Inside My Mind (A Harry Potter Fanfiction)

Chapter LXXVI

Hogwarts, Unplottable Location, Scotland, Great Britain

Tuesday the 17th of June 1997

8:00 PM

Bella looked at the sealed letter calmly and she swallowed as she walked up the stairs and into the Owlery. That was where Hedwig was waiting for her. This was what the Order had asked of her. This was what Tom had asked of her. Even then, she still didn't want to do this.

The door to the Owlery swung open in her face and she almost fell back down the stairs. Bella stared silently at one redhead Weasley. Gideon crossed his arms and looked at her with a cool expression. Bella gave him a hollow smile and it was to Gideon's credit that he noticed how upset she was. His expression warmed.

"Bella…are you okay?" Gideon asked, softly. Bella gave a sad smile and she nodded, shortly. She swallowed before sighing.

"Yes…I'm fine. Just fine. Very tired however. Excuse me, I have to send a letter," Bella said. She stepped to the left and Gideon accidentally went to his right, blocking her way again. They repeated the process and Bella giggled, softly. Gideon touched Bella's cheek and Bella stiffened.

"Bella…" Gideon whispered. Bella looked down though she didn't remove Gideon's fingertips from her cheek. She was internally screaming at herself but she didn't want to say anything.

"Gideon, please don't," Bella said, quietly.

"You could learn to love me, too. I still love you. I was just hurt by you dating me when you didn't even want me. But…couldn't we give it another try? You just said we were taking a break. Could we start up again?" Gideon asked, softly. Bella pulled away and Gideon's eyes flashed with hurt. Bella walked around him and Gideon turned around as she whistled for Hedwig. The snowy owl flew down from the rafters and Bella stroked the beautiful feathers.

"I'm sorry Gideon but I can't."

Gideon nodded, forlornly and he walked back into the Owlery. He pressed his lips to Bella's and he wrapped his arm around her waist, letting his hand fall on the small of her back. Bella's lips were unyielding though she didn't move. She knew Gideon needed this. The closure.

She would never know that this only fueled him on.

Gideon pulled away and looked at her.

"Thank you," Gideon said, his ears red. Bella nodded before turning back to Hedwig. Gideon left silently and Bella glanced over her shoulder. She then turned to Hedwig and swallowed.

"All right, girl. I just need you to go to Malfoy Manor. Get this letter to the Dark Lord. Voldemort. Get it to him before tomorrow. We need him in Tiree by tomorrow. Make sure you're not followed. Do you understand, girl?" Bella asked, softly. Hedwig gave an affirmative hoot and she took off with the letter. Bella watched as a streak of light flew into the air but Hedwig easily dodged it to avoid being tracked by a spell. Bella smiled and turned around before sighing.

"Tomorrow's going to be a long day."

Bella walked down from the Owlery and was in the Entrance Hall when something with bushy hair crashed into her. Bella looked down at the girl hugging her middle and she was glaring at Blaise, frazzled. Blaise sighed, heavily and he ran a hand through his hair before reaching for Hermione. Hermione stuck her tongue out at him.