Meagan took a quivering breath and opened the door. She slipped into the room and closed the door behind her. The only light was that coming from the flickering fire underneath the mantle. Meagan saw Harry, huddled under the blankets on his bed. She gracefully crossed the room and sat down on the bed. Harry was fast asleep. Meagan felt tears build up as she saw the bandage on his head and the faint lines on his face from when it had been contorted in pain many hours before. Meagan rested a hand on Harry's cheek.

"Why do you have to feel so much pain?" She asked in barely more than a whisper. There was no answer from Harry...he just shifted a little. Meagan closed her eyes. There was a warm glow coming from the fireplace. A smile wanted to dance across Meagan's face, but she wouldn't let it. She opened her eyes and slowly lowered her head. Meagan gently kissed Harry's forehead before removing her hand from his cheek and leaving the room. Meagan now stood in the hallway, facing a closed door. She sighed and turned, surprised to see Christy there. Meagan forced a smile.

"Hey...what are you doing up so early?" She asked, taking Christy by the hand.

"I wanted to see Harry." Christy answered quietly as she was led back to her room by Meagan. Meagan closed the bedroom door and sat her little sister on the bed. Meagan sat beside the little blonde girl and looked into her eyes.

"Christy...do you remember Mika?" She asked quietly. Christy stared at her for a minute and then gave a nod. Meagan closed her eyes briefly but opened them after a moment.

"How do you know Mika?" She asked shakily. Christy bit her lip and looked down at her feet, which were resting on the bed.

"I'm not supposed to tell..." She said quietly. Meagan felt a rush of fear.

"Christy, I need you to tell me." She said sternly. Christy raised her head and looked her big sister in the eye.

"I'm not supposed to tell. I'll get in trouble if I do." She said quietly. Meagan cupped the little girl's face in her hands.

"I promise you won't get in trouble. How do you know Mika?" She asked. Christy bit her lip again.

"He comes to daycare and eats lunch with me in the park." She said nervously. Meagan felt all the color drain from her face.

"When? When does he do this?" She asked frantically. Christy closed her eyes. She was thinking really hard.

"Aunty May makes me a peanut butter and banana sandwich that day..." She said after a minute. Meagan racked her brain. She and Christy stayed with Harry on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, so Aunty May made sandwiches on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Meagan bit her lip. Uncle Jon went to the market on Wednesday's and bought the fruit, so Mika went on Thursdays. Meagan turned back to her sister.

"Has he ever hurt you?" She asked. Meagan already knew the answer. Her belief was confirmed when Christy shook her head, no.

"What do you talk about?" Meagan asked. Christy sighed. Her whole body rose and fell when she did this.

"School...Aunty May and Uncle Jon...you..." Christy trailed off. Her face lit up.

"And Harry!" She smiled, clapping her hands together. Meagan felt her heart drop.

"What do you say about Harry?" She asked quickly. Christy smiled.

"We talk about quidditch and those games Harry plays with me!" She giggled. Meagan smiled feebly. Christy and Harry always played things like hide and seek. She had one more question.

"What does Mika wear?" She asked. Christy looked thoughtful.

"A pair of jeans, a shirt and a black jacket." She said as she nodded her head. Meagan sighed. Mika knew...he knew everything.

THURSDAY

Meagan paced nervously in her room and Sirius's house. She glanced at herself in the mirror. She looked...good. A black dress and her hair was up. Good enough for a reunion with her brother that had killed her parents. Meagan shook her head and continued to pace, her high heels clicking against the hard wood floor. There was a knock at the door.

"Come in..." Meagan squeaked. The door opened and Harry poked his head in. He and Meagan weren't on the best of terms.

"Christy's ready." He said shortly. Since Christy was staying at the house, Meagan dropped her off at daycare everyday. Harry was staring at Meagan.

"What?' She asked cautiously. A small smile danced across Harry's face. He quickly got rid of it.

"You look nice." He said quietly, before limping down the hall. The double dose of the Cruciatus curse had had more affect on him than anyone had realized at first. He had torn several muscles and ligaments and had to take magical pills to repair them. It was fair enough to say he was in a lot of pain. Meagan sighed and gathered her coat. She went down the hall and into Christy's room. The little girl was sitting on the floor playing with a doll. Meagan glanced at the clock. Eleven thirty. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Christy went to daycare later...around lunchtime.

"Ready?" Meagan asked as she crouched down. Christy gave a nod and set her doll down.

"Does Mika know you're coming?" The little girl asked. Meagan shook her head.

"Nope...we're gonna surprise him." She said shakily.

"LIKE HELL YOU ARE!"

Meagan stood up and spun around. Harry was standing in the doorway, his hand in the middle of his lower back.

"Harry, I..." Meagan began. Harry's eyes were blazing.

"Squirt, go get Sirius to help you with your runners." Harry told Christy, his eyes never leaving Meagan. Christy hurried from the room, ducking between Harry's legs.

"You aren't going to see him." Harry said angrily. Meagan sighed.

"Harry, he knows everything. He's been going to see Christy for god knows how long!" She explained wearily. Harry shook his head.

"I - don't - care!" He spat. Meagan could tell he was serious.

"I am not going to let you go and meet up with your brother the Death Eater! He attacked me for Christ's sake!" Harry yelled. Meagan ran a hand through her hair.

"I have to see him." She said quietly. Harry was extremely angry.

"Then I'm coming." He said shortly, before leaving the doorway. Meagan stood stunned for a moment, then tore after him.

"Harry!" She yelled as Harry painfully sat down onto the couch, his runners in hand.

"It's too dangerous for you to come!" Meagan protested. Harry shook his head.

"You're not going if I'm not going." He said, tightening his laces. After a minute he stood. He grasped Meagan's hands in his. This was the most caring gesture he had made in days.

"I don't own you and I'm not saying I do. But, I won't just stand by and let you walk into what could end up being a trap. I won't do it Meagan. You'll just have to live with the fact that I'm coming." Harry said quietly. Meagan sighed. She felt tears brimming.

"Fine, but only if Sirius comes." She said quietly. Harry reluctantly agreed and went to find Sirius.

Harry, Meagan and Sirius all dropped Christy off at the daycare. They settled themselves at a bench across the street and waited. Harry had his elbows on his knees and his face in his hands as he waited. His back was really bothering him. He felt a hand slide down his back, along his jacket and settle near the base of his spine. Harry glanced to his left and saw Meagan, staring straight ahead. It was instinct...she just knew. Harry was about to protest when her hand began to move in circular motions. It relaxed Harry's muscles so he kept his mouth shut and returned to staring at his feet. Around half an hour later, Sirius cleared his throat. Harry glanced up. Mike and Christy were leaving the daycare. Mika was wearing a pair of dark jeans, a t-shirt and a black jacket. His blonde hair was spike and he had a silver ear ring dangling from his left lobe. Meagan sighed and stood. So did Harry and Sirius. They followed Mika and Christy from a distance, all the way down the street, to a small, wooded park. Harry laced his fingers with Meagan. She looked at him and then at their hands. Had Harry forgiven her? Meagan shook this from her head as she saw Mika and Christy sit down at a stone picnic table. Mika had his back to them. As they got closer, Christy spotted them. She smiled and darted from the table, towards Harry. Mika spun around. All the color drained from his face as he saw Sirius, Meagan and Harry. Christy galloped towards Harry and giggled as he bent down and scooped her up. He hid the expression of pain very well. They had reached Mika now, who was standing, his hand reaching for his pocket. His eyes fell on Meagan and his hand was raised. He ran his fingers through his hair.

"Megs..." He said quietly. His eyes wandered to Meagan's hand...which was once again laced with Harry's. Christy was resting on Harry's hip, her head on his shoulder.

"Mika..." Meagan said shortly. Mika scowled at Harry.

"Don't try anything Mika...I just came here to talk to you. No need to make this into anything more." Meagan said sharply. Mika looked back at his sister.

"If you just wanted to talk, you shouldn't have brought him." He spat, jerking his head towards Harry. Meagan shook her head.

"Harry's very protective when it comes to the people he loves. He wanted to make sure Christy was okay." She spat, pointing to her little sister. Mika looked at the little blonde girl as well. She was smiling happily as she nestled into Harry. A look of pain danced through Mika's eyes.

"Then talk Megs...but not with him." He spat, eyeing Harry once again. Harry tightened his grip on Meagan's hand.

"It's okay baby...I'll be fine." Meagan said quietly. Harry didn't release her hand.

"Harry...really, I'm okay." Meagan said softly. Harry scowled but gave a nod. He kissed Meagan lightly before walking away with Christy in his arms.

"It's okay Sirius, go with Harry." Meagan said, glancing at Sirius. Sirius scowled at Mika and then jogged after Harry. Mika watched as his little sister was lowered to the ground and placed in the middle of the two men. She grasped each of their hands and was lifted into the air every other step. Mika turned back to Meagan. She was staring at him with almost a...a sad expression on her face.

Harry and Sirius watched Meagan and her brother from a distance. Christy was sitting on Harry's lap, her head resting against his chest. Harry's eyes were following every motion Mika made...every flick of the wrist every gesture. He could see Meagan growing steadily more upset. Sirius was watching Harry.

"How's your back?" He asked, trying to break the silence. Harry shrugged. At the same time, he flinched. Sirius shook his head.

"What about your leg?" He asked wearily. Harry glanced down at his leg, which was stretched out.

"Same old..." He muttered. Sirius glanced at Meagan and then back to Harry.

"How's the team doing in the rankings?" He asked, trying to force conversation. Harry sighed. This was growing tiresome.

"We're tied with Ireland for first. We need to beat them next month to make it to the finals." He explained, stroking Christy's golden hair. Sirius gave a nod.

"And your classes, how are they?" He asked awkwardly. Harry sighed.

"Sirius, don't do this." He said quietly.

"Do what?" Sirius asked defensively.

"Try and cheer me up by taking my mind off other things." Harry said quietly. His eyes flickered as Meagan turned to go but was stopped as Mika grabbed her arm. Sirius was very quiet. Christy was drifting off to sleep in Harry's arms.

Forty-five minutes later, Harry watched as Mika shook his head and walked away. Meagan crumpled to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. Harry sighed.

"Take Christy back to her daycare." He said quietly to Sirius, shifting the little girl around. Sirius hesitated, but gave a nod. He took Christy and headed off. Harry sat on the bench for a few minutes, watching Meagan cry, and then stood. He staggered forwards, pain surging through his back and leg. He was trying to hide his limp but to no avail. Harry flinched as he crouched down next to Meagan. She was crying heavily. Harry rested a hand on her back and watched as she raised her head and tried to wipe away the tears.

Harry shook his head.

"Come on..." He said gently, moving to stand up. He slowly stood up, pushing past the pain. Meagan managed to lift herself and allowed Harry to hug her. They disapparated as one.

Harry and Meagan appeared just outside the house. Harry had his arms loosely around Meagan as she cried. After a moment, she pulled back, pulled from Harry's grasp. Harry stared at his fiancee...she was a mess. Meagan's face was streaked with tears and her mascara had run down her cheeks. Her hands were shaking, as was her whole body from the sobs that were escaping her mouth. Harry sighed.

"What happened?" He asked quietly. Meagan looked at him. She stared into those endless green eyes. Harry didn't need this, he didn't need any of it. Meagan covered her mouth and took a half step back. Harry stared at her quizzically.

"I can't-" She choked. Harry watched as Meagan hurried into the house, slamming the great oak door behind herself. Harry stood there, dumbstruck. He was getting married in two months and his fiancee wouldn't even talk to him. Harry shook his head and sank down onto the stone step. The pain from his back wasn't as bad as the pain in his heart. Not by a long shot.

ONE MONTH LATER

Harry paced in front of the bench where his team mates sat. His limp was still visible and pain was rippling through his back. Tim, the coach and manager of the team had benched Harry due to his injury. He was very much regretting it now. England was playing Ireland and losing...badly. One hundred for England, two hundred and forty for Ireland. Harry glanced over his shoulder. The second string was itching to go on and Harry had a feeling they were going to get their chance. Harry's eyes fell on Meagan. She was standing at the end of the bench, tending to Danny boy's broken wrist. She glanced up at Harry and quickly turned away. She hadn't spoken to Harry very much since her meeting with Mika. Harry tore his eyes away from her and went back to the game. He growled angrily as Sean through the quaffle and it dropped ten feet from the hoop. Harry listened to the commentator.

"And there's another weak through by Murphey. England is not doing well at all. Perhaps it has something to do with the loss of popular seeker Harry Potter!" The man called. Harry's hand twitched.

"Potter suffered a terrible back injury and has been benched. But look at him pace! He is itching to get into the skies!" At this, there were cheers from the crowd. Harry had had enough. He unzipped his jacket and let it fall to the ground. He then undid the snaps on his pants and pulled them off too. Underneath, he was wearing everything. His padding and his uniform. Tim had his back turned and didn't see Harry grab his broomstick from behind the bench. Harry swung his leg over the handle.

"And look at this! It appears Potter has decided to try and save the game!" The commentator called. There was a roar of cheers and Tim spun around. All he saw, was Harry shooting upwards like a bullet.

"Harry, get down here!" Tim called nervously. It was too late though, Harry had waved to the ref for a sub and Aaron was coming off the pitch. He gave Harry a nervous look and headed down to the bench. Harry flew into the game as it continued on. He swerved this way and that, feeling pangs from his back. He ducked as a bludger went soaring towards him. Harry had been zooming around the pitch for ten minutes when he saw it, a glint of gold. He dove. The whole stadium fell silent as Harry raced downwards and Ireland's seeker raced towards Harry. Just as Harry's fingers wrapped around the struggling gold ball and the crowd roared with satisfaction, Harry felt something hit him in the side. The Ireland seeker had flown into him head on. Harry let out a yell of pain and slipped off his broom. The whole stadium watched as he fell...

There was a dull thud as Harry's body hit the ground. The sound echoed throughout the deathly quiet stadium. Suddenly, there was a burst of noise. Girls screaming, people yelling as they stared at Harry's limp body. Sirius and Meagan, as well as the rest of the team, were hurrying to Harry, who was laying flat on his back. Sirius reached Harry first. He had been standing at the entrance to the dressing rooms and was closest. He hit his knees as he reached his godson. Harry's glasses were shattered. He hadn't expected to play, so he wasn't wearing his contacts. Sirius was taking heavy breaths as Meagan and Tim crouched down next to him. Meagan was deathly pale and had tears streaming down her face. Tim's hands were shaking.

"Don't move him!" He said shakily.

"He might have...his neck...just, don't move him!" He croaked. Soon, there was a large crowd around Harry. Several Mediwizards were pushing their way through the group of trainers, England's players and even some of Ireland's players. Sirius and Meagan were pushed back as Harry was strapped to a backboard. Sirius was doing everything he could to hold back tears as he comforted Meagan, who was shaking with sobs. As Harry was hurried off of the pitch, Shane let out a growl of anger. Several people jumped back as he broke his broomstick in half over his knee and took a swing at the Irish Seeker.

"YOU BASTURD!" He yelled as he lunged forward. Sirius dragged Meagan away as the two teams got into a brawl. The spectators slowly made their way onto the pitch and joined in the fight. He was becoming a riot. Sirius and Meagan hurried away from the fight and into the England dressing room. Harry was laying on a bed that had been conjured and was being checked over by the Mediwizards. Tim was hovering around them, trying to see what was happening.

"Spect we can wake him up..." One of the Mediwizards muttered. The others nodded and one of them pointed their wand at Harry.

"Enervate." He muttered. Everyone in the dressing room jumped as Harry let out a cry of pain and his eyes flickered open. Sirius hurried forward, but he was held back. Harry was breathing heavily and his eyes were screwed up. Tears were rolling down his face as he clenched his fists. Sirius was making valiant efforts to get to his paining godson. The Mediwizards were now examining Harry even more carefully as the boy bit his tongue to stop from sobbing. Meagan was pressed against a wall...she couldn't stand to watch. Just then, the dressing room door burst open and Shane was carried in by Lexy and Edmund. He had a broken nose and was struggling, trying to get back to the riot. They all stopped as they saw their friend in pain.

"Harry!" Shane yelled, wiping blood away with the back of his hand.

After half an hour, the Mediwizards cleared off and left Harry lying on the bed, his hands over his face. Sirius was standing beside the bed, assuring Harry he would be okay, despite the fact that they knew what was wrong with him. Tim was trying to get the team in order as they filtered in. Each had some sort of injury...cuts or bloody noses. They all hastily changed and left the dressing room under Tim's orders. Shane and Sean stayed behind. Sirius was crouched down beside Harry and doing everything he could to keep from crying. Harry had his face covered...this wasn't happening. Tim pulled a chair up at sat beside Harry.

"Th-the Cup isn't til August...there's loads of time. With physio and stuff, you sh-should be fine." He said bracingly. Harry shook his head.

"I can't play with a broken back." He said quietly. His voice was broken and shaky. Sirius stifled a sob.

"You heard what the docs said...painkillers and medicines and you can mend your back." Sean said harshly. Shane had crossed the room and was holding Meagan in a tight hug as she shook with sobs.

"I shouldn't have gone on." Harry murmured.

"You took one for the team." Shane choked. Harry lowered his hands.

"The team better show me they were worth it." He said, his voice quivering. Sean bowed his head. No one knew exactly what to say. There was complete silence except for Meagan's muffled sobs.