Weasley Charm | Fred Weasley

Chapter 7-11: Shell Cottage

Everyone was quite shaken up by the events that took place at Malfoy Manor. Thankfully, Mrs. Weasley taught Fleur some of her healing methods and she was able to heal Delaney's cut within just hours of their arrival. Because the cut was so deep, Delaney would likely have a scar on her forearm for most, if not the rest of her life.

Hermione woke up almost every night, screaming with tears in her eyes with the nightmares of being tortured again. Delaney put silencing charms on their room in hopes of not disturbing the rest of the house while she comforted and coaxed Hermione back into a dreamless sleep. It practically broke Delaney's heart each time Hermione woke up screaming. She couldn't imagine what she was going through, especially with the constant reminder that 'mudblood' was now etched into her skin.

Over the course of the two weeks they had been staying at Shell Cottage so far, Hermione had been slowly improving. She had only woken up once the night before last, and not at all last night. It was a relief to Delaney to know that Hermione was slowly beginning to emotionally heal from the torture she endured. She did know, however, it would be quite a bit of time before Hermione was completely emotionally healed. But, things were thankfully looking up.

As for Harry, he had taken Dobby's death pretty harshly. It was to be expected. Harry always had a special place for Dobby in his heart. But instead of pushing everyone away and isolating himself, Harry immersed himself in forming a plan to break into Gringotts bank. Delaney thought he had gone absolutely mad at first, but after a little explanation from Harry, she realized it made sense for them to believe something was inside Bellatrix's vault since she was so protective over it.

With that in mind, the four began to formulate a plan with Griphook as to how they would achieve going to such lengths to obtain the Horcrux. They were careful not to draw attention to themselves, so as to not raise suspicion in Bill or Fleur. Luna and Dean seemed to not take notice, or at least not show that they cared if they had.

Other than the meticulous planning, Delaney and the others immersed themselves in a series of card games or wizard's chest—usually books for Hermione and Delaney—to help the days go by. Within the two weeks, Delaney had read a total of seven books. Thanks to Fleur, the cottage had a decent selection of books, not to mention the books Hermione had already packed, that fit Delaney's taste. The books proved to be a great distraction from the anxiety Delaney could feel building within her each day. She could tell it was pestering, creeping like a demon of the night, just waiting for its perfect time to strike.

"Hermione." Delaney closed her book abruptly.

"Yes?" Hermione looked up from her book. They were sitting in the corner of the sitting room while all the boys, as well as Fleur and Luna, sat at the kitchen table playing a game of cards.

"Do you think we'll be able to pull off our plan?" Delaney asked.

Hermione sat silent for a moment. Almost as though she were contemplating telling a sweet lie or the truth. Finally, she exhaled sharply, closing her book as she did, "I'd be lying if I said I didn't think there was a chance we wouldn't make it out. But, I think if anyone could break into Gringotts successfully, it'd be us. Besides, it's what has to be done. If we don't then there will be no way we can defeat the Chief Death Eater."

"Thank you for being honest," Delaney sighed. She was glad she wasn't the only one sharing worries that they wouldn't be able to pull off their bizarre plan. And that was bizarre to their standards, not the ordinary group of witches and wizards. Delaney felt her anxieties fade a bit, but she only knew of one person that could make them fade entirely. Fred. She wanted to see him so badly, but she made Bill promise not to tell him she was here. She couldn't bear the thought of him being harmed because he tried visiting her. Bill understood the weight of being labeled as an undesirable brought to her, he knew she only did this to protect everyone.