"Arthur be quiet! Don't wake her up!"

"I can't believe my little sister was treated like this! I could kill those two boys right now! They should be expelled! They could have killed her!"

"Calm down Bill! Madam Pomfrey says we underestimated her. She's going to be alright!"

"It doesn't matter Dad! She's my sister too, and quite frankly, I agree with Bill!"

"Charlie's right, those two boys better hope I don't see them while I'm here! However, I'm impressed that she took both boys on with out using anything but a protection spell until after they set the snake on her. She was very brave!"

"Very brave indeed Remus. Miss Gracie did not even cry, she screamed yes, but only for a moment, and then she calmly explained to Severus what happened. The poor child apologized for defending herself!" Dumbledore's words were what did it. I heard the rest, but I couldn't bring myself to move until now. I sat up, holding my head, which was pounding, might I add! Everyone had stopped talking, I looked over to the clock, two a.m. I looked at everyone and offered a small smile.

"Hi!" I croaked, they all let out a deep breath which I'm sure they had been holding, and Mum started hugging me tightly.

"Are you alright dear? How are you feeling? Is anything hurting? Do you need more medicine? Should I get Madam Pomfrey?"

"I'm fine Mum, honestly. Just a little sore, that's all!" I smiled at her when she pulled back, hoping to comfort her just a little. Dad gave me a hug, then Uncle Remus. He seemed as reluctant as Mum to let me go, but eventually he did. Bill and Charlie sat on either side of me on the bed, putting their arms over my shoulders.

"How you feeling kiddo?"

"I'm okay Billy. It hurts a bit, I'm not going to lie. But it's nothing I can't handle!"

"You were always the tough one!" Charlie gave me a reassuring smile and ruffled my hair. Giggling, I swatted his hand away and straightened out the mess he had made.

"Thanks Charlie! I've missed you guys!" They hugged me at the same time. When they got up and moved back, I saw Professor Dumbledore at the foot of the bed. "Hello Professor!" I smiled at him and attempted to wave, but I jerked my arm down because when I moved, a sharp pain shot through my arm. At the same time, my ribs began to ache again. Great. I looked around hoping no one noticed, but I don't think anyone was fooled.

"Hello dear. How are you?"

"I'm good sir, and you?"

"Just fine Gracie." He gave me a small smile and then turned to my family. "I'm sorry to leave you all so early, but I believe I have a letter to deliver!" He winked at me and I smiled up at him. It was a big smile, I know, because it hurt my cheeks.

"Be careful!" There was a chorus of goodbyes. And then poof, he was gone. I turned back to my family, who were all staring at me. I sighed and looked at each one of them, right in the eye. "Honestly guys, I'm okay. I wasn't kidding when I said I was just a little sore. According to Madam Pomfrey, I'll here for a while, but I'm well enough to eat in the Great Hall as long as someone goes with me. Okay?" Mum pursed her lips but nodded. Bill and Charlie's fist clenched, but they nodded as well. Dad looked as if he was going to cry, but he agreed and Uncle Lupin, well, his face was a mask. A cold one. He did not look happy. "Can we just talk about something else? I promise I'll tell you if anythings wrong!"

Out of no where, Charlie got this teasing expression on his face, and I have to admit, I was worried about what he was going to say. "Okay, lets talk. What's this I hear about my little sister being Harry Potter's girlfriend?" I rolled my eyes and decided to play dumb, crossing my arms over my chest.

"What are you talking about Charlie?"

"I saw that article too! Care to explain little sister?" I glanced up at my big brothers. And then Mum and Dad, and lastly, Uncle Lupin. They all had little smirks on their face.

"Harry is not my boyfriend! He's my best friend! He accidentally flooed us to Knockturn Alley because he had never used floo before. I got scared and Harry shoved me behind him and held my hand to calm me down. He made sure no one got near me too! Kept all those creepers away from me. When we got back, thank you Hagrid, Hermione pulled us into the shop and Harry kept ahold of my hand so I wouldn't get left behind. The reporter saw us and shoved us up there beside Lockhart. End of story!" I snapped, crossing my arms over my chest. There were a few chuckles from the group, but they weren't done teasing me just yet.

"I don't know sis, you two looked pretty cosy! You looked all shy, hiding yourself behind Harry with a little smile and he looked pretty possessive. How tight was he holding you exactly?" Bill teased, chuckling at me. My face flushed and I scowled, thumping him on the back of the head.

"Aw look at her blush Bill! With everything I hear, Harry seems pretty protective. Oh wait till she hears what I heard earlier!" Charlie baited the hook. And I fell for it, hook, line, and sinker.

"Alright, I'll bite. What did you hear?" They all chuckled, but Charlie answered none the less.

"You'll enjoy this Dad. I was going to check out my old dorm when I heard Harry and Ron. Then some Irish bloke spoke up. Asked Ron if he would mind if he asked Gracie out. Ron didn't even get to speak, Harry beat him to it. Dead pan, no. Wanna see the whole conversation?" He wiggled his eyebrows, baiting me more. I grimaced, but nodded lightly. Everyone laughed while he used the accio charm to summon the pensive, and in everybody went.

I almost fell on the landing, but Bill and Charlie caught me. I saw Charlie, with his ear against a door that was slightly open. Then Seamus' voice drifted through the door.

"What do you mean no Potter? I wasn't asking you anyway!"

"I mean, no! You can't ask Gracie out! Tell him Ron!"

"Bloody hell Seamus! Your asking me to date my little sister! What on earth made you think I'd agree to that?" All eyes were on me, but Mum was muttering about, 'that language!'

"Blimey Harry! Was that Gracie in the article from the prophet? Is she really your girlfriend?"

"Shut up Dean! No she's not my girlfriend! But yeah, that was her in the picture!"

"Harry fancies my sister! So there's your answer Seamus!"

"If she's not really your girlfriend than you can't tell me what to do! I'm asking her out tomorrow! I don't care if you do fancy her! So do I and your not going to stop me Potter!"

"Watch it Finnigan! Harry'll hex you into next week!" Ron's voice boomed into the hall. That was it for me, I slipped through Bill and Charlie's grasp and through the door, moving slowly, even though it didn't really move, everyone followed me inside the room. Harry was glaring at Seamus and had his wand pointed at him when we got in there.

"Listen up! I do not fancy Gracie! She's my best friend and I promised myself I would protect her! Think what you want about my feelings for her, but as long as she's safe and happy, I don't really care. But I'm not going to let anyone mess that up. Which means, no Seamus, you can not date her!" He growled, dropping his wand on his beside table and laying down on his bed. "Now I have to go to bed because I'm going to get Gracie in the morning before Natalyn gets a chance. Goodnight!"

The memory started to dissolve when I heard Ron's voice whisper: "he so fancies her!"

We left the pensive and ended up on my bed. I was in shock. Harry didn't want Seamus to ask me out so I wouldn't get hurt. He's so sweet! And I'm not going to let him be mad at me. Seamus' answer is going to be a no! I don't even know the guy!

Uncle Lupin was the first to speak again. "I think he does fancy you love. The question is, do you fancy Harry?"

"What are you, my mother?" I scowled, crossing my arms. He chuckled but Mum answered.

"No, but I am. And I'd like to know as well dear."

"Just like Harry said, he's my best friend. I care about his safety and happiness as much as he cared about mine. All best friends are a little possessive of each other! That was completely normal!"

"Mhm. Sure it was sis. Get some sleep!" Bill ruffled my hair, and tucked me in. Scowling, I laid down and in moments I was asleep again, comforted by the fact that I knew Harry would keep me safe.