"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"French"

$Parseltongue$

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Author's Note: So, I've been working on story planning, and getting a surplus of work onto paper done. I've also finished my other story, 'A Meeting in a Crowd', and I like to have two stories going at once, for when I get a bit stumped on one of them.

I've gotten some chapters done for my new story which I am writing alongside The Focus of a Healer, it's called Weathered by the storm a Harry Potter/Tomb Raider 2013 (video game) crossover which features a post war, curse breaker Harry, along with a Harry/Lara pairing. For those who don't know the game, do a YouTube search for its trailer, and that would give you enough information to be able to read the fic.

Weathered by the Storm - Chapter one is being posted simultaneously with this chapter. Please check that out if you're interested.

Special Thanks to doenerkint who beta'd this chapter, and who's co-authoring WbtS.

THIRTEEN - Unfortunate Inheritances

Harry had to admit, swimming with gillyweed was indeed a fun experience. He only wished it were in a better place than the murky dark waters of the black lake. Despite the coldness, he found the plant helped to regulate his temperature - a nifty little bonus. He checked the watch on his wrist to confirm the time before he began his ascent to the surface. If the dosage was right, he'd have approximately a minute left before the mutations of the gillyweed began to revert.

And he was right. Only moments later, a sudden spasm shot through his body as his breathing became strained. A tingling travelled through his extremities as his hands and feet morphed back into their normal human look. Not a second left to chance, he broke through the surface of the lake, just as his respiratory system began to rely on his nose for oxygen again.

Back to normal now, he lacked the elegance he had previously in the water. He covered the short distance to the shore with a very basic swimming technique. He spied Hermione waving at him with a towel in her hand. Fleur sat behind her, comfortably wrapped in her own baby blue extra fluffy looking one.

Hermione wrapped the towel around his shoulders mere seconds after he'd stepped out of the waters. "Thanks, love," said Harry with a quick kiss on Hermione's lips.

He pulled the towel tighter around him as it soothed his skin from the icy Scottish air which stung against his wet form. He followed Hermione to Fleur who definitely wasn't going to be getting out from within her bundle anytime soon. The blonde smiled at him and scooted closer to huddle up when he sat himself against her side.

Hermione found the sight adorable, but they had to finish what they were doing, so she grabbed her notebook and asked Harry to go over his experience in the lake and with the gillyweed.

"It went pretty well," he started. "It's a bit difficult to see down there, especially when you go deeper. I could breathe and move around easily enough, but the second the times up. You don't get much of a warning before you begin turning back."

He continued to explain as Hermione prompted him for more and more information. She wrote everything down; from the dosage he would need for an hour plus a bit extra for safety.

"And spells?" she asked as she peered over her notes.

"I could cast, but not everything I tried worked as they should. It might be a good idea to bring a knife or something along if it's allowed."

Harry loved the little frown she always had when she pondered over her notes. It always felt as if she was demanding the parchment to spit back the answers. He found it cute, in a very Hermione sort of way.

"Want to try it?" asked Harry.

Hermione looked up from her notes. "Hmm?"

"Gillyweed," he repeated, raising his hand to emphasise what he was referring to. "Would you like to try some too? You'd get a better sense of what I mean if you tried it. We have some extra."

She looked out at the black lake; the freezing cold water definitely did not appeal to her. No, she'd make do with the notes. She faced Harry again and shook her head with an awkward frown. "Another time, perhaps."

"I forgot to ask," chimed in Fleur. "Were you able to speak to ze 'eadmaster about ze Polyjuice?"

Harry met the blue eyes of his girlfriend and sighed notably. "I mentioned it to Hermione last night, I was able to get him at his office last night. He knows. Snape informed him after our little encounter yesterday."

"Is there anything we can do?"

"Wait and see, I guess. Keep safe and make sure we're never on our own. No late-night walks alone through the castle or to the carriage. If something feels off or you're in doubt, get away."

A thoughtful expression formed on Fleur's face, her eyes unmoving and hiding the cogs turning behind them. "Did you mention who you thought it was?" she asked then.

"I did," he nodded slightly, "and he admitted to having suspicions regarding Moody."

"We'll 'ave to make sure we don't tip 'im off though, in case it is 'im."

Harry entered the hospital wing alone. Hermione would be joining him shortly, and so would Fleur if she could get out of her obligations early enough. Her headmistress had demanded her presence at the carriage, presumably to speak about her preparedness for the second task.

He planned to get some practice on the simulacrum and had just finished throwing a pair of robes over his clothing when the sound of hurried footsteps approached. He glanced over towards the arched entrance as the source came into view.

The commotion came from a group wearing Slytherin robes, who entered the hospital wing in a frenzy of panic. Before he could ask what was wrong, he saw her. It was Astoria, unconscious, being carried by Zabini while her sister and another Slytherin girl called frantically for Madam Pomfrey.

"Maisy!" Harry called out urgently.

The little helper appeared in an instant, before she could ask what he needed, he urged her to get Madam Pomfrey. The elf nodded seriously before vanishing with another pop.

"Potter!" yelled Daphne as soon as she saw him.

"Greengrass," he replied in kind before his attention fell to the younger of the same name. "What happened?"

"I don't know," Daphne started as she tried to catch her breath. "One moment she was fine and the next…"

"Zabini, place her down here." He pointed towards the nearest hospital bed. The Slytherin boy wasted no time and lowered Astoria onto the bed with the other girl's help.

"We were on our way back to the castle when she just collapsed. Just…folded" said Tracey hurriedly. "We tried to wake her but…"

He began checking over the younger girl. He noticed her brow was scrunched together and she was breathing heavily; her hair was wet with sweat and her face was red.

"We tried everything, she just wouldn't open her eyes," said Daphne, close to tears.

Harry spared her a tiny glance and found her still as a stature, white as marble.

He touched a hand to Astoria's head and jerked. The girl's skin was hot. He grabbed a hold of her wrist and found her heartbeat was alarmingly quick.

"She began burning up…" cut in Zabini. "We rushed her here as fast as we could."

"We need to cool her down, and fast," instructed Harry. Cooling charms are useless here, and if you tried to overpower them, you'd end up with ice burns all over. No, he needed water.

"I need a tub of water, and I need it now!" ordered Harry as he began to remove Astoria's robes. He'd just gotten to her sweater when Daphne tried to stop him.

"What do you think you're doing!?" she yelled at him.

He stood his ground, not even flinching in front of her anger. "Her fever is high enough to be seriously dangerous," he growled. "We need to cool her off immediately. Now are you going to stand there or are you going to get out of my face and make yourself useful by getting me a tub of water or not!?"

Daphne flinched and realised that he was trying to help. She was easily amongst the top students in their year, despite her worry, she pulled out her wand and transfigured the nearest chair into a small tub. Harry was already lifting Astoria as Daphne filled it with water.

The colour from her skin began to fade slightly and allowed him to catch a glimpse of red lines underneath her skin. It was almost as if her blood vessels glowed.

'This is definitely not leukaemia…'

Harry checked her pulse again and found it slowing as well, but he noticed the water warming. He pulled out his wand and placed the tip in the water.

"Glacius."

The underpowered freezing charm wasn't enough to turn the water to ice but did keep it cool. They couldn't keep her in there constantly, that would be dangerous by itself.

Despite the drop in temperature, there were no signs of relief on Astoria's face. Her brow was still furrowed, and small whimpers escaped her lips.

'She's in pain.'

Daphne reached into the water to take a hold of her sister's hand. Just as he worried over what to do next. They were interrupted by the sudden pop of apparition which signalled the arrival of Madam Pomfrey.

They made way for the Matron who took one look at Astoria before a grim seriousness crossed her face. Harry immediately informed her on what he had been told, along with what he'd observed. The Matron glanced towards Daphne who nodded her agreement.

Harry watched as his teacher held the tip of her wand to the girl's head and began whispering an incantation. He waited for her to speak, and when she finally did, it was in a calm, level tone, but maintained a solemn urgency.

"Maisy—" The elf became visible. "I need you to bring Professors Snape, and Dumbledore here immediately."

"Miss Greengrass," she looked towards Daphne and the group of Slytherins behind her. "You are either to leave or keep a distance and do not distract us. Am I clear?"

Daphne's lip trembled as she nodded, her friends followed suit.

"Harry. I'm going to ask something of you, understand that you have the right to refuse."

"Ma'am?"

"Once Professor's Snape and Dumbledore arrive, all of our focus is going to be on suppressing the curse. The experience will be," she glanced towards Astoria and grimaced, "painful."

She took a breath. "Astoria isn't strong enough to handle it, and we can't use anything to dampen it without interfering, any magic trying to influence her body would be too risky. The only option is to draw it away from her, which means—"

"An empathy link," he interrupted. "You need my help."

He spared a glance towards the shy girl on the bed who he'd seen visiting the hospital wing on occasion. Ever since their first meeting, he'd seen her on occasion when she would stop by the hospital. She always had a word of encouragement for him, and a sincere one at that. He got the sense that she was honest to a fault, an odd trait for someone sorted into the house of snakes. It wasn't fair that someone as kind and sweet as she had to suffer like this.

"—I'll," started Daphne before Harry cut her off.

"I'm going to be a healer Ma'am."

There was a glimmer of pride in the Matron's eyes as she gazed upon her student. Just then, a burst of fire brightened the room as Fawkes appeared along with the Headmaster and Professor Snape. The Phoenix circled them once before landing on Daphne's shoulder and letting out a gentle trill.

Madam Pomfrey faced the new arrivals. "Her curse has progressed."

That was all that was needed for them to move into action. Dumbledore flicked his wand, lifting and drying Astoria in one motion. The young girl was placed on a bed which Madam Pomfrey moved from the wall so that Harry could fit.

"Harry, I need you to sit behind her and place your hands on the sides of her head," said the Matron as she took her own place.

Professor Dumbledore's eyes widened in shock, having realised what Harry intended to do. He met Harry's eyes and saw defiance. He was not going to be swayed from his decision. The old man nodded before readying up for his own task.

Snape spared a glance towards Harry, his face appeared troubled for a moment, so short that they all missed it.

The Matron turned towards her student. "I am going to link you now. Everything she is feeling, will transfer to you. If it gets too much, you can end it by letting go. Are you ready?"

Harry nodded.

Daphne watched as Madam Pomfrey whispered an incantation, conjuring a thin string of gold light. It spun around Harry's hands, connecting them across Astoria's head.

The change was immediate. Harry gasped as Astoria's face relaxed. It was as if a kite string was cut, and all the tension left her body.

Harry was in agony, but he could manage, or so he thought. The three staff members began to incant, whatever the spell was. They all knew it. Harry grit his teeth as the pain began to worsen, it was as if the curse was fighting back. Refusing to back down, and he felt every moment of the conflict until every inch of his body hurt.

His skin felt too tight, as if his flesh strained to escape it. A constant pressure that refused to relent. He felt sick, the pain formed an ache in his stomach that had him swallowing as his throat closed up, he wanted to scream, but every movement sent another shock through his system.

His breathing was laboured as he focused on the task going on in front of him. His teachers were passing their wands across Astoria as they repeated an incantation, the only visual que of the magic in practice was a shimmer in the light that distorted his vision.

"Vires Dant,

Fortitudo Volunantis,

Maledictum Supprimere,

Detinent Maledictionem."

"Vires Dant,

Confirma Voluntatem,

Maledictum Supprimere,

Detinent Maledictionem."

"Vires Dant,

Fortitudo Volunantis,

Maledictum—"

It all began to sink into the background as Harry focused on the pale face between his hands. Her soft features matted with sweat, thin red lines fading from beneath her skin. It felt like a lifetime and an instant when a hand touched his shoulder, followed by a gentle voice.

"You can let go now. You did well."

He tried. His sweaty hands cramped as they slowly separated from Astoria's head. Echoes of pain throbbed through his body, he stumbled as he attempted to stand, nearly falling over in the process. Someone grabbed him and helped him to the next bed.

"Zabini?"

"Take it easy, Potter."

Harry was unconscious the second his head touched the pillow.

It was fairly late into the night when he woke. His body still ached, but it had faded to the kind of pain one felt the next day after an intensive workout. He took note of his surroundings and recalled how he'd passed out in the hospital wing.

He found Astoria fast asleep on the next bed. Her older sister held her hand as she rested her head on the bed. Harry noticed Madam Pomfrey's office door was ajar, there was light coming from it. He climbed out of the bed, still in the clothing he'd worn earlier. He made his way to the office, his body felt stiff and sore but was the worst of it.

Nearing the door, he knocked softly. "Ma'am?"

"Oh, Harry, come in."

He pushed the door open the rest of the way and entered the office. He found his teacher at her desk with a tome open in front of her. She looked tired, untidy, in a dishevelled state he hadn't seen before. Her face relaxed ever so slightly as she observed him from behind a few loose strands of hair.

"How are you feeling?" she asked as he sat, noticing the stiffness in his movements.

"I've had worse," he answered with a wave of his hand.

She said nothing as she observed, eventually deciding to believe him. She called for a house elf to bring them some tea. Which as usual arrived very quickly.

Harry took a sip of his tea and sighed as it wet his throat and warmed him. He hadn't drunk anything in hours and was therefore glad for it.

"Thank you."

He looked up in confusion.

"For what you did, thank you—" she clarified and looked at the door which led to the hospital wing. "It would have been a lot harder on the young Miss Greengrass had you not taken the weight off her."

His throat closed up as he was brought back to the events of the afternoon.

"Ma'am?"

"Yes?"

Harry raised his head and met his teacher's eyes. "How long does she have?"

Madam Pomfrey sighed mournfully, she wavered on whether or not to inform him. His status as her apprentice meant he was within the fold when it came to medical confidentiality. But whether or not she should tell him was a different story.

She searched his eyes before gripping her cup, he was no child and he'd have to face situations such as these as a healer.

"Ten years," she voiced, giving him a rough estimate. "If she's lucky…But I fear less"

"And there's no cure? Nothing else we could do?"

Madam Pomfrey sighed and leaned back in her chair. "Her condition is rare, quite rare actually. Rare enough to serve as curiosity among the profession but not common enough to warrant a search for a cure."

The Matron watched as his eyes hardened with determination, his back straightened as his jaw clenched and released. She was drawn back to long past Order meetings at the height of the war and reminded of James Potter.

"I'll find it," said Harry.

Hermione walked down the stairs from her dorm room, stretching a knot out from her shoulder. Madam Pomfrey had reassured them that Harry was fine and would be free to leave the hospital wing once he'd woken from his induced slumber. Though the temptation to give him a piece of her mind was there, she would refrain from doing so. If she were honest, she was proud of what he'd done to save young Astoria Greengrass, and she also knew for a fact that Fleur felt the same.

She entered a quiet common room. It was still early enough that most of Gryffindor was only now struggling to force themselves awake for their Monday classes. She stopped at the base of the staircase in surprise. Harry lounged on his favourite seat near the fireplace, his face buried in one of his books. Taking in his appearance, she noted the familiar attire. He was still wearing yesterday's clothes.

"Harry," she said with fond relief, finally announcing herself.

"Hey there," he greeted with an exhausted frown before his eyes softened and a smile formed on his lips.

Hermione approached him slowly, bent down and wrapped him up in a warm hug, glad that he was fine and not as battered-looking as she had imagined in her head. He kissed the top of her head and squeezed her tightly. She smiled at the gesture and kissed his collarbone in return. She wrinkled her nose moments later.

"I'm glad you're back already, but you really need a shower."

Harry coughed an amused scoff as she let go. "I couldn't fall asleep after I woke up last night. Figured I ought to be productive at least and must have lost track of time, I guess."

Endeared by his hard work, she let her hand move through his hair and massage the top of his skull. "What're you working on?"

Slightly distracted by her fingers on his head, he glanced towards his notes to remind himself. "Not sure yet, but you'll be the first to know when I finally pull it off. I'll explain after, I better get done first."

Peeved that he would keep it a secret, she gave his head a last squeeze and let her hand move down the back of his neck and down to her side. She nodded silently before gesturing towards the books and papers he had sprawled out on the small table. "Mind if I?"

"All yours," said Harry as he stood to make his way upstairs. "I won't be long."

Once he'd disappeared up those steps, Hermione quickly picked up his notebook. Her eyes scanned the first page and noticed a kink in one of the pages. She opened the page and her eyes widened at the scribbles and wild notes.

Blood Maledictions.

Progresses in stages.

It can be inherited.

Incredibly rare.

Very little is known. Lack of interest and limited research opportunities.

Earliest stages resemble leukaemia.

But clearly magical in nature.

Blood vessels shone with red light as the stage progressed, along with extreme fever and intense pain.

How did it start?

Daphne is clearly fine, so it does not affect all members.

Can the origin shine a light on a cure?

Need to speak to Greengrass.

It is a curse. That much is known. Will need the help of a curse breaker to have any chance.

Bill Weasley? Could he help?

Hermione put his notebook down and investigated the rest of his books. She read their titles - "Curses and their Counters", "Maledictus Anama", "Inheritance of Gifts".

She picked them up and skimmed the lists of content while she waited for Harry. The first one was rather straightforward, it leaned more towards reversing curses, but was more suited towards Defence against the Dark Arts than healing.

The second was a book on cursed individuals, and the third seemed more of the sort of thing which pandered towards purebloods. It was on known gifts that can be inherited as well as notable families which are famous for some gift, such as Slytherin and Parseltongue. Hermione could gradually see what he was trying to accomplish by studying all of these.

'He wants to save Astoria.'

'Oh, Harry…' she thought. She knew that once Harry had set his mind to something, there was no stopping him.

Harry came down the staircase, freshly showered and his hair still wet. Hermione looked up from his books and notes and met his eyes as he walked towards her. It all reminded her of why she admired him so much.

"Ready?" she asked, and he nodded, packing his things into his bag.

The pair arrived at the great hall to find Fleur already waiting for them outside the doors. The stunning blonde bore a small frown which relaxed the moment she saw Harry walking alongside Hermione.

"Bonjour, mes amours," she greeted them each with a quick kiss. One of the benefits of being as early to breakfast as they often were, was that there were fewer gawking eyes.

"Ow are you feeling?" asked Fleur of Harry as she looked him over.

"Tired and a tad sore," he answered, mostly hungry. "But otherwise, I'm alright."

"I told him to take it easy today," said Hermione as they entered the hall.

As they ate, Hermione brought up what she'd read in his notes.

Harry frowned as he contemplated how to explain.

"Cases like hers, they're practically hopeless…" He met each of their eyes. "Nobody is really devoting the time and effort into the research needed to find a cure."

He looked down at his plate. "Can you imagine what that must be like? Knowing you're going to die, and the only people out there who could save you, aren't really bothered to figure out how to…"

Fleur wrapped her arm around his back. She spoke, her voice was soft and comforting as she whispered into his ear. Hermione watched Harry's shoulders lose some of their tension.

Fleur had a way of doing that, helping you relax. She'd hold you and say exactly what it is you needed to hear, and you'd find your troubles fade away.

"We will 'elp you." The bookworm heard Fleur say to Harry, and she voiced her agreement.

"Fleur's right. Whatever you need, we'll help."

Harry basked in the warmth of their support, and while he was doing so, a brown owl swooped in through the rafters and landed in front of him. It held out its leg with a small note attached to it.

Harry removed it while Hermione fed the owl a thin strip of bacon.

"It's from the headmaster," he noted with surprise. "He asks if I can speak with him after breakfast. Let's finish up quickly, I want to stop by the hospital wing first to check on Astoria."

Fleur gave him a soft kiss on his cheek before returning to her plate.

Finished with their meals, Harry departed for the hospital wing, accompanied by Fleur. His status as a champion meant he could choose to skip one or two classes if he needed to. He, of course, avoided doing so where possible. Hermione on the other hand did not have such a luxury and therefore had to leave them in order to attend her lessons.

Harry and Fleur entered the hospital wing to find a small group around Astoria's bed. An older woman who shared a resemblance with the Greengrass sisters was talking to Madam Pomfrey, while Daphne sat quietly beside a sleeping Astoria. The atmosphere was quiet, everyone around the conversing pair made sure to keep their voices down on account of the ailing girl.

Their entrance was noticed immediately, Daphne watched him with a troubled expression. Before Madam Pomfrey could wave him over, the Slytherin girl seemed to come to a decision and made her way over to speak to him.

Regarding her facial features anew, Harry noticed her puffy eyes. She may have not slept a wink since Astoria's admission to the hospital wing.

The blonde approached the pair and paused. Whatever determination seemed to waiver as she struggled with her words.

It was Harry, instead, who broke the ice. "How is she?"

Daphne turned her head towards her sister's bed. Her hair masked her expression from them, but Harry felt an air of deep sadness from the normally icy girl.

"Her condition improved, but she hasn't woken up yet," said Daphne quietly. "Madam Pomfrey says it's expected and nothing to be too concerned about. Small victories and all."

"And thank you," she added, meeting his eyes. "For what you did yesterday."

Harry wasn't sure how to respond and opted for simply accepting her thanks with a nod. "I'm glad she's doing better."

"But what about you?" he asked. "How are you dealing with it all?"

Daphne was surprised at the question that was directed at her. This was already the longest the two of them had ever spoken, so the question had thrown her off. Her sky-blue eyes inspected his face and found him to be sincere in his inquiry. "I'm… well," was all she said.

"This must be the Mr. Potter." An unfamiliar voice interrupted them. They were joined by Madam Pomfrey and the other woman.

The woman, Harry observed, was taller than Daphne, but shared many of the same features and thus had to be her mother. She had the same blue eyes as her daughters, and now that she was closer and side by side with her daughter, He could see a lot more subtle similarity between them.

"Sophia Greengrass," said the woman, introducing herself. "Daphne informed me about what you did yesterday. Madam Pomfrey has also explained to me that your help was invaluable. You've done a service to our family; we won't forget it." She smiled at him gently. "But moreso, from a mother, thank you."

"I'm glad I was able to help…" he trailed off as he glanced past them. "Astoria is a good friend."

Mrs. Greengrass peered at him curiously when she noticed the girl with him who she recognized as the French champion was distracted. "And you are Miss?" she tried.

Harry glanced to his side and found Fleur staring at Astoria's bed. "Fleur?" said Harry as he placed a palm on her back.

"Hm?" She snapped out of the trance she was in and realised she was the centre of attention.

"Désolé," she said hurriedly and quickly rushed out of the hospital wing.

"I'm sorry," said Harry as he went after her, leaving the others confused at the sudden turn of events.

Harry caught up to Fleur in the hallway outside. She leaned against the wall, her gaze to the floor. She looked up as she heard his approach. Her sapphire eyes met his own green, and he could see the turmoil within them.

He stopped right in front of her and raised a hand to cup her cheek. She closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. "What's wrong?" asked Harry gently.

Fleur took a moment to relax before speaking. Her voice was soft, slightly more audible than a whisper. "From a distance… Ze girl in ze bed, she looked like Gabrielle…"

He realised what must have happened and drew her into a hug. She rested her head on his shoulder and returned it. They stood there in silence as Fleur drew comfort from her boyfriend.

"I was in ze forest," she mumbled beneath his ear. "Only zis time it was Gabrielle zat was 'urt…"

Harry tightened his grip and touched his lips to the side of her head in a lingering kiss. "You made it out. Gabrielle is alright, and those men will never touch a hair on either of your heads again."

"Hm," was all the sound that came out of her as she nodded into his shoulder.

"Come in."

Harry opened the dark wood door of Professor Dumbledore's office and stepped inside. He always liked this office; it was warm and unique. Most people would feel trepidation at being called to the headmaster's office. For Harry it was entirely the opposite, always found himself enjoying his conversations with the old man.

"Good morning, Harry. Please sit," offered Professor Dumbledore with a welcoming smile. "Cockroach cluster?"

"No, thank you sir," answered Harry. "It's a bit early in the day for sweets," he added with a chuckle.

Dumbledore chuckled ruefully as he popped one of the odd sweets into his mouth. "They always say that," stated the old man, "but nowhere is it written."

The old man paused as seriousness filled the air. "You've probably already figured out my reason for calling you here?"

Harry nodded. "Yesterday."

Dumbledore frowned before a faraway look filled his eyes. "It's one of the hardest things to witness, someone so young, suffering… It was an admirable thing you did, shouldering Miss Greengrass' burden."

Harry paused, before finally whispering, his voice heavy with emotion. "It's not right."

"Hm?"

"It's not right, Professor!" yelled Harry indignantly, his voice scratched his throat as the lid on his emotions burst. He clenched his fists as he thought of the kind girl. "What did she do to deserve that?"

Dumbledore sighed and watched Harry with compassionate, understanding eyes. He stood and walked to the window as Fawkes flew to Harry. The phoenix let out a sorrowful trill which helped to calm Harry while the headmaster observed the students walking on the school grounds.

"Miss Greengrass is not the first in her family to suffer the curse. I've seen one other in my lifetime, her grandmother," began Dumbledore. "She was a student of mine, and oh was she a marvel."

Dumbledore glanced back and found Harry's attention fixed on him. "Unlike young Miss Greengrass, the late Diane Greengrass had no siblings, and her condition meant she grew up sheltered and alone. I try my hardest to remember each and every one of my students, but I am old and have seen many pass through these halls…"

He smiled as nostalgia filled his chest. "I could never forget dear Diane. She had a love for learning, for life that was as breathtaking as it was inspirational."

Harry shifted in his seat as he listened to the headmaster speak.

"You see, I don't think Diane believed she would ever have been allowed to attend Hogwarts. So, when her parents permitted her to, she dove into it with a furious passion. Every top score, every record she forced herself to break, was a shout to the world."

"I lived. And I was here!" the old man intoned.

Dumbledore breathed in deeply as he got lost in his memories. "But ultimately, her condition meant her constitution was weak, she tired easily and as the years went by, her trips to the hospital wing increased in their frequency. We urged her to pace herself, I urged her, not to overwork herself."

"She didn't, did she sir?" predicted Harry.

"No," confirmed Dumbledore. "She did not. She glared at me with one of the most defiant expressions I'd ever encountered and said, I don't have a lot of time, Professor. I can't waste any of it."

The old man "What struck me at the time was not her determination, Harry. It was that she had no hope."

"What came of her?" asked Harry.

"In the end, her parents took her decision from her and married her off. The only consolation being that her betrothed was a good man, a kind one. They had one son before she succumbed to the curse."

"I won't let that happen to Astoria," said Harry resolutely. "She's going to live a long life."

Dumbledore smiled brightly beneath his long grey beard. The expression, a sudden contrast to the heaviness that permeated the room. "And that, my boy, is all the difference. Miss Greengrass has something her grandmother did not have."

The old man stared at Harry.

"She has you."

END CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Second Task is coming soon.