Chapter 16

"Kreacher, I need you here now."

Daphne looked between the group, and it felt like she was taking part in the world's worst dream. No, the whole year felt like the world's worst dream that should have been over by now. Yet she hadn't woken up. Daphne watched her tightlipped and observant friend Hermione, eyeing Harry intensively as they waited. Madam Pomfrey had gone to bed. Weasley stood next to her, twiddling his thumbs as he stared around the dark hospital wing room. Harry stood next to her, from side glances, he carried a cold and an empty stare, one she wouldn't want to be on the opposing end of.

Not a minute had passed before there was a pop as an old and unseemly house-elf appeared.

"What does the Master want?" the house-elf, Kreacher, asked roughly, almost like it was not familiar with being called.

"I need you to transfer us to Headquarters," Harry ordered.

The house-elf groaned and immediately grabbed Harry and Hermione as they popped away. Weasley stood up, even in the dim light, Daphne could see his face was pale. In all honesty, she felt the same. Caine would surely kill Astoria or kill dad, or anything he felt like doing. There was no shortage of possibilities. Tears began well up in her eyes as she quickly fought them back down. She couldn't afford to think of the worse. Before she could react, she felt a small hand grab her leg before she was thrown into what felt like being violently shaken around.

As she overcame the nausea, she noticed that she was no longer in the dim lit hospital wing, but in a quite large manor kitchen. Headquarters is what Harry called it and it all began to make a little more sense. All the news around Harry Potter, Harry's abilities, the determination she had seen in him. It was no accident. Harry was at the center of it all. As she looked over at Hermione, it was clear, she was putting together pieces.

"Is that all for you Master?" Kreacher asked.

Harry leaned against the counter for a moment as if he was still catching his breath before pulling his wand out.

"No one is here, correct?"

"Yes, stinky was here earlier, but no one else."

"You're free to go."

"We need to tell someone. We can't just go alone." Weasley replied as he began pacing. "This is still dangerous even with all of us, and no offense...could still be a trap. We need to be smart. We need backup."

"I agree, but they won't be helpful. The Greengrass family are a neutral pureblood family, they would consider it too risky," Harry replied as he pulled out his wand. "Expecto Patronum."

A bright silver light came shooting out of the tip of Harry's wand causing everyone to turn their head away except for Harry. Daphne watched as Harry bent down to look at the silver corporeal dog that had appeared from his wand.

"Aberforth, goats have spoiled the milk," Harry said as the dog happily began trotting off. Harry looked back at the group, "Besides, we only have on my account less than four hours to get this done. We don't have time to wait around."

"I agree. The longer we wait, the more dangerous it becomes for Astoria and her family," Hermione said as she looked at Daphne. "The other logistical matter is the fact that Caine can read minds. How do we protect ourselves against that? We don't know anything about this..ability. In fact, in everything I've read, this ability...shouldn't exist."

Daphne sighed, "As far as I know, it's only by direct eye contact, and there is-or...was a buffering period on when he can use it."

"Was? Did something change?" Harry asked.

Daphne crossed her arms, "I can remember when he first gained the ability...it took him a while to use it...it seemed painful, but the last time I saw him...which it's been a while...it was way different...it was much faster."

"That's good to know," Harry whispered as he motioned for them to follow him as he led them into the central meeting room where a long wooden table was centered. On the center of the table was an engraved phoenix.

"Dumbledore's...phoenix," Hermione whispered as they entered.

Harry brought them to the middle of the table where a huge fireplace stood,"This is here is a private floo network, assuming Daphne's house is connected. We can get in and get out."

"It is," Daphne replied softly, "One upstairs and one downstairs."

Harry looked at each of them, "Someone should stay here...Hermione, I think would be best. Our only goal is to go and grab Astoria and leave. The less people we have the better. Daphne will lead us and we will grab her and go."

"No," Ron replied, "You're in no condition to fight. We need Hermione with us."

"You're right, but I'd rather have her here."

Ron pointed at Hermione, "You would rather have me than the smartest girl I've ever met?"

"Look, I'm not trying to get into a pissing match with you. I'm making the best call."

Ron got closer to Harry, "It's not your call to make. If I remember from our last Defense against the Dark Art group activity, your call doesn't always work, you pre-"

"Guys, seriously, enough...we have bigger things to worry about," Hermione interrupted. "Ron, Harry is brilliant and has trained for these situations. However; Ron's right, in this case, you need all of us. No matter how fine you feel, the potion you took is fast-acting."

Harry shook his head, "No one else is getting hurt. We have a clear o-"

"Fuck Off. We all signed up knowing the worst when we came here," Ron said as towered over Harry. "We all go. Hermione and Greengrass grab the girl, and...you and I...well, we defend until they're safe."

Harry opened his mouth but then receded, "Fine. We need to go. Daphne...lead the way. Floo powder is on the shelf. "

Daphne nodded reluctantly, walking toward the floo before stopping and eyeing the group, "I...Thank you. Thank you for helping me save Astoria."

As Daphne grabbed a handful and entered into the fireplace, she looked back into the room once more and found herself locking eyes with Harry. As she brought her hands down, for just a moment, she could see what she had never seen before in his face...fear.

"Greengrass Manor"

For just a moment, she felt herself look out into a familiar reading room with lush green chairs and an expansive book wall with books that were constantly rearranging themselves. As she stepped out into the fireplace, she took in the room. She was home. As she ran her hands over the furniture, memories flooded back in of moments of sitting in this room with her dad...with Astoria. Finally, Daphne turned to look above the fireplace where a portrait of her mom sat high and mighty on the wall, it was her favorite painting. Her Mom was painted elegantly on a bench in their Greengrass garden. As she gazed at the portrait, Harry appeared in the fireplace, his wand was in his hand as he exited the fireplace.

"Didn't trust me," Daphne whispered instinctively.

Harry looked away from Daphne, "No, I-...Listen-"

"It's okay, I wouldn't blame you. You made the right ca-."

Harry fell against a nearby chair as Daphne took notice.

"Shit, I'm sorry," Daphne said as he grabbed his arm, "Harry, are you okay?"

"Woah, she's...beautiful," Harry whispered deliriously as he looked up at the portrait and then back at Daphne."Really...beautiful,"

Stabilizer potions were known for creating a buffer between his true condition and the ideal condition by keeping the drinker from recognizing his true condition. She had seen the effect before in different potions. He really was in no condition to fight. As Ron stepped out the fireplace, Daphne turned back to Harry.

"I did it again, didn't I?" Harry whispered sincerely as he looked up at Daphne. "I noticed it when Kreacher brought us to the manor, but thought it was just a one-off thing. Good as new my ass, Pomfrey. "

"It's working really well considering you shouldn't have a sense of balance," Daphne let go of his arm as Hermione exited the fireplace. "Stabilizer potions are really fickle though."

Harry stood up again as Ron and Hermione came closer.

"Where are we, Daphne?" Harry asked as he began waving his wand around, placing different protective charms.

Daphne looked over at the door,"We're on the second floor. Knowing Astoria, she'll be waiting in the downstairs ballroom."

"Is there an upstairs ballroom?" Ron asked as he continued looking around.

"Lead the way then. Everyone stay close. We have to move."

"Ugh...What the hell..." Blaise said as he picked himself up from the couch. A throbbing pain radiated from his head as he looked around the library, "Fuck."

"I was wondering when you were going to wake up,"Draco said from a chair from across the room, "I thought you would sleep through the night, honestly."

Tracy sat tied up and still out cold. There was no movement from her.

"Fuck, What time is it? " Blaise said as he touched his head "What is wrong with you?"

"It's pretty early in the morning. You really don't want to know." Draco said as he got up and moved closer.

Blaise looked around, "Why are you being so weird?"

Draco came closer to Blaise, sitting on the other end of the couch from Blaise. He seemed sad as he looked across at Blaise."

"I broke up with Pansy. I'm sorry...about earlier...I was upset and angry. I shouldn't have said those things."

"When does Draco Malfoy apologize?"

Draco gave a small grin, "Don't get used to it. I just felt like shit...I know you didn't betray Harry. It's hard being a spy, I fucking understand."

Blaise nodded, "What changed?"

"She's not good for me. I'm not good for her. We...don't have a healthy relationship."

"No, what changed?"

Draco eyes bore into the ground, "For fuck sakes Blaise, don't pretend like you weren't there...don't pretend you don't remember the bloo-"

"Enough," Blaise said, holding his hand up for emphasis. "I remember it just as much as you do. I think about it daily."

"Then don't pretend like I'm fucking immoral for needing space...for questioning...look,"Draco yelled as he pointed toward Tracy, "Please don't pretend like this is normal."

Blaise didn't say anything at all. It was silent for a moment before Draco stood up.

"Please don't fucking pretend like you haven't thought about if you've...picked the right side?"

"-Draco! Do you hear yourself? Of course, I have thought about it. Constantly," Blaise laughed, "But the difference between you and me is that I was taught on making smart calculated risks."

"You don't think I can take risks?"

"You're from a family that switches sides like the wind. Even now, this far in, with everything we know...you pretend like this fucking war isn't going to hurt," Blaise said as he pointed toward Tracy, "It will. There's more of this no matter what side you're on, and I chose Harry's side."

Draco looked ill as he sat back down, "I know that... I just needed some time to think and I did. I'm fully committed to this...to Harry...to whatever the fuck we're doing these days. I know what has to be done and I'm here now. I just missed when things were simpler. None of this shit is easy, okay."

Blaise sighed, "I know. You're not wrong for questioning him...he's not a God. We're all young, but you can't just disappear all the time either. It's not safe for any of us. We need to be as strong as possible for whatever comes."

They both looked up at Tracy, who was still sleeping in her tied up chair.

"Because it will come."

As they silently entered the spacious and wide ballroom, Astoria stood in the middle of the room. Her wand was gripped tightly in her hand, pointed directly at all of them. As the group entered, Astoria's wand didn't lower, but her eyes widened. Harry felt his shoulders relax. At the very least, Astoria wasn't dead.

"What the hell are you doing here? "Astoria asked.

"Astoria," Daphne yelled as she ran toward her sister.

"Wait, we don't know if she's been controlled, " Hermione blurted to no avail.

Astoria had lowered her wand as Daphne engulfed Astoria in a hug, hesitantly lowering it as she fully embraced Daphne.

"As much as I love a happy ending, we need to leave now if we want to keep it that way," Ron said nervously. His eyes wandering all over the ballroom.

Daphne pushed Astoria away, "Why would do something like this. Why would you do something so stupid."

Astoria stood still as tears fell from her eyes, "He has to die. I don't care about being a Greengrass or a pureblood. I don't care if you-know-who hunts me forever. I can't let him get away with any of this."

Harry heard the quiet pop from behind as he pulled his wand out and pointed toward the entrance way, "Hermione, Ron, behind me now."

Harry put his head down as he stepped in front of Hermione and Ron. The hairs on his arms began to rise. Caine had arrived.

"Look down everyone," Hermione yelled cautiously.

As Harry slightly looked up, the footsteps from Caine stopped at the entrance way of the ballroom.

"Well, I would have never expected this in a million years," Caine said in a calm monotone voice that sent chills throughout Harry. "The infamous Harry Potter before my very eyes,"

"You must be Caine," Harry replied cautiously.

"Indeed, I am. If I may inquire, you seem to be missing some key members of the order," Caine replied. "Please don't tell me the great asset in this war risked his life to interrupt a family conversation?"

"No, we have lots of- an army coming," Ron interrupted.

"Ronald Bilius Weasley," Caine said apathetically. "Remember when your brothers made you think you wet the bed only when you ate dessert so you gave it to them for an entire year before your mom figured it out?"

"How did you...know that. I didn't look into your eyes," Ron said as his voice cracked.

"No, but I looked into your dads, and I spared him because I felt like it, and I will do the same for all of you if you leave now."

"We're not leaving Astoria or Daphne," Hermione said firmly, "We are not afraid of you."

"Who are you?"

Harry lifted his head up more to get a better look, just stopping at his torso. From what Harry could see, he was just an average looking man, he was wearing white boots and trousers with a white robe. However; it couldn't stop the question that had been pressing on him since he had learned about Caine.

"This is annoying on all accounts," Caine said flatly, "I hate-

"-was it you," Harry interrupted, his voice filled with malice.

"Hmm...What are you referring to?"

"Was it you?" Harry repeated.

Caine scoffed, "Raising your voice at me in my own home?"

"This is not your home," Astoria screamed.

"Yes, I did it. It was quite boring. Every. single. member," Caine said calmly.

Harry wanted nothing more than to launch himself at Caine, but he could only stand as anger seeped from his very pores.

"But I've gotten off track, I'm here to deal with my family."

"Leave us alone Caine! Astoria made a mistake, it won't happen again. Please." Daphne pleaded weakly. "Don't hurt him... don't hurt any of us."

"I suppose It's better that this happens now. I was getting tired of our family arrangement."

Harry could hear the flick of a wand as Daphne continued to plead. Within seconds, there was the sound of a solid substance hitting the floor behind Harry, but Harry didn't need to see what had hit the floor. He could smell it. The smell of rotten flesh filled his nose as the sobs of the Greengrass sisters filled the silence of the ballroom.

"It had to be done. The Greengrass family- All families- will be obsolete in the new world," Cain said calmly. "Daphne, you've always been so faithful to follow my directions, but the world our Lord envisions can't have faith. It needs perfection. It needs order."

"FUCK YOUR ORDER!"

Harry heard footsteps run forward as Daphne screamed, "Astoria, no!"

Harry gave an upward flick of his wand as the room filled with a thick smoke. With his other hand, he threw Astoria away against the wall forcefully.

"I'm behind you Harry," Ron said. Harry could hear the shaking of his voice, "This bastard isn't going to hurt anyone."

Harry waved his wand again as the floor ripped apart to shoot high-powered wooden spikes in the direction of Caine.

"Let's see why you cause so much trouble," Caine said, his voice seemingly magnified and omnipresent in the thick smoke.

"Listen to my every word, Ron," Harry said as he listened closely.

"Where is he? I can't see anything!" Ron yelled.

"Ron, duck," Harry replied as Harry lifted his wand and shot a ball of fire through the air in Ron's direction. Harry heard the sound of singed clothing as a huge gust of wind came barreling toward him. With just the upward motion of his wand, the wood floor peeled up again creating a wall that diverted the huge gust of wind. As the wind finished, Harry found that the smoke had cleared, leaving him and Ron behind the wall.

"Advanced transfiguration. Wandless and nonverbal magic. The ability to differentiate your friends' footsteps and keep track of me simultaneously. I'm almost impressed," Caine said nonchalantly, his voice still projecting across the room, "and you managed to ruin my trousers."

Even with the most basic moves, Harry couldn't help but pant for air. He wouldn't be able keep this up any longer even the little movements seemed to be having a major effect on his body. He wouldn't be able to sustain a counterattack or anything close to it. As he peeked over the wall, he could see the singed trouser leg of Caine.

"Let everyone go and it can just be a fight between you and me," Harry pleaded as he sat against the wall.

"Enticing, but I didn't come here for you, " Caine said as Harry's wooden wall began to crumble, "I hope you don't think the world revolves around you."

Harry heard the footsteps move away and then stop as the crackling of fire began to arise.

"Will you tell my nieces that I'll catch them next time, " Caine said flatly, "I'll be seeing them soon enough. Goodbye, Harry Potter."

There was a quietness as Harry peeked over what was left of his wooden barricade to see a rapidly spreading fire. Almost like it was being carried by wind, Harry quickly got up before feeling his knees buckle. As Harry braced for the floor, he found himself being hoisted over Ron's Shoulder.

"I got you."

Harry pocketed his wand as Ron began to move. As they quickly exited the ballroom, the flames quickly swallowed the area where he was just standing. Harry closed his eyes briefly as nausea washed over him.

"This place is burning fast," Ron said as he grunted up the stairs, "and you're heavier than you look."

Harry opened his eyes as they reached the top as they turned the corner back into the room they entered. It was apparent that the fire was making quick work of the house as structures around the house began to collapse.

"We don't have time, we have to go!" Hermione yelled, "We don't have time to figure out a code."

Daphne replied, "I've got it! Go ahead."

"What's going on?" Ron yelled as he entered the room, dropping Harry on a chair.

"She has to get a book from their family vault," Hermione yelled as something major in the house collapsed.

"We have to go now," Harry said weakly as he stood up, "Where's Astoria?"

Hermione looked worryingly at the fireplace, "We sent her back first. You will go next. We'll make sure Daphne is safe."

"Damn it, why am I risking my life for some Slytherin girl," Ron yelled as he went back out into the hallway.

Before Harry could argue, it was clear that it wasn't a suggestion. Harry nodded reluctantly as he made his way to the fire place. As he grabbed the powder on the shelf, there was another closer explosion.

"We'll make it back, don't worry," Hermione yelled. "Trust us."

He believed it or at least he had no choice. As he looked at Hermione, he could only nod as he threw the powder down.

The moment he opened his eyes, he was being held up by Aberforth.

"Tell me my personal best record of shots while listening to Albus talk."

"14 shots," Harry replied.

"What in the ever living fuck is wrong with you, boy?"

Harry looked around, he was in the Order meeting room. Harry could only shrug as Aberforth sat him back down. As Harry looked he saw Astoria sitting in the chair, she was awake but staring down. A look of emptiness on her face. He had never seen Astoria so crushed ever.

"You can't just go off and do your own thing. Without help. Without someone knowing outside of a patronus. Are you listening boy?"

Harry coughed as he looked back up at Aberforth.

"It's good to see you too," Harry replied as he passed out.

A/N: Hope you all are staying safe. I'm very thankful for everyone who continues to read and share both positive and negative experiences with this story. Check out my profile for some updates on this story if you're interested(Chapter progress, inside info, etc...).