"Harry!" said Mrs. Weasley, putting down the magazine she had been reading at the kitchen table before he walked in. "We weren't expecting you back until later. Come in and sit down!"
Harry stepped inside the Burrow, once again overcome with happiness to be inside of the Weasley home. He had been here for a week already, reveling in what was his last annual escape from the Dursley household. It was even more cluttered and noisy than usual with the preparations for Bill and Fleur's wedding well underway and the stream of guests beginning to arrive for the nuptials that would be taking place later that week. Harry had been simultaneously looking forward to and dreading this week all summer, for its closure signaled the beginning of the end. They had Horcruxes to find and a dark wizard to defeat. He would enjoy the week though. He had an ominous feeling that this was the calm before the storm. One last peaceful week with Ron and Hermione and their friends and family. And Daphne. He smiled as he heard Mrs. Weasley introduce herself to his girlfriend, who was still standing by the front door, hesitant to step past the threshold of the Weasley home.
"Yep, Mrs. Weasley. That's Daphne," he said as Mrs. Weasley swooped her up in one of her patented hugs. "Daphne, that's Mrs. Weasley."
"You can call me Molly, dear," she said putting a hand on her forearm and patting her on the cheek. "We've heard so much about you! Please, sit down. I'll get you some tea."
They took their seats at the table and Harry almost laughed at the grimace on Daphne's face. He knew she wasn't mad, just a little taken aback. The Greengrasses weren't the most physically affectionate family. At the end of his visit to their home there he had earned a handshake from her father and a pat on the shoulder from her mother as they walked her out. Astoria did not share in these reservations, going so far as to bring Daphne to wonder whether she had an ulterior motive in her actions. He couldn't take his eyes off of the blonde girl the entire week though, especially after she made good on her promise to do things other than sail. He gripped her hand and smiled again. He had originally intended on spending one last happy week with her before breaking it off for the remainder of the war, with the promise he would do his best to end it sooner rather than later. A vicious Blasting Hex that pushed him into the lake was her answer to what he thought were noble intentions. Coming out of the lake soaked to the bone with a deep bruise quickly blossoming on n his shoulder, he was told in no uncertain terms that was not an acceptable excuse and that while she understood that she could not be with him at all times that was no reason for breaking things off and he was being arrogant thinking her family needed his help to become targets of Lord Voldemort. It had taken another hex for him to take her message to heart but at the end of the day they resolved to get through the war together. So they sat side by side in the Burrow, waiting for tea from Mrs. Weasley the inevitable introductions to the remainder of Harry's surrogate family.
She placed mugs in front of them and sat down across from them. "It's a little crowded right now so you'll have to squeeze in with Ginny and Hermione, if that's okay."
Daphne forced a smile on her face. Though they had ended the school year with a new understanding of each other, they were still far from friends. He had no idea how Ginny would take it either. He was sure he would hear about it, either way. There was a loud clamor on the staircase as a procession of Weasleys, and Hermione, made their way into the room.
"Hey, Harry," chroused the twins. He hadn't seen them since last summer and they looked the same as ever, vibrating with a barely contained energy that seemed ready to burst out at the slightest opportunity. He eyed their clothing, containing finer materials than he had ever seen on them and contrasted sharply with the normally reserved dress of the rest of the family.
"Hey, you two. Did you just stop by this morning?"
"Yep!" said Fred. "Our shop assistant finally felt comfortable enough to cover the business while we were gone."
"And we couldn't bear to stay away from our family a second longer," said George, quite seriously. "We knew how much they need us here during this wonderful, yet stressful, event."
Molly rolled her eyes and went to the kitchen, presumably to fix more tea or a snack for everyone. "You two were just what we needed to calm things down here."
"We're this family's emotional support, you see," Fred said in a stage whisper to Daphne. "Quite invaluable."
"I can see that," Daphne said, eyes pleading with Harry to intervene between her and the twins but he only shrugged in response. She frowned when she realized the only intervention on her behalf would be amusement. If she could handle the twins for a few minutes she'd make it through the week just fine.
"Harry?" said Remus, who was sitting under a lamp in the Burrow's sitting room, reading. He checked his watch. "What are you doing up this late?"
"I could ask the same of you," he rejoined, taking a seat on the sofa across from him.
Remus smiled sadly. "I often have trouble sleeping this time of the month. What can I do for you?"
Harry rubbed the back of his neck and removed two small mirrors from his pocket. He was uncomfortable divulging this information but he knew he couldn't forgive himself if he didn't ask. "Remus, do you know how my dad and Sirius charmed those mirrors back in school?"
Remus nodded. "It's quite simple, actually. Just a Protean Charm with a modified communication spell so you can connect the mirrors and then see and hear the other person. Would you like me to charm those mirrors for you, Harry?"
He nodded and handed the mirrors to the older man and remained silent for a minute while Remus muttered and tapped his wand on the glass surfaces. He passed one of the mirrors back to Harry and spoke his name. Remus's face appeared in the glass and when he spoke his voice came from both across the room as well as emanated from the mirror. Remus chuckled and tapped his wand to the mirror in his hand, closing the connection. He handed it back to Harry.
"I hope you and Daphne put those to good use."
Harry blushed and Remus laughed. He sputtered to explain but the older man held up his hand.
"No need to tell me anything, Harry. Your mother and father often used these during the last war."
He knew what he wanted to ask Remus next. "You don't think there's a problem, do you? With her being a Slytherin and all."
Remus smiled. "No, Harry, I don't. Once you're out of school for a while you start to realize how little those things matter. Sure, you can sometimes guess what house they were in based on personality differences but personality means little compared to one's core character. There were plenty of Slytherins who joined the Order the first time around and acted with bravery and loyalty." He looked out the window and his voice barely rose above a whisper. "And of course a Gryffindor was the most cunning and cowardly of us all."
They sat quietly for a few moments lost in their thoughts but enjoying the familiarity of the other's company. Harry often regretted not becoming closer with Remus over the last few years. The last remaining link to his parents, while exceedingly reserved, was a kind and thoughtful man whom Harry always enjoyed speaking with when he got the chance. He hoped they would yet have a chance to forge a relationship worthy of his father's oldest surviving friend.
"I'm going to go to bed, Remus. Thank you again for the mirrors."
He picked his book back up. "Of course, Harry, I'm happy to help." He seemed to struggle with something else he wanted to say. He finally said, "And of course, I'm happy to help whenever you need me."
Harry nodded and said goodnight, quietly walking up the stairs so as not to disturb anyone. He paused at the room Daphne was sharing with Hermione and Ginny, momentarily thinking about leaving the mirror for her to find in the morning but thought better of it. The last thing he needed was for someone to grow suspicious of their intentions or, even worse, step on it by accident. Better to give it to her in the morning. He sighed, his thoughts straying to Daphne, picturing the peaceful look on her face while she slept, her blonde hair fanned out on her pillow. The faint rise and fall of her chest. He had only slept next to her once, when they snuck away for an afternoon nap while he was visiting earlier this summer. He hadn't slept much, too busy drinking in the sight of the beautiful woman who had decided he was worth spending time with. He laughed quietly to himself thinking back again to when she blasted him into the lake. With a temper like that it was no wonder she got along with the Weasleys so well.
It had been a magnificent ceremony, Fleur resplendent in white silk robes that were only outshone by the smile on her face. Bill, not to be outdone, wore white robes as well, his long red hair standing out brightly against the pale backdrop. He had just given his respects to the bride and groom and was at the bar, getting drinks for Daphne and himself. She was caught up in conversation with Ginny again. Those two had taken to each other beyond his wildest imagination. Though he worried the boldness of Ginny's personality would put Daphne off, the Slytherin's mischievous nature complimented the parts of Ginny that most definitely took after Fred and George. The line was long and wanting to give it a minute, he took a step outside the tent and drew a deep breath of the warm summer air.
"Harry?" The Weasley parents came up behind him and Mr. Weasley put a hand on his shoulder. "Are you having a good time?"
Harry couldn't help the huge smile on his face. "Yeah, I am." And it was true. "You guys can really throw a party."
"It's easy when you have seven adult, or almost adult in the case of Fred and George, children," Mr. Wesley said, an exaggerated grimace on his face.
They all laughed and chatted idly for a few minutes. Harry relished the opportunity to spend a few last quiet moments with the closest thing to parents he had ever known. Daphne caught his eye and gave him a wave. Harry raised the drinks that had made their way into his hands, Charlie had pressed a pair into them when he had strolled by, making sure everyone's thirst was properly quenched. Mr. Weasley had wandered away to talk with someone from the Ministry. It was just he and the Weasley family matriarch. She had caught the look that Harry and Daphne gave each either.
"Daphne is a great girl, Harry."
Harry was slightly anxious, unsure as to where this conversation was going. "She really is."
"I'll admit I was unsure about it at first when I heard you were seeing a Slytherin," she said, more to herself than Harry. Tears were starting to shine in her eyes. "But you're far too strong to be taken advantage of and Arthur and I just want you to be happy. You deserve it after all you've been through."
Mrs. Weasley wrapped her arms around Harry in a fierce hug while Harry did his best to keep the booze in his hands from spilling during the unexpected hug. Daphne had been making her way over when she saw what was happening. Harry pleaded for help, but just as he did the other day, she just shrugged and turned away. Molly Weasley didn't seem to have any intention of letting go, as if she knew what was going to be coming soon. That her surrogate son and his friends would soon be undertaking the most dangerous task of the entire war. Daphne finally took pity on him and levitated the drinks out of his hands, allowing him to return the hug with fervor.
They finally broke apart when the music started and Mrs. Weasley needed to make her way to the main dance floor. Daphne came over to Harry and leaned into his shoulder. Harry wrapped his arm around her, and placed his cheek on her head, savoring the smell and feel of her.
"Hey," he said quietly, not wanting to disturb the proceedings. "Where did my drink go?"
"I gave it to Ginny," she said matter of factly, inviting him to argue. Instead he leaned down and kissed her. She wore dark blue robes that complimented her every feature and made her bright blue eyes shine brightly. As more and more people clamored onto the dance floor they made their way closer, remaining on the fringes, focusing more on each other than the music or the gathered guests. He hoped when this was all over they could have many other nights like this.
An eerie silence descended over the crowd and the music stopped playing. Harry was instantly alert and drew his wand. Daphne did the same, looking worried. He looked around for the source of the disturbance. There was a Patronus in the middle of the floor. Daphne mouthed a question to him, asking if something was wrong. Unable to speak, he could only nod. A Patronus would not appear unbidden in the middle of the wedding unless there was dire news to report.
It opened its mouth and said in Kingsley's voice, "The Ministry has fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. They are coming."
The tent was chaos. Chairs were knocked over. Tent stakes ripped up and awnings began to topple in the commotion of people running and Apparating out. He saw blasts of light on the fringes of the Weasley's property and knew the Death Eaters were already here. Harry caught sight of Ron and Hermione making their way over to him and grabbed tight to Daphne's hand.
"Daphne, I have to go. Get home before someone sees you here. I will contact you with the mirror when we're safe."
Daphne looked like she wanted to argue, to plead her case for coming with. Harry placed a hand on her cheek and kissed her softly. She relented. They had talked about this. She had to let him leave. She placed her hand over his and held it in place for one more moment. Ron and Hermione had pushed their way across the tent to the pair and she let his hand drop from her face. They did not let go of each other.
"Harry, mate, it's time." He looked at Daphne. "We'll keep him safe."
A small sob escaped her and tears started to fall from her eyes yet she did not let go of Harry's hand. The sounds of spells being shouted started to grow louder and he knew the only had moments before the tent would be surrounded. Their window to escape was rapidly closing and if they didn't make it there would be a much bigger problem on their hands. He reluctantly let his fingers slip from Daphne's grasp.
"I love you," he said. He had wanted to say it for weeks. He had pictured himself uttering those words to her in a quiet moment, a lazy afternoon by the pond, sitting in the shade while the warm summer sun drifted across the sky, instead of being surrounded by fleeing wedding guests and spellfire. This would have to do. He maybe wouldn't get another chance.
More tears slipped from Daphne's eyes. She raised her own wand, preparing to Disapparate. She whispered her response, but Harry heard it perfectly through the din. "I love you too."
Their eyes met. Then they were gone.
A/N: There you have it. I hope you all enjoyed the story. Thanks for reading!
