The next morning, I awoke to chaos in the usually semi-peaceful Hospital Wing. The first thing I was able to register was that it was barely starting to brighten up in the room, meaning it was likely around six or seven-ish in the morning – aka entirely too early. The second thing I noticed was that there were four adults arguing with each other over close to Pomfrey's office, and another who was calmly adding his comments in when needed – which of course had to be Dumbledore. At first, the voices all seemed to blend together while the people were mostly blurry shapes, likely due to me waking too early and still having some of the dreamless sleep potion in my system. After sitting up just the slightest bit, I started gaining more clarity, and I tilted my head to the side in confusion. The sight that greeted me was one that people just don't see very often. Professor Snape, Sirius, Remus, and Madam Pomfrey were arguing with each other very loudly, though Remus was the only one not actually shouting in anger, more just to be heard over the other three.

"HE CANNOT POSSIBLY BE INNOCENT!" Professor Snape all but screeched suddenly. "Test him again! Use the Veritaserum that I brewed, test him right now! He gave them away that night! HE KILLED HER!"

"THAT'S A LIE, AND YOU DAMN WELL KNOW IT, SNIVELLUS!" Sirius shouted furiously as he lunged forward towards Snape only to be held back by Remus. "I WOULD NEVER HAVE TOLD YOUR BLOODY 'DARK LORD' ANYTHING! I WOULD HAVE DIED INSTEAD!"

"Sirius, please!" Remus's voice sounded so incredibly tired, so worn.

Pomfrey was shouting at the three, telling them to get out of her ward if they were going to act like buffoons, and wake her patients – which, the golden trio, and I were all awake by now, staring at the adults shocked and uncomfortable about the whole situation.

Suddenly, Dumbledore decided to join in with what truly needed to be said. "Severus, I would have you know that they used Veritaserum from your stores, so I trust it more than any other. The Minister was not very accepting of Mr. Black's freedom either, yet he must accept the potion worked properly as well. I believe most of his discomfort over this ordeal, however, is due to the news that the Ministry made a very large mistake, and that they will have to admit that fact in the Daily Prophet that is to be released today to clear Mr. Black's name."

Sirius calmed a little, allowing Remus to let go of his friend, while Professor Snape did not take what Dumbledore said very well. He scowled at Sirius with such loathing that it even made me flinch away from him, before spinning around and storming from the Hospital Wing, the massive door slamming shut behind him.
Dumbledore's usually twinkling, blue eyes seemed duller as he watched his potions professor leave, a deep sigh escaping him. In that small moment, I could almost see his age catching up to him, if only just a bit, though in the next second it was gone. He turned back to the still red in the face mediwitch with a small smile. "I believe you'll find that you have patients awaiting your attention, Poppy."

Pomfrey gasped, looking over to the golden trio then me before muttering something about "grown men acting like spoiled children" and "disturbing her patients that should be sleeping" as she bustled over. She went to look over Ron first, I would think due to the fact that his injury was a good deal more severe than the rest of us had suffered.

Sirius, on the other hand, looked over at Remus, who had visibly sagged, as if a great weight had been added to his shoulders. I couldn't help but start chewing on my bottom lip as my nerves caught up to me. The two men, well…mostly Sirius, were whispering heatedly before the former practically dragged my adoptive father over to me.

"Deliah," Sirius smiled kindly down at me as the two reached my bed where I was fidgeting uncomfortably. "I wanted to thank you." I started to say I had no reason to be thanked when he held his hand up to stop me. "If it hadn't been for your quick thinking, Pettigrew would have likely gotten away. I wouldn't have my freedom, a life of any sort for that matter if it weren't for you, and for that I thank you."

I felt my face heat up from embarrassment, so I looked down at the sheets covering my lap. "I…well, it wasn't…" I sighed, chewing on my lip again. "Remus always taught me to assess the situation before making any decisions. It just seemed like all of you didn't want him to get free, so I did what I could. I guess it's lucky that I happened across that book in the restricted section."

"What were you doing in the restricted section?" Remus piped up, suddenly in full teacher/father mode. "None of the exams were to have any information from any of the restricted books."

This time I could only feel sheepish since what he had said was true. "Well…I may…have snuck in the restricted section for just a bit of…light reading while Madam Pince was distracted one…or two days." I grinned up at him awkwardly while Sirius started laughing and clapped him on the back.

"Taught her how to be a bookworm, yet she still misbehaves like a Marauder!" Sirius laughed heartily at his friend, who finally smiled at me, though exasperatedly.

"Yes, I believe I have raised her well," Remus chuckled tiredly. He suddenly turned serious, his eyes taking more of an agitated look. "Though she and you both could have thought to mention that Severus was still tied up outside when everyone was being brought into the school last night."

My eyes widened as I remembered that Snape had been unconscious, tied up, and floating when I last paid him any attention last night. "Ohhh, that's right!"

Sirius, on the other hand, just huffed and crossed his arms. "Serves him right for butting in where he doesn't belong. I'd wager the morning dew rinsed some of the grease from his hair for him, as well." I had to struggle to fight the urge to laugh at that last comment.

Remus sent him a look, which was promptly ignored. "Hagrid noticed him when he was sent for me." Suddenly, the invisible weight seemed to fall on Remus' shoulders again, and he slowly sat in the chair beside my bed. After heaving a large, stress-induced sigh, his tired hazel eyes looked up to meet mine. "Deliah, last night… though you did help your friends and Sirius out of a…less than ideal situation, you should know better than to throw yourself in the way. What if I had injured you? What if I had bitten you? You're basically my daughter, Deliah, and I would never be able to live with myself if I had hurt you in any way. I was within seconds of doing something so terrible..." I felt my heart sink in my chest as shame welled up in the pit of my stomach, causing me to look down at my lap like I had moments ago. Again, he sighed heavily, before looking away towards a nearby window. "I'm having to leave Hogwarts, Deliah."

"What?! Why?" My eyes shot up from the wrinkled sheet covering my legs to stare at him incredulously, before looking over to Dumbledore who was still standing by Madam Pomfrey's office, observing everything. "If it's because of last night, that was my fault, Professor! I made a dumb decision, but please don't send him away because of me." I begged.

The headmaster smiled sadly at me, slowly shaking his head. "Worry not, Miss Lupin, it is not due to anything you did."

"Many of the parents have somehow already heard news that a werewolf has been teaching their children, even before the children themselves know," Remus said resignedly, drawing my attention back to him. "And they are not happy about this fact. It's better this way, though, Deliah. Now I won't be a danger to anyone anymore."

There was a finality about his voice that caused a sense of dread to settle through me as I continued to argue. "But you're not a danger to anyone, Remus!"

"I've been telling him that for years, Del, he just doesn't seem to be willing to accept it," Sirius added.

I could see Remus was getting exasperated yet again with Sirius and me, as he ran his hand over his face. "What happened last night would tell a different story. The decisions have been made already. I have everything finalized for the most part. My most recent task was getting in contact with Molly Weasley."

I glanced over at Ron to see his whole group listening in, Harry looking rather perturbed for whatever reason, while Ron was curious over the fact that his mother had been brought up. "And what exactly do you mean by task?" I asked, turning back to Remus.

"You will be staying with the Weasley's this summer," He stated with a tone that left no room for any argument. "After that, I will have to worry about later. By that point, Sirius may have his living situation figured out, and I'm sure he wouldn't mind you living with him when you aren't here at Hogwarts."

The room went deathly silent for a moment, as I stared blankly at Remus feeling absolutely heartbroken. All of those years of keeping me while I was a small child were dangerous, weren't they? Yet, I was still allowed to stay with him. In all honesty, I understood what was going on. I would wager that he has always done this type of thing. Things get tough or dangerous, and he tries to 'protect' that person by pushing them away. Why can things not just go back to as normal as possible? I had already prepared for things to be different, but not this drastic of a change.

Sirius was looking at his friend in shock for a moment before sadly turning his gaze to the floor. He seemed to understand things even more than I did apparently because he suddenly yet slowly nodded. "I…I can do that. I think I have somewhere already, but it will need work…a lot of work."

I began to feel tears build up in my eyes, so I forced my gaze away from everyone. Just then, Madam Pomfrey took the opportunity to shoo the adults away so that she could check my health. Unlike last night, she didn't speak with me much, only doing so to inform me that everything looked alright, though she could obviously tell that my emotions and stress levels were on the fritz. I could feel eyes on me as I waited for her examination to end, and as soon as she released me, I rushed from the room to just be away from the suffocating feeling that had settled into the uncomfortable silence.

After leaving the hospital wing, I found myself running through the common room, and up to my dorm. I knew everyone would be waking soon to get themselves ready for breakfast, so I quietly made my way to my bed, hiding away before any questions were asked. I buried myself under my comforter and attempted to relax. It was entirely too early for all this mess. Remus didn't want me around anymore, and it broke my heart to pieces. A sudden thought made me feel even worse, though, as I couldn't help but wonder if this had anything to do with whatever magical creature blood ran through my veins. Maybe I was going to be the dangerous one, and Remus didn't want to be responsible for that.

Groaning loudly, I childishly flailed my legs and arms, hitting and kicking the bed against my back frustratedly. "That's not the case, and you know it, Deliah," I mumbled to myself.

Suddenly, the curtains to my left were flung open to reveal Harper, her hair an absolute mess from sleep. "What's not the case?" At the end of her question, she yawned tiredly. "Also, where in the hell were ya last night? I couldn't sleep for shit 'cause I was so worried. Did ya hear the howls?!"

Sitting up slowly, I sighed. "I might have heard them."

Her gaze seemed to stare through me as she thought for a moment, then something seemed to click. "You were involved with the commotion out there, weren't ya?"

I paused awkwardly before replying, "Maybe."

This time was her time to sigh before semi-fixing her hair with her fingers. "Wanna explain now, or later? 'Cause you know I'm gunna get it outta you."

"It's a long story, Harper, but the end of it is that Remus is being forced to leave the school, and I can't live with him anymore." I could feel the tears building up again, even with the brief explanation.

Harper's expression flashed through a few different emotions – confusion, to frustration, back to confusion mixed with frustration, and then settled on sympathy. "I'll only take a minute or two to get ready. Wait for me, will ya?" She draped her arms around me in a quick but extremely needed hug before rushing over to her trunk to get some clothes.

Staying true to her word, Harper was quick to exit the bathroom wearing an oversized, light blue shirt that hung down to about mid-thigh, and a very dark brown pair of pants. She had opted to just smooth out her hair, and leave it be. I had changed out of my uniform I had been wearing all night, and into some plain jeans and my Weasley sweater, glad for the warm fragrances that still clung to the wool.

My lovely friend proceeded to pull me through the common room, where I happened to notice the Golden Trio making their own way through the room. As soon as he noticed me, Harry turned and made his way over.

"Erm… Hello Harry." I muttered awkwardly once he stood in front of us. "Umm…how's Ron's leg?"

"Huh? Oh! His leg is fine, completely mended thanks to Madam Pomfrey, but that's not what I came over here for." His words were rushed, he obviously had a lot on his mind. "First, I wanted you to know that I think it's absolute shite that Professor Lupin has to leave. He's been the best DADA professor I've ever had, werewolf or not. Second, this is what I was originally meant to tell you: Pettigrew managed to get free."

"What?" I gasped. "But how?! That spell should have kept his hand in the shackle!"

He nodded in agreement though his face continued into a cringe. "Well...it did, but the rest of him wasn't found with the hand."

Harper gagged quietly from beside me, while I gaped at Harry. "Bloody hell, so he basically cut his own hand off? What about Padfoot's case?"

This seemed to brighten Harry up a bit. "Since they already got the truth from Pettigrew, Padfoot is still a free man. I have a home to go to now, other than my awful relatives', thanks to you."

I couldn't help but smile at him, though there may have been a hint of bitterness that seeped through due to my jealousy. I had torn apart my own home while creating one for Harry in one night. "I wasn't really meaning to do anything."

"Well, whether you meant to or not, you did help greatly." Harry shrugged slightly while still smiling at me, then headed back to his friends.

As we started back on the way to breakfast, Harper looked over at me curiously. "What'd you do last night, Delly? What Harry said has me major curious now."

I sighed deeply before recounting the previous night's events quietly, hoping other students wouldn't overhear. By the time that I finished explaining the hectic morning, we had reached the Great Hall.

"So," Harper started slowly before wiping both of her hands over her face in exasperation. "What I'm getting from the way Lupin reacted, is that your bloodline is something that wolves don't like at all."

I scoffed. "Something they 'don't like' is a serious understatement."

"Yeah, yeah, but that does help ya some!" She exclaimed excitedly.

I couldn't help but look at her as if she had finally lost it. "What on earth has last night done that was helpful to me?"

A small, slightly devious chuckle escaped my friend, furthering my belief that she was possibly insane. "Now you have somethin' to go on. We can do research to narrow down what heritage you have, Delly."

I almost instantly froze, my eyes still gazing at her incredulously. Dear Merlin, she was right! I could finally figure out my bloodline, though, now the question was: Do I really want to know?

Apparently, Harper could tell that I was beginning to feel torn over this new information, so she wrapped an arm around my shoulder, pulling me with her to the Gryffindor table. "No worries, though, that can wait 'til you're ready. Now!" She exclaimed before flopping down at the table. "It be time to stuff our faces!"

I chuckled at her as she piled food onto her plate, before sitting down as well a moment later. The first thing I reached for was the pitcher of pumpkin juice, pouring a generous amount into my goblet. I may not be as crazy over the drink as Harper is, but it was better than other juices. Just as I was setting some pancakes onto my plate, I heard Harper yelp indignantly, then had two bodies lean onto the table on either side of me.

Glancing back and forth at the two, I felt like shrinking into the table. Their gazes weren't angry, but they weren't exactly the happiest of looks to be given to me. "Um," I cleared my throat before giving them a sheepish grin each. "Morning?"

George's hand flew up to smack his forehead, as Fred glared a bit harder before starting his lecture. "Ron spilled on what happened last night."

"Can't keep a secret from us to save his life, that one," George mumbled, shaking his head.

"He also informed us how you were in the Hospital Wing for the night."

Sighing to cover the laugh that was trying to bubble its way forth, I couldn't help but be amazed that this time Fred was being overprotective of me, not George. At least, not yet George, he might just be waiting until there are fewer people present.

"Well, I'm alright Freddy," I again gave him a small grin, to which he grumbled a bit under his breath. "I was only a bit shaken up, that's all. No reason to worry over me."

This time it was George to speak up. "No reason to worry? You're a blatant Gryffindor, Delly, throwing yourself into danger's path."

At his comment, I bristled up. "He's not dangerous, not to me." At the look that George gave me, I groaned loudly. "Look, I've already had this conversation this morning. I know nothing bad would have happened-"

"If he had had the potion, maybe, but apparently he hadn't," Fred hissed suddenly, and I just couldn't take anymore.

"Honestly!" I slammed my hands onto the table as I stood abruptly, causing the twins, Harper, and a good bit of the other students around us, not knowing what was going on, to look up at me in shock. "I've already been kicked out of my own home due to what happened. I don't deserve to be interrogated and lectured yet again! I know it wasn't the best of ideas, but it was what I could come up with. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm not hungry anymore." I then stormed from the hall, ignoring the stares that I could feel on my back.

Yes, everyone did have a point that drawing a werewolf's attention to myself wasn't smart, but it did save other people's lives. Why can't it be looked at that way? I still was adamant that Remus wouldn't have actually hurt me, though there was now a quiet voice in the back of my mind whispering, 'Are you really sure?' and it was driving me crazy. I felt terrible for even thinking that of Remus, not to mention that Sirius believed he wasn't dangerous as well. I was so lost in my thoughts as I walked, that I hadn't noticed the quick footsteps behind me that had suddenly slowed before joining my own. I did notice, however, when I was pulled into a crushing embrace, then dragged into an alcove.

"Let go of me," I sighed after realizing who it was.

George squeezed me tighter, which only made my face warm up as I blushed and looked down.

Fred was there in front of me with his hands in his pockets, looking uncomfortable. "I was out of line."

An indignant huff escaped me as I tried to cross my arms over my chest, only for them to run into George's before even getting close. I settled for wrapping them around the lower half of my abdomen, under the freckled ones. "Yes, Fred, you were. Both of you were to an extent."

I looked up with the intent to glare holes into his face, only to be met with his brown eyes that showed emotion I really didn't want to see. You see, I am absolutely dreadful at staying mad at people, and the worry in his chocolate-colored eyes had every bit of frustration in me fizzling out.

"Oh, bloody hell, don't look at me like that! You know I can't fight those eyes!" I half-heartedly complained, feeling George chuckle from his place behind me before he let go.

"You know we just don't want to see anything happen to our dear Dellykins." He joked with a small grin adorning his stupid, handsome face. The git.

The bit of anger that was left in me vanished, and I felt deflated. "Yes, I know."

"What was that about being kicked out, though?" Fred spoke up uneasily.

"Ah, well," How to explain without the long story? I thought for a moment, then sighed. "Remus didn't appreciate my, as you said, 'blatant Gryffindor' behavior. He decided that it would be 'safest' for me to live elsewhere from now on. This summer, I'll be bunking with your family, apparently."

Both of their expressions changed to confusion, then excitement, though their eyes brightened in different ways. Fred's eyes were lit up with a mischievous and excited light, while George's were…I'm not really sure, maybe hopeful?

"It seems we'll have an interesting summer, then." George chuckled, then suddenly cursed. "Ah, I forgot, Lee wanted to meet up with us right after breakfast, Fred, remember? Said he wanted to work on some of the products today."

"Lee won't mind us being a bit late, besides, he's normally the one behind schedule," Fred replied leaning back against the side of the alcove.

George rolled his eyes. "Well, I plan on getting to the Room of Requirement at least close to on time. You know these things take all day." He then turned back to me, wrapping me up in another hug, though this one was quicker. "I am sorry for getting out of line earlier, but I do look forward to the summer."

I smiled at him, shaking my head as he turned to leave. I was doomed this summer. I was honestly, terribly nervous about spending the whole summer around almost the entire Weasley family. I just knew that I was bound to make a fool of myself before even a week passed.

I was quickly pulled from my nervous thoughts, however, when Fred stepped away from the wall, and closer to me. Once he was a foot or two away, he sighed, threading his long fingers through his hair, then spoke up. "I know I've already apologized, but I wanted to say sorry again. It's just," He paused, his hand resting on the back of his neck for a moment before falling to his side. My brow creased in slight confusion as I waited for him to continue. After a moment, his eyes were again full of worry when they lifted to meet my own, and he took a slow step towards me, leaving mere inches between us. "I don't think I could've let myself live it down if something horrible had happened to you while I just slept in my bed."

"It wouldn't have been your fault if I had been hurt, Fred," I assured him.

"I know that, Del," He sighed. "but that doesn't keep me from feeling as if it was my fault that I wasn't with you to keep that from happening." Fred lifted a hand, reaching out towards my face. Everything seemed to suddenly be in slow motion, and yet my heart sped up faster than ever.

I abruptly noticed how close we were standing, and felt my face heat up with a deep blush. We stood only a few inches apart, his fingers ghosting smoothly across my cheek and jawline at this point, while I was looking up at him since he was much taller than me. His eyes, which normally simply reminded me of chocolate, seemed almost molten as I gazed into them. Before I could fully register what was happening, Fred had dipped down and captured my lips. A static-like buzz spread through my body from our connected lips and where his palm now rested against my cheek, and I couldn't help but let my eyes drift closed, melting against his chest which caused even more of my body to buzz.

After what seemed like ages but was only a minute or two, Fred pulled away, his hand dropping down to grasp my own gently. He gazed into my eyes, seeming to be searching them for something, then stepped back, letting go of my hand only to tuck both of his own into his pockets.

"I'm…" Fred started, then cleared his throat quietly. "I'm going to…" He then motioned towards the hallway.

I assumed that meant that he was heading to meet up with Lee, so I nodded silently, my face definitely bright red by now.

He gave me a small grin, saying, "See you later, Dels." Then he made his way down the hall.

Once he was out of sight, I stumbled backward a few steps, back meeting the stone wall of the alcove behind me, then slid to the floor. "What the actual fuck just happened?" I mumbled to myself as I stared blankly at the wall across from me.

.

.

"Where in the Sam Hill have you been?" Harper rushed over to me as I slumped down into a random chair by the windows of the common room.

I didn't answer at first due to my inability to speak words for a moment, then I simply replied, "I got caught up with something in the halls," trying my best to sound nonchalant.

She eyed me suspiciously, easily seeing straight through my awful poker face. "No. Somethin' went down, and you just don't want me knowin', at least at the moment you don't." Scooting her chair closer to me, Harper's gaze seemed to bore into my very soul.

Though I tried to fight it off, my deep blush from earlier had decided to return with a vengeance. "It's just…well…"

A small grin appeared on my friend's face as she watched me fumble for words. "Does your delayed return have anythin' to do with the twins followin' you out at breakfast?"

I struggled to think of something to respond with, so I just nodded.

Harper's grin grew into a full-blown Cheshire grin. "Did this run-in with said twins end in somethin'…pleasant happenin'?" she asked.

"They apologized for the way they acted in the Great Hall," I rushed to try to cover up what had actually happened since I couldn't shake the need to keep it to myself, at least for a little while longer. "They both gave me a hug, I told them about how I was going to be bunking with Ginny for the summer, they told me how they were going to get me to help with some of the prank products, and then ran off to work with Lee on something. It was honestly nothing crazy, I just was flustered after the hugs and their excitement." At Harper's 'You expect me to believe that?' look, I held up my hands in innocence, though it wasn't exactly all that had occurred. "I swear! That's all that happened, Harper."

She narrowed her eyes at me suspiciously. "Mhm, whatever you say, Delly."

Desperate to change subject, I randomly remembered that, with the exams finished, the next week was the last week we had before summer holidays. "Bloody hell, we only have another week of being fifth years."

"Shit," Harper gasped and cursed. "Seriously? I completely forgot, what with all the stress of the exams and all. How do you think you scored?"

Mentally sighing in relief, I shrugged. "Not really sure, but I'd like to think I did well."

"Everyone likes to think they did well on exams, Delly," She laughed, rolling her eyes at me. "After all that studying you did, I think you'll have high scores. If not, then the profs need to rethink their grading process."

I couldn't help but laugh at her comment, but I also knew I would now be nervous about the scores until I received them this upcoming Friday. "I'm really ready for the summer holidays, though." Thoughts of how wonderful it would be to truly relax entered my mind as I looked out the nearby window.

"I'm sure you are," Harper's smug tone cut through my daydreams of sleeping in, and I turned to look at her confused. "considerin' that you're goin' to be with the wonder twins the whole time." Putting extra emphasis on the last few words.

"Harper!" I gasped as I shoved her jokingly while blushing profusely. "Honestly, I feel like I'm going to just be a nervous wreck the whole time because I've never met Mr. and Mrs. Weasely. What if they don't like me as much after they meet me?"

"Who wouldn't like you, Del?" A sudden voice had Harper and me turning to see the new member of the conversation.

"Oh, Ginny, hey!" Harper was positively beaming with mischievousness as she stared down the poor redhead. "Have you heard? You're going to have a roomie for the summer!"

Ginny lifted a brow, looking curiously at her. "I haven't heard anything about anyone staying over the summer."

"Remus said he spoke with your mom about it," I spoke up before Harper could, knowing that she would likely bring up the twins to embarrass me. "He's going to be having a rough time finding work, so he wanted to be sure that I was well distracted for the summer."

Joining us at the table, Ginny nodded. "I had heard about that situation, though. I think it's shite, him losing his job. You're staying with us the whole summer, though? Oh, you're going to love it at The Burrow! Mom will likely have us doing some chores," she grimaced at that comment, making Harper and I laugh. "But other than that it's great. There aren't any muggles for miles, so we can play quidditch any time."

Ginny's excitement was contagious, it seemed, and I looked forward to the break now more than ever.