poison on my mind (DARLA)

[dominique]

Dom hummed to herself as she put down her book bag by the edge of the terrace and looked over the railing. As a child she'd feared heights but ever since her Aunt Ginny had gotten them all tickets to the first Quidditch Match she'd been to, the air had been like her second home. She adored flying and speed, which is why she played Seeker in the first place and she so badly wanted to go out and fly right now.

Instead she settled for pulling out a book from her bag and flipping through the pages, reading the back. She'd found it in the school library and it had been on the list of "Muggle Novels she MUST read" which her Aunt Hermione had made for her and she studied the cover. Gone With The Wind it said and she'd only started it and until now the only conclusion she could draw was that this Scarlett was a totally selfish girl. She loved her.

She heard a footfall from behind and snapped the book shut, only to sigh and relax. "Oh, Darla, it's only you. I though it was some little freak who wouldn't leave me alone," she winked, scooting over to give her best friend some space. "I am so tired, it isn't even funny," she said, kicking back her legs.

[DARLA ADRIENNE SELWYN]

It was a weekend afternoon, but it was incredibly gloomy out. Very few students left in the morning for the Hogsmeade visit, the majority just stayed in the common rooms throughout the day. The Ravenclaw common room—that was not the place she’d wanted to be at the moment. Unlike every other common room in the castle which had the general seated areas and a corner for studying, the Ravenclaw common room was just a second library. It was difficult to socialize in there without receiving dirty looks from other students and Darla wasn’t having any of it. Adjusting her royal blue jumper on the way out of the common room, the brunette quickly found her way up the stairs beyond the seventh floor.

The trapdoor was already unhitched and the latter up to the tower was down and out. Someone was already there, in her hiding place. Raising a brow, the Ravenclaw girl hurried up the latter to find a girl sitting near the terrance edge, a crown of light blonde hair on her head. Darla smirked, she knew exactly who it was, and apparently the girl was totally oblivious to the fact that there was a second presence. She stood for a moment, debating on the way to make her presence known. Should she sneak up on her? Announce her own presence? Or just go for the classically dull ‘Hi’? But as she took another step, it was decided for her as the fierce Weasley slammed the book closed and jerked in her direction. ”Sheesh! I didn’t mean to scare you yet!” she admitted, a coy smile on her lips.

Darla moved closer to Dom, eventually sitting down next to her best friend. As the Weasley grumbled about her own exhaustion, the brunette nodded. She too had been feeling the pressure of managing school work, prefect duties, her sister, and everything else in her life. ”I hear you…” she added as she scanned the cover of the book in Dom’s hand. ”Gone With the Wind? Did you get this out of our library?” she questioned in disbelief. She was very familiar with the tale, but did the Hogwarts library really have muggle novels as well? Giving a chuckle she simply asked ”Aunt Hermione?” knowing full well of the lists she sent out to her nieces and nephews regarding novels and history from the muggle world.

[dominique]

"Yet? As in you were going to scare me anyway, huh?" she stated, wrinkling her nose at her but smirked anyway. She couldn't say anything, given the number of time she'd snuck up on Darla over the years. "So, how come you're here? I thought that you would be in study mode or something," she said, yawning. She slid a bit down the pillar, letting the book drop to the floor and her head rest on her bag, as if the place were her own living room.

"Who else?" she said, shrugging. She didn't mind her Aunt giving her so many suggestions for books because she loved them but sometimes when she asked, her Aunt wouldn't be able to stop herself from giving a really long list and Dom felt bad if she didn't heed her advice. "And I've got Mein Kempf - don't even ask me what that is. Something about some Muggle dictator, kind of like the Muggle Voldemort or something - and Romeo and Juliet and Wuthering Heights up in my trunk. And I have to finish them before this semester ends, so that I can get more after the Christmas break. I think she forgot it's my OWL year," she said, smiling a little helplessly.

She closed her eyes and let herself day dream for a bit, enjoying the company of somebody she cared about. It was how she always felt around Darla. At the age which they were, some wouldn't understand how they could remain best friends from being in different houses and different years, but it didn't matter to her. Darla had been there for her when she needed her most and she was going to be there for her if she needed her.

She looked at her friend, who looked tired, but she wondered what was going through her mind. Dom had noticed from the sidelines that something was off in her relationship with her boyfriend but she didn't want to say anything, because she respected Darla's choice of being in an exclusive relationship. But she wondered if he was treating her wrong or off or something. "How are things with him?" she asked, knowing she'd know who Dom was talking about. "I'd have thought you'd spend your free time with him," she nudged her, teasing.

[DARLA ADRIENNE SELWYN]

Darla grinned widely as her friend caught her, responding with a bright “of course!” as she was questioned on sneaking up on her friend. The two of them, complete bandits; taking jabs or giving frights to one another for years. Of course, that was probably why they were so close to begin with. Not many students (who weren’t presently related or dating) really had friends outside of their year and house. But Dom and Darla were truly best friends, closer than Darla had been—even with other girls in her year. While on this trip, reflecting on what made their friendship so special; Darla was quickly brought back to reality when asked about studying. ”If I could just go for the next twenty four hours without opening a school book or writing an essay—I don’t even know what would make me happier!” she replied. She was exhausted from school work. The last thing the Ravenclaw wanted to do was study. Adding to her own personal humor, she quickly piped in, ”…besides, I’m so smart…I don’t even need to study!”

She gave a small chuckle when her friend revealed that it was Mrs. Weasley (nee Granger) gave Dom the book list. Darla was admittedly, partly jealous. The Weasley family….all of the Weasley family was one she was quite jealous of. With Darla’s more back of a positive upbringing, added to the fact that every Weasley looked out for every other one…and the pure amount of love and consideration in that family, anyone could be jealous. ”Dom, if you haven’t read it yet…you would absolutely love Romeo and Juliet! Rumor tells me that Sir Nicholas knew the playwright, so he probably knows a lot more about it!” At the reminder of OWLs, Darla couldn’t help but cringe. ”I completely forgot it was your OWL year! Well, they’re not as bad as they make it seem…actually no…” she paused, collecting her thoughts. ”The potions exam…that one is awful but the rest…they more than prepare you for them!” She smiled to her friend, wondering if she was actually worries about them. Darla literally went off the handle the year prior. Cramming as much as she could into her mind for the exams. She of course receives all O’s, but again, her nose was almost always in a book!

Darla closed her eyes for a moment, giving her eye lids a short rest. Her hand found its way to her own shoulder, giving it a quick rub to relieve tension. Truth be told, and no matter how obvious it was, Darla was on edge lately. The boy she’d been with for so long, Nick Avery…something was just off. Seemingly, Dom began to read her mind, delicately asking how things were. The brunette smiled at her friend. Normally, Darla wasn’t the petty type. She didn’t gossip and she hardly ever complained. But she needed someone now, and so, weak smile and all, she began… ”I…I guess…I don’t know, it’s probably just me…” she reasoned with herself, trying to figure out exactly what was happening, then find the words for it. ”If I said he’s much….cooler, would that make sense?” she looked to her friend, wishing that everything she wanted to convey was that easy, but alas—it was not. ”I don’t think it’s so bad that he’s with another girl…and maybe its just because it’s a NEWT year and Quidditch season, but he’s just more distant than every before.” Again, she gave a weak smile to Dom before looking out the window once more.

[dominique]

"Doesn't that defeat the purpose of school?" she joked, shaking her head. She was one peculiar Ravenclaw and Dom loved that about her. How often did you find one who didn't feel like studying and just wanted to have some fun. "I'd suggest going down to Hogsmeade and getting drunk like idiots but I don't think Monsieur Head Boy would approve of me doing that without him there. Plus, I'm feeling way too lazy," she said, her eyes half closed. She raised a brow at the boasting comment and teased back. "Yeah, sure. You're the epitome of smartness and we bow down to you."

Dom pretended not to notice the slight catch when Darla chuckled. It had always been that way whenever the topic of family was brought up and Dom tried not to say much. Besdes, she knew that Darla knew that she was always welcome home for trips and holidays. "Yes, little sixth year, it is my dreaded OWL year," she said, pouting. She rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. Potions is like a cake walk, I'm just scared I'll make a silly mistake, so I have have to memorize some of the formulae right, but I'm set. What I'm absolutely sure of flunking, though, is Charms. I don't know what I'll do," she said, shivering a bit at the thought of failing her Charms OWL, something so seemingly stupid and pointless. Who cared if you could make teacups dance?

The moment Darla said the words, "It's probably just me..", warning bells started ringing in Dom's head. It was like deja vu and suddenly it was a year ago that Dom was saying the exact same thing to Darla. And then she'd been dumped a week later. She could only imagine the heart break which Darla would go through if something like that were to happen and she frowned. "Have you tried talking to him about it? Like, does he push you away or does he just ignore you or what?" she asked, straightening up. "And stop looking for excuses," she added. She knew that boy would break her heart and here she was...wait, Dom, she thought. Stop being pessimistic.

[DARLA ADRIENNE SELWYN]

"Ah, yes. There in lies my kryptonite..." she trailed off waiting for some kind of reaction. Hopefully Dom's Aunt Hermione had also been sending lists of popular muggle culture. Even Darla knew who Superman was. With a laugh, the brunette shook her head about the Hogsmeade trip. "No, I didn't go today. That walk would be awful in this weather...." she commented, looking outside again, the grey haze setting in. "Besides, Monsieur Head Boy would get mighty irritated if we were getting drunk and he couldn't partake" she mused, smiling at the funny thought. She chuckled again at Dom's response to her 'smart' joke.

Dom was a special girl, even when she went by the old Dominique before her transformation. Both girls had a very specific sense of humor. Relatively dry to say the least, but the sarcasm that came along with either's remarks was only accepted with open arms. Furthermore, Dom was intelligent, something lacking in the Gryffindor house. She wasn't just book smart, she was personable, street smart, and had that quirky little trait called 'common sense' that Darla valued above everything else. It was no surprise as to how the pair clicked as easily and quickly as they did. But as her friend showed her concern for the Charms OWL exam, Darla could help but shake her head in disbelief. "Charms? Honestly? It's quite simple really. Just make sure you know everything about levitation spells and growth charms. That's what was on both mine and Nick's exams, so I truly doubt they've changed it." She added, smiling.


But the smile faded as the subject of Darla's relationship and its stability reentered the discussion. The Ravenclaw stood and moved closer to the terrace overlooking the pitch. Students in green were flying, most likely Nick included. Darla looked at her feet, searching for the words-- something surprising for the typically long winded girl. "He doesn't really ignore me...and I know he still cares..." she chimed in, still searching for the best explanation. "I think...he just doesn't know what he wants anymore...." she added, lost in thought.

[dominique]

"Your what? Is that another Muggle author?" she asked, raising a brow, letting confusion take over her face before she grinned. "I'm kidding. Uncle Harry showed me the Superman movie once." She shrugged, not moving from her spot on the floor as she opened up her arms to the wind. "I know. I love this weather, but too cold to walk around in." She snorted at her response about Nick. "Mhhmm. He'll just be upset he missed a bunch of hot drunk girls dancing on the bar top," she joked and winced. It was popular knowledge that Nick was a huge flirt, charming as ever and she knew Darla trusted him but she was a girl at the end of the day. She'd be abnormal to not even be slightly jealous. Or maybe it was only Dom who could never trust a man fully.

"See, that's the problem!" she said, waving her arms in exasperation. Darla was probably the hundredth person she'd explained her problem to and yet here she was,doing it again. "They'll keep the same questions for years and of course the moment it's my turn to take the test, they'll revise the question paper. It's how Charms is to me - a bitch!" she sulked, pouting and crossing her arms.

Dom finally had the strength to get up as she saw her friend's smile fade. She sighed and stood beside her, looping an arm through hers. She silently watched and listened, seeing the fluttering green robes and half tempted to find Nick and push him off his broom. When she heard Darla's unsure voice, she put an arm around her and rested her head on her shoulder. "He's a first class jerk and you don't deserve to be treated that way. Now you go up to him and demand if he still wants you around because if he doesn't show it soon you're going to leave him and I will personally chop his balls and shove them down his throat!" she said, nodding and vowing to do exactly that.

[DARLA ADRIENNE SELWYN]

Her jaw dropped at the thought of her friend not even knowing who Superman was. Granted, it was a muggle thing, but even still Darla herself had no muggle or mixed family, and even she knew who he was. Her mind was quickly relieved however, as Dom explained that she had indeed seen the film. Muggles were so funny—they had these wild imaginations, full of magic and stories that could actually be conceived. And yet, our worlds were still separate. The moment Dom practically snarled at the topic of Nick made her giggle hysterically. ”This is a fact!” she added with a smile. And it very well may have been. The pair had on more than one occasion been known to act a bit more wild after some butterbeer and firewhiskey.

The Ravenclaw watched gleefully as her friend enacted as to why Charms was so awful. Dom truly was an animated person, waving her arms about; a sincere look of irritancy on her face. But all her frustrations just made Darla chuckle. ”I’m sorry, it’s really not funny I know!” she commented, still laughing in the process. After calming down for a moment, she brought up the subject of tutoring. ”Honestly, you’re looking at the Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts Champion. I can help you, seriously!” It was the two things she was best at; casting spells, and tutoring—what a typical Ravenclaw.

Darla bit the inside of her cheek- doing her best to prevent any facial change. She didn’t want to appear as distressed about the ordeal as she truly was. But Dom saw right through her, coming to her side. It was comforting, to know that even if it did get broken off, she wasn’t alone.
Her friend’s mean words about him caused mixed emotions. One the one hand, she still loved him and it showed. But on the other, he was being so unattached, he was being a jerk. The brunette nodded, listening to everything her friend said until the bit about his gonads. ”Oh, wow. Dom I was with you the whole way, but that’s a bit much don’t you think?” she joked, a weak smile appearing on her face briefly. She looked back out to the quidditch field, a sharp exhale escaping her lips. ”You don’t think he’s with another girl, do you?” she asked.

[dominique]

Dom couldn't help but laugh at Darla's flabbergasted expression and collapsed with laughter, even when her friend realized that she was only joking. Did she really think Dom wouldn't know who Superman was? She was sure everyone knew who he was! She personally loved the things Muggles had come up with, but despite all the peculiar things they did, wearing your underwear outside did seem a bit over the top and she remembered how much she'd laughed in the movie hall. "Then we have to get drunk sometime soon! Before all my nights are booked on dates with my beautiful books," she said, clasping her hand.

"Defense is pretty okay with some practice, but I swear to Merlin, I will do anything you want if you can just help me pass Charms! Please!," she said, pleading Darla with the most innocent expression she could come up with. On a regular basis, Dom had too much of pride and ego to ask for help but this was her best friend. Besides, it's not like she'd compete Darla in the same exam later on, since she'd already written hers. "Just tell me what time."

Dom knew how hard Darla was trying to make it seem as if she didn't care as much and she didn't blame her. When Stefan had dumped her, she'd gone through weeks of denial until one night Darla had gotten it out of her and she'd sobbed for hours together. And she knew just how much Nick meant to her, for her to be so scared to lose him. For few moments she could only think of hatred towards the guy. She'd never truly liked him, ever since he'd taken Stefan's side of the argument and she had feared Darla would take his. But she'd stuck by her side and now, as much as she though of Nick as nothing but a lowlife like stefan, she was civil to him because she knew that their decisions to stick to their best friends' sides could have affected their relationship and she owed them that much. If Nick and Darla had broken up because of her and Stefan's fight, she didn't know what she'd have done.

"No, it's not. Nobody gets away with hurting you without a little taste of their own medicine," she said, huffing. She blinked at Darla's question and frowned, hissing under her breath. She'd never admitted it, but she'd seen how Nick was back when she hung around all those Slytherins because of her boyfriend. And the way he flirted with girl all the time, despite Darla, that was exactly what she thought. But she'd never voiced her opinion because when she did see Nick and Darla together, the devoted look in his eyes seemed too honest to fake. She grimaced, looking away, knowing her silence was as good as an answer. "I'm sorry Darla. I'm not saying he's cheating on you, and I swear if I knew anything I'd tell you right away, but I -" she said, cutting herself off, not knowing what to say.

[DARLA ADRIENNE SELWYN]

The moment Dom even brought up drinking, Darla had been all ears. As such, when conversation turned back to topic, she was noticeably listening with high intent, nodding as each word escaped Dom’s lips. ”Yes! Yes. Absolutely soon! Tomorrow?” she asked, in a rather staccato way. Though she had her priorities in order, many of Darla’s favorite past times involved partying and the like. She hadn’t turned down an opportunity to party near the forest or the room of requirement since…ever. The brunette just thoroughly enjoyed having a good time.

Darla was a bit surprised as to how quickly Dom jumped at the opportunity. Just truly in her friend’s nature, she never wanted to ask for help. She did everything herself, be it for independence reasons, or simply because she was too prideful. Darla was the same though, luckily (and rarely) never found asking for help even the slightest bit beneficial, though that was about to change for her soon. ”You drive a hard bargain Weasley…but yes!” She smiled cheekily before bursting into laughter. ‘Weasley? She hadn’t ever called Dom—or anyone in her family by their last name. Yet it seemed too fitting here. ”We could start next week? Or whenever you’re free. I don’t have a quidditch schedule hovering over me…” she added.

The Ravenclaw was still noticeably depressed. Everything she’d known for years now, it was all slipping away. A sharp exhale escaped her lips, and suddenly, she felt as though she’d been in the situation before. Same person, same place, different roles. It was here that she’d first stumbled upon a broken Dom. Actually, back then—Dominique. Darla pushed the girl, broke her down to vent and relieve the tension. They’re both cried up there the whole night after her breakup with Stefan. That silly rumor—Darla still had a hunch that it was Nick’s younger sister who’d started it. Stefan and Nick would believe anything she said—she was so manipulative sometimes. But how was Darla to tell the love of her life that his sister was a lying prat?

She bit her lip, looking at the ground as Dom spoke. It was almost comforting—her best friend’s cat claws were coming out and she knew she had someone here, someone on her side. ”What are you thinking?” she asked, still puzzled as to Dom’s plan. ”What should I do?” she blurted out, refraining from breaking. Her voice cracked a little, and she was soon in worse shape than before. Then Dom began speaking, not even finishing her sentence. Darla went colder. Her innocent eyes wide open, her mouth tight-lipped. ”Dom- tell me what you know.” she stated, in practically a whisper. She was serious, and she knew it was obvious.

[dominique]

"Yay!" she said, clapping with excitement. She couldn't remember the last time she'd allowed alcohol to loosen her nerves and set her free, but she knew that when you put the two girls and a bottle together, fun and amusement was a given. She was excited beyond belief and was already mentally calculating how much time it would take for her to wrap up from school and get ready for the girls to have enough time and party and make it back by curfew. They had limits and they did nothing to jeopardize Darla's badge or Dom's position on the team.

Dom was a bit shocked herself at how readily she was begging for help, because she was stubborn to a tee. "Anything you want!" she promised and then grinned as Darla gave in. "Fantastic. Practice doesn't start on most days until six, so we can meet up right after my first class and then you'll be free of rounds. Think you can blackmail Nick into letting you go a bit slack on the duties?" she joked, knowing it was futile. As much fun as Nicholas Avery was, Dom knew for Stefan and Darla that he feared his father and wouldn't bend any rules when it came to his Head Boy status, since he'd already lost out on Quidditch Captain.

Dom didn't know how to answer Darla, but she knew she had to give the truth, no matter how harsh. "Look, Darla, he's a flirt. He always has been and as far as I know, you're the only real relationship he's had ever since..that Zabini girl, Cathy. And you guys have lasted, what, almost two years now? Maybe he needs a little break from things. We're just kids after all, regular teenagers," she said. She knew it wasn't true though, because Nick, if he needed a break, he'd have asked for it later. Something told her this was permanent damage. Her brows shot up and she backpedaled. "No! I don't know anything, trust me. I'm just stating it from a third person's point of view. At the end of the day, you have to find out. You're going with him to the ball right? Talk to him there," she said.

[DARLA ADRIENNE SELWYN]

Darla gave an exasperated look. ”Oh right, that’ll never happen!” responded, shaking her head. Nick’s father was strict and no doubt about he. After Nick lost out on Quidditch Captain, his father was extremely disappointed, and he no doubt voiced it to Nick…whom in return was less than delightful. Even still, with his Head Boy position, he was less than lax when it came to his duties. He’d never let Darla off and out of duty. Though there was an alternative. ”I’m sure I can get Cam or someone to take a few more hours for me. Lots of the other prefects owe me—especially when I cover for them when they have practice…” she recalled, still going through her options.

Though the brunette was on edge, she knew she was in the wrong. No matter the reason, Dom didn’t deserve to be chastised like that. ”I’m sorry. I just, I don’t know anymore!” she admitted, burying her face into her palms. She listened as Dom explained her own opinion, justifying it further then Darla even wanted to believe. ”B-but if he wanted a break, he would’ve said it. Normally he isn’t one to hide what he’s thinking…” she stated before hiding her face once more. The girl was doing everything she could to keep herself from crying. She would not let anyone see that—ever. But then Dom suggested to approach him at the dance. ”Dom! You’re brilliant! Absolute brilliant!” she sounded excited, like there was new reasoning and opportunity to fix whatever between them was broken.

With final glace she looked out to the Quidditch Pitch, shaking her head on just the thought of it all, trying to keep it from taking over her mind, though in truth, it was inevitable. Darla walked back to Dom’s copy of ‘Gone With the Wind’, still one of her all-time favorites. She smiled briefly, resting her hands in the back pockets of her jeans. A second wave of sadness washed over her as she pulled out a folded piece of parchment. ”As though there couldn’t be a better timing!” she muttered. The Ravenclaw outstretched her hand toward Dom, offering her friend a chance to read it all the while, lamenting. ”The blasted Ministry has not only named me to take care of Celia and grandmum is getting extremely old….but now I have to attend another hearing for my father, not that he’s getting out anytime soon…” she huffed, so angry at the whole situation. ”I have to take care of everything.” she added, massaging the back of her neck.

[dominique]

"Mm..Worth a try," she shrugged, laughing, although a little disheartened. She'd been looking forward to getting a drink with her friend and letting loose, having some fun. It was such a rare chance they got to be free from the burdens of school and their personal life and just be themselves. So, when she heard Darla thinking of people to take her shift, she grinned cheekily, spirits up again. "I knew there was an ulterior motive to being so nice to people," she said, laughing and shaking her head.

"Hey, it's okay," Dom said, putting an arm around her best friend. She had nothing to apologize for, considering how bitchy Dom got around her and Roxie when she was in a pissed off mood. Darla could shout at her all she wanted, as long as she got all the frustration out. She shook her head, as she thought about it. No, Nick really wasn't one to keep quiet when he thought of something. Even she didn't understand why he was acting so odd. "Maybe it's something else that's bothering him, something he can't talk about," she said, sighing. She couldn't help but crack a smile at Darla' excitement and transparent attempt at cheering up. "Of course I am. I'm Dom Weasley, silly."

As Darla walked back, Dom stayed near the rails, seeing the practicing team once more and then turning to face her friend. She frowned as she took to letter from her and gaped, both at the parchment and her. She felt a flash of fear and anger running through her and her intuition told her something was very, very off. But maybe it was just because the man in question was a ruthless bastard who'd hurt her best friend multiple times. She was momentarily glad that Darla didn't tell Nick because he would've run down to Azkaban and killed the guy. But on second thoughts, she hoped somebody would accompany her. "Are you kidding me? What do they need another hearing for?" she asked, shaking her head. "Darla are you okay with this? Does Nick know?" she asked, her lips pursed. "This cannot be for anybody's good. What if - if...what if he tries to hurt you again?" she asked, with a small whisper.

[DARLA ADRIENNE SELWYN]

When Dom commented on her reasoning for being ever so sweet, Darla grinned wickedly. In all reality, Darla was a nice girl; there was no denying it. But growing up in the environment that she did, along with natural instinct, she’d always made sure to cover herself. She built relationships on doing favors for others so in the end, when she wanted to neglect other duties; there was no real way that the ask-ee could deny her request. In retrospect, it was something very clever, very ‘business-savvy’. Though it was something she witnessed her sister do frequently, Darla didn’t necessarily manipulate people into position.

But topic swung back around to Nick very quickly and Darla’s mind wasn’t ready for it. She was so tired of not knowing. Did he still love her? Did he ever love her? Were they going to break up? Darla herself heard a rumor from a number of others, them asking how her relationship was going. Apparently the entire school knew the complications in their relationship and took their respective sides as though it were entertainment. Then, the Ravenclaw raised a brow, a light bulb in her mind lit off. ”Dom, I know you can just tell when I’m sad, or when anything is complicated between Nick and I. But did anyone else say anything to you? Anything at all?” She hoped no, boy did she hope no. Yet she was not dumb, and she knew Dom was in on almost every secret in her family and her house.

With a sigh, the girl sat on the floor, a loud thump echoing from the top of the tower. There couldn’t be a worst time for the summons to appear. Between her emotional hurricane Nick, along with the upcoming ball and exams, it was simply overwhelming. Yet it was a Ministry Order, she had no say in the matter. If she didn’t come on her own accord, no doubt she would be taken by the hand from the castle. She shook her head lightly, implying that it was real. ”Honestly, I have to go to sign some papers. Why they can’t send them here and let me send them back is beyond me. Grandmum’s gone batty and she’s still in St. Mungo’s. Regardless, I’m going or it falls to Celia to sign. I will not let her see that man!” she admitted. Lia, she was the only family Darla had left, and she swore to protect her from everything she could the day she watched her mother pass.

There was a emptiness in her eyes, and her face went pale as she thought back to the day. She remembered exactly what it looked like, the image burned into her skull. But reality was brought back swiftly as Dom asked if Nick knew. ”Of course not…” she shook her head, looking down at the ground, before back to her blonde friend. ”He just discovered the scar the other day…he still doesn’t know everything.” The exchange between them was rapid. For each question Dom shot as Darla, she responded just as quickly. ”I mean, he’s a high security prisoner under lock and key. I’m sure I’ll be safe” she put on a reassuring smile, though in all reality was thinking the same. The same reason she refused to let Celia go.

[dominique]

Dom didn't particularly mind the wicked grin on Darla's face. Ever since Dom had learned her lesson from being too naive, she'd become much more selfish, competitive and manipulative. She used her Veela charms to her advantage. The things which one could achieve with a twirled strand of hair and batted eyelashes was a phenomenal list and she was glad Darla too had her own weapons hidden up her sleeve.

She could see the inner turmoil on Darla's face and she didn't blame her. But what was she to say to her. She'd seen the relationship unfold in front of her, from hesitant, to passionate, to protective and loving and now rocky beyond belief. Anybody who'd seen them go through all of that would know that they were the meant to be kind of couple, the ones who could endure anything. So she was shocked that Nick would have doubts and act distant without good reason and she voiced just that. "Maybe it's family related, you know? Or it's not his place to tell and something is bothering him. I don't know." She bit her lip in contemplation and tried to rummage through her memory as Darla asked her if she'd heard anything. "Well, nothing of significance. People keep asking me if it's true you guys are on the rocks and I tell them to shove it, but nothing big. I mean, a few people mentioned that he was spending time with Zabini more than usual, but I'm sure it means nothing," she trailed off, biting her tongue. She'd spoken the truth, and only that, but she wished she'd thought before she had because insecurities at a time like this wouldn't help Darla at all. Dom mentally kicked herself.

"Hmph," Dom huffed as she sat beside Darla, throwing her legs forward and resting her head on her shoulder. She couldn't help but feel a little bad for Darla to have to go through so much and to be put through all the responsibility. Dom could never imagine having to take care of her brother and sister, especially since she wasn't the eldest sibling, but she guessed it was something you were born with. "No, I agree, but are you sure? Can't you go with some professor or something?"

She could feel Darla's emptiness and patted her hand, linking their fingers to give her hand a squeeze. "It'll all be okay, Darla, trust me," she said. "Maybe you ought to talk to him and -" she left her sentence midway and sat up, kneeling in front of her in a flash. Her brain was working faster than ever and she grinned, grabbing Darla's shoulders. "That's it! Nick! Take Nick with you! He'll keep you safe and I won't sit here worrying my arse off and you'll get a chance to talk it out! I'm brilliant!" she exclaimed, narrating her seemingly flawless plan.