For the Hogwarts Forum
Showtime, "Finale" (forever)
Count Your Buttons: dust
Love in Motion: ColinDemelza
Demelza's hands tremble as she pulls the photo album from the shelf. She wipes away the dust and sighs. It's hard to believe that she's left it untouched for so long, but the pain is still too much.
Taking a deep breath, she opens it, trying to ignore the sudden pressure in her chest when she sees that familiar smile. He's eternally fifteen, trapped forever in that moment. Though tears trickle from the corners of her eyes, a small smile tugs at her lips.
Colin had loved his camera. He'd spent so much time behind the lens that it had taken Demelza ages to convince him to let her be the photographer for once.
"Why would you want a picture of me?" he laughs, ruffling his hair. A shy smiles plays at his lips. "I'm not special."
Demelza rolls her eyes, reaching for his camera. "Hand it over. I'm asking nicely."
He pokes out his tongue, stepping gracefully out of her reach. "'Hand it over.' doesn't sound very nice." There's a teasing hint to his voice.
With a laugh, she closes the distance between them, catching the camera's strap. "Compared to some of the other choice phrases I could use, it's quite polite," she points out, grateful he doesn't put up a fight as she pulls the camera from his grip.
Demelza traces her fingers lightly over the photograph. It's been two years since that day, and a year since his death. Her heart breaks as she realizes it's the only photograph she has of him; she'll never be able to tease him and steal his camera again.
"Smile!"
His lips quirk. It isn't a broad smile, but it fits him. It's the same small, awkward smile he's always greeted her with.
Demelza presses the button, capturing the moment with a quick flash of light.
She wonders if there are many pictures of Colin out there. There must be; surely his family has some. Still, it seems strange to think about. Colin had spent years hiding his face behind the camera, capturing so many beautiful moments.
Tears fall, splattering across the background. Demelza quickly wipes the droplets away, scolding herself. Colin wouldn't want her to cry.
"Let me have that when you develop it," she says, handing him the camera back.
"Why would you want a picture of me?"
She laughs and shakes her head. As a photographer, he sees so much, but it seems he can't see the obvious. "Oh, Colin," she says, wrapping her arms around his lithe frame, a smirk on her lips as she leans in dangerously close. "What am I going to do with you?"
She presses a kiss to the photograph. She will never be able to kiss him again or sit with him by the Black Lake and tell him her hopes and dreams. Once, there had been a chance of a future together, but it's been taken away.
As she closes the album, she her smile feels stronger. At least she had a chance to experience true love. Maybe she will never feel that wonderful high again, but she'd had once, and that will carry her through.