*Chapter Eight: The Deathly Hallows Part I*

Voldemort sat at the end of the long wood table, death eaters sitting on either side. Bellatrix was leaned towards him, her eyes welling with tears of sheer delight.

"My Lord knows I speak nothing but the truth!" She exclaimed.

"No higher pleasure…" Voldemort spoke, watching her. "Even compared with the happy event that, I hear, has taken place in your family this week?"

"I don't know what you mean, my Lord"

"I'm talking about your niece, Bellatrix. And yours, Lucius and Narcissa. She has just married the werewolf, Remus Lupin. You must be so proud"

Jeering laughter echoed from around the table, Bellatrix's face flushed in anger.

"She is no niece of ours, my Lord!" She shrieked. "We, Narcissa and I, have never set eyes on our sister since she married the Mudblood! This brat has nothing to do with either of us. Nor any beast she marries"

"What say you, Draco? Will you babysit the cubs?" More jeers of laughter echoed the room. "Enough. Enough.

The laughter died, Voldemort looked back to Bellatrix.

"Many of our oldest family trees become a little diseased over time. You must prune yours, must you not, to keep it healthy? But, we must protect the bulbs that will blossom"

"Bulbs, my Lord?" She asked, her brow furrowed.

"I am speaking, of course, of your daughter" He petted Nagini, the snake hissed gently. "Rayne, isn't it? Before your imprisonment you trained her to become a death eater, but it seems without your guidance she has fallen into the wrong sorts"

Voldemort paused for a moment, Draco clutched the ends of the table with white knuckles.

"Long ago she was chosen as my successor. I still want her. We will bring her to her senses" Voldemort nodded.

"Yes, my Lord. Anything to please you" Bellatrix nodded quickly. "Anything"

Voldemort's eyes raised back to the figure slowly revolving above them.

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Rayne spent her months reading the paper and working with the Order. Dumbledore's death did little to rattle the Order, they were now as united as ever. Rayne sat on the couch at the Burrow, leaned against Bill as they read through the paper together. Arthur sat down in one of the arm chairs, rubbing his face.

"Anyone else shown up?" Rayne asked as Fred and George walked into the living room and sat down.

"Tonks and Remus just got in. Waiting on Hagrid, Kingsley, Mundungus and Mad-Eye now" Arthur looked over as Ron and Hermione joined them.

Tonks and Remus came into the living room, gathering around. Soon the others dwindled in and packed inside the tiny room. Mad-Eye started the meeting, going over the plans to take Harry from Privet Drive.

"When do we set off?" Tonks asked, standing.

"Now. There are a dozen different homes with the same protections. They won't be able to figure out which safe house the real Harry is in" Mad-Eye looked at them. "All the details will be sorted once we get to Harry. Let's head out"

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Rayne tapped her wand to her head, the disillusionment charm lifting as she starred at the house. Harry pulled open the sliding glass door, hurrying over. Hermione and Ron greeted him and there was a buzz of noise.

"Let's get undercover before we talk you through it" Mad-Eye slumped past and into the kitchen as the others followed.

Rayne leaned against the wall next to Tonks as she perched on the washing machine. She beamed at Harry.

"Harry, guess what?" Tonks asked and wiggled her hand at him to show him the ring.

"You got married?" Harry asked, looking to Remus.

"Sorry you couldn't be there. It was very quiet"

"All right, all right" Mad-Eye growled. "Time for cozy catchup later!"

He turned to Harry, talking about the need to go to plan B and about the Trace. He went on about the plan to fly brooms, thestrals and the motorbike. Now, Mad-Eye moved on to the key point of the plan. The seven Harrys.

"No" Harry said loudly. "No way!"

"I told them you'd take it like this" Hermione shook her head.

"If you think I'm going to let six people risk their lives!"

"Well, none of us really fancy it, Harry" Fred glanced over. "Imagine if something went wrong and we were stuck as specky, scrawny gits forever"

Rayne smiled slightly, glancing off.

"You can't do it if I don't cooperate. You need me to give you some hair" Harry shot back.

"Well. That's that plan scuppered" George crossed his arms. "Obviously there's no chance at all of us getting a bit of your hair unless you cooperate"

"Yeah, thirteen of use against one bloke who's not allowed to use magic…we've got no chance" Fred shrugged.

"Everyone here is overage, Harry. We all know the risks. And we've prepared to take them" Rayne looked to him.

"So, Potter. Some of your hair, if you please" Mad-Eye watched him. "Now!"

Harry pulled some hair out, dropping it in the flask. Mad-Eye thrust it into Fred's hand.

"For those of you who haven't taken polyjuice potion before, fair warning. Tastes like goblin piss" Moody growled.

"Have enough of that experience so you Mad-Eye?" Fred glanced to Moody, who was not amused. "…Just trying to defuse the ten-sion"

Fred took a drink, handing it to George as he did the same. He passed it to Rayne, Rayne passing it to Ron. Hermione was next, and lastly Mundungus. Soon, seven Harry's stood in the kitchen. They all looked at each other. Fred and George grinned.

"Wow! We're identical!" They said in unison.

Moody dumped a sack of clothing of the floor, all of it identical to what Harry was wearing.

"Alright, get dressed. Hurry up" Moody said.

They started changing. Rayne pulled off her shirt, a black bra underneath. Hermione looked to her, her bra white.

"Should we…should we take off our bras?" Hermione asked lowly.

"I'm not, I'll need mine when I change back…" Rayne pulled the sweater over her head, Hermione followed.

They finished dressing, pulling on the pair of glasses.

"Alright, let's get into formation. I want everyone leaving at the same time!" Barked Mad-Eye.

Soon the pairs were mounted on broomsticks, Hermione and Kinglsey on a thestral and Hagrid and Harry in the motorbike. Rayne wrapped her arms around Bill's waist, everyone getting ready for the signal. Moody tapped the ground with his cane as they took off, soaring upward. The clouds broke, 30 death eaters were circling around. There was a moment of confusion, then they broke off to go after each of the Harrys. Bill zipped down, five on their tail. Rayne pulled out her wand, firing spells behind herself. One caught the broom one of them was riding, he plummeted down and disappeared through the clouds.

Rayne's voice caught in her throat as she saw the figure rise, black smoke billowing behind him.

"Voldemort" Rayne whispered, making Bill looked back.

Voldemort went straight for Moody and Mundungus. Rayne watched as Mundungus dissaparated, a spell hit Moody in the face and he fell back into the darkness. Bill swerved the broom to dodge a death eater. Rayne gripped his shoulders to steady herself then fired more spells, stunning some of the death eaters. Rayne heard a cackling laugh, looking up to see Bellatrix give chase to Tonks. She fired a spell up but missed Bellatrix by an inch. They fired off through the clouds.

"We're almost there!" Bill yelled.

Bill fired a spell at another death eater as they plummeted down. Sparks of red and green streaked the sky as they flew through the clouds. Finally, Rayne felt them enter the protective barrier. She looked around, no death eaters in sight. They landed for a moment, catching their breaths. Rayne looked at her watch.

"We missed the port key" Rayne panted. "We're way late…"

Bill nodded. "We'll just have to go by broom for the rest of the way. Are you alright?"

"About as good as I'm going to be…" Rayne trailed off. "They knew it was tonight"

Bill nodded again. "Let's go. Don't want Mum to worry"

Rayne shot a smile at him as they mounted the broom again, kicking off.

Soon the Burrow came into view, they slid through the barrier again and landed. Rayne staggered slightly, gripping her wand. Remus stopped Molly from running to them, both he and Rayne lifted their wands at each other.

"…The vault number you gave me a key to" Remus said.

"Vault 394" Rayne answered.

They lowered their wands, Molly raced to them and pulled Rayne and Bill into a hug.

"Oh, thank heavens you two are alright"

Rayne looked to Arthur and Remus. "Moody's dead"

They starred at her then looked to Bill, he nodded.

"We saw it. Mad-Eye and Mundungus were close to us, Voldemort went straight for them. Mundungus panicked and dissaparatted, Voldemort's curse hit him in the face and he fell off his broom"

There was silence, everyone shuffled back into the Burrow. Fred and George were laughing together, they stopped when they saw everyone's faces.

"What's wrong?" Fred asked. Who's-?"

"Mad-Eye" Arthur answered, "Dead…"

The two gave a grimace of shock. Rayne quickly walked over to George, grimacing gently.

"George" She said gently.

He looked up to her, smiling and pointed to his head. "Yea, I know. I'm holey"

"Again with the same joke? Pathetic. At least use a different one" Fred chided.

Rayne laughed despite herself and sat down alongside him on the couch, sighing. Tonks sniffled gently, leaning on the arm of the couch beside her.

"I saw Bellatrix after you, I tried to help but she's fast" Rayne looked to her then took the medical kit Molly handed her.

Tonks laughed slightly. "Tell me about it. I think she wanted me dead more than she wanted Harry. I got your dear old Dad, though" Tonks grinned.

Rayne grinned back to her. "Good". Rayne started cleaning the blood off George's face, pointing her wand as the bandages wrapped around the wound.

"There's work to do. I can ask Kingsley whether-" Remus started.

"No" Bill said quickly. "I'll do it, I'll come"

"Where are you going?" Tonks asked.

"Mad-Eye's body, we need to recover it. And no it can't wait" Remus looked to Molly as she opened her mouth.

"I'll go, too" Rayne gently patted George's shoulder, standing.

"Me too" Tonks stood.

Rayne smiled, patting her hand. "No, you need to rest. You already put enough strain on yourself"

Tonks slowly nodded, sitting back down. Rayne kissed Molly's cheek as they three said their goodbyes and left.

Hours were spent going over the routes they used. The sun was now high in the sky when they decided to call it a day. Nothing had been found, no indication that one of the best Aurors had fallen. Days went by, with each of them trying again and again to find any trace of Moody. Each time they came up empty. Order members came in and out of the Burrow, many staying for dinner. The Burrow was as crowded as ever.

They now spent their day setting up for Harry's 17th birthday party. Bill and Rayne had placed several tables end to end in the garden. Fred and George bewitched purple lanterns to hang midair with large 17s on them. Hermione had made gold and purple streamers from her wand to drape over the trees and bushes. Everyone gathered around as Molly levitated the large birthday cake in the shape of a snitch onto the table. Now they were waiting for Arthur.

"I think we'd better start without him" She said after a moment. "Must have been held up"

A streak of light came flying across the yard, a silver weasel stood before them.

"Minister of Magic coming with me" It said then disappeared.

Remus quickly stood, grasping Tonk's wrist. Rayne held her wand up as the shield charm form around them as they ducked under a hedge. Arthur appeared at the gate, Rufus Scrimgeour beside him. They marched across the yard, everyone sat in silence.

"Sorry to intrude" Scrimgeour looked around. "But I need a word with Potter, also with Mr. Ronald Weasley and Miss Hermione Granger.

Rayne watched as they walked into the house, shutting the door after them. Rayne looked to Arthur as he exchanged a worried look with her. Minutes passed. Suddenly, voices rose from the house. Arthur and Molly immediately went and burst through the door. There was talking, then Scrimgeour walked past. Rayne stood, watching the man as he went to the gate and dissapparated.

"Clear!" Rayne yelled to the house and the hedge.

Tonks and Remus slowly made their way back to the table. Soon they all sat at the table, passing the items left to them by Dumbledore. Molly served dinner, they ate in mostly silence. When the plates were cleared, and 'Happy Birthday' was sung, Molly cut the cake and passed plates around. The mood became lighter as they enjoyed their cake and pudding.

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Only a few days later, when everyone was again gathered in the garden for dinner, another silver light shot passed them. This one formed into a lynx, the form pacing from side to side. It opened its mouth.

"The Ministry has fallen. They are coming" Kingsley's voice echoed out.

There was a moment's confusion before everything clicked.

"Ron, Hermione. Take Harry and go!" Remus yelled as they all stood.

Black smog streaked across the sky. They landed just as Hermione grabbed Ron and Harry's hands and apparated from the Burrow. A mixture of death eaters and ministry personnel stood before them. Wands were raised, the air tense around them.

"If you answer our questions…no one will be harmed…" Yaxley peered around the garden at them. "But…if you refuse to lower your wands we will use force…"

Rayne looked around to the others, everyone catching the other's eyes. Slowly they all put their wands away, the death eaters surrounding them to start questioning.

Hours passed by as the death eaters interrogated each person individually. Fred and George both had split lips and a black eye from their sarcastic remarks. Rayne sat silently in her chair, her hands clasped together. Her knuckles had turned white from her own grip as she kept her gaze on the death eaters. Finally, after searching the Burrow from top to bottom, the death eaters were satisfied and left. Before they made their exit, they made sure to tell them all they were now under close surveillance. Molly and Arthur were able to send word to the trio that everyone was safe.

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Rayne stood on Platform 9/3, watching the red train as it billowed out smoke. Bill stood beside her, watching the small groups of students board the train.

"Not many students this year…" Bill shook his head, bringing Rayne's eye to him.

"Most are too afraid to go" Rayne whispered back, looking over to Ginny as she walked to them.

"Almost time to leave…why aren't you coming Rayne?" Ginny asked, Neville and Luna coming to stand beside her.

"Who will teach Ancient Runes?" Luna asked.

Rayne smiled sadly. "There will be no Ancient Runes. They have decided to drop that course from the curriculum. So for now, I'm no longer a teacher"

Ginny crossed her arms. "Like that isn't just a coincidence?"

Rayne hushed her, rubbing her head. "Be cautious of what you say aloud. I won't be at Hogwarts to protect you…that goes for all of you" Rayne looked to Luna and Neville.

The three gave her a silent nod, Rayne gestured to the train. "Go on now, the train will leave soon"

The three filed into the train, Rayne and Bill waving as they left.

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Rayne spent the next few months worrying over her students, now under the command of Snape. Bill tried his best to calm her and keep her mind off those thoughts. He brought her to Shell Cottage, hoping the secluded house and surrounding beach would give her a few moments peace. Rayne's mood lifted at seeing the house, remembering the vacations spent here when they were all younger. The house was slightly decrepit from having no inhabitants in years. There were layers of dust and plastic draped furniture.

"I've always loved this house…" Rayne mentioned when they set to work taking the sheets off.

"Yea? Good, because this is our new home" Bill said casually, making Rayne stop.

"What?" Rayne asked, not catching what he had said.

Bill looked to her, giving her a toothy grin. "Well, I inherited the house. Figured I'd start using it, especially since Mum does nothing but nag me about my hair now. I also figured you'd move in with me…"

Rayne smiled, laughing slightly and looked around the house. "I'd love to…"

Bill smiled slightly, running a hand through his hair to push it back. "Got a ways to go before it's a home, though"

"Good, it'll give me something to do to keep busy…" Rayne waved her wand, folding the dust covered sheets.

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Rayne found herself engrossed in cleaning and repairing the house with Bill. By the end of the day they would both be exhausted and covered in grim and dust. Slowly the two made progress, bringing the cottage back to life. Rayne loved hearing the noise of the sea, and hung wind chimes that clinked to the movements of the wind. During the weekdays, Bill would leave for work and leave Rayne to her own devices. She would spend her time rearranging the furniture and changing the colors of the walls and floors. Around five she would make her way to the kitchen to begin preparing for dinner. Sometimes Tonks and Remus or Molly and Arthur would join them, sometimes it was just a quiet dinner with just the two of them.

Rayne settled into her routine, enjoying moments of starring out the windows at the sea throughout the day. The view always calmed her nerves when her thoughts would wander to the trio or her other students. Her nightmares were now few and far between, with Bill next to her to calm her back down.

Rayne set the plates on the table, glancing at the clock as it hit five. The clock chimed, the sound echoing through the cottage. A small pop sounded in the distance, Bill walking through the back door moments later. Rayne smiled, the two sharing a kiss.

"Welcome home" Rayne took his cloak, hanging it on the hook in the hallway. "Dinners almost ready"

"What are we having today?" Bill peered into the pot on the stove.

"Just a stew, nothing special" Rayne waved her wand as the soup ladled into the bowls. She paused as she heard another pop outside. "…Are we expecting visitors?"

"Not that I know of…" Bill walked to the door, peering out the window. "…It's Ron"

"Ron? Is Hermione and Harry with him?" Rayne walked towards the door.

"No, just him" Bill opened the door, Ron peering from him to Rayne.

"Hey…" He said meekly.

"Ron…what are you doing here? Are you alright?" Rayne gestured him inside, Bill shutting the door behind him.

"I'm alright, really" Ron stumbled after Rayne as she sat him down at the table.

"Why aren't Hermione and Harry with you?" Rayne asked, looking him over.

"I um…that's a…long story…" Ron glanced off.

"We've got time…" Bill sat down, looking at his youngest brother. "Start talking…"

After Ron finished explaining what had happened, they sat in silence. Rayne finally stood, punching the top of Ron's head. He yelped, grabbing his skull.

"Rayne!" Ron yelled.

"What the hell were you thinking, just off and leaving like that?!" Rayne asked, crossing her arms.

"Bloody hell she's starting to act like Mum!" Ron looked to his brother.

Bill laughed slightly, shaking his head. "Rae, calm down…"

Rayne huffed, storming off to the other side of the kitchen. Bill set his gaze back to Ron.

"While I'm not exactly pleased with what you did…I can tell how sorry you are about it" Bill leaned back in his chair. "And you're welcome to stay here with us until your able to track them down again…isn't that right Rayne?"

Rayne peered back to the two, glancing to Ron as he watched her with pleading eyes. She sighed gently, nodding. "Of course your welcome here Ron. Come on, let's eat dinner"

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Rayne sat on the coach, her knitting resting in her lap. She had opened the large window in the Livingroom, letting in the natural light and the light salty breeze. Ron sat across from her, fiddling with the deluminator again. He opened and closed it, turning the lamp beside him on and off. He sighed, examining the item.

"I can hear them sometimes…Harry and Hermione…like snippets of conversations…" Ron twirled the deluminator in his hand. "…I wish I could find them…"

Ron flicked the cap off the deluminator again, but this time a blue light emitted from it. Rayne looked up from her knitting, watching the light. It swirled around the room before phasing into Ron's chest, over his heart. Ron quickly stood.

"What is it? What did that thing do?" Rayne asked.

"What thing did what?" Bill asked as he walked into the living room.

Ron set his hand over his heart, looking to them. "I know where they are. I can dissaparate to them"

"Really?" Rayne stood.

"S-should I go to them? I acted so terribly" Ron's gaze fell to the floor.

Rayne laid her hand on his shoulder, making Ron lift his gaze.

"Go on to them, Ron. They're bound to be worried sick about you…" Rayne smiled, ruffling his hair.

Ron looked to Bill, Bill nodding in response. Ron quickly hugged her, racing upstairs to gather his things. Moments later, Ron bounded down the stairs.

"Be safe now" Rayne waved, Bill waving too.

Ron smiled at them, waving and dissapparated. Rayne sighed, crossing her arms.

"I hope they'll be alright…" She muttered.

Bill smiled at her, kissing her forehead. "Don't worry, they'll be fine"

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Rayne stood at the window of Shell Cottage, starring out at the beach with her arms wrapped around herself. A storm was coming, the clouds foreboding. There was a distant pop as figures manifested on the beach.

"Bill!" Rayne called then set off out of the house and towards the shoreline.

Two figures stood, the smaller one helping the larger stand. As Rayne got closer, she saw that it was Luna and Ollivander.

"Luna? What's happened?" Rayne asked.

Rayne gently caught Ollivander, he looked weak and sickly. As she and Luna helped him towards the house, she recounted her capture and escape. Bill came out of the house to help Ollivander upstairs, Rayne led Luna into the living room.

"What about Ron, Hermione and Harry? Are they alright?" Rayne asked as she started healing Luna's cuts and bruises.

"Yes, I think so. They went to help Hermione. Your mother is not a very nice person, you know" She added, her eyes floating around the room.

Rayne let out a half laugh. "Yes, I know…are you alright?"

"Oh yes. I'm just fine I suppose"

Rayne stood. "You both must be starved, I'll whip something up for you"

Luna followed Rayne into the kitchen as she bustled around fixing a meal. She soon had dishes set in front of Luna and a tray of food ready.

"Eat and make yourself at home" Rayne said as she picked up the tray and carried it upstairs.

She walked into the spare room, looking to Bill as he helped Ollivander sit.

"Is he alright?" Rayne asked.

"I healed most of the minor wounds, the worst is his mind though. They tortured him" Bill muttered.

"Mr. Ollivander, I brought you some food. Try and eat a little" Rayne set the tray down and looked to his trembling hands. "Do you want me to help you eat?"

He gave a hesitant nod. Rayne sat down beside him.

"Bill, go check on Luna" Rayne scooped some soup, feeding Ollivander.

Bill nodded, walking from the room and down the stairs as Luna looked over to him. She took a bite of the bread.

"Miss Rayne is a very good cook. She reminds me of my mum" Luna said absentmindedly as she ate.

Bill stayed quiet, not sure how to respond. He leaned against the window still, looking out. After a while Rayne came back downstairs carrying the tray.

"I was able to settle him to sleep. He's very weak, but some rest and good food will help him" Rayne set the tray down, looking to Luna and smiled. "Doing alright, Luna?"

"Oh yes, wonderful" Luna nodded, drinking some of the pumpkin juice.

There was another distant pop, their heads turned to the shoreline again as they saw figures on the beach. Rayne quickly made her way out of the house, again running across the beach. When she drew nearer, she saw a goblin standing beside Hermione and Ron. They were huddled together, a little way off was Harry clutching Dobby and yelling. When Rayne came upon them, Harry fell silent. She heard his sobs and looked down to the house-elf. His large eyes were unblinking and blank. He was dead. Luna walked past her, crouching beside Harry. Rayne turned to Ron and Hermione. Hermione was trembling uncontrollably, tears streaking her face.

"She was tortured" Ron whispered, clutching her.

"Get her in the house, we'll fix her up" Rayne assured them.

Ron helped Hermione stand, walking her to the house. Rayne hurried after them, opening the door as they shuffled inside.

"Get her settled on the couch, Ron" Rayne quickly walked to the cupboard and pulled out a bottle of dittany and walked to the couch.

She pulled the stopper out, drawing some of the liquid into the dropper and dripping the essence on her wounds. They healed over, leaving white scar tissue. Rayne looked down to Hermione's arm, starring at the word 'mudblood' carved into her skin. She instantly recognized her mother's handwriting. She dripped some of the essence on it, the wound healed over, leaving a white scar.

"Why is it leaving a scar? Shouldn't it heal all the way?" Ron asked.

Rayne slowly looked to Hermione. "She used her dagger, didn't she?"

Hermione gave a slow nod.

"She enchanted it to leave scars" Rayne looked down to herself then pulled her shirt down over one shoulder to show the faint white lines scarring her shoulder. Rayne looked to Hermione, smiling gently then patted her hand. "Let's get you something to eat"

Rayne stood as the others walked into the cottage, Bill carrying the goblin.

"I think his legs are broken" Bill looked to Rayne.

Rayne nodded, setting the dittany back and pulled out some skele-grow. She poured some out in a cup, handing it to Bill.

"Make sure he drinks it"

Bill nodded, carrying to goblin upstairs. Rayne looked to Luna and Harry, Dobby laying limp in his arms.

"I want to bury him…" Harry merely said.

Rayne smiled gently, nodding. "There's a spade in the shed. Pick any spot you like, Harry"

Harry nodded, making his way back out of the house. Rayne watched him.

She spent the next few weeks playing nurse, shuffling between each guest to administer medicine or bring food. Bill sent word about the Snatchers finding the trio, him and Arthur deciding it was best to move the family to their Aunt Muriel's. Rayne would have gladly taken them in herself, but her small cottage was already close to bursting.

When Rayne had a few moments peace, she slipped out into the garden for some air. She came up short when she saw Harry sitting on the stone bench alone. She smiled, laughing gently.

"Sorry, didn't mean to disturb you dear" Rayne turned to leave.

"Professor?" Harry's voice was faint.

Rayne stopped, looking back to him and smiled. "You can call my Rayne, Harry"

"Oh..um..Rayne…I just…well, you never did ask about Draco…" Harry glanced off, slightly embarrassed to bring up the topic.

Rayne watched him, walking over to him and sat down alongside him. "I figured you weren't in much mood to talk...I am worried about him, but I don't want to put anymore strain on you or the other children"

Harry was silent for a while before speaking again. "…He didn't want to identify me…he knew it was me, but he lied and said he wasn't sure…"

Rayne glanced to him, nodding and smiled slightly.

"Thank you, Harry"

The two sat in silence, watching the waves crash against the rocks.

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