•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•
It was the morning after Dumbledore's death. Hermione was woken up due to the sound of shuffling. Slowly sitting up, she looked around and saw Deanna packing away her stuff into the bag Dumbledore gave her. She got scared at the thought that Deanna might be running away. "Deanna?"
"Oh, you're awake." Deanna zipped up her bag and sat down beside Hermione with a small smile. "Did you get to rest well?"
"Yeah," answered Hermione, still bothered by the fact that Deanna packed her stuff. "How about you?"
"I slept as well as I could." Deanna took Hermione's hand and kissed it softly. "Thanks to you. I never got to thank you for everything... Thank you, Hermione."
Hermione momentarily forgot her concerns, her eyes softening. "You don't have to thank me, Deanna. I'll be here for you no matter what." She and Deanna smiled at each other for a few moments, both not saying a word because their actions were enough to convey their feelings. She suddenly remembered Deanna's bag and decided to just ask about it. "Are you going somewhere?"
"Oh, yeah." Deanna nodded, picking up her bag. "I already told Minerva and Pomona about it. I'll be staying out for a while." She let out a soft and defeated sigh before looking into Hermione's eyes. "I really am thankful for you, Hermione. You definitely helped me a lot, but I still need some time alone. Some time to just think, and I can't do it here... I hope you understand."
"You don't have to worry about me, Deanna." Hermione replied gently. "Just do what you need to do."
Deanna smiled at her gratefully, thankful her girlfriend was so understanding. "Thank you, Mione." She rested her head on Hermione's shoulder and closed her eyes, just savoring this moment of warmth and comfort. Hermione kissed Deanna's head and wrapped her arms around the smaller girl, just content with the fact Deanna opened this much to her.
Deanna looked around the room, realizing it may be the last time she would be there. She wasn't going back. Not when she had a mission to do. She needed to look for the Horcruxes as her father wished.
Deanna thought about the place she was going to go to soon, and she couldn't help but sigh. She had to do it again, but she didn't know if she could do it to these people.
•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•
"Thank you for walking me here." Deanna gave Hermione's hand a squeeze as they finally reached the carriages. She could see the looming figure of the Astronomy Tower from where they were, but she decided to focus her attention on Hermione instead.
"Where will you be going anyways?" Hermione asked in curiosity.
"Just a place." Deanna cupped Hermione's face and placed a kiss on the Gryffindor's jaw. "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine."
Smiling softly at her, Hermione leaned in but stopped for a moment. She thought it wasn't appropriate to do it so she started moving back, but to her surprise, Deanna pulled her in for a kiss. Hermione was frozen for a moment before she started kissing Deanna back, her arms around the Hufflepuff's waist.
"I like you, Hermione Granger." Deanna whispered in a delicate voice.
"You have me, Deanna Dumbledore." Hermione whispered back, just as delicate. The tender moment shared between them was enough, enough to give Deanna courage for what she needed to do.
"I'll get going now." Deanna smiled and gave Hermione's hand one last kiss before she turned around with her bag in her hand.
"Stay safe!" Hermione called out as she watched Deanna walk away. Deanna raised a hand to tell Hermione she heard her and Hermione smiled at her walking figure one more time before she too went back up the castle.
Deanna walked through Hogsmeade with her head down, ignoring the whispers as she went. She knew why they were all here. They were here for her father's funeral, and she did not want them to recognize her so she had her head down all the way.
Finally, Deanna arrived at Hog's Head and she stopped at the door. She took in a deep breath and closed her eyes. Aberforth and Ariana probably knew by now what happened to Dumbledore, but she felt like she had a responsibility. A responsibility to tell them what happened that night.
Deanna raised a shaking hand and knocked on the door. It took a few minutes before the door finally opened. There was Aberforth, his hair looking disheveled and his eyes so red it was clear he had just cried.
"Little Ari, love?" Aberforth croaked out. "What are you doing here?"
"Uncle Ab. Pops is dead." Deanna couldn't help herself from breaking down in tears. Aberforth quickly took her into the empty inn, closing the door so they would not be attracting attention. He gave her a tight hug, crying silently. Ariana watched them from her portrait, covering her mouth so she wouldn't be disturbing the intimate moment between uncle and niece.
What people often forgot was Albus Dumbledore too had a family. He had a sister in a portrait, a brother in a barman and a daughter in the heir of the phoenixes, and his family had their regrets. Ariana for not being able to spend much time with him and for despising him when all he wanted to do was to help the world. Aberforth for never forgiving him and for always thinking badly of him. And Deanna... Deanna had lots of regrets, but what she regretted the most was not being to express her love as much to Dumbledore.
When they calmed down, Deanna and Aberforth sat down at the bar with Ariana, all of them silent as they stared at their own drinks. All of them were too lost in their own thoughts about Dumbledore.
"Snape. Snape killed him." Deanna spoke up after a while. Aberforth and Ariana exchanged glances before the former simply nodded. Moody came to tell him about the news the night before, and he kept his calm until the former Auror left, but as soon as he was alone with Ariana, he couldn't keep himself calm.
"I'm trying." Aberforth said shakily. "It's hard to do so, but I'm trying to forgive him. I hope you understand me, love. He's my brother, but the pain... The pain would never go away, and now, he's..." He couldn't bring himself to finish his sentence. He felt bad for what he was saying. Dumbledore was dead, but he couldn't bring himself to forgive him just yet.
"Oh, Ab." Ariana said in a sad voice, her heart breaking at the thought that they would never be reunited again. She forgave her oldest brother a long time ago, but she knew it was much harder for Aberforth who had to live alone for a long time.
"I understand, Uncle Ab." Deanna patted his shoulder reassuringly. "I know how it hurt you. And you don't have to force yourself to forgive him yet. But for today, can we just forget everything and just remember Pops as a loving brother and father?"
Aberforth and Ariana immediately agreed and they soon changed the subject, talking about their own memories with Dumbledore, laughing and smiling as they did so. It almost felt as if Dumbledore was there with them at the moment, and it felt like everything would be alright as long as they were together.
•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•
Countless people came to Hog's Head over the days when they had heard Deanna and Aberforth were staying there. They expressed their condolences to the remaining Dumbledores who simply thanked them without saying anything more.
It didn't get better. The pain of Dumbledore's death was still there, it wasn't healed at all, but somehow, because Deanna, Ariana and Aberforth stuck together, it became easier to bear the pain.
Deanna looked out the window of her room and sighed, going back to preparing herself. She was supposed to meet with the Ministry today at Hogwarts for her father's funeral, but she didn't feel like doing so. Accepting his death was one thing. Planning his funeral was different. But Deanna finished her preparations and just thought to herself that Dumbledore would want her to do this.
She went down the stairs and smiled at the plate of hotdogs and glass of chocolate milk on the table. "Hey, Aunt Ari. Where's Uncle Ab?"
"Good morning, love." Ariana greeted pleasantly. "He's somewhere, he didn't say."
"Okay." Deanna nodded and started to eat her breakfast.
Ariana suddenly noticed how Deanna was wearing a formal dress. "Are you going out, Dee?"
"Today's the preparation for Pops'... funeral." Deanna explained as she used her fork to move the hotdogs around. "I'm meeting up with the Ministry at Hogwarts today."
Suddenly, the door opened behind them and to Deanna's surprise, Sirius, Remus, Ria and Tonks came in, but she was more surprised to see that Ria and Tonks were holding hands.
"Hello, Dumbledore Jr." Sirius smiled at Deanna. "How have you been?"
"I've been well." Deanna was still looking at them with surprise in her eyes. "How about you four?"
"Well..." Ria started off shyly. She raised her and Tonks' linked hands, and Tonks couldn't help but blush, smacking the Auror on her arm.
"We're happy for the two of you." Ariana giggled at the new couple. Deanna sent the two a thumbs up, a grin on her face.
"We told you, you two didn't have to worry." Remus nudged the two girls lightly. He turned to Deanna with confusion. "Are you going somewhere, Deanna? You seem dressed up."
"Yeah, I'm meeting up with the Ministry today for the funeral." Deanna explained once more. At her words, the two couples looked at each other with confusion in their eyes. Deanna and Ariana exchanged glances, wondering what was happening.
"But someone already went to Hogwarts to plan the funeral." Tonks said with surprise in her voice.
"What? Who?" Deanna's eyes widened and she thought of who could be there when she was one the Ministry sent the letter to.
"Aberforth's there." Ria's words made Deanna even more surprised and she blinked for a moment before speaking.
"Uncle Ab?"
"Yeah, he told us to come here for a drink after he's meeting with them." Remus said. "Didn't you know?"
"I think we remember now... Maybe, we forgot." Ariana answered for her though the truth was both of them didn't know. Deanna didn't even tell Aberforth about it because she didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable, especially since he didn't forgive Dumbledore completely yet.
Deanna had a smile on her face because of the fact that Aberforth would put aside his anger to help his brother have his final rest. The door opened at that moment and Aberforth came in, wearing his best wizard robes.
"Oh, hello, love, you're awake." Aberforth smiled at Deanna and kissed the top of her head.
"Let's eat, Uncle Ab." Deanna smiled back and Aberforth nodded, joining into the conversation with the four members of the Order, Ariana and Deanna. She did not have to worry about anything. Her father was in good hands. He'll be fine.
•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•
"Hey, Uncle Ab." Deanna spoke up as they were finished dinner. It was finally the night before the funeral so they were all quiet, just lost in their thoughts.
"Yes, love?"
"Thank you for sorting out the funeral." Deanna said gratefully. "I didn't know how you found out, but thank you."
"You left it here." Aberforth smiled sadly at her. "And it's my responsibility. You shouldn't be arranging your father's funeral just because of your uncle's grudges. Now, you should rest. We have a long morning tomorrow."
Deanna gave him and Ariana a tight hug. "Thank you. Both of you." She went up to her room, leaving Aberforth and Ariana to watch her go.
"She's going to have to go on her own journey, isn't she?" Ariana asked with tears in her eyes.
"She's just like Albus, Ari." Aberforth clenched his fists and wiped at his tears. The only reason he still couldn't forgive Dumbledore is because his brother didn't even tell Deanna what she was about to face, what she needed to do and what fate was waiting for her.
"We'll just have to be there for her, Ab. Until the very end."
Deanna lay down on her bed and stared at the ceiling. Tomorrow, she would have to say goodbye. Her father will be resting in the place he loved the most, in the place he died, and the fact somehow comforted Deanna because at least, they could honor his wishes one last time.
But wasn't it ironic? She didn't think it would be so, but the first funeral she would attend is her father's funeral. It left a bitter taste in her, but she was just glad she would be there to bid him farewell. Deanna looked out the window and wondered how was Fawkes. They made a promise to come back to each other, but when would that be?
Deanna's eyes widened because she could feel it again. The feeling that did not come to her since they had went to the cave to take the fake Horcrux. She stood up and looked behind her, her surroundings changed once more and there was Voldemort, his white and cold face, twisted into a smile.
"Dumbledore's dead," said Voldemort in an arrogant manner. "None of this would have happened if you just decided to let that Mudblood's death go in the first place. Maybe, they'd all be alive. Your friends, your father –"
"Shut your mouth, you bastard!" Deanna cursed at him, her hand clenching around her wand. "You ordered Snape to kill him, didn't you?"
"Well, I guess so." Voldemort chuckled and started walking around her. "I'll take half of the fault, but who was there? You. You were there yet you did nothing. You let him die."
"No, damn it." Deanna shook her head and closed her eyes, tears coming into it. "I couldn't do anything, I –"
"Come with me." Voldemort suddenly said in a soft voice.
Deanna's eyes fluttered open and hardened into a glare. "Are you crazy? Why would I come with you after everything you've said and done? I'd be an idiot if I still have some affection for you. If you did this all for me, if you said all these stupid words to try and convince me to come with you, you're wrong."
Despite the hurt and surprise in his eyes, Deanna walked over to him. She looked him in the eyes and spoke in a firm tone. "I don't love you anymore. I love Hermione Granger, and nothing you say or do will change it so stop coming to talk to me."
Feeling satisfied, Deanna turned around and hoped to come back, but Voldemort's voice stopped her. "So you love that Mudblood?"
"Don't call her that." Deanna's blue eyes flashed gold momentarily, meeting Voldemort's red eyes.
"Then, I'm coming for her." Voldemort walked towards her, speaking in a threatening tone. "I'm going to kill her, your friends and everyone you love in this world. Maybe then you'll realize you should have come with me from the start. That's a promise."
Deanna did not let her eyes falter though deep inside her, she felt a little fear. What if he really did come for Hermione and everyone? What if she put another person in danger? But before she could say anything else, Voldemort had disappeared and she was back in her room in Hog's Head.
•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•
Deanna took a deep breath as she sat at the front, waiting for the funeral to start. Aberforth decided to stay at the back as to not attract attention, and Deanna understood him. Behind her were Sirius, Remus, Ria and Tonks who thankfully gave her space but at the same time, stayed there for her.
People came to Deanna and gave their condolences to the young girl. She recognized some of them and the others she didn't know. There were her father's old friends, the members of the Order, Hogwarts students and Professors, the Weasleys and the ghosts of Hogwarts, even Peeves who was usually cheerful. She even saw some people she disliked. Fudge, Skeeter, Umbridge and the Minister himself.
Her friends came to her as well. Ernie, Susan and Justin. Pansy, Daphne, Theo and Blaise. Neville, Luna and Ginny. Jemina, Eleanor and Noah. She was thankful for all of them, but somehow, their words just couldn't help fill the void in her heart.
As she waited, Deanna turned the locket in her pocket over and over to remind herself that after this funeral, she wouldn't have time to mope around. She had a mission. A mission her father started. A mission for her and Harry to finish. A hand held hers, and she smiled to see Hermione sitting on her right.
Deanna intertwined her fingers with Hermione's and just held on tight, now feeling warmth and comfort. Suddenly, there was a horrible screeching from the Lake and people started looking for it. She closed her eyes and remembered how kind her father was to all creatures, learning Mermish to communicate with them. Even the Mermen were feeling grief at the moment. Their song reflected loss and despair.
"It's starting," whispered Hermione to Deanna. Deanna turned around and saw Hagrid walking up the aisle while crying silently. She swallowed the lump in her throat when he saw Dumbledore's body, wrapped in purple velvet spangled with golden stars.
Deanna could feel the cold again upon seeing his body. It made her remember just how his death happened and she blinked back the tears immediately. He looked so cold. Just like how Deanna had felt since he died. Deanna felt someone tighten their hold on her hand and she saw tears falling into Hermione's lap. She wrapped an arm around her girlfriend, trying to comfort the both of them.
Hagrid placed the body upon the table before retreating down the aisle while blowing his nose. He patted Deanna's shoulder as he went, and Deanna subtly wiped away a tear, knowing just how much Dumbledore meant to Hagrid.
A little man in black robes got to his feet and stood in front of Dumbledore's body. Deanna could not understand what he was saying, and she couldn't help the little smile that came on her face. If Dumbledore was to make this speech, he would have not talked about "nobility of spirit" or "greatness of heart." He would have spoken of the warmth of socks and how a simple plate of hotdogs could change the world.
Deanna felt thankful now of the years she got to spend with her father. She had a close relationship with her father and sure, they had their ups and downs, their fights and secrets, but those just helped them become stronger than ever. And she looked down at her lap with tears in her eyes. But she wouldn't have any of that now. He was gone. She clutched the locket tight in her hand and let her tears fall. He was gone forever.
Deanna looked at the lake, seeing the Mermen there, and wiped her tears away. She had to continue on now. She wanted to be a daughter Dumbledore would be proud of. She looked up at the sky and smiled. She would not let anyone else die anymore. Not for her.
The Boisterous Badger, the Daredevil Deanna, the Heir of the Phoenixes was going to fight with all she had. Deanna was going to burn the fire.
The little man stopped speaking and resumed his seat. Deanna kept her eyes on Dumbledore's body and suddenly, bright, white flames erupted around it and the table, making others scream. The flames rose higher and higher until they obscured the body. White smoke spiraled into the air and made strange shapes.
A tear fell from Deanna's eyes when she noticed a phoenix fly from the flames joyfully into the blue. A second later, the flames disappeared and in its place was a white marble tomb encasing Dumbledore's body and the table on which he had rested. There were cries of shock once more as a shower of arrows soared through the air.
The centaurs' tribute. She looked behind her and saw them disappearing into the forest as the merpeople sank back into the water. Deanna looked beside her and saw Hermione's face was glazed with tears. She rubbed a thumb over Hermione's hand and looked at the girl in the eyes. She smiled softly and kissed Hermione's hand. Hermione knew she should be the one comforting Deanna, but she couldn't help it. Dumbledore was indeed a kind man, even defending her from Malfoy calling her a Mudblood. He didn't deserve this.
Deanna went up to the casket and gave it one last kiss. Her final goodbye. After this moment, she would have to be strong. No more grieving. Just a Deanna Dumbledore ready for war.
'I'm sorry. I'll finish this. I love you.'
Simple words but they meant everything to Deanna. Words she didn't get to tell him, now she could finally say. She smiled at Dumbledore's casket and wiped away her tears before she went back to her seat beside Hermione.
Deanna could see people beginning to get to their feet, and she saw Harry and Noah going off to the side. She wondered about what they were talking about when someone tapped her on the shoulder.
"Hey, Dee. Can I talk to you for a moment?" Jemina asked with a small smile.
Deanna glanced at Hermione, who nodded, before she got up. "Sure." Jemina led her to the tree near the lake where nobody could hear them.
"Are you going to come back?" Jemina suddenly asked.
Deanna looked at her in confusion before speaking. "I won't be coming back next year, Jem."
"Deanna-"
"It will put everyone in danger, and you know it. They're going to take me if I stay here. Hogwarts is not safe anymore."
Jemina stared at her for a few moments before taking a step towards her and hugging her tight. This was not goodbye, it was just see you next time.
"And you and El have to run with your families." Deanna smiled despite the tears in her eyes. Damned Voldemort. They did not deserve this. They did not deserve to have their lives ruined like this. "You two are Muggleborns –"
"I'm not running, Dee. I'm staying." Jemina's words surprised Deanna. She and Jemina stared at each other, one looked horrified and the other looked firm with her decision.
Deanna glared at her. "Don't you understand, Jem? They're going to kill you –"
"And I'm not going to hide while you are out there." Jemina spoke firmly, holding Deanna's hand tight. "Someone needs to be here for us, and I'll be that, Deanna. Just like you've been there for us, I'll be there for everybody too. I promise."
Deanna looked like she wanted to protest before she sighed. There was a fire in Jemina's eyes that she saw too much in her own. She thought of something she could do. He may not agree, but she still had hope. She hugged Jemina one more time, knowing she couldn't convince the girl otherwise. She just hoped Jemina would be strong until the very end.
"Stay strong, Jemina. Stay strong until I come back."
"I know you'll come back, Dee." Jemina said sincerely. "That's why I chose to do this." She pulled away and smiled at Deanna before she walked away, leaving Deanna staring at her back with mixed emotions.
"Hey, Deanna."
Deanna jumped at the sudden voice and she saw Ron there. Ron suddenly opened his arms wide while looking sheepish. "I know words don't do much so maybe a hug –" He was cut off because Deanna suddenly hugged him tight. He froze in his position for a moment before hugging Deanna too.
"I know it's hard, but you have us, Dee. Just like how they've been there for you, we'll be there all the way." Ron's words were just what Deanna needed to hear, and they were so much like the Weasley, so much like his ancestors and her friends. Simple but comforting.
"It really means a lot, Ron. Thank you." Deanna smiled at him, pulling away from the hug.
"Oh, right. Don't forget the wedding, alright? The first of August." Ron reminded her.
"Yeah, I can't miss that. I'll be there." Deanna gave him a pat on the back, thinking of the wedding. It may be absurd. To have a wedding during these times of war, but maybe, it was what they needed. She knew her father would love to be there.
Deanna looked around for Hermione, but she saw someone else by near the lake. She was about to go over to her sullen-looking friend when someone blocked her way. Deanna rolled her eyes at the man. "Yes, Minister?"
"I've been hoping to have a word... do you mind if I walk a little way with you?"
"I think we've exchanged enough words, Minister," answered Deanna with a raised eyebrow. She was about to go around him when he spoke again.
"Deanna, this was a dreadful tragedy," said Scrimgeour quietly. "I cannot tell you how appalled I was to hear of it. Dumbledore was a very great wizard. We had our disagreements, as you know, but no one knows better than I —"
"Let me guess, it's that nonsense again?"
Scrimgeour looked annoyed for a moment before he modified his expression into one of sorrow. "You are, of course, devastated. I know that you were very close to Dumbledore. You are his daughter that he loved so dearly. The bond between the two of you —"
"Enough with the fake sorrow, Minister." Deanna crossed her arms. "I'm getting tired of hearing lies."
Scrimgeour's expression now changed into one, meaning business. "Miss Dumbledore, you were with him when he left the school the night that he died. You and Mister Potter."
"Who says?"
"Somebody Stupefied a Death Eater on top of the tower after Dumbledore died. There were also three broomsticks up there. The Ministry can add two and two, Deanna."
"Congratulations then, didn't think that was possible." When he looked as if he wanted to shout, Deanna continued. "What happened with me and my father is not your business. I told you before and I'm telling you again now. I'm not regretting my decision."
"Such loyalty is admirable, of course," said Scrimgeour, who seemed to be restraining his irritation with difficulty, "but Dumbledore is gone, Deanna. He's gone."
"He may be dead, but his spirit lives on in me, in Hogwarts." Deanna smiled mockingly though all she wanted to do was to punch the Minister in the face.
"My dear... even Dumbledore cannot return from the —"
"I'm not an idiot, sir." Deanna cut him off. Her voice was calm but her eyes had a dangerous glint to them. "You can insult me and my father, but you cannot get anything out of me."
Scrimgeour hesitated due to fear before speaking in a gentler tone. "The Ministry can offer you all sorts of protection, you know, Deanna. I would be delighted to place a couple of my Aurors at your service —"
Deanna cut him off with a sarcastic chuckle. "Dear me, Minister. I thought you were smart, but I think I've thought wrong."
"Miss Dumbledore! I am being serious –"
"How have you been running the Ministry? Have you been running it well? You still put innocent people in jail to protect your image of false glory." Deanna shook her head at him. "I never regretted my decision then, and I still don't regret it now."
Scrimgeour glared at her. "I see you are —"
"My father's daughter. That's right," said Deanna with a smile. "Have a good day, sir."
Deanna pushed past him and walked towards Harry who was still looking at the lake. She sat down beside the Gryffindor. "I see Scrimgeour talked to you too?"
"Yeah, the same request he made during Christmas." Harry chuckled bitterly.
"I saw you and Noah talking." Deanna suddenly said. "Are you alright?"
"I guess not." Harry looked down at the lake. "I broke up with him. I-It's too dangerous in these times. I'll only put him in danger even if he's a pureblood. I... Damn it, I love him, Dee."
"And you love him so much you let him go. You'll be fine in the end, Harry. Noah loves you. And you do too. Time will make a way for you two." Deanna wrapped an arm around Harry, trying to comfort him as much as she could. Suddenly, Deanna remembered her talk with Voldemort the previous night. She knew he would do everything to kill Hermione especially after finding out Hermione was Deanna's girlfriend.
Deanna swallowed the lump in her throat and spoke up. "You're not going to return, are you?"
"No." Harry looked at her seriously. "Deanna, we'll be going to hunt the Horcruxes and I wanted to ask if you'll come."
Deanna was about to agree when she remembered Voldemort once more. Voldemort could see her surroundings. What if he reached out to her while she was with them? What if she would lead them all to their deaths?
Deanna closed her mouth before shaking her head, taking out the locket from her pocket and placing it into Harry's hand. "I'm sorry, Harry, but I have some things to do as well. On my own."
Harry looked at her with both confusion and disappointment before nodding. He placed the fake locket into his pocket. "I understand." He stood up and smiled at her. "I'll see you soon then, Dee."
"Until next time, Harry." Deanna smiled back at him and gave him one last hug. She let out a sigh as she saw Hermione coming towards her. She looked around and saw that there weren't any people anymore. It was her choices that would make the outcome of this war, and right now, she needed to make a choice. A choice that may hurt her like hell, but a choice that was needed.
"Hermione." Deanna spoke as soon as Hermione came near her, but Hermione was surprised because of the tone Deanna used. It wasn't like Deanna to talk to her like that. A cold and emotionless tone.
Deanna prepared herself for what she was about to do. She stared into Hermione's eyes with such a cold gaze it made Hermione wonder what could have happened to make Deanna like that. Was it something Harry or Ron said? Or Scrimgeour? "Let's stop this."
"S-stop what?" Hermione was terrified now. She had a feeling about what Deanna was going to say, but she didn't want to hear it. She didn't want her suspicions to be true.
"Let's break up."
And it was like a bucket of cold water was poured upon her at those words. Hermione couldn't understand it. They were alright just a few minutes ago. Why all so suddenly? She felt her heart beating hard against her chest but not due to excitement, it was due to pain.
"What?" Hermione asked in a whisper. A heartbreaking tone that made Deanna's heart waver a little, but Deanna repeated in her mind. It was for Hermione's good. It was for Hermione's safety. She wouldn't be safe if Deanna stayed with her. She needed to do this.
"I'm sorry." Deanna said in a firm tone. She stared into Hermione's eyes and tried to show only coldness, but Hermione knew Deanna. She could see in Deanna's eyes that there was that same emotion Hermione had every time she looked at Deanna. Love.
A tear from Hermione's eyes and Deanna had the urge to wipe it away but she resisted it and clenched her fists. Hermione shook her head. "No, you can't do this. Maybe, you just need some time. I'll give you time, okay? You can think –"
"Hermione, let's just stop this please –"
"No." Hermione sobbed out. It broke Deanna's heart to hear Hermione sobbing like that and it hurt her more to be the reason for her heartbreak. "Please, take some time, and I'll wait for you. I'll wait for your answer."
Deanna stared at her crying figure for a moment, wanting only to take the Gryffndor into her arms. "And what if this really is the end?"
"I'll still wait for you." Hermione took Deanna's hands in hers. "Because I-"
"Don't." Deanna closed her eyes and gently pushed Hermione's hands away, still speaking in that cold tone. Her heart started beating faster at the thought of Hermione actually loving her, but she didn't want to hear it. Not when she knew it would take those three words for her resolve to break. "Don't say it. Don't make this harder than it already is, Granger."
"Oh, so we're resorting to last names now?" Hermione let out a scoff. "Why are you being like this? I know it's hard-"
"You don't." Deanna shook her head. "You don't know how hard it is."
"That's right. I don't. But I can help you." Hermione pleaded with her, wanting to understand, her tears falling freely now. "I can help you, Deanna. Just let me."
"I'm sorry, Hermione, but it's over." Deanna raised her hand as if she wanted to wipe Hermione's tears away but she moved it to Hermione's shoulder, giving it a pat before she walked away from the Granger, leaving two broken hearts. Hermione stood there frozen for a moment but she remembered that emotion in Deanna's eyes. Love. And that was enough hope for Hermione.
Hermione turned around and shouted. "Look me in the eyes! Look me in the eyes and tell me you don't love me."
Deanna closed her eyes and tried walking away from her, but Hermione grabbed her by the wrist and cupped her face. Deanna opened her eyes when she felt Hermione's breath hitting her face. She saw Hermione looking at her with tears falling from her eyes, only a few inches between them.
"Do you love me?" Hermione asked softly.
'Yes.' That was what Deanna wanted to say, but she couldn't put Hermione in danger more than she had already. So, she settled with the shake of her head. She fixed her eyes on the sky above Hermione, knowing one look into the Gryffindor's eyes would make her break and tell the truth.
"I don't. There was only one person I fell in love with, and that was Tom Riddle. I only had an attraction to you that grew because I tried convincing myself that I didn't love him anymore. I look at you now, and I realize I never really had feelings for you."
Deanna finally looked into Hermione's eyes and felt her heart cold once more, the same coldness wrapping around her as it did when her father died. "I don't love you, I'm sorry. I wish you safety and happiness, Hermione." She couldn't help herself then. She kissed Hermione on the forehead before she turned back around and went on her way, tears coming into her own eyes.
As she walked on, she saw Harry and Ron there. Ron looked at her with a small smile. "Deanna, are you –"
"Please, take care of Hermione." Deanna smiled at them before she walked past them, leaving the two staring at her with confusion. Harry and Ron decided to go back to where Hermione was and their eyes widened when they saw her on the ground, crying her heart out. They ran to their bookworm friend immediately.
"Mione." Harry said worriedly. "What happened?"
But Hermione couldn't speak. She only continued crying for her and Deanna's relationship. She knew it wasn't true. Deanna was good at speaking, but her eyes could never hide her true emotions. However, the words still hurt her. She knew Deanna was doing it for a good reason, but she still couldn't help feeling pain.
Harry and Ron looked at each other, wondering why she was crying, but they remembered Deanna's last words to them and nodded, hugging Hermione tight. Deanna had something to do with it. They didn't know what happened, but they just hoped the couple would be all right soon.
What hurt her the most though was the fact that Deanna was now alone. She didn't have Dumbledore, she didn't have Hermione. Hermione had Harry and Ron and her parents, but who did Deanna have? Others might think she was stupid. Thinking about Deanna when it was her own heart that was broken, but she knew Deanna. Deanna loved her too, and after today, she would pick herself back up again and continue. Continue loving Deanna Dumbledore and holding onto her promise that she would never leave the phoenix.
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Deanna went out of her room with red eyes and her bag in hand. Aberforth and Ariana looked at her worriedly as she came down. They didn't know what happened with her a few hours ago. All they knew was she came back with red eyes, and they thought it was probably due to the funeral.
"I'll see you soon, Aunt Ari." Deanna gave the portrait a hug before smiling at Aberforth. "Let's go, Uncle Ab?"
"Take care, Dee." Ariana called out from her portrait.
"Yes, love." Aberforth opened the door for her and she went out first, but her jaw dropped when she came out because right beside the door was the one phoenix she had been waiting for all this time. Fawkes was there, as majestic as ever with his red and gold feathers.
"Fawkesy." Deanna whispered out. She dropped to her knees and hugged the phoenix tight. "You came back."
Fawkes let out a cry and raised a wing to wipe away a lone tear that fell from Deanna's eye. Deanna smiled at him gratefully before standing up. Aberforth held out a hand to her and Deanna took it, closing her eyes to feel the sensation of Apparition. In a moment, she felt a breeze ruffle her hair and opened her eyes.
Deanna smiled softly. "The old Mould-of-the-Wold."
"Ah, I've got lots of memories here." Aberforth took out his wand from his pocket. "Let me cast it now."
Deanna nodded and smiled at Fawkes who was flying beside her. "Have you been well?" Fawkes let out a cry and nuzzled Deanna's cheek. Deanna smiled back and kissed the top of his head. "I'm glad you're alright." She and Fawkes just stood there, watching Aberforth cast the Fidelius Charm silently.
After a few moments, Aberforth finally stopped and smiled at her. "It's done." He then looked at Deanna with worry. "Are you sure you'll be fine here? You can live with me and Ariana."
"I'll be fine, Uncle Ab." Deanna gave him one last hug. "Thank you."
Aberforth kissed the top of her head and nodded. "I'll see you soon, love."
Deanna waved at him as he Disapparated. She turned to Fawkes and smiled. "Come on." They went into the old house and Deanna looked around with a bitter smile. It was better for her to live here during the summer. She didn't want to put her uncle and aunt in danger so she decided to stay here.
Deanna fell back on the couch and covered her eyes with her arm. She remembered everything she said to Hermione and unknowingly, her tears started falling. She let out a sob. "I love her, Fawkes. I love her."
Fawkes let out a cry and nuzzled Deanna, trying to give comfort to his crying owner. He didn't know why she was crying but all he knew was he would be there for the human bonded to him until death.
The night Dumbledore died, Deanna realized just what she felt for Hermione. That she loved the Gryffindor, but she couldn't tell her. She couldn't say it because it would only put Hermione in trouble especially since she was a Muggleborn. She just hoped when the time would come, Hermione could forgive her and understand the choices she made.
Deanna promises to herself then she would stop mourning and crying after this day. And she cried her heart out to Fawkes. There may have been no one to hug her then, but she felt as if her father was there with them, telling her it was alright. She was going to be alright.
And when tomorrow would come, Deanna would be ready to fight. The heir of the phoenixes and the heir of the snakes. Once lovers and now leaders of two opposing sides of the war. She would fight until her final breath and make sure they would win. For her father, for her friends and for Hermione Granger.
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