CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE:
( dumbledore's funeral )

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             SPENCER SITS UNDER THE large tree by the Black Lake. Everyone else seems to mind their own business whether it is immediately being taken out by their parents or lingering with their friends. Wizards of all kind are visiting Hogwarts, staying nearby Hogsmeade or the castle itself to prepare for Dumbledore's funeral. Truth be told, she is not sure how to feel. It had been a normal morning and her night ended with the memory of Dumbledore hitting the ground— dead, dead, dead. Morgana willing to torture her with exalting pain with the gruesome curse that even now Spencer remembers how it felt. Her cruel eyes shimmering with hatred and Spencer forcing herself to stay on her guards and not show fear. She has no doubt that her sister does not know about Daniel now... Mordra must have told her right after they vanished from sight. The young girl is sure that Morgana is vivid with the fact that she did not get to torture her even further. Daniel ruined her plans and Spencer is left with thankfulness that he arrived. Sure, she was already under distress, but he came and he arrived viciously. It had been the first time she noticed him filled with utter rage when he noticed what Morgana had caused and when he spotted Mordra. Maybe Daniel is not so different from the Montagues as she first assumed. Not in a way to call him horrible, but she underestimated his power when in the end they were all raised by them.

             She finds it ironic that the sun glows light on her skin and enhances nature's beauty in the midst of mourning. Birds sing with the fresh breeze and the water is glistening brightly. Spencer does not know what to think about one of the greatest wizards being dead. Is she grieving? She does not think so. Or at least, not generally. Spencer never really associate herself with Dumbledore. Did she feel safer with him here? Yes, because Voldemort feared him. Feared— meaning past tense since the wizard is now dead. She is sure the only time she communicated with him had been when he told her he believed her and not Morgana.

             Her hand carefully grabs a daisy before tearing it from the ground. Just like this innocent and pure flower being ripped from the ground and thus, losing both symbols, majority of the students at Hogwarts have lost their hope— their safe place. The flower still appears beautiful, but it will no longer grow and continue to be with the rest. Spencer admires it for a few seconds before crushing it with her own hands.

             "Beauty vanishes," Spencer mumbles, opening her hand once more to analyze the flower now destroyed from its beauty.

             "But virtue is lasting," another voice intervenes, sitting down beside her with a gentle aura. She recognizes him immediately, her eyes softening while Blaise carefully scoots close to her. He gazes down at her hand and without a second to waste, presses his wand by her palm. Spencer figures he cast a nonverbal spell when the flower returns to its state of beauty. "Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote it in one of his books," Blaise comments quietly. She lets her finger gently cross along the petals knowing her boyfriend is trying to tell her that despite everything, flowers can be reborn.

             Spencer hugs her knees thoughtfully. "How did you find me?" It is not like she is hiding, but the mere thought of her mind overreacting while she stays close to a friend makes her panic. They would see her at a moment of weakness and she does not want that. Then again, this is Blaise Zabini who she is asking— still a single mystery despite of knowing more of him than anyone else.

             "I'll always find you," Blaise answers. He lets his hand clasp with hers and he gazes at her as if he cannot believe she is there and in some sort of enchantment. Spencer gives him half a smile, leaning in to his touch that makes her feel breathless. Her eyes goes past his and they linger in the Astronomy Tower. That is where Dumbledore died— where he was killed. A place she felt comfort in has been used as the murder scenario. Despite all the memories she has made in that place... she does not think it will bring her that same sensation of home— of thinking she belonged.

             "They are thinking of closing Hogwarts," Spencer recalls, remembering the words Harry had spoken. She can see why people wanted that. While lasting memories has been made, nothing can stop the war they are now a part of. Death Eaters found a way inside the school— the place that everyone assumed was safe completely diminished right under their own noses. "It's the only place I've called home and even if they don't I—" she stops herself from continuing, letting the words slowly linger in her mind.

             She was not going back, Spencer realizes what she wanted to say. After thinking it over her head, it comes to her why she thought of those words. Once upon a time, her fifth-year self had told Harry that he would not have to fight alone. Ever since then, she has proved over and over that she would stick by his side through the thick and thin as his Ravenclaw companion. She helped him back in the Department of Mysteries and at Hogwarts she was willing to cause a distraction for him— so they could not get him. It just dawns to her that he most likely would also not be returning and instead complete his own mission of destroying the Horcruxes that Voldemort made.

             "You're not coming back," Blaise realizes, a small frown painted on the edge of his lips. Although his lips clearly represented how saddened he felt, there is a look of understanding in his eyes by the way he gazes down to their holding hands. It is as if he realized that if he were to be angered each time she chooses to do something 'dumb' then he would be angry all the time. Spencer bites her lip nervously, staring at him with a lump in her throat. "I'm sorry," she whispers, her head slightly bent down toward him.

             With his free hand, he lifts up her chin and makes her gaze right at his chocolate-colored eyes. The way he is looking at her makes her want to run away with him and never turn back to what she leaves behind. "Don't apologize, Spencer. I know what I got myself into when I asked you out... when I took a stance," he consoles warmly.

             Blaise softly places his lips on hers and for that moment, Spencer feels herself calm down. Her head pushes over the worries inside as it devours itself into his touch. Slow and steady breaths among them that somehow still finds a way to feel passionate. Their kiss does not last long when from the side they hear someone clear their throat. Blaise leans back and stares at her with a gentle expression before his eyes coolly glances at the person who arrived. Spencer only figures out who it is by the way her boyfriend suddenly stands up and holds his hand out politely.

             "How are you feeling, sir?" Blaise shakes Daniel's hand, giving a nod of greeting. Daniel glances at Spencer before staring back at the Slytherin and nods back.

             "I've been worse, and you, Blaise?" Daniel answers, giving him a kind look. Her boyfriend purses his lips into a thin smile and it is the first time she notices that he generally does not twist his lips upwards to anyone... just to her. Sure, he has given polite nods or that same thin smile of his, but not the actual grin itself that makes her feel like she can die there and then and be happy for eternity.

             Spencer stares at her brother with a puzzled expression. "How did you know where to find me?" This would be Blaise and hers spot just like the Astronomy Tower is— was.

             Daniel arches an eyebrow curiously before smiling. "Ricky told me you and Blaise hung out here sometimes. I did not meant to— er, interrupt," he jokes lightly, a small look of triumph as he spots her small snort of amusement. "So, boyfriend?" The wizard profiler zooms in Blaise's face threateningly before letting himself relax as the Slytherin stiffens. Daniel raises his eyebrows slightly amused.

             "Don't scare him," Spencer groans, bringing her boyfriend close to her as she clutches into his arm. The three of them begin to walk back toward the castle. "Where's Ricky? Theodore?" She questions, her mind taking in the fact that the two of them kissed that night out of pure fear and devastation (and lust too).

             Her brother points where the Great Hall is and tells her, "The two of them are talking— probably clearing some things up. Are they together?"

             "They definitely snogged in front of me," Spencer makes a face— not in disgust, but in definite surprise. She had been dying to lay down and the two of them just did it. Just like that! Blaise snorts in amusement while Daniel simply chuckles. "Are you going to continue staying until the funeral tomorrow?"

             Daniel stares up at the castle solemnly. "Until then, yes. Then, everyone will be returning home an hour later," he answers honestly. They reach to where Theodore and Ricky sit and the two of them rather stare up flustered around each other. Ricky stands up and wraps his arm around Spencer as if they had not seen each other— but they have since the two would visit Bill together.

             Theodore stands up and goes beside Blaise who scrunches up his nose in disgust. "Just because I'm letting you stay with me doesn't mean I want you close," Blaise scoffs, taking a step to the side. Ricky untangles himself from his hold on Spencer as the two boys begin arguing. The two Ravenclaws share a look unamused by their banter.

             "Me neither, what the fuck?" Theodore retorts back and turns his head away from his.

             "Language," Daniel rolls his eyes, crossing his arms as he stares down at the two Slytherins. "What's the point in this, anyway?"

             Theodore and Blaise share a look and then stare back at the older man. "We've come to an agreement since we both care about the same person," Blaise explains smoothly, his eyes falling toward the Ravenclaw girl. Spencer raises her eyebrows in surprise before smiling.

             "Does that mean the two of you will finally get along?"

             The Slytherins both scoff in unison. "Never," and yet even with their determined looks on their faces, Spencer and Ricky shares a doubtful glance knowing them rather clearly.

.･:*:･ﾟ'✫,'✫'ﾟ･:*:･˙

             SPENCER GLANCES AROUND HER dorms sorrowfully. She never really stayed there unless it is to sleep or write letters, but having been there for six full years... it is a place she knew to count on. Now there is a chance that she will not return if she decides to help Harry or if the school closes completely. The young girl gently grabs a letter she hid between the edge of her bed and opens it up. A smile arose in her lips having remembered that in her first year she swore to leave her acceptance letter there until her last day. Receiving that letter had been one of her happiest days... it had been a relief knowing she would be separated from her parents until the holidays (or even until summer). And now... she is saying goodbye. Some of her dorm mates still have not packed up, but she was already prepared the day before knowing they will only have an hour after the funeral.

             Ricky meets her in common room and holds out his hand. Before they can exit from the Ravenclaw dormitory, he holds her back and blurts out, "I'm scared."

             Her face softens immediately and she embraces him tightly. "I'm so sorry, Ricky. I haven't asked how you felt with all of this... and your parents don't know, do they?" Spencer realizes, letting the boy's face snuggle in her neck. He does not have to answer since she knows already.

             "You're going to go home today, okay? And I'll make sure Daniel checks up on your family when we all get back. Later, if you want, you can visit where the Weasleys and I are staying, understand?" Spencer assures, pressing a soft kiss on his cheek. Ricky separates from her hug and nods. The two of them glance around the room one last time before exiting toward the Great Hall. This time no one is in another table and all have to be in their own. Professor Flitwick walks among them carefully before going up to the large one where all the professors sit.

             Everyone is wearing their dress robes and no one seems hungry. Two empty chairs are left in the staff table. One in the middle where Dumbledore used to sit and the other is Hagrid's who she has seen moping around for his loss. However, Snape's place has been taken by the Minister himself. Spencer glances over to the Slytherin table where she spots Theodore and Blaise sitting next to each other with Parkinson on Blaise's other side. Daphne Greengrass is sitting beside the short-haired girl with her sister beside her. Crabbe and Goyle sit with one another, but not with them seeing as they were never friends. It is weird seeing them without Malfoy there. She could not help but pity him. They never really talked in their sixth year, but truth be told, he was not bad of a folk. Never one to turn into a killer and even Harry finally seemed to agree with her when he told her he believed that Malfoy would not have killed Dumbledore. That the Slytherin would not have meant it.

             Her attention diverts to Professor McGonagall who had risen from her feet and announces, "It is nearly time. Please follow your Heads of Houses out into the grounds. Gryffindors, after me."

             Spencer and Ricky walk beside each other and follow Professor Flitwick toward the lake. Unlike the day before, the lake is now decorated with chairs and aisles by it. The sun faces them with a slight shimmer that it might have been Dumbledore's cup of tea rather than some gloomy choice. Many chairs are occupied by non-Hogwarts individuals and Spencer sees Daniel sitting right beside Remus and George. A few other members of the Order are there as well, along with Fleur, Madame Maxime, Bill, Arabella Figg (Spencer smiles kindly upon noticing her), the Weird Sisters, and many more to name. She grabs Ricky's hand and pulls him toward where Harry would be sitting, but instead of sitting beside all four of the Gryffindors, they sit right behind them. Blaise and Theodore had the same idea of changing seats that the two (four since Parkinson and Greengrass followed them) sit right beside the Ravenclaws.

             People are whispering to each other sounding like a breeze in the wind. Spencer stares at the adults by the Ministry employees and scowls slightly when she recognizes a familiar frozen-stilled toad-faced woman. She had been undeniably prejudice and against everything Dumbledore stands for— it is an insult that she is even there. Clearly annoyed, she forces herself to stare away.

             Oddly enchanting music began playing all at the same while Hagrid walks slowly up the aisle. Spencer figures he is crying silently with his arms carrying Dumbledore's body. She feels her eyes water in cold realization, but they do not fall like how Ricky's did. Her hand clasps with his comfortingly while she clenches her jaw and remembers his body falling. Blaise's hand grabs her free one and he does the same to her for what she is doing to Ricky. It surprises her that Parkinson is rather quiet this whole time. Her face void of grief, but not one of happiness either. More so of a shocked expression as if she did not realize Dumbledore could actually die.

             A little man in black begins speaking to honor Dumbledore, but all Spencer does is stare at the table. When he finishes his eulogy of some sort, bright, white flames erupt around Dumbledore's body and the table where it lays. Higher and higher they rose, obscuring the body. White smoke spirals into the air and makes some shapes representing the greatest wizard yet before in its place is a white marble tomb that encases Dumbledore's body and the table which he rests on.

             Shower of arrows flies into the sky coming from the centaurs that have come to honor the wizard. Those creatures of the water, of the forests return back to their habitat few seconds later. People begin standing up and Spencer glances at her best friend with worry as she hears him sniffle. She knows he is not crying because of how much he loved Dumbledore— if she barely knew him then Ricky did less— he is crying because Voldemort has now increasingly become dangerous. Death Eaters will do much more damage to both the wizards and muggles. In time of war, no one is safe and he is fearing for his own life and for his parents.

             When they stand up, Theodore walks toward Ricky and gives him a silent hug. Blaise turns to Spencer with his head bent down slightly knowing that it will be one of their last conversations in real life. He gently caresses her cheek before their two foreheads meet. "This isn't a goodbye, right? Cause my mother wants to meet you one day," Blaise mutters quietly, his eyes gazing right at hers.

             Spencer smiles softly. "You told your mum about me?" She remembers the time when he told her that his mother wanted him to find a girlfriend that he could ramble on about— to think that girl is her surprised her for some reason.

             Blaise furrows his brows closely together. "Of course I did," he admits truthfully. "I will see you again, right?"

             She raises their hands up in their chest. "My heart, Blaise Zabini, belongs solely to you. I will make sure with every ounce of my body that we find our way back to each other and that you don't— that you don't forget about me," Spencer confesses, letting her hand touch the spot where his heart beats.

             "How can I forget you when you're the only one in the world for me?" Blaise questions, placing his hand over hers. He stares at her like if he wants to say something else and she waits patiently. However, the Slytherin does not find the courage to say them and Spencer does not find herself minding. What he wanted to say? She does not know, but she knows that in time the words he wants to say will come up. Instead, she tiptoes and reaches for his neck as her lips connect to his.

             This one shorter and yet more passionate than any other. A kiss that says 'see you later' rather than 'goodbye'. When the two part it is not in sadness nor awkwardness. A sense of infinite peace broods over them before slowly they begin backing away from each other. Blaise stands by the side while Theodore shows up in front of her with a look of fondness.

             "Thank you... for never giving up on me," Theo sighs, wrapping the taller girl in a hug that he found himself having craved in the darkest of times. Spencer returns the favor and tightens her hold before letting go.

             "You're my family," she tells him, pressing a small kiss on his cheek when she notices his surprise look. "Don't fight too much with Blaise under his roof, yeah?"

             "No promises," Theo smiles genuinely, something he had not done in a while. He backs away and goes beside Blaise. While Ricky and Spencer hold their arms together, the two Slytherins begin waving goodbye. She smiles one last time before letting Ricky tug her toward their Gryffindor friends.

             The two Ravenclaws find Harry, Hermione, and Ron under the shade of a beech tree. The three of them give the two a short smile before allowing them to join the conversation. Harry places his arm around Spencer tiredly before staring up at Hermione who whimpers, "I can't bear the idea that we might never come back... how can Hogwarts close?"

             Ricky mimics her frown and swallows deeply. Their attention goes to Ron when he gives them a hopeful smile and says, "Maybe it won't. We're not in any more danger here than we are at home. Everyone's the same now. I'd say Hogwarts is safer if they put up more wizard guards. What do you reckon, Harry?"

             Spencer bites her lip as she knows what is coming. And with a sure look on his face, Harry tells them, "I'm not coming back even if it reopens."

             Ron gapes openly at him while Hermione sadly sighs, "I knew you were gonna say that. What will you do?"

             Harry continues to confess that he will return to the Dursley's (whom she met during summer) until he is old enough to leave and then be gone for good. Spencer listens quietly as he adds that he might go to Godric's Hallow. If that is all he does and Hogwarts does reopen, she will stay at school. However, if he chooses to go and look for the Horcruxes, she will go with him. She is not sure what Ricky was planning to do, but they have not discuss if he would accompany as well. Part of her wants him to so she can have her best friend with her, but the other knows he will have to choose.

             "I will be looking for the Horcruxes, however. That's what Dumbledore wanted me to do. If he was right— which I'm sure he was— then there is four more to go. I've got to find them and destroy them and then go after the seventh's bit of Voldemort's soul, the bit that is still in his body. I'm going to kill him and if I find Snape in the way," Harry starts off coldly, "then that's even better for me."

             Silence manages to cross between all five of them before Ron nods in acceptance. "We'll be there," Ron comments.

             The Chosen One blinks in confusion. "What?" He questions. Spencer gives him a puzzled expression. "You don't think you're doing this alone, do you?"

             Ron motions to what she said. "We'll go with you wherever you're going," he assures.

             "No—" Harry contradicts rather quickly as if he was not expecting that to happen. Hermione and Spencer share a look of disbelief before the bushy-haired girl turns to him determinedly.

             "You've said to us before that there was time to turn back if we wanted to. We've had time, haven't we?" Hermione quietly mentions.

             Spencer straightens her back and puts her arm around his waist. "You can't get rid of us now, Potter," she mocks lightly. Her eyes meet Ricky and the smile on her face slightly falls at his debating expression. He purses his lips thinly before giving her a soft smile— either way, she does not forget about the look beforehand. Would she blame him for not wanting to go with him? No, but it will hurt deep inside. Instead of talking about it now, she glances back at Ron.

             "We're with you no matter what happens, but mate, you have to come round my mum and dad's house before we do anything else," Ron snorts. Spencer nods in agreement as she recalls what will occur this summer. Harry, however, has seem to forgotten.

             "Why?"

             "Bill and Fleur's wedding, remember?" Ron reminds him. Harry gives a look of realization before nodding with a grin on his face. Spencer squeals excitedly and smacks his arm causing them to let out a small amused chuckle. "I'm maid of honor! Along with Ginny and Gabrielle!" She exclaims in remembrance.

             Ron snickers soon after. "And I bet you wanted to be the groom," he raises up his hand just in case she goes to hit him as well. Spencer only smiles warmly without denying the statement. And with the five of them under the shade of the breech tree, they share one of their last good times together.

             (The darkness is still yet to come, but for now, Spencer knows it is best to focus on the times that brings them close together rather than apart).

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AUTHOR'S NOTE:
not the greatest way to end, but i like
to think this one is definitely better
than act one when i left u guys 💔 cuz
blaise and spencer were angry at each
other. BY THE WAY, NO THEYRE
NOT BROKEN UP !! so yeah ❤️

ANYWAY, look at the new banner????
IT'S SO CUTE and it was made by the
lovely oscarisaacss who is literally the best
ever!!! im actually in love goodbye 💖✨
go check her out cuz she deserves it <333