Chapter 18

The days following Tracey's abduction were a whirlwind. Harry had kept to his word and relinquished the deputy badges of his friends within twenty four hours of his interrogation. By that evening Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt put on a Press Conference for the Wizarding World, and gave a grand speech about the heroics of the auror department, and thanked the deputies by name immensely for their service. In that speech it was official that the aurors right to lethal force was stricken, and the rules of engagement were changed back to peacetime protocols. This meant all forces must be subdued, and captured. Magic was an incredible thing, and with the skills aurors had this is what Wizarding society in Britain expected of their Law Enforcement officers. The Minister assured the country that the head of the Department Harry Potter and his teams were up to the challenge of returning to normality.

It took three days for Tracey to officially be released from the aurors medical wing. In that time she was flattered to have around the clock auror guards, and frequent visitors from their closest friends. In those three days Daphne had only ever left the girls side for work. It had been a nightmare at work the last few nights mostly because they were borrowing a receptionist from the magical creatures department to help cover for Tracey, and it was clear the girl's heart was not in the temporary transfer. They had wanted to use the part time girl that Daphne seldomly worked with, but had other obligations in apprenticing for a different department during the work days she was needed. Thankfully Tracey would be returning on the fourth night, and things would go back to normality.

Daphne's mother had visited Tracey on the final night of her recovery, and offered her a place to stay for as long as she wanted. It was a surprising move from Ophelia Greengrass, but one Daphne greatly appreciated. She knew that there wasn't a lot of room in her flat for Tracey even though she was going to offer it to her to avoid being alone. Greengrass manor was huge, and she would be very comfortable with her best friend's mother, and it certainly helped that the young woman had practically grown up there in the Summer times.

The young healer had not had a lot of time to talk with the Head of Magical Law Enforcement since she had seen him interrogating Tiberius Nott. She had a couple chances to chat with both Hermione and Susan as they passed through checking on Tracey, but she was told Harry only visited Tracey when she was sleeping. Susan said that Harry was blaming himself for the whole incident, and Daphne wanted to comfort the man if she could.

Nott would be facing trial in a few weeks time, and Daphne hoped they would just toss him through the veil and be done with it, but she doubted that would be the case. Apparently the man was building a pretty stupid defense according to Hermione, but with the way the Pureblood faction worked he might put up a decent fight against the attempted murder charge.

Daphne could tell her best friend had changed after their first few days of working together. She had already taken her NEWTs, and was waiting on the results, but still she poured herself into her studies. She wasn't as joking as she had been before, and she didn't quite talk as much. It took some convincing but between Susan, Hannah, and Daphne the three had convinced the girl to see a mind healer, and her first appointment was on the morning of the first official girls' night the following Friday. Daphne hoped the experience would help her friend, but also understood that trauma affected everyone differently, and she may just need time.

The young woman was looking forward to normality by returning to work. Things had been a little tense between her boss Healer Bulstrode, and herself since Harry had disarmed the woman in the lobby. It had come to light somewhere along the line that she was now friends with many people who fought for the other side during the Blood War, and she was fairly certain her former mentor did not like that at all. It was certainly understandable, because she knew someone on that side of things must've killed her daughter, and she dreaded the feeling that she might know who.

Girls night was certainly the only thing she had been looking forward to now, and after having to give it a miss last week to help Tracey settle her things at Greengrass manor she was looking forward to hanging out with her friends again.

When Tracey had left her shift that morning it was one of the few genuine smiles Daphne had received from the girl in nearly two weeks when she asked if the oldest Greengrass daughter would be coming out tonight. I think after everything that had happened they all deserved a drink.

The girls had all decided on one of their usual spots of the Lazy Irishman in Falmouth, and when Daphne arrived she was greeted by a familiar young face who motioned her through to join her friends at the table. She was surprised to first notice that Astoria was among the women talking amicably, and they all cheered when they noticed her arrival. Astoria was the first to come forward, and embrace the girl, "Happy Birthday Daphne!"

Daphne took the hug, and felt a jolt go through her body as she realized that today was indeed her birthday. It was odd that she had not realized it till now, but working on the overnight shift had always messed up the calendar in her brain. She was hardly ever sure what day of the week it was, and it being July 1st, then that did mean today was her 24th birthday. The girls followed with hugs, and even a few kisses on the cheek indicating that they likely had as usual gotten started without her.

When she took her seat Astoria announced the answer to her unasked question, "Tracey invited me out to ladies night tonight since it was your birthday. She mentioned that she was fairly certain you didn't even know what day it was, and by the look on your face when I said Happy Birthday I suspect she was right?"

Daphne gave her best friend a warm smile at Astoria's explanation. That was definitely something her best friend normally does, and she felt a surge of gratitude at the normality of the situation, "If Susan and I didn't have lunch at some point during the week I would never know what day it is. I start my shifts the day before, and get off the morning after. By the time it's over I don't know what is going on."

This made all the girls laugh, and Astoria shook her head at the girl, "I asked mum not to floo call you just yet, because I didn't want her to give away my surprise of showing up."

This made the girls chuckle, and Susan spoke next, "Are you happy with just drinking here or does the birthday girl want to do something different?"

"No point in hurrying out of here! Let's have some drinks, and hang out. Are any of the guys coming by?" Daphne asked curiously.

"Harry and Neville both offered to drop by, but they didn't want to intrude on girls' night since we didn't get to do it last weekend. They are on standby having drinks somewhere without us." Hannah offered sipping her drink.

"Maybe we can meet up with them afterwards. I'd say we can all go to my flat, but we would be pretty crammed." Daphne offered jokingly.

Tracey countered it with, "Your mother opened the invitation to Greengrass Manor tonight if we wanted. I think she was curious to meet our new friends."

Daphne's eyes narrowed at this, but shrugged, "I guess I should visit my mother tonight anyways. What do you say girls?"

Hermione was the one who looked most uncertain, "We didn't really dress for the occasion of meeting a Lady of the Wizengamot."

Daphne waved her hand in dismissal, "She opened the invitation so she will understand our attire. I'm not exactly dressed to the dimes myself."

It was true Daphne had only been wearing jeans, and a black tank top. Had she remembered it was her birthday perhaps she would've dressed a little nicer, but regardless she was happy to host her friends in her childhood home. Tracey giggled, "Having all these heiresses, heirs, Lords, and Ladies, in regular clothes around your mom actually sounds extremely amusing."

Astoria raised her glass sharply to her lips, "This night might be more entertaining than I first thought. Maybe I should invite my husband just to really spice it all up!"

This made all the girls laugh thinking about Harry and Draco coming face to face again so soon after their last meeting. Susan then asked, "Daphne what do you usually do for your birthday?"

The blonde shrugged, "Not much really. This is the most I've probably done right here since I was a sixth year. Astoria and I usually just go into London for drinks and dinner."

"Well next year we all know the date so we will do something epic. I am thinking of something between jumping out of a plane or diving in the ocean!" Susan exclaimed.

Daphne immediately shut it down though, "Oh no you don't! I am Slytherin. Say it with me Susan. Slyther- In-. I will not be jumping out of perfectly good airplanes like the rest of these crazy Gryffindors."

Hermione shook her head, "I wouldn't do it either, don't put me in with these people!"

This made all the girls laugh, and the conversation turned when Hannah asked, "How was your first day with the Mind Healer Tracey?"

The brunette gave her friends a shrug, "It was nice. Your dad was really kind to me, and didn't pry at all."

Daphne paid close attention to her friend's answer that spoke of her wellbeing. Hannah's family had been well versed in the Mind Arts for centuries. A lot like Susan's family in Wards, but Hannah's family was known for producing natural born legilimens, and Occulmens. This made them uniquely capable of treating people with mental trauma, "Well I am really happy you decided to see him. I think it's really going to help in the long run."

Tracey gave a bit of a forced smile at this, but she said, "Well one of the things he recommended was going on a vacation. I have saved up quite a bit of money over the last few years, so maybe I will do that before I start my apprenticeship. If I get the right grades of course."

Hermione beamed at the girl when she said this, "I think you nailed it Tracey. You were doing so well on our little practice tests. I would be surprised if you did not get an EE or better."

This made the girl return the positive encouragement, "Thanks Hermione. If I passed this I am really going to owe you and Daphne one for it. I should be getting my results in the next few weeks hopefully."

Susan raised her drink to the girl, "That will give us something else to celebrate for then!"

"Speaking of celebrations, I hear Ron and yourself have set a date Hermione?" Daphne questioned.

Hermione pinkened a little at the girl's question, but nodded happily, "Yes we decided for a winter wedding, and are going to officially tie the knot a few days before Christmas. Of course all of you will be invited, but we are going to keep it pretty small. My parents, I think, are still very cautious of magic, and I do not want to overwhelm them. It is likely we will do like Bill and Fleur did, and get married at the Burrow."

Hermione had danced around the topic of her parents a few times, and Daphne had always been curious but never pushed to find out just why they were distrusting of magic. Susan however was quite happy, "Have you decided on your bridal party yet?"

This made the girl sigh, "It's actually been harder than we thought. I think at one point we were thinking of four people each, but then people get left out, and we don't want anyone to be hurt by our decisions. We are certainly close with different people now then we were a few years ago after we got engaged, but I know Harry will be Ron's best man. The problem then is choosing between his four brothers to stand up there with him. I myself am close to all my girlfriends equally as well so it's not an easy choice for me either with no siblings to be a deciding factor. Something for us to continue talking about and working on we still have plenty of time of course."

Astoria being the only one married offered her counsel, "Just have Harry stand up there for both of you."

Hermione's eyes went to the younger girl with a questioning look, but Astoria shrugged, "The day is all about you two. It seems to me as though Harry Potter is the best friend to you both, and choosing people after him seemed kind of challenging, because everyone else is about equal. Damn traditions, it's all about you. Just do whatever makes you happy."

Hannah laughed, "Poor Harry wouldn't know whose side to stand on."

All the girls laughed at this while Hermione seemed to contemplate the girls answer, "Well you do make a good point Astoria. It's all about us, and we need to make sure we aren't bending over backwards to appease people."

Astoria nodded looking at her nails in faux confidence, "I just made a good point to Hermione Granger. I am officially smart! Seriously though, Hermione, when you stop trying to appease others, and just do what you want the process becomes a lot more fun."

The girls passed through a few drinks and many conversations about how the week had gone, and what it was like to no longer be on call aurors.

"I think Neville misses it already. He was so used to being on call for all this time ready for something to go wrong at any moment, but I think he feels a certain sense of freedom now. Like the responsibility of the war is finally leaving him after all these years." Hannah said happily.

Hermione nodded, "It was a different kind of lifestyle for sure. For years and years we have jumped from one life or death situation to another, and really refused to travel the world in fear Harry might need us. Ron and I are looking forward to doing some traveling this fall before our wedding. I am happy to live out my days at this point having girls nights on Friday night, and settling down quietly while traveling the world with Ron in our vacation time."

"I have more time in my schedule than I normally did too. Saves me hours of paperwork a week not having to keep up with this lot." Susan said with a grin.

"Well it can't exactly be boring yet. With the upcoming World Cup in England and all." Daphne inquired gently.

Susan nodded, "Harry is petitioning the ICW for Hitwizards and auror contingents from the countries. I think he knows he will be working in some sort of capacity that night, but he wants to keep it as minimal as possible in case we are in the finals."

Hermione nodded, "I have never seen Harry in such a professional capacity. I have to admit he has quite a way with words. I went with him before the ICW as the head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, and he gave a really passionate speech about keeping everyone safe."

"He really wants this to go smoothly. It helps that he knows Teddy is going to be there, and if anyone disrupts that night for the little lad there won't be anything left of them by the time Harry is done." Susan said with a chuckle.

"Oh you girls should've seen Teddy last weekend at the Bulgaria Vs England game. Viktor came and chatted with us a few hours before the game started, and our poor boy was starstruck. Not even being a fan of Bulgaria he knew who Viktor is, and was in awe that he was so friendly with his godfather. Viktor signed him an autograph. I thought Teddy was going to swoon." Hermione cooed.

Teddy Lupin was often a topic among the girls. Hermione of course spent a lot of time around him, as did Susan since he would be dropped off at the office by Andromeda if she ever had to run errands. Astoria however didn't seem to recognize the name, and Daphne filled the girl in, "Teddy is Harry's Godson. Long story, but he is a really cute kid, and Harry is really close with him."

The younger Slytheirn girl nodded, but stood to her feet, "Well girls I am going to give my mother a heads up that we are coming. I will see you all at Greengrass Manor."

Tracey stood as well, "I should go to. Make sure your mom doesn't need anything."

The group said temporary goodbyes, and Daphne took a breath when her sister, and best friend were gone. Susan put a hand on hers, "Everything alright Daph?"

"It's been challenging these last two weeks. Tracey is still figuring out how to cope with what happened. There are times I don't know what to say, or I think about something to say, but I am afraid of triggering her." Daphne said sadly.

"Does she still blame us for what happened?" Susan asked.

"I don't know, but she has to know that it's ridiculous. From what she said the tape told her that her supposed betrayal during the final battle was enough to land her there. Hurting you guys was just a bonus. I just wish there was something I could say or do to make it better." Daphne said bitterly.

Hannah grabbed her wrist gently and smiled softly at her, "You are doing exactly what you are supposed to. You are there for her. Don't be afraid to trigger her Daphne. That's one of the things that is going to make her adjusting to normal easier. Apologize when you do, but just know it's all a part of the healing process. Trust me on that."

Sighing, the girl nodded her head, "Things were just going so well before all this, and now it just seems a little lost."

Susan however tried to shake her out of it, "Well then we just have to find the path again. You my dear are entirely too sober, and entirely too somber for your birthday. These are two S words I will not allow for my girl on her birthday. Now I am going to order us a flight of shots, and then we are going to stumble into your mothers house, and make a nuisance of ourselves.``

This made Daphne grin a little at the red heads words, and nodded in acceptance, "That does sound pretty amusing."

Hermione snorted, "No thanks Daphne but something tells me I am going to need a few shots to get through this. Most ladies of the Wizengamot that I have met are a little...old fashioned."

Daphne grimaced at the very kind adjective her book worm of a friend had come up with, "Well at least you are being invited by the heiress, and one day future Lady Greengrass so you won't have to worry much about that."

With that Hermione on board Susan flashed the bartender a bright smile and ordered four flights of shots, one for each remaining girl. It was an ugly state of affairs when Daphne watched the bartender use muggle alcohols of four different varieties. When the flights were brought out Susan grinned, "To the birthday girl."

The other two girls answered the cheers, and Daphne offered them all a weak smile as she tossed back each of the four one ounce glasses.

(A/N) Good day everyone, and this concludes Chapter 18. I have been waiting a week to write this authors note, because I received several reviews from people who obviously have not been paying attention, so if you would like to see me rant a few paragraphs stick around for my response to the reviewers this week. As for everything else we have a few chapters of peace before things go hectic again, and of course next week will bring us face to face with Lady Greengrass and Greengrass manor for her to meet all of Daphne's news friends. I just recently finished chapter 28 of this story, so you can all be assured the weekly updates can continue through at least November, and I have to say I have done some of my very best writing over the last few weeks, so I can't wait to share with you what's coming. Thanks for all the support you guys have given me, and I look forward to sharing the next section of this story. Cheers and see you all on Wednesday.

To answer reviewers:

To Magic21 and John B Good:

There are quite a few leads to these crimes. Tiberius Nott says he was only the beginning, and he is absolutely right. I have mentioned the responsible parties in this story in very indirect aways, and if you really know your HP Canon then you already know who is behind all this. Only one person has reached out to me so far who knows the answer, but I promise this isn't some random string of events that won't make sense when it comes together. There are suspicions, and a real case going on in the background, but it's not the highlight, because I want the unveiling to be a surprise. Stick with me it's going to get a lot more interesting, and there will be many more hints. Cheers, and thanks for reviewing!

To Nanchih:

I'm not sure where you pulled the information about Gregory Goyle from, but according to the fandom pages, and HP Canon we don't know if Greg survives the Battle of Hogwarts. In the movie he dies, but we certainly don't know who he ends up marrying. If you have other information on that I would like to see it, because while of course I like to manipulate canon for fanfiction, that is definitely a storyline I would work in between Daphne and Greg in future stories I write. Thanks for reviewing, and look forward to hearing from you.

To Bibliophile1521:

I don't usually insult reviewers, but obviously you didn't actually read my story when any sort of intent to pay attention. There are like a combined total of 3k words about anything that is related to the Saw movies out of this nearly 80k story. That makes up around 10% of the story being used to shape a villain, not rehash "saw style rip-off bs". Read the story again, pay attention, and come back with a review that shows a semblance of intelligence, and we can speak again. Thanks for wasting your time reviewing. Cheers.

Geovanni Luciano:

I agree with you, most of the Purebloods wouldn't use muggle tech to get to someone, but to someone like Tiberius Nott he knows that in any magical form of torture Harry would not only figure it out, but know exactly how to trace it back. This is the only way for untraceable torture to occur with any hope of getting away with it. This is an example of learning from past mistakes, because at this point in the story in magical society most people see Harry as a Merlin level wizard, and they won't try to magically pull one over on him, so just keep that in mind as these psychos delve into more clever ways to beat Harry and his friends! Thanks for reviewing, cheers!

To Emilysouza221b:

This is neither a political action story, or a horror movie story. Its a blend of romance, crime, and maybe a smidgen of politics. Regardless the horror crimes are pretty much over, that was such a small part of the story I am trying to share here, so stick around and see if you can bare to see what happens next. Cheers, and thanks for reviewing!

FOR THE LAST TIME: To any reviewers who say this is a saw crossover...I will say this nicely, but its really getting annoying...It's not a crossover. No Saw characters are going to be entering this story, and its such a small aspect of it I really don't get why you all are tripping over it. If you don't like it, don't read it. This story is so much more than that tiny aspect, but if all you are going to do is bitch about then DON'T READ IT.

Thank you to everyone else who left nice reviews, and if anyone wants to chat with me about this story feel free to reach out to me in the Emerald Library discord page. Cheers!