Warning
Some parts may be slightly graphic for young readers. Viewer discretion is advised (I've always wanted to say that!)

Disclaimer
Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling; I own nothing you recognize and all the ideas you don't. This is semi-AU fiction, though I'll try and stick to canon as much as I can.

I'd like to thank everyone in the Harry / Fleur Discord Server. Without their help and constant encouragement, this fic would probably never have seen the light of day. Especially you MJ Bradley, your work inspires us all!

Lastly, I'd like to give my utmost thanks to Dr Prophet and Lyrical for taking out the time and beta reading this chapter. You guys are the best!


Chapter 1 - Sliver of Sunshine

"Oh, what have we here boys?" A snarky drawl carried across the silent corridor.

Grinding to a halt, Astoria Greengrass felt something clench uncomfortably, dread turning her insides leaden. Cursing her misfortune, she twisted around and slipped her wand from her sleeve.

But of course, the one time I'm by myself!

Swallowing, Astoria tried not to let her unease show.

"What do yo-"

"Expelliarmus!" Far before she could comprehend the gravity of her predicament, Astoria found her wand being ripped from her grasp. It clattered across the floor rolling further away, the sound echoing through the sudden stillness.

Astoria recoiled.

"Who would have thought we'd find little Astoria, wandering the castle… all alone."

She sucked in a shuddering breath, edging away from the trio of shadowed forms that loomed before her, forcing her shaking palms into tight fists.

She adopted a cold expression, attempting to channel her sister's infamous persona as she subtly searched the passageway, hoping against hope that someone might be nearby. Yet the hour was late, with curfew fast approaching, and she hadn't seen a soul since she'd left the library.

Astoria swallowed once more, her throat suddenly dry. She could feel a cold chill tingle down her spine and the clenching feeling inside her twisted ever harder, leaving her breathless.

If I were to scream now, would anyone hear me?

She took an involuntary step back, but felt herself press against the cold stone of the castle walls, preventing any further retreat. Wandless and effectively cornered by vindictive Slytherins with a notorious sadistic streak left her well on the verge of panic.

Think! What would Daphne do?

That thought firmly taking hold, she attempted to centre herself and regain her composure. Following a few deep breaths, arching her neck, she looked up at her assailant.

"Step aside Malfoy, I have no business with you." Astoria did her best to emulate her sister, projecting an aura of nonchalance and dismissal, yet even to herself the attempt rang hollow.

"Oh, but on the contrary little Greengrass, I am certain that you do." Draco sneered, the tip of his wand glowing an angry red.

She struggled to stand strong, yet she knew her facade was riddled with cracks, feelings of vulnerability and terror shining through.

Why couldn't father have taught me the way he did Daphne?

In her desperation, Astoria tried to peer behind Malfoy and his thugs, but their large forms now blocked her view of the rest of the corridor. There was still no one else in sight, her hope of an unexpected saviour fading fast.

"Your sister had the gall to humiliate me, a Malfoy! In front of our entire house!" Draco raved. "Thought she'd get away with it, did she?" The blond leered down at her, a sadistic grin stretching across his pale face and the glint of promised violence in his eyes.

He is unhinged!

Astoria's shoulders trembled, her fingernails cutting crescents into the palm of her hands.

"Daphne," he spat her name, with sheer loathing, "will learn her place, as will you. Diffindo!"

Astoria barely managed to cover her face in time.

She screamed as a large bloody gash cut deeply into the soft flesh of her hand. Hot tears streamed down her face as she crashed to the floor, holding on to her burning arm, doing her best to stem the bleeding.

"Help me! Someone, please, help!" Her shrill wail tore across the silent corridor as Astoria screamed as loudly as she could manage, pain and desperation giving her voice strength beyond its usual limits.

Yet moments later, she felt the tell-tale sensation of magic encompass her throat and any further cries or pleas were silenced.

With the sensation of cold dread seeping into her veins, Astoria gazed tearfully back up at her assailants. What does he intend on doing to me?

The three boys anxiously whirled around, wands raised, searching the corridor for any sign that they had been discovered.

For those few moments that they observed the corridor, Astoria hoped and prayed, begging whatever deity that may be listening to answer her desperate plea.

But it was all for not.

No one was coming.

Draco turned back to her and glared. "Since you seem so eager to scream, how about I give you a real reason to?" Behind him, Crabbe and Goyle cracked their knuckles, brutish sneers firmly in place.

Astoria paled. Her arm was on fire, it hurt more than she had ever hurt before, and she felt her heart hammering in her chest. Never before had she taken the blonde ponce seriously. Daphne had all but insisted that he was all bark, merely a spoiled child very much unlike his father, the ruthless Lord Malfoy.

Oh, how wrong you were dear sister. The malicious gleam in his eyes was nothing short of terrifying.

Draco had his wand raised and ready to cast again, it's tip glowing a sickly yellow, when all of a sudden, a bone-chilling draught swept through the otherwise empty passageway, giving him pause.

The distinct smell of ozone permeated the air.

That was when she felt it.

A wave of magic flooded the entire corridor; warm, heavy and overwhelmingly powerful.

Astoria failed to recognise it or its source, and yet despite its unfamiliarity, she involuntarily found herself seeking comfort within its tender grasp. As she felt her agonies ebb away, with a sigh of relief, Astoria melted into its soothing embrace.

Just as quickly as it had appeared, it was gone, leaving behind but a memory of her previous pain and an unpleasant emptiness. But before she could lament its loss, and faster than she could register, all at once she felt the magic surge right back with a vengeance.

A shockwave thundered its way across the corridor, and her tired eyes remaining open only by a sheer force of will could barely watch as an intangible force of energy blasted her three assailants off their feet, hurling their insensate bodies back to crash against the corridor wall.

Given their pained gasps and the tell-tale snap of broken bone, Astoria knew that she wouldn't have to worry about them rising again, not anytime soon.

Once more she felt the unfamiliar magic blanket the corridor, encompassing her in its protective embrace. This time, she welcomed it with open arms as relieved tears trickled down her cheeks.

Amidst the pain and fatigue, she barely registered the sound of looming footsteps as someone approached, before they abruptly halted and crouched before her. Slowly, albeit curiously, she lifted her head, her pale blue gaze rising to meet its mirror in the scrutiny of worried, emerald eyes.


Author's Note

Fairly short, I know. But this is it for now.
I am quite slow at writing and I intend to post a chapter a month. I do however hope to pick up the pace.

Thank you,
Serenity