A/N: I apologize if the later parts of this chapter feel rushed or a bit off. This chapter was supposed to be finished yesterday, but unfortunately I have been very sick and in a lot of pain the past few days. I've been bedridden all day today but fortunately, I was still able to finish the chapter. Thank you for the creation of the phone!

I know I should probably just skip the update this week, but I did say I will be updating weekly when I started. I'm determined to carry through with that, especially when I already took a 2 week break last month. We're going to finish this story if this is the last thing I do.

I don't really enjoy anything I used to do, and I guess writing is the only thing left I do enjoy so I don't really mind writing.

Will try to respond to reviews and PMs, but it might not be a couple days later. I already feel dizzy and my back hurting while sitting at the computer to upload this. Sorry if I'm complaining a bit much, but I do need a way to vent my frustration, and this is really just the surface of everything that's been going on in my life.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any works by J.K. Rowling.

Chapter 15

Professor Flitwick's office was built just like him.

Small.

Daphne didn't like it one bit. She would rather be anywhere but there. However, Penny said that speaking to Professor Flitwick is the only way they could get Harry's detention dropped.

The room was cramped with 5 people. Lily Potter was glaring at the three Ravenclaw students, as she sat on a chair to the side.

"So, I presume that you wish to appeal this detention?" Professor Flitwick asked, fixing his glasses as he sat behind his desk.

"Yes, Professor," Harry said.

"And what would the reason be?"

Harry grabbed the arms of the chair and quickly jumped up. "Because it's unfair!" He shouted. "I don't want anything to do with-"

Daphne watched as Penny quickly put a hand on his shoulder and shoved him forcefully back down into the seat.

"If I may, Professor," Penelope interrupted. "Harry means to say that Assistant Professor Potter has wrongly used the point system and unfairly gave detention to Harry.

"Unfairly? He was being extremely disrespectful towards me, a staff faculty!" Lily protested. "And what are the two of you girls doing here? This is a matter between me and my son!"

"We're his friends, and here to help him. And what did he do exactly, that was considered disrespectful?"

"He refused to listen to me andtalked back! Detention is something that's going to teach him not to do that again!"

"Because you keep thinking that you're my mother!" Harry snarled, joining in on the conversation.

"I AM YOUR MOTHER, YOUNG MAN!"

"As you can see," Penelope interrupted again. "This is the unprofessionalism that I am speaking of. Assistant Professor Potter is using her familial position to coerce and intimidate Harry."

Daphne had to hide a smirk. She could probably learn a thing or two from Penny. The girl somehow maneuvered Professor Potter into her outburst, in which Penny had immediately capitalized on to use for her argument.

Daphne didn't miss the small smirk that Penny quickly hid when Professor Potter responded to Harry's outburst.

"I see, I see," Professor Flitwick frowned. "And Mr. Potter, what reasons do you have to say that she's not your mother? As far as I am aware, the two of you are blood related."

"BECAUSE NOT A DAY HAS GONE BY WHERE SHE'S TREATED ME LIKE HER SON!" Harry shouted, standing up once more. "AND I'M NOT A POTTER!"

Daphne grimaced. She quietly reached over to Harry and gripped his hand, letting him know that she was there with him.

With her action, Harry seemed to have calmed down a bit and looked over to her, giving a small thankful smile. He let out a sigh and sat back down.

"Mr. Pot - ahem, Harry," Professor Flitwick coughed. "Please refrain from loud outbursts like that. I would like for us to calmly and efficiently solve this issue - not scream and shout."

Flitwick didn't seem to acknowledge Professor Potter's outburst, but rather focused on Harry's. Daphne had to avoid rolling her eyes at the blatant unbiased reaction.

Penelope interjected once more, and soon the room was filled with the sound of arguments.

Daphne watched Professor Flitwick closely. When they first came in, he seemed slightly excited and curious, but now he had a dull look in his eyes, as if he was already bored.

After a few minutes of back and forth, Professor Flitwick finally cleared his throat and spoke in a clear voice.

"I believe that the issue here is a misunderstanding," he declared. "I will remove this detention, however, there shall be a compromise. Mr. Po - Harry, please remain here and speak with Professor Potter. I shall be back in 20 minutes, and I hope the situation is resolved by then.

"But Professor-" Harry protested.

"It's either that, or I will allow the detention. Which shall it be?"

A short conflict ran across Harry's face before he sighed and nodded, caving in to the demand.

The Ravenclaw Head stood up from his chair and began making his way out of the office. "Oh, and Miss Clearwater? I require your assistance with this." He beckoned.

Penelope frowned. "Professor? I'd rather remain here with Harry."

"This is not up for debate, Miss Clearwater." Professor Flitwick shook his head. "The situation needs to be resolved without you. You are a prefect, you have duties elsewhere. Come."

Soon, the room was just left with Harry, Daphne, and Professor Potter.

"You can go now," Professor Potter waved Daphne off.

Daphne hesitated for a second, but then she felt Harry's hand on her shoulder.

"She stays with me," Harry said coldly.

"This is a family matter!" Professor Potter argued. "Harry, I just need to talk to you. Alone."

Harry gritted his teeth. "Daphne is family," he countered. "She was there for me when I had nothing left. She was there for me when I was kicked out, when I suffered from nightmares of a man who tried to kill me."

Harry stepped forward; his fists balled up. "She was there when it mattered," his voice dropped to a low whisper. "Can you say the same?"

Whilst Lily had a guilty look strewn across her face, Daphne smiled.

She didn't know that he thought she was his family. It felt…good.

Daphne let out a sigh when she saw Professor Potter sputtering. She glanced at Harry's angry reaction, and a pang of guilt struck her own heart.

Daphne had to remember that Professor Potter was also Lily Potter - Harry's mother.

Her own mother was gone. Died before her very own eyes. Here, Harry had a chance to at least talk with her.

She wasn't going to let him make a mistake. A mistake he could regret one day.

"Harry…" Daphne said softly to him, gripping his hand. "Give her a chance. Just a few minutes, Harry."

Harry's eyes softened as he turned towards her. "Daphne…" he muttered. "You know what she's done to me."

"I know, Harry. But she's still your blood. She's still…you might never get the chance again… I don't want you to regret it one day," Daphne pleaded.

Harry stared into her eyes, searching deeper into them. His own eyes widened when he finally seemed to understand the underlying message Daphne was trying to say.

"Okay…" Harry mumbled. Then he turned and glared at Professor Potter. "You have 10 minutes," he said sharply. "After that, I walk."

Professor Potter hesitated for a second before nodding. She then launched into her own tale of what happened.

As the story went on, Daphne watched a myriad of emotions go across Harry's face.

Frustration when she described how his own father always favored his brother.

Disbelief when she talked of her confrontation with his father, and how he suspected Harry wasn't his own son.

Coldness when he was informed that his father wanted to kill him long ago.

Sadness when she had to pretend to be cold towards him.

Anger when she confessed that she was too scared to do anything when he was kicked out.

Unsurprised when she talked about James's cheating on her.

And finally, the final emotion he showed was the most surprising one of all. Daphne thought that Harry would curse out his mother, or just walk away.

Instead, he slumped down on a chair with a disappointed expression on his face.

Silence throughout the room.

Finally, Harry spoke up.

"I spent a year, you know." He muttered. "I fought for a year, hoping I made enough just to survive - just so we could survive." He gestured at Daphne.

"Why didn't you come sooner?" Harry asked. "You had a whole year. Didn't you ever wonder where I was? Didn't you ever see what I looked like before I left?"

"I…I…" Professor Potter stammered. She hung her head low, barely able to speak up. "I was scared…I forgot…"

"You forgot that you were supposed to act like a mother and a decent human being" Harry finished.

Professor Potter didn't respond. She just stood there, her head hung low, unable to respond to anything.

Harry let out another sigh. "I can maybe put past everything before we came to Hogwarts," he started. "Fine. You were scared, you made mistakes. James isn't a great guy, so I can see how he controlled so much of you.

"…"

"…but," Harry said, standing up. "You never answered the question I asked you last time. Where. Were. You. When I was in the hospital wing?"

"…"

"…"

"I-I had to prepare for the school year," Professor Potter stammered. "There's a lot I had to do…an-and I knew you'd be alright. I-I saw you earlier. You were s-strong, healthy…"

Harry narrowed his gaze at her. "Try again," he simply stated. "Another lie and I walk immediately,"

"…"

Daphne watched as Professor Potter's body shook, her hands trembling. It was as if she couldn't speak whatever she wanted to say.

"…Sirius Black," Professor Potter whimpered. "I was with Sirius Black."

Harry just stared at her, his silence edging her to continue.

"He…he…" Professor Potter stammered. "I needed…"

An eyebrow was raised from Harry, as he scoffed at the insinuation.

"Unbelievable," he muttered. Harry just turned away from her, and began heading towards the door.

"Harry, wait!" Professor Potter cried, reaching out to him. "YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND! I need him! I was lonely! He's always been there for me! James made me that way, Harry! PLEASE DON'T HATE ME, IT'S JAMES' FAULT!"

Harry paused at the door, his head turning slightly towards her.

"I don't hate you anymore," he said sadly. "I just…don't care…anymore."

Harry was gone, leaving the room now with only Daphne and the distraught Lily Potter.

Professor Potter turned towards Daphne and gripped her hands, startling her.

"Please!" Professor Potter begged. "Say something to him! He listens to you!"

"He does. A few words and he might even forgive you." Daphne said coldly. "But you don't deserve forgiveness. We're done here."

Daphne wretched her hand from the Professor's grasp and got up from her seat.

Professor Potter quickly scrambled to the front door and blocked the exit.

"Why?" Professor Potter demanded. "Why won't you talk to him? He needs his mother! I heard you back there! You told him to give me a chance! So tell him to listen to me!"

"You HAD your chance," Daphne snarled. "I can't believe you! You'd rather go sleep with Professor Black than check up on your own son!"

"I-I knew he'd be fine!" Professor Potter tried arguing. "He just doesn't understand! I'm a victim in this as well! James put me in this position!"

"Fine? He lost a lung! For a whole year! And VICTIM?" Daphne scoffed. "I don't even know how to respond to that."

Professor Potter's face turned pale. "A lung?" She whimpered. "H-how did he…is he okay?"

Daphne snorted. "It's none of your business now. Just step aside so I can leave, Professor."

Daphne pushed the shocked Lily Potter aside and began making her way through the castle.

He was right. Daphne understood why he didn't want to see her.

Lily Potter didn't even take accountability. The whole time, not a single sorry was said. Instead, she shifted it all on her husband.

But the most disappointing thing that Daphne saw was Lily Potter's action during Harry's hospitalization.

Never again, will Daphne see Harry talking to her. Because he'll only get hurt.

＊＊＊

Astoria was bored.

It's been almost a week since they've gotten to Hogwarts, and she's been locked in this room ever since then.

Sure, she was used to staying inside ever since Diagon Alley, but back then she always had her papa with her during the day and her

Nowadays, BOTH her mama and papa are always gone, leaving her alone in the room.

There was a moment a few days ago where she was scared. Her papa hadn't come in for a few days, and her mama was always crying.

But…everything turned out alright! Even better than expected. Her mama and papa were closer than ever before, and she wasn't going to complain.

In fact, tomorrow she'd be able to leave the room! Astoria didn't know what Hogsmeade was exactly, but it sure sounded better than being locked up here.

Suddenly, the door to their room opened and Harry walked in with a bag in hand.

"Papa!" Astoria cried, bouncing into his arms.

"Hey Tori." Harry chuckled, returning the hug. His eyes looked a little bit tired when he came in, but the moment he saw Astoria, their shine returned.

Harry finally let her go after a few seconds and dropped the bag on their table. "I almost forgot to get you food during dinner, Tori. But I found out they were still cooking in the kitchen, and the elves got me some leftovers."

Astoria excitedly unwrapped the bag. Stacks of boxes filled with a variety of meals were presented to her.

"Thank you, papa!" She said happily, immediately digging into the food.

"H-hey! Slow down or you'll choke," Harry laughed.

Harry used a napkin to wipe a smear of barbecue sauce on Astoria's mouth, causing her to giggle.

Their door opened again and Daphne walked in, looking slightly annoyed.

"MWAMA!" Astoria cried, running towards Daphne this time.

Daphne looked startled as Astoria leapt into her arms. "W-woah! Tori, chew your food first!" She scolded.

Astoria made the visible effort to open and show Daphne her mouth, chewing all the food in it. Once she swallowed, she gave Daphne a sheepish smile.

"Sorry…" Astoria mumbled awkwardly.

Daphne pinched Astoria's cheeks, causing her to pout.

"If you keep eating like that, mama will have to tell your papa not to bring so much food home," Daphne cooed.

A mortified look crossed Astoria's face.

"Huh? L-L-Less f-food?" She whimpered.

Daphne's mouth curved into a smirk. "If you keep eating like that."

Astoria frantically shook her head. "N-No! I won't eat like that anymore!" She promised.

Daphne placed a finger to her chin, acting as if she was in deep thought. "Hmmm, I don't know Tori. How do I know you won't go back to eating like that when I'm not looking?"

Astoria let out a giggle. It was one of their games they would play, and Astoria always knew how to win.

"Because you trust me."

"Oh? And how are you so sure of that?" Daphne asked, raising an eyebrow.

Astoria let out a cheeky smile. "Because you love me so much!"

"She does have you there!" Harry called from his seat.

Daphne rolled her eyes before planting a wet kiss on Astoria's cheek, causing the little girl to squeal with joy.

"If you keep acting like this, how can I ever get mad at you?" Daphne giggled. "Why don't you go finish dinner, Tori. I need to talk to Harry about something, okay?"

Astoria nodded and went back to her food. Her mama and papa had already gone to sit on their bed, conversing softly with each other.

"You're definitely giving her too much food…"

"Oh she's a growing girl, Daphne. She needs her nutrients."

"Speaking of nutrients, you forgot to take yours."

Astoria watched out of the corner of her eye as her mama handed her papa a small vial.

"Shoot! I completely forgot about these…"

A sound of the vial uncorking, and a gulp came from her papa.

"…"

"Harry, I'm sorry about…you know…"

"Eh, don't worry about it. It's…there's nothing left between me and her."

"You're not angry?"

"Angry? No…"

A sigh came from Harry's direction.

"…I pity her. I can't even be angry. She's so wrapped up in her own world that she can't even see how wrong she was."

"…I know. I spoke with her after you left. She kept blaming your dad for everything."

"You were able to be alone with that woman? Merlin, Daphne, I admire your resolve."

Daphne chuckled but her tone suddenly became somber. "Sorry for bringing this up, Harry. I know you want to put her behind us…"

"It's fine. We needed to talk a bit about it anyways. But now, why don't we talk about tomorrow instead?"

"Ooooh! Hogsmeade!" Daphne's voice lit up. "I came across Penny downstairs in the common room. She told us she'll stop by around 8 tomorrow morning to do something for Tori."

"I swear that girl has the answers for everything…"

"And if you ask her, she'll just say 'it's because I'm a Ravenclaw." Daphne mimicked Penelope's voice.

A second passed and both of them burst into laughter.

Astoria smiled as she watched her parents looking so happy.

She didn't know exactly everything that happened, but Astoria knew that their life wasn't exactly easy.

But it was moments like these that Astoria wanted to treasure and carry the memories with her.

Astoria quietly slipped into her own bed after she finished eating and allowed her parents to continue their talk.

But it wouldn't be before long when she heard her mama loudly clear her throat.

"Ahem. Tori, what have I told you about brushing before bed?"

"…"

"Zzzzzzz…"

"…"

"…Seriously?"

＊＊＊

"Penny, explain it in simple terms."

"I am explaining it in simple terms, Harry."

"Okay, explain it in a way a 5 year old can understand!"

Harry watched as Penny hesitated for a second before slowly explaining.

"Disillusionment charm, combine with notice-me-not charm, equal people ignore and can not see little Tori. Spell I create - AND used in Great Hall last night."

"…5 year olds that can speak English…but yeah I got the gist of it at least."

Their group of 4 stood outside on the Hogwarts grounds, ready for Hogsmeade.

"Come onnnnnn, let's go already," Astoria complained. "I wanna see Hogsmeade."

Astoria was wrapped in a thick jacket and warm pants. Harry and Daphne both agreed beforehand that there was no way they'd risk getting her sick, and they scrambled whatever piece of clothing they could find for her.

However, that left both Harry and Daphne wearing only flimsy clothes that are obviously too big for them. They were the clothes from Penelope, but their size difference made it difficult to wear anything.

Harry and Daphne were both shivering slightly but still seemed enthusiastic to go.

"Well, you kids have fun. I have to go somewhere, we'll meet each other at the three broomsticks in say - around noon?"

"You're not coming with us?" Astoria whined.

Penelope only gave a nervous laugh. "Um, well…I have to go do something…"

Daphne frowned. "What else could you be doing right now?"

"Homework."

"Come on Penny, the real reason."

"Percy."

"Huh? What about him?"

"I'm going to go do - " Penelope's face flustered, and she coughed slightly into her hand. " - I mean, meet up with Percy. We have some plans."

Daphne blinked for a second, looking a bit confused. "Okay….? Yeah, we'll meet you there I guess."

"Great!" Penelope exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "I. Will see you all. Later!"

She quickly took off in a different direction leaving just the three of them standing there.

Astoria had already begun pulling on Harry's sleeve, dragging him off towards the village.

"Come on, papa!" Astoria said excitedly. "I wanna see Hogsmeade!"

Harry chuckled as he let himself be dragged along by the little girl. Daphne followed closely behind him, looking just as excited as Astoria.

When they reached the village the trio's jaw dropped.

Hogsmeade was absolutely beautiful.

The village was quaint with students milling about, happily visiting one shop to another. Each shop seemed to have their own little charm to it, and the places seemed extremely welcoming.

It wasn't like the busy and rushed atmosphere of Diagon Alley, but rather, everyone seemed to take their time and enjoyed the scene.

"It's beautiful…" Harry muttered.

"Yeah…" Daphne agreed. "I wouldn't mind living in a place like this."

Harry interlaced his free hand with hers, drawing Daphne's attention to him.

"We could," Harry mumbled. "One day, Daphne. Just you, me, and Tori. We'll have our own little house."

That earned him a smile from Daphne. "I'd like that," she whispered to him. "I'd like that very much."

"If mama and papa would stop making kissy faces," Astoria interrupted. "I wanna check out that place!"

She dragged Harry who in turn pulled Daphne, up to a shop with sweets put on a glass through the glass.

Astoria squinted at the sign hanging from the shop. "Hon-hon…honey…" she tried pronouncing.

"Go on, Tori," Harry encouraged. "Remember what I taught you?"

"Honey…honey du-du…Honeydukes!" Astoria exclaimed.

Daphne stared at Harry in shock. "I completely forgot to teach her!" She cried. "When did you teach her to read?"

Harry smirked. "Since last year. You think I wouldn't make her read along with me when I read to her?"

"What else does she know?" Daphne asked excitedly.

Harry placed his hand to his chin. "Huh. I guess she knows some writing too, but not much," he mused.

Daphne's face fell slightly, causing Harry to frown.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"I just feel guilty," Daphne confessed. "What kind of big sister am I? I didn't even remember to teach her."

Harry pulled Daphne into a one-armed hug, rubbing her back comfortingly.

"Don't worry about it," he said. "There's a reason I'm here. You were working all day back then."

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean I should've - " Daphne started.

"None of that," Harry interrupted. "I'm not going to stop repeating it every time you say something stupid like this. Partners. Remember?"

"How could I forget?" Daphne said softly.

Harry then felt her soft lips on his. "Partners." She whispered. "Thank you, Harry. For always taking care of Tori."

He grinned. "What thanks? Being able to spend time with my beautiful girlfriend and Tori is all I need and will ever need."

Daphne lightly tapped his arm. "You're so cheesy," she teased.

"And you still love me for it." Harry quipped.

"I do. And all the other time's you've been cheesy."

"What other times?"

"Well…there was that one time…"

The three of them would spend their morning going from one shop to another. No one really noticed Astoria, even when she was running around being amazed at everything.

While they enjoyed going through the items, buying them

was a completely different matter. The prices were fairly affordable, but the problem was that they didn't have much money in the first place.

Still, Harry wanted Tori and Daphne to have a good time.

"Tori, are you sure you don't want the milk chocolate?" Harry asked kindly. "There's more in the box."

Astoria shook her head. "It's okay papa! I know it costs too much for you!"

"No! Don't worry about it," Harry said hurriedly. "Just get what you want, Tori."

"Welllllll, I want this one!" Then Astoria dropped into a low whisper. "Also, mama says we don't have a lot of money right now, so it's okay papa!"

Harry glared at Daphne who just tried her best to look innocent.

"It's fine, Tori," Harry tried reassuring. "Really, anything you want."

"Yeah! And I want…this one!"

Harry let out a sigh as Astoria hung tightly onto the box of sweets she had already picked out. He chuckled at the girl's thoughtfulness, but was a bit annoyed at Daphne for telling her that.

Still, this would really help their finances.

After a few shops, they eventually reached a book shop called 'Tomes and Scrolls.'

Harry had to embarrassingly admit that he dropped all pretense of dignity when he saw the store.

"MERLIN!" Harry exclaimed. "I-I-Is that…the 5th edition Offense Is Your Magical Defense? AND A SIGNED COPY AS WELL?"

Harry turned around with the book in hand to see Daphne stare at him in horror.

"My boyfriend's a dork…" Daphne mumbled, her eyes looking a little dazed. "He's a dork…and I never knew…"

Then she looked a little confused. "Wait…but you told me the hat didn't want to put you in Ravenclaw?"

"Oh…" Harry rubbed his head sheepishly. "I used to read a lot more back when…you know. But after I arrived in Diagon Alley, those things weren't exactly the priority…"

"Huh," Daphne mused. "I guess the sorting hat only looked at the traits you had more near the present."

"I guess so," Harry shrugged. Then his eyes widened when he saw her grab the book out of his hands." Um Daphne, what are you doing?"

"Buying you this book, of course," she said nonchalantly.

"Daphne! Do you know how much that costs?" Harry asked frantically.

"Yeah. The price is right here."

"But money…"

"It's only one book, Harry." Daphne interrupted. "Besides, I get some nice pocket change from my apprenticeship with Poppy."

"But Daphne - "

"No buts, Mr. Nerd." Daphne put a finger over his mouth, stopping him from speaking. "You're going to let your totally beautiful and amazing girlfriend get you this!"

Harry rolled his eyes. "Yeah, and totally humble as well."

"Aren't I? Just the humblest." Daphne smirked.

Harry groaned. "I can't believe you told Tori not to pick out expensive sweets, but you go and buy this for me."

"Yup!" Daphne said cheerfully. "I mainly want to see your nerd side come out. Plus, if you learn anything from the book, you can teach me as well!"

"Just get the book…and - wait, Tori, don't touch those!"

The rest of their morning was fairly enjoyable. After visiting a few more places. They did run into a few students they knew, and Harry did spot Jamie with a large group.

But everyone seemed to steer clear of the trio, not that Harry minded. He was happy enough that no one bothered them today.

They finally arrived at the Three Broomsticks around noon, and were met with Penelope's wave from a nearby table.

"Guys! Over here!"

Penelope wasn't alone at the table. Sitting next to her was a freckled redhead guy, who's face just screamed pompous.

Harry did not like him one bit.

He gave a quick glance over at the two of them, and both of them appeared slightly sweaty, with their hair disheveled.

"Weird," Harry thought. "Why would they be sweating? It's so cold out there!"

"These are the kids you've been helping?" The redhead guy asked.

"Yup," Penelope said. "Meet Harry, Daphne, and Astoria!"

The redhead guy frowned for a second. "You said three names. Where's the third one?"

"Ah," Penelope muttered, reaching into her robes for her wand. She gave a quick wave and the redhead guy's eyes widened.

"Well then," the redhead guy cleared his throat. "Nice to meet you all. My name is Percy Weasley." He reached out his hand, shaking all of theirs.

"Harry."

"Daphne."

"…"

Astoria just stayed silent, hiding behind Harry's leg. Percy's outstretched hand hung in the air.

"Go on," Harry whispered, nudging the little girl. "Don't be shy, Tori."

Astoria tentatively reached out her hand, gently shaking Percy's.

"…Astoria," she mumbled.

They all stood there awkwardly until Penelope cleared her throat. "Right then," she started. "I ordered some butterbeers for all of you, so why don't we get started?"

"Um, get started on what exactly?" Daphne interrupted.

"Well, I want to start with getting you guys to know Percy."

Harry eyed Percy warily and noticed Daphne doing the same out of the corner of his eyes.

Apparently, Penelope picked up on this. "Don't look at him like that!" She snapped. "It's rude!"

"I'm sorry," Daphne said. "But what exactly does he have to do with anything?"

Penelope groaned. "Guys, drop the looks. I already told him everything."

Harry and Daphne both stared at her, horrified.

"WHAT?" They both shouted at the same time.

"Keep it down you two!" Penelope hissed. "I trust him! He won't tell anyone about Tori!"

"How do we know we can trust him?" Harry snarled. "Why did you even tell him in the first place!"

"Oh for crying out loud - Harry, he's my boyfriend. You know, the 'Percy' I'm always talking about?"

"But why?" Daphne asked. "Why did you even tell him about - well about anything?"

"Because I need his help teaching you guys!" Penelope cried. "Yes, I can teach you spells and how to cast them, but I can't teach the theory and fundamentals as well as Perce can!"

"Why are you so intent on going this far to teach us?" Harry asked. "Penny, we appreciate all you've done, but you can't just go telling other people about us!"

"I'm…well sorry," Penelope apologized. "It's just…me and Percy always shared everything since we were kids…and I wanted both of you to get stronger…"

Harry groaned, and leaned back in his chair, rubbing his eyes.

Finally, Percy spoke up. "I'm going to be honest with you here - Harry, Daphne. I cannot condone what you have done to sneak a little girl into this school, as it is clearly against school policies."

Harry was about to speak up to defend their actions, but Percy had already continued.

"However…Penny has trusted me with this and asked for my help. I will help you, but only because I care about Penny."

Harry glared at him, meeting his eyes. Percy Weasley wasn't lying, that Harry could confirm. But he held no love nor want for helping them.

"You obviously know who I am," Harry said, challenging him. "Tell me, do you believe what they said about me?"

"…Penny thinks otherwise. It is…one of the very few things we disagree about."

Harry scoffed. "You believe it then?"

"I do. To an extent."

Harry threw his hands into the air. "Okay then! Tell me what you think happened!"

Penelope looked away from Harry, her face sunken. Percy however, did not shy away and began his theory.

"You are born into a wealthy family." He stated. "Privileged and lived comfortably. But you wish for more fame - jealous and greedy of what your brother had. Nothing was enough. I do not believe you tried to steal the glory, but you did try to fight with him that day, thinking the world was like a fairy tale, unaware of your limitations. However, your attempt failed, and here you are - believing that you were a victim all along when in reality, you are just a spoiled boy who could not get what he wanted."

Silence.

Daphne suddenly stood up from her chair. "You don't have to deal with this, Harry." She hissed.

Penelope just looked guiltily down her lap, unable to say anything.

Harry, however, didn't stand up or curse out Percy.

He laughed.

"Ha…ha…HAHAHAHAHA!"

Daphne turned towards Harry, shaking his shoulder. "Harry? Are you okay?"

Harry just snorted. "Perfectly fine." He said. He then grinned at Percy, unnerving him slightly.

"Okay then," Harry said calmly. "You'll teach me - alongside Penny. I'll learn everything I can from you, and then I'll show you how much of a 'victim' and 'privileged' that I am."

Percy Weasley raised his eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"Yeah. It is."

"Then I shall see if you can hold your words," Percy said coldly, "Do not expect me to hold back."

"I wasn't counting on it."

＊＊＊

Lily Potter took another swig of her bottle.

She was NOT happy. Matter of fact, she was furious.

"Who does she think she is?" Lily mumbled. "Turning my own son against me."

She gripped the wine bottle in her hand until they were trembling.

"Damn you, Diane!" Lily growled. "You always ruined EVERYTHING! And now your daughter does the same!"

The bottle shattered into a million pieces, shards cutting Lily's hand.

"But I'll fix everything," Lily whispered. "A little lie! A little lie won't hurt anyone! Don't worry, Harry! You'll understand everything soon enough. You'll leave that stupid girl and come back to your mother!"

Suddenly, there was a knock on her office door.

Lily quickly scrambled to get her wand out and began cleaning up the mess. When she was finished, she cleared her throat and called out.

"Come in!"

Lily's face softened when she saw who it was. "Oh! Jamie, hun! What are you doing here at this time of night?"

Jamie just shakily approached her, his eyes dried of tears.

"I messed up, mum." He whispered. "I'm-I'm sorry…I messed up bad…"

Lily sighed and just pulled him into her embrace. Jamie openly sobbed into her shoulder as she comfortingly stroked his back.

"It's okay, baby." Lily whispered. "I'm here. What did you do?"

"Something…really bad…" Jamie said hoarsely. "I'm sorry…"

"It's okay…" Lily soothed. "You don't have to tell me. Just…let it all out."

Lily allowed him to cry. He cried throughout the night, until there weren't any tears left. The room was barely lit, but she was finally able to make out when his eyes closed.

Lily sighed. At least Jamie still cared about her. At least he still came to his mother when he needed comfort.

She would ask him later what happened. But right now, he needed rest.

Lily levitated him onto the sofa in her office and made her way to the door. Jamie would be fine now. But right now, she needed to go see Sirius.

"Good night my sweet boy." Lily whispered, closing the door.

Lily never even noticed the blood stains on her own son's hands.

A/N: Next chapter will be a time skip. Also, I think this was my first time writing an Astoria POV.

Speaking of POV's, it was always something I struggled with ever since I started writing. Freudentraene was the one who first pointed it out to me about POV shifts during a scene. I think I'm starting to understand it a bit better and I've been trying to incorporate it into the writing. However, I do slip up occasionally but I guess it'll just take time to get used to.

The fluffy scenes were for you, Hank! I know you like those and I hope they make your day better!

I also hope everyone is doing okay! Everything is a bit crazy in the world right now and I know many people are going through things at the moment, albeit I feel like it's going to be much worse this time. Please stay safe everyone!

I don't exactly have the power yet to really help out anyone directly, but I do hope that my story can be a breather/bit of a distraction, something to take your minds off of things. It's at least something I CAN do.

So enjoy the story! Or don't and get mad and flame me. There's a reason I posted this story anyways. Open to comments, open to flames. I read the reviews and my PMs. Oh, and I really like criticism as well. This story probably wouldn't have gotten this far without the criticisms.

I think I'm rambling at this point. I don't really remember what I was about to say...or what I was saying...

Probably was something somewhat important but eh, can't remember.

Well, many people skip A/N's anyway. I swear, one of these days I'm going to drop something important and then everyone who skips these will be like "WHAT?" Oh the thought is just so tempting...

The Morning After Update: Well...I remembered what I was going to say now LOL

The Haphne Discord Link: pKSdvJQvhU

I sometimes hang around there, but I talk more on the flowerpot discord (Harry/Fleur).

The codes will also be in my profile.

Thanks for reading! Until next time!