They call me a criminal

Chapter 64

When I had finally pulled myself together enough to go back to my common room I was too tired to even acknowledge Fred who was clearly sitting there waiting for me. I pushed him out of my way and hurried to my room crashing down onto the bed. I heard Hermione sit up, but I turned my head away, "don't say anything, because it's not going to help." I felt a letter against my arm as I went to roll over again. I carefully lit my wand and opened up the letter.

Dear Clara,
Oh sweetheart, I wish we could be there to give you a hug, and let you know it's going to be all right. Christmas is right around the corner. Let us try and work things out, and until then do your best to hold on. You're stronger than you think, and we love you more than words could ever explain. Sweet dreams Clara, you'll be home before you know it.

The next morning I refused to get out of bed. I pulled the covers up higher closing my eyes tightly trying to forget what I had seen. "I brought you some breakfast," Hermione whispered setting a plate of
toast in front of me. "Arthur Weasley was attacked last night. They're letting us go home to see him." This made me sit up slightly, "is he alright?" She nodded, "he was badly hurt but he's going to be fine. Clara I don't even know what to say about what you saw, it's awful." I turned to her, "nothings going to matter soon enough." She sat down beside me, "don't say that." I shook my head, "you know it's true."

Later that night I had my bag packed and we all met in Dumbledores office. I kept my head down staying as far away from Fred as possible, and waited for the floo powder to be handed to me.

As soon as I stepped out of the fireplace I found Remus and hurried over to him burying my head in his shoulder. Tears started falling immediately, and when he noticed, he grabbed Sirius' attention and led us upstairs. I started crying so hard I was chocking on my sobs. I started to explain what happened with Fred but I couldn't complete my sentences. "It's alright dear, Harry's already written to us." I tried taking deep breaths to stop the tears, and it took me almost ten minutes to calm down enough to speak again. "I can't go back." Sirius knelt down, "I know sweetheart, but people are already beginning to disappear. You're safer than you think there." I scoffed, "I'm not safe anywhere. Do you have any idea what it's like waking up every day just waiting for it to happen. Waiting for them to finally kill me. I can't do anything anymore without feeling as if it's pointless." Remus nodded, "we really don't have any idea what it's like. But I now know what's it's like to love someone as if they were my own child, and we wouldn't do anything to put you in anymore danger. You have to believe us when we say Hogwarts is the best place for you." I looked down, "I believe you, but I really don't want to go back there. What if I run away? Somewhere they won't even think to look." They both looked at each other, "it's not the worst idea, but we can't let you do that. Not yet at least." Sirius sat back pulling me into his shoulder, "I'm not going to let anything happen to you." I closed my eyes finally feeling safe right here where I was, I didn't want this moment to end. The entire break I had dinner in my room. I didn't leave, Remus and Sirius took turns hanging out with me all day. My sprits were finally lifting, until I had realized I was to return to Hogwarts the following day.

I heard a knock at the door, and I let out a cold laugh when Fred walked in. "Before you kick me out, please let me explain." I shrugged, "honestly Fred, what is there to explain?" He sighed, "she kissed me. I swear Clara. There was nothing going on between us. I mean maybe I knew she had a slight crush on me, but I didn't think she would do that." I bit my lip, "please just get out Fred." He started to argue and I spun around, "FRED YOU HONESTLY DONT THINK I HAVE BETTER THINGS TO WORRY ABOUT RIGHT NOW."

When the door closed I slid down the wall holding my head in my hands. When was all this going to end. "I heard yelling," Harry whispered letting himself in. He came and sat down beside me leaning his head on my shoulder. "I'm so sorry Clara." I shrugged, "why do you even care anymore. Everyone's constantly telling us we're going to die. So why do you care?" He sighed, "because we both have people worth fighting for now."