•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

"Yeah, that's good there, Deanna. Thank you, dear." Molly smiled widely and looked over her. "I don't want you to overexert yourself and open that gash on your back."

"I'll be fine, Molly, thanks to you."

It had been a few days after Moody's death, and Deanna had to remind herself about the promise she made to him in order to keep herself from feeling sad all the time. She with the help of Sirius, Remus, Tonks and Ria, made a small tribute to Moody in the yard of the Burrow. They never recovered Moody's body but they owed it to him. A tribute after everything he did for them.

Deanna was about to go back to the other room to continue helping out for the wedding when Molly spoke once more.

"Deanna?"

"Yeah?" Deanna looked back with confusion in her eyes.

Molly smiled at her once more before walking to Deanna and holding her hands. "You're not coming back to school, are you?"

Deanna wondered how they all found out about it before she slowly nodded.

"Are you going with Ron, Harry and Hermione?" Molly asked.

"No." Deanna muttered while looking down. "I'm going with Fawkes as soon as the wedding ends."

"I understand." Molly sighed and patted Deanna's shoulder. "But I just want to tell you. These are dark times we are in, and you might want to tell a certain someone what you truly feel before it's too late."

Deanna's eyes widened in surprise. She was certain she hid her feelings from everyone. She was certain no one knew about what she truly felt for Hermione. "Molly –"

"I know, I know." Molly said in an understanding tone. "But I just want to tell you, her feelings never changed. Since your break-up, she has never been the same. Just... talk to her, will you?" She gave Deanna one last pat on the back before she went out, leaving Deanna to her thoughts.

Deanna clenched her fists. She knew. She knew Hermione wasn't the same and she knew it was because of her. But what could she do? Should she risk Hermione's safety for their relationship? She should do everything to protect Hermione, even if it meant protecting Hermione from herself.

But deep inside her, there was a part of Deanna, a huge part of her, that wanted to go back to Hermione and say the truth. Those three little words that have been waiting to come out of her since that night her father died. When Hermione told her those words that day, Deanna felt happy. For the first time since her father died, she felt happy but that happiness soon vanished due to the painful reality that reminded her of what she needed to do.

Shaking her head, Deanna decided to leave the room and go back to her own, knowing that the others were busy with helping out in the wedding. She was just about to enter when she heard a sob from inside. Her heart clenched once more when she realized who was crying.

In a debate with herself, Deanna hesitated for a moment before taking a peek in the small gap made by the open door, and she saw Hermione was on her bed, crying her heart out while holding onto something. Deanna knew she shouldn't but the moment she saw Hermione crying, her heart beat her mind and she went into the room.

Hermione was crying too much to even notice that Deanna entered. It was just the pain of her parents forgetting her forever and the death of Moody and Deanna trying not to interact with her was hitting her all at once, and looking at this picture of her and her parents just made Hermione's heart hurt even more. It reminded her of the family she would never have again.

A tap on her shoulder made Hermione look up and her eyes widened when she saw it was Deanna, looking at the wall while holding out a handkerchief to Hermione. "Deanna?" Hermione whispered out, only looking at Deanna.

Deanna tried not to but she couldn't help herself from glancing at Hermione. Her eyes softened at the tears in her eyes and the clear tear tracks on her cheeks. She let out a sigh before sitting beside Hermione and wiping Hermione's tears away with the handkerchief.

Hermione let her do so, closing her eyes as she missed Deanna's warm touch. When Deanna stopped, her eyes fluttered open and she saw that their faces were inches apart. The two of them stared into each other's eyes for a few moments, their eyes expressing just how much each of them missed each other. Their eyes expressing Deanna's unsaid feelings and Hermione's lingering emotions.

But snapping back to reality, Deanna was about to move away when Hermione held her hands to keep her in place. "Why are you doing this?" Honestly, she was so frustrated by the way Deanna was acting. One moment she was so kind and so gentle but the next, she'd avoid Hermione as if nothing had happened between them.

"Don't you know what I had to endure because of you?" Hermione stood up with tears in her eyes. "Don't you know just how much pain I am in now?" She started smacking Deanna on the chest, and Deanna just let her. The Hufflepuff let her do so because maybe, maybe it could take away a bit of the pain Hermione had in her heart. The pain she caused.

"I lost you and my parents in a matter of weeks." Hermione's voice broke while she tried to suppress her sobs. But Deanna's eyes widened at what she said and she finally saw the picture in Hermione's hands. It was a picture of her parents. Hermione's punches started weakening and Deanna could feel Hermione's fist shaking against her body.

Without another thought, Deanna took a step forward and wrapped her arms around Hermione's shaking body. Hermione knew she could let herself go whenever she was with Deanna, and so she sobbed her heart out, everything she had been keeping to herself. "T-They don't even know they have a daughter. They're in Australia now, happy w-with their lives."

"It'll be alright." Deanna told her comfortingly, rubbing Hermione's back. Soon, she felt Hermione hug her back and Deanna stiffened for a moment before quickly relaxing and continuing to comfort Hermione. In that moment, it was like everything was forgotten. In that moment, they were just Deanna Dumbledore and Hermione Granger, two girls who loved each other.

When she calmed down, Hermione took a step back and wiped her tears while Deanna just watched her with worry in her eyes. Hermione was about to say something when everything hit her. She suddenly remembered what situation she and Deanna were in now and she looked at Deanna with confusion. "Why are you doing –"

Hermione was cut off when Deanna suddenly stepped forward and hugged Hermione tightly. Deanna blinked back her tears and smiled bitterly. She never thought she'd be doing this, but she should've known. She could never resist Hermione. "Just for today... Just for today, can we forget everything and go back?"

Hermione's eyes softened at those words and she hugged Deanna back just as tight. She knew it was bound to hurt them both in the end, but did any of them care? They missed each other and loved each other. Any pain was worth the few moments they could have together. But it made Hermione's heart flutter to know. Deanna Dumbledore felt the same as her, and that was enough to give her courage for the coming days.

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

Deanna's eyes fluttered open and she sat up, suddenly out of breath. She thought of what she saw in her dreams. Voldemort was in a foreign country, looking for Gregorovitch. She wondered of what he was planning while looking for wandmakers. Deanna held her head in her hands and let out a shaky sigh.

"Are you alright, Dee?" Ginny asked with concern.

Deanna sent a smile at her. "Yeah, it was just a bad dream. Thanks, Gin." She checked the date and saw that it was Harry's birthday. She smiled slightly. Finally, Harry was seventeen. He could use magic freely now. Taking something out of her bag, she went out of the room and grinned when she saw Harry down at the stairs.

"Happy birthday, Harry!" Deanna ruffled his already messy hair and gave him the present, making the other glare at her though he laughed after and hugged Deanna.

"Thank you, Dee." Harry ruffled her hair back, making Deanna pout. He opened the present and grinned at Deanna. It was a pair of red socks with Golden Snitches and white owls printed on them. "Really, thank you."

"Don't worry, Deanna. Soon, you'll be of age too." Ron teased, coming up beside Harry.

Deanna stuck his tongue out at him, and the two boys just laughed. That was the only thing they could tease her with since she wouldn't turn of age until November. Though Deanna knew it was going to be hard for her because of that, she did feel happy to be the youngest.

Deanna caught sight of Hermione coming out from the other room. Since that day, their relationship had improved a bit. Deanna wasn't ignoring Hermione all the time and Hermione was smiling at her when they crossed paths. It was a surprise to everyone but at the same time, it was a relief.

Deanna nodded to Hermione before she walked past her and went to Fred, George, Bill and Fleur. Hermione couldn't help the smile on her face as she walked towards Harry and Ron who were exchanging teasing grins. Hermione simply rolled her eyes at them before she greeted Harry a happy birthday.

"Happy birthday, my godson!" Sirius came in loudly, giving a hug to Harry, while Remus shook his head behind Sirius.

"Happy birthday, Harry." Remus smiled at him, handing him their present.

Harry grinned and accepted it with gratitude. Sure, it was a hard journey ahead. He had no idea how or where to start. But with his family and friends and a certain Knight in mind, he could face everything and anything.

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

At Harry's birthday dinner, Deanna sat with Ria and Tonks, growing closer with them after they saved her life. Hagrid sat down beside them after giving his present to Harry. "It'll take a few months before it's yer turn to be 17, Dee."

"Aren't you supposed to be 69 now?" Ria asked, making the four of them laugh loudly.

"That's right, I'm actually older than all of you," said Deanna teasingly. "But why is it I'm the one who can't Apparate until November 11?"

"Ah, to be young." Hagrid chuckled at Deanna before smiling softly at her. "Yeh know, Dumbledore would be proud of yeh. Yer being strong despite everything. Too strong that I'm actually worried for you."

"Have you even rested during these past few weeks?" Tonks looked at her with concern. "I think you've become thinner."

"Yeah, I've been busy with learning spells. I mean, Pops wouldn't want me to grieve and be lazy." Deanna smiled reassuringly at them. "Don't worry. I've been eating well."

"By eating well, do you mean eating hotdogs and drinking chocolate milk?" Ria raised an eyebrow at her and by the way Deanna blushed, they couldn't help but chuckle when they found out Ria was right. Deanna started drinking her chocolate milk to avoid answering.

"So, how are you and Hermione?" Tonks suddenly changed the subject, asking what they all wanted to know.

Deanna suddenly spit out her drink at the question, looking at them with wide eyes. "W-What?"

"I mean, you seem closer nowadays." Tonks shrugged, feigning innocence. "We're just wondering if you two are back together."

"I-It's nothing like that." Deanna looked down to hide her red cheeks, but it was too late. Hagrid, Ria and Tonks smiled at each other knowingly, their suspicions confirmed.

"Don't worry, Dee." Hagrid gave her a pat on the shoulder. "Your secret's safe with us."

"You can't really hide how you look at her, Deanna." Ria smiled softly. "It's just different and so full of love." She glanced at Tonks who was smiling back at her.

Despite being caught, Deanna smiled widely at the three of them, happy that a little of the weight on her shoulders was removed. "Thank you. And –"

Deanna was cut off by a sudden streak of light that came flying across the yard and onto the table, where it resolved itself into a bright silver weasel, which stood on its hind legs and spoke with Arthur's voice. "Minister of Magic coming with me."

The Patronus dissolved into thin air then. Ria stood up in alarm, pulling Tonks with her. "We have to go. Sorry, Deanna, we'll explain next time." She called out to Harry. "Happy birthday, Harry!" They ran towards the fence and climbed over it, vanishing from sight.

"See you soon, Deanna." Sirius said as he ran past with Remus, the two of them disappearing the same way Ria and Tonks did.

Molly looked bewildered. "The Minister — but why — ? I don't understand —"

But there was no time to discuss the matter; a second later, Arthur had appeared out of thin air at the gate, accompanied by Rufus Scrimgeour. Deanna was staring at the Minister with a glare in her eyes, remembering the last conversation they had. He came closer towards them and Deanna could see he looked even grimmer than before.

"Sorry to intrude," said Scrimgeour, as he limped to a halt before the table. "Especially as I can see that I am gate-crashing a party." His eyes lingered for a moment on the giant Snitch cake. "Many happy returns."

"Thanks," said Harry.

Scrimgeour looked around for a moment when his eyes met with blue cold ones. He felt a chill for a moment before nodding to Deanna. "I request a private word with you and Mr. Potter. Also with Mr. Ronald Weasley and Miss Hermione Granger."

"Us?" said Ron, sounding surprised. "Why us?"

"I shall tell you that when we are somewhere more private," said Scrimgeour. "Is there such a place?" he demanded of Arthur.

"Yes, of course," said Arthur, who looked nervous. "The, er, sitting room, why don't you use that?"

"You can lead the way," Scrimgeour said to Ron. "There will be no need for you to accompany us, Arthur."

Deanna smiled reassuringly at Molly who looked worried before she went with Harry, Ron and Hermione. Coincidentally, she was walking beside Hermione who was looking worried as well. She could understand though. All of them were planning to drop out of Hogwarts, and Scrimgeour must have known...

With a sudden burst of courage, Deanna took Hermione's hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. Hermione looked at her in surprise, but Deanna was looking straight ahead as if nothing happened. Deanna was about to take her hand back when Hermione intertwined their fingers with no intention of letting her go. Deanna's cheeks flushed at that but she did not move away anymore, making Hermione smile widely.

They walked in silence while Deanna thought of what she should say to convince Scrimgeour to not say a word regarding their plans. She couldn't think any more because they arrived at the dark sitting room. Harry flicked his wand at the oil lamps, illuminating the room.

Reluctantly, Deanna and Hermione had to let go of each other's hands, and Deanna wondered why was it so cold in this cozy room. Hermione had to stop herself from reaching out for Deanna's hand. Scrimgeour sat down in the armchair while Deanna, Hermione, Ron and Harry squeezed themselves into the sofa.

Once they had done so, Scrimgeour spoke. "I have some questions for the four of you, and I think it will be best if we do it individually. If you three" — he pointed at Deanna, Harry and Hermione — "can wait upstairs, I will start with Ronald."

"We're not going anywhere," said Harry, while Hermione nodded vigorously. "You can speak to us together, or not at all." Scrimgeour gave Harry a cold look and he was about to say something when Deanna beat him to it.

"It's a happy day, Minister." Deanna said with a cold fire in her eyes. "Why don't we start talking?"

Scrimgeour cleared his throat due to the sudden nervous feeling that came over him. "Very well then, together," he said, shrugging. "I am here, as I'm sure you know, because of Albus Dumbledore's will."

Deanna's eyes widened at that and she could feel the other three looking at her. She forgot about it. She was too focused on the spells and planning that she forgot about her father's will. Her heart felt light at the thought that Dumbledore was still there for her even after his death.

"A surprise, apparently! You were not aware then that Dumbledore had left you anything?"

"A-all of us?" said Ron. "Me and Hermione too?"

"Yes, all of —"

But Harry interrupted. "Dumbledore died over a month ago. Why has it taken this long to give us what he left us?"

"They wanted to examine what he gave us." Deanna said, trying to keep her calm though her eyes were glaring at Scrimgeour. "You had no right to do that."

"I had every right," said Scrimgeour dismissively. "The Decree for Justifiable Confiscation gives the Ministry the power to confiscate the contents of a will —"

"That law was created to stop wizards passing on Dark artifacts," said Hermione, "and the Ministry is supposed to have powerful evidence that the deceased's possessions are illegal before seizing them! Are you telling me that you thought Dumbledore was trying to pass us something cursed?"

"Are you planning to follow a career in Magical Law, Miss Granger?" asked Scrimgeour.

"No, I'm not," retorted Hermione. "I'm hoping to do some good in the world!"

Deanna smirked at that while Ron laughed. Scrimgeour's eyes flickered toward Ron and away again as Harry spoke. "So why have you decided to let us have our things now? Can't think of a pretext to keep them?"

"No, it'll be because the thirty-one days are up," said Hermione at once. "They can't keep the objects longer than that unless they can prove they're dangerous. Right?"

"Would you say you were close to Dumbledore, Ronald?" asked Scrimgeour, ignoring Hermione.

Ron looked startled. "Me? Not — not really... It was always Deanna, of course he's his daughter, and Harry who..." Ron looked around at them and saw his three friends trying to tell him to stop, but Scrimgeour had already heard it.

Scrimgeour swooped like a bird of prey upon Ron's answer. "If you were not very close to Dumbledore, how do you account for the fact that he remembered you in his will? He made exceptionally few personal bequests. The vast majority of his possessions — his private library, his magical instruments, and other personal effects — were left to Hogwarts and Deanna Dumbledore. Why do you think you were singled out?"

"My father was fond of him. Is there a problem with that?" Deanna raised an eyebrow at Scrimgeour who stared at her for a moment before he drew a pouch out of his cloak.

From it, Scrimgeour removed a scroll of parchment which he unrolled and read aloud. "'The Last Will and Testament of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore'... Yes, here we are... 'To Ronald Bilius Weasley, I leave my Deluminator, in the hope that he will remember me when he uses it.'"

Scrimgeour took from the bag the Deluminator which looked like a silver cigarette light. It had the power to suck all the light from a place and restore it with a click. Deanna smiled at the object which was now being examined by the stunned Ron. It was one of her father's most prized possessions, one he invented himself. She was glad he gave it to Ron.

"That is a valuable object," said Scrimgeour, watching Ron. "It may even be unique. Certainly it is of Dumbledore's own design. Why would he have left you an item so rare?"

Ron shook his head, looking bewildered.

"Dumbledore must have taught thousands of students," Scrimgeour persevered. "Yet the only ones he remembered in his will are you four. Why is that? To what use did he think you would put his Deluminator, Mr. Weasley?"

"Put out lights, I s'pose," mumbled Ron. "What else could I do with it?"

Evidently Scrimgeour had no suggestions. After squinting at Ron for a moment or two, he turned back to Dumbledore's will. "'To Miss Hermione Jean Granger, I leave my copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, in the hope that she will find it entertaining and instructive.'"

Scrimgeour pulled out of the bag a small book Deanna remembered during her childhood, the same book her father read to her when she couldn't sleep. Hermione took it from Scrimgeour without a word. She held the book in her lap and gazed at it. Deanna saw a tear splashed onto the runes and realized Hermione was crying. She subtly patted Hermione on the back, giving a little comfort to the Gryffindor.

"Why do you think Dumbledore left you that book, Miss Granger?" asked Scrimgeour.

"He... he knew I liked books," said Hermione in a thick voice, mopping her eyes with her sleeve.

"But why that particular book?"

"I don't know. He must have thought I'd enjoy it."

"Did you ever discuss codes, or any means of passing secret messages, with Dumbledore?"

"No, I didn't," said Hermione, still wiping her eyes on her sleeve. "And if the Ministry hasn't found any hidden codes in this book in thirty-one days, I doubt that I will." She suppressed a sob. Deanna looked at her with a soft smile and without caring if anyone saw her, she held Hermione's hand and rubbed her thumb over the back of the Gryffindor's hand. Hermione looked up at her in surprise before smiling and intertwining their fingers, just making the most of the moment.

Scrimgeour turned back to the will. "'To Harry James Potter,'" he read, "'I leave the Snitch he caught in his first Quidditch match at Hogwarts, as a reminder of the rewards of perseverance and skill.'"

Scrimgeour pulled out the tiny golden ball and its silver wings fluttered feebly. "Why did Dumbledore leave you this Snitch?"

"No idea," said Harry. "For the reasons you just read out, I suppose... to remind me what you can get if you... persevere and whatever it was."

"You think this a mere symbolic keepsake, then?"

"I suppose so," said Harry. "What else could it be?"

"I'm asking the questions," said Scrimgeour, shifting his chair a little closer to the sofa. "I notice that your birthday cake is in the shape of a Snitch. Why is that?"

Hermione laughed derisively. "Oh, it can't be a reference to the fact Harry's a great Seeker, that's way too obvious. There must be a secret message from Dumbledore hidden in the icing!"

"I don't think there's anything hidden in the icing," said Scrimgeour, "but a Snitch would be a very good hiding place for a small object. You know why, I'm sure?"

"Because Snitches have flesh memories," Hermione answered.

"What?" said Deanna, Harry and Ron together; all surprised to know Hermione knew something about Quidditch.

"Correct," said Scrimgeour. "A Snitch is not touched by bare skin before it is released, not even by the maker, who wears gloves. It carries an enchantment by which it can identify the first human to lay hands upon it, in case of a disputed capture. This Snitch" — he held up the tiny golden ball — "will remember your touch, Potter. It occurs to me that Dumbledore, who had prodigious magical skill, whatever his other faults, might have enchanted this Snitch so that it will open only for you."

Deanna frowned at Scrimgeour, knowing what he was wanting to see. He wanted to see if the Snitch would open at Harry's touch.

"You don't say anything," said Scrimgeour. "Perhaps you already know what the Snitch contains?"

"Take it," said Scrimgeour quietly. Harry held out his hand, and Scrimgeour leaned forward again and placed the Snitch, slowly and deliberately, into Harry's palm. Nothing happened.

As Harry's fingers closed around the Snitch, its tired wings fluttered and were still. All of them stared at it, wondering if something else would happen.

"That was dramatic," said Harry coolly. Deanna, Ron and Hermione laughed.

"Dumbledore left you a second bequest," said Scrimgeour, who looked bad-tempered now.

"What is it?" asked Harry, excitement rekindling.

Scrimgeour did not bother to read from the will this time. "The sword of Godric Gryffindor," he said.

Deanna's eyes widened at that and she felt Hermione stiffen beside her.

"So where is it?" Harry asked suspiciously.

"Unfortunately," said Scrimgeour, "that sword was not Dumbledore's to give away. The sword of Godric Gryffindor is an important historical artifact, and as such, belongs —"

"It belongs to Harry!" said Hermione hotly. "It chose him, he was the one who found it, it came to him out of the Sorting Hat —"

"According to reliable historical sources, the sword may present itself to any worthy Gryffindor," said Scrimgeour. "That does not make it the exclusive property of Mr. Potter, whatever Dumbledore may have decided." Scrimgeour scratched his badly shaven cheek, scrutinizing Harry. "Why do you think — ?"

"— Dumbledore wanted to give me the sword?" said Harry, struggling to keep his temper. "Maybe he thought it would look nice on my wall."

"This is not a joke, Potter!" growled Scrimgeour. "Was it because Dumbledore believed that only the sword of Godric Gryffindor could defeat the Heir of Slytherin? Did he wish to give you that sword, Potter, because he believed, as do many, that you are the one destined to destroy He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?"

"Interesting theory," said Harry. "Has anyone ever tried sticking a sword in Voldemort? Maybe the Ministry should put some people onto that, instead of wasting their time stripping down Deluminators or covering up breakouts from Azkaban. So is this what you've been doing, Minister, shut up in your office, trying to break open a Snitch? People are dying — I was nearly one of them — Voldemort chased me across three counties, he killed Mad-Eye Moody, but there's been no word about any of that from the Ministry, has there? And you still expect us to cooperate with you!"

"You go too far!" shouted Scrimgeour, standing up. Harry jumped to his feet too. Scrimgeour was starting to limp towards him.

"That's enough!" Deanna yelled, her eyes glowing gold again. Everyone looked at her with surprise. She glared at Scrimgeour. "I know you and my father had your differences, but do you not have any respect left for him? You may be the Minister of Magic, but you have no right to speak to us like that. I suggest you read out the rest of the will and leave."

Hermione gave Deanna's hand a comforting squeeze, calming down the Dumbledore. Scrimgeour was about to say something before he sank into his seat. Harry looked apologetic as he too sat down. Scrimgeour cleared his throat and turned back to the will once more.

"'To my daughter, Deanna Ariana Dumbledore, I leave to you dear Fawkes the Phoenix who shall be yours even after death. You have always been the brightest phoenix in the world. Once a phoenix burns, they'll rise from the ashes and through the cycle, the connection will never break between us.'"

Deanna swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded, keeping her voice steady. "Is that all?"

"No, there's a bit more." Scrimgeour glanced at her then continued. "'I also leave her all my properties and possessions in the hopes that she might find a well use to them. Time has not been kind to the two of us but I hope she'll remember me through these even as the years pass. Let her decide on what she wants to do with these.' How would you like to divide these?"

Deanna hastily wiped a stray tear away and cleared her throat, smiling at Hermione who squeezed her hand in reassurance. "Leave everything else to Hogwarts. I'll take the old Mould-on-the-Wold. Now –"

"The last one," said Scrimgeour. "As my final bequest, I leave this necklace of mine as a guide to the next journey after pain. When she is ready, she must follow the sign and follow her fate." He took out a necklace out of his bag, and Deanna's eyes widened in recognition. Before Harry, Ron and Hermione could see it, she took it away from Scrimgeour and shielded it away from others' eyes.

"Recognize it?" Scrimgeour asked with an expectant tone.

"No." Deanna whispered out, going back to her senses. A triangle with a circle and a line in the middle. It was the sign of Gellert Grindelwald in the pictures of him and her father. She looked back at Scrimgeour and feigned confusion. "Have you seen it before?"

Scrimgeour clenched his jaw. "Miss Dumbledore, I –"

"Please, Minister." Deanna looked at him calmly. "If you don't know anything, how would I? Now, if you don't mind, it's really time for us to get back to the party." She stood up but Scrimgeour stood up right after her.

"Listen, we need to work together –"

"Have you changed your ways?" Deanna cut him off in a sharp tone. "Have you thought of what I told you before?" When he glared at her, Deanna let out a sarcastic chuckle. "Then, don't expect me to be working with you."

Scrimgeour moved towards Deanna and whispered so only the two of them could hear. "Who do you think you are? You may be Dumbledore's daughter but to me, you're just a sixteen year-old girl who tries to act smart but can't do anything right in the end. Don't tell how to do my job!"

Deanna just smiled and spoke in a louder voice. "You're right. I am my father's daughter. I try to act smart, but I can't do anything right. Guess we're the same in that sense then, Minister."

"Dumbledore!" Scrimgeour shouted and raised his wand at her neck. "You won't win this without us." Harry, Ron and Hermione all looked startled and they made to move but Deanna raised a hand, telling them to stay still.

"And he's coming for us, sir." Deanna held his gaze with her own cold blue eyes, keeping herself calm despite the wand at her throat. "You don't understand because you've never faced him yet, but when you do, you'll regret everything. You won't win this without us either."

The door to the sitting room opened and Molly and Arthur ran in.

"We – we thought we heard –" began Arthur, but his voice soon died down because of the sight of Scrimgeour holding his wand to Deanna's neck.

"Minister!" exclaimed Molly in shock.

Scrimgeour looked regretful for a moment and he lowered his wand, still staring at Deanna. "It — it was nothing. I... regret your attitude. You seem to think that the Ministry does not desire what you — what Dumbledore — desired. We ought to be working together."

"Yet you're pushing us away with your ways. How could we forget?" said Deanna, raising her fist wherein the scars still showed white on the back of it, spelling I should not have returned. Scrimgeour glared at her once more before turning away and limping from the room.

Molly hurried after him and after a minute, she called, "He's gone!" She hurried back while looking at Deanna with worry. "Are you alright, dear?"

"Yeah, thank you, Molly." Deanna sent her a smile before turning back to Harry. "If it's alright, Harry, I'd be turning in for the night."

"Yeah, go on, Deanna. Thank you." Harry smiled back at her.

"Happy birthday again." Deanna gave him a pat on the back before bidding the others good night, sending a reassuring smile at Hermione. Hermione could only smile back though she was still worried for Deanna. It was clear that what Scrimgeour whispered to her had disturbed her though she was pretending to be alright.

Deanna went up to her shared room with Hermione and Ginny and turned the necklace over in her hands. She never knew what it symbolized. All Deanna knew about it was that it was the symbol of Gellert Grindelwald, her father's only love and greatest enemy. She knew where he was staying: Nurmengard Castle, and she knew just where she needed to go.

But why did she need to go to him? Did her father perhaps tell him about the Horcruxes? Did he know what they needed to do to defeat Voldemort? Deanna did not know, but she just needed to go to him. She held the necklace in her fist and sighed.

'I may not understand, but I'll follow you, Pops. I trust you.'

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•