as the other slipped down her side. Mel's arms and legs wrapped around as he pushed her further up the wall, never breaking the kiss. Feeling dizzy, Mel finally pulled away, gasping as she pulled oxygen into her lungs. Cedric barely paused, his lips now trailing kisses down her neck and one hand sliding under her dress.

"Cedric, stop," she gasped, pushing against his shoulders. "I don't want to do this here."

Cedric looked up at her. "Why not? It could be fun," he smirked, his voice gruff. His eyes were a contrast to his playful expression. There was a darkness to them. It sent a shiver through Mel. Her fear must have shown in her face because he set her gently on the ground and stood back a little. He could not go far though; her arms were still wrapped around his neck.

"You're afraid of me," he muttered. "It's why you've been avoiding all summer."

"No, I'm not!" she said, tightening her grip so he could not pull away. "I was staying away because I was afraid of putting you in danger. I've been fighting myself to stay away all summer. In fact, I was coming to you after my meeting here. I love you so much. It's hurt me to stay away for so long, especially since I know how much pain you've been in."

Cedric seemed consoled by her answer. He sighed and pulled her into a hug. She let her arms fall from his neck and wrapped them around his waist instead.

"I could never be afraid of you," she whispered.

"I wouldn't bet on it," he said, his tone bitter. "I've been scaring my parents quite a bit as of late."

"You're angry. It'll be ok," she said reassuringly.

Cedric scoffed and released her. "How was your meeting?"

"Fine, nothing happened. Amelia Bones said there must have a mix up. Good news is she and her family believe what happened in the spring. What are you doing here?" she asked again, straightening her dress and hair.

"Just came to see my father," he said, running his fingers through his hair.

"Couldn't you see him at home?"

"No, I haven't been with them all summer."

"Why not?" Mel asked, taking a step toward him.

"Same reason you were trying to stay away, to keep them safe," he shrugged. "They're still in the house. I'm nearby, in case something happens. I try not to go there much though, just to be safe."

She nodded. "We should go, your father's expecting you."

"Fine," he said, taking her hand. "But then I'm taking you home."

The two of them received curious glances as they walked to Mr. Diggory's office. Cedric did not bother knocking as his father shared an office with two other people.

"Hi Dad," Cedric said as he and Mel neared his father's desk.

Mr. Diggory looked up from his work. He got up from his desk and came to hug his son. "How are you two? When did you get here, Melissa?"

"We just met in the hall actually," she said, giving him a one-armed hug since Cedric was still holding her other hand.

"But she'll be coming home with me," Cedric said. "It's safer than her running around the country until school starts."

Mel stood uncomfortably while Cedric and his father shared a tense look. Mel noticed Cedric take a folded up piece of parchment from his father and put in his pocket.

"Well," Mr. Diggory finally said, "I hope you are both well. Your mother says hello."

"Send her my love. We'd best be going," he added. Mr. Diggory's co-workers were back and staring at them suspiciously.

"Of course. Be careful," he added sternly.

Cedric nodded good-bye, and led Mel out into the hall. He pulled them off to the side, where no one would bump into them. He wrapped an arm around her waist and held her close.

"What are we doing?" she asked.

"Side-along apparition. Hold on tight."

They turned on the spot. Mel felt the familiar sensation of being squeezed through a vacuum. She tightened her grip on Cedric. They appeared outside a small house that was just bigger than a shed. It was surrounded by trees, which kept it hidden from anyone walking on the road. Cedric quickly led her inside; being out in the open for too long made him nervous. Once inside, he went about casting the protection spells.

Mel looked around her. Everything, but the bathroom was in one room. The bed was against the left wall, while the kitchen lined the right. There was a small couch in front the fireplace, which was directly on her left.

"How have you not gone mad?" she asked, looking at the room.

"Who says I haven't?" he whispered. He wrapped his arms around her waist and began kissing her neck.

"I've missed you," he said between kisses.

"I've missed you too," she said, feeling the longing well up within her.

"I need you," he whispered huskily.

"I-I can tell," she said, her voice strained.

She felt his smile on her neck as he unzipped her dress and unclasped her bra. Her clothes fell to her feet. Hesitantly, she turned to face him. His shirt and pants were already off. She started to say something, but was stopped by his mouth.

"No talking or thinking," he said, biting her neck. He picked her up and carried her over to the bed. While lowering them onto the bed, he whispered, "I love you." He again silenced her by pressing his mouth and body to hers.

XXX

The setting sun fell across them on the bed. Cedric listened to Mel's steady breathing as she slept. He felt the beginnings of guilt form within him. He had lost control. He had not meant to, but seeing her and touching her had driven him over the edge. He had just missed her so much. His need for her was greater than it had ever been. Maybe it had to do with the fact that if it were not for her, he would be dead. He did not know, nor did he really care. At the moment, his only concerned was that he had been too rough and had hurt her.

He felt her stretch out beside him. Involuntarily, he stiffened. Was she awake? He was afraid to open his eyes and look. He had already seen the bruises on her neck and shoulders where he had bitten her. Cedric shivered when he felt her lips on his collarbone. Yes, she was awake. He opened his eyes, and forced himself to stare at the ceiling.

"I thought you were awake," she said.

He wrapped an arm around her bare back. "I wasn't tired."

"Really?" He chanced a glance at her. She was smiling up at him, a mischievous look in her eyes. She was not upset nor did she seem like she was in pain. "I'm quite impressed."

"How do you feel?"

She looked at him curiously. "Happy. Peaceful. Loved."

"You're not in any pain?" he asked, pushing himself up on his arms.

She looked at him like he was crazy. "Of course not! Though I can't say I'm overly pleased about the love marks you left behind. Mrs. Weasley wanted me to come to dinner by the end of the week. How can I possibly do that with these things on my neck?" she teased. Cedric let out a long breath.

"You need to stop worrying about everything," she said quietly, laying her head on his chest. "You're still allowed to enjoy things, be happy."

"Hmm."

She sighed and moved away from him. Not wanting her to be angry with him, he sat and wrapped his arms around her waist and her in place. She leaned against him and placed her arms over his. "What can I do?"

"I don't know," he said into her shoulder. "Don't give up on me or leave. Things are clearer, not as bad, when you're with me."

She slumped against him and turned her face so her lips brushed the line of jaw when she spoke. "Last year, you told me I had to live if you didn't make it out of the maze. I won't leave or give up on you, but you have to remember to live too. Don't give up on yourself."

He kissed her head and pulled her back down beside him, holding her tight. He supposed he had not been trying to even deal with what he had experienced in the spring. He could at least try for them, for their future.

"All right," he whispered.

"Thank you."

He could hear the smile in her voice. Cedric let out a content breath. If nothing else, he would at least try to keep her happy and safe.

AN: Hope you enjoyed it. Please be patient when it comes to future updates. Classes are starting and I've hit a bit of a block (I know what I want to happen later on, but I need to think of how to get there). Thanks for reading and reviewing!