Daddy's Little Princess

Harry

Actio

Since his meeting with Malfoy he had spent his time mostly with last-minute studying and of course taking the actual tests. After the exams they had one free week before getting the results and their graduation party.

''I don't want you to go.'' Lily said crossing her arms. He sighed. ''Mum, you're unreasonable. We have been in fights before, ever since we turned sixteen.'' Now it was her time to sigh. ''That doesn't mean I have to like it. Especially if you all go, the odds are against me, someday I will loose one of you, you're reckless and impulsive.''

''Like all Gryffindors, you mean. We are perfectly prepared, this is a chance to capture some of them. We can't let that slide. Hopefully we get our hands on a higher ranking Death Eater. We could do with some inside information.''

''That's what spies are for.''

''And they have to be very careful, that they don't get caught. That's why we made our plans for ten enemies not five. So we don't get a nasty surprise, if they only want to test Lucius.''

Neville poked his head in. ''Ready to go?''

He turned and nodded at him. ''We will be back before you know it. We know what we are doing.'' He gave her a hug and left quickly, before she could hold him back.

''Is everything alright, you don't look happy.'' Neville stated.

''Mum was a bit difficult, as long as we all come back, she will be okay.'' Against his believe worry was lacing his words.

''My Mum was the same, up all night brewing potions.'' He and Neville made their way down the long corridors and out of the castle. They were walking briskly, not wanting to waste time but a shout got their attention and they stopped. Ron was running over to them.

''Where are you going?'' He asked coming to a stop in front of him.

''We are out for day, some work to do.'' Harry said evasively, he had no desire to talk about this out in the open, where everyone could eavesdrop.

''Oh, okay. You will be back for the diplomas and dance right?'' Ron asked, slightly nodding his head to show that he understood.

''We don't know for sure, can't make any promises.'' Neville answered.

''Just try, okay? We worked so hard for this and my sister is coming here in an hour.'' Right, the one he had heard so much about, from childhood adventures to the whole Corner disaster.

Harry nodded and looked over to the lake, a few students were enjoying the sunny day outside.

''Tell Hermione were we are. Apart from your family no one else.'' Ron nodded and went back in the direction of the lake.

When the two had reached the boundaries they apparated to the forest surrounding the small village. Moving along the tree line they made their way to the meeting point. Sirius and Remus were already there they had been on the lookout for the last hour while James and Frank were resting from the late night shift.

''Hey, no sign of them yet?'' Harry asked in a whisper. Remus shook his head. ''Nothing.''

''Better hope, this isn't a hoax.'' Sirius continued.

''If it is, we are prepared, the family is safe, so we can act without having to worry about protection.'' Neville said, eyes roaming the building. They waited for the rest of the day, without any incidents happening. But only ten minutes after Frank and James had joined them again, did the trouble arrive.

Seven hooded figures were nearing the cottage. Harry signalled his family to split up in two groups so they could attack from both sides. He, Neville and Remus went north while the other three would use the back door. They crept closer till they were standing ten feet behind them. One of the Death Eaters was unlocking the door and when three of them were inside, Remus used a locking spell.

''What happened?'' Asked one of the remaining four stupidly. Harry didn't let them the time to do anything else, he started to fire his spells at them, Remus on his left and Neville on his right doing the same. Through the windows were flickering lights visible, the inside duel had started as well. Harry dodged the first curse fired in their direction and retaliated at once.

His spell hit directly and the man went down. A burning curse hit Neville's arm, but that didn't stop him, he fought furiously. Remus knocked the second one out and the other two, the ones who looked older and had fought better realised that they were outnumbered and one apparated away, leaving their companions. Remus put up a anti-apparation-ward around the porch.

The remaining enemy turned towards Harry and sent the killing curse that Harry missed by an inch. He answered with a cutting curse, slicing his upper arm. The man screamed in pain and grabbed his wand arm, the blood loss was affecting his balance and he had trouble holding his shield up under the onslaught of three attackers. Neville's stunning spell had the shield crumble at last. The man jumped over the banister of the porch, Remus sent another stunning spell, but the place were the spell hit was empty. The Death Eater had managed to apparate.

They walked back and bound the two on the ground, without checking who it was. Inside the other three had finished their duels just as fast, it was obvious that these men weren't trained or even talented.

''Completely useless.'' Sirius turned one of them over, using his foot. ''They are barely of age.''

''So much for hoping they sent someone with brains.'' James said, taking out a ministry portkey.

''We captured only two, the other ones knew better than to stay.'' Harry said bitterly, he was furious with himself for letting them escape.

''Let's take them to the ministry, let the Auror's deal with them, it's not like they have information anyway.'' Frank was bandaging Neville's arm.

''I'll get the ones from outside.'' Sirius returned a minute later with the two floating beside him. For the first time he saw the faces of the one he and Remus knocked out. They were even younger than he and Neville, something that made his stomach turn. They were too young to be here. His father shook him out of his little reverie.

''We'll take them to see Scrimgeour, you go back and ease the fear.''

He nodded and left with Neville, Frank and Remus. This really was for nothing, the only two who maybe had some knowledge escaped. All this waiting for nothing.

They went straight to the hospital wing so that Lily, Alice and Tonks could stop worrying. Alice immediately healed Neville's burn while Lily took care of their small scratches.

''You can still make it to the ball, if you we go now.'' Tonks said and broke the silence.

''She is right, you only graduate once.'' Alice put her supplies back into the cupboard. Lily muttered under her breath. ''Hopefully.''

They made their way to the Great Hall and met James and Sirius just outside, after Lily had greeted her husband they pushed the door open and walked in, Harry could hear the last tunes of a waltz and a new quicker one start immediately.

Enjoy!