Chapter 10
It all began in November, when she asked Sirius to send her some of his best vinyls because someone needed to be educated. When the next day an obviously tired owl dropped a huge package on the breakfast table she couldn't hold back her smile.
From then on, they would dedicate at least one day of the week to listening to one of the records. So far Theo had heard Queen, Abba, Michael Jackson, Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Scorpions, and now he was about to listen to Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Sitting on their usual couch, Daisy started the music with a flick of her wand. The girl spent the whole time facing Theo, cataloging in her mind all the little reactions he showed on his face. The way his hair bounced on his forehead as his head bobbed to the beat of the music caught her attention. When the second song on the record "Tuesday's Gone" started, Daisy smiled at the memory of her and her brother sitting at the top of the stairs in Grimmauld spying Sirius and Remus dancing to the notes of the song. It seemed as if the two men, clasped in each other's arms, were letting go of the pain of their separation as the singer told the story of someone growing apart from their partner.
When she came back to reality, the third song had ended and the fourth song began. According to Daisy, "Simple Man" was one of the most beautiful songs on the album. But when Theo stiffened at the sound of the first words, the girl felt like a fool for letting him hear such a song. She reached for her wand, ready to stop the song, when the Slytherin's hand wrapped around her wrist, stopping her.
" I would like to listen, please. " he whispered.
Daisy agreed, intertwining their hands to give him support as she watched him break down at the sound of those words. Sobbing uncontrollably into his shoulder as the last verse was sung, she could do nothing but stand beside him as he absorbed the lyrics.
" What is it called? " he asked, his voice raw from crying.
" Simple Man. " she replied, tears in her eyes as she continued to run her fingers through his hair.
" Can we listen to it again? " he whispered, practically dragging her on top of him in search of more contact.
" Of course, sweetheart. " said the girl, restarting the song. " As many times as you want. "
After listening to it again, Daisy interrupted the record and looked at the boy below him who looked lost.
" It reminded me of something my mom told me the day she died. " He smiled sadly, hiding his face in the girl's neck and closing his eyes so he could catch his breath. " I don't know what will become of me next year but I promise you that no matter what happens... if you still want me, I will always come back to you. "
" I will always want you. " she replied, without the slightest hesitation.
" Even if I have to take the mark? " he asked, in a trembling voice.
" Even in that case. " guaranteed the girl, kissing his forehead. The firm voice that transmitted the confidence of such a statement warmed the heart of Theo, who looked at her completely enchanted. " How do you feel? "
" Kiss me and I will let you know. " He replied, coquettishly.
Daisy then gave him a kiss on the tip of his nose before standing up amused. " I'm curious. Have you had time to talk to Blaise? "
He nodded, telling her how he had waited for everyone to leave for breakfast that morning before practically hounding him for answers. After silencing the room Theo asked him bluntly if he could trust him on something he probably wouldn't approve of.
" Let's say he didn't take that question well. " Theo said, telling her how he was offended at the mere idea of purposely putting him in danger. He knew that things at home were not the best and several times over the years had asked him to spend the vacations at home with him and his mother.
" So how did he take it? " Daisy asked, curious.
" Not very well. " sighed the Slytherin. " You would have loved to see his face change from ecstatic to horrified when I told him I was talking about you. "
" But he will keep the secret, right? " the girl asked, frightened about the storm the boy would have to go through if a single suspicion got to his father.
" Don't worry. He won't talk. " Theo reassured her, telling her that he had convinced Blaise to give her a chance. She would meet him in the kitchens that night.
" He'll hate me. " complained the Hufflepuff, already imagining the judgmental look Blaise would give her. She was not the kind of girl who cared what other people thought of her but here she was dealing with one of her boyfriend's closest friends.
" Even if that were to happen, I wouldn't let him treat you badly. " he swore at her, smiling reassuringly.
" As if I would allow him to do that. " snorted Daisy, reminding him of his incredible defensive skills. After all, one of her foster parents was the best defensive teacher they had ever had.
" Merlin, tonight I will witness a clash of titans. We'd better ask Winky for some popcorn instead of the usual hot chocolate. " he joked, taking her by the hand and dragging her with him toward the doors.
" I have to get something from my brother, you wait here and stay out of sight. " she recommended, pointing her index finger at him. Theo simply bit the tip, causing the girl to roll her eyes.
Daisy ran off toward the Gryffindor tower, lucky not to have passed anyone along the way. Once in front of the portrait, she gently greeted the fat lady and after apologizing for the time asked if she could call her brother.
" Dear, isn't it a little late to be wandering around the castle? " asked the woman in the portrait.
" Yes, but I need to ask Harry something and I really can't wait. " replied the girl, watching as the fat lady moved away from the portrait to surely inform someone inside the house. Indeed, moments later her brother popped up.
" Let me guess, you need the map. " he said, bored.
" Don't be an asshole. " Daisy scolded him, following him inside. " You're remembering to screen your mind every day, aren't you? "
" Don't worry, the last time Snape tried to break through my barriers he didn't succeed. " Her brother reassured her, handing her the map. " I will continue to improve until it becomes impossible to get inside my mind. "
After saying good night to him, she took a quick look at the map and after making sure no one was around, ran to the Room of Requirement where Theo was waiting for her to return. After quickly explaining to him the purpose of the map, they headed together to the kitchens where in front of the fruit portrait stood Blaise completely irritated.
" I was about to leave. " he informed them, complaining.
" We are here now, aren't we? " Theo smiled at him, patting the pear and entering the kitchens. As Daisy greeted her favorite elves, she heard Theo explain to Blaise where they were.
" What can we bring for Miss Daisy and her friends? " Winky asked softly.
" Two hot chocolates and a mint tea. " answered Theo, asking the elf if there were those blueberry muffins he had eaten that morning for breakfast.
" Coming right up. " bowed the elf, leaving.
" How did you find out about this place? " Blaise asked her, interested. " Normally it would not be possible to access it. "
" The Weasley twins told my brother. " she explained.
" And he obviously told you. " nodded the Slytherin. " So you're trying to get Theo on the side of the good guys? "
" Blaise, I asked you not to talk about it. " complained his friend, apologizing to Daisy for the question.
" What exactly would be the good guys' side? " she asked, nibbling on one of the muffins Dobby had left on the table. " If my brother wasn't at the center of this nonsense, I would have taken all my loved ones and run away. "
" So you are not on Dumbledore's side. " Blaise said, astonished.
"Dumbledore, however well-meaning he may be, is only on his side. " commented the girl. " Did you seriously think I would joke with Theo's life? I would move hell before he gets hurt. Dumbledore is more of a man ready to sacrifice his fellow man for the greater good while he stays safely in his beautiful office. "
" I like her. " Blaise approved, turning back to his friend. " Look at you, all flushed from a few good words. "
" Think about drinking your tea, princess. " sneered Theo. " And remember to keep your little finger raised. "