* * *

"You wouldn't get it," Hattie told them, "you really wouldn't."

She pushed her family away and stood up. She knew they would press her to explain it even though they may not understand. Running a hand through her hair she tugged at the roots, "he had no choice to act the way he did. You know what other Slytherin's are like, he was peer pressure into acting like an idiot. Then it spiralled out of control, I didn't force him to act in a way that wasn't him and he didn't want to lose me because of that. And it just got out of hand. He has genuinely repented and he is so lovely! He is totally different and I love spending time with him and his mum is amazing too. She is so much more than what my mum is. What evil person hold their mother with the uttermost respect? He would bend over backwards for her, not many boys would do that."

Remus nodded understandings, "I get that, sweetheart, but how exactly did you start seeing him again? Did he approach you? Did he force you?"

"No! Of course, he didn't, if I just told you all of that about him do you really think he would have forced me? No. I... I went to see him. I didn't want to hold a grudge and I didn't expect to get anything like this out of it but I wanted him to know I didn't have anything against him because there is no point in living a life with hatred towards someone. When I went to see him, you should have seen his face, his eyes, in fact, you can't lie with your eyes and his bore the level of disgust with himself and sorrow for me and there was no way he was lying. Even to this day he still apologises, he would take back everything if he could."

Lily who still remained seated on the grass racked her brain for what to say in response, she didn't quite know how to deal with the situation. No matter how much Hattie preached that the boy has changed, she still didn't want Dallin anywhere near her. Yet, Hattie seemed so happy... Biting the inside of her cheek she shook all positive thoughts about the boy from her head.

"No. I don't care, he hurt you in horrible ways. He took advantage of you when you were vulnerable and you still are now. There is absolutely no way on this earth I will allow you to be with that boy."

"Good thing you have no control over that then, isn't it?" spat Hattie. Both Lily and Remus looked taken back. "You're not my mum, you have no control over me, I am an adult, nor should you ever have done when I was a child because you aren't even my auntie by blood! You're just the wife of my dad's best friend!"

"Hattie!"

"No, da- no Remus, it's true! At least Dallin is trying to make amends properly, you don't think I have forgiven everyone here for how you all treated me. Ginny, Ron, Harry, Hermione, Fred, George and Percy all treated me horribly in school, they all were rude and ditched me the second I was placed into Slytherin! I just chose not to bring it up because I wanted to get better. But no, none of you apologised for that, unlike Dallin, at least he is trying to make up for all that he did. So don't even attempt to try and control who I have in my life otherwise I will leave, I will not see any of you again!"

"This is him manipulating you again-"

"No, it's not, you daft woman! This is me taking control of my life, putting myself first in order to make me happy because if you have forgotten I'm currently on anti-depressants, CBT therapy and other things in order to erase the hatred I have for myself and living. You're forever banging on about me needing to get better, then you take away everything that helps me. Charlie, Romania, the dragons, and now Dallin! It's like you don't want me to improve!"

Lily genuinely looked offended at Hattie's outburst and who she was talking to her, whereas, Remus (despite being slightly put off by the fact she had reverted to calling him by his name rather than dad) was very understanding of what Hattie was saying. She was clearly right in all aspects, people in the households were holding themselves as saints in comparison to Dallin when really they hurt her as well and didn't apologise for it. They ha taken away everything that seemed to be aiding her progression so why not give the boy another chance?

They would have to meet him properly and monitor it all until they were certain of Dallin's intentions but that goes without saying. He brought himself to his feet and put his arms around Hattie and said: "I support you."

"You do?"

"Yes, I trust you and as long as we can keep an eye on things until he proves himself to us, I don't see a problem with giving him a try. But it won't be easy, because he did hurt you and that is very hard to forgive but since you have found it in your heart to do so then I think it is wise we ought to do the same. I will talk to your dad and get him on board but Hattie, please do not hide things from us again."

"I won't," replied Hattie who settled into his embrace, sighed, "I wish everyone was as understanding as you."

"They will be, just give them time, eh?"

"Charlie won't."

"Charlie will have no choice, sweetheart, after all, you're an adult now, remember." He teased making her giggle. "Now come on, let's go talk to your dad. You coming in, Lils?"

"In a bit." She said through gritted teeth.

Hattie rolled her eyes and didn't even bother to look back at Lily and apologise. If she can't accept the truth then there was no use in trying, she was done being a puppet on strings, she was now a free woman. And anyone who says otherwise can either like it or lump it. Simples.