Chapter 70: The Safe Haven

Time passed quickly and soon everyone was now in 12 Grimmauld Place, the Head Quarters for the Order of the Phoenix, everyone except Harry James Potter. Bridgit had arrived the day after Echo and Hermione joined the group a week later. Different people went in and out of the house, some scary to Zoey while others were just another friendly face like Nymphadora Tonks, a metamorphmagus. Some of the members were also familiar to Zoey like Dumbledore, who was more like the head of the Order instead of a member, who came in once or twice, to Zoey's knowledge, and much to her surprise, and everyone else who studied in Hogwarts, Snape was part of the Order too along with Bridgit, as to which the twins retaliated with jealousy. At that point, everyone, meaning the adults and Bridgit, was well organized on what their duties were and had numerous meetings that Zoey and the rest weren't allowed to attend, much to their annoyance.

"We're of age!" always came the reply of the twins and Echo, not so much of Zoey for she did not want to get on the adult's bad side, when the doors were closed in their faces when a meeting was being held. "Of age or not," Mrs. Weasley would argue, "You are still my children and I forbid you to have any business on what's going on"

Mrs. Weasley's, in Zoey mind, word was law and Zoey did not want to go against it. The twins; however, were another story. When they got tired of the door being slammed in their face, both metaphorically and literally, and Bridgit not saying a single word or clue to them about the meetings, they gathered up everyone who was not allowed into the meetings and introduced their new invention, the Extendable Ears. When everyone knew how they worked, they took every chance they could get to listen in on the meetings, that is until they were caught by none other than Mrs. Weasley, the mum with the hawk eyes. When she found out, she threatened, and was most likely going to, to throw away the Extendable Ears. Fred and George hid them all in time.

Days were getting busier and busier but that didn't stop people from wondering about Zoey's current condition at home. Word got around and soon, everyone knew about what happened to her and her wings. Many questions were left unanswered until one faithful day; Sirius just couldn't take it anymore and outright asked her during dinner. Mrs. Weasley scolded him for being rude but Natalie backed him up saying that if Lucy could tell them so can Zoey. At the mention of her mother, Zoey faltered.

Her walls, the walls that kept her hidden, safe were crashing down. The four walls that made a large box that Zoey stayed in the middle with all her secrets and all her white lies for the box not only kept her safe but others as well. The things she kept hidden from the public and the things she didn't want to reveal yet were all kept in that box with her in the middle of it all. She thought it would be fine. Everything would be fine if no one would touch her box, her walls. But she was wrong. One by one her friends and family were able to break through them until all that was left was Zoey huddled in the middle of it all, her secrets and lies breaking free for all to see.

That was the mental image anyway.

Zoey, shaking her head into reality, then told them that her situation was nothing to worry about and they should forget that it even happened. They didn't. They continued to pester her, not forcefully though. Time passed and soon Zoey gave in on one condition, that was later over ruled, that Harry had to be there to hear. She did not want to repeat the sob story. Ginny; however, cut her off saying she was just avoiding the question. She was right but Zoey continued to press on her condition saying she only wanted to say it once. That's when Ron and Hermione cut in.

"You only have to say it once," said Hermione

"We'll fill in Harry for you," Ron continued.

At this, Zoey saw that she was losing. She couldn't hide it anymore. From the start she knew that it wouldn't take long but she still held on to the belief that she could keep things in her tiny little haven of a box. Sadly, that didn't work out to well for her. Sure, she knew that she could still keep some things under wraps but others were seeping out. Available for the public to see. Her friends and family saw the result of the abuse Zoey had to endure, one time they even saw it take place. They knew the general idea of it all, all that was left were the details and that was for Zoey to elaborate on. That is, if she would.

It hurt her to open the slow healing wounds of her past but she knew she had to some time. Things happen and life and most of the time, they hurt but we learn from them. If everything was perfect then nothing could go wrong and nothing would move forward. Zoey knew that and she believed in it, she just didn't like to do it.

Zoey felt like it was her summer before sixth year. Déjà vu was happening to her. People found out about what had been happening and now she had to tell them what was going on. When it all started. She had to explain and discuss. She had to see their expressions of hurt and worry once again. Their pity and their rage. She had to see them all. She had to go through it one more time. She hoped it was the last.

When Zoey reached the part of her wings, she was grateful to have Hermione there to help explain it. She, Zoey, even summoned the books she had lent to her to pass around to those who wanted a more detailed explanation.

The day ended with everyone knowing about her and what she went through.

Well, almost everyone

And almost everything was revealed.

There were still some things that Zoey didn't want to share.

She clutched onto her pills that she kept in her pocket. She did not take them but just having them near her was sort of a calming object. Like, just having them close to her would be the same as taking one pill a day.

Not quite.

"I SUPPOSE YOU'VE BEEN HAVING A REAL LAUGH, HAVEN'T YOU, ALL HOLED UP HERE TOGETHER –"

Zoey winced at the volume of Harry's voice. To her knowledge, he came to the Headquarters not to long ago and from what Zoey had heard, Harry was not too happy on finding out that he knew nothing of what was going on since the beginning of the summer. Zoey felt his pain, being kept in the dark but she also knew it wouldn't be too good if she came up there. He would be mad at her too. She didn't want that. Zoey then looked down at the plate in her hands. She and Bridgit were asked to do the dishes (which they were doing the muggle way even though they were already both of age) while Echo had disappeared into the library she found somewhere deep into the house. Zoey did not care to join.

Only a matter of time till they tell him what had happened to me, Zoey thought as she passed the clean plate to Bridgit and took hold of another one.

"SHE WAS WHAT?"

And Bingo was his name oh, Zoey sighed. It was a wonder how her grandmother's portrait did not wake up yet. A mystery really.

"Looks like Harry's heard what happened," Bridgit said, letting out a soft chuckle

"And he's not to happy about it," Zoey gave her another plate, "Quick question that is completely unrelated to the current situation but did you ever use magic… you know freely now seeing as the trace is off?"

"Uhm…. I've actually been using magic since before I was of age," Bridgit answered, taking the plate and rinsing it

"You mean out of Hogwarts?" Zoey's brows shot up

"Yup… I have special permission from Dumbledore," Bridgit answered, "It sort of the only upside of being a Death Eater spy, I get to use magic out of Hogwarts without getting in trouble to protect myself"

Before Zoey could reply to her Mrs. Weasley entered the kitchen and ushered her out.

"Thank you for the help, Zoey dear but the meeting will start now," Mrs. Weasley said, gently pushing her out the door.

"B – but," Zoey stuttered, "Can't I listen?"

"No," came Mrs. Weasley's reply, "And you know why. Now out you go. Dinner would be ready shortly"

And with that the door was once again closed in her face while her friend was still inside, the privilege of a Death Eater Spy.

"Seriously, the others should be allowed in this," Zoey heard Bridgit say through the door, "Especially Harry! We need to tell him these things!"

"Look dear, they will be briefed in time, but as of now leave them out of this mess," came Mrs. Weasley's voice, and Zoey heard Bridgit sigh.

"Okay…" Bridgit answered, obviously feeling defeated

Zoey gave a sigh; at least Bridgit was on their side. She was just about to press her ear against the door, to hear more, when a foul smelling sent filled the air. She looked back and saw Ginny with several Dung bombs in her hand. Zoey saw the Weasley girl raise her hand and was prepared to throw another one, Zoey dodged in time and quickly made her way to Ginny.

"Imperturbable Charm," Ginny said as she threw the remaining Dung bombs at the door, "Tonks taught me how to find out"

"Right," Zoey replied and then gasped when a lonely ear came into view. She slapped it out of her way out of reflex. She heard someone swear from upstairs. She looked up to see Fred and the others looking down from the banister, the other end of the Ear in Fred's hand. Zoey sent an apologetic smile.

"We better get up there," Ginny said and Zoey nodded in response.

When they finally reached the top, they saw everyone huddled over the other ear while the one Zoey swatted was dangling far below them. Zoey squeezed herself between Fred and Harry.

"Hello, Harry," Zoey greeted him

"Hey," Harry replied with a small smile.

"And no hello for your injured boyfriend?" came Fred's voice

"You're injured?" Zoey looked at him, brows raised once more.

"Of course I am," Fred feigned pain, "Swatting that poor defenseless ear sent a very painful frequency to mine. I could have gone deaf!"

"Shh," Ron hissed, he couldn't care less, "We can't hear anything"

"You won't be able to," Came Ginny's voice, "They placed an Imperturbable Charm"

"Not a strong one," George muttered, "I think I can hear something"

At that, everyone huddled closer to the ear, praying that the Charm wasn't as powerful as they thought.

The first voice they heard was Bridgit's.

"Voldemort's planning something, and it has something to do with a prophecy located in the Department of Mysteries." Bridgit said, making the others curiosity boost to a higher level."I know it has something to do with Harry, but I need to know what this is about." Bridgit continued slamming her hands on to the table.

"Look Ms. Parker, this does not go to your concern. You are here to tell us when he plans to attack, and when he decides to make his return." A voice that sounded like Remus' said.

"What do you mean this isn't my concern? Of course it is! These are my friends!" Bridgit then said.

"Ms. Parker, you are getting out of line. Now tell us what you are supposed to and do not meddle with things that need not to be meddled in." Snape's voice suddenly rang through.

"Are you all seriously telling me that you're gonna let this go on? If you keep leaving me and all of them in the dark, it could be too late to do anything!" Bridgit shouted, making the listeners, Zoey and the rest, wince.

"Ms. Parker, we know that you care, and your concern for your friends is admirable, but you must remember that everything comes all in good time." Dumbledore, much to the listeners' surprise, now said.

"What time is better than the present? You should give them the choice to join the Order!" Bridgit now retorted, and the others could hear the collective talking and arguing about the suggestion.

"Well, I think it's a good idea," A voice said, and the others realized that it belonged to Sirius. "Those kids should know what they're up against, and should be given a chance to join this or not. In anyway it's for their protection." Sirius added.

"It's nice to know someone has his head screwed on straight," Bridgit suddenly said, and they heard her let out a sigh of relief.

"What are you talking about Sirius? Those children are too young and should still be enjoying their childhood lives!" Mrs. Weasley now said, shouting as she did.

"Oh yeah? What is left to enjoy when he returns? When Voldemort decides to attack? And you say that as if I'm not their age! I know first hand what we're up against, what they'll be up against and if they don't learn to fend for themselves now there is no chance of us winning this war!" Bridgit suddenly shouted back, her anger obvious in her voice.

"She's right Molly," Natalie's voice came, "With this going on. There isn't much childhood to enjoy"

"So it's decided then! We will let them make their own decisions regarding this matter?" Sirius asked and the others waited for the reply anxiously.

"ARE YOU –?" Mrs. Weasley was about to say, but Dumbledore had cut her off.

"We will allow them to join if they want to, but we will still limit their knowledge on this." He said, and the others heard that Bridgit was once again about to speak but Dumbledore had cut her off though. "Ms. Parker, if you disagree, you always have the choice to tell them more, but this is not just about what they want to know, it is also for their welfare and safety."

"But...I...Fine." Bridgit suddenly said, agreeing to the statement.

"Well if this is the case, then we should probably call the kids down to discuss this with them." Sirius said, once again but they heard Bridgit laugh.

Before Zoey and the rest could hear more on the meeting a little problem had occurred. Hermione was the first to notice.

"Crookshanks!" she cried, "No!"

Hermione's cat, Crookshanks, had spotted the other end of the Extendable Ear and began swatting it. Fred and George began tugging at the string but the tabby cat just didn't let go. Soon, the cat was able to detach the ear, leaving a thin flesh colored string behind, and dragged it off to someplace only a cat would know.

"Hermione…. I hate your cat," Ron said, finding another chance to express his feelings about the feline. Sure, it knew 'Scabbers' was a fraud but there were just other instances where Ron just did not favor the animal.

Suddenly, the door of the kitchen began to open and Fred and George swore as they hurriedly pulled the string back up, away from their mother's sight. Everyone stepped away from the banister and away from view as well. Zoey felt like she was holding her breath though she didn't really know why. She, Zoey, then crept back to the banister and saw Mrs. Weasley gesturing her to come down. Zoey nodded her head and looked back to her friends.

"Dinner's ready," she said to them.

"Right," George grinned.

"See you down stairs," Fred also grinned and with that they disappeared with not a pop but with a CRACK.

They heard Mrs. Weasley let out an angry yell and Zoey saw her slap both Fred and George on the arm, they walked to the kitchen, laughing. Zoey rolled her eyes at them.

"I heard they passed their Apparation test," Harry made conversation as he, Zoey, Hermione, Ron and Ginny headed down the stairs.

"With distinction, they say," Zoey said with a smile, "How's your summer been?"

"Terrible," Harry honestly replied, letting the rest go first. He wanted to have more time to talk with Zoey before going to the kitchen. "I was kept in the dark –"

"So I've heard," Zoey interrupted, "You have quite a loud voice when you're angry"

"So I've heard," Harry repeated what Zoey had said, "But, yours was probably – most likely – is worse than mine"

Zoey shook her head. "Not is. Was worse. It got better when I came here," she told him.

"This dusty old place?" Harry asked, peeling of the already peeling wallpaper.

"It's better than my own place," Zoey smiled.

"Hermione and Ron told me all about it," Harry then said, "I'm sorry. I didn't know it went that far"

"Nothing to worry about," Zoey's smile softened as she messed up Harry's already messed up hair.

"But –" but Harry never got to continue for before he knew it, he and Zoey had reached the last step and Mrs. Weasley greeted them with soft whispers. She instructed Harry to carefully tiptoe his way to the kitchen, without really explaining, but it was useless for Tonks had tripped over a particular object and landed with a loud crash waking up a particularly unwanted person.

"Now she wakes up?" Zoey found herself asking, "She didn't wake up when you were yelling and she didn't wake up when Fred and George apparated and Mrs. Weasley yelling at them but when Tonks trips. She wakes up?"

"Who's she?" Harry asked

"Filth! Scum! Blood-traitors and Half-breeds! Polluting the home of my forefathers!"

Zoey watched as Tonks apologized over and over again and Echo emerging from the dark, coming to see who had triggered Walburga Black's yelling. Out of the kitchen came Sirius.

"Shut up! You horrible old hag!" he shouted, tugging at the curtains that were once covering the sleeping woman.

"You!" Walburga screeched at the sight of Sirius, "Shame of my flesh! Abomination! An insult to the Blacks name! You and that dreadful daughter of yours –"

"I said… shut UP!" Sirius shouted once more, tugging at the curtains again until it covered the dreadful portrait. He then faced Harry.

"Hello, Harry," he greeted him the same way Zoey did, "I see you've met my mother"

"Wonderful woman isn't she?" Zoey smiled at Harry before dashing into the kitchen, grabbing a hold of Echo as she did so, so Harry and Sirius could have a moment.

The dinner that night was the most bipolar meal that Zoey had ever had, not that she minded. First, it began casual with minor introductions and cleaning up from the meeting. Then, it went downhill when Fred and George charmed the food to levitate towards the table only to have the charm break and the food and utensils fall, a knife almost stabbing Sirius' hand. After the incident, everyone had a laugh, not Mrs. Weasley though. Then after the laughs the dinner became silent and awkward by the mention of Percy and the atmosphere changed when Mrs. Weasley began telling Sirius about the rooms that needed to be cleaned, Sirius not being too enthusiastic on the idea. The dinner returned to laughs by the girls' side when Tonks began changing her face to have a snout of a pig or the bill of a duck, much to everyone's amusement.

At Remus' side was a deep discussion on goblins and the like with Bill and Mr. Weasley while on Fred and George's side, they were having some laughs with Mundungus Fletcher, once again, to Mrs. Weasley's annoyance.

By the end of dinner the atmosphere in the kitchen rapidly changed to one that Zoey rather not have. The topic of the Order had come up when Mrs. Weasley told them it was time to get to bed. Sirius; however, disagreed and began talking to Harry about a topic that was not what Mrs. Weasley preferred. One thing led to another and a whole argument surfaced about who was too young to have their questions answered and who wasn't.

"It's your parents job to give their permission if you can join or not," Remus told the twins.

"That's not what you agreed to earlier!" George argued

"How would you know about –" Natalie began but was interrupted

"And if it really is about parents allowing," Fred was the one who interrupted, "Then what about Zoey? Why isn't she in the Order? I was pretty sure Sirius would have allowed her!"

Sirius looked over to Zoey. "Would you want to join?"

"Erm…" Zoey bit her lip; she didn't want to be dragged into the argument, "Sure"

"Then what about Harry?" it was Ginny's turn to ask.

"He's too young!" Mrs. Weasley pointed out.

"I say he should be in the Order," Sirius said

"It's not down to you to decide what's good for Harry," Mrs. Weasley then turned to Sirius.

At that, another argument had taken place between Sirius and Mrs. Weasley. It was like watching a tennis match, the argument bouncing back and forth between them. It was hard to keep up. It was scary almost.

"Mrs. Weasley!" Bridgit said, calling out to the red headed woman with a stern voice that could battle McGonagall's, "We agreed that it would be their decision and not yours or Sirius'." Bridgit continued, giving a cold stare at her.

"Bridgit dear, you must understand that we are only looking out for them," Mrs. Weasley responded, trying to calm Bridgit down. She, Mrs. Weasley, did not like to be glared at especially by someone who was years younger than she was.

"Looking out? It's more like you want them to know nothing!" Bridgit shouted, shocking everyone in the room. "If you were looking out for them you would let them fight and live! Not wait until the end comes." She continued still glaring daggers at the woman.

"Look little missy, just because you are our ticket to information doesn't mean that you have a right to say anything regarding our children and their safety." Mrs. Weasley started, finally getting irritated with the girl. "You don't know what it's like to lose a child or how hard it would be to lose anyone that you love." She continued, not realizing that every word that came out of her mouth stung like a blade.

Zoey felt her heart skip a beat. Why did the argument have to move between them? No, why did the argument have to start at all? She was getting worried, if she was not already.

"Yeah, that's right...I'm just the girl who hangs out with the scum who killed her parents to help others right?" Bridgit retorted bowing her head. "I'm going to bed." She added, walking out of the room. Shortly after, Echo came after her, most likely to comfort her, keep her company or she just wanted to get away from the tension, probably all of the above.

"Bridgit..." Mrs. Weasley began, realizing what she had just done. She moved to follow but she felt a hand on her shoulder that stopped her. It was her husband.

"Let her cool off," he said to her before helping her back to her seat.

"Right," Mrs. Weasley sighed, "Fred – George – Ginny – Ron – Hermione – Zoey – I want you out of this kitchen right now"

There was an instant uproar.

"I was allowed!" Zoey exclaimed for the first time. She did not want to start a fight but it was not fair. Days, weeks, months, she wanted to know what was happening but never got to and now, when her father gave her permission, she was being told to get out? It was not fair!

"Fine," Mrs. Weasley said, "Fred – George –"

"We're of age!" they bellowed together and Ron and Ginny's arguments followed. At that, Mrs. Weasley had the last straw, convinced by her husband and son, she allowed Fred, George, Ron and Hermione to stay as well but sent Ginny to her room. Ginny angrily left the kitchen, and she did not go quietly. As Ginny stomped back to her room, she had awoken the portrait once more and Remus and Natalie had to dash out to silence her again. When they returned, Sirius was the first to speak.

"So, Harry, what do you want to know?"


In Zoey's dreams, she would not interact with her lost friends. No, she would simply be in a dark room and wait for the memories to come. The memories would start out at the end of a tunnel and with a blink of an eye, be right in front of her. The memories would begin with the most significant ones. They held the days Zoey marked as important in her mind. They would start from the very beginning. It always began from the first time they formally met.

Zoey quickened her pace in hopes to be able to catch breakfast but there was a slight problem. She had run into someone. Zoey stumbled back from the surprise force and her things went flying. She closed her eyes as she waited for a book to fall on her.

Nothing happened.

She re-opened her eyes and came face to face with gray eyes much like her own but not quite. Zoey felt herself blush. Zoey had bumped into a quite good looking boy. The boy in front of her had chiseled features with brown hair and gray eyes. Zoey could not believe that she had never seen him even though he was in the same house as her.

Zoey blushed grew darker as the boy held out his hand. She accepted it and he brought her up. He was quite tall.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"Err – yeah… sorry about that," Zoey apologized as she bent down a bit to get her fallen books. The boy helped her.

"I didn't know anyone would be in the common room right now," the boy said as he handed Zoey her books, "With breakfast nearing its end I would think that everyone would be heading to classes"

"Err – I woke up late," Zoey said with her head down. She brought the books closer to her chest. The boy nodded and led her out of the common room

"So, Zoey," the boy began to make small talk, "What class do you have first?"

"Defe – wait – how do you know my name?" Zoey stopped dead in her tracks and looked at the boy curiously.

The boy looked back at her, "About two years ago. I gave you your missed assignments, remember?"

Zoey bit her lip. Two years ago she almost fell to her doom. She had been asleep for days and missed school. A boy who was a year or so older than her gave her the missed homework. The gears in her head began to move. Her eyes widened when she made her realization.

"You remember now?" the boy asked with a chuckle

"You're Edward then!"

The boy laughed, "Cedric actually," he corrected, "Cedric Diggory"

It always began with that memory. It was light hearted and fun and even in her dream state, Zoey knew she was blushing at her little blunder over his name. She was glad that he didn't get mad; after all, it was very far from his given name.

The next memory was a sad one, happening after her fight with her dear friends. It also marked a beginning of a habit they would soon develop. Those nights when Zoey would find herself lost and staring into the fireplace in the Hufflepuff Common Room and Cedric, waking up at that ungodly hour, finding her, talking to her, helping her. Yes, that was the next memory. The first time it happened.

She jumped a bit and let out a small yelp when she heard footsteps coming down the stairs. She turned around anxiously as the footsteps grew louder. She felt her heart beat faster when the footsteps ceased.

"Lumos," a voice came and a light appeared, "Who's there?"

"I – I am," Zoey said in a soft voice.

A chuckle came, "That makes everything clearer," the voice said, "Zoey? Is that you?"

"That depends. Who are you?" Zoey replied.

The light came closer to her as did the footsteps. In a matter of seconds, Cedric stood in front of her with a smile. "What are you doing up so late?"

Zoey blushed, "How do you know I was up late? Maybe I woke up early"

"Zoey," Cedric said with a look.

"I couldn't go to sleep," Zoey puffed her cheeks. She felt like a child compared to Cedric.

Yes, a child. He was always so mature, yet he knew how to have fun. Zoey liked that about him. He was a good influence. He was fun and he helped. He was well respected and very friendly compared to Zoey. She was invisible and socially awkward. It worked; they helped each other.

The next memory that followed was back in the Common Room, in front of the fireplace. It was after Zoey's accidental kiss with Fred, her girly inner dilemma. It started out with a 'Fred Problem' but ended with a different topic. It ended with her problem. A 'Zoey Problem'

"You alright?"

Zoey tensed and looked up from the fireplace. It was midnight and she was once again in the Common Room staring into the fire thinking about the things that have been happening to her. Primarily, Fred. Zoey blushed at the memory of her lips brushing against his.

"What are you doing up, Cedric?" Zoey asked as she looked at the gray eyes of her fellow Hufflepuff.

"I should be asking you the same question actually," Cedric chuckled as he sat beside her and stared into the fireplace for a while. He then looked back at Zoey, the light of the fire making her skin glow a bit. "Now, tell me what's wrong," said Cedric.

Zoey bit her lip as she looked back at the fireplace, "What makes you say something's wrong?"

"You're always up at the middle of the night in front of the fireplace when something's up," Cedric said with a small shrug.

"This is only the second time," Zoey pointed out.

"That may be so but I am right in saying that something's bothering you… right?" Cedric asked and drew Zoey's attention back to him.

Zoey blinked up at him for her head was slightly tilted downwards. She didn't really know what to say. Cedric was her friend. In fact he was her only friend in the Hufflepuff house. He was also very loyal, heck why would he be sorted here if he wasn't? Zoey inwardly sighed. She knew she could trust him but the idea was a little awkward to her. She hasn't even told Bridgit and Echo what had happened to her. She didn't even know if she would tell them.

"Something's bothering me," Zoey admitted as she looked back to the fire. She remained quiet.

Cedric waited for a few minutes before deciding that Zoey wasn't planning on saying anything anytime soon. "Are you going to tell me what's bothering you or are you going to leave me hanging?" Cedric joked.

"Why don't you guess?" Zoey broke into a small smile; might as well keep the conversation a little interesting than telling him her 'Fred problems'.

"Is it about your friends?" Cedric guessed but then shook his head, "No, can't be"

Zoey blinked her eyes, "What makes you say that?"

Cedric scratched the back of his head, "Well, you just got back with them right? I saw you hanging out with them the other day so I figured everything was cool with you lot – unless, there was another fight… Was there?"

"No," Zoey shook her head, "I'm not that bad at keeping friendships"

"Is it because you're a little secretive?"

"What?" Zoey asked with wide eyes as her hear began to beat faster.

Cedric rubbed the bottom of his chin in thought. "Well, I don't know if it's true – this from my own opinion, but you just seem to always have things going on in your head. Of course, everyone's thinking about who knows what but for you it just seems that on most times you're having a silent battle with yourself. Life, there's something you want to say but you don't really know how or when to say it," Cedric then gave a sort of shy smile, "That's just my opinion though"

Zoey felt her cheeks heat up as she looked into Cedric's eyes. Sure, what he said was similar to what Ginny had told her last year but when Cedric said it… it seemed different. It had a different affect on Zoey. She bit her lip and looked down at the floor. She observed the shadows and said, "Me being secretive was the reason for our fight but now… there isn't a fight."

"Of course there isn't. You took them back didn't you? I doubt there was going to be one," Cedric said as he tilted Zoey's chin up.

"Then why did you say –"

"I just wanted you to admit you keep secrets," Cedric said, "Sure, everyone has them but it seems like yours are a little more troublesome than others. You see Zoey, I don't want to sound rude, but you aren't the type to want to fight – no don't interrupt me on this one – You are the type to do anything to please people. To make them like you and at times you also seem too good, nice even. You just seem so perfect."

"No one's perfect, Cedric," Zoey said with furrowed eyebrows as she took in everything he said.

Cedric nodded his head. "I know that but at times it just seems like you're so close to it"

"I don't try to be"

"That makes it worse!" Cedric laughed.

"Well, try looking in a bloody mirror then!" Zoey said defensively, "You're pretty close to 'perfect' yourself!"

Cedric wore and amused expression. "I don't think I've ever heard you say 'bloody' before," he mused, "It doesn't really seem like something you'd say"

"It isn't," Zoey blushed, "I use euphemisms to cover it up"

"Like what?"

"I would normally say 'Well, try looking in an eggin' mirror then!' or something," Zoey's blush deepened.

"'Eggin'," Cedric repeated, "really interesting euphemism skills you got there…but getting back to the point, which wasn't about you being perfect because it seemed like the conversation drifted that way, you are really just the type to want to please people."

"I don't want to disappoint their expectations of me," Zoey said quietly

"And what exactly are their expectations of you?"

Zoey shrugged.

"Let me rephrase that," Cedric said, "What do you expect from yourself?"

"I – I don't really know," Zoey breathed out at the realization, "I just want to make other people happy… I guess… make them like me."

"I don't want to sound mean but Zoey not everyone would like you. It's not possible," Cedric pointed out.

"I know that, but don't you think it's better for at least some people liking you than having everyone dislike you?" Zoey asked as she watched the fire crackle.

"I don't think anyone could dislike you, Zoey. You're too nice. There's nothing to hate," Cedric said as he patted her back.

"Wanna bet?" Zoey looked back at him.

Cedric shook his head and brought his hand back to his side. He looked at the fire. "You just can't please everyone, Zoey. That's all I'm trying to say. There will be times where you have to say 'No!' or 'I don't want to do that' or something. You have to speak your mind up at times. Tell them what you're thinking"

"I do tell them what I'm thinking," Zoey said quietly. It was true though she hardly fought for her way.

"You have to get angry at times too. You can't always be happy –"

"I'm not always happy," Zoey interjected

" – Yes, but you're also quiet. I sometimes see you working and well when things don't go your way you don't get irritated or angry or show any negative… explosive feeling. You brush it off. You remain silent," Cedric said with a scratch of his head

"Anger doesn't help anyone," Zoey said softly.

"But it doesn't help if you keep it pent up inside," Cedric said, "Zoey, I know I said that you seem that you're so close to perfect but in reality you have flaws. Not big ones but flaws just the same."

Zoey gave a lifeless smile. "That's why I don't want to speak my mind or get angry or whatever…. Flaws are what make us human. If I start to speak my mind and the like then… I'll truly be perfect and… that's my worse fear"

Though at that time, Zoey realized she didn't know what her dream was. Cedric was there to help; he made her realize a lot of things. Without knowing, he made her think. Sure, saying that she wanted to be a Healer came out of the blue but that was the only job she did not consider. In fact, at lonely times, Zoey would sit and think about her dreams. What did she want? Where did she see herself in ten years time?

The next memory that came was when Zoey and Cedric were alone. Just them. Friends. It was a quiet day for them until Cedric spoke, suggesting something completely absurd but made Zoey agree to it in the end.

"It's a shame we don't have Quidditch this year," Cedric said with a stretch of his arms. Zoey looked at him curiously.

"But I thought you were glad that you are in the tournament?" Zoey asked after shaking Fred from her thoughts in the mean time.

"I didn't say anything about the tournament, Zoey. I was talking about Quidditch," Cedric said with a chuckle.

"Oh," Zoey smacked her forehead, "I'm sorry. I'm sorta out of sorts today. So why is it a shame we don't have Quidditch this year?"

"Well, you know we are one Beater short right?" Cedric asked

"Yeah, you told me – err- 'what's-his-name' graduated," Zoey paused, "Sorry, I don't follow. Isn't it good we don't have Quidditch this year since now you don't have to worry about tryouts just yet?"

"That's true but the tryouts are what I was actually looking forward to," Cedric scratched the back of his head.

Zoey raised a brow. "How come?"

"Hmm… well, I was sort of hoping that you'll try out," Cedric smiled.

Zoey stared at him for a while before letting out a laugh.

"Uhuh. Me. Beater. You're joking," Zoey said after calming down from her laugh. She looked back at Cedric and her face fell.

"I'm not joking," Cedric said as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"You're not? Then you can't be serious!" Zoey exclaimed, her eyebrows knitting together.

"Oh, but I am," Cedric smirked, "Why are you even worried? I do remember you saying that you grew a liking to them murdering balls of fury"

"And you actually believed me! I hate the Bludgers!" Zoey panicked.

"That's a lie," Cedric said, "I saw you the other day. You were doing just fine hitting them so far that it could have founded the entire Black Lake and hit someone at the back of the head with equal force!"

Zoey opened her mouth to say something but soon closed it. She opened it once more but closed it again. She did this action several more times making her look like a fish.

"Just give it a chance. I have a faith in you. I'm sure you'll do great," Cedric smiled, "Come one. Just tryout next year. Please?"

Zoey bit her lip and weighed her options. After five minutes of thinking she gave a sigh. "Just tryout right? I don't have to actually be on the team?"

"Yes, only tryout. Please? For me?"

"Alright," Zoey gave another sigh.

"Promise?"

"Promise"

Memory after memory passed until it finally reached to the last one she had of him. The very last thing she remembered. It began with worry and with smiles but ended dreadfully, the part in Zoey's dream that began to turn into a nightmare. A memory that Zoey wished to forget, wished never occurred. She wished it were only a nightmare, a lie. She wanted to wake up and know her friend was still there, was still able to graduate with her. Help her. Make her laugh.

She missed him.

Zoey whimpered in her sleep. The memory was starting.

Zoey looked up at the audience and saw that a handful of them were focusing their attention at her. No doubt about it, they were wondering why she was even down there in the first place. Zoey felt self-conscious. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to be there. She was just about to turn to go back up to her place when a hand caught hers. She whirled around to see Cedric.

"Hey," he greeted her.

"Hey," she replied before enveloping him in a hug, she had to stand on her tip toes, "Promise me you'll come back alive?"

Cedric gave a laugh and patted her back. "Of course," he said, "I wouldn't want to come back in a different state"

"That's no joking matter," Zoey said to him seriously, "There are a lot of things there that you might not expect to see and if –"

"I'll be fine, Zoey. I have my wand at the ready at all times and I studied and practiced a lot of good spells before this day. I'll say I'm well prepared and I promise you I will come back alive," Cedric smiled, though he looked slightly worried at the concept of going into the maze, "Now, would you give me one last hug and a wish of good luck before the task begins?"

"Good luck," Zoey breathed out, hugging him once more before smiling at his parents and heading back to the stairs. She gave her friends one last wave and once again squeezed her way through the other students to get back to Echo and the others.

That was the worry and smiles part. It seemed like the other tasks, a little bit of danger but everyone comes out fine in the end, only covered with bruises and scratches that are easy to heal. Nothing too bad. But no, it didn't go that way. It at all just went down hill.

The panic rose when Bridgit told her what the Death Eaters had planned and fear came when Bridgit began to get the visions. The nightmare started when Harry and Cedric came back from the maze.

An ear piercing and heart-breaking scream filled the air and it all came from Zoey. Everyone in the area looked towards her and others at Cedric's corpse but Zoey didn't care. She felt tears well up in her eyes as she pushed every student out of her way and collapsed near Cedric's dead body. She took ragged breaths and touched his face; it was cold and unfeeling. His eyes staring at nothing. She bit her lip as more tears welled up in her eyes. She slowly closed Cedric's and fell to his body, sobbing.

Zoey couldn't believe it; she didn't want to believe it. Just moments ago she was hugging him and wishing him good luck but now, here he lay dead and unmoving. She didn't care what was happening around her, she listened to the cries of those close to him but she didn't care. She licked her lips and looked at Cedric once more. Without knowing, mist began to form at her feet. She had no control over it, not like she did before. She felt her back begin to ache but paid no mind to it. She didn't have control over her own.

"Oh no," came Hermione's voice, "Someone stop her!"

"What?" Fred's voice asked.

"Fred, take Zoey away from here," Hermione pleaded the Weasley twin.

"He can't do that," came George, "Can't you see that this is heart breaking enough as it is –"

"No, you don't understand," Hermione cried, "Fred, please, take her away from all this"

Fred, confused and panicked, followed Hermione's request and made his way towards Zoey. His eyes widened when he saw a suspicious sort of mist forming at her feet but shook his head. That was not important right now. The Weasley walked to the Emeraude and scooped her into his arms. He watched as her eyes widened and began to thrash about.

"No! No!" she said in a voice so familiar to him yet foreign at the same time, "Put me back! Don't take me away!"

"Sorry, Zoe," Fred apologized; fixing his hold on her and ignoring the violent hits she gave him. She wouldn't have harmed him anyway, even if she wasn't hysterical. Zoey continued to scream; fight and sob but Fred kept his hold on her. Not ready to let her go. He looked towards his twin and gave him a quick nod before heading back to the castle, away from all this.

They passed by Harry, who was wounded and giving off dry sobs. He was being dragged away by Professor Moody. At the sight of the two, Harry fought his way out of the Professor's grip and ran towards his god sister. He held onto her hand and Zoey's hysterical cries seemed to calm down a bit.

"Zoey… Zoey… Cedric… he – he," Harry said with ragged breaths, "He wanted me to tell you that he's sorry. Sorry for breaking his promise"

Zoey's eyes widened at his words and a new batch of tears filled her eyes. Fred fixed his hold on her, pressing her closer to his body. Zoey no longer cried out, she was left speechless and trembling.

"Cedric!" Zoey gasped, waking up from her dream. She took ragged breaths and looked around. It was dark and she could only make the outline of Echo's sleeping body, she turned in her sleep. Zoey looked around once more, her lip quivering. There was nothing there…he wasn't there. She brought her legs to her chest and let out a sob. She didn't want to wake Echo.

"Cedric," she whispered once more, more tears spilling out. She couldn't take it anymore. She hurriedly climbed out of bed and left the room. She stumbled over her own two feet and had to hold onto the railing so she wouldn't fall down the stairs. At the end of the step, she tripped and fell to the ground with a soft thump. Not loud enough to wake anybody. Zoey cried.

"Y – you promised," she sobbed, "You promised you'll come back!"

"Zoey… Zoey… Cedric… he – he," Harry said with ragged breaths, "He wanted me to tell you that he's sorry. Sorry for breaking his promise"

"Why'd you have to break it? Why?" she hit the wall, hard. Without her knowledge, the ground began to shake. She didn't know that it was her magic that was causing it. She just thought it was her own body shaking from trying to suppress her sobs.

"I wasn't going to break yours!" Zoey cried out, "You should have kept your end!"

There was a loud CRACK heard but Zoey paid no mind. She thought it was just her imagination. After all, she was in a total wreck. Would hallucinations and hearing problems really be a problem?

Suddenly, arms wrapped around Zoey and someone was whispering soothing words into her ear, rocking her back and forth. She cried harder. She painfully looked up to see Fred there, helping her. Zoey grabbed hold of his shirt and cried onto his shoulder. She had these dreams before, only now did it take an effect on her.

"What's wrong?" Fred asked, when Zoey finally got control of her sobs, all was left were small hiccups of tears, and the ground stopped shaking. He vaguely thought about the other occupants of the house and Sirius' mother's portrait. No one else woke up.

"I – I miss him," Zoey chocked out.

"Him?" Fred asked, "Him who?"

"Ce – Ced –" but she couldn't get the words out. Just his name brought tears to her eyes. Fred gave sigh and carefully picked her up, cradled her in his arms. He carefully made his way to the living room and settled himself, with Zoey still in his arms, on the couch. He took out his wand and pointed it at the fireplace, starting a small fire. Zoey loosened her hold on Fred and looked over at the fire.

She wasn't in the Hufflepuff Common Room and she wasn't with Cedric but the fire still mesmerized her. Made her think.

"Are you okay now?" Fred asked softly, rubbing Zoey's back. He had heard a soft thumb and dismissed it as nothing but when the ground began to shake, he began to worry. After all, that was what happened to him not too long ago. The moment the ground shook, Fred Apparated to the bottom step only to find Zoey in a corner, curled up and crying.

Zoey shook her head. "I don't think I'll ever be okay," she said in a quiet voice.

"Don't say that," Fred said, "This is about Cedric isn't it?"

"Yeah," Zoey let out a bitter laugh, "Funny isn't it? Whenever we're together at night… it's always about Cedric only this time… no one's mad… just upset…"

"Don't be like that, Zoe, it's okay to grieve over your friend," Fred started, going neared to his girlfriend and enveloping her in a warm hug, "Besides, you talking to me about how you feel makes me feel closer to you." Fred whispered into her ear, kissing her temple.

Zoey bit her lip, a faint blush forming at her cheeks. She then shook her head. "But how long will this last? The dreams, nightmares, memories? Will I always turn out like this after every night?" she looked at him, "Is it a sign? Is he trying to tell me something? I'm scared, confused. I just – just don't know anymore"

"Zoe, I can't tell you that I can make the pain go away because I can't. I won't tell you that I feel the same you do, cause I wasn't as close to him as you...but what I can tell you is that if Cedric were here, he would be disappointed seeing you like this." Fred answered, tightening his arms around his girlfriend. "And for how long, it will always be there. Pain is always there, but it's how you deal with it that matters. If you just sit here and mope instead of living your life the way Cedric would want you too, that would be wasting the life he gave to save a lot of us."

"Jane," Zoey said managing a smile. She knew it would hurt; it still hurts. She knew that the pain was always there and she needed to move on. She just needed someone to tell her that. No matter who or how many people told her to move one. She felt like there was really only one person she would listen to. "You sounded a bit like Jane there… she told me the same thing… in shorter sentences though"

"Well Zoey, it's the truth. What else is there to tell you?" Fred said, loosening his hug on Zoey. "And if you want me to speak in shorter sentences I could, but it's your fault if you get the wrong thing in your brain." Fred added, making Zoey laugh

"There you go! You're laughing." Fred said, smiling at Zoey. "Feels nice, doesn't it?"

Zoey nodded. "Yeah… it does," she then raised a brow at him, "What wrong thing could possible enter my brain?"

"Do you really want to know, Zoey?" Fred asked, a teasing tone in his voice.

"I asked didn't I?" Zoey grinned

"Alright then…" Fred said, leaning into her as he continued. "I'm not telling you because if your dad hears me, I'll probably walk around wobbling," he whispered.

Zoey quickly covered her mouth with her hand and snorted, trying to keep her laughter hidden. No use, she laughed out loud and covered her mouth once more, not wanting to wake anyone up. "To much information, Fred," she told him, laughter still in her voice.

It truly amazed her, how Fred could make her feel these things. Make her laugh whenever she felt like something unwanted and make her so furious that she felt like crying. It was a good thing the latter didn't happen often. Zoey's laughter died down a bit and just looked at him with a soft smile on her face.

"See, I prefer this Zoey. This Zoey I fell in love with," Fred said, pushing some stray pieces of hair away from Zoey's face. "So don't cry to much okay? I don't want to end up having a hag for a girlfriend," Fred continued, earning a whack on the head from Zoey.

"Ouch, don't worry. Even if you were a hag, I would still love you, but I would prefer to not be teased by George and Lee thank you very much," he added, not rubbing his head.

"Whatever happened to beauty is only skin deep?" Zoey laughed before realization dawned on her, "Did you just say you love me?"

"Uhm...I...no...I mean...ugh! Yes Zoey! I did and I meant it. I know that you may think that I'm a prankster and all that, but when it comes to you I'm always serious." Fred said, staring deep into her eyes. "And please don't say 'You're not serious that's my dad' cause I just practically put my heart out on the line here." He continued; his hands trembling a bit as he still hugged Zoey.

Zoey felt her cheeks flush as she looked at the wall; Fred was still hugging her. She felt her heart beat quicken. Did he really say that? Did she feel the same way?

I love you too, she mouthed.

Her eyes widened. He couldn't see her; he couldn't hear her. Why did she mouth it? She tried again. It didn't come out. She tried again and again but nothing. Just mouthing…no actual words. Zoey began to panic. What was happening? Why couldn't she say it? She felt it right? Of course she did! She knows she does! She tried again.

Nothing.

Her brows shot up. Was this an effect of not taking the pills? Is this a sign? Was this happening because something was wrong with her? Or was there really just something stopping her. Like knowing that she would be taken away after this year. Fred heard it from Mary Sue but Zoey had yet to clarify it.

Was that the reason? Was she trying to protect them both from the heartache or was this just an effect of not taking the medicine?

Zoey bit her lip, tears formed in her eyes.

She was going to do something that would kill her on the inside.

"Fred," she began, her voice cracking, "I can't say I love you too, cause I don't know if that's really how I feel," Lies, "but...I know it's more than just friends. I just hope you can wait till I can be sure," You are sure, "cause if I say it now and it doesn't mean anything," of course it would, "I'll just be hurting both of us..." I'm already hurting…

"It's alright Zoe..." He began, even if he was a bit disappointed. He wouldn't force her though. Relationships were all about sacrifices and waiting, and that's exactly what he needed to do. "I'll wait for you...I'll wait for you even up to the point where time itself stops." He finished, now looking Zoey straight in the eye.

Zoey's lip quivered and a tear fell. "Thank you…" she whispered before looking away, she couldn't bare look at Fred right now. She gazed back into the fire.

"You know… it was because of you that I became fond of staring into fireplaces at night…" she began.

"Oh… why? Because of my hair?" Fred asked, trying to lighten up the mood.

Zoey gave a laugh. "No… but now that I think about it," she gave another laugh, "It all began after that fight we all had…"

"Oh, I see...I really am sorry about," Fred began turning towards Zoey with a tad bit of guilt in his eyes. "But I'm sure that the reason you stared into the fire was because I was so heated and riled up that it made me as hot as the flame."

Zoey whacked his head again. "Oi! What's with the head whacking today?" He asked, as Zoey rolled her eyes.

"I think that whacking you could literally whack some sense into you… it is still yet to happen," Zoey answers, as she looked back at the fire, "Maybe I should use Echo's method. With a book and all"

"Sorry, but sense and Gred don't mix." Fred retorted, smirking as he did. "But if one day sense does come into me, you'll be shocked and begin to miss me."

Zoey smiled and got up from the couch, stretching. "Maybe I will," she paused, "Or maybe I'll like sensible Fred more," she wrinkled her nose, "Not likely"

"See! You know you just like plain old Gred, as they say...Girls fall for their dads, while Boys fall for their moms...wonder how I fell for you?" Fred suddenly began to think. "OH! It's because you're bossy like my mom!" Fred continued, once again earning a whack on the head.

"Seriously stop it with the whacks!" Fred said, rubbing his head for the third time that night.

"Oh yeah? We'll you're a trouble maker like my dad!" Zoey said to him, to retracting her hand

"Exactly," Fred said smirking

Zoey huffed. "And do tell me when did I ever boss you around?"

"Uhm… oh! Look at the time. We should probably get to bed," Fred said, letting out a fake yawn.

"Liar," Zoey folded her arms across her chest and raised an amused eyebrow.

"Like I said, it's getting pretty late so..." Fred then did something that shocked Zoey. He kissed her cheek and with a CRACK he was gone.

Zoey blinked several times, still processing what he had just done. After several seconds passed, a small smile grazed her lips and she shook her head. Obviously Fred would rather escape than give an answer. What Zoey would give to see a younger Fred try to escape his mother when he broke a vase or something. She let out a laugh before looking back at the fireplace. Her eyes glazed over a bit in thought. The fire was dying out.

"Good bye… Cedric," she whispered before looking away from the fire and making her way upstairs while the fire was still giving a small light.


LONGEST

CHAPTER

EVER!

BEFORE EVERYTHING I WOULD REALLY LOVE TO THANK

ZOOMSKATER14

FOR HER GREAT HELP

CONTRIBUTION

IDEAS

FOR THIS CHAPTER

WITHOUT HER

THIS WOULDN'T BE AS AWESOME AS IT IS NOW!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Anyway, I would also want to thank everyone who reviewed, favorited and alerted this story. I really appreciate them and I also love reading all you reviews. Long or short I love them :) They really encourage me to write more. Gets me excited and exploding with ideas.

Speaking of ideas. If you guys have any in mind or any requests I'd be glad to see them :D Please, do share your amazing skills/imagination/minds/etc. (I'm not pushing you though)

Oh~ You know what I really miss? Talking with you guys! I also miss your questions and all. Please, share, converse~ I don't bite :P

Also, I'm sorry for the supreme length of this story. I didn't want to cut it in half because well, then the first half would be rather short and I feel like this story had enough chapters as it is. So I thought. Why not just make it uber long? I hope you guys don't mind.

Also, it is uber long because I didn't want to leave any cliffhangers. I feel like you guys have suffered from enough of my cliffhangers.

Another also, I, together with ZoomSkater14, made this chapter last night and I was only able to upload it now because ff. net was not letting me upload anything...

I think it was afraid of the length...

I would be too :P

I think this chapter is really long because of all the flashbacks... sorry about that. I really miss Cedric :(

Hmm... what is there to say?

This chapter practically has enough to last a lifetime... I can't stand a lifetime. You'd probably see the next chapter up and running later today or tomorrow :P

...So bored... school is getting nearer... i haven't left the house in 2 days... damn...

Well, this Chapter is long and so is this author's note. So I guess what's left to say is

I hope you enjoyed the chapter

Please tell me what you thought

Excuse my typos and the like (Even though ZoomSkater14 and I beta-ed it like 3 times already)

Don't forget to review and the like

Stay tuned for the next chapter And

I only own what I own

(I fear for any chapters to come that could beat this length...)