Chapter 12
12 October, 1996 Thursday
"Daph?"
"Hmmm?"
"Could you scratch my back?"
"Sure. There?"
"Up a little higher."
"There?"
"Oh yeah. Harder." Harry sighed loudly, "Thanks, love."
"Anytime, Harry."
As they lay there in bed, Daphne reflected on the past few weeks. Astoundingly, Percy Weasley had rapidly become an asset that they had needed: An intelligent person to manage the press on a constant basis.
Amelia didn't have time, nor the inclination to give Percy the guidance and supervision that he needed. Daphne and Susan provided that role and also gave Percy the Press Secretary lessons in society manners.
"Weasley, if you take that condescending tone with any reporter I shall personally castrate you. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Lady Potter. Quite clear."
Little conversations like that had been very common in The Instruction and Preparation of Percy the Press Secretary. It had paid off like the feeding of the five thousand.
Currently, Percy was making significant inroads with the beat reporters for The Daily Prophet, The Dublin Daily News, The Edinburg Seer, The Manhattan Oracle, Le Magique de Paris, Roma, and The Tokyo Times. They all knew Voldemort was back. They all wanted the scoop. Percy was directed to oblige them. Well, oblige them somewhat.
"There is a slight difference between 'news' and 'propaganda', Weasley."
After a long moment, Percy admitted, "I'm sorry, but I don't know what the difference is."
With a feral smile, Daphne explained, "'Propaganda' is what Fudge released. 'News' is what we release."
For the first few press conferences that he conducted, Daphne and Susan were disillusioned in the back of the room to evaluate his behavior.
"Surprisingly, he has promise."
"When he is prepared, he can dissimulate with the best of them, give out hard facts that we want released and conceal that which needs to be concealed." Daphne slowly smiled. "He should have been a Slytherin."
Susan shook her head and chuckled, "Come on, let's go hit Sloan Street before the stores close."
Arm in arm they headed for the apparition point.
The next day, they set Percy on his next mission: Get the word out that Lord Voldemort was being blocked at many, but not all turns. They needed to get the point across that the Ministry was acting on the public's behalf and was successful; however, Voldemort still had teeth. A delicate balance between announcing a Triumph and casting hopes to the wind.
"Don't get all pompous up there and have the attitude expecting subservience from the press. They're jackals and hyenas who will strip your bones at the earliest opportunity." Daphne had warned Percy about this attitude of his on many occasions and it seemed that the lesson was beginning to settle into his grey matter.
"So, a partnership where I am the senior partner is the best attitude?"
Susan smiled, "Yes. That's it exactly. Now, we've a ten o'clock with Connie Hammer to bring you up to speed on the efforts, both past and ongoing, to counter the Voldemort threat."
.oOo.
Neville and Harry hadn't been idle while their ladies had been tied up at the Ministry. They had been politicking the older members of the Fifteen and receiving guidance from Abbott, MacMillan and surprisingly Jones, on the more influential members of the Wizengamot body proper.
"Sir Edward Grey is a most interesting and powerful person," opined Reginald Abbott. He sat back in his chair as he and Victoria dined with Harry and Daphne for lunch at Black's, a fashionable Wizarding restaurant off Diagon Alley.
"Why so?"
"As a young man he was involved in the muggle political arena. Even rose to be Foreign Minister if I remember rightly. After the first muggle Great War, he bowed out of the spotlight and retired to his fishing and hunting. The bug hit him again when he turned one hundred, so he assumed his family's Wizengamot seat and began working again. Fellow must be pushing one hundred and ten if he's a day old. Strangely enough, his work in the muggle world combined with his family's enormous fortune has garnered him a large portion of respect on the floor."
Daphne thought back and remembered a lean, white haired wizard that she'd seen at the convocations she'd attended. There had always been a crowd of members around him that strongly reminded her of bees around a flower.
With a serious expression, Abbott changed course on Harry. "Potter, we must stop ramroding laws through. Things are tense enough without the Fifteen telling all of Magical Britain how to live. We need to start winning allies and building coalitions, else things could go badly."
Harry adopted a neutral expression and half looked down at his plate. Daphne held her breath as she recognized that her husband was trying to control his temper.
After a long moment, Harry silently exhaled and looked Abbott in the eye. "I will do that which is right. The Wizengamot does not have a sterling track record to recommend itself to me as a capable and trustworthy governing body. In theory, what you say is very true. However, I do not suffer fools gladly and the Wizengamot proper has shown itself to be either scoundrels who follow the richest voice or the largest collection of village idiots in the northern hemisphere. I have no tolerance for corruption nor capitulation in any form to Voldemort through graft or stupidity. So far, my experience is that the Wizengamot has done quite a bit of both activities."
Daphne softly smiled as her husband very respectfully and gently rebuked his elder. Glancing at Victoria, she saw the blond had cocked a brow and had a small smile of her own.
Reginald nodded in agreement, paused and then said, "Harry, don't think that I disagree – I agree with you completely. I'm just saying that it would make life much easier for all if we could have more support on the floor." He looked to his wife and added, "I don't want the Death Eaters at Stony Brook like they were for MacMillan at Thistledown."
He's frightened. Daphne reached under the table and squeezed Harry's knee to get his attention. When he glanced at her, she softened her expression some and gave a small nod.
He caught her meaning and said, "And I don't want the bastards at Rowan Hill, either. I can understand your sentiment all too well." Harry got a far away look in his eyes and added, "If any one of us understand that sentiment, it's Longbottom, Bones, my wife and me."
Coming to his senses, Reginald realized what he'd said and to whom. Abbott tried to apologize all over himself which Harry forestalled with a smile and a pat on the man's shoulder. "Don't worry about it."
"Call Phalanx Home Defense and Warders. They're expensive, but very good."
.oOo.
18 October, 1996 Wednesday
Wiping his face after a melee with the four friends, Remus and Tonks, Harry got an idea. Recognizing his far away expression, Daphne asked, "What devilry are you planning?"
His lopsided grin still made her stomach do a back flip. He strolled up to her and planted a quick kiss on her lips. Without looking away from her he asked, "Tonks, where is Malfoy Manor?"
There was a long pause before the young Auror answered with a question. "Are you shitting me?"
"No. At least, I don't think so."
Neville laughed at his remark while Susan and Daphne rolled their eyes. Remus just sat on a conjured bench and watched the fireworks.
"I think we should pay a visit to cousin Narcissa. She must be so lonely with her husband and son in Azkaban. For life." Harry was now teasing Daphne's hair as he mused aloud.
"Are you thinking about a visit in the middle of the night, possibly?" Susan asked with a big grin.
"Perhaps." Taking Daphne's hand in his he led her into the house. "We'll be down in a bit. Have a think on it and we can talk about it before dinner."
.oOo.
"Ok, Harry. Here's the situation." Tonks was at her most professional as she dissected the layout of Malfoy Manor. Wards, topography and the house layout. She had apparated to Auror Headquarters immediately and taken everything she could find regarding the Malfoy ancestral seat. The on watch intelligence officer had tried to stop her, but wasn't really successful. She was sure he'd forgive her when he woke up.
Unusual for the planning of their nocturnal forays was the presence of Amelia Bones and Connie Hammer in the study. Tonks had suggested that they should include the Ministry in at least an informative nature. Shrugging, Harry had responded, "I trust Amelia and Connie. Not many more, though. Don't even think about Scrimgeour."
The four friends, Hermione, Remus, Amelia and Connie listened in silence as Tonks gave an excellent briefing. At the end, Susan asked questions regarding the stream at the back of the property.
"It looks like the wards cross the stream."
Daphne smiled, "Looking to do a little swimming?"
"If it means we don't have to rip the wards down and let everyone and their brother know we're coming."
Nodding, Harry turned to Amelia and asked, "How do you feel about another Reserve Auror being added to the rolls?"
.oOo.
"You want me to be an Auror and help you on missions that may be of dubious legality." The expression of amused disbelief on Bill's face was priceless.
Harry smiled and Daphne laughed. Neville smothered his chuckles in Susan's hair as she smiled at the cursebreaker. Hermione's lips twitched as she attempted to maintain the semblance of seriousness
"Yes."
"Bill, who do you think took out Nott Manor? Or the Death Eaters in Knockturn Alley? Or the Death Eaters at Lord MacMillan's home?" Susan asked at her most demure.
With a wolfish smile, the eldest Weasley brother responded, "That was you guys?" When he got four nods and a smile from Hermione, he continued, "I'm in. What's the target?"
"Well, it has to do with this little stream over here."
They approached the table in the study and Bill looked over the ward map. As he talked to himself and scribbled on a spare bit of parchment, Remus and Tonks ended the Disillusionment charm on themselves. Bill was so taken up in his evaluation, he didn't even notice.
"Looks like we've got a new person on the team," commented Remus.
"Eight's a good number," Daphne replied as she snuggled into her husband's arms.
Waving his hand, Bill caught their attention and pointed at the map. The team gathered around the table as Bill began.
"Most likely, the wards do not go much below the water. A few inches at best. Most wards that have a function that interacts with the ground which prevents people from digging under them. It's an obscure process called inversion. Long story short, it keeps people from digging under," he finished with a smile.
"Anyway, water is different. Again, long story short, it just is." Harry smiled at Hermione's expression. Daphne smothered her own smiles as she could tell that Bill was in for quite a rigorous interrogation by the muggleborn witch after this was over.
"The team can most likely just swim under the ward. However," he explained with a very serious expression, "The warders for this estate were not idiots. By the way, which home is this?"
"Malfoy Manor."
"Oh. So very old and very thorough wards. Therefore, the warders most likely were aware of this little trap door as well. I expect the stream is littered with cursed objects, magical and muggle predators. Lots of nasties." Bill was tapping his chin with the pencil in his hand, lost in thought.
A wide grin slowly blossomed on his face. "I have an idea."
20 October, 1996 Friday
Daphne was curled up on the couch of the informal Sitting Room. The oversize fireplace had a nice sized fire that was crackling and provided a nice warmth for the room.
She turned the page of her latest romance novel, thoroughly savoring her hidden pleasure. With a quick spell she'd transfigured the cover to imitate her Ancient Runes book. Even though she enjoyed the stories, she surely didn't want to advertise what she was reading. This was one of her favorite story lines; the underage Veela who loved the young hero and complemented, supported and loved him so that he could defeat evil. She sighed as she turned the page.
A groan from her mother caused her to look up. Evelyn had been visiting George Stebbins quite a bit lately. Daphne wasn't stupid and could tell that there was much more than friendship between the two and it probably had been going on for quite some time.
Her mother had been either cheating on Daphne's father or was at least in love with George while being physically faithful to her husband. Somehow, Daphne couldn't find an ounce of moral outrage at the situation. Sighing, she realized how much she had truly despised her father. Thinking back to her observation about Tonks and her father, she wished that she'd had a father that was worthy of her love, affection and respect. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
Blinking back sudden tears, she realized that she was quite happy for her mother. It was obvious that her mother was more blissful than Daphne ever remembered her and if it was due to her blossoming relationship with George, so be it. Evelyn shook the cobwebs out, poured another mug of cider for herself and topped off her son's mug of hot chocolate.
Phillip was polishing his Firebolt. He'd fainted when Harry had presented it to him. The young lad was roused to quite a bit of teasing from his sisters and a burning red face. Phillip had held Harry in high esteem before, now the young head of Clan Greengrass worshipped his brother-in-law.
Susan and Neville were cuddling on the loveseat opposite her. Daphne suspected that Neville was actually asleep, so didn't want to disturb them. Susan was playing with his hair and gave Daphne a happy smile when she caught her eye.
Daphne smiled back and wished Harry would hurry up. He and Amelia were talking with Connie, Tonks, Remus and Bill about the upcoming raid on Malfoy Manor. The Ministry was going to have two Auror Response Teams available on the 25th, the day they were going.
Connie had mentioned to her that she was most concerned that there would be a large number of Death Eaters holed up at the estate. Lucius was the most recognized of the Azkaban internees and Connie had warned the group not to play the hero. If they were outnumbered, "Get the holy hell out of there!"
Daphne frowned. From the hallway she could hear someone cursing fluently and most eloquently. The fireplace roared as someone used the Floo to leave. Looking at Susan, she saw her friend frowning as well. Neville was most definitely awake and stood to head out of the room.
A red faced Tonks stormed into the room followed by the others. Amelia stopped short and dropped the bomb.
"Azkaban has been leveled. The Dementors we had trapped there are out and all the imprisoned Death Eaters have escaped." Looking at her niece, she added, "Don't wait up for me. I may not be back for a few days.
23 October, 1996 Monday
Amelia sat at the dinner table heavily. Frowning, Daphne asked, "Is all well, Amelia?"
"Not even remotely, my dear," answered the sitting Minister for Magic. "The Prime Minister ripped my head off today about this ongoing killing of thirteen muggles a day. That plus the Azkaban nightmare and he's less than pleased with the leadership of Her Majesty's magical subjects."
Amelia sighed and said, "I don't blame him one bit. I'm furious about it, but as I explained to the man, we're doing all we can." She gave Daphne a beady eye and finished, "As you can probably guess, he was less than reassured."
Susan cleared her throat and asked, "Why don't we turn it around on them?"
Amelia's brow furrowed. "Explain."
"We target known Death Eaters and eliminate them."
The furrow on Amelia's brow was now matched with a frown. "I don't like that idea. Tit for tat sounds good in a novel, but in real life it's an ugly thing. Plus, we need evidence. I will not become that which we fight and randomly kill persons we suspect of being Voldemort supporters."
"What is Harry? Chopped liver?"
"Huh?" a thoroughly bemused Lord Potter so eloquently stated from the head of the table.
Rolling her eyes, Lady Bones responded, "Harry, your memory from the end of the Triwizard had what, thirty or forty Death Eaters in the graveyard? All don't have to be killed. Just most. Take the captures and drain them dry with Veritaserum and Legilimency."
Pursing his lips, Harry sat back in his chair. He caught Daphne's eye and she tried to send the love she felt for him as reassurance. "It's a good idea, love."
Harry nodded and told Amelia, "I'd be willing to submit a memory of that evening for the DMLE to pick apart. I wouldn't be surprised if many of them are not in hiding."
Susan's face hardened for a moment before she reminded her Aunt, "Not that long ago you said the gloves were coming off."
Amelia nodded and forked some salad into her mouth as she ruminated. Exhaling, she chuckled to herself and looked at her niece ruefully. A more relaxed Amelia took another bite of her salad and chewed for a bit as she deliberated. Looking at Harry for a long moment, she directed, "Make the memory copy. I'll take it in tomorrow."
They finished the meal in silence. As Amelia made her way out of the room, she paused and said, "Thank you, Harry."
25 October, 1996 Wednesday
As they planned for their 'excursion' to Malfoy Manor, Harry had offered up using the same pattern they'd used for taking down Nott Manor.
Remus had frowned. At Harry's prompting he responded, "Usually, you don't want to fall into a pattern when conducting reconnaissance missions and raids. If the enemy is smart – and Voldemort is very smart – they will pick up on the pattern and lie in wait for it."
"It's a balance between originality and following up a proven modus operandi."
Harry nodded and the group discussed how to mix in originality to their plan.
The reconnaissance had been benign. Bill and Hermione had analyzed the wards and collected more data. The four friends had patrolled the area in their animal forms, finding nothing out of the ordinary. All in all, it looked pretty good.
"That's what scares the hell out of me," responded Connie Hammer when Neville had voiced that same thought.
At three AM the eight man team gathered around a brass hoop portkey. Tonks checked everyone over to ensure gear was strapped on tightly. When she got to Remus, she goosed him to which he jumped.
"Not now Tonks!" he hissed at her.
"Sorry, Wolfie. You're just too damn sexy. I can't control myself."
The group chuckled. Remus, Tonks, Hermione and Bill all drew their wands while the four friends prepared to shift as soon as the portkey dropped them off.
"All ready?" Tonks got seven nods and then cackled, "Aaawwwayyyy we go! Activate!"
Once the swirling sensation faded and they landed, Daphne shifted to The Wolf. Gathering her bearings, she took off to the west in the loping run of a wolf. Behind her, she heard The Hawk beating her wings to gain altitude. The Bear was heading east while The Tiger prowled in the vicinity of the stream.
Slowing to a trot, The Wolf listened. The sounds of the forest at night gave nothing away. She could hear Remus, Tonks and Hermione set up their defensive positions around Bill as he began to analyze the wards. Hermione was going to continue to act as Bill's assistant for the operation. They all joked that Susan and Daphne were the only others that could understand what he was saying, but they couldn't take very good notes when Shifted.
Returning to the present, far away in the distance she could barely make out the shambling run of The Bear.
No hostile scents came to her so she slowed to a walk and began exploring the area a bit. They had appeared on the northern edge of the warded area of the Manor. They didn't need to scout the entirety of the grounds, but with the escape of thirty odd Death Eaters – including Lucius Malfoy – the team was taking no chances.
She heard a short, high pitched whistle and turned back to the portkey landing point. Finding the other seven waiting for her, she Shifted to her human form and reported, "Nothing."
Harry nodded and then told her, "Go ahead."
Per Bill's idea, Daphne stunned Remus. Quickly transfiguring the stunned man into a steel rod, she repeated the process on Hermione, Bill and Tonks.
"God, I hope this works," muttered Harry.
Bill had postulated that the wards would not inhibit inanimate objects. During their reconnaissance, he had casually thrown rocks across the ward line to no effect. While everyone waited on tenterhooks, The Tiger had leapt across the stream to no effect either. Thus 'the idea' transitioned to 'the plan'.
The four friends Shifted and The Wolf gathered up a rod in her mouth – Hermione she thought. The Tiger had two rods and The Bear had another. Five minutes later, the four friends were well inside the ward line and in a secluded stand of pine trees. Dropping the rods, Daphne Shifted back to restore the other four while The Tiger and Bear fanned out to keep watch. The Hawk continued to circle overhead.
Soon, the other four members of the team were sitting on the pine needles and shaking their heads. It had been Hermione's idea to stun the non-shifters first before transfiguring them. They didn't want to have any sensory deprivation issues after being transfigured into an inanimate object. Four quick Pepper Up potions later and they were ready to go.
Bill and Hermione would be taking up the rear. They were needed along the intended egress route in order to tear down the wards if need be. Bill had a satchel that he had filled with 'ward busters'. They were rune engraved stones that had been charged with magic via leeching from ley lines. Effectively, they were magical bombs. In a discussion with Harry, Bill had estimated they would need three ward busters to initiate a catastrophic cascading casualty to the Malfoy wards. Harry had purchased ten. Never hurt to be safe.
Tonks and Remus were in the center of the formation following The Wolf. She had shown to be the best at tracking and being aware of her surroundings. Forming an arrowhead with The Wolf at the tip, The Tiger and The Bear fanned out to the sides. As usual, The Hawk was providing top cover.
When they reached the formal gardens, The Tiger and Bear were to return to the center and Shift. The Hawk was to land, Shift and the group would proceed to the back of the manor house.
From there…well, they'd stop in to say hello to cousin Narcissa.
In a loose line, they approached the French Doors facing the veranda in back of the manor house. Daphne approached the doors with Neville and Harry on each shoulder. She hid a small smile. The guys – Harry in particular - were looking extremely fierce and protective. She'd have to tell him later how dead sexy he was when he was like that.
Shaking off the extraneous thoughts, Daphne cast diagnostic charms and found no ward or detection charms outside of a simple locking charm on the doors.
A flick of her wand and the doors opened. Bill and Hermione took up defensive positions on the outside of the house. The other six ghosted through the doorway.
After much discussion, they'd decided to stay together in the house. Usually, Neville and Susan would split from Harry and Daphne. Both Remus and Tonks had expressed reservations about that idea.
"Harry, massed concentrated fire is always better than speed in a suspected hotspot," Remus had argued.
"Why do you say Malfoy Manor is a hotspot?"
Tonks had an amused expression, "Harry, use the brains the creator gave you. Of course there are going to be a zillion Death Eaters there."
Shrugging, Harry capitulated.
The hallways were wide enough for the team to have a bit of separation. Remus and Harry were up front, flanked by Daphne and Tonks. Susan and Neville had rear guard walking backwards every so often to ensure they had no unexpected visitors.
The intent was to clear the main floor and then move upstairs if they had time. If everything went perfectly, they'd attempt to investigate and sub-levels to the home. Daphne had voiced the thought they all shared, "So we won't be going to the dungeons then?"
"Probably."
The Grand Dining Room, Ballroom, Library and Formal Sitting room were all empty. However, both the Library and Grand Dining Room showed evidence of recent use. Parchment and maps were scattered over desks and tables. Remus hadn't even bothered to see what they were; he shrunk the entire mess and stuffed it into his pocket.
Tonks waved her hands to get the rest of the groups' attention. When they gathered around she deliberately pointed to the double doors of which she was standing in front.
"Lots in here. Don't know how many."
Harry leaned into her ear and whispered, "Get ready to activate the emergency beacon if we need it," to which Tonks nodded her head.
Harry looked around at the seven grave faces and then gave Susan a nod. She lifted her wand and cast, "Reducto!"
.oOo.
The swarms of black robes made the room appear like a snake pit.
"Fuck," Tonks muttered as her hand dashed to her pocket and the emergency beacon. Activating it would bring the First and Third Auror Emergency Response Team within five minutes.
Now, they just had to survive that long.
In concert, eight beams of eldritch fire leapt out of wands into the teeming mass of Death Eaters.
Daphne and Susan immediately began conjuring animals while the other six continued their bombardment of the thirty or so Death Eaters that they could see.
Susan and Daphne conjured a lion, tiger, bear, animated saw blades, animated swords and spears. With a quick set of charms, they all attacked the boil of Voldemort slaves from the flanks, tearing into cloth and flesh. The lion was pulverized by a Blasting curse, but the bear rushed through the attack and brought the Death Eater down before moving on to its next victim.
Four headless Death Eaters fell to the animated objects before anyone could even react. A surprisingly intelligent Death Eater cast a shield around the blades, immobilizing them. Unfortunately for him, he missed the spear which impaled itself on him a moment later. His compatriot then Vanished the confined objects.
The tiger was running rampant. With swipes of its great paws, Death Eaters fell like wheat before the scythe. It too was dispatched by a Blasting curse from behind.
The screams of the wounded and dying began to get louder. By her count, Daphne saw sixteen immobile Death Eaters.
"Ah, crap!" Tonks shouted.
Over the heads of the Death Eaters, they could see the top of double doors at the opposite end of the room. Tonks was bemoaning the fact that they had just opened. Unfortunately, the light sided fighters could only assume reinforcements were boiling out of a further room.
Harry, Remus and Neville were casting like machines. They stood in a semi-circle with Harry in the middle. Remus' face was drawn in an unconscious snarl. Flashing his teeth, he cut down Death Eaters in front of him.
Neville's expression was slack. His wand a blur, he let the intensive training they'd had over the previous months take over.
Harry had to be the scariest to his enemies. He spun out of the way of a Killing curse and Daphne saw his eyes glowing green. Not just the iris – the entire eye was glowing with magical power.
Casting in frenzy, the three men tried to keep the Death Eaters pinned down, killing when they could. Bone Breakers, Decapitation curses, Piercing charms, Reductor curses, Cutting curses, and a few Ribbon Cutters fell like hail. No Stunning spells or Full Body Binds were cast that night. Tonks was behind the group, shielding the men.
Now that the Transfigured items had been sent on their way, Daphne and Susan stepped in front of Tonks and added their own firepower to the covering fire. Conjured chain, cannon balls, railroad spikes and thousands of ball bearings tore into the Death Eater ranks, cutting the black robed thugs apart.
Some of the Death Eaters were recovering from the surprise and began to fight back. Emerald green Killing curses began to rocket across the expanse between the two groups. Fortunately for the attackers, the recovering Death Eaters were in the back of the room, screened by their dying friends.
Susan and Daphne began to rapidly conjure low marble walls for the team to duck behind when the Unforgivables began flying. Chips of marble were thrown in the air when the Cruciatus or Killing curse impacted.
The incoming fire picked up significantly. Susan and Daphne had to assist Tonks with the shielding now as Tonks' shields were buckling too often for effectiveness.
A Slicing curse penetrated the shield group and felled Neville, his shoulder bleeding heavily.
The room was thick with magic. The veritable firestorm of eldritch fire made it hard to see and the attackers weren't even aiming any more. They were just casting in a general direction hoping to hit their enemy.
A dark Bludgeoning curse knocked down the shields and shattered Daphne's right knee. Screaming, she fell to the ground. Through the haze of pain, she heard Harry scream, "NO!"
He was there a moment later and cast a Numbing charm on her leg. Watching him through the tears of pain, she saw his face go slack and his body begin to shimmer.
The slackness contorted into a snarl and the boy-who-lived began to glow with a blue-black light. Spinning around, Harry glared at the Death Eaters. The light surrounding him pulsed and he lifted his hands as he began to float a foot in the air over his wife. Staring at them, his hands curled into claws as he lifted them over his head.
Throwing back his head in a silent scream, Harry unleashed his rage, fear and magic.
The wave of power exploded from him like a shockwave. The front ranks of the Death Eaters were immolated and the rest knocked to the ground.
There was silence as both sides stood and gaped.
Harry fell to the ground and Daphne crawled over to him. Covering him with her body, she looked up and saw a horrific sight. At the other end of the huge room was a dais. Seeing over the fallen Death Eaters she saw an ornate throne upon which was seated a shocked Lord Voldemort.
The shock retreated quickly to be replaced by incandescent rage. As the monster slowly rose, Daphne felt herself being levitated. She looked around and saw a bloody-faced Susan lifting her. Tonks was limping and levitating Harry while Remus and Neville cast covering fire. The men cast one Concussion hex after another, rocking the world again. It was time to leave.
They'd lasted three minutes and twenty-two seconds.
Hurrying down the hall to the back doors, Daphne heard Tonks shout, "WE'RE LEAVING! BRING DOWN THE WARDS NOW GODDAMMIT!"
There was a deafening explosion that shook the world for a third time. With that, Daphne sank into blissful oblivion.
26 October, 1996 Thursday
Consciousness was thrust upon Daphne as some stupid bastard opened the curtains, letting sunlight fall on her face.
"Good morning," said an insanely chipper voice.
"Go away."
A clucking tongue caused Daphne to reach for her wand. Not finding it, she cracked open an eye to see a nurse writing on a chart. Looking about the room, Daphne saw her mother asleep in a chair next to Phillip who was asleep on the couch.
Panicked, she began looking for Harry. "Where is my husband?" she asked hurriedly.
"He's fine, dear. Calm down now. We don't want you to hurt yourself."
"Fuck you and tell me where my husband is NOW!"
The nurse's cheerful face closed up. "He's in the room next door."
Daphne pulled the sheets off her and made to stand.
"Now, now, dear. You must stay in bed!" the nurse clucked.
Fear mixing with rage, Daphne snarled, "You will address me as 'My Lady' or 'Your Ladyship'. Do you understand? Now get out of my way."
Daphne wobbled past the incensed nurse and her waking mother. Looking both ways out the hall, she saw Aurors outside of another room and headed toward it.
"I'm sorry, ma'am," the red robed Auror apologized. "No one is allowed into this room."
Narrowing her eyes, she replied, "Thank you for your diligence, but that's my husband in there."
With a look of apology the man moved to the side, allowing Daphne entrance.
Harry lay on the bed without bruise or blemish. If she didn't know better, Daphne would have thought him only asleep. Pressing the call button on the wall, she waited for the nurse to come explain his situation.
As she stood there, her leg began to throb. Quickly finding two chairs, she sat in one and put her right leg on the other. The throbs quickly receded. As she watched Harry, she absently began to massage her thigh and calf.
When there was a commotion at the door, Daphne saw her mother trying to get in. "Let her in please, she's my mother and Lord Potter's mother-in-law."
"Yes, ma'am."
Evelyn rushed in the room with her hair all coming out of its bun. Looking over her daughter, she asked, "How are you?"
Shrugging, Daphne answered, "My leg hurts a bit, but when I keep it elevated it's Ok." She paused then asked, "Harry?"
"Magical exhaustion only. A few cuts, but that's it. George says he should be on his feet in a few days."
Exhaling with relief, Daphne said, "Thanks, mum. Anyone else in here?"
"Well, Susan and Neville needed some work, but didn't stay overnight. Amelia was here for quite a while, but went home around sunrise. She was quite worried about you two. Even Lady Augusta came by for a few hours to sit with you and Harry."
Evelyn paused, then gathered her courage to ask, "Blue-eyes, what are you involved in? What has Harry roped you into?"
Eyes glittering with anger, Daphne turned on her mother like a snake. "My husband hasn't roped me into anything, mother. We are doing our part in the war against Voldemort and the Death Eaters. Beyond that, I can't tell you."
Narrowing her eyes, she added, "I know your family has always been neutral in the Dark/Light wars, but let me tell you here and now, the Potters stand against the darkness." Taking a deep breath and rubbing her face, Daphne relaxed a bit before adding, "I'm a Potter now. Harry has to do this and I'll go to hell and back for him. It's the right thing to do."
Evelyn nodded and stood. As her mother was walking to the window, Daphne saw an expression of unutterable sadness cross her face. Looking out the window, Evelyn said, "I love you and only want the best for you. I'll help you in any way I can."
Turning back to watch over her husband, Daphne absently replied, "Thanks mum."
.oOo.
Hermione stopped by after lunch with a box of baked goods. "I bought them on the way over. My mother is a great woman, but a terrible cook."
Daphne smiled, toasted her friend with a bun and munched on the sugary confection. Harry was sleeping now whereas before he had been unconscious. The Healers made a big deal about the difference, but to Daphne it was irrelevant.
"I want my Harry back," she muttered.
Hermione nodded and gave her friend a light hug. "So do I."
Shaking off the maudlin feelings, she asked, "So what happened after I passed out?"
"Bill set off five of the ward busters." She shook her head in disbelief at the memory, "It was astounding. I could see the magical discharge and then feel the wards shatter like glass. It was pretty incredible."
"Anyway, you all came out. Susan had a rough looking cut on her scalp and Neville was bleeding heavily from his shoulder. You should have seen Remus – he was like a man possessed. I didn't know a person could cast that fast. He sent one Concussion hex after the other to prevent anyone following. Blew out his eardrums doing it too. Malfoy Manor is quite trashed."
"Tonks grabbed a small communicator out of her pocket and called off the Emergency Response Teams as you, Harry, Susan and Neville were portkeyed here. Apparently, she didn't want them to get slaughtered."
Daphne shivered. She knew that a healthy dollop of luck was one of the main reasons they all made it out alive. True, they had been training together non-stop for months and that showed in their coordination, attack and defensive patterns. By all rights though, they shouldn't have made it out alive.
"Tonks estimated there were over fifty Death Eaters plus Voldemort there last night."
Nodding, Daphne took another bun from the box and concurred, "Easily. If not more."
"So, the wounded got away, Tonks called off the cavalry and then the four of us portkeyed here as well. Tonks had a twisted knee, Remus his ears but Bill and I were unscathed."
"Is the Ministry planning a full scale raid?"
"I don't know. Amelia was here last night and had a long talk with Tonks and Remus. As soon as she was cleared, Tonks apparated away. I can only assume they are planning something."
"Good. I doubt anyone will be there, but who knows?"
Hermione shrugged and finished, "Remus was fixed up in a jiffy. He took Susan back to Rowan Hill while Neville apparated home after he was healed."
Daphne nodded, happy that her friends were all healthy and safe.
Just then, Harry groaned and rubbed his face as he exhaled loudly. He screwed up his face after a whiff of his breath and blindly reached for his wand.
Daphne smiled and took pity on her man. Casting a quick Breath Freshening charm on him, she then asked, "How do you feel, love?"
He cracked his eyes open and squinted at her, "Tired."
She nodded at the expected answer, "The Healer says you're just suffering from mild magical exhaustion and will be up to snuff later today or tomorrow."
He nodded then asked, "Everyone Ok?"
"Yes. Neville and Susan were cut up, Remus blew out his eardrums and Tonks twisted her knee, but they're all healed and good to go now."
"What about you, wife?"
She shrugged, "My knee is sore, but the Healer says I'll have a full recovery. I told her about our workout schedule and she said to keep following it, just take it easy on the runs for a week or two."
He nodded and was silent for a long moment. "He was there last night wasn't he?"
"Yes."
"Damn. I missed him."
Hobbling over to her husband's bed, she sat next to him and gently rubbed his chest. "You'll get him. Sooner rather than later. However, last night showed us all that you can't do it alone."
He nodded and squeezed her hand, content for the moment.
28 October, 1996 Saturday
Daphne and Harry decided that it was time to open up Rowan Hill to their friends for an informal dinner party. Hermione had come over around noon to help with some of the preparations, but was put off by Dobby and Nob.
"Dobby and Nob are doing the cleaning and preparing for the Master and Mistress, Miss Grangey. You be going outside now," Dobby yammered at Hermione as he unceremoniously ushered the young witch to the veranda.
With a dumbfounded expression, she saw the entire household on the veranda. Everyone had a sheepish expression.
Daphne owned up to the truth. "Dobby ushered us all out here."
Evelyn and Amelia looked up from their book and the paper, smiled and returned to relaxing.
Harry was a bit confused why Hermione corralled Daphne around three to help her get ready for the festivities. Daphne had merely rolled her eyes at her husband, patted him on the head and said, "I'll explain everything to you later dear. As usual."
Remus and Tonks arrived with Neville. The Weasley boys arrived right at six. They heard Bill, Fred and George before they saw them.
"Ah, it's so good to be back here isn't it brothers?"
"Indubitably, brother. What say you older brother?"
"That you're both mentally deranged and I disavow all relation to you."
"You wound me brother!"
"Indeed!"
"Why are you wearing those ridiculous trousers?"
"Ridiculous? These are the height of fashion!"
"Tell me the truth, though. Do they make my bum look big?"
At this point, everyone on the veranda was laughing. Susan, who didn't have a lot of exposure to the twins, was holding on to Neville as she laughed. Remus smiled wistfully, obviously remembering James and Sirius acting like the twins, while he vainly attempted to bring a smidgen of sanity to their lives.
As the three laughing redheads exited the house, the laughter redoubled itself. The twins were wearing leather plaid bellbottom trousers. They were a strange white/blue/yellow pattern that was so loud as to be deafening.
"Hermione! Come on! Bill and the twins are here!"
Hermione came downstairs and all heads turned. She was beautiful. Her clothes were just right and Daphne had helped her with her hair and makeup. An elaborate braid worked down the back of her scalp in a most fetching way.
Harry looked at his oldest friend with stunned amazement. After a long moment he turned to his wife and cocked an eyebrow in lieu of a question.
"Look at Bill," Daphne whispered in reply.
Harry turned in the direction Daphne indicated and saw the eldest Weasley brother standing there thunderstruck. His drink forgotten, he almost dumped his pint on his shoes when he saw Hermione.
Turning back to his wife, Harry asked, "Really?"
Daphne nodded and pulled him over to a corner of the veranda. Speaking low, she said, "She really likes him and I think he fancies her a bit. They are the only two singles that can actually have an intelligent conversation with each other. I mean, really. Can you see Hermione and Ron Weasley discussing the intricacies of the third universal law of transfiguration and its implications in daily life?"
Raising his eyebrows, Harry nodded in agreement. "Not really, no." After a long pause, he asked, "So, how old is Bill?"
Narrowing her eyes, Daphne answered, "It's none of your business, husband, how old he is or the age difference between the two of them."
"But…"
"Stow your buts, Harry." Softening, she ran her hands on his chest in a possessive manner before adding, "I know you see her as your sister and you only want the best for her. I know that you'll destroy anyone that hurts her. Fortunately, so too does everyone else. She's a big girl who can take care of herself. She's seventeen Harry. An adult for all intents and purposes. Plus, Bill's a pretty good guy."
Exhaling loudly, he kissed her on the forehead and pulled her close. She could feel him nuzzling into her hair before he muttered, "I can't protect her can I?"
She smiled and squeezed her man tight, "Not always, love. Come on, let's mingle and enjoy tonight."
They began mixing with their guests and Daphne was forcibly reminded of how much fun the twins were. In an innuendo laden conversation, they managed to infer that she and Harry ought to be having problems walking due to 'extracurricular activities'.
"Ah, boys. If only you knew," Daphne sighed, kissed them both on the cheek and then mock-hobbled to the drinks table. She looked back and joined in the resultant laughter.
Turning back she saw Harry and Remus laughing about something the older man was saying. Remus noticed her watching and raised his glass in a friendly salute. She smiled at him and then stiffened.
With a crash, Harry dropped the plate he was carrying, his hors d'oeuvres scattering across the slate of the veranda. Effortlessly, Daphne vaulted over the table as Harry's hands flew to his head.
Remus dropped his pint and moved to steady the now staggering Harry. By the time Daphne got to him, Harry had steadied and was panting like a racehorse. She placed herself in front of his face as his eyes narrowed in concentration and effort.
He was under an enormous strain but wasn't screaming in pain like he had during previous Legilimency attacks. His face contorted in effort and mental tension as he threw all he could at his Occlumency shields.
His emerald green met her vibrant blue and the ephemeral connection took place. Slowly, Harry's effort seemed to ease a bit. After a long moment, the strain in his face eased and he leisurely closed his eyes in relief.
Remus helped Harry to stand up straight as Daphne wrapped her arms around him in concern and relief. Harry gave a long sigh as she enveloped him from the front and Moony from the back. She could hear Remus mutter, "Damn you to hell Voldemort."
"Amen," was her only response.
"You alright?" she asked after a long moment.
"Actually, I am. A bit knackered, but on the whole I'm more hungry than wiped out. The Occlumency is paying off." He nodded to Remus who had relaxed his embrace. Smiling in return, Remus moved off to talk with Tonks and Bill on the other side of the veranda.
Harry looked around and saw their guests watching with horrified expressions. Harry chuckled at them and asked, "Who's up for a good meal?"
Fred gave a resounding cheer and grabbed Susan. Together, they danced the Tango into the dining room causing the tension to break and the party to resume.
Harry and Daphne followed the group, arm in arm. She looked up at his face and though tired, he was smiling.
Maybe they could win after all.
31 October, 1996 Tuesday
"Hear ye, hear ye. Ye Lords and Lady, Members and proxy-members, take your seats for this twentieth convocation of the ruling Wizengamot of Britannia That Was in the year one thousand, nine hundred and ninety six."
Daphne watched the shuffling and shambling of the members in the rotunda below. Harry and Richard MacMillan were conversing while Susan, Neville and Lord Jones were chatting.
Looking around the room, she saw many of the members glaring in the general direction of the Fifteen. Surely, the assertiveness of the group recently had raised some hackles. The trumping of the Wizengamot body proved to the likes of the Malfoys, Lestranges, Notts and so on that they were not the crème de la crème as they so wanted to be. They didn't seem to like the reminder too much.
A soft tap on her left hand caused Daphne to regard Lady Augusta. They'd taken to sitting together during the convocations and her fondness for the Grande Dame had only grown. The Dowager Lady Longbottom had shown her political acumen on more than one occasion by offering sound advice on the happenings below them.
Two weeks before, she'd teared up when Neville had risen and berated the sponsor of a bill that increased the muggleborn tax on businesses. The young Lord had systematically torn the bill to shreds and motioned for it to be removed from the docket. The Members had rallied to his impassioned cries and the bill was stricken.
Lady Augusta had been gripping Daphne's hand the entire time and at the end applauded her grandson. "He's becoming a good man."
"He always was a good man," Daphne corrected gently. "He's becoming a giant among men."
Lady Augusta had merely smiled and patted the younger woman's hand.
Returning to the present, Daphne watched Dumbledore rise and begin the session. Frowning, she saw the Chief Warlock watching Harry like a hawk for the entire session, the bulk of which was taken up with discussion about the increase in the Auror force.
There was no vote called. Despite a vigorous and somewhat ridiculous criticism of the Auror increase, Harry and the other members of the Fifteen chose to watch the 'debate' while refraining from participation. Amusing to Daphne, Triton Nott and Ricardo Lestrange let the discussion peter out when they saw that the Fifteen were not rising to the bait. Obviously, the ruling group had not changed their mind from the previous vote so Nott and Lestrange had no hope of a reversal of the expansion of the Law Enforcement agents.
The session was called to a close and when the Chief Warlock's gavel banged on his desk, Daphne helped Lady Augusta to her feet.
"It looks like those people aren't going to let the DMLE issue lie, does it my dear?" Lady Augusta opined in a soft voice.
"No, my Lady. It doesn't."
Lady Augusta hooked her arm through Daphne's and the younger woman assisted the older down the stairs to the main chamber. Approaching Harry and the other Fifteen, Lady Augusta patted Daphne on the arm and said, "I'll just have a seat here, dear. Please tell Neville that I'm here and when he's ready, we'll head home."
With a smile, Daphne moved off just as she saw Albus Dumbledore move toward Harry wearing a solemn expression. She pulled up next to Harry and tapped his hand. When he turned to her she nodded in the direction of the approaching Headmaster. He glanced in the direction and registered the approach of the elderly man. His face hardening, he gave her a small kiss on the forehead and muttered, "Thanks, love."
"My Lord, how are you and your lovely wife this fine day?"
"We are well, Chief Warlock. Yourself?"
"I am well, thank you. Might I have a word with you?"
Frowning, Daphne took Harry's proffered arm and they followed Dumbledore into a side room. They seated themselves around a round table and the Potters silently waited for Dumbledore to begin.
"My Lord, I am concerned about some reports that have reached me."
Daphne rolled her eyes. What a ridiculously dramatic statement that couldn't be more vague if he tried.
Harry concurred when he bit out, "Get to the point, sir."
Sighing, Dumbledore nodded and replied, "I understand you have been participating in raids on Death Eater strongholds."
Harry and Daphne frowned at that. She beat Harry to the punch and asked, "How would you have learned that?"
Dumbledore's eye-twinkle kicked into high gear. "Oh, here and there."
Now she was mad. "Chief Warlock, if you do not answer, not only is this interview at an end, but we will have to petition the Minister over dinner tonight to have you questioned by the Aurors as to your knowledge of classified information."
With narrowed eyes, Harry said, "I do not appreciate your prying, Chief Warlock. If anything, it smacks of espionage. Is there a purpose to all this or are you just showing off what you know?"
Taken aback by the double barreled blast from the Potters, Dumbledore blanched. Recollecting himself with admirable speed, the old man held his hands out in a soothing gesture. "I am no spy. Despite the animosity you hold for me, Harry, you know I am no supporter of Voldemort."
Reluctantly, Harry nodded but then continued, "To follow up my wife's question, how do you know this information?"
Dumbledore paused and then said, "I am reluctant to reveal my source as they have risked themselves in disclosing this to me."
"Well that's just too bad," Daphne spat, "He ought not to have said anything in the first place. Your little informant should have kept his mouth shut. People get killed when secrets like this leak."
"I will consider this." Dumbledore rumbled
Harry stood and extended his hand to Daphne. "While you consider it, we shall take our leave. Good day."
Daphne smiled at Harry's tactics and took his hand. As she stood, Dumbledore sighed again and said, "Kingsley Shacklebolt."
With a smug smile, Harry asked, "See? That wasn't too hard, was it?"
Dumbledore ignored the sarcasm as the couple retook their seats. "My purpose in meeting with you today is to bring some concerns of mine to your attention."
When Harry and Daphne replied with silence, the old man continued in a somewhat defeated tone. "I am concerned about some of your behavior, Harry."
Harry closed his eyes for a moment, obviously reining in his temper. "As I have told you before, you will address me as 'my Lord' or 'your Lordship'. Now what behavior of mine is any business of yours?"
"On these raids in which you have participated, I understand you have killed."
Daphne gaped at the audacity of the man across the table from her. Harry must have anticipated the question as he merely smiled at the man and asked a counter question.
"You would have me defeat Voldemort and his Death Eaters without killing them? Only the Aurors should kill? Or are the Death Eaters and their leader only allowed to kill? I'm confused on a few points Chief Warlock. First, how is this any business of yours and second, what are the rules regarding killing? I'm quite curious."
Daphne couldn't help herself; a giggling laugh bubbled up from her belly and rolled out before she could stop it. Harry had a wide smile and turned to her, squeezing her thigh under the table.
Continuing in his defeated tone, Dumbledore explained, "I am merely concerned for your overall well being."
Harry stood and helped Daphne from her chair. Very stiffly, he replied, "Thank you for your concern. Good day."
As they made their way out of the hall en route to the atrium, Daphne became worried about her silent husband. A quick apparition later, they were home and she put her hand on his arm.
"Are you alright?"
He turned to her and smiled, "Yeah. I'm concerned that Shacklebolt is talking to Dumbledore about things he ought not to discuss, but I'm Ok otherwise. Annoyed at the old man. Wish he'd just leave me alone. He can take his 'concerns', roll them up, stuff his pipe and smoke them."
Chuckling at the visual, Daphne wrapped her arms around her husband which he reciprocated. After a long minute, she asked, "Does the killing bother you?"
He shook his head and whispered, "Unfortunately, it doesn't." After a considering pause he added, "I'm afraid of what that may mean."
She tightened her hold and told him, "I feel the same way. Maybe it's part of integrating our animal Ka. Maybe it's because we've killed scum who needed a good killing." She pulled back and looked him in the eye, "You aren't going Dark, of that I'm sure."
He ran his hand through her raven tresses before leaning in and softly kissing her. "What would I do without you?"
She smiled impishly and replied, "You'd still be lonely virgin who didn't have much fun."
He laughed and said, "Well, we can't have that, can we?" Scooping her into his arms, he headed for the stairs and the master bedroom, "Come wife, we've some things to discuss."
"Oooh, I like these discussions."
.oOo.
"As you can see, Amelia, we're quite concerned about this leak of information."
A furious Amelia Bones sat at the dinner table. Harry had just recounted the discussion he and Daphne had with the Chief Warlock.
"I agree wholeheartedly, Harry. I'll have Connie in first thing in the morning and then the two of us will have a bit of a chat with Auror Shacklebolt. "
Harry nodded and let the matter drop. Daphne agreed, Shacklebolt's future was none of their business. He'd made his bed, he'd have to lie in it.
It was a quiet meal. Susan was at Green Hills dining with Neville and Lady Augusta, Phillip was at a friend's house for the week and Evelyn was out to dinner with George Stebbins.
Talk turned to their day and devolved into another politics lesson by Amelia. By nature she wasn't a bossy woman. In fact she was very 'hands-off' in her raising of Susan. Usually, she'd give the girl advice through a story and then let her loose. She firmly believed that experience was the best educator when guidance failed.
All three were laughing as Amelia recounted a rather humorous experience from her Auror days that involved two leprechauns and a quintaped when the fireplace in the Entry Hall roared. Daphne glanced at the clock and saw it was too early for Susan or Evelyn to return and discreetly drew her wand.
She smiled grimly when she noticed her husband and Amelia had done the same.
The pat-pat-pat of rapidly approaching feet told the threesome that the person was running. Amelia came around the table to have some cover as Harry and Daphne spread out. Out of the corner of her eye, Daphne saw Harry Shift to The Tiger and nodded in agreement. A moment later, The Wolf stood there, coiling her muscles for a leaping attack.
A disheveled Connie Hammer ran in the Family Dining Room. She scanned the room, ignoring the five hundred pound tiger and bristling she-wolf. Zeroing in on Amelia she barked, "Gringotts is under attack by a hundred Death Eaters and Voldemort himself is leading the attack!"
"Happy Halloween, Harry," thought Daphne.
A/N
1. I own nothing
2. Yes, muggledad screwed up last chapter. Draco was in Azkaban for the murder of Terry Boot, not roaming the halls of Hogwarts in order to fling offensive slurs at our heroes. I've just wanted for Harry to intimidate the piss out of the Ferret for a while (pun intended). Had a brush of it in Harry and Gabi, and an Animagus version in To Stand Against the Darkness. I just spaced the continuity. Sorry to all. Just suspend your disbelief while reading that part and revel in the moment. I know I did.
3. Thanks to all who have taken the time to vote on my homepage for the next story to be updated. I was stunned that Harry and Gabi had such support. I've been working on it (~9k words for chapter 2) but chapter 2 will be a long one like chapter 1. Don't expect a posting anytime soon, but I am working on it. Also, I have about half of the next chapter of All Because of a Hippogriff done. I've taken to updating the status of the stories on my homepage weekly. If you're curious on the status of a story, check there. My Partners chapters are usually 10k words+. Hippogriff runs 6-8k or better. You all know that the Harry and Gabi chappies are all monsters. Expect that for them all.
4. I am currently re-reading Sunset Over Britain by Bobmin356. It's a wonderful story found on fanfictionauthors(dot)net. Excellent work by Bob & Alyx. If you haven't read it and its companion piece Sunrise Over Britain, make the time.