Luminescent
Part Fourteen
The Name Lugovalos
Discalimer: Like the past, what billion and one chapters, I still don't own Harry Potter and affiliates. I wish I did, but I don't. The Lugovalos clan is mine (Though they still like to think they own themselves. . .).
Warnings: Slash (of course. . .) and the general Lugovalos insanity. Not that either of those are new, but now I can honestly say you're warned. So there.
Author's Note: Well, exams are over, I've graduated, and I'm home. All in all, not a bad week. Now all I have to do is find a job and do something constructive until I can go back to school and get my Master's degree. It's all a bit surreal. It hasn't sunk in yet. So I haven't gotten all teary eyed at the thought of not seeing some of my best friends in the fall because I don't quite believe. Give me a week. Then I'll be a sobbing mess. But, you'll be pleased to know, that now that I'm done. . . I have time to update. They'll still be slower, and I haven't written the rest of this yet (I've got total writer's block. I know what I want to happen after this. . . it's just getting there that's giving me issues. But I have to finish. The idea is right there, so don't worry. You'll have more chapters.)
This chapter has been beta'd, so a shout out to PrincessXXMoonXX, for that. It was total nice of her, especially since I sprung the other chapters on her. They were news to her, and I really hadn't intended to post them right then. You lot just got lucky. So, thank her because she has been turning all this utter crap into something legible.
To Fae Child19: I'm sorry about not satsifying your craving for blood. I need her alive (at least for now). Besides, Grandma Lugovalos can't contiue to drive her utterly insane if she's dead.
To TheSlytherinMuggle: Harry is a slow learner, isn't he? But he's undoing over 10 years of abuse, so we'll have to give him a break, ne?
To Sabina8: The toad stuff. . . that comes later. Yes, yes it does.
To Everyone: I'm glad you're all still enjoying this. I still enjoy writing it, and the reception of the OCs still amazes me. I have to say it. I'm still in shock, even after two years. I'm glad all of you love the story and I hope you keep reading it (and recommending it to all your friends! Hee hee).
So, now that all that is said and done, I only ask for one more thing.
Enjoy chapter fourteen.
oOooOo
Clayton and Kelsey turned to part ways with Harry when the boy's knees buckled, sending him to the ground. He made only a soft whimper on impact, his hands scrabbling at his forehead, clutching at the lightning shaped scar. The men exchanged quick looks and Clayton closed his eyes for a brief moment before hefting the far-too-light child in his arms. Even two and a half years away from the Durselys, the fruits of their labor still showed in Harry's thinness. Clayton's eyes narrowed in anger. But that would come later.
Kelsey closed his eyes, reaching towards the centuries old walls of Hogwarts Castle. "Abduco ego: Hogwarts infirmary." The wall beneath Kelsey's hand turned gold as his reached into his magical core for the alignment of his power. It allowed him to view memories of objects, things burned into the path, and the spell allowed him to ask simple questions and give simple commands. Requesting the route to the infirmary was more complicated, and left Kelsey drained, but Harry needed help and he and Clayton couldn't offer it.
Gathering his remaining energy, Kelsey turned to his brother, nodded, and took flight.
Clayton followed, trusting Kelsey implicitly, skidding around corners and ignoring any students they ran into on the way. Harry was so light in his arms, forehead sheened with sweat from the pain in his scar. Clayton shifted his hold, moving the child to his shoulder to allow Harry a hand to grip from the pain. The teenager latched onto it, knuckles turning white from his grip, a small noise that Clayton couldn't identify falling from his lips.
"Nurse!" Clayton's powerful voice had always carried well, and in his fear it boomed from every corner of the isolated hospital wing. "Nurse!"
"What on earth--" Madame Pomfery demanded, moving from her office to demand what they were doing there.
"Harry," Kelsey panted, pointing to the child Clayton laid on the bed. Madame Pomfery rushed to see to her patient even as Clayton sped past her to see to his brother. Kelsey gave a sigh of relief even as his eyes rolled back in his head and his boneless body collapsed into Clayton's arms. Used to Kelsey's over-exertion, Clayton laughed slightly and settled his little brother on another bed, patiently waiting for Madame Pomfery to finish her tests on Harry.
"Will he be all right?" Clayton asked as the nurse looked up.
She gasped and spun, clutching her heart in fright.
"Apologies," Clayton offered, bowing. "Clayton Lugovalos. And my brother, Kelsey Lugovalos. He'd greet you, but he's. . . indisposed."
"What?" The nurse rushed to him as well, but Clayton held up a hand.
"Peace," He told her, smiling, "It's just over exertion. We didn't know the way here, and didn't feel we had time to ask, so Kelsey used a spell to ask the castle and then led us. As you can see, it was just a bit much for him. He'll be fine."
"Are you trained medical personnel?" Madame Pomfery demanded, crossing her arms and running the tests anyway. Clayton just shrugged, though he wouldn't admit his relief when her tests revealed what he'd already known. "And are you two related to the Lugovaloses that attend here?"
"We usually claim them," Clayton chuckled, moving to take Harry's hand. "They're our nieces and nephews. Are they causing you problems?"
"The usual," Madame Pomfery shrugged, rolling her eyes. "Bumps and bruises from each other."
"They'll quit if you stop fixing them." Clayton offered, eyes twinkling in a startling parody of the headmaster's. "Works pretty well for all of us."
"And how many children have you raised that way?" The nurse raised an eyebrow, the look on her face indicating that if Clayton had children, he'd probably killed them all with neglect. Clayton gave an amused smile.
"Only fifteen," Clayton offered, rising to his feet. "And all the nieces and nephews I've dealt with, of course. Not to mention my own grandchildren. But trust me, I do know what I'm talking about. Those two fight for kicks, but they do less damage when people won't fix it."
Madame Pomfery smirked at him. "I'll keep that in mind."
"How's Harry?"
"I'm. . . not sure," Madame Pomfery finally admitted. "The tests showed up all right, but I think its based in that scar, and there aren't exactly a lot of studies of those types for me to compare it to." Clayton laughed at that, still stroking Harry's forehead, before leaning over to press a soft, fatherly kiss to the scar.
Harry groaned, green eyes fluttering open. Staring at the white hospital room around him, he gasped and nearly slammed his head into Clayton's when he sat up in bed. "What happened?"
"You passed out on me, Green Eyes," Clayton offered, quickly slipping an arm behind Harry to help support him. "Scared a good thirty years off between Kelsey and I. Are you feeling all right?"
Harry paused to take stock of himself, then nodded. Then he paused again, looking at Clayton with an almost hesitant expression. "I--I want Phyrrus."
"Give him a call over your bond," Clayton suggested. "He'll be here in a heartbeat. Does anything else hurt?"
Harry shook his head, and Clayton drew him into a relieved hug. Harry froze for several, long seconds, then melted into the embrace, resting his head on Clayton's powerful chest and clutching at the man's shirt. Like Phyrrus, Clayton was very solid, his body lined with muscles from heavy lifting and farming. He still smelled like the farm, too. A comforting, familiar smell. Harry clutched at his shirt. Was this what it was like to have a
father? Harry sniffled a bit, trying to imagine it. But, for the moment, he felt safe.
Phyrrus did respond quickly to his summons, but Harry had fallen asleep in Clayton's arms, cheek resting over Clayton's heart in a position Phyrrus found himself constantly in when Harry snuggled up to him. Apparently he liked to listen to people's heart beats. "Uncle Clayton?" Phyrrus whispered, looking between the still unconscious Kelsey and his sleeping boyfriend, "What happened?"
Clayton explained the incident, and Phyrrus frowned. Telling Clayton of the incident at Halloween, Phyrrus gently rubbed Harry's black locks. "What a mess," Phyrrus sighed, shaking his head.
"There must be a connection. It is only when you two are apart?" Clayton frowned.
"We're apart other times of the day, you know," Phyrrus snorted.
"Find the connection," Clayton ordered. "And make sure you tell your mother and Leon if anything more happens. And make sure they know about this incident, too."
"I will. When are you leaving?"
"As soon as Kelsey wakes. Leon's going to apperate us home since we missed the portkey." Clayton nodded to Harry. They'd missed the portkey to talk to the boy. "Take care of our Green Eyes, got it?"
"You can count on me!" Phyrrus mock-saluted, and looked at Harry, concerned. This was the second time Harry had gotten a vision, and though this one didn't contain death eaters, Phyrrus was still concerned. What was causing these visions, and what did they mean? Phyrrus was still pondering that when Dumbledore entered, looking serious. There was no twinkle in his eye now. Phyrrus smiled at the headmaster, and told him the whole thing, waking Harry only long enough for him to help.
Dumbledore nodded and disappeared, leaving both boys feeling cold. What did it all meant?
oOooOo
The DA, and probably most of the rest of the school, all sent get-well gifts when they found out Harry was in the hospital wing, and Phyrrus tried to stay by Harry's side the entire twenty-four hours he was forced to stay in bed, bored enough to twiddle his thumbs before he went mad, and tried to keep a positive outlook. Harry wasn't' fooled. He knew good and well Phyrrus was out of his mind with worry about the visions, but there wasn't much anyone could do about it.
"Phyrrus," Harry finally ordered, annoyed with his boyfriend's mindless chatter, "Go shower. You reek."
"Every time I leave, you end up in the hospital wing," Phyrrus protested.
"I do not. I spent quite awhile away from you at the farm, and I've spent time away from you during the rest of the school year. This has happened twice, but I'm sure it's just coincidence." Harry scowled. "Now scram."
Phyrrus sighed, but Harry refused to change his mind, sending Phyrrus out almost like a whipped puppy. Harry threw his arm over his eyes and groaned. Phyrrus was just as bad as Madame Pomfery when he was mother-henning, no doubt about that! Blocking the bond he had with his boyfriend, Harry rolled over to try to sleep when he was swamped with another vision.
It was that same corridor, with its worn bricks and the faint sound of water trickling. The door at the end of the hall still had a creepy light emanating from around it, but it wasn't the same. The angle was different. Things smelled sharper. Low hissing resounded in his ears, and Harry gaped when he realized that he was actually being carried along in a snake. Green eyes narrowed. The snake was trying to get in the door, but a man stepped out from a pillar.
Arthur Weasely! Harry tried to scream, tried to warn the man, but the snake lunged before he could figure out how. Fangs sank deep into Mr. Weasely's arm and the snake hissed in anger and pain as Mr. Weasely fired off several spells.
Harry choked--
And rolled out of bed, gasping and white as a sheet. "Madame Pomfery!" Harry screamed, getting to his knees. "Get the headmaster!" His throat was raw and it hurt to talk, as though he'd been screaming for a long time. Summoning Phyrrus over their bond, Harry collapsed back into bed, trying to slow his racing heart.
The headmaster stormed in, listening gravely to Harry, then spun around and raced from the room, looking worried. Harry felt his heart sink even as he relayed the information to Phyrrus, clutching his boyfriend tightly and sobbing into Phyrrus' shoulder. The dream had been so very real, and the headmaster had looked so concerned. Harry stiffened suddenly.
"Phyrrus, what if that really happened?"
Molten gold met terrified green, and Phyrrus held him closer. "I don't know, baby. I just don't know."
oOooOo
Phyrrus slowly helped Harry back to Gryffindor tower, convinced it wasn't healthy for him to stay in the Hospital Wing. Harry sighed and rested his head against Phyrrus' shoulder, trying to relax. The images in his head were really bothering him, and he was still feeling weak and shaky. "You okay?" Phyrrus' concerned eyes met Harry's for a moment.
"Fine," Harry murmured, leaning just a little harder on the other teen. Phyrrus shook his head and shifted, making Harry stumble and fall against Phyrrus' broad back. The red headed teen scooped him up easily and continued towards the dorms, smiling as Harry rested his chin on Phyrrus' shoulder, kissing him behind the ear. "Thanks."
"You don't have to push yourself so hard," Phyrrus reminded him, allowing Harry to pull the portrait open and climbing through.
"Ron?" Harry's voice cracked when he noticed Ron sitting on the couch with his brothers and sister. Ginny had Ron in a deathgrip, tears streaming from her face. Fred and George were holding them both, and Hermione was standing awkwardly behind the couch, stroking Ron's hair.
"Mum just called and said Dad nearly had his throat torn out by a snake," Ron choked as Phyrrus and Harry went to join them. Harry shook his head, sitting at Ron's feet to hug his knees and rest his head on his best friend's lap. Phyrrus shifted from foot to foot for a moment, then sat next to Harry on the floor, curling an arm around one of Ron's legs.
"Do you want me to get Cye?" He asked Ginny, and the girl stiffened, shaking her head. Phyrrus nodded, reaching back to pat her leg. She wanted her family right now, and he could understand that.
"I saw it, Ron," Harry breathed, tears streaking down his face as he clutched at Ron's legs. "I'm sorry, Ron, I'm so sorry. I couldn't do anything. I couldn't stop it. . . I'm sorry."
"What are you talking about?" Ron finally demanded through his tears, clearly confused.
Harry spilled the story, telling the Weaselys and Hermione about his vision and continued to sob. "It's my fault."
"Liar!" Ginny's shout made them all blink. "You couldn't do anything about it," She sniffed at him, smacking him upside the head. "It wasn't your fault at all, and if you so much as think it is again, I'll. . . I'll cast a curse on you that your grandchildren will feel!"
"Ginny. . . no offense or anything. . . but all things considered. . . the odds of me having children aren't all that likely," Harry pointed out, and the girl actually managed a watery smile. The others gave weak chuckles, but it didn't really lighten the atmosphere; their concern for Mr. Weasely almost tangible. Harry suspected it could have been cut with a knife.
Phyrrus shook his head, biting his lip. "Where. . . where is Mr. Weasely now?" He finally asked, looking nervous.
"Your mum's department," Ron wiped at his tears. "Mum said Aunt Chara couldn't work on him, because it's a conflict of interest, but she's doing everything she can. Got the best doctors on him and everything. She even called Professor Snape down to help. Bill and Charlie will Floo in tomorrow, and Anders took Percy over tonight so Mum won't be alone."
"What about you guys? Are you going in the morning?"
"He's in a coma, so Mum said we shouldn't come until after class, but its not like we'll be able to pay attention and I just want to see him and make sure. . . make sure he's all right. It. . . It hurts Flame." Ron's voice broke. "I'm so scared. . . what if I lose him?"
Phyrrus' eyes went blank, tearing slightly, and he swallowed hard. "You'll go on," Phyrrus told the red heads softly, staring into the distance. "You mourn. . . and you miss him. . . and you move on."
"I don't want. . ." Ron's voice was think.
"Don't think about it," Phyrrus urged, still gentle. His golden eyes lost their blank look, and he looked at the siblings on the couch. They were all a mess. He bit his lip for a moment, then stood. "Come on. It's late and you're all exhausted. Harry, will you take Ron and help him get cleaned up and ready for bed? Hermione, take Ginny. Come on, Fred, George. You two need it as well."
"I don't think I can sleep now," Fred admitted, and the other nodded in agreement.
"I know. You just need to get cleaned up for now. You're dad still has a fighting chance, there's no reason to mourn him yet." Phyrrus almost lifted the twins off the couch and Hermione herded Ginny towards the dorms.
"Bring them back down here. I'll handle sleeping arrangements," Phyrrus ordered, helping Fred and George to their own dorm and then enlisting Lee Jordan to help them clean up while he called the headmaster. Dumbledore listened to his request and nodded gravely, but allowed it, and soon Phyrrus found himself in a homey suite usually reserved for overnight guests. He wasn't sure how, but there was an entrance into Gryffindor tower provided one knew the password, and Phyrrus sighed in relief. Then he gathered up the Weaselys.
The four of them tumbled into the big bed in the center of the main room, huddled together like puppies, and Phyrrus led Hermione to another room just next door. "Harry and I will be across the hall," He offered quietly. "I'll let them know we're here, just in case."
Hermione thanked him before she closed the door, and Phyrrus returned to the Weaselys room, letting them know what was happening before closing the door behind him--though he did leave it open a crack--and heading toward his and Harry's room. Harry stared at Phyrrus for a moment, then flung himself into the other's arms. Both broke down in tears, clinging to each other, and Harry finally asked, brokenly, "Why them, Phyrrus?"
Phyrrus couldn't reply, voice blocked by the lump in his throat, and laid them both back on the bed, where they could just cling to each other until sleep finally claimed them.
oOooOo
Ron had been right when he said none of them would be able to concentrate, and Phyrrus forced him to skip Defense Against the Dark Arts because that was the last class Ron needed to be in only half alert. Phyrrus closed his eyes, rubbing his temples. Why did all this have to happen a week before Christmas? Not even that crisis could save them from Mid-Term exams, however, but even Ron managed to scrape by, giving hope to the rest of the school.
Not to mention that Snape's mid term was to sign a roll sheet, turn in an essay, and scram because he was still working on a few potions somewhat frantically that would keep Mr. Weasely from dying on them, and would, hopefully, repair his vocal chords. Mrs. Weasely was still out of her mind with worry, not only because the snake had done a lot of damage, but also because it couldn't be repaired with magic. Chara had explained to her that it was acting like Dark Magic had caused the wounds, and they had to use completely muggle means.
That meant Chara had to treat him, despite the conflict of interest, because there were only two people on staff that adept in muggle medicine, and one of them was currently out of the country and couldn't get back for three more days at the very least. Phyrrus gave a slight smile at that news, though. If anyone could help Mr. Weasely, it was Chara.
But by then Christmas was upon them, and Harry found himself loaded into the train to go home. "The Weaselys are headed to our house for tonight, while Mrs. Weasely is at the hospital because Percy and Anders wanted to stay with her. Bill and Charlie will be home in the morning and they'll take them after that," Phyrrus explained. "Sirius and Remus will pick us up at the station."
Harry nodded in understanding, watching Ron carefully. His best friend had been so morose for the past week, and Harry was getting very worried. Not that anyone could blame Ron, but it was disconcerting all the same. Part of the problem had been that they didn't have the money for the type of care Mr. Weasely needed, but that was quickly taken care of. Between Chara, who said she'd volunteer her time if she had too, Sirius, and Lucius Malfoy (of all people. . .) the Weasely family wouldn't see a single bill. Only statements saying it was paid. Apparently government lackeys didn't get good healthcare. At least not that far down the ladder. Governments were the same everywhere, Phyrrus had commented.
"They spent it all on the floo system," Phyrrus explained, but Ron shook his head.
"It's the toilets they have to worry about." Ron offered. Phyrrus gave him a strange look. "There's a loo system--yes, I said loo, not floo! They flush themselves down toilets. . . it was quite expensive."
"Goes to show you," Phyrrus' smirk was back full force. "Governments are all made up of shit. . ."
That got a startled laugh from Ron, and a shake of the head. "They like that in America too?"
"For all our decent laws, our government sure is stupid," Phyrrus agreed, shrugging. "Like I said. They're all made up of shit. Although, I have to admit, not even we have a loo system."
The train ride was long and hard, especially with the emotional teenagers sitting in the compartment. Ginny had a tight hold on Cyrrus, Ron had curled up on the seat, head in Hermione's lap ("And when are they finally going to get together?" Phyrrus had hissed at his bonded), and Fred and George were clinging to each other like limpets. Angelina and Katie Bell had been in and out a few times, checking on the two, but hadn't stayed. Fred and George hadn't wanted them too, as much as they didn't mind the concern. Eventually River and Rayne managed to pry them apart by demanding a story.
Phyrrus was glad for his baby sisters right then. They were the only reason the mood hadn't slumped straight into depressing. Once the miserable train ride had ended, Sirius and Remus welcomed all of them with open arms. "How are you doing?" Sirius hugged Ron tightly, and the boy buried his face in the man's shoulder. Sirius and Remus had become like extended family since Harry had been in their care.
"We'll be okay," Ron whispered, letting Sirius hold him for just another moment before squirming from the man's hold. "How're Percy and Anders?"
"Surviving." Remus sighed. "At least this has closed the rift between Percy and your mother. And Anders."
"One good thing came of this, at least," Fred's voice was so melancholy it nearly broke Remus' heart. "Can we got to the hospital?"
"Just as soon as we drop off your things," Sirius ruffled the older Weasely's hair. "Come on, I've got a port key to take us home today. Then we'll floo straight to the hospital."
Everyone grabbed at the mangy boot, including Hermione and her parents, and the familiar hook-behind-the-navel feel made Harry cringe slightly. But it wasn't nearly as bad as cross-ocean travel, thankfully, and they soon found themselves at Sirius' and Remus' home. "Mr. and Mrs. Granger? You'll be at Chara's tonight, and thank you for loaning us your daughter." Sirius smiled.
"When we heard about Arthur there weren't too many options. Hermione needs to be with her friends." Mrs. Granger smiled and ruffled Hermione's hair.
"Ginny, you and Hermione will be in Phyrrus' room at Chara's, and River and Rayne will be sleeping at home. Harry, you and Phyrrus will be in your room and Cyrrus will be in the smaller guest room, if that's okay?" Remus ordered as they all nodded, carrying luggage in various directions.
"We'll stay here and get some food ready for when you get back," Jane Granger ordered, looking at the children. "We don't know Mr. Weasely well, so I think that will be best. Besides, we'll visit in the morning before we leave."
"Do you mind if. . ." Phyrrus glanced at River and Rayne. There was no reason for them to go to the hospital; they were too young to really understand. It didn't matter how much they knew, they didn't understand. And they were dead on their feet.
"It's fine," Mr. and Mrs. Grander collected the girls and smiled as Phyrrus ran through their bed-time routine. "Go." Mrs. Granger ordered.
"Thanks, Mum," Hermione threw her arms around her mother, squeezing her tightly.
"Get going," Mrs. Granger ordered, and Sirius saluted before grabbing the floo powder and sending them to the hospital. Remus was first, followed by the children, then Sirius. River and Rayne glanced at each other, sniffing lightly, and let the Grangers lead them home.
oOooOo
When the group arrived at the hospital, they blinked. Mrs. Weasely was sobbing into Anders' shoulder--Ander's shoulder!--and Percy had wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Mum?" Ron moved, and Molly twisted from Anders to catch her children in tight hugs. Fred and George clung to her tightly while Ginny burst into tears. Molly held her tighter and Percy moved to Anders' strong embrace.
"How's he doing?" George choked out, looking at his mother.
"It's not good," Mrs. Weasely whispered, scrubbing her face. "We'll know more in the morning. If he makes it through tonight. . . If he makes it through tonight. . . he'll be okay. Right, Chara?"
Chara smiled, her blue eyes filling with tears. "Molly. . ." She started, then turned away. How do you take away what little hope someone had? It was true that a great deal of danger from the initial injuries would be over if Mr. Weasely managed to survive the night, but he had a very, very long road to recovery. If the infection didn't do him in first.
"Chara. . . he will be fine, won't he?"
"Tonight is very important," Chara agreed softly, and found herself enfolded in her eldest son's arms.
"Mama?" Phyrrus whispered, tucking her head under his chin and holding her tight.
"I'm okay, sweetie," Chara did manage a smile, but it was sad and watery. "Tonight is important."
"Okay." Phyrrus agreed, letting her go and moving to sit next to Ron, Harry on Ron's other side. "He'll make it, Ron. Your dad's a fighter, you know? And think what he has to come back to? There's no way he won't fight with everything he's got!"
"Can I see him?" Ron timidly asked Chara, who smiled gently.
"If you wish. But I have to warn you, Ron, he looks bad. He's bandaged and on machines and it's going to be scary."
"I want to see him," Ron repeated stubbornly. "I want to make sure he's. . . he's there."
"It's only one at a time," Chara told Mrs. Weasely that had risen to her feet. "Because we're in the ICU. I'll stay, I can since I'm the doctor on his case, but. . . you can't all go."
"Are you sure you want to see this, Ron?" Mrs. Weasely wrung her hands. "I can't go with you, and if he dies. . . I don't want this to be your last memory of him."
"I need to, Mum," Ron gripped Chara's hand and followed her to Mr. Weasely's room with Mrs. Weasely watching his retreating figure. She chewed her lip, wondering just when it was all her children had finally grown up.
oOooOo
Ron entered the room, Chara right behind him, and let out a small moan. His father had never looked so small and vulnerable before, wrapped in bandages and resting on the sterile, hospital bed. "You can touch him, it's all right," Chara urged softly. "Just stay away from his throat."
The teen stared at her for a moment, hands shaking, and turned away, letting Chara hold him tight. Ron stood in her embrace, crying, for several seconds, then reached out to take his father's hand, rubbing it against his cheek. "You have to pull through, Dad," Ron murmured, sounding broken as he spoke. "You have too. You can't die."
"He's a fighter, Ron." Chara smiled. "And in very good health. He's going to do his very, very best."
Ron shivered and turned away from her, still nuzzling his father's hand, and squeezed it tightly before letting go. "I love you, Dad," Ron managed an awkward embrace. "I'm going to let the others see you, now."
Chara paused outside the door, watching Ron carefully. The redhead's face was blank and drawn, features exhausted. "Do you really think he'll make it?"
"I think he'll do his best, Ron." Chara's blue eyes grew fierce. "And so will we."
Ron managed a smile and went to rejoin his family. Chara continued to take the others back on at a time, and even smiled a little when she brought Ginny back. Harry glanced at her, then to Molly. "C-can I. . .?" He managed, looking terrified.
Molly's eyes gentled as she nodded. "You're as much of the family as anyone, Harry. Of course you may."
"Thank you," Harry followed Chara back, and Phyrrus worried his fingers while he felt pain and sadness and fear shudder along the bond until Harry returned and flung himself in Phyrrus' arms to sob. Phyrrus could do nothing but hold him, and Chara looked at the group.
"I think it's time you went home," Chara offered, petting Cyrrus' hair. "It's late. You can return in the morning."
Molly nodded in agreement, sending home the children. Anders and Percy would remain for moral support even though Molly would be in a vigil at her husband's side, and Chara had to remain on call. Sirius and Remus herded the others home, trying to stay strong as the children's sobs reached their ears. It wasn't until very late in the night, when the children had all gone quite, that either man clung to each other and cried.
oOooOo