I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
Defiance of Fate
Chapter 6 – Warriors and Worriers
"Hi Luna!"
Luna turned and smiled. "Hello Hermione!" She hugged the older girl fondly. "How are you doing?"
"Doing well. Keeping busy. Doing a lot of planning right now for the upcoming law reviews. They've been pushed back a little with the Wizengamot debating over the war and the volunteers so I'm fine with the extra time really."
"I imagine." Luna looked down Hermione's front. "And how is the baby?"
Hermione patted her abdomen. "Doing well too, thank goodness. The healer said everything is going great."
They waited to be seated at a little café in Diagon Alley, with Luna insisting she be sat first.
"Luna, I'm pregnant, not fragile," Hermione huffed.
"I know but I'm being extra careful for someone else right now," Luna said softly.
"Oh, well, okay then," Hermione said just as softly.
They sat and ordered, chatting about this and that. Hermione had long given up on trying to direct conversations with Luna. Back at Hogwarts, the younger girl could change topics at will and it was not until the conversations end, or well after it ended, did one see the path that connected the topics. Admittedly, Luna had gotten more focused as they aged, but it was still nice to have a meandering conversation without a destination in mind.
Luna sipped her coffee and looked around them. "Diagon is rather busy."
Hermione nodded. "It's almost completely normal. Well, for most people it is normal I suppose."
"For some, they must be making up for before," Luna mused. "Others to distract from what's happening now." She looked at a poster on a wall that called for volunteers to join the UK unit for the war. "If you ignore some things that is."
Hermione sighed. "So tell me, your trip went well?"
"It did. I managed to visit every place father loved best and left a bit of his ashes at each place. He was rather picky about certain places." A sad smile formed. "It was his second to last wish however, so I had no problem with indulging him. That's why I was delayed in returning. Spent almost a week in the jungle for the conditions to be right."
"I wish I could have helped more," Hermione said.
"You helped plenty. Helped me get my travel documents in order and plan things. You wouldn't have come even if you weren't pregnant. I know you don't enjoy camping in the wilds like that so much." She frowned. "I wish I let Harry come with me."
"Me too," Hermione sighed, hiding a wince. "He's been sounding okay, from his letters."
"He has." Luna chewed her sandwich with a little more force than necessary. "I wish there are others over there that we could speak to. In case Harry hides information from us. When he is, I mean."
"I tried to intimidate Zabini once in writing, he retaliated by writing back an entire act from one of Shakespeare's plays. In Italian. It took me a while to translate and when I realized what he did I was furious." Hermione rolled her eyes.
"At least that's something. He's afraid of me for some reason," Luna sighed.
"Well, a few more of our friends and acquaintances are going over in the second wave soon. I helped a few with some legal things and we'll be able to get more information through them."
"That's good," Luna sighed. Her eyes, momentarily sad, brightened a little. "What do you think of his new nickname?"
Hermione giggled. "I think it's wonderful and I can imagine his embarrassment every time he hears it."
Luna giggles joined hers. "At least it's better than his other ones."
"Can I get a copy of that drawing you did of him after you learned of the nickname?" Hermione asked eagerly.
"Oh yes. I will send you one when I get home. That will give Hedwig something to do. She's been moody lately. Mostly flying back and forth to the Ministry hoping for more letters. Someone at the Ministry Post office asked me to get her to stop and I told them they were welcome to try. Apparently, they have been and have failed miserably."
"I'm glad Hedwig went to you. If I didn't know how capable of an owl she was, I would have panicked more when I could not find her at home those first few days." Hermione shook her head.
"No one bothers her twice," Luna smiled.
"No they do not," Hermione agreed. She smiled. "Remember when Ron tried to take that letter from her?"
Luna laughed brightly. "She stole his sausages for a month. Every morning. He had to beg Harry to make her stop."
They talked about happier times for a while before leaving. Hermione tried to pay for the bill but Luna insisted and succeeded.
"Next time it's on me then," Hermione said.
"Perhaps," Luna said slowly. "I am about to say something a bit accusatory so I don't know if there will be a next time." She stared at her, pale grey eyes meeting light brown ones. "You know something."
Hermione barely stopped herself from shivering. "I know lots of things, Luna."
"That too. But you know what I'm referring to." Luna's gaze was unwavering. "You know something about Harry and the war."
"Did he tell you?" Hermione asked, unable to meet her eyes.
"No. You've become a better liar since school but you always wore your guilt a little too close to the surface."
Hermione smiled wryly. "Terrible for a solicitor isn't it."
"But good for a friend." Luna looked at her for a long moment without blinking. "You won't tell me."
Hermione shook her head.
"Because he asked you not to."
She nodded, ashamed. "If it makes you feel better, it's everyone, not you specifically."
"Not really, but I suppose it's something." Luna nodded too, wiping away something in her eyes. "Okay, I will not pry then."
Hermione finally looked back, seeing tears in her friend's eyes too. "Thank you and I'm sorry."
Luna hugged her. "Don't be. It must be a dreadful burden. Hopefully you will be able to relieve it soon."
Hermione hugged her back. "Can we meet for lunch next week too? I've missed this and I really want to."
"Of course, so have I." Luna smiled softly. Then her eyes narrowed as she looked over Hermione's shoulder. "I am sorry to have bothered you when you are about to be bothered more."
"I saw them earlier too," Hermione sighed.
"Would you like me to stay?"
"No, I can deal with them more easily."
Luna's smile was a touch mischievous. "Because I am a terror to deal with?"
Hermione blushed and laughed. "No, but I feel less bad about not being completely truthful with them. As in, barely at all."
Luna kissed Hermione's cheek. "Thank you. Let me know when you would like to visit again." She gently patted Hermione's front before walking away.
Hermione watched her leave, taking her time. After a long moment she took a deep breath and turned, walking briskly down the street.
"Hermione!"
She suppressed her annoyance and slowed, turning to face the two approaching men. She plastered on what Harry called her 'professional smile', making her miss him even more. "Hello Remus, Sirius."
Remus had the grace to look faintly embarrassed, but his eyes were warm. "Hello Hermione," he said. "You look wonderful. I hope you are doing well."
"Yeah you look great," Sirius said loudly and a touch over-enthusiastically. His smile was crooked and he looked as if nothing could bother him. "How's it going?"
"Well enough. The baby is healthy. Work is smooth but busy. My husband is well." She stood there; hands clasped over her belly. As time passed awkwardly, Sirius fidgeted more and Remus looked amused.
"That's good," Sirius said, his façade of nonchalance cracking slightly. "Remus and I were just passing by and thought it'd be good to say hello, see how you were and all."
"Thank you," Hermione replied smoothly. "What a fortuitous coincidence."
His smile did not fade. "Say, while I got you here, have you heard from him?"
"Him?" Hermione asked, pretending to not understand.
"Harry," Sirius clarified, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Oh, him. Well yes, I have. We write often." She affected an air of confusion. "Do you not?"
"No, he hasn't really written me," Sirius said, his voice growing rougher.
"That's strange. He replies to all my letters. Surely you've written him?"
Sirius coughed. "I've…been meaning to."
"Ah I see. Well if you like, I'm finishing a letter up now. Would you like to come to my office and write one up and we can send it together?"
He snorted. "I can write a letter. I'll send one along soon, been working on it." He looked away. "Is he alright?"
Hermione relented slightly. "Well enough. He's doing his best."
"Good, that's good." Sirius looked equal parts relieved and ashamed. "Right, good to see you Hermione. I just remembered I have to go do something. Coming Remus?"
"I'll be along, I want to visit with Hermione for a moment longer." Remus waited for Sirius to make his goodbyes and leave before sighing deeply. "I'm so sorry," he said to her.
"That's okay, I've long since stopped holding you responsible for him," Hermione said.
"No, that is Amelia's duty now," Remus chuckled, gratified to hear Hermione do the same. "Though I still get pulled in here and there as you see. He means well-"
"-he just has trouble showing it and is stubborn," Hermione finished. "You'll pardon me for not completely accepting that, not anymore. The excuse gets thinner each time it's said and it's positively threadbare now."
"You are not wrong," Remus said wearily. He rubbed his eyes. Then a smile grew. "Your handling of him has improved. Familiar as well."
Hermione grinned. "Andromeda is an excellent teacher."
"She really is the best at it though she's losing her patience as well. The stress of things is getting to us all. I have to be there whenever she and Sirius interact now. The last few times wands were drawn."
"You should probably let her do what she wants," Hermione sniffed.
"As amusing as that would be, I'd be failing as a mediator. Honestly, I'm surprised they haven't planned a meeting while I was at Hogwarts. That way I wouldn't be meddling at all."
Hermione hummed. "Well, I suppose they rely on you for keeping them from going too far."
He snorted. "At least I'm not bored." He looked down at her. "He is truly doing well?"
"You know Harry," Hermione groaned. "Downplays what he does, especially the dangerous things. From what I can tell he's doing his best over there but I don't know if he's done anything what we'd call dangerous. Knowing him, he has and hasn't mentioned it."
"I will write to Emmeline," Remus said. "I think she will tell me things. We are acquaintances and friendly enough." He looked chagrined. "I should write to Harry as well. I also have been meaning to but I was worried about upsetting Sirius too much."
"And that would be a pity," Hermione deadpanned.
Remus laughed. "It really was good to see you. I did try to tell Sirius not to bother you today but you know how he gets. Do let me know if I can do anything."
"You have your hands full with Sirius and keeping my husband in line at Hogwarts," Hermione smiled.
He laughed again. "He doesn't need help with that. He does very well and the students adore him." He winked. "He talks about you a lot too."
She blushed. "Oh that man," she huffed, embarrassed and pleased.
"How was Miss Lovegood?"
"She's okay. Upset over this too, even more than we are I think."
He sighed. "Understandable. I truly hope he is doing well over there."
"He'll do the right thing." She sniffled. "Problem is, it's usually the dangerous thing for him."
"We can only hope and pray," Remus said softly. "And do what we can here for his return."
"I just care that he stays safe," Hermione whispered. "And that he comes back to us."
-0-
A piercing shriek filled the air, cutting through all other sounds. Harry looked up from the wound he just finished healing. "What was that?"
Yun's face was a mask of horror. "That means we have a perimeter breach! Enemies have entered the camp!"
They were at a forward operating base to support the new offensive. Ever since the first battle, the ICW medical team decided that it was important that an aid station was important wherever the battle lines were drawn and did their best to have one. They tried to establish it far enough back from the frontlines but the lines changed and could not be predicted at all times.
They could hear explosions to the east of the station, roaring and shouting. The implications made Harry's blood run cold. He looked down at the American wizard he had just healed, at the way he looked. He looked around the medical tent, at the medics and healers, at the wounded. "What do we do?"
"We try to evac as fast and as best as possible," Yun said. She directed the medi-magicals to their tasks. "Emergency protocols."
"What are you doing?" Harry asked the wizard, feeling him struggling to rise.
"Most of the base are at the line," the wounded wizard wheezed. "You'll need time to evac." He coughed wetly, pushing himself up.
Harry pushed him back down. "You're not undoing all my hard work," he said tersely and put the man to sleep with a charm. He summoned his belt and pouches from under the table, tying it on and ran for the tent flap.
"Harry! What are you doing?!" Yun shouted.
"Buying you time! As much as I can get!" He ran out, ignoring her shouts to stop. "Second Senior needs you," he said to a few soldiers waiting just outside. "We need to get the wounded to safety." He continued to run, seeing smoke and magical light flashing. As he ran, he removed a scalpel from his pouch and cut his left palm. He then grabbed a rune stone and held it tightly in his hand, smearing his blood over it.
He saw the smoldering remains of tents, fires burning wildly and out of control. A large group of enemy soldiers were pushing their way deeper into the camp, driving the defenders back. Spell light flashed between them and people fell on either side. He took a deep breath and shouted, "Disrumpam Terra!" He slashed with his wand and a large tear in the ground appeared, running away from him. It split the enemy off from the defenders, creating a large jagged wound in the earth, sending dust and sand and debris into the air.
He held his wand to the bloody rune stone in his hand. "Ventus Maxima. Ventus Ulula. Ventus Obedire!" He drew a large circle with his wand and aimed for the sky. The winds obeyed him, howling and screeching. Compelled by his magic, they formed a cyclone that encompassed the defender's side of the newly created battle field. The wind sucked up loose rock and sand created from the sundering earth spell, adding to the shielding nature of the cyclone. Spells could not make it through the cyclone of wind and debris but Harry knew it would only be a matter of time before the enemy broke through.
"Go!" Harry shouted at the beleaguered defenders. "Get the wounded back and get them out!"
"What about you?" one asked.
"I'll buy you time and duck out when I need to, go!" Harry watched them go, the ones able to move carrying their comrades. He cut the sign of the rune into the palm of his left hand with the scalpel once more, holding his wand between his teeth. Then he pushed the rune stone into the earth, feeling it throb in time with the mark on his hand. Holding his wand at the ready, he conjured disks of stone, piling them around him.
An enemy soldier pushed their way through the wall of wind. He yelled something and a jet of purple energy shot towards some retreating ICW soldiers.
Harry banished a stone disk into the path of the spell, blocking it. He pushed with his left hand and the winds howled and the soldier was sucked back into the tempest. He stood his ground, keeping the winds going while banishing stone objects into the path of spells or summoning shields. He felt himself getting tired at a rapid rate, being drained from maintaining the winds as well as casting furiously other spells.
He knew why he was doing this. He was trying to prove a point. It did not escape him that it could be his last.
More enemy soldiers pierced the winds. A few cast their own wind spells, creating a tunnel where they could run through. One pointed at him, screaming something in a language he did not understand. From the looks on their faces, he could guess at the meaning.
He had seen those faces many times before. In his past. In his nightmares.
After surviving the War of Blood, after dealing with incredible egos on either side of the conflict, Harry had learned the importance of symbols and impressions. He knew that people were either heartened or demoralized by impressions. A single figure could incite hate as much as it could inspire.
He silently cast the Sonorous Charm on himself. He pulled off his bandanna, letting his black hair go free, letting his scar show. Drawing from the depths of his strength, he let his magic pulse through himself, drawing the eye and attention of the enemy. "You want to hurt someone? You want blood?!"
He pointed his wand high and a ball of silver-white light flew into the air. It exploded, sending a shower of silver light all over. "COME AND GET MINE IF YOU CAN!"
He stood his ground and threw the disks out again and again, blocking spell after spell. The wind died a little as he pumped the bare minimum of magic to maintain the spell into the rune, conserving his magical strength. He felt himself grow weaker and he hissed in pain as spells pierced the disks and his shield, cutting into his flesh.
"I'm sorry," he whispered as he started to fall to his knees. "I did my best."
A roar of sound shattered the air, louder than the howling winds. It was rhythmic and ancient, a chant that was throaty and loud. It made the action pause as the enemy soldiers stopped and looked about for the source.
An immense wave of water flowed from the ICW camp and it plowed through the enemy soldiers. They were pushed over and shoved about, screaming from surprise and pain as they were flung high or slammed into the ground. They completely forgot about Harry as they tried to withstand the deluge.
"Hey Angelus! You alright?!"
Harry turned, eyes trying to focus on the form running up.
"I got you mate," the Australian wizard said. "Let's get going while we can." He hefted Harry's unhurt arm over his shoulder and turned to run.
"Wait!" Harry aimed his wand at the rune stone, shattering it and vanishing it. He then blasted the ground for good measure. The cyclone died as soon as the rune stone broke and the rune that Harry carved into his palm smoked. Only then did Harry drop his arm and he limped off with the wizard supporting him. "What was that?" Harry asked, his voice fatigued.
"It was a haka," the wizard said. "Mates from New Zealand chant it, the Māori. Sounds terrifying, doesn't it? With it, they can channel their magic together and they summoned a giant wave of water where there shouldn't be any and can control it better. Heard you came out to stop their counter and I wasn't about to let you twist after saving my dumb ass."
"What about the others?"
"You bought a lot of time mate. The wounded got evaked back to a new fortified position and we got a bunch here to counter-push them. Ah fuck." The wizard saw a few enemy soldiers running towards them. He flicked his wand and the enemy spells splashed against a shield.
Jets of fire immolated the enemy. They shrieked as they were consumed. The fires roared like dragons, twisting and coiling around the foe. Three soldiers appeared, wearing German uniforms, and they ran to Harry and the Australian. They shot another barrage of dragon shaped flames for good measure as they ran.
"Good," Lukas said with naked relief. "You are alive. Come, let us get you back." He barked in German and the other two took positions behind them, looking back towards the new front.
"Glad all of you aren't like your muppet general," the Australian said with a big smile.
"No. We will never abandon Angelus," Lukas growled.
That was the last thing Harry heard before succumbing to his injuries and exhaustion, fading into darkness.
-0-
Harry groaned. His first thought was of intense confusion, followed by intense pain. His arm and side ached, his hand tingled and burned, his leg throbbed. He tried to sit up; eyes squinted against the brightness.
"Hey, take it easy," an oddly familiar voice said. He felt gentle but firm hands push him back onto the cot.
"I know you," he said, his voice raspy and hoarse.
"I should hope so," she said, amused. "If you didn't, I'd say your injuries might involve your brain but we know how thick-skulled you are so I doubt it experienced any damage, any new damage anyways."
"Astoria?" Harry blinked a few times and a petite blonde girl swam into focus. "Where am I?"
"In the ICW medical tent. You'd normally be in the UK one but the ICW healers insisted you remain here and I'm here to keep an eye on you."
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm part of the second wave of volunteers," she said. She handed him a cup of water, helping him drink from the straw. "Getting some valuable experience for healer training and serving."
He drank greedily, feeling slightly better. "How's Daphne taking this?"
"I can do things without my sister's approval," Astoria said frostily.
"Of course you can," Harry replied with a weak smile.
"She's not too happy but she's understanding. She's more upset at you, truth be told."
Harry sighed. "I figured."
"Which is why you didn't tell her before you left."
"I didn't tell a lot of people before I left." He shrugged. "How long have I been out?"
"Two days. You drained yourself but I was told you saved a lot of people, typical Potter behavior." She smiled though her eyes were still concerned. "Also gained a fun new nickname so I've heard."
"At least it's a better one. The wounded got evacuated okay?" He sighed with relief at her nod. He grunted as he flexed his limbs experimentally. "I'm going to be on reduced duty for a while I think."
"Your magical strength is still low," Astoria confirmed. "It'll probably take a few more days before you fully recover but you will, thankfully. Your wounds were healed fairly easily: two piercing wounds, two cutting wounds, fractured leg. The flesh wounds were a little dark so it'll take a bit longer but you should be fine."
He nodded, relieved. "So the next wave of volunteers are here?"
"Most of us. Mostly soldiers with a bit more training than you lot had. A few auxiliaries like me. I only got here yesterday but the rest will be here by the next few days with supplies and things."
"Anyone else I know?"
"Flora and Hestia are here, same as Millie. Pansy's brother, Taylor, is here."
"A lot of Slytherins," Harry murmured.
"To prove that they can serve and to…overcome past prejudices," Astoria said softly. She smiled when Harry took her hand and squeezed it gently. "Most of the others are adults or didn't go to Hogwarts with us. Though I think Terry Boot was in your year, right? And I think I heard there was a cousin of the Patils and a Chang that joined. An Abbott too."
"Have you seen Blaise?"
"Yup, he was here with you a lot too. Told me to tell you that you're a bloody idiot and you owe him so stop doing stupid things." She snorted. "Is he still pining?"
"A Zabini does not pine," Harry said and she laughed, "allegedly."
"He definitely does," Astoria said. "Colin will be here too. He's going to be covering the war for the Prophet."
"I guess the people back home should know how things are going," Harry said. "Try to keep him from taking too many pictures of me though, will you?"
"I should be more worried that my boyfriend is in more love with you than me, but I suppose we all have people we look up to unreservedly," she smiled. After she checked a diagnostic charm on him, she looked at him with worry. "How have you been, really?"
"Oh well, you know," he said evasively.
"I do know, which is why I'm asking."
"I've been wounded twice in action, including this one, but fully recovered the first time and hopefully this time," he said in his professional tone: dispassionate and to the point. "Otherwise," his tone turned wry, "I've managed to piss off the commanding officer of the second largest unit contributing to the ICW. Luckily I've been friendly with someone from that unit so it's not all bad. Made friends with other units. Reasonably tolerated by the UK unit. Some might hate me less now."
"Some do," Astoria said. "More than Blaise and Captain Vance have popped in to see how you were, some that I can tell normally didn't before."
"I guess healing people in this war is doing some good for my public opinion," he joked feebly.
She snorted. "Well, at least your international public opinion seems to be good. You've had visitors from a lot of the other units. Lots of the French, some of the Germans, the Australians, the Americans, the Japanese."
Harry blinked. "Really?"
"Mmhmm," she hummed. "Any cute witches you've managed to improve international relations with?"
Harry laughed. "You're just as bad as Blaise and no, not at all."
"Pity. I was hoping for something salacious." She looked at him closely. "Perhaps you're pining for someone as well?"
He shrugged. "Maybe."
"Okay, keep your secrets," she said teasingly. Her eyes grew warm. "You deserve to be happy too, you know."
"Maybe," he said noncommittally. "Maybe when I'm not trying to survive anymore."
She looked sad. "Yeah, I understand that." She saw him stifle a yawn. "You're not fooling me. Get some rest. You'll need it when I give you Daphne's letter. She wrote a rather long and blistering one."
"Looking forward to it," he said sleepily. I guess I managed to keep my promise after all, Hermione, he thought as he drifted away. Luna.
-0-
Hello Harry,
Yes yes, I am doing well. I've been getting plenty of rest, more so having left the DMLE, and have acclimated well to my new job at the local firm. I've been eating well and have been taking very good care of myself. I never had a problem doing that, unlike some people I could mention.
I realize that might be in extremely poor taste given the current status of things, but I think it'll make you smile so I'm keeping it in. If it doesn't, don't tell me.
Also, don't be absurd. You are not selfish nor inconvenient. You are my closest and best friend and have been for years now. Don't be sorry. If you want to be grateful and shower me with things or, oh I don't know, actually listen to me for once, I would gladly take that. I know you listen to me plenty but still.
I read your letters to the baby. She seems to kick less when I do. I'm sure there's a perfectly plausible explanation as to why but I prefer to think that she misses you as much as I do. Now that is no reason to not be completely truthful in your letters. I can edit things out well enough so don't you try to censor yourself now.
I ran into Remus and Sirius the other day. Sirius tried to get some information out of me without earning any and I might have politely told him off. He claims he will send you a letter soon but I'm not holding my breath. It's bad for the baby, I think. Remus is fine and wishes you well. He is going to try and write you soon.
I hope you are well over there. I'm sure you're hiding information that we would be interested in and as your best friend, I am forewarning you that there are some people in the second wave that will tell us things if you don't so you might as well tell us directly.
Please be careful. Please be safe. Come home to us. We need you.
With love,
Hermione.
-0-0-0-
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - I'm sorry, I don't know what you were saying in the beginning of your comment.
Imaginer.012 - Thank you. I sat for a long time and thought about how a conscientious objector Harry would stop Voldemort. Then I had the thought that the soul piece was essentially like a parasite and it fit the setting thankfully. Glad you liked it.
Urgwaew - Thank you. It took some thinking to get there, the conflict resolution between Voldemort and Harry but I'm pretty pleased with how it came out. Same with the reasoning as to why Harry is like how he is. You should have a lot of answers in this chapter as well as a few new questions to keep you intrigued. Hope you continue to be entertained. Thank you as always and good energy to you.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - Glad you liked the backstory and that it fits the setting.
alix33 - I'm working on good dialogue still, glad it's still coming across well.