The Green in the Grey

by TheBlack'sResurgence

A prophecy left unfulfilled, a family torn apart by repercussions of war and one child left to a life of neglect. But there were those not content to allow this to pass. Harry Potter may have been abandoned at the end of the war but he will rise to be more than any could have imagined. Minimal bashing, rated M for violence etc. Harry/Tonks, James/Lily Main plot begins GOF

16. Conflicts of Loss

Hello one and all,

My apologies for the delay in posting this, life has been very busy/hectic.

As always, enjoy. Follow favourite and review, you wonderful people.

TBR

Chapter 16: Conflicts of Loss

The visage of Charlie Potter reflected nothing but peace, the trauma he'd experienced in his final throes of life, absent. Harry had made his way into the castle, grateful that for the most part, it was empty. It was when he reached the hospital wing, he realised the magnitude of what had occurred here. Though the details were lacking, it was clear something significant had happened. However, he couldn't find it within him to care right now. He was cradling the still cooling corpse of his little brother.

Shaking his head, he turned away from the entrance and headed to the one place he knew he wouldn't be bothered.

His arms ached as he shouldered the door to the classroom he used to train in open. Before he could place Charlie on the ground, a large table appeared in front of him draped in a plain white sheet.

He gave Leo, whom he hadn't been aware following him, a nod of appreciation the other boys' expression one of genuine sorrow, his eyes rimmed red.

"Aye, I'll leave you to it."

"James and Lily should be told. Bring them here, I'll do it," Harry requested mechanically.

"Arcturus is already getting them," Leo explained.

Harry nodded and heard the door shut gently as his friend exited.

With a flick of his wand, he conjured some chairs and took a seat in one, gripping Charlie's hand in his own as he lost himself in his thoughts. He didn't know what to do. He wanted to scream and he wanted to cry and he wanted to shut himself away from everyone. He simply did not know what he was feeling other than an overwhelming sense of loss.

He was pulled from his thoughts by the sound of people outside. A frantic conversation later, the door opened and Arcturus entered with James and Lily Potter in his wake.

Upon seeing their lifeless son, Lily practically fell across his unmoving chest and sobbed, her hands gripping the fabric of his robes desperately.

James was mute as he sunk heavily into one of the chairs, his face pale as he stared at Charlie with watery eyes and his lips trembling. The man was trying to hold himself together, trying to be strong for his wife though he was in no better state than her.

Harry could only look on silently, any words he felt to be sufficient dying before he could open his mouth. Instead, he continued to hold Charlie's hand and only reacted when the voice of Arcturus spoke in his ear.

"I need to know what happened, Harry. Believe me, I wouldn't be asking if it wasn't important. No on else knows right now and I need to ensure our safety before anyone catches wind of this."

Harry swallowed deeply, again no words able to accurately explain what had happened. His tongue felt as though it had increased tenfold in size in his mouth and he shook his head. There were no words to describe what had happened this night.

He conjured a phial before placing his wand at his temple and closing his eyes. With considerable effort, he pulled the memory from within his mind and placed it into the container before handing it to the man.

"Everything you need to know is there," he croaked. "Take them with you. They deserve to see what Charlie did and how it happened."

Lily looked up at him, her eyes questioning before she averted her gaze back to her younger son.

Without considering the gesture, Harry released Charlie's hand and took hers, making her jump at the contact.

"I will stay with him," he promised.

Lily exchanged a glance with her husband and nodded. She allowed herself to be led from the room by James, her eyes not leaving the prone form of her younger son until she was out of sight.

Harry released a deep breath and rubbed his own tiredly. He was still covered in blood, most of it Charlie's but some his own from the minor injuries he'd received. He didn't have the heart to clean it off, nor did he care for his appearance. The only thing he did care about was being with his brother.

(BREAK)

Albus Dumbledore surveyed what was left of the Quidditch Stadium and shook his head morosely. The stands, the fence and the pitch were in ruins. This however called all be replaced with little effort on his part. It was the trauma that the students present had endured that had him most concerned.

The Hospital Wing would be full for some time, though the mortalities were lower than he expected, several students had been kissed. Thus far, only four members of the public had been found to have succumbed to such a fate along with surprisingly Barty Crouch. To learn that the man's son had orchestrated this had been quite the revelation and a shock to even the Headmaster.

The most pressing concern in that regard was that the Blacks' had detained him. Hide nor hair of the man had been seen since he had been captured in the forest by a bear of all things.

The Minister was a different story altogether. The man had been found cowering under the judge's table after the Dementors had fled, he too taking his leave quickly, no doubt doing all he could to salvage what he could of his fraying career. It had been his idea after all to use the creatures for the task.

He would be back, Dumbledore was certain, especially if any truth to the rumours were confirmed about Charlie Potter. He'd had little time to investigate, but Minerva had sought him out to inform him that Harry had returned with the body of the younger Potter in his arms. Something he would be looking into as soon as possible. He had to tend to his duties to the school first of all.

The other champions had been retrieved from the maze. Viktor Krum had been physically fine other than having been stunned. His mental state was proving to be quite the worry. He had no recollection of even entering the maze let alone what he'd done within. Not that he would face any fallout. The Durmstrang contingency would leave the moment news of Barty Crouch Jr became public. Karkaroff, as ever, would flee any connection to his former master.

Fleur Delacour was one of those in the hospital wing having fallen victim to the Cruciatus Curse. She was doing well given the circumstances but it would take time to recover. Albus knew he would have to play the peacekeeper between France and Bulgaria. The Delacour's would not take lightly that their daughter had been cursed in such a manner and the Bulgarians will defend their star seeker to the very end. Relations will deteriorate between the two countries, of that he was sure.

Cedric was in the worst condition of the three. Upon being found, he was unconscious, having been bitten by an acromantula. It was currently uncertain that his leg could be saved. According to reports, it was not looking good. The venom had been allowed too long to fester in the limb and it is likely that irreparable damage had been caused.

He sighed as he exited the stadium, the last casualties of the night having been removed some time ago. When he did enter the castle, he found it to be almost silent, the only sound being the fires crackling in the sconces lining the walls. With it being so subdued, he made it to his office without being inhibited and entered to find most of his staff present, Severus and Alastor being the exceptions. He had sent the former away the moment he informed him his mark had burned as it once had and Moody was assisting the aurors.

"Is it true?" Minerva questioned.

"I know nothing more than you have told me, Minerva."

The woman's lips formed into a tight line as she nodded.

"We found Argus in his office. He should recover but he's near starved," Filius explained.

Dumbledore pulled his beard, irritated with himself. The one member of staff that could roam the castle unchecked, had access to almost everywhere had been the one targeted. He should have known or at least had an inkling. Yet, he had remained ignorant of what had befallen his caretaker.

"Any other news?" he asked.

"Fudge has left. Ran away as soon as he could with his tail between his legs," Professor Sinistra confirmed.

"I fear that won't last. When the truth of the events of the night surface, he will return."

"What is going on?" Minerva pressed.

Dumbledore shook his head.

"I have my suspicions, but until Severus returns, they will remain just that."

"What shall we do now?" Pomona enquired.

"Heads of Houses, check on your students. The rest of you, assist where possible. I fear it is going to be a very busy few days at the very least," Dumbledore sighed.

The staff left and the old man leaned back in his chair, berating himself for what had happened under his watch. He was contemplating just how he cold remedy the situation when his potions master arrived, pale and shaking.

"Severus," Dumbledore greeted.

"He's back, Albus," was the simple reply he received.

"Do you have any idea how?"

Snape shook his head.

"I have not been made privy to the details, but his return did not happen the way he intended. He wanted both Potters' there so that he could kill them and prove himself triumphant. This did not go to plan. He himself has been severely injured and five of his inner circle members are dead."

"Harry?" Dumbledore asked with a frown.

Snape swallowed deeply and nodded.

"The Dark Lord underestimated the boy and has paid the price. He has tasked me with brewing him some rather complex potions to assist him with healing and to strengthen his new body."

"Then proceed, my friend," Dumbledore urged.

With a slight bow, Severus exited the room to carry out his work, leaving a very contemplative headmaster in his wake.

"I must learn of what occurred," he muttered.

Although he felt downtrodden about the events of the evening, he grasped the slight glimmer of hope that Harry would be up to the task of finally putting an end to Tom. For this to happen, they would need to work together. At the very least he needed to rein the boy in and prevent him from killing any others. He could not allow the boy carte blanche.

Controlling the boy wold be difficult. He neither liked nor respected the headmaster, of which, the man was acutely aware.

(BREAK)

Arcturus emerged from the pensieve, cursing under his breath as he pounded his fist on the table, the others that had shared in the experience of the memory in varied states of distress. Sirius was pale, Cassie uncharacteristically speechless and Leo trembling, his eyes teary with sorrow and anger. The only sound was the gentle sobbing of Lily Potter and the rubbing of fabric as her husband tried in vain to comfort her.

He took a deep breath as he turned his attention to the duo knowing the words on his tongue would do little to alleviate their suffering.

"You have my condolences. If there is anything I can do for you, you only need ask," he offered. "Now, go and be with Charlie. We can talk later."

James nodded mutely as he assisted Lily towards the door.

"Not a word to anyone about what you saw," Arcturus added.

James swallowed audibly and nodded before the pair left.

"Fuck," the Black patriarch seethed, again slamming his fist against the table. "Did you know about this?" he questioned his grandson.

Sirius shook his head.

"We all assumed Charlie was hit by the curse."

Arcturus dragged a hand across his face.

"Why didn't he tell us?" Cassie whispered.

"It doesn't matter," Arcturus dismissed irritably. "What the hell do we do now?"

None had the answers he sought, only more questions on what they had seen.

"What was that magic he used?" Cassie asked. "I've never seen anything like it."

Arcturus couldn't fight the smirk at how well Harry had handled himself. He was furious with the situation but proud, nonetheless.

"No idea," he sighed.

Both Leo and Sirius shook their heads when the older man shot them a probing look.

"We can come back to that later. What about this prophecy?"

Sirius huffed, gaining the attention of the others.

"The reason James and Lily went into hiding was because Dumbledore told them about a prophecy that was given to him. I don't know it but they mentioned something about a boy being born in the seventh month that could kill Voldemort."

"We need to know what it says. I will handle that," Arcturus declared. "For now, you all keep your mouths shut. I need to speak to Harry when he's ready."

"So, what is the plan?" Cassie returned with a frown. "Are we going to leave?"

Arcturus shrugged.

"If I have my way, we will be gone as soon as the boy is buried. If I know Harry, he will not let this go."

"He can't go against that monster," Cassie sputtered.

"Are you going to stop him if that's what he decides?"

Cassie deflated. She knew she would be unable to stop the boy if he decided to pursue a vendetta against the man.

"You're the Lord of his house," she tried weakly.

Arcturus chuckled darkly.

"And yet, Harry is proving to be much more capable than I in that capacity," he replied sadly. "I'm old and no longer as sharp as I once was, becoming less so with each passing day. If Harry so chooses to act, he will do so as the new Lord Black. He is the only hope we would have at coming out of this intact."

With a final look at the three, Arcturus exited the room, the need for fresh air and some time alone to ponder the latest developments becoming overwhelming.

"He doesn't mean that," Cassie denied. "He can't be serious."

Leo pulled the woman into a hug and glanced towards the still-pale visage of Sirius who returned the gaze with uncertainty.

"What do I do?" he muttered weakly.

"Go and find him," Leo instructed. "I'll catch up soon. We will work this out."

Sirius nodded and left the room, his own feelings on the matter provoking a myriad of emotions. He was relieved that Harry had survived, fearful of what he would do and sad for the loss of Charlie. He hadn't spent much time with the boy but he had proven himself a kind, thoughtful boy. Certainly not one deserving of the end he had.

(BREAK)

He was grateful for the peace, though he was under no illusion that such a thing would last. Too much had happened for it to be so but he took comfort in the moments he had to find some coherent thought. He was heartbroken, this he knew with little pondering. It was the other emotions that left him conflicted so.

Fear was something he seldom experienced. He was not scared for himself but for the others, those held dear that could so easily be taken from him. His mind wandered to his family, his grandfather and aunt in their advanced years, the friend he'd grown with and his father, a man that had already lived through the first rise of the Dark Lord. He paused when another face materialised in his thoughts, that of the woman that had come into his life only recently.

He took a deep breath at the thought of grief he would feel were anything to happen to any of them.

"He won't stop until you are dead," his own mind mocked.

He clenched his jaw tight as the fury bubbling under the surface reared. He had been willing to allow the man to do as he pleased. He had no care for Wizarding Britain but he had still chosen to act against him and murdered his brother in the most cowardly of fashion, right in front of his eyes.

He growled as he began to tremble. He did not fear Tom Riddle, on the contrary, he had even pitied the man before this night. Now, just knowing the man drew breath whilst his brother lay dead before him, sickened him.

Lost in his thoughts as he was, he did not hear the door open. When he did look up to see who had entered, he was met with the nervous stares of James and Lily Potter. Taking a moment to compose himself, he gestured for them to sit. He wanted nothing more than to be alone but he would not insult Charlie's memory by banishing them.

The three of them sat in silence for some time before James cleared his throat awkwardly, garnering Harry's attention.

"I just wanted to say thank you."

Harry frowned.

"Thank you?" he replied, confused.

James nodded as he put his arm around his wife.

"For looking out for him. For being there for him and being his brother."

Harry smiled sadly.

"Little good it did him."

"Don't say that!" Lily hissed, surprising him with the conviction in her tone.

"You being here with him meant the world. Since you came here, we've never seen him so happy."

Harry shook his head.

"He still died."

James released a deep breath.

"We saw the memory Harry. You did everything you could to keep him safe. More than either of us could have done in the same position. Even before tonight, yourself and Leo spent months training him. Had you not been there or helped him as you have, he would have died still just in a more horrible way and his body paraded around like a bloody trophy. You stopped that from happening."

Harry met the determined eyes of the man that had sired him and shrugged.

"It wasn't enough."

"Did you have a part in kidnaping him?" Lily questioned.

Harry frowned angrily.

"Of course I didn't."

"Did you fire the curse that killed him?"

"No," he answered firmly.

"Then you cannot blame yourself. You did everything you could to get him out of there and would have taken that curse again, wouldn't you?"

Harry nodded having forgotten all he had revealed. He cursed himself. Had he been thinking clearly, there were a few things he would have omitted from the memory.

"Why didn't tell someone what really happened that night?" Lily probed, her voice gentler.

"It didn't matter," Harry dismissed. "By the time I remembered, I'd already been taken from your sister's."

Lily recoiled at the mention of Petunia. Many times she had considered paying a visit to the woman and demanding to know why she had treated her son so poorly. She however could not trust herself to not hex her for what she had done.

"It's not the time to talk about any of that now," Harry added.

James nodded, squeezing Lily's hand to curb any further comment from her. She deflated once more as she looked at Charlie, his face the picture of peace.

"We stand by what we have said, Harry," James spoke solemnly. "We are grateful that you were there for him. You made such a difference to him in ways that we never could."

Not wanting to argue, Harry nodded. He did feel guilt for what had befallen his little brother, a guilt he knew he would carry with him throughout his life. The words of the two sat opposite comforted him more than he would admit. If any would place the blame on him, it would have been Lily and James Potter.

Not willing to focus on the relief they had provided, he continued his vigil of the brother he had only just come to know, the boy taken from his parents too soon and from his wayward sibling that had never really been given the time to dote on him as he would have.

(BREAK)

Nymphadora Tonks breathed a sigh of relief once Moody had dismissed her for the evening. She knew life as an auror would not be easy, but tonight had been exceptionally difficult. The Dementors had wreaked havoc amongst those gathered at the school and the repercussions of their actions would be felt for some time.

Shifting her gaze towards the remains of the burnt fence, she shook her head. The school and the ministry had been ill-prepared for what had occurred and many had suffered because of it.

"Tonks," the voice of Shacklebolt pulled her from her thoughts.

"Wotcher, Shack," she greeted the man tiredly.

"I think you need to go inside and find Harry."

"Is he okay?" she asked. "What's happened?"

"I don't know," he replied. "I heard he came back earlier but Albus wouldn't say what has happened. He's asked me to go and meet him later."

Tonks nodded gratefully and hurried inside, careful not to trip up the stone steps leading into the castle as she had on countless occasions. The corridors were quiet, the once rowdy crowd that had been present earlier quelled and subdued by what had transpired. For her, the silence of the school was a gift. It allowed her to reach the portrait of Sir Cadogan without delay, her worry for Harry increasing as the adrenaline of the night dwindled.

The helmless knight simply nodded and swung forward to admit her to the rooms, no unwarranted insult or challenge on his lips for once.

She entered to find Sirius, Arcturus, Leo and Cassiopeia in heated conversation, the clicking of the door closing behind her silencing them.

"Where's Harry?" she almost demanded, her voice lacking the required firmness to appear in control of her wavering emotions.

The group before her shared a look of sympathy before her Grandfather pulled her gently to one of the chairs by an arm.

"He's okay, Nymphadora," Arcturus assured her, "A lot has happened tonight and Charlie was killed. Harry is with him."

His candid explanation showed little care for Charlie, but Arcturus was not one known for sentimentality towards anyone outside his family. She however felt her stomach sink at the thought of the demise of the boy. Saddened as she was, she felt the tightness in her chest loosen at hearing that Harry had not fallen victim as his brother had. She felt guilt at her relief though it was not something she could help. She did not even want to comprehend the hurt she would feel had something happened to Harry.

"What happened?"

Arcturus shook his head as he released a deep, staggered breath.

"Perhaps you should see for yourself," he urged, pointing at the pensieve upon the table. "I must warn you, it is not pleasant."

Nothing this night had been and Tonks stood and approached the stone bowl, the memories swirling within almost hypnotically. She gave a final glance towards Sirius who returned her gaze with a resigned nod before she plunged into the depths.

She realised quickly that the horrors she had witnessed at the school paled in comparison to what Harry had endured. She watched as Harry did all he could to protect his brother from the waxen-skinned man calling himself the Dark Lord. His appearance had been enough to elicit an involuntary shudder in her, his red eyes and dangerous spell-work making her feel inferior in comparison. She was no slouch with a wand but Voldemort was something else entirely.

Harry however did not falter nor cower before him. Even as he tried to negotiate the release of Charlie, it was not fear she saw but worry for his sibling. When his words fell on deaf ears and he was forced to act, he proved to be all and more than what she believed. He was merciless, efficient and much more deadly than Voldemort had expected, a true testament to of the man she saw him becoming.

Upon hearing the revelation that he had been struck with the killing curse as a boy and had survived, she choked. Dumbledore had not only been catastrophically wrong in his assessment of what had happened that Halloween night, but his error had torn a family apart. Her seething ceased as she watched Charlie dive in front of the curse meant for his brother, his limp body and the memory she was viewing being what remained of his valour.

He was a weak boy, magically, but in his final throe of life, he had shown strength and bravery that very few could ever claim. And the way in which his demise occurred, saddened her more for it. He did not deserve such a fate. He had no business being there in the first place.

She was pulled from the pensieve, still shaking at what she had seen and her cheeks wet with tears shed unwittingly. The image of a distraught Harry cradling his brother as though he were merely a sleeping infant scarred her. It was not something she would ever forget.

"Where is he?"

"Nymphadora…"

"Where is he?" she repeated angrily.

Arcturus relented with a sigh as he gestured towards Leo.

"Come on, lass, I'll take you to him," he offered, his usual chipper demeanour reduced to something that resembled her own feelings.

She nodded and followed him through the corridors, neither speaking a word until they arrived at the door to a classroom she'd never visited during her years at the school.

"Look after him," Leo requested simply.

Tonks nodded as she pushed open the door. She had seen Charlie fall to the Dark Lord's spell but that did not prepare her for seeing his body in the flesh. He appeared eerily at ease, his lips almost curving into a slight smile. She tore her eyes from him and turned them to Harry who was clutching the hand of his brother.

Her heart sunk at the lost look that adorned his features. His eyes were dull, he was covered in blood and had no clue what to do. After only a second, she cleared the distance between them, paying no heed to the other two occupants in the room. She pulled him into her arms and held him close, that being the only thing she could offer. There were no words that could comfort him and little else she could do other than embrace him, hoping beyond hope it would suffice.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered after a few minutes.

Harry extracted herself from her grasp and nodded, offering a semblance of a gratuitous smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"It's not fair, Dora," he muttered.

"No, it isn't," she agreed as she rubbed his forearm. She withdrew her hand having felt something warm and wet. "You're bleeding," she exclaimed.

And so he was. He pulled his sleeve up with a frown to reveal a sizable cut, deep enough that it had shredded the muscle and exposed the bone from his wrist to near the elbow. Strangely, the bleeding was quite minimal and it appeared to be healing rather quickly. Any normal person would have either bled out or lost consciousness at least.

"It's nothing," Harry dismissed.

"It's not nothing," Tonks bit back. "You need to go to the Hospital Wing."

Harry opened his mouth to argue but was interrupted by James Potter.

"She's right. You need to have that cleaned and fixed before it gets infected…"

"And to make sure it's not cursed," Tonks added firmly.

Harry wanted to argue but the look the woman was giving him showed she wouldn't budge.

"I will stay with Charlie," James assured him. "I'll bring him to the Hospital Wing shortly so they can prepare him. No sense in delaying the inevitable"

Harry met the gaze of the man and he could see he simply wanted some time alone with his son. He had held himself together well for the sake of his wife but it was clear he was losing the ability to keep himself composed. He finally relented with a nod.

"I will take Mrs Potter. She will need some dreamless sleep," he added, nodding towards the woman who had fallen into a fitful slumber.

"Thank you," James said sincerely as he gently roused her. "Come on Lils, you're going with Harry to the Hospital wing."

"Harry?" she muttered sleepily.

Harry helped her to her feet and she leaned her head on his shoulder as they began to exit the room. He turned once more to look at his brother and James gave him a grateful smile.

Only a second after the door closed behind himself, Tonks and Lily Potter, the sound of pained sobbing sounded within the room. James had done well to be strong for his wife, but now he was alone, he could begin his grieving.

Harry led the way with Tonks helping him to support Lily on her left, the woman's head to on his shoulder. The scent of her hair provoked memories he wanted to ignore but couldn't. To do so would be an insult to his brother and the memories themselves weren't bad, just ones he had chosen to not think of in the years gone by.

The most vivid had been his fourth birthday. James had brought him his first real broom despite the protests of his wife. Harry, being an excitable toddler, had seized the opportunity whilst they were arguing to go for a fly.

It had not ended well. Only moments after kicking from the ground, the broom had crashed into a tree in the garden and Harry had fallen painfully to the ground. He had screamed, mostly from shock but had quickly felt himself being pulled from the ground and the scent of coconut being pressed into his face as his mother whispered into his ear, the very same scent he could smell now as he allowed the woman to seek comfort from him.

He shook his head sadly. It had been only a few months after that Tom had come for them and he had been placed on a different path, one that did not include the Potters.

When they arrived, the Hospital wing was alive with a flurry of activity. Several healers were attending to the many patients that had found themselves here and it was then Harry realised the severity of what had happened at the school. Most of the beds were occupied, some of which the people within the sheets were unmoving, others having been covered entirely by the garment.

"Those ten will need to be transferred to St. Mungo's along with the deceased," a greying man explained to a group of colleagues, indicating a row of beds. "The others will need chocolate and rest and the Malfoy boy will need a few days here to recover. I want a report on Diggory and the aurors want Krum as soon as possible."

With a series of nods, the group set to work and began moving those still living out of the room.

The same man approached Harry, Tonks and Lily, rubbing his eyes tiredly.

"If it's not an emergency, it will have to wait."

Before Harry could speak, Tonks placed a hand on his arm and addressed the healer.

"Mrs Potter needs some Dreamless sleep and Harry needs treatment for a wound he received in the final task."

The man looked up, his eyes widening at the amount of blood Harry had upon himself.

"We've been waiting for you, Mr Black," he said as he beckoned another healer over. "Mrs Potter will have to go to the potions master. I don't have time to deal with tired people."

Harry growled and seized the man by the front of his robes, pulling him close so that their noses were almost touching, surprising Tonks.

"Now you listen to me. You will get her some Dreamless sleep, she will have a bed and she will be cared for," he gritted out.

The man trembled and swallowed as he nodded.

"Harry, let him go," Tonks pleaded.

After a moment, he deflated and released the man.

"My apologies," he muttered as a female healer led him away. He took a seat on one of the beds and placed his head in his hands.

"Where is your injury, Mr Black?" the healer questioned nervously.

Harry rolled up his sleeve to show the deep wound that continued to weep blood in a light, steady stream.

"How did you get it? Was it a creature or spell?"

"Spell, I think."

The healer nodded, drew her wand and began muttering spells under her breath.

"Well, there is no spell residue and it is already healing rather well," she added with a frown.

Harry shook his head. He was well aware of his healing capabilities. He had endured the painful ritual to boost his them. Had he not, he may well have bled out from a wound such as this.

The healer began whispering a Cleansing Charm, siphoning the blood away from the wound. She then chanted a Skin-Knitting Charm and the wounded skin pulled together uncomfortably tight, leaving an angry, puckered and jagged line up the length of his forearm.

"There's little that can be done for the scarring, my dear. It is a magical wound after all."

Harry nodded gratefully as he opened and closed his fist.

"You'll need a blood-replenisher and you need to sleep. You are exhausted," she added as Harry was about to protest.

He was about to tell the woman to mind her own business when he felt the bed sink next to him and an arm wrap around his shoulders.

"Do as she says, Harry. You're no good to anyone as you are," Tonks urged.

Harry shook his head stubbornly.

"Do it for me. Please," Tonks tried as tightened her grip around him.

"Charlie will be here soon…"

"And I will stay with him if it makes you feel better. Or Leo or Sirius."

Harry released a deep breath.

"You need to rest. Let me deal with the other stuff for a while."

With a reluctant half-smile, he acquiesced with a nod. He was exhausted and was in no state to do much else.

"Thanks, Dora," he said gratefully.

"It's what I'm here for."

He took the Blood Replenisher with no complaint and allowed himself to sink into the bed before the healer held another vial out to him.

"I don't know what you experienced tonight, but I don't suppose you'll want it coming back when you sleep, deary."

Harry swallowed deeply as he shook his head. He did not want to witness what he'd seen again, ever if he could help it. He took the dreamless sleep and fell into the darkness only a moment later, the last thing his conscious mind being aware of was the slightly rough hand of Tonks wrapping around his own.

(BREAK)

With his mind made up, the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry exited his office and begun his journey through the corridors, the Hospital Wing his destination. He had contemplated his next move for hours whilst stroking the plumage of is feathered companion.

Tom would undoubtedly remain hidden for as long as was advantageous. He would build and consolidate his power to match as closely as it once was before his fall. It gave Albus time to do the same, though many of those he could rely on had either passed on or no longer favoured him. The Longbottom's, the McKinnon's and many others, shadows of what they had been. He would need to build new alliances, entice more to his side.

Alastor would continue to be key for his information regarding the ministry as would Kingsley. He was a sensible man, skilled with a wand and would be an excellent addition to the order. There were others he would reach out to, some not the most savoury of characters but a necessity. Mundungus Fletcher came to mind. An unpleasant but reliable man, if he could profit from any situation.

He would need to acquire new headquarters, but first of all, he wanted the Potters back in his good graces. A platitude and a few overtures may be required, but he was sure they would be willing to come back into the fold. If only to ensure justice for their son was to be found.

His steps paused as his next problem surfaced, the Blacks. It would be unlikely that Arcturus would work with him purely out of spite and family pride. Albus knew he would have to tread carefully with them. If they could not be made to see the sense of working together, he would have to ensure they did not become enemies. The Blacks, though few, had proven themselves dangerous once more, and with Harry at their side, they were the key to winning the impending war. He simply had to get them on side for the good of Wizarding Britain.

If successful in this venture, he may well even have the conundrum of headquarters solved. Hogwarts was not suitable. It offered no timely way to leave when the situation called for it. He could not risk portkeys being made for the order in case one was to be lost, stolen or one proved themselves untrustworthy. He had to keep his students safe and Hogwarts must stand, no matter the cost. Already, he had checked the wards around the school, activated the ones that had been relaxed for the duration of the tournament and strengthened the rest to the best of his ability. The castle once more stood a fortress, nigh on impossible to breach.

He reached the entrance to the Hospital Wing and too a deep breath before entering, his calm and composed demeanour firmly in place as he took in the sight before him. Many of the beds were occupied, curtains drawn around them whilst the patients slept and recovered from their wounds and ailments. One however, remained open and at the foot stood the boy who arguably prevented many more deaths this evening when the Dementors had attacked.

He approached slowly and said boy drew his wand, unfazed by the reputation of the man that stood before him.

"Good Evening, Lord Whelan," he greeted him cordially.

Narrowed eyes met his own as he nodded stiffly.

"I would leave if I were you, Dumbledore," Leo warned. "Arcturus will be here soon."

"I merely wanted to check on Harry," he placated, his arms raised in a peaceful gesture.

He noticed the boy clench his jaw, his eyes narrowing further.

"He watched as his brother was murdered in front of him. How do you think he is?"

Dumbledore bowed his head as a figure emerged from behind the young Lord, wand drawn and an equally furious glare. Nymphadora Tonks, a girl whose talent would be indispensable in the order. Before she could speak however, the headmaster felt a presence to his left as a pair of curtains parted around the bed next to the one he was visiting.

An apoplectic James Potter approached, red-eyed and trembling in a mixture of grief and fury.

"I want you gone, Albus. All of this is you fault. My boy is dead because of your manipulations."

The last of his words where choked, the emotions of a man broken by loss.

Dumbledore nodded. He would achieve nothing being here and any words of comfort he had to offer with do nothing but further anger those with heir wands already drawn.

"I truly am sorry for your loss," he offered sincerely as he made his exit.

His plans for the Potters and Blacks would have to wait. Cooler heads would prevail later whereas his presence was unwelcome at best for now. He had reached out to some and would be meeting them shortly and though he did not have all the required information, he had enough to convince them of the truth. The Dark Lord was back and they must be prepared.

His plans to wait however, were short-lived. Only minutes after settling behind his desk, the fire in his office burst into life and the Minister himself stepped out, seemingly recovered from his cowardice this evening with a half-dozen aurors at his back and other prominent, ministry officials.

Albus had hoped for more time for this eventuality, but it was not to be which meant that someone had talked. Either from his own confidants or the Dark Lord's. The presence of Lucius Malfoy confirmed it though the man was paler than usual, his mask of indifference unable to hide terror Albus could see in his eyes. He knew not what game Tom was playing, but he had made his move, nonetheless.

"Cornelius, I'm pleased to see you well after the events of this evening," Dumbledore greeted him cordially.

The sickening grin he received in response did little to calm his whirring thoughts.

(BREAK)

Even without the explicit instruction from Arcturus to do so, this is where he would have been. After the events of this evening, Katie had been taken home by her parents without preamble so they could simply be together. He however found himself standing guard over his friend, watching over him whilst he was at his most vulnerable. The dreamless sleep only added to his vulnerability, his mind weakened under the influences of the potion. Harry had nothing to fear. Not a soul who wished him harm would be given the opportunity.

The moment he realised Dumbledore had entered the room, he was on high alert. The man had proven time and time again that he could not be trusted and though he wouldn't relish it, he would cross wands with the man if necessary. He was a fool, but not so foolish to attempt anything in plain sight. He was a manipulator that worked in the shadows, concealing his subterfuge behind the veneer of an amiable, placid man. He was the worst of them, his lies and deceit always costing those that fell victim to his machinations much, too much.

Tonks was here, her unblinking gaze fixed on Harry's sleeping form, one hand clasping his and the other on her wand. Her usual cheery, teasing and clumsy demeanour absent, her hair shifting between colours, unintentionally he suspected. The two had no need for words. She was here to sooth the wounds that couldn't be seen and he to prevent anything else befalling him. They worked in silent cooperation, the only sounds being the matron and the healers still present from St Mungo's checking on the patients.

He had been here when James Potter had arrived with the body of his son carefully wrapped in a white sheet. The matron herself, a hard woman from what he had seen had shed a tear at the sight and he swallowed a heavy lump that had formed in his throat. He'd never held an ounce of sympathy for the Potter parents, not after everything that had happened to Harry. In this moment however, his heart bled for them. Charlie had been a good lad, unprepared for what he had faced but acted with valour enough to elicit pride in the younger boy.

James had given him a weak nod of acknowledge before disappearing behind the screen, appearing only when Dumbledore had, his own wand drawn with the promise of violence should the man not heed the collective warning.

He released a deep breath as he shifted his feet. He was exhausted, but this was nothing new. He had been forced to endure days on end without rest during his schooling, so this was nothing new. Here he would remain until Harry woke and he could be certain he was as well as could be.

He was pulled from his reverie by the opening of the doors admitting Arcturus, Sirius and Cassie, the latter of the group pulling him into a tight embrace as she reached him, an uncharacteristic nervous look marring her features.

"Fudge has arrived," Arcturus whispered. "He's not alone so I fear he may be making his move sooner than anticipated."

"What should we do?" Leo asked.

Arcturus placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Worry not. That bastard can do nothing, only what we want him to. I've taken steps to ensure our safety," he assured the teen.

As if on cue, the doors burst open once more and the Minister entered, his chest puffed out as though he had been named supreme ruler of the known world, with several aurors and lickspittles in his wake and Dumbledore trailing behind wearing a look of apology and frustration.

"Minister! This is a Hospital Wing full of patients."

Fudge gave the matron an unimpressed look as he pushed past the woman who shifted her attention to the headmaster. The man could only shrug.

Leo took note of those that had arrived, his wand ready to be used the second it was needed. He had to fight the urge to draw it as he took note of Lucius Malfoy approaching the bed his son had found himself in.

His lips quirked at that. Draco was as foolish as his father and he'd deserved what he'd received.

"I've received some rather damning information pertaining to the events of this evening," Fudge announced, his tone diplomatic as he eyed those before him.

"Damning information, you say," Arcturus growled. "Well, Minister. From what I know, the only one that has damned himself is you. Was it not your idea to have the Dementors stationed here?"

Fudge balked slightly but composed himself. His obviously practiced words continuing to ooze.

"Such a thing matters not, Lord Black. It is what happened during the unfortunate incident that myself and the public will show concern for," he dismissed. "No, the people will be far more distracted with the apparent murder of Charlie Potter."

For the briefest of moments, his eyes glazed over before a grin removed any trace of it. Fudge would not be so foolish as to attempt anything after the warning from his previous attempt. No, this was the work of Lucius Malfoy and he'd had to resort to measures to force compliance. It seemed the Minister had outlived his usefulness and would need to be removed. He was sure it would come as quite the shock to the man when he was in control of his faculties.

Arcturus could not fathom why Lucius would make such a risky move so soon. Only under the orders of Riddle would he be so brazen. He was going to attempt to shed doubt on what had truly transpired, discredit what Harry would say before he could even speak and perhaps implicate his heir in the murder of his brother. The public would buy it if spun the right way, as temporary as it would be. Arcturus, however, was not willing to let it come to that.

"A very unfortunate incident," he agreed, "and I'm sure yourself and the Department of Magical Law Enforcement will be investigating it thoroughly."

"Indeed, we will, but we already have a suspect. There is only one who could hope to gain from the demise of the Potter heir. One who bears a grudge against the family that cast him aside. One, who from several reports, despised the boy so much, reports from students here that have witnessed the hatred the boy held."

Arcturus raised an eyebrow in surprise. This is not something that had been cooked up on a whim, it had been in the works for some time. Likely little more than another foolish attempt or contingency plan to have Malfoy seize power over his family when he passed on, a plan that was slowly becoming a threat.

"Pray tell your theory on what happened to the boy?"

Fudge's jovial manner vanished and his face purpled.

"He was murdered by the other Potter boy," he spat, flecks of spittle spraying and his eyes bulging.

The sycophants that had arrived with the man nodded and murmured their agreement.

"I do hope that you have irrefutable evidence for such an accusation," Arcturus warned.

Those that had been nodding and voicing their concurrence with the Minister looked uncomfortable.

"Good, they have not managed to falsify any evidence as yet," he mused.

He paid closer attention to these people, reminding himself they would all need to be dealt with.

"The case is being built. For now, we will be taking Harry Black into custody for the murder of his brother," Fudge declared.

Arcturus snorted.

"You will be doing no such thing," a new voice announced.

James Potter stepped from behind the curtain around the bed his sons' body rested, his brown eyes alight with unadulterated rage.

"Harry did not kill my son."

Fudge adopted a false look of sympathy and understanding as he bowed slightly.

"I truly am sorry for your loss, Lord Potter, but everything indicates that is the case. I'm sure once you have seen what has been gathered against the boy, you will see sense."

James opened his mouth to reply but was cut off by Arcturus who shot him a warning glare.

"Well, since all of your accusations are baseless and false, as I will be proving and demanding reparation from all involved in this scheme, you have no grounds to arrest him."

"On the contrary, I'm the Minister of Magic and have the right to imprison any man who I deem a threat to the public. I deem Harry Black such a threat and will not risk him killing any other citizen of Britain, citizens that I am responsible for."

The press only need be present for such a resounding speech for it to boost the man's popularity tenfold. The press, however, were not here. Fudge couldn't risk them being present. No, he would inform the press of his heroics of bringing justice to a murderer to soften the blow to his own reputation, his misdeeds of the evening overshadowed by his quick work at solving the murder of a beloved celebrity.

"Enough of this. Aurors, bring Harry Black into custody."

With only the subtlest of nods from Arcturus, Leo sprang into action as one of the entourage attempted to carry out Fudge's order.

"And so it begins," he mused.

Before either Sirius, Tonks, Cassie or James Potter could react, he stepped in front of the Black patriarch and smashed his fist into the jaw of the approaching auror, the man collapsing unconscious in a heap. The mistake the minister had made was to not place himself behind his own protection, not believing that any would dare defy his will in such a way. Leo grabbed a fistful of the front of his robes and jabbed his wand under his neck, the two now only a few inches apart.

The cocky demeanour vanished as he shook, his eyes wide with fear as he met the green-hued gaze of the young man.

"Call your men off," Leo warned as the other aurors recovered from their shock and drew their own wands threateningly.

Fudge held a hand up, halting their movements as he swallowed deeply, the wand at his throat pushing further into his flesh.

"Leo? What the hell are you doing?" Cassie questioned frantically.

"What needs to be done," the boy returned apologetically.

He turned his attention back to the minister.

"Over your dead body is Harry going with you."

"Lord Whelan! I understand you are upset, but this is not the way to go," Dumbledore interjected worriedly. "Release the Minister at once."

"You can piss off," Leo spat. "All of this is your fault. You and your bloody stupidity have done enough."

They stood at a stalemate for several moments, none daring to make a move as Leo stared intently at the man he held. Fudge's shakes became more desperate and the fear overwhelmed him as his bladder released its contents down the front of his robes and puddled onto the floor in an unpleasant trickle.

The indignity of the situation was only outweighed by the severity which was thankfully broken up as the fire in the hearth burst into life and a middle-aged, portly man stepped out, eyes widening at the scene in front of him.

"Oh dear, it seems I have arrived late," he said with foreign accent.

"Luca?" Dumbledore questioned, surprised by the man's appearance.

"Albus," the man acknowledged with a bow.

"What are you doing here old friend?"

"Well, it seems that a citizen of my country is in need of my assistance," the man explained with a nod towards Arcturus. "I received a rather troubling message and was compelled to be here."

"The ICW are involving themselves in this?"

The man shook his head.

"They continue to have no interest in your affairs, but I have been given leave to investigate on behalf of my citizens."

Dumbledore nodded sagely as Luca grasped Arcturus' hand warmly.

"Has any formal arrest been made?"

Arcturus shook his head.

"Lord Whelan here prevented such a thing."

Luca nodded.

"Good, though I do recommend releasing the Minister. It will not do to have him held in such a way."

With a grunt, Leo shoved him away.

"Now, would someone care to explain what exactly is happening?"

"Who the bloody hell are you?" Fudge questioned angrily, seemingly having found his voice once more.

The man was nonplussed by the aggression and smiled amiably.

"My name is Luca Allaman. I am the Swiss representative for the ICW."

The Minister became nervous at the declaration as he sputtered incoherently, those that had arrived with him beginning to fidget.

"I must insist on an answer. What is going on?"

"Harry Black is to be arrested for the murder of his brother," an auror explained.

Luca tutted.

"My, My, such a serious charge. If such an arrest is to be made and a young man's impeccable reputation tarnished, then you must have gathered considerable evidence, no?"

The aurors did not meet his eyes and none spoke.

"Not to worry, I will review the evidence you do have and make a judgement. Hand it over," he demanded, holding his hands out expectantly.

The same auror that had spoken earlier coughed.

"It is early into the investigation. We have not finished gathering it."

Luca sighed disappointedly.

"Dear, dear, what a quandary you find yourselves in. Unfortunately, I will not be releasing Mr Black into your custody until you can provide me with undeniable evidence that he is indeed responsible for the death of another."

The ministry representatives shared an uncomfortable look amongst themselves.

"You can't do that. A national treasure has been murdered in cold blood and you dare prevent us from seeking justice?" Fudge seethed.

"On the contrary, I am here to assist you. I am simply protecting the interests of one of my citizens and ensuring he receives fair treatment. From what I have seen, you have no evidence linking him to the crime, and until you do, he will remain a free man."

"I will not stand for this," Fudge spat.

Luca chuckled, though his eyes narrowed in irritation as he removed a sheet of parchment from within his robes.

"This writ declares that Harry Black is to be released into my custody. Failure to do so will result in some very unpleasant consequences for yourself. You do not want to provoke the ICW or Swiss government, Fudge," he warned as he slapped the document into his hands.

The minister opened the parchment and muttered as he read, his cheeks flushing purple with rage as he scoffed.

"So, what now?" Arcturus questioned, his lips curled in an awkward smirk.

"Albus?" Fudge asked almost desperately.

Dumbledore read the missive the Swiss man had brought and sighed.

"Luca is right, Cornelius. Unless you have sufficient evidence, Harry is to remain under his care."

He'd attempted to sound sympathetic, but it was clear the headmaster was relieved.

The purple visage of fury returned as Fudge snatched the document and threw it towards the Swiss man who had undone his plans to gain leverage over the Blacks.

"I want him arrested," he demanded, a shaking finger pointed towards Leo. "He has assaulted one of my aurors and myself."

Arcturus looked towards Luca who shrugged.

"I'm sorry, my friend, this I cannot help you with. I saw the assault on the minister myself."

Arcturus sighed and shot an apologetic look towards Leo.

"You can't let them take him," Cassie pleaded.

"What can I do, Cass? There's too many witnesses."

Seeing her brother would do nothing, she drew her wand to defend the boy. If she could get him out of the school, she could keep him safe and away from Britain.

She felt a hand close around her wrist and she met the green eyes of the boy.

"It's okay, Cass," he assured her. "Don't get yourself locked up too."

"I won't let them take you," she returned stubbornly.

Leo smiled warmly at her.

"I know you wouldn't, but this will just make it worse. Trust me."

Cassie swallowed and nodded unhappily. She watched as the aurors took his wand and placed him in cuffs before leading him away, the smile for her never leaving his face.

Fudge's smug look was in full bloom once more having won a small victory for himself. He made his way to the exit as the felled auror was helped to his feet by two of his colleagues.

"Fudge!" Arcturus called before the man could cross the threshold.

The minister turned towards him, his expression slipping as the intense stare of the Black patriarch bored into him.

"Enjoy your remaining moments as Minister."

Fudge balked as he fled the room as though scalded and a few moments of silence followed before Dumbledore too took his leave a questioning gaze aimed at those remaining.

When they were finally alone, Arcturus cast a privacy spell, to ensure they could not be overheard.

"Thank you, Luca," he offered. "You were perfect."

"It was my pleasure, Lord Black," the man returned happily with a bow. "Are you certain in your course of action?"

Arcturus shrugged.

"It all depends on Harry but, as for now, I feel the steps taken are necessary."

Luca nodded.

"I will do all I can to ensure they cannot act against him. As soon as possible, you must get him away from here."

Arcturus smiled gratefully.

"As soon as he wakes."

Luca squeezed his shoulder and headed towards the fireplace, throwing in a handful of floo powder before vanishing in the emerald flames.

Arcturus turned to face a pale Sirius, stricken Cassie and confused Nymphadora and James Potter.

"How could you let them take him?" his sister demanded.

He held up a placating hand.

"Leo is right where he needs to be," he said firmly.

"They will send him straight to Azkaban," Sirius interjected.

Arcturus nodded.

"And who is it in Azkaban that we can use to find any weaknesses of the Dark Lord?"

Cassie paled further.

"You mean to send him after the Death Eaters?"

"Only to gather information," Arcturus assured her. "Do not worry. All necessary steps to ensure his safety have been taken and he will be out just as soon as Fudge is ousted, I promise."

"He'd better be, Arcturus," Cassie growled. "If anything happens to my boy, I will hold you responsible."

With her warning ringing in his ears, she stormed from the room.

"I don't like this," Sirius muttered.

"Nor I, but I will not allow us to be at a disadvantage. The boy agreed to going. There's no one outside of this family I trust more."

Sirius shook his head as he took a seat next to Harry's bed.

"That was all staged?" Tonks questioned incredulously.

Arcturus smirked.

"It is imperative to be five steps ahead of your enemies, Nymphadora. It did not happen as intended, but it has worked out nonetheless."

Tonks shook her head in disbelief.

"Harry won't like this."

"Harry can air his grievances with me. I am still the head of this family and he will accept my decision."

Tonks did not reply as she resumed her vigil over the boy, knowing he would be furious at the turn of events.

"Whilst you are here, Lord Potter, I would like to think that anything you have heard will be kept to yourself?" Arcturus addressed the final member of the group.

James nodded firmly.

"Whatever it takes to get justice for my son."

"I am pleased to hear it. We will have a conversation soon about how you can help best in what is to come. Regardless of what Harry decides, certain steps must be taken if you and yours are to weather the storm."

James frowned in confusion as Arcturus stepped closer.

"Your mother was dear to me and despite everything, my blood flows through your veins."

His frown deepened at the explanation. Beyond what he had seen, he knew not what Arcturus Black was planning. However, he was grateful that the man was not working against him. He could only wait and see what would unfold, and in the interim, mourn his son whilst remaining vigilant against the threat on the horizon.