AN: For the HP Potions Comp (Developing Solution).
I.
A flash of light.
Dennis opens his eyes, flinching away from the rain that's sure to come. Dry as a bone.
Blinking in confusion, the boy sits up, groaning when he sees his brother holding up the camera. "Are you insane?" he hisses, agitation slipping into his sleepy tones. "What are you going to do when the Snatchers see the flash?"
Dennis hates this. He's the younger brother. He shouldn't have to be the voice of reason, constantly reminding Colin that they're running for their lives, not enjoying a relaxing camping trip.
Colin grins sheepishly. "Come on, Dennis," he says, moving closer and ruffling his little brother's already messy hair. "Gotta have a few memories. When this is over, we'll show Dad everywhere we've been."
Dennis softens slightly. With everything that's going on, Colin is still thinking of their father, no doubt imagining all the exciting stories they'll have to tell. It's like Hogwarts all over.
See what fascinating lives we live, Dad? Wish you could've seen us outrun those Snatchers in Wales. They never stood a chance.
Dennis climbs to his feet, grabbing the camera and snapping a quick picture of Colin.
"Hey! I'm the photographer, not the subject!" Colin protests, shielding his face too late.
"Wouldn't want you to forget how rubbish you look without a haircut," the younger boy teases with a smirk.
II.
It's been nearly a month since the final battle. Once again, Dennis finds himself holding the camera, trying to summon the strength to open it.
Colin would want the pictures developed. It had been his big plan to show their father the pictures. But they had planned to show him together.
Dennis sets the camera aside, blinking back tears. He can't bring himself to do it. Not yet.
III.
One year passes. One year of Dennis avoiding questions. One year of Dennis smiling through repetitions of "Your brother was a brave young man," and pretending those words are enough to ease the pain in his chest.
He holds the film in his hands, taking a deep, steadying breath as he begins the process of bringing the photos to life.
IV.
"And this," Dennis says, pointing to a photograph of a makeshift tent. "This was where Colin lost his wand. Spent two hours looking for it, and it was in his back pocket the whole time!"
His father smiles a sad sort of smile. "Just like your mother," he mumbles, shaking his head.
"And this-" Dennis moves a photograph to the top of the stack. "We made it to Cardiff. Thought it would be safe. But Snatchers were waiting for us. I was scared, but Colin..." His voice cracks, and he clears his throat. "Colin just looked them in the eyes and said, 'Catch us if you can!' like we were playing with kids in the park!"
Another smile, still sad but starting to melt.
Dennis shifts the photograph to the bottom of the pile, hands trembling when he sees Colin, all shaggy hair and dirty skin, looking up with wide eyes before moving his arm to hide his face. This, he realizes, had been the last photograph taken of his brother. He can tell by his pained expression that his father has drawn the same conclusion, though neither voice it.
Dennis slides his fingers lightly over the photograph as though he can somehow reach beyond and pull Colin out again, back into the real world.
"You keep it, Dad," he whispers, pushing the stack of photographs towards his father. "Keep all of them."
"They're yours."
Dennis shakes his head. "Nah, I've got all the memories I need right here," he says, tapping his chest.