Lord of Darkness
Guilt & Perspectives
***One day ownership will be mine... BUT IT IS NOT THIS DAY! ***
*Follow me on the Twitters at AngelSlayer135 for occasional progress updates on stories
***LoD***
Albus Dumbledore stared in horror at the object floating less than twenty feet from him, before giving a soft chuckle, "Clever my boy… very clever."
"What can I say, I guess all those classes with Binns managed to teach me to learn from history rather than ignore it… although I still don't know crap about the Goblin Rebellions."
That earned a warm smile from the Headmaster, it almost felt like they were friends once more, laughing and talking over a cup of hot tea rather than standing in the utterly destroyed Great Hall of Hogwarts, one of them bloodied and near death at the hands of the other.
Almost
"Very Slytherin of you I must say."
The teen shook his head, "I'd like to think there was some of my parent's Gryffindor bravery in there, trust a lion to let yourself get beat up just to win."
Nodding, the older man raised his Wand in preparation to complete his task, even if the entire world knew he still had one last chance to… A cracking sound alerted the elderly Wizard to his protective Wards failing, and seconds later the doors burst open as Aurors, led by Amelia Bones with Sirius Black and Remus Lupin not far behind, stormed into the room.
"Albus Dumbledore, you are under arrest for the attempted murder of a child, aiding in the murders of James and Lily Potter, circumvention of the laws of the Wizengamot, false imprisonment, hundreds of counts of child endangerment, and who knows what else once this investigation commences. Surrender, now!"
Shoulders sagging the man turned back towards the boy one last time, "Your move Harry," he whispered, before extending his arm and calling out for his familiar, which burst into flames before vanishing with its master a second later.
Harry Potter, eyes heavy and covered in injuries promptly slumped to the side before passing out, his last memory being of his two godfathers running forward in dismay.
***LoD***
"This isn't necessary…" Hedwig muttered for what felt like the tenth time in an hour as she walked alongside the small procession through the Malfoy mansion. Originally Sirius Black had demanded that his godson stay at the Black manner, but with Dumbledore having held several meetings of the Order of the Phoenix there, it was deemed safer for the unconscious boy to be somewhere that never had any of the former Headmaster's influence. Currently the only ones, besides the white-haired girl, were Draco's parents, Sirius, Remus, and Bellatrix.
The other girls hadn't been informed yet, the adults wanting to get their Lord settled and setup treatment before dealing with hysterical teenagers.
Lucius scoffed as they went through the third set of Wards placed on the northern wing of the house, which had been vacated for who would be its sole resident. "We already discussed this, with Dumbledore still free there is no such thing as 'too much' security. Two adults with him at all times."
The former owl gave a defeated sigh as she shook her head, and the group entered what would soon be referred to as the 'inner sanctum'. There they unlocked the door to the master bedroom, guiding in the boy-who-lived on the stretcher he still lay on, completely unresponsive in his coma-like state.
"Personally," Narcissa began as she went to check on the boy's vitals, after he had been set onto the bed, "I would prefer more guards than just two…"
Something in the statement served for further ire the former owl, who scowled in annoyance at how helpless everyone seemed to be making her boy. Turning, she pointed at the woman's husband, "Cast a stunner at him."
The blonde raised an eyebrow at the 'demand' before shaking his head, "Why in the world would I…"
"To prove he isn't helpless, go ahead. Even if you succeed it won't harm him anyway."
Glancing around Lucius hesitated, before giving a slight shrug and drawing his Wand.
At that moment everyone froze… because they were no longer alone.
Something was in the room, or perhaps always had been but only decided to make itself known in that moment. Regardless, the Malfoy Lord had to force himself not to run screaming in terror, and still found his arm trembling at the presence. It was as if some great beast was staring him in the eyes, and he had only now noticed it. A presence curled around him, and everyone else, ready to strike them down at a moment notice, to devour them should they prove any threat.
"Now do you understand?" the girl whispered into the silence. "Harry's Magic isn't like yours, or anyone else's for that matter. It is almost like a living breathing entity, more like a watchdog than a person. Either way, it protects him just as fiercely as a familiar would. Normally it is kept under force and chains by his will, restrained so as not to strike without permission, even when he sleeps. Now though… now it is off the leash. The only difference between Albus Dumbledore bringing forth and entire army, and a first-year student seeking revenge is the number of corpses we would have to clean up after the massacre is over."
***LoD***
"Andy, what is taking so long? Shouldn't he be awake by now?" Sirius practically growled as he paced back and forth in his godson's temporary quarters, the other adults there for the initial checkup as well. Narcissa had been the one to insist upon contacting her sister, knowing that the older Witch would be able to help speed the recovery.
"Normally yes, but I have run into a bit of a problem."
The collected group froze, most silently thankful that the younger girls were not in to hear any bad news. "A-and that is?" Remus inquired hesitantly.
With a sigh the woman gestured towards her Wand, which lay on a desk nearby, "I can't so much as touch a Wand without well…"
"His Magic retaliating… bloody freaking hell of all the times…" her cousin muttered in half-annoyance half-concern.
The woman nodded, "Correct, he is still healing, but it is limited to mostly his own natural abilities at this point. I have patched the wounds and applied salves where possible, but it is dangerous to try and use Potions on the unconscious and I am not even going to pretend that Muggle syringes would be of any use." She let out a deep sigh, "I am doing everything I can. I don't want anything to happen to him either Sirius, especially with how attached my daughter is to him but…"
"But there is not much more you can do." Narcissa finished, earning a weary nod. "Is there anything else we can try?"
"For now, just make him comfortable, change the wrappings, and apply the medications on the schedule I have made. He will be fine, but do not expect him to resume consciousness for several days at least." The woman gathered up her supplies and departed, a second later her younger sister hurrying after her.
"Andromeda, could you wait a second please…"
The Medi-Witch paused, before turning back, "Narcissa I already told you there is nothing more I can…"
But the Malfoy matron merely shook her head, "I know, unlike most of the rest I am skilled enough to understand what you are doing I just… would you be able to stay over while he is here? I would feel better with you around and… well I just… Bella and I miss you."
A small smile formed on the departing woman's face, before she gave a small nod, "I would like that. I have missed you too Cissa, and I suppose Bella too at times. Let me get home and pack a few belongings into a trunk and I will be back."
"Great, that gives me time to get a room ready near mine and Bella's."
***LoD***
Hermione Granger growled in anger, practically storming through the halls after her target. She had been part of the group to be informed after Harry had arrived and been secured. Needless to say, there had been more than a little outrage, and hysterics, between the six females.
After the sobbing, and there had been more than a little of that, had finished the bookworm had taken up the role of making a schedule for who would be staying with Harry and when. She had assumed that Hedwig would be demanding the first watch, she was closest to him after all, but had been shocked into silence when the amber-eyed girl had merely shaken her head.
"No," she had replied, "I can take the evening shift, someone else can stay with him first. He is going to be fine anyway." Before departing without a second glance back.
To the bushy-haired Witch that dismissal was tantamount to betrayal, and she intended to make her opinion known to the girl. Finally, she caught sight of the other teen entering an unused room, and promptly barged in as well, "What do you think you were…" she shouted, before her question, and rage, dissipated into the wind.
Hedwig was clearly distraught, despite attempting to calm her features. Tears pooled at her reddened eyes and her chest heaved as she gulped in air.
"Y-yes Hermione? Something you need?"
In that moment the Granger daughter understood. The woman before her did care, maybe more than any of them, but by putting on a calm facade she was trying to help relieve the fear of others. Hermione moved forward without a second thought and embraced her friend. "He's going to be fine." She whispered out, earning a nod from the older girl.
"Of course he is, Harry is always fine…" Hedwig confirmed, although they both could feel the shared tears, the worried shaking, and the despair in the other's voice.
***LoD***
"I screwed up Harry…" Sirius Black whispered into the darkness, and his godson's comatose body. "I just keep screwing up. I failed your parents, I failed Remus, I failed you by going after Peter…" he trailed off, fighting the urge to find an amber liquid to help him forget. "I come back, and you are the one taking care of me. Everything good that has happened to me has been because of you and your parents and now… Merlin now this…"
The man stood, paced a few times in a circle, before sitting back down to resume his fidgeting. "I don't know how to do this Harry… I don't know how to be a parent to anyone, much less a teenager who is smarter than me. You already seem to have everything sorted out, already have all these plans and I just… I am just there being useless…"
"Not useless." A voice called from the doorway, snapping the Black heir from his tangent as he looked up at the blonde man. "You are far from useless Black. Useless are those who believe they are helping and are instead getting in the way. You are neither of these two things."
"Then what would you call letting your godson almost get murdered!?"
The Malfoy Lord considered the question for a few moments, before taking a seat in a nearby chair, "Human, if anything this incident should show you that everyone can, and will, make mistakes. I certainly have made more than my fair share. Even our Lord, as powerful as he may be, can be wrong. You cannot claim that there were no alternatives to," here the man gestured towards the bed, and the boy laying on it, "this. He could have written another article, tricked the man into revealing himself some other way, used one of the dozens who seek his favor. Instead he charges in head first and leaves us with the cleanup."
Sirius growled, standing immediately with an anger in his eyes, "The hell do you know Malfoy. Would you trust any other moron to such a task?"
Lucius shrugged, "Perhaps, perhaps not. But I do know that he is our Lord, and it does no one any good for him to be incapacitated. Like I said Black, everyone makes mistakes the next step for you is to learn and grow from them. Be a better godfather, a better parent, whatever you need to be."
His anger burned out, Sirius fell back into his chair with a weary nod, "Yeah… thanks Malfoy. You may be a world class prat, but you aren't too bad sometimes."
The man replied with a very Muggle-like eye roll.
***LoD***
Harry Potter walked down the sidewalk of the busy street. Everywhere he looked there were happy people, happy couples, and for some reason his chest was constricting harder with each passing moment, a pain growing in his heart.
He glanced over at a blonde-haired girl and her younger sister on what was clearly a double date with a pair of handsome young men, hands clasped as they whispered to each other.
Across the street a blonde and a redheaded girl sat holding hands, leaning into each other for the simple sensation of feeling each other's skin.
A bushy-haired girl and her boyfriend kissed on the corner of an alleyway, ignore all the sounds of laughter and happiness surrounding them, and yet swimming in it at the same moment.
An older woman with the oddest shade of pink hair walked past, leaning into her companion with their arms intertwined.
Another pair of sisters whispered excitedly with their dates, this time the girl's having dark hair.
Worst of all, however, came when he saw a white-haired girl sitting across from another man. Despite being in a rather intimate conversation she glanced up and made eye contact with him. For that moment the world around them slowed, words forming on his lips that could never be spoken. Then it was over, she returned her attention to her lover and he was left.
Alone
His heart ached at what he had lost, at who he had lost. The boy's eyes closed as he fell to his knees, pain coursing through his body as the nightmares continued.
***LoD***
A fire crackled nearby as a teenager sat motionlessly in a large chair, it would have been a relaxing scene, had it not been so tense due to the recent events. Light, from the flames, and the shadows they created danced across Neville's face as he stared forward at nothing.
What the hell had happened!?
Despite everything he had been through the Longbottom heir had always held certain beliefs close to his heart. Good was good and bad was bad. Good people didn't do evil things, and evil people rarely did good things.
'You know better, you are not so ignorant' a traitorous voice whispered in his mind, and it was right he did know better.
Harry Potter was a living contradiction of this idea. The other teen had defeated the most feared Dark Lord, twice, stopped a monster Basilisk, killed a possessed professor… and yet he had also killed innocent children.
'Were they though? Were they truly innocent? Would innocent people bully someone like Luna?' the voice called again, causing the boy to narrow his eyes. He knew that Harry could do both terrible and great things… but he had never imagined Albus Dumbledore could as well.
The Supreme Warlock had always been placed on a pedestal in their society. He was the epitome of the light, of goodness, of justice, and what all young Wizards and Witches aspired to be like.
Hadn't he?
Now the teen wasn't so sure. Everything that had come to light, even if he could ignore the blatant attempt by the elder Wizard to kill his former best friend, had painted a rather horrifying view of the Headmaster. Too many things were now adding up, too many coincidences and problems that had been ignored for far too long.
Even the incident in their third year, the attack during the Quidditch match, now began to appear differently than before. Snape had been the one to drag only those who protected the other students to the Headmaster's office, but at no point had Dumbledore ever corrected him. He hadn't called their parents or guardians, hadn't interviewed anyone else who was at the game…
The blood in Neville's veins froze. That had been the second attack of that year… and yet Dumbledore had done nothing about the Dementors. Hell, Susan's aunt hadn't been any more effective either. If those two had protested, had demanded that the monsters be removed from the grounds, would the students have been killed later? Would Harry have found a different path to what he was aiming for?
'Of course he would, he is a genius after all.' The voice continued, 'It was all Dumbledore's fault anyway. He allowed the situations to get out of hand, to test Harry without any evidence that he would be able to succeed. Imagine if the old bastard had been wrong? Imagine the catastrophes that could have occurred. He continuously placed everyone in danger, even before your friend attended Hogwarts.'
A sudden gasp escaped his lips, realization passing over his features. If Dumbledore had a hand in Sirius Black's imprisonment and the death of Harry's parents… had he also been involved in the attack on his own as well? Had Frank and Alice Longbottom been collateral damage, or was there something else involved?
He had brought it up to his parents, the fact that both Harry and he shared the same birthday, along with the prophecy Harry had mentioned. Neither of the two adults seemed willing to give him a solid answer though, and he could see they were hiding something. Even worse they were almost hesitant to condemn Dumbledore. They certainly hadn't said the man had been correct, but also had given excuses such as 'we don't know the whole story' and 'fights are rarely caused by only one side'.
Sure, Harry had probably done something to tempt Dumbledore into the attack, and most likely had been involved in the attempted destruction of the Wizengamot but considering how most of them were all awful bigoted idiots who wasted time on useless arguing it wasn't that much of a surprise.
The most important things now, at least in Neville's mind, were figuring out how he was going to deal with this sudden shift, and what Susan would do as well.
***LoD***
"Lupin"
"Snape" the man greeted in kind as the Potion's master took a seat at one of the chairs in the corner of their Lord's room.
"Has there been any changes?"
Remus shook his head, "None, but we aren't really expecting anything for a few days at least. I am actually surprised you are here, what with all the rumored investigations going on at Hogwarts."
The greasy-haired man silently stared at the boy in question, before letting out a whispered response, "I understand why you would think that, I certainly have not been very kind to him during his life. That is one of the reasons I insisted on being here, to try and make up for it. I failed him, failed Lily when it mattered most…"
"No, because you are here now. I let him down too Snape, so did Sirius. We all have made mistakes when it concerns Harry, but you are trying to change for the better. You aren't like Dumbledore who just keeps making it worse."
Snape sighed, allowing some of the tension, and regret, leave his body. "I suppose you are correct. I still wish I could do more though…"
A peaceful silence filled the room once more, broken only by the sounds of gentle breathing.
"How are things out there? We haven't gotten much news and the one time I tried to read the paper… well I got about three words in before losing my focus."
"Things are… complicated. Dumbledore is still on the run, the Ministry is still in panic mode, Hogwarts has been temporarily shut down… everything is on the edge of a knife right now, one small nudge either way and everything might crumble."
***LoD***
Looking back at the situation, Hestia Jones would admit the grabbing her best friend by the arm and pulling the Witch into a room without first warning her probably wasn't the brightest idea, especially considering everything that had happened in the past few days.
Thus, when the Auror found herself tossed up against a wall, Wand pointed between her eyes she could only blame herself, well that and give one of her cheeky grins. "You know Tonks if you wanted to get rough with me you could at least buy me dinner first…"
The Metamorphmagus' eyes widened in shock as she lowered the weapon, and the noticeable tension in her shoulders dissipated. "Hes? What the hell do you think you were doing!?"
"Uhmm… would you believe trying to have an actual conversation with you?" Judging by the look in the former Auror's eyes the answer would be a very resounding 'no'. She shrugged, "Sorry, I didn't mean to freak you out, it's just that with everything going on and all…"
Tonks sighed, "Yeah, sorry, I didn't hurt you, did I?"
"Ha! As if you could hurt a champion Auror like myself!" though she did give a discreet roll of her shoulder to help ease the pain a bit. Her best friend packed a hell of a lot of strength into her moves. "Anyway so… what's been going on?"
But despite her attempts she could see that the other Witch pierced through her misdirection easily. "What do you want Hes?"
"I… okay listen. Bones has been conducting interviews with Hogwarts staff members and students since… well since it happened but then she took me aside yesterday and told me she needed to talk to Harry about it. I know he's hurt, and I mentioned it, but she was just so… I don't know, cold about it. It was like she didn't care about him just what he knows..."
The Auror trailed off as her eyes widened in shock at the range of emotions that crossed her friend's face. Anger, fear, sorrow, worry, stress, betrayal, and just so much more in the flicker of a moment, before disappearing into a frozen calm that was even more unsettling.
"He is still unconscious. When he wakes up and recovers enough to speak with your Director then I will mention her request." Tonks turned to leave, but was stopped by her and grabbing her arm, far more gently this time.
"Wait Tonks I didn't mean to upset you."
"What did you think was going to happen?" the other Witch snapped, forcing Hestia to withdraw as if burned. "Your Director kicked me off the force, betrayed me and took Dumbledore's word over mine without even talking to me first. Now you are trying to use me to get to the person who helped me in my time of need!"
"No! No, I'm just… I'm worried alright? All this stuff that's been going on… first you are fired and then this nightmare with Umbridge, then the Ministry, and now Dumbledore. When Bones couldn't find any information on Harry, she started pushing me to ask you and it just… I'm scared Tonks, and I don't know who to turn to anymore."
The Metamorphmagus sighed, "Listen Hes I can't tell you what to do or what side is right, you need to determine that for yourself, like everyone else. You know which side I am choosing. I love him Hes, and my mom is helping out as well." she paused, before a knowing look formed on the face of the former Auror. "You wouldn't happen to be… interested in Harry would you Hes?"
"N-no! Of course not! He's your guy not mine, plus waaaaaay too young and…"
Tonks waved her arguments aside, "He isn't mine Hes, he is with lots of girls, plus you didn't seem all that concerned when you found out we were still together. Look tell Bones what I told you and that will get her off your back. When he wakes up, I'll let you know, until then just… think about it okay? We both know you secretly want to have a threesome with me anyway."
With a mischievous wink the reporter turned and left, leaving a blushing Auror behind.
***LoD***
Luna slowly walked up to the bed where the comatose boy still lay, in the background she managed to make out an awkward cough while Sirius and Bellatrix excused themselves to get some coffee. A small smile graced her lips. Harry's godfather, despite his flaws, really was a very kind man, and her own mentor could be surprisingly empathic in the right situations.
"Like with you and me…" she whispered out, gently reaching out to run her hand against the teen's cheek. "You need to wake up Harry… I miss you, we all miss you. We are lost without you here…"
A tear fell down her face as she took his hand and placed it over her heart, "Can you feel that? It's my heart, it has been yours for so many years now and it is breaking seeing you like this, seeing you hurt…" She immediately broke out in silent sobs, and only after a few moments of deep, calming, breaths was she able to soothe herself to be able to speak once more.
"I would give anything… everything for you. I will do anything you ask, just… please wake up."
For a moment she thought the boy would stir and open his eyes, but her hope was fleeting, and she had to fight the urge to fall to her knees and cry once more.
***LoD***
Aurora Sinistra paced back and forth in the small room she had been directed to just over ten minutes prior. The response, to what they had all borne witness to, had been efficient and borderline ruthless. Classes had been canceled immediately, students ordered to return to their common rooms to await further instructions, and most professors borderline dragged into what had become the temporary Auror headquarters until the Ministry could be completely swept and secured.
Thus, the Astronomy teacher waited, but not for her own 'interview' to begin, no she was far more concerned about the status of the young boy who had been attacked.
Was Harry okay? How bad were his injuries? Was he being cared for at St. Mungos? Could the doctors there even be trusted?
Her thoughts were interrupted by the opening of the door, and the entrance of Amelia Bones along with two other officers. "Take a seat Miss Sinistra, we have some questions for you."
"Is Harry alright? Is he receiving treatment? How bad is it? Can I see him?"
Blinking in confusion the older woman narrowed her eyes in thought before letting out a sigh, and gestured, once again, towards the empty chair.
"Take a seat." This time it was not a request, and the posture shift of the two guards made that evident. Begrudgingly, Aurora did as commanded. A quill was setup nearby to record everything that was said or transpired for official record, and with that the interrogation began. "Now then, we have some questions for you Miss Sinistra, as this is an official investigation you are permitted to hire counsel. Would you like to…"
"A trade"
The older Witch frowned in confusion, what in the hell was the woman talking about? "I don't understand what…"
"I propose a trade," Aurora continued, "I will waive having a lawyer and answer your questions, in exchange you will answer some of mine. No lies for either."
"Questions within reason, but very well. Did Albus Dumbledore ever approach you about concerns to harm Harry Potter?"
The interviewee shook her head, "No, of course not. If he had I would have said something, I would never do anything to harm Harry."
If Bones noticed the, almost fanatical, tone in the woman's voice she didn't show it. "Have you ever had reason to believe Albus Dumbledore was directly involved in any of the attacks that have occurred at Hogwarts?"
It was a loaded question, and they both knew it. Sinistra bit her lip in concentration, trying to figure out how best to word her answer, "I was aware that traps were setup during the '91 school year, but not as to what they were protecting. I also knew he was reluctant to conduct a full evacuation during '92. There did not appear to be any indications of his involvement during the Dementor attacks, nor the Dark Lord's resurrection though."
"And Miss Umbridge?"
The snarl that formed did warrant a reaction, of slight shock, from the Director. "I knew she was a bitch if that's what you are asking. We all knew."
"Even Dumbledore?"
Sinistra snorted, "Of course, he wouldn't be a very good Headmaster if he didn't know about his own staff."
Bones nodded, "And what of her actions? Were you aware of her torturing students?"
"As I told you last time, no. If I had been, I would have reported it, consequences be damned."
The room fell quiet, save for the scribbling of the quill as it struggled to keep up with the recording. After what felt like hours the Head of the DMLE gave a slow nod, "I believe you, which means I have only one question left. What exactly is the nature of your relationship with Mr. Potter?"
***LoD***
"Do not take this the wrong way, but I am surprised you are here."
Fleur's head snapped to the side, a snarl already on her face as she prepared to tell the Malfoy matron exactly where she could stick her opinions. Luckily, the woman had already held up her hand in a placating manner, "I meant no offense, it is just that there are other classmates of our Lord who were not entitled to be in this area and yet you and your sister are here despite knowing him a considerably shorter time."
Though the anger faded a tad, it did not completely dissipate from the Veela's posture, "Perhaps we are closer than the others are hm? Besides, if what I heard was correct you also have not known him very long."
Narcissa nodded, "True, yet I assume that is in part due to the physical relationship I share with him. I assume you have also been with him since you took a vacation together, but has your sister?"
Gabrielle's head lowered in perceived shame, eyes welling up in tears once more, despite having become red and puffy from the sobbing she had already done. "She is not quite old enough for that sort of thing, but she still feels attached to him, as I do. He saved us, not just during the tournament but from our parents as well."
The woman hummed in agreement, "I know how strongly Gabrielle feels about him and I know how protective one can be of their sisters. If you would like my advice though, do not wait. Show him how much you care even if it doesn't mean sex. If this horrible incident has taught us anything it is that life is short and precious."
With that the woman excused herself from the room to make some tea for them, leaving the two girls alone, his other 'guardian' had been the woman's husband who had been called away from a crucial meeting of the Wizengamot.
"This isn't right" the younger blonde muttered out, trying to look up at the boy, but having to divert her eyes each time as tears began to form. "He shouldn't be hurt, he shouldn't be like this…"
"I know Gabbie, I know."
"I… I want to help him. I just… I need to do something. All I ever do is get in the way."
Fleur shook her head, "That isn't true Gabbie, no one thinks that."
The girl stood abruptly, stress fusing with anger in her actions,
"But it is true! I got in the way at the Tournament, when you went on a date with him at night, during the summer on vacation… it is all I ever do! I am not helping anyone, I am not of any use!"
"Gabbie…" the older Witch whispered softly, standing to place her hands on the other's shoulders, "you are a child still, no one expects you to be involved in big plans. Do you think that Ginny helped him overthrow the Ministry, or that Hermione helped him plan Dumbledore's fall? None of us help him in that regard."
"But you still make him happy, he enjoys your body and it makes him happy…"
Letting out a sigh the teen shook her head, now she knew what the real problem was. "You are upset because you have not slept with him yet, you feel left behind and childish." A nod of acknowledgement was her only answer, and Fleur promptly crouched down to be at eye level. "Gabbie… your time will come, you still have years left for that sort of thing. You are still far younger than even those who were with Harry first. There is no shame in waiting."
"But that is why I am here… why else would he keep me around if not for that."
"Perhaps because he enjoys your company?"
Gabrielle shook her head, "No, he helps me, provides for me, has given us a home and teachers. I have not given him anything back yet… and it hurts." Her tiny hands dropped to a place right below her stomach, "It burns right here Fleur, I know what I want I just can't…"
"Then don't, take it slow and steady. How about this, when Harry wakes up, we will figure out a way for you to find a way to be 'useful' to him hm?"
The younger blonde merely nodded, allowing the older to sigh in relief. Sometimes being an older sister was far more difficult than she remembered it being.
***LoD***
"Ginny sweetheart why don't you sit down and get something to eat first? You just got home."
The girl shook her head, "Sorry mom, can't I am going over to see Harry and…"
Molly gently put her hands onto her daughter's shoulders, steering her towards a chair, "Take a seat Ginny, we need to have a talk."
With a notable reluctance the teen did as she was told, putting her bag onto the floor and waiting for her mother to take the spot across from her.
"Ginny…" the woman let out a sigh as she gently rubbed her hands over her face. It was a stressful time for their entire time, and it had been showing more and more on both herself and her husband. "I know you care about him sweetie, really I do I just am a bit worried that you are putting too much emphasis on just him."
"Mom… I love him of course I am…"
"Dear, you are fourteen. People and feelings change rapidly at that age. I know that Harry is at least seeing other girls along with you correct?" The redhead flushed, but nodded in acknowledgement, "And as long as everyone involved is aware of that and being safe and happy then that is fine, I just don't want you to think he is the only boy out there. There is nothing wrong with having fun at your age Ginny but thinking he is the only option is… well I just don't want you to be disappointed if he chooses someone else."
Unknown to her mother, Ginevra Weasley had already spoken to the other girls about this and they had reached an agreement sometime prior. No matter what happened, no matter who Harry ended up with, no one was going to be abandoned or forgotten. Even if their mutual lover chose just one of them to stay with and refused to be with the others, they would remain sisters and would continue to support each other.
But Harry hadn't shown signs of this. There was no indication that he would pick one and reject the rest, that their current lifestyle would ever come to an end.
Until, that is, Dumbledore interfered, and the old man had threatened to take the boy away from all of them.
"…Worry about you dear and… Ginny are you okay?"
She shook her head, "Sorry I just… have been under a lot of stress lately."
Molly smiled sympathetically, "Your father and I are worried about you Ginny, that you are spending so much time with just a small group of people, that you aren't thinking about your future at all…"
The teen's jaw almost dropped, "What?"
"Your father and I…"
"No, I heard you but… you are worried about me!? Harry is in a bloody coma after Dumbledore tried to kill him and you are concerned that I am not thinking about my future!?"
The woman shifted a bit, uncomfortable at where the conversation was heading. "Ginny dear we just…"
"You don't have any idea do you!? You and dad never do!" By now the girl's volume was increasing, her anger building at how ridiculous the situation was, at how blind her parents, and seemingly most adults, were.
"Young lady, don't take that…"
But her daughter was already on her rant, and there was no stopping it. "My grades are in the top ten percent of my class! I have been looking at future careers and jobs unlike most of my classmates and do you know why!? Because of Harry and the others! Harry and Hermione help tutor us, Tonks has given us advice on future classes, Sirius and Remus had advice on our NEWTS, even Draco's mom and dad have mentioned some future careers and what they might require during school. I have more friends than I ever had before and yet all you care about is that I'm just dating one boy!? Why don't you and dad yell at Ron! At least I'm not the one acting like a stuck-up spoiled prat, bullying students, and just making everyone miserable because of a shiny badge!"
With that the girl stood, pushing her chair out from the table before grabbing her bag and storming to the Floo, disappearing a moments later in a flash of green, and leaving her shocked parent behind.
Hours later, when Arthur Weasley would return home from work, he would find his wife still sitting at the table, nursing a cup of tea in silence. When asked she would simply tell him that they needed to speak to their youngest son.
***LoD***
"Bellatrix, I want to ask you something." The eldest Black daughter perked up, turning to her younger sister in curiosity. "Why are you here Bellatrix? Why are you with him despite everything he has done?"
The former Death Eater let out a sigh. She wasn't really surprised that Andromeda wouldn't understand, they hadn't talked in such a long time after all. "Have you ever felt… unworthy? Flawed? Not good enough? Like you will never succeed as a wife, as a follower, a mother, or even…"
"A sister?" the other woman snapped, "Or perhaps a daughter? Yes Bellatrix, I do understand. I wonder if you understand what it is like to be rejected by your own family!" Her anger had the desired effect, and the older sibling's shoulders drooped in shame.
"I… have been a rather awful sister, haven't I?"
"You and mother. Not that Narcissa has been much better."
Bellatrix flinches slightly, somewhat easing the fire burning inside of the other Witch. "I am trying to do better." She muttered in a defeated tone, earning a sigh.
"Then you can start by answering my question, why him Bellatrix?"
A quick glance over to the sleeping back had a surprisingly soft smile forming on the woman's lips, "Because he doesn't make me feel any of those things. Unlike my former husband, the previous Dark Lord, and even our mother at times… he just accepts me for who I am. Sure he has a few rules but otherwise… he doesn't demand perfection, doesn't scorn or torture me when I make a mistake, doesn't look at me as a means to an end… he just… seems to care."
Andromeda nodded slowly, her own gaze turning to the comatose boy as well, "My daughter said much the same thing."
The two sisters allowed stillness to fill the room before the younger spoke up once more, "I am still not one hundred percent okay with you being in a foursome with my daughter…"
She tried, really she did, to hold in her laughter, but the former Lestrange couldn't and what started as a snicker turned into a full-blown laugh, which prompted her sibling to begin laughing at the ridiculousness of the statement as well.
***LoD***
A sigh escaped the lips of the current, at least for now, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts. She had always presumed to know how Dumbledore thought, that he would always do what was right and what was for the best. Now though… now she wasn't sure anymore.
The Philosopher's Stone, McGonagall had known it was risky to keep at Hogwarts, being one of the few informed of what had been secured at the school, but Albus had promised the students would be safe. Voldemort's spirit still lingered, at least he had claimed at the time, and stopping it from doing any harm trumped any minor inconveniences for the children.
She shook her head, the had barely avoided any catastrophes directly related to the object, and yet a life had still been lost. Then the following year...
Minerva shook her head as she stood and made another lap of the room. They should have evacuated as soon as the first student had been petrified. She should have demanded they done so, to sweep the school for any issues and find the cause before potentially endangering lives. But she hadn't, and once more had sat back and nodded her head at his orders like always.
Taking a seat once more the professor dared to look back upon her failures with Sirius Black and the Dementors themselves. They could have done more, should have done more. Outside activities could have been canceled, the castle could have been more thoroughly secured, the Wards expanded to help protect the students... she could have looked more into the past of a previous student... kept an innocent man from Azkaban if she had done even the bare minimum.
This train of thought brought her to the most recent year, and the biggest of her failures. Umbridge torturing students and Dumbledore's fall into... into what? Insanity? Delusions? Was the elderly Wizard out of his mind or did he know, and plan, exactly what he had done?
She wasn't sure which option she preferred at this point.
Still, children were being harmed under her watch, a student had been bloody tortured, and she hadn't even noticed... or perhaps she had and simply chosen to ignore the signs, urged on by the Headmaster's silent complacency.
If the greatest Wizard of all time didn't notice a problem, then how could there be... right?
The woman wasn't sure anymore, wasn't sure about a lot of things at this point.
Before she could examine her thoughts further the door to her 'interview room' opened as Amelia Bones stepped in and closed it behind her. But it wasn't who had entered the room so much as the state of that individual that shocked the professor most. The Director of the DMLE looked exhausted.
"Miss McGonagall, please take a seat."
Doing so, Minerva continued discreetly glancing over the woman opposing her, her frown deepening as the Auror looked ready to fall asleep at a moment's notice.
"I have some questions for you, questions that pertain to Albus Dumbledore."
***LoD***
"Harry…" the former owl whispered as she brushed some hair from his eyes, "you need to wake up my love. I need you, we need you. Everyone is worried and stressed all the time, my sisters are crying almost constantly. Even Luna's attempts to stay positive have begun to wane, she keeps making promises to you if you would just open your eyes. I think the latest one was a threesome with her and Bellatrix."
A laugh escaped the white-haired girl's lips, "And she isn't the only one. Tonks has been mentioning bringing her friend Hess in for some group fun with you, and even Hermione is showing signs of agreeing to a giant orgy… if you would come back to us… please Harry just come back to us. How can you change the world if you are lying in a bed? How can you make all those witty remarks, know what we are thinking even without us saying it, prepare some ludicrously complex plan and then explain it in a way that makes our hearts beat just a little faster if you are asleep?"
Her hands found their place on either side of his face, gently cupping his head, "We need to hear your laughter again, to see the happy sparkle in your eyes, to bathe in your attention and that infectious smile that has everyone else grinning with you. We need you to come back to us… please Harry, just come back."
***LoD***
The office was empty, and nearly pitch black save for the occasional lights that illuminated doorways or the occasional desk. The Aurors had, mostly, gone home for the evening with only a skeleton crew remaining for emergencies, and they were out on duty or working on various tasks in the, still closed, Ministry.
All save one, Amelia Bones.
With a deep, weary, sigh the woman pulled out a flask from her desk drawer and took a sip grimacing as the hard liquor burned in her throat. She really did need to scold Alastor Moody one day for introducing her to the disgusting habit. Still, it was a decent replacement for the rest her body so desperately craved.
Her mind trailed back to the series of interviews she had finished. The situation at Hogwarts was… troubling, and in more ways than one. Albus Dumbledore's attempted assassination of a schoolboy, along with all his other crimes, was the most pressing certainly but not the only reason to secretly insist on a Ministry intervention into the staff and setup of the school.
Blatant favoritism amongst the Heads of House, professors who, quite frankly, had no business even being near a classroom much less teaching in one, and not-so-secret student-teacher relationships were all on the list as well.
Change would be needed, but it had to be encouraged safely. The public was outraged with the government, including the Aurors, and if they made the wrong choice again, if children were put into harm's way again it would be disastrous for everyone.
"The staffing structure needs to be changed." She murmured to her silent office, lit by only a single lamp on her desk. "Get rid of some of the useless professors, show the other countries that we are still one of the tops in education."
An image of Aurora Sinistra flickered into her mind, and a scowl formed on her face. The woman was clearly in some sort of relationship with the boy, although whether it was one sided, or reciprocated, she still wasn't sure.
"Of course, with all the rumors going around I certainly wouldn't be surprised if they were shagging…" Amelia Bones may be old, but she wasn't deaf, dumb, and blind. She had overheard several of the many conversations her niece and friends whispered about when they spent the day together. Apparently, the boy had a bloody signup sheet for those wanting to sleep with him, and that he had been asked to stay after class more than a few times from the Astronomy professor.
Then again, almost everyone had heard the rumors about all the marriage proposals Harry Potter had received following his defeat of Voldemort. The fact that Susan hadn't demanded a threesome with him, and her fiancé, spoke volumes of either the teen's willpower, or insecurities.
Still, a relationship between a teenager, and a much older professor, was more than a little scandalous, and that was assuming they had only just started such an affair. Likely they had been secretly meeting since before this year.
"I will just have to interview him, see how he feels about it and inform his guardians…" she muttered. Great, and now on top of everything else she was having to supervise teachers and explain to parents about their teens' sex lives.
***LoD***
"We have a problem"
Sirius Black glanced up, from where he was attempting to eat something, to make eye contact with Lucius. "And what would…"
"A moment, I have summoned the others. I believe Andromeda will be sufficient to watch over our Lord for a few minutes."
Sure enough, the other adults, and the teens who were present in the mansion, arrived in the room, uncertainty on many of their faces.
"Okay, what is going on Lucius."
The blonde cleared his throat, a note of discomfort on his face, "There are… rumors circulating amongst the ranks, the Ministry, and even the press that…"
"That…" Remus urged, wanting to know what the big issue was.
"That our Lord has been killed."
Silence followed and then cries of outrage and anger before he was able to silence them. "Can you blame them? Everyone saw his state when he was removed from Hogwarts. St. Mungos has been infiltrated dozens of times as reporters look for even scraps of a story, and none of us have made any sort of public announcement. Add into that the fact that those closest to him including his godfathers haven't been seen outside of emergency government sessions and the conclusion isn't so surprising."
The Black Lord scowled, "And his so-called followers? What the bloody hell is their excuse?"
"It isn't much of a surprise actually," Bellatrix remarked, a twisted smile forming on her face, "they all jumped ship when the previous Dark Lord was killed that there are bound to be some cowardly rats among them. We should remind them of their place in this world, and why it is not healthy for them to question their superiors."
"To hell with them..." Hermione practically snarled, continuing on before anyone could interrupt her, "any of the cowards who think he is dead then have no business serving him. We should make a list of everyone who doubts him, I am sure Harry would love to hear about all those who show such loyalty."
***LoD***
It was dark, everything cloaked in twilight and shadows, as the teenager walked down the silent path devoid of life. This was it, his entire existence leading to a void of nothingness. No friends, no family, no one to love or to love him in return.
But the boy wasn't surprised, he had always known this was a possible outcome, that those closest to him would see him for the monster he was, would abandon him in horror and disgust...
"They haven't abandoned you Harry."
He spun in place, eyes widening in shock at the first sound, the first human contact he had experienced in what felt to be an eternity. There, standing before him were two adults. The first was a handsome man with raven-black hair and glasses, the second a woman with red hair and beautiful green eyes.
A warm, comforting smile formed on her face as she opened her arms, "Sweetheart…"
Without even realizing it, Harry had crossed the distance that separated them and had been swept up in a tight hug, the man joining in a second later. Tears formed at the teen's eyes as he began whispering his apologies.
All his failures, all his triumphs, his acts of cruelty, and even those of kindness. He confessed his soul to the parents that fate had robbed him of, the loving family he had dreamed of when he was a child.
And for their part the two adults took it in stride, whispering words of support and love to their son. After what felt like hours the living Potter had finally run out of things to say, and merely looked up at his mother, who returned his gaze with a smile.
"Oh sweetie, we already know all of that."
James nodded, "Sure do, being deceased has a few perks. We get the general idea of what goes on down there but without all the creepy stalking and perving that you might think. I gotta say though, blowing up the Wizengamot? HILARIOUS!"
The redhead promptly smacked her husband, before letting out a sigh, "What your father means to say is that although we do not condone all of your actions we do understand. I wish you had chosen a different route in your third year but… regardless you are doing wonderful things Harry."
"Always knew you would, though I will be kicking Padfoot's and Moony's arses when they finally pass on for not taking care of you, bloody idiots."
Lily nodded, "And Severus, he might have been correct in his assumptions, but it does not excuse his behavior. But most of all Harry we just want to say how proud we are of you. Despite everything you still have a wonderful kindness inside, and you continue to help others regardless of their actions or Dumbledore's."
"Bloody prat is what he is, swear I'm going to shave his bloody beard when he moves on for screwing with you and everyone else like that." The former Marauder muttered darkly.
"Can… can I stay here? With you two?" Harry questioned softly, earning sad smiles from the two.
His father answered first, seeing the tears well up in his wife's eyes, "Not yet son, it isn't your time. You still have amazing things to do and mischief to make, plus a lot of girls to shag which I must say… nice…" noticing the not-so-subtle glare in the woman's eyes he quickly cleared his throat and continued on, "Keep walking your own path Harry, cut through the foliage, hell level a mountain if you need to, just keep at it. Show them what a Potter is made of."
"And as for those plans you are working on… they are very sweet, and we approve. Now go back and to those who love you and love them in return. Have lots of children…"
"Your mother always did want a dozen or so grandchildren so really having this many girlfriends and potential wives is for the best…" James muttered, earning another glare and swat to the arm from his wife.
"But most importantly live your life, and don't let anyone get in the way."
With that the trio shared one more group hug, and Harry Potter's eyes opened once more.
***LoD***