Wanting Something More

Chapter Nineteen: Wanting Hope

"Hey Brittany, you might want to wake up." Ginny whispered.

"The boys will be up soon, and they'll be making all sorts of fuss, even Ron." Hermione added.

A groan was heard from the tightly wrapped bundle and a leg reemerged. Soon the bundle reveal the very annoyed but awake Brittany Zabini. "Well at least I wasn't screamed awake on Christmas this year. Happy Christmas."

"Happy Christmas."

"Harry's idea. He wanted you to wake up peacefully. He's awake already." Hermione explained.

Brittany's eyes showed a little more sign of consciousness in that moment. "Well then I guess I should get up. Wouldn't want to keep him waiting."

"Atta girl. Also you received an owl this morning. It tried to bite mum and Harry so we assumed it was for you." Ginny smiled. "Is you're brother's owl such an asshole?"

Another groan was torn from the Zabini daughter's throat. "No that would be father's asshole bird Zachariah."

"Well that can't be good." Both girls chorused.

"Nope, but that means he can't get here himself to take me away." Brittany smiled.

"That would be the wards." Harry explained from the open door.

"Happy Christmas Harry," Brittany whispered, unwilling to wake anyone else and begin the loud noises.

"Happy Christmas Brittany." Harry moved over to the guest bed that she was using and sat down on the edge of it hold a cup of steaming coffee. "I've brought you your favorite."

Brittany smiled and flung the covers off to grab the mug of alertness. Taking a long sip she smiled. "Even cool enough to drink. Thank you, wait. How long have you been awake Harry, dawn?"

"Just about yeah." He scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

"What time is it now?"

"Dawn thirty."

"The boys start screaming about seven or eight."

"So I thought we'd wake you up early to avoid that." Harry reached out and took hold of her free hand, and gave it a squeeze.

"So what's all this about wards?" Brittany asked, squeezing back in thanks.

"We've warded the house to protect against unwanted visitors. Dark times and all." Harry offered.

"What Harry means is, anyone wishing harm or ill will is repelled. Dumbledore and a few of the other order members set it up before school last year. Enough power will break it; but your father alone won't be able to come here physically."

"Explains why he sent his asshole owl. An owl with an angry letter won't set off the ward." Brittany surmised. She downed her coffee in one sip and gave herself a shake. "Father can wait until later. It's Christmas Morning and I need to learn how to make a good Christmas breakfast from Molly."

Harry chuckled. "You're too late and Molly would never let a guest help her with Christmas meals. I've offered before. I'll teach you next year."

"When did she get up?"

"Predawn thirty."

"She needs to wake up early because of Harry." Hermione sighed. "He has a terrible habit of not sleeping in."

"She used to get up at predawn hours back when Harry was younger. He's gotten a lot better." Ginny offered.

"Well that's good." Brittany patted the hand of her love. "I would hate to have to sleep in separate rooms because you need to wake up before the ass crack of dawn."

Harry shrugged. "Maybe I would just make breakfast for both of us." He tackled her to the bed and held her tight. "I'll just have to go back to sleep right now to prove I can then hmm." He teased.

"Oomph, Harry, hun you're just a little bit crushing my everything. Could you shift so I can breathe?"

"Get a room."

"And not mine."

"Harry, no, stop."

"Admit it you like having me in your bed."

"They aren't listening."

"He is tickling her."

"You think they'll wake up the others?"

"Most likely."

"Do you want to go downstairs before your brother's eat all the food?"

"More like a certain brother. You're his girlfriend you should control his eating habit's or he's going to be fat."

"We're going downstairs." The called out.

"No wait, help. He's not stopping." Brittany called out.

"You're on you're own."

"Good luck with that."

Harry smiled as his two female friends left him and his love alone. "Happy Christmas." He kissed the top of her head.

"Happy Christmas." She responded by kissing his cheek and pushing him up.

The pair sat together and smiled at each other lovingly. "So after we have breakfast and open presents I was wondering if we could talk."

Brittany flinched. "That is a notoriously bad thing."

Harry caressed her cheek. "I promise it is not bad. I just want some time alone with you. It's been pretty much everyone together. Ron and Hermione have somehow managed to sneak away a lot, but then again I think Molly has always known they we're meant to be. You're the shiny new future daughter." He teased.

Brittany appropriately blushed. "It still feels weird. Us talking about marriage, well joking about it."

"We'll take as long as you want. It's not like the agreement you made said you had to be married by the end of this year." Harry pulls her to him and runs a hand through her hair. "Let's go join the girls before the stampede hits."

Brittany smiled and then looks down at her pajamas. "Is this okay? At home I'm expected to dress, even at Scarlett's we're expected to be dressed Christmas morning."

"You rich people and your stuffy lives." Harry taunted her while turning in mock anger.

"I'd much rather give it all up. To be with you." Brittany whispers wrapping her arms around him from behind.

Harry coughs away his blush and shakes his head a little. "Come one the girls were not kidding. Ron will inhale breakfast if we don't get some first." Her stomach rumbled in response. "See, let's go."

"Lead the way, and help me down the infinite stairs it's going to take to get down there." Brittany groaned looking at all the sets of stairs.

Harry picked her up bridal style and at her squeak he smirked. "Hold still and I'll just carry you. I don't want you to fall to your death this morning."

"I've only slipped down these stairs once."

"Yes, to everyone's horror. We thought you might have broken you 'every thing'." He teased back nuzzling the side of her head. "Now let's get you some more coffee and some food."

"Fine, you win."

"I always do."

Breakfast was an affair. Brittany had never seen such a spread before. None of the stuffy rich foods her mother and father adored. It was french toast, pancakes, fruit, sausages, eggs, biscuits, and various other meals she was used to eating at Nix's. At least on the rare occasion she and Scarlett made it to his house for Christmas morning. So when Ron came downstairs she grabbed her favorites in a hurry.

This caused a laugh around the house, none more so than the Weasley Patriarch. He seemed to also like the small Slytherin girl Harry had brought home. He thought she was quite odd, which was a great compliment Ginny had explained. So after keeping her plate protected and watching Ron somehow eat at least twice his body mass in food she felt full to burst.

Presents was a big affair. Everyone seemed to be thrilled with this year's batch of gifts. It also Seemed Harry was right and Brittany had her own bright red sweater with a golden B. Harry thought it fighting, while holding his own Green and gold. Ron complained about it; he ended up with fuchsia this year. Harry was beginning to think Molly did it on purpose. Everyone had gotten exactly what they wanted.

Harry pulled Brittany away towards the door and motioned for her to keep quiet. He handed her boots and coat to her. She put them on as silently as she could over her sweater. Harry was doing the same. They put the matching scarves that they had gotten each other on the other. Harry opened the door and ushered his girlfriend. Just as he was about to step through he saw Arthur. He raised his glass to him and motioned for him to go. Harry nodded and closed the door as he heard Molly wondering where Harry had gone.

"Looks like Arthur just saved out bacon."

"Can we not mention food right now? You're best mate may have ruined food for me forever." Brittany groaned as she still felt full to burst.

"I should have you warned you in more detail. It's like watching a broom crash your first time seeing it. You can't stop watching right?" Harry held her close as they walked towards a bench. The Snow from the day before crunching under their boots.

Brittany gave him her most disgusted face. "That was the worst thing ever. I'm glad he's not like that at school."

"Why do you think I sometimes have Dobby bring us a small breakfast when we're studying on Sunday's?" Harry scrunched his nose in agreement.

"Now, I understand." Brittany giggled. "Hermione better watch him or he's going to put on quite a few pounds by the time he's twenty."

Harry snorted. "Ginny and I've told her that countless times."

"He didn't even stop when Fred and George were making pig noises at him." She exclaimed as she threw her hands in the air to exaggerate.

Harry caught her as she began to stumble and shook his head. "You are going to need constant supervision. That clumsy nature is going to be the death of you."

Brittany shrugged nonchalantly. "I'll break a hip when I'm a hundred and eighty, we have magical healers. You've got a war to survive first. Though I know you'll come back to me when you go." She added in a hushed whisper, afraid any louder and it might not come true.

"Let's not think about that right now." Harry pushed the looming war as far from his mind as he was able. He brushed the snow off the bench and both sat together looking out at the snow covered landscape. It was like everything was coasted in a nice covering of pure white, and sparkles.

"Just this alone makes me believe in miracles." Brittany motioned to the tranquility and Majesty of nature. "It's breathtaking."

"I agree." Harry turned and looked towards the female who held his heart. "I love you."

"I love you t- wait, say that again." Brittany began as if it were the most natural thing in the world and then whipped her head towards him.

"Well clearly you heard me the first time." Harry offered.

"No, I didn't hear it, I just heard it."

"Isn't that the same thing."

"Not if it's the first time. I mean I know I heard it, but I want to hear it. Please Harry." Brittany leaned closer.

"I love you Brittany Ann Zabini." Harry admitted once more. It's easier to do knowing she does as well.

"I love you too Harry James Potter." Brittany whispered out. She leaned in to kiss him when a cold wet feeling hit her nose. She looked up and it was a bit of snow that had been shifted off the roof. "I thought it was snowing for a second."

"You are adorable." Harry wiped the snow off her nose and patted her head. "I'm going to make sure you're happy like this all the time."

"You really are serious about this huh. This is your last chance to run Harry. You keep going and I'll never be able to let you go." Brittany leaned her forehead against her boyfriend.

"That's what I'm hoping for. You're mine now and I'm never letting you go." Harry promised while caressing her cheek.

"Well now all that's left is this." Brittany pulled the pendant from out of the many layers. "Touch it and we'll be tied forever."

Harry leaned forward and kissed her while his fingers brushed the locket. He was not concerned when he felt the magic brush against his skin. His lips moved again the one who was now his, and he felt true joy. Perhaps this will produce and even bigger Patronus. He thought to himself. He felt the hope rise inside him and hoped beyond everything, she would live through this war. He may end up dying but she had to live. Harry knew somewhere deep inside it was very likely his death was immanent. He just hoped she would give him the strength to come back. He would follow her forever.

After a few minutes they pulled apart for proper breathing. Brittany gasped when she looked down. Harry had done it. He opened the locket and his picture was magically next to her own. Both image imprinted from the moment of the opening. Brittany blushed as she realized that Harry moved and began kissing her in the photo. He cheekily smiled at her when he moved back to his own spot.

"It looks like we're a perfect fit." Brittany beamed up at the love of her, tears streaming down her cheeks. "You've freed me Harry, thank you. I really do love you."

Brittany tackled her love to the snowy blanket below them and showered him with little pecks and hugs and laughter and tears. She realized how much like home Harry felt. He was safety, peace, love, joy, and hope all at once. He was all she needed and she hoped he would stay with her forever. He was so pure. A small part of her still doubted she deserved such a wonderful male but she would spend the rest of her life earning the love he gave her.

"Well I've freed you from Malfoy, but I've taken you as my own captive." He held his hand out to her and twirled her around. He lifter her into the air a little and kissed her again as he brought her down. "I love you too. The future Mrs. Potter."

She turned beet red once more and smiled. "It's time to burst my father's bubble. I'm going to owl mother to tell her the good news." Brittany grabbed his hand. "Perhaps Molly could take our picture to send with it."

"Sure. After that it's still just us until lunch." Harry pressed.

"Yeah, yeah. It's not like I'm going anywhere." Brittany and Harry moved back to the house.

"Where in the hell is your daughter!" Mr. Zabini yelled to his wife. He threw a vase into the wall by her head having lost his patience with the 'little angel.'

"I have no idea. You could not floo there, so it's probably warded. Maybe it's warded enough to keep that evil owl out too." Mrs. Zabini shouted back looking disheveled. Her hair looked as if it had been grabbed, falling out of her ornate hairstyle.

"This is all your fault. You begged me to allow her this little bit of hope. You said she would fail and then be so depressed she'd fall in line." His hissed as he shook his fist at her.

Mrs. Zabini rose her head and snarled back. "She was always more clever then I was. It seems she found a way to out wit you."

Mr. Zabini raised his fist and Blaise screamed from across the room. "Put you're fucking fist down Moris. You hit our mother and Brittany will do everything to ruin you."

Moris Zabini rounded on his so called 'son'. "You ungrateful little shit. Be glad I raised you as my own and that you stand to inherit anything from me."

Blaise laughed right in his face. "Be grateful you murdered my mother and then forced her to be yours and claimed me as your own out of the 'goodness' of your heart? Not happening."

"You watch your mouth or so help me I'll banish you and make sure you're never allowed around Brittany again." He spat out as he took a step towards Blaise. The couch between them probably would have been terrified had it the ability to think.

"You can't do that Moris." Mrs. Zabini shouted back. SHe stood up off the chair she had landed in when her husband had shoved her in anger earlier.

"Watch me Taegan. I'll make sure my daughter marries Malfoy and get's me what I deserve." The venom dripping from his words sent s shiver down her spine.

"She's not a fucking pawn. She's a goddamned queen. She's already beat you Moris. She's already won." Blaise continued.

"What do you mean." The words dripped with such deadly intent Taegan Zabini stepped back in fear, either for herself or witnessing what he was about to do to her son.

"Harry Potter has opened the necklace. You were dumb enough to cheat, and make it so Malfoy would be able to open it no matter what. Too bad my sister chose to fall in love with the most powerful wizard of our generation." He held the letter in his hand. "She sent back you're letter without opening it and wrote 'I win'. She also wrote a letter to mother."

Moris Zabini glared for all he was worth as he ripped both letters from his son. "What do they say Moris?" Taegan demanded.

"You shut you're mouth woman." He shot back.

"What does it say Moris. I can always ask Brittany when I see her again." Blaise demanded.

"You're never seeing that traitorous bitch again." He snarled.

"She's beaten you." Taegan smirked. "I'm proud one of us could."

"Wife I will not hesitate to take this out on you and your bastard son." Moris threatened.

"Then Brittany will have her Mr. Potter let his friends know what you have done to us. She will unleash his fury onto you. He beat the Dark Lord as an infant, he could certainly mop the floor with you as he is now." Blaise taunted.

"You will-" Their 'father's' face was turning and odd shade of purple as Taegan plucked the letter and picture out of her husband's hand.

"Be going to visit my darling sister and her new future husband. Once Harry beats the dark lord he'll be the most powerful and famous wizard in all of the world. It seems Brittany has far better taste in males than you father. The Malfoy's will be little more than remnants of old world power. Not even you can deny this." Blaise turned to walk upstairs to grab a few things.

"That's if he survives." Moris hissed.

"Even if he dies she's basically his wife now. You made sure of that. In all manners of old world rules she is his and he is hers. She'll be viewed as his widow if he falls. Your dark Lord is going to lose anyways."

"You'll regret those words when he wins." He shot back full purple.

"If he does your daughter will kill you herself then. Or she'll kill herself so she can never be used as anyone's pawn. I'll be back tonight. If I find mother harmed I'll bring your future son in law for some 'bonding'. That would be fun." Blaise hissed out.

Moris shut his mouth knowing that he had been out done. His daughter's rebellious nature was one she inherited from her mother. He was able to scare Taegan into submission by threatening her son. Now it seemed the boy showed his teeth. He glowered at the floor and the turned swiftly.

"Where are you going in such a mood." Taegan scolded.

"I'm going to see if Lucius can fix this mess your daughter has made." He grumbled.

"You're wasting your time. He can't outwit her and all her friends." Taegan gloated.

"You're right, but he can help me make them pay." He snarled darkly.

Taegan flinched and looked away. The man she married was deadly and had her trapped. He had killed Blaise's father, but threatened to make it seem like she had done it. If she went to the Auror's he'd rip the baby from her stomach and crush the life from him in front of her. Blaise was the last tie to Bruno she had. She still wept at times for his loss. She could not escape her husband without help and it seemed her darling daughter and future son in law were going to be a great aid. If they survived what was to come.

"Be safe, Brittany." She hoped the prayer would do just that.

"You say she's found a way to avoid marrying your son. Perhaps we should use this to our advantage." A voice hissed from the shadows. "Do not tell dear Draco just yet Lucius. Let's see if he can figure it out for himself."

"Yes my lord." The blond replied still kneeling before him.

"I was hoping to meet her this Christmas. Perhaps she's just given me the greatest present yet, Harry Potter's weakness. Happy Christmas Miss Brittany Zabini. I hope to meet you soon." The pale sinister smile and flashing scarlet eyes accompanying that statement sent shivers down Lucius back. "It may be time to begin moving. Send for Bellatrix. She better have located Ollivander at this point."

"Of course my lord at once." With that Lucius left the room intending to find his wife's elder sister. Let Bellatrix deal with his odd mood. I can't tell if he's happy or so livid he's beginning to crack. So help me I hope we live through this.

AN: Shit's about to hit the fan. Is anyone else excited to see how this is all going to play out? Who's going to live, who's going to die, who's going to avoid death? (Remus and Tonks of course and their adorable son Teddy.) Come on a 18 year old Harry is not raising a baby. Rushed weird love story fine, joking about marriage with a little bit of a serious jibe fine, but no baby raising teens. My adorable little sister has three friends who are under eighteen that have kids or have had an abortion, and one of those girls has a sister that's 15, 15 for fucks sake with a kid. No, none of that. Sorry getting off the soap box. I just found out when she came home from college for Christmas. I'm still all salty. Anyways hope you enjoyed that little tid bit. I knew this chapter was going to be short. It's the end of the second act and the third is about to begin. Also they may get shorter as we get closer to the finale, but I think you'll be happy once we get to the end. I'll say it again this will have a happy ending. Just remember that. Go forth and be well.