An hour and fourteen pruney fingers later, Hermione announced that they should probably unpack their bags and prepare for dinner. The group managed to work up an appetite, which Mrs Weasley was naturally able to satisfy with a large spread of foods savoury and sweet.
There was a buzz of several different conversations happening simultaneously, wide smiles and bright eyes all around. Delilah was wedged between Fred and Caleb engaging in conversation about her studying with Hermione sat opposite.
No matter the volume, or the happiness and fulfilment she felt in her heart at that present moment, she couldn't deny that she was suspicious of Remus and Arthur, sat together near the other end of the table. They exchanged information in hushed tones, Remus occasionally scanning the premises for prying eyes and ears.
"We would love to have them stay, Remus, but you have to take their opinions into consideration."
"Their opinions will undoubtedly differ from mine, Arthur, they will not approve of my suggestion."
Delilah listened harder, awaiting Arthur's response, when it was another voice that intervened.
"Are you kicking us out?" Caleb accused him in an incredulous tone, a deep crease in his forehead.
The table fell silent. All attention drawn to Remus, who ran a shaky hand through his hair before combing down his beard. His hesitation to answer making the situation all the more unsettling.
"I'm not kicking you out, the decision I have made is a result of putting your best interests and safety first." He had practiced the conversation, speaking robotically and with very little emotion behind his eyes.
"We want to stay with you."
He couldn't bear to look at them, unable to meet their pleading eyes as he read over the script he had in mind.
"You are not safe with me."
"We wouldn't have made it this far if that were true."
The rest of the table were an audience to a verbal tennis match, anticipating every return until the game had a winner.
"Has it ever occurred to you that I never planned to be a father?" His jaw has stiffened, as if trying to stop the sentence seeping through his teeth, "that I was well aware that I could barely look after myself, never mind a family, yet I still had these two little human beings thrust upon me and was expected to take responsibility over them?!"
Delilah recoiled - she had never seen him quite so bitter, so cold.
"I haven't been presented with the opportunity to get you to a proper home, but now I have and now," He calmed himself with a deep sigh, "I want you to leave."
Remus hoped to never see that crestfallen or despondent expression across her face for as long as he lived, couldn't accept that he had done a massive disservice to them both.
"Sorry for the inconvenience."
Her legs carried her from the family, appetite spoiled and evening even more so. Molly reached for her,
"Delilah, dear-"
But she was up the stairs, Remus making no attempt to stop her.
"What is the matter with you?" Delilah heard Caleb chastise him on her behalf, soon followed by the second round of the match.
Tired of having happy moments interrupted and spoiled, she took herself to bed. Well, Fred's bed.
Overcome with confusion, anger, worthlessness and abandonment, she submitted to slumber with lack of energy to fight back.
YOU ARE READING
obliviate ~ f.weasley.
Fanfiction"Every minute of every hour of every day, all I can ever seem to think about is you. It's distracting and frustrating and amazing all in one, but there is nothing I'd rather be distracted, frustrated or amazed by." ~~~~~ I take no credit for the cha...
