Rhapsody of a Veela

Part 59 - Background noise

The attack you had faced in Diagon Alley during the Easter Holiday had shaken up everything, and subsequently turned your whole world upside down. All you had ever been sure of, the things you had convinced yourself would turn out fine with you and Fred's engagement. Even if all three of you had gotten away from the clutches of the Werewolf, Greyback, unharmed. The very fact that the beast even knew you were there meant that they must be aware of your relationship with Fred, and soon enough they would uncover the fact that you were to be married. A fact which would certainly make Fred a target too.

He had tried his best comforting you, assuring you that everything would be all right before you parted ways yet again. Leaving you to count down the days yet again, till summer, till Bill & Fleur's wedding. The mere idea of it overwhelmed you thoroughly, made you feel like you were going to vomit.

"A bloody werewolf stands no chance against us, love"

Even if it was true that the two of you were stronger together, yet to be defeated by anyone, a day would come for sure, when the enemy would attack while you were separated. Vulnerable, weakened. This time, when you kissed Fred goodbye, a horrible thought had struck you. It might very well be the last time. Nothing could be for certain.

For as Greyback had gotten away, Bellatrix Lestrange would not give up her wish to see you dead and disposed of. The day the news of your engagement would become public knowledge, the same would inevitably apply to Fred – but this time not from merely one enemy, but for the Dark Lord and all his followers as well.

When you stumbled out of the fireplace in Dumbledore's office late in the evening, you felt more overwhelmed by all your burdens than ever. Evading the curious kind gaze of the wise old wizard, as you excused yourself and left the chamber. Had it not been for your suitcase, your shaking hands would've told of it all.

That night you barely slept, as you lay in your four-poster bed pondering about everything. Trying hard to resolve it all, as you cradled the black opal engagement ring on your finger. The only thing you knew for certain, was that the only way you could possibly keep Fred and everyone you loved safe, would be to distance yourself from them. To cut them out of your life completely would be the greatest gift of all, even if it left you lonely and vulnerable. But you were selfish, the love you felt for Fred had made you too greedy to do the right thing up untill now, only dragging out the time, playing house whilst pretending the war was nothing but background noise.

As charming and beguiling as your Veela magic could make you be, you were also sure it could sometimes have the opposite, most polar effect, especially in hard times like this. It felt as if your aura had changed to something dark, something that made everyone around you be on edge. Cautiously distancing themselves from you, which was a notable change from all the times you had so desperately wished people would just leave you alone.

Now as you could be left peacefully alone in the library, not to study as much as to gaze into the air pondering through deep thoughts, conflicts and challenges. Moving from there to either find a lonesome spot outside whenever the weather was decent enough, or in your dorm room which remained empty most of the time expect at nights. You worried your friends, Hermione she acted as if you were a creature made of glass whenever she was around, and you had forced Ginny to promise that she would not write Fred anything that might cause him to worry about you.

Meanwhile, it took you much longer to reply to his letters. It seemed like you kept putting off reading through them as well, as quite frankly you weren't in the mood for any glitter bombs or fireworks. Or any sweet nothings for that matter. As understanding as everyone tried to be, the only one who possibly could understand even a fragment of all the troubles that ravaged your tired mind, was Draco.