"I am telling you that this is a bad idea," said Sirius as they hid behind the trees looking at the manor a few yards away from them. It was in clear view but the fact that there was so much security around it was the reason no one retuned alive after coming too close to it. They knew that because Snape had told Draco about it. He knew everything Snape knew about the wards and security around the manor which was about sixty percent of the overall security around the manor.
"We need every hand on deck if we plan on facing Voldemort," said Harry. "I wonder where Draco is."
"Snape made a monster out of that boy," said Sirius remembering their rigorous training they did in the time warp ward before coming here. "I still can't believe someone of his age can be that skilled and powerful. Maybe I shouldn't get on Snape's bad side."
"Here he comes," said Harry as they saw Draco quietly approaching them. "Well?"
"I found a way in but it will definitely get the attention of Voldemort," said Draco. "I also saw Snape. He's in holding on the fourth floor but we can get him out if we blow it from the outside but the place has layers upon layers of anti-apparition wards."
"If not destroyed enough those wards will regenerate on their own," said Sirius. "We can't make a breach big enough for us three and expect it to hold long enough for us to get Snape and get out. From the way these wards have been erected our breach will repair itself in about thirty seconds."
"The other way is the most straightforward," said Draco. "We charge in from the direction where they're holding Snape and hope nothing goes wrong."
"And what happens if Voldemort comes?" asked Sirius.
"Selandra is impervious to the unforgivables and any other spells," said Harry. "We can use her as our shield…probably?" he asked Draco nervously.
"We can but we'll be in problem if Voldemort comes," said Draco. "Being Slytherin's descendant he can control her as he's done before."
"And you're telling us about that now?" Sirius shout-whispered. "I thought she was our trump card!"
"We have no other choice," said Harry. "We have to take the risk. The other important thing is Draco can't be seen by ANYONE in there because they will recognize him immediately and then Voldemort will find him in no time. You need to let Selandra take this."
"I know," he said. "Here," he took out some masks made out of dragon skin to hide their identities. "Key them to your magic so they won't fall off if anyone tries to take them off of you. You two know what to do?" Both Sirius and Harry nodded.
With that they positioned themselves around where Draco would be entering from. Harry had his cloak with him which he gave to Draco for extra safety of the boy. Both he and Sirius exchanged looks before Draco gave them the signal.
Sirius began breaching the wards big enough for Draco to get in. He knew the death eaters would've been alerted by now so he did his best, going as fast as he could. Once the hole was large enough Draco slipped through and put the cloak around him.
"Can you hear me?" he said through the communication rune which he, Harry and Sirius each had. Fortunately it worked even from inside the wards.
"Yes," both Sirius and Harry responded.
"Alright, brace for the explosion," said Draco.
"The what?" Sirius said when he was knocked off of his feet with a powerful explosion. He looked up and saw a good portion of the manor in flames, lighting the night's darkness in flaming red. Commotion followed soon after the explosion and both Harry and Sirius knew the death eaters were on the move. Suddenly they heard someone's scream followed by another's and then more screams.
"I have him," Draco's voice came through the communicator and Sirius saw the breach was still holding, although it was a little smaller so he got to work and began to enlarge it. Harry was on the lookout and had already taken out over a dozen death eaters who came their way. His job was simple – to make sure their position wasn't compromised because Sirius needed full attention on breaching the wards.
"I'm almost there," Draco's voice came. "Is the breach still holding?"
"Yeah," Sirius said knowing he needed to enlarge the hole a little bigger because Draco was with Snape. "It's done!"
About five seconds later Draco emerged through the breach holding an unconscious Snape who was badly bruised and had dried blood all over him. "Is he alright?" Harry asked.
"Worry about that later," said Draco. "Is the rune ready?"
"It is," Harry said activating the large rune he had drawn before their operation had begun as the ground beneath them glowed in the drawn symbols.
"Hold on a second," Draco said. "I left a parting gift. Just let me activate it." Both Harry and Sirius looked at Draco when another explosion, more powerful than the first one rocked the ground. It was soon followed by screams of many and many death eaters inside the wards as the three saw the manor almost completely burning. "Let's go."
Harry activated the rune and the three vanished from the spot, arriving in an empty field where they had another one of the runes ready. This time Sirius activated it which sent them to a jungle not far from that place and from there they apparated to the Potter manor.
Over the two days of rigorous training Draco had taught them the transportation rune which was used by death eaters to travel in large groups for conducting a sudden raid without being tracked. It required more magic but the cost was acceptable seeing how powerful and untraceable it was. Also, it was a lot better in terms of comfort as Harry had found out. He didn't like travelling through portkeys or apparition or even via the floo for he had the tendency to almost always throw up or lose his balance on arrival.
To be extra safe they had used the transportation rune two times to eliminate the chance of being tracked back as they quickly brought Sirius inside the manor. The girls had already brought the healer Harry had told them about just in case they needed the help which they did. It was the same healer to which Harry had gone twice in Hogsmead.
As everyone gathered around Snape, helping the healer with anything they could Hermione noticed Draco slip past the group and walk towards one of the rooms he had been using whenever he was here. It was then that she noticed that he had a bleeding leg and that he was limping. In all the chaos no one noticed this.
Draco closed the door as he sat on the chair with a painful grunt. He had barely missed the first explosion which he'd set at Voldemort's base and as a result he'd suffered with a hit on his back and a broken and bleeding leg. As he sat there trying to bear in the pain someone opened the door. He immediately looked up as he hid his wound.
"It's me," Hermione said entering the room slowly. "You need to get it checked," she said pointing at his leg.
"Snape needs more attention," said Draco. "Compared to his injuries this is nothing. You can go now."
Hermione nodded before she locked the door and walked over to the attached bathroom in the room. Draco just looked at her with raised eyebrows wondering if she was deaf. She brought a bowl of warm water and grabbed a clean towel from the closet along with a few vials of pain relief and blood replenishing potions which Harry had put in all the rooms which were being used in his manor. She then walked over to Draco and sat on the floor.
"Let me see," she said reaching for Draco's hand which he pressed on to his bleeding leg in a desperate attempt to stop the bleeding. He shoved her hand aside. "Really?" she said, not looking impressed with him. She reached again and this time Draco let her as she dipped the towel in warm water before handing him the pain relief potion. He gulped it all down and immediately felt the effect while she cleaned his wound when she realized his leg was broken. "It's broken!" she said looking at him worriedly. "We need to support it. I think there's some skelegrow in the closet as well. Here," she straightened his leg before conjuring a stool and placed it on it, "don't move."
Draco watched her leave the room before looking at his leg. She had the towel tightly wrapped around his wound. It was still bleeding but not as much as before. He felt a little light headed but otherwise he wasn't in pain thanks to the pain relief potion. He then looked at his broken foot and it had swollen. No surprise there. He wondered how Snape was doing when Hermione returned with two vials in her hand. She also had a roll of bandage. She gave one vial to Draco who smelled and knew it was the skelegrow. She poured the other vial's contents on his wound. It fizzled and steamed a little before clotting all the blood and quickly forming a thin layer of protection over the wound. She then went ahead and wrapped the wound with the bandage before conjuring a cast support around his leg to stop it from moving.
As per the skelegrow's instructions to completely heal his broken leg, Draco needed to rest for at least five hours. As she finished everything and cleaned the few spots of dried bloods on his leg she looked up and saw he was already asleep. A smile came on her face as she stood up and covered him with a blanket. Although she would've preferred him sleeping on the bed as it was more comfortable and better for his leg's position she didn't want to wake him up.
Maybe the healer will look him up once everything with Snape was finished. She left him there in order to join the others to see if they needed more help.
00000
The healer left leaving behind a few potions for Snape. He man had been bitten but he was out of the danger of losing his life. It also meant that every month Snape will have to spend one night experiencing an indefinite amount of pain when he would transform.
Apart from that there were signs of him being exposed to the cruciatus curse; no surprise there. He had also been physically beaten which everyone thought was probably because of him defending himself from Fenrir. That man was a true monster and the only other thing apart from Voldemort that Snape feared as he'd once told Draco. It wasn't a joke to be the most powerful werewolf alpha in the entire world.
The healer had also taken a look at Draco and had commended Hermione on her efforts to stop his bleeding and supporting his broken leg. Draco thanked her once everyone but she had left the room and she nodded with a smile. It was somewhat weird as the last time they both had talked he thought of her as nothing but a mudblood. Clearly Draco had come a long way since then.
00000
For Voldemort it was a humiliating thing that someone had broken Snape out of his captivity and that person had even went ahead and destroyed almost half of his manor. Fortunately the wards were still intact which meant the location of the manor hadn't been disclosed to the ministry radars but it didn't go without saying that there was clearly someone who was still hiding from him.
Before, he thought that it was Snape who had killed Crabbe, Goyle and Crouch Jr. after Voldemort came to know that he was the traitor but now that he had been broken out there was clearly someone else in the game. Voldemort's hand itched thinking who it could be as his mind went from Harry over to Dumbledore but neither of them could've done it. So who?
"My lord?" Bellatrix said entering the room. Her voice quivered knowing that the dark lord was in a bad mood. Voldemort looked at her and she bowed her head immediately. "Everything is ready," she said.
"I want no one alive," said Voldemort as he twirled his wand between his fingers. "Let this be the message to the people that I have returned. Instead of believing in the rumors spread by the ministry they will see it for themselves."
00000
Things became somewhat normal after Snape regained his consciousness. He was told everything that had happened. It was hard for him to take it all in so Draco decided to take him back to their place. He told Harry that he won't be able to join him on his excursion to the world's library which the latter understood.
The girls amped up their training so that Hermione could catch up with the rest of them in terms of magical casting and control. It started to show as her accuracy and control improved. Daphne taught both her and Susan occlumency which further increased Hermione's control on her magic.
They fully utilized the time warp wards to their advantage as Hermione would train every day for hours without having to miss much of her home time. The same was with Daphne although Mathias and Helena came to visit Harry and Sirius a few times with her. They were happy to know that everything was coming back to normal, especially for Sirius and Susan who had suffered a rather more personal loss.
And with that came the day of Christmas Eve although no one was in any mood for any celebration so the Greengrasses took it upon themselves to host a small Christmas party and invited Harry, Sirius, Susan, Hermione and her parents who delightfully agreed to experience a magical Christmas, pun intended.
They spared nothing in terms of decorations, delicacies and of course presents for their guests. At first Harry thought that other pureblood families would've been invited as well but Daphne said that it hadn't been the case since forever as her family always celebrated Christmas and other occasions amongst themselves.
Harry thought it was sort of weird but he wasn't going to question her especially after he received his Christmas gift from her – a kiss…along with a brand new firebolt.
"I noticed you are a natural in flying," she said while giving it to him, referring to their light flying around Harry's manor to sometimes pass the time. Harry thanked her before giving her the present he'd brought for her.
"I didn't know what to get you," he said, "so I asked Helena and she told me you were into mystery novels so I got you the best mystery novels I could find although I don't know how many of them you've already read."
"Thanks," she said giving him half a hug. Harry pressed his lips looking at her.
"You've read all of them, haven't you?" he said.
"Yeah," she said somewhat guiltily, "but I really love your gesture, so thanks." She made it up with another kiss which Harry enjoyed.
The rest of the evening followed with everyone exchanging gifts and eating. It was an overall fun night spent well with the Greengrass. Astoria was often seen asking Harry questions about his relationship with her sister who everyone thought was cute, especially when they noticed how nervous Harry was answering those questions.
As it got late the Grangers left first. Since they didn't like their portkey travel Harry offered to send them home using the transportation rune for which Hermione was thankful. As Harry, Sirius and Susan were preparing to leave Mathias came into the hall with a worried look on her face.
"Dad? What happened?" Daphne asked.
"Death eaters just attacked three of the most crowded places in London tonight," said Mathias. "St Paul's, Tower of London and the London eye are burning. From the reports of muggle media it seems that no one survived the attack."
Helena gasped as others just stood there motionless when Sirius' communication mirror buzzed. He took it out and saw it was from Kingsley. "What is it?" he asked.
"Diagon Alley's been attacked," Kingsley said, sounding out of breath. "A horde of dementors and death eaters came out of nowhere and massacred everyone." He then turned the mirror towards the night sky as everyone at Daphne's place saw the cloudy dark mark.
"Voldemort," Sirius said. "He's no longer hiding in the shadows."
"It looks like he decided to come out after all," said Harry.
"How are you handling the situation?" Sirius asked Kingsley through the mirror.
"We are doing what we can but it's not enough," said Kingsley. "All the squads have been dispatched; half are at London while some are at other locations in case he attacks again."
"I don't think he will," said Harry. "Do we know the amount of loss?"
"It's hard to say but from London and Diagon Alley altogether we've lost over a thousand, both muggle and magical," said Kingsley.
Silence fell at the Greengrass' residence when everyone heard that. Voldemort had thought through for this attack. "I think we will have to dispatch the new recruits as well," said Kingsley.
"I'll be right there," Sirius said. Kingsley nodded before disconnecting the call. Sirius turned to Harry and Susan. "Take her back, will you?" he said looking at Harry who nodded. "Be safe. I'll be back soon," Sirius said looking at Susan before he looked at Daphne and her parents and gave a slight nod after which he apparated away.
Suddenly Matthias' change of expression told everyone that something was off. "What is it?" asked Daphne.
"Someone's here," said Helena as she and Matthias sensed someone requesting entrance through their wards.
"It's Amycus and Alecto," said Mathias.
"That's not a good thing," said Daphne.
"Who are they?" asked Harry.
"The Carrow siblings," said Susan. "Voldemort's inner-circle members."
"We have to let them in," said Mathias.
"Dad, are you thinking straight?" said Daphne. "Four places got attacked tonight and now we have the Carrows on our doorstep. That speaks for itself that they are not here with good intentions."
"Not letting them in would endanger us all either way," said Helena, understanding Mathias' decision of letting them in. "They will come back with more death eaters."
Daphne couldn't argue with that. "It's just the two of them, right?" asked Harry. Helena nodded. "We'll stay," he said getting a look of surprise from the Greengrass couple. "We'll stay hidden. Daphne, can you alter the wards so that they won't be able to leave once they get in?"
"Are you proposing to fight them?" asked Mathias, "because that is out of question. They are the members of Voldemort's inner circle. Fighting even one of them is too much."
"We won't if they don't," said Harry. "If they leave without a fight then we let them otherwise we've got no other choice."
Both Helena and Mathias knew that Harry was right. "What do we do?" asked Helena.
"I will give Daphne the control for the wards," said Mathias. "What is your plan?" he asked looking at Harry.
00000
"I am telling you they're blood traitors," said Alecto.
"Patience," his sister said. "They remained neutral last time. This time we will make them choose a side."
"I think they've already chosen a side, sis," said Alecto, "because I don't see us walking anytime soon through the wards…" suddenly the wards opened for them to let in. Amycus looked at her brother with a smirk before walking ahead. Alecto followed her.
Both Mathias and Helena stood at the door to welcome them. "Sorry it took some time," said Mathias as he stepped forward to great the 'guests'. "We were wishing the girls goodnight. How can we help you?"
"I suppose a man with your connections have already heard what happened in London and Diagon Alley?" said Amycus. Mathias nodded with a flat face. "The rumors that the auror department and ministry spread are true. The dark lord has returned and he seeks you to join his cause."
"We really appreciate the offer but like last time I think we won't be taking any sides," said Helena. Both she and her husband felt the change in the wards. Daphne had done it. "We are sorry if it causes you any problems in any way but for the sake of our family…our girls we think we won't be taking the risk."
"There's nothing more important than bringing the dark lord's plans to fruition," said Amycus. Helena still wondered why people didn't fear Amycus just as much as they did Bellatrix. According to her she was more scary and crazy. She also had a sadistic nature which made her as dangerous as Bella. The only difference between them was because of their skills. "Declare your loyalty to the dark lord and he will make sure of your girls' safety. He will even ensure they get good husbands to continue your family line with strong and powerful generations."
Both the Greengrasses had to gulp down their anger upon hearing that as they maintained their demeanor in front of the siblings. Mathias smiled. "I am sure he will but unfortunately we will have to decline. Our family has stayed neutral for generations and we would like to keep it that way."
"You are a long running line of a noble pureblood family," said Amycus. "You should be at the frontlines, declaring your loyalty to the dark lord's cause but you are acting like you don't deserve the purity of your blood."
"We are simply neutral," said Mathias. "We are neither blood traitors nor do we wish to be part of any cause."
Amycus smiled. "I thought you would be smart enough to accept the offer but it looks like you are still as stubborn as before."
"I think it will be better if you leave," Mathias said, his tone changing from normal to defensive as he took a step forward.
"Brother, do we still get to access their fortunes if we kill them but keep their daughters alive?" Amycus asked.
"Their vaults will recognize the family magic in their blood," said Alecto. "Either of the girls can be used to open the vaults."
"Well, it looks like we won't need you two anymore," said Amycus as she whipped out her wand when she immediately ducked down as a spell flew over Mathias and Helena's, right towards her. Mathias was quick with his moves as his wand slipped into his hand from the holster which he had been hiding under his sleeve as he fired body bind spells at Alecto, the less strong of the two while Helena kept Amycus distracted with a barrage of spells.
Amycus wasn't expecting an ambush like his but this wasn't something she was unfamiliar to as she quickly regained her footing and started to fire back. It was then that Helena stepped aside and from inside the house a series of spells came flying at Amycus. This she didn't expect as Harry and Daphne walked outside, their wands seamlessly firing a series of body bind and knock-out spells. However, for Amycus holding off two kids was easy but then out of nowhere the ground beneath her feet exploded throwing her hard on the ground. Everyone looked at Mathias who had fired the spell.
"Let's change, shall we?" he said and all of them agreed. Harry knew from Daphne how skilled Mathias was when it came to spell casting so he was a better opponent for Amycus who seemed to be quick with her wand.
Harry, Daphne and Helena took on Alecto while Mathias stood facing Amycus who knew of his reputation as a dueler. This won't be as easy as she'd thought but she knew before coming here that they might get into a situation like this so she had prepared an exit strategy as she reached for her pocket and activated the portkey. To her shock nothing happened. She saw the smirk on Mathias' face and knew what was up.
"Surprised?" he said before he started firing spell after spells on her. Knowing that he was a great dueler was one thing while facing it herself was another as he didn't give her any chance to fire back as she kept raising shield after shield to block his attacks. He didn't even give her the chance to dodge any of them. Soon enough she reached the limit of her magical stamina as her tiredness began to show. Mathias didn't let go of this opportunity as he ended the fight firing a barrage of spells at her, pinning her down on the ground after disarming her. He made sure to snap her wand as he knew wands could be traced before he knocked her out with a petrifying spell.
By the time he was done, his wife, daughter and Harry had taken care of Alecto who didn't stood much of a chance facing three opponents at once. Surprisingly for Harry Daphne seemed more skilled than her mother but it somewhat made sense seeing how her father had trained her. Harry had also noticed Mathias' fight with Amycus and wondered if he'd deliberately lost to Flitwick back in the day.
Mathias quickly searched the Carrows for any trace that could lead other death eaters here. "You can't stay here," Harry said realizing something as both Helena and Mathias realized it as well. "Others must know where they were going so if they don't return back more death eaters could come this way."
"We knew we'd have to face something like this one day," said Mathias, "so we had it ready. He conjured a piece of paper and wrote something in it before handing it to Harry who saw it was an address. He looked at him as Mathias smiled.
"A fidilius?" Harry said. Mathias nodded.
"No one but you knows about its location apart from us," Helena said. "We would like you to keep it that way seeing you are Daphne's betrothed. However, seeing what happened tonight and what will follow I fear we will be pulling her out of Hogwarts until things settle down."
"You don't have to do that," Harry said. "After tonight you have already become a target for Voldemort and his death eaters. I think it's time for everyone to know that Daphne and I are betrothed."
00000
Thanks for reading…
