Delicate

the grudge

Delia was happier than she'd ever been for the end of the year. She'd made Theodore promise to invite her out as much as he could; she didn't delve into the details of why, only told him she wished to see him as much as possible. He'd happily obliged her request, how could he not? He was still hoping to keep her distracted from thinking about Draco, and since that night in the common room, Draco had left her alone. Delia was grateful for whatever Theodore had said to him that got him to stop pestering her, but she couldn't help but think about what Daphne had said to her. Draco couldn't be in love with her; if he was, he would never have treated her the way he did or let her be with Theodore. She wasn't sure why she cared if he really loved her or not; she didn't love him. Pansy dragged her into an empty compartment on the train to wait for Blaise and Theodore.
"Do you think my mother will complain about my hair?"
Pansy scoffed.
"Deely, dearest, my work is impeccable; not a hair out of place." Delia nodded at her friend; she'd let Pansy French braid her hair that morning and worried her mother wouldn't be happy about her sudden change in style.
"It's not you, Pans, you know that. It's the fact that..."
Delia was interrupted by the door sliding open and the boys joined them. Theodore gave her a quick kiss before settling in beside her.
"So what were we interrupting, girls?" Blaise asked playfully. Delia sighed and Pansy rolled her eyes.
"Just wondering if my mother will care for my braids, Blaisey dearest." Blaise wanted to put his foot in his mouth for asking what they were talking about.
"Why would your mother care that your hair is braided?" Theodore was confused about this entire discussion. Delia had forgotten he didn't know; they spent so much time together and she was so comfortable with him, she didn't even think twice about bringing it up.
"Vivian Lightwood demands perfection, dear. I have to exceed her expectations. No big deal really, not annoying than anything." Theodore nodded, recalling Draco's comments about her mother that had made her so angry.
"I suppose that's part of why you've asked me to keep you busy this summer then?"
Delia sighed and grabbed her boyfriend's hand.
"Partially why, but it was mostly because I'll miss you dearly."  She kissed his cheek and gave her friends the finger when she caught them pretending to gag in the seat across from them.
"If you two don't cut it out, you'll see more than that." Delia threatened them.
"Oh gross, Deels. Don't even joke." Pansy smacked her lightly and the girls shrieked with laughter. Delia noticed the flash of white blonde darting past their door and almost groaned but restrained herself. She hoped he missed them because he only had himself to blame. All too soon, the train had arrived at the platform, and Delia's nerves shot up. Just like last year, she didn't lead the way; she just followed her friends off the train. Pansy spotted her family first and quickly hugged her friends before bidding them farewell for now. Blaise was next. Delia was looking for her mother; her eyes scanning quickly over everyone. Theodore felt her nerves almost radiating from her so he took her hand and pulled her to him.
"Deely, you're gonna be okay." She relaxed in his arms and rested her head on his shoulder.
"I know, I know. She just makes me a little crazy is all. High standards and all." Theodore wasn't entirely sure what she meant by that but he nodded anyway and pressed a kiss to her hair. She gave him a grin that faded quickly.
"Mother. I was worried you'd forgotten me."
"Don't be ridiculous, Delia. You're my daughter." Delia was scared now. Her mother had used her name and had a glint in her eyes as she said that last sentence. She knew what was implied.
"Mother, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend, Theodore Nott."
Vivian extended her hand and Theodore took it.
"Nice to meet you Mrs. Lightwood."
"Likewise, I'm surprised to hear about this. Delia neglected to mention it in her letters." Her mother gave her a look.
"It's still relatively new, mother. I thought you'd like to just meet him in person." Vivian just nodded her head.
"It was wonderful to meet you, Mr. Nott. Do tell your parents hello for me will you? I've got to get my daughter home."
Delia wanted to beg him to not let her go home and to just take her with him instead, but she couldn't. She just hugged him goodbye and promised to write him over the summer. The trip to the Lightwood manor was silent; Delia could feel her mother's anger hitting her in waves the entire time. Vivian didn't wait for her daughter to get the door for once; she had to go get things ready.
"Delia, don't dawdle!"
Delia quickened her pace despite the fact she'd rather run far away from here. Her mother was waiting for her in the living room; she did not look happy.
"Delia, I'm not happy with you. Firstly, your hair. What is this? This is not worthy of a Lightwood lady. Secondly, a boyfriend? Delia, you know you have much bigger things to worry about than a boyfriend. I'm not disappointed in your choice; the Notts are a good family and the boy is handsome, but don't forget what your duty is. Thirdly, Lucius tells me you don't speak to Draco anymore. What have you done?" Vivian looked at her daughter, waiting to hear her excuses.
"Pansy wanted to see what I would look like with the braids, mother. I am sorry. And as for Theodore, I truly didn't want to jinx things. It is very new still. I didn't want to mention it if it went nowhere. And Draco stopped talking to us; we have no idea why." Delia bowed her head and waited for her punishment.
"Oh, I don't know why you let that Parkinson girl do these things to you. They are neatly done; I'll give her that. But nevertheless, never wear your hair that way in public again. And the Nott boy, that was smart of you I suppose. Still, I don't think you're giving enough thought to what's expected of you; thinking too much about your social life. You will not be attending any gatherings this summer unless I deem it necessary you be there. I shall speak to Lucius and Narcissa, find out what you've done to alight their son." Vivian pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Mother, what about Theodore? He will expect to see me some over the summer."
"We'll discuss it at a later date. For now, go change. And take those braids out for Merlin's sake!"
Delia quietly obeyed and made her way up to her room. She sat down at her vanity and began undoing her hair; she'd have to write to Pansy and Blaise at some point to tell them they won't be seeing her.