Episkey//D.M

25

Most of my summer was spent with Tonks and Remus, I also spent a lot of the time helping Fred and George with their new shop, I was happy for once, everything seemed to be fitting together nicely and I was proud of myself for that. But after Sirius died, I took up habits, one being scratching at my skin, I never knew I did it but i would wake up with large scratches or cuts on my arms and legs. I hadn't told anyone, instead I wore jumpers and shirts to hide them, not needing anyone to know about something I couldn't control. But it seemed to get worse, especially when I was nervous or upset, I'd just scratch at my skin, not even knowing I was doing it, there was no pain just numbness.

"Phe? What's that on your arms" Remus asked looking up from his book and I just looked at him confused, my heart dropped as he moved his book to the side.

"What?" I asked and he pulled me forward, pulling up my sleeve and staring at my arm. Some of the scrapes were as if a cat had done it, while others, they were deeper and bruised around the edges.

"Did you do this?" He asked and I looked up to him, panic in my eyes as I fully realised the mess of my arms.

"I do it not realising, sometimes I'll wake up and they'll just be there. Other times I'll be sitting and I'll just scratch my skin till I finally snap back into reality." I whispered to him, as if it was a secret what was going on. He pulled up my other sleeve to reveal worse scratches, I flinched as he ran his thumb over one of them.

"Phoenix." Lupin whispered and I sighed. I was tired and wasn't in the mood for a whole talk about the situation, anyways it wasn't really a big deal. I shrugged him off and let my sleeves fall back down my arms.

"It's nothing Moony." I said and took my seat again, I grabbed the letter I was currently writing to Neville. Remus stood staring down at me for a few seconds before sighing and taking his seat again. I finished my letter to Neville and Zeus flew through the window and sat perched next to me.

"Take this to Neville please Zeus." I said towards the bird, petting its head. As it flew away I let out a smile and turned back to Remus who was still staring at me. I crossed my legs and stared back at him, he placed down his book and maintained eye contact. He broke the eye contact and I nodded triumphantly towards myself.

"Phe. Professor McGonagall contacted me a few days before Padfoot died. She told me you got into an argument with Draco." Moony said and I looked at him again, hurt in my eyes. "What happened?" He asked and I sighed.

"Draco told Umbridge about Dumbledore's Army, which Harry, Hermione, Ron and I made up in the first place. He's a slimy little worm who doesn't know what happiness is. Little toad." I said angrily, not noticing myself scratching away at my skin. Remus leaned forward and placed his hand on my hand and pulling it away from my arm. I laughed a little and Remus looked up at me.

"What's wrong Phe?" He asked and I just leaned into him, placing my head on his shoulder while he faced me.

"I liked him a lot Moony. But it hurts me so much more, because I can't stop liking him." I whispered and he sighed, pulling me into a hug.

***

As I was sitting in my room I could hear the Weasleys outside my door. I smiled and got up, placing my book on my bed before opening my door to hear Harry's name.

"Where's Harry?" I asked looking over the railing and I looked down to see Ginny standing with a smirk. There was a the noise on an owl that came from the kitchen and I smirked.

"Was that an owl I heard?" Hermione asked from the top room and I nodded.

"Harry's. Haven't seen him, have you? Apparently, he's wandering around the house." Ginny said and Hermione gasped.

"Really?" She asked and I heard footsteps behind Ginny.

"Really." Harry said, coming into the living room. I smiled and rushed down stairs, past Fred and George and Ron. I watched as Ginny and Harry hugged, a special something happening between the two. Once they pulled away they stared at each other until Mrs. Weasley pulled Harry into a hug.

"Why didn't you tell us you were coming?" Mrs. Weasley asked Harry while squeezing him tightly, before letting him go.

"I didn't know." He said with a shrug before pulling me into him. I smiled lightly as he pulled away and stood between Fred and George. I watched as Ron pointed towards a piece of toothpaste on Hermiones face and I just shook my head with a smirk. Harry, Hermione, Ron and I all made our way up to my room and we all sat in front of the window and burned a copy of the daily prophet.

"When did you get here?" Harry asked towards Hermione and I looked up from my book.

"A few days ago. Although... for a bit, I wasn't sure I was coming." Hermione said glancing towards both Ron and I. Harry looked up to us and I sighed.

"Mum sort of lost it last week. Said Ginny, Phoenix and I had no business going back to Hogwarts. That it's too dangerous." Ron said looking at me and I nodded.

"Oh come on..." Harry started but Hermione spoke up.

"She's not alone. Even my parents - and they're Muggles - know something bad is happening." Hermione said, her voice filled with worry.

"Anyway, Dad stepped in, told her she was being barmy. Took a day or two, but she came round." Ron shrugged.

"But we're talking about Hogwarts. Dumbledore. What could be safer?" Harry asked. Hermione, Ron and I exchanged a glance.

"There's been a lot of chatter lately. That he's gotten... old." Hermione spoke and I just looked to Harry.

"Rubbish. He's only - what?" Harry asked and I smirked.

"A hundred and fifty. Give or take a few years." I said and a silence hung over our heads. But soon enough we all burst into laughter.