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Devore was a mess. She was scatter brained. It was as if she wasn't there, like she was on another planet. She was afraid of everything around her, a feeling that she thought she'd gotten rid of. Devore thought she was finally at peace and now the situation with Umbridge was unraveling everything she had worked towards getting better. Or maybe it was all in her head, and her mind was playing tricks on her. Maybe the demons were back and they were trying to pull her back into the darkness. She wouldn't put it past them.
Nobody but Harry understood how she was feeling, and even if she didn't tell him everything she was feeling, she told him enough. And he got it. Devore wasn't afraid to admit to him that she was scared because so was he. Harry had written to Sirius, telling him about the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Devore had evaluated writing her mother, telling her what happened, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. It would put stress on her, and Devore would feel guilty for it.
For the next few days, she stayed by Harry's side. He had become her comfort blanket in a way. She hadn't spoken to Fred since what happened in the Gryffindor common room, mostly because she was too ashamed to apologize. She felt incredibly guilty for yelling at him. He was only trying to help.
The day was still and quiet, chilly but there was no breeze. Devore walked alongside Harry outside the castle, both of them needing a break. "He didn't mean to upset you, y'know?" Harry said to her.
She nodded slightly. "I know. I didn't mean to yell at him. I just—"
"You don't have to say it. I understand."
She grew a faint smile. "How's Quidditch? Y'know, since Ron's the new keeper. Still can't believe it."
"He's trying his best. He's not that bad." Harry insisted, cringing slightly. "It makes him happy, though. I suppose that's all that matters."
Devore had grown to know that Ron wasn't the most athletic. Neither of them were, which is why they always sat in the stands and watched the matches instead of trying to participate. But she'd support him no matter what, Devore thought.
"I think you're the only person who truly gets it." She watched him frown, the birds chirping becoming the only sound. Devore inhaled a breath. "I just mean that you understand me and I understand you. It's always been that way. We've both lost someone. I know the others care and try their best to help but. . . they'll never truly understand like you do."
Harry truly did understand. "You're more than just my best friend, Dev. You know that, right?"
A soft smile stretched on her lips. "Of course I do."
When the two of them saw Luna, they paused their walk. She stood in front of one of the black skeleton like horses, feeding them meat. Hello Harry Potter, Devore Taylor." Her dream like voice sent shivers down Devore's spine.
