Diggory Is Still A Loser (book 2)

36- Adulthood

Celia spent the whole day with her friends, before being summoned to Dumbledore's office right before the end of term feast.
"How are you Miss Diggory?" Questioned Dumbledore, as Celia sat down opposite him.
"I'm feeling better, thank you" answered Celia, politely.
"That is good to hear. You gave us all quite the scare" admitted Dumbledore.
"I didn't mean to act so irrationally, but it all just got too much"
"I understand. And you don't need to worry about Cornelius, because I have sorted everything out with him, and reassured him that you aren't a threat to him, or anyone else... I trust that you are finding things easier now?"
"I mean, it's a slow and long process, but I'm getting there".

"Good. Now, I asked you to come here this evening, because I have a proposition to offer you, regarding your summer holidays" informed Dumbledore.
"What kind of proposition?" Asked Celia.
"Well, I assume that you were planning on returning to your family home for the holidays"
"Yes, I was, as I don't have anywhere else to go"
"Since living with your parents was not beneficial to you last year, I am beginning to think that being around them is not in your best interests"
"I would have to agree with you".

"Which is why I decided to come up with a new arrangement. How would you like to stay here until you turned 17 in a few weeks time?" Questioned Dumbledore.
"Stay here, at Hogwarts? Is that even allowed?" Quizzed Celia.
"It is certainly a very rare occurrence. But you wouldn't be the first to spend their summer here. While you are here you will have your meals cooked by the house-elves, and you will be supervised by the ghosts and members of staff that live here. That way you are not alone. It will also enable your therapist to visit you daily, in a secure environment" replied Dumbledore.

"It does sound like a wonderful idea. But I would also like to see my friends this summer" admitted Celia, as her thoughts turned to Harry and Benjamin.
"That's why I thought you could stay here until you turned 17, and then you could decide for yourself where you wanted to live. And Molly Weasley has already offered to have you stay with her for the remainder of the holidays" revealed Dumbledore.
"Mrs Weasley is really O.K with me living in her house?" Questioned Celia.
"Yes. She's known you for years, and you won't be the only one staying there, as Hermione and Harry will be living there too, after spending a few weeks with their relatives first".

"So, if I do this, I don't have to go back home?" Asked Celia.
"Not if you don't want to" answered Dumbledore.
"But while I'm here, will I be allowed to visit Hogsmeade, and hang out with people there?" Quizzed Celia.
She was trying to think of a way that she could see Benjamin, and still get what she wanted.
"I don't see why not, as long as you let someone know before you leave the school grounds" informed Dumbledore.
"O.K cool... Out of curiosity though, which members of staff will be staying here with me? I mean, Filch won't be staying will he?" Questioned Celia, hopefully.
Dumbledore chuckled, "No, Mr Filch and Mrs Norris, have another place of residence during the summer holidays".
"Good" smiled Celia.

"I will be staying here, to keep an eye on you, as will Professor McGonagall and maybe even Professor Flitwick. And since this is Hagrid's only home, he won't be going anywhere and neither will Firenze the centaur" informed Dumbledore.
"Alright, I'm definitely staying then" admitted Celia.
"Good. I shall send your parents and your therapist an owl, regarding your choices. You will stay here until you come of age. Once you're 17 you will be able to apparate to the Burrow, where I expect the Weasley's will throw a lovely Birthday party for you"
"Knowing the Weasley's, it will not be a small party".

"I agree... Now that we've got that sorted, why don't you run along and spend time with your friends before the start of the feast" suggested Dumbledore.
Celia nodded and stood to her feet, "It will be weird not to go home on the train with everyone tomorrow" she admitted.
"I expect you're right. But I think it is crucial that you spend more time here. Hogwarts has been a negative place for you this year, and I didn't want you coming back in September, and being afraid of the castle. Which is why I thought it would be a good idea for you to feel at home here once more" revealed Dumbledore.
"Well, you always do have the best ideas" replied Celia.
"You flatter me, Miss Diggory".

After saying goodbye to Dumbledore, Celia sprinted out of his office to rejoin the others.
"Guess what?" Grinned Celia.
"What?" Questioned Harry.
"I get to stay at Hogwarts until I turn 17" announced Celia.
"That's amazing" replied Hermione.
"Why doesn't Dumbledore let Harry do the same?" Quizzed Ron.
"I'm sure he has his reasons. Besides, I'm old enough to take care of myself, since I'll be in my 7th year in September" answered Celia.

"What will you do when you turn 17?" Asked Harry.
"Mrs Weasley has invited me to spend the remainder of my summer at the Burrow with you guys" informed Celia.
"Will all four of us living under one roof this summer, as well as all the Weasley's, it is certainly going to be a fun one" smiled Harry.
"Yes, it definitely will be" agreed Celia, as she threw her arms around her friends and they began making their way towards the great hall for the end of year feast.

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This is the end of book 2.
Please continue with the series and read the next book; Diggory Is More Than A Loser.