A/N: Howdy everyone! Early release this week since we have family over this weekend.

Check out the HAPHNE discord #fanart for the illustrations from my wife. As always, thank you to those who review, favorite, follow and PM! See you next week!

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Just happy to be here!

Chapter 23

The trip down to the Potter vault was made in a somber silence, even Fawkes withheld his song while sitting atop Harry's shoulder, although the phoenix was forced to flap his wings a couple of times to stabilize himself when the cart took a sharp turn or drop.

Arriving at the Potter vault, Harry followed Agnok's instructions and pressed his Lordship ring into a recess in the door while simultaneously pressing his other hand onto a flat plate and allowing a small pin to prick his hand. With both blood and Lordship confirmed, the Potter vault seal split and the doors slowly began to open on silent hinges.

Harry hesitated, unsure if he wanted to proceed. Agnok, contrary to his usual direct and impatient nature, wore an understanding expression. Ted took a tentative step toward his nephew and gently patted him on the back.

"Take your time, Harry," Ted said in a tone of reverence.

Fawkes cooed reassuringly.

Nodding stiffly, Harry crossed the threshold and entered his family vault. His skin tingled as the residual magic probed him before embracing him entirely, giving him a profound sense of relief that made his eyes well with tears. Fawkes softly sang a haunting, lilting melody that was oddly fitting for the atmosphere.

The vault was organized efficiently, with rows of bookshelves, glass cases with artifacts, dressers and armoires with clothing and jewelry, all labeled. Directly ahead, on a raised dais, were numerous pedestals with glass cases which Harry approached with measured steps, his feet echoing loudly on the hewn stone floor.

Inspecting the cases, Harry found labeled wands dating back to the origins of the Potters. He followed the trail, knowing where it would inevitably end. As he arrived at the last pedestal, his breath hitched in his throat. Two wands lay on a red pillow with gold embroidery, a plaque identified the previous owners.

James and Lily Potter.

Harry's breathing quickened as he unconsciously began sucking in air at a rapid rate. The melody of Fawkes increased in volume, tempering the rising raw emotion Harry was experiencing. Tears fell from his eyes as he looked to his left to see another set of wands.

Charlus and Dorea Potter.

So much had been taken from him, so much lost. He turned back to his parents' wands and sighed from the tips of his toes.

"It's heavy, mum, dad," he whispered thickly. "This legacy that sits on my shoulders."

As if in response, the wand of James Potter flared with light briefly, almost as if beckoning Harry closer. He leaned down and, upon further inspection, noted the wand was pointing at a nearby bookshelf that was loaded with tomes, one of which was glowing with a faint bluish hue.

Harry shook his head and wiped his eyes before approaching and gently removing the tome which turned out to be a journal.

His father's journal.

With shaking hands, Harry peeled open the cover and began to read, a tender smile gracing his lips as tears began streaking unchecked down his cheeks. Fawkes sang softly, remaining on Harry's shoulders the entire time while occasionally nuzzling the boy's cheek.

Turning the page, Harry gasped while his knees buckled as the weight of what he was about to read hit him with all the force of an errant bludger. He sat on the unyielding stone floor, uncaring as the cold of the subterranean vault seeped through his robes.

"F- fam- family magic," Harry stammered as his hands began to tremble.

He could finally get his answers.

Hours later, Harry exited the vault to find Ted and Agnok both patiently waiting. Neither complained about the duration of Harry's visit, nor did they question what he had found. It was Lord Potter's business, and that was enough for the two of them.

When they arrived back in the waiting room, Harry thanked Agnok profusely for his help. The Goblin waved off the thanks and begged off, having much work to catch up on. Alone with Ted, Harry turned to his uncle and, for the first time in weeks, appeared both at peace and relieved.

Fawkes chirruped happily and flapped his wings as Ted studied his nephew.

"A good visit, I take it?" Ted chuckled.

Harry nodded, a genuine smile alighting his features. "It really was, Uncle Ted."

"Did you find what you sought?"

"More than I could have hoped for."

"Oh?"

Another nod.

Not wanting to press further, Ted took a pinch of floo powder and prepared to leave. As he stepped into the fireplace, he turned back to face Harry to see the young man gazing at him fondly.

"I found a way out, Uncle Ted," Harry said with a grin before nodding at Fawkes. The two disappeared in a flash of orange flame.

-GU-

"Oh no," Daphne and Astoria chorused before looking at one another in horror.

"What?" They both squawked simultaneously.

Astoria held out her hands as Daphne opened her mouth. The older sister closed her mouth with an audible click.

"Why did you say, 'Oh no', Daph?"

Daphne blinked. "Why did you say, 'Oh no'?"

Astoria blushed profusely and began to squirm uncomfortably.

"Tori?"

Astoria bit her lower lip and hid her face behind her curtain of black hair. The behavior set off all sorts of alarm bells in Daphne's head. Her lower lip quivering as various scenarios ran through her mind, Daphne pleaded in a broken voice.

"It's okay, Tori. You can tell me anything."

Astoria looked up with red-rimmed eyes, tears leaking from them as she blinked furiously.

"I'm not even sure if Harry will show it," Astoria mumbled, sniffling. "I just don't want you to be hurt anymore, Daph."

Daphne hugged her sister in response, which elicited a hiccupping sob from the younger girl.

"It's just," Astoria gestured weakly at the screen, "I think Harry did something that might have-" she was interrupted by a brutal fit of coughing that doubled her over. Daphne held her through it all, soothingly rubbing her back.

"Forced a way around his family magic," Daphne whispered with a watery voice.

Astoria nodded.

"He said something in Potions that I didn't understand," Daphne said with a quaver as her own tears fell heavily. "Now I think I do, and it terrifies me."

"We kissed," Astoria blurted.

"…You what?" Daphne stiffened as she choked back a bitter sob. "When?"

Astoria shook her head, sobbing and coughing continually as she did. "I- I- s-so sowwy D-Daffy!"

"Oh, Tori," Daphne sniffled as she tried to control her rising anger, knowing it was unfair and unreasonable. "It's okay."

"No it's not!" Astoria shrieked. "I know it's hurting you, Daffy! And I hate it! I hate it!"

Daphne felt her composure waver as she clenched her jaw. "Harry would be wonderful for you."

"It was just a stupid request!" Astoria said hoarsely as she pulled away before groaning as another wave of coughing overtook her. "And you know I don't see him that way!"

"Hush, Tori," Daphne soothed, her anger ebbing as she realized how worked up her baby sister was. "Just breathe."

Astoria nodded and began to reel in her emotions, not sure what to do with the overwhelming guilt she was experiencing.

"Harry can choose who he wants," Daphne said reassuringly. "Morgana knows I have no claim to him. Not after what I've done."

"I'm dying, Daffy…" Astoria hiccupped and irritably rubbed her eyes, uncaring that she was smearing blood on her face. "I wanted to experience a kiss."

"And Harry was a safe option," Daphne nodded understandingly.

Astoria sniffled and wiped her nose on the sleeve of her robe. "Y-Yeah…"

"He said three words when he looked at me," Daphne whispered, her voice haunted and far away as she remembered the Potions incident that sparked this catastrophe they were forced to witness.

Astoria felt a growing sense of dread in the pit of her stomach as Daphne's lower lip quivered and her face contorted in pain.

"Fuck Potter blood."

-GU-

July 18, 1995, appeared on the screen. Harry stood in the entryway of Castle Slytherin, Fawkes atop his shoulder. The phoenix had yet to leave him, and Harry found himself immensely grateful to the wonderful bird.

"I must say I am quite ecstatic to see my old home!" Salazar said as his portrait floated nearby. Rowena and Arcturus' portraits floated alongside him as Harry, Tonks and Andromeda prepared to visit Castle Slytherin.

"It is dreadfully dreary," Rowena teased with a playful smirk, causing Salazar to balk in mock offense.

"You wound me, my love!" Salazar clutched at his heart.

"Merlin's beard," Arcturus breathed, "the legendary Castle Slytherin! And I am in it!"

"Calm down you three," Andromeda chastened while Tonks stifled giggles behind her hand.

"My Heir, you must go to the study in the lower depths and update the wards to allow access past this point for your family," Salazar explained to Harry.

"Anything I should be wary of?" Harry questioned.

Salazar shook his head. "The primary danger has been overcome, seeing as you have bypassed the outer wards…" he trailed off and appeared sheepish, which was immediately caught by Rowena.

"Sal…" Rowena glowered. "What did you do?"

"There may or may not be a basilisk in stasis," Salazar admitted with a preemptive wince.

"Another one, Sal?" Rowena huffed.

"She's just a baby!" Salazar protested. "I wanted my Heir to have a basilisk, just like I did!"

"You hardly knew what to do with Serena!" Rowena rolled her eyes.

"That's because she grew to the size of a whale!" Salazar complained.

Harry blinked. "Erm… I don't need a giant muggle hating snake, Papa Sal."

"Nonsense!" Salazar sniffed. "As Lord Slytherin you are expected to have a terrifying, hideous familiar which will strike fear into the hearts and souls of all you encounter!"

The old man was breathing heavily as he finished his passionate speech. Tonks was red-faced and barely holding on to her laughter and even Andromeda appeared heavily amused.

"Hideous?" Harry raised an eyebrow.

"I mean elegant! Deadly!" Salazar blustered, waving his hands dramatically. "The point is there's nothing wrong with having a basilisk as a familiar! You already have a phoenix at your beck and call!"

Fawkes squawked indignantly and flapped his wings at the portrait.

"…Sort of," Salazar shrugged while Rowena glared at him.

"Will this basilisk grow to the size of Serena, my love?"

"Erm…" Salazar took a calming breath. "I don't know."

"You founders were crazy," Harry muttered as he prepared to head downstairs to the study.

"Just Sal, dear," Rowena assured. "My ancient home doesn't have a basilisk!"

"Only a gauntlet of traps and riddles meant to cause one's brains to ooze out of their skulls," Salazar grumbled bitterly.

"What was that?" Rowena snapped.

"Nothing, dear!"

-GU-

"And you're sure that this thing won't go on a rampage and try to eat us?" Harry asked for the third time.

"Merlin's beard, my Heir!" Salazar griped. "You are a True Speaker! And it's not a thing! She is a gorgeous, cuddly basilisk!"

"Cuddly?" Harry, Andromeda, Tonks, Rowena and even Arcturus echoed.

Salazar did not dignify them with a response. Harry waved his wand and prepared to dispel the stasis when he hesitated a final time.

"The basilisk has a thin membrane that acts as an eyelid to prevent the death glare," Salazar promised in a serious tone. "Our family is safe, my Heir."

Harry nodded and ended the stasis, allowing the seven foot long, six inch thick basilisk to land with an exhausted hiss.

"Who dares disturb these hallowed grounds?" the basilisk hissed angrily.

"Erm, I do, Lord Slytherin," Harry hissed, causing Tonks to squeak and Andromeda to inhale sharply at the foreign sound.

"A True Speaker?" the basilisk questioned, turning to stare directly at Harry who did not feel the paralysis settle in as he did when Serena did so.

"Be at ease, my pet," Salazar comforted.

"Master!" The basilisk appeared confused, or at least that's what Harry thought she looked like. "Not Master?"

"A memory," Harry explained.

"Lord Slytherin is your new Master, my pet," Salazar informed.

"Just Harry, if you please," Harry said respectfully.

"Master Harry!"

Harry groaned and facepalmed.

"I am Sasha," the basilisk introduced herself.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sasha."

"Master Harry, there are intruders in these hallowed walls. Shall I destroy them?"

"No!"

"I understand. May I consume them?"

"What- I- No!" Harry sputtered. "How is that any different?"

"…I hunger."

"Oh, I like her," Salazar laughed.

"What do basilisks eat?" Harry frowned.

"People," Sasha said playfully, and Harry swore he heard her hiss out a laugh.

"No eating our family, Sasha!" Harry scolded. "In fact, memorize their scents and defend them with your life."

"As you command, Master Harry," Sasha rose up and did an imitation of a bow before she noticed Fawkes preening himself atop Harry's shoulders. "May I consume the delicious bird, Master?"

"Wha-? No! That's Fawkes! He is our friend."

"But I am your familiar."

"And Fawkes is family!"

"…But you said he was a friend."

"For the love of Merlin!" Harry growled as Salazar howled with laughter.

"What in the bloody hell are you two talking about?" Tonks questioned with wide eyes.

"I'm trying to teach my new pet basilisk to not eat my family, including Fawkes," Harry deadpanned.

Tonks squeaked and took a step back, along with her mum. Fawkes glared down at the basilisk before turning and flicking his tail a few times at Sasha.

"The Fawkes looks delicious…"

"For crying out loud, Sasha! You can't eat Fawkes! Go…" Harry waved his hands in the air in exasperation. "Go hunt something!"

"Thank you, Master!" Sasha exclaimed and began to slither away.

"And no people eating!" Harry shouted.

There was an eerie silence.

"I know you can still hear me, Sasha!"

"…Yes, Master," Sasha replied despondently.

"It's like having a child," Harry grumbled.

"She is a child, my Heir," Salazar reminded.

"What kind of loon breeds those things?" Harry demanded of the portrait.

"Papa Sal, of course!" Tonks interjected with a laugh.

-GU-

Astoria giggled uncontrollably as she watched Harry try and verbally wrangle his new pet. Daphne was staring wide-eyed at the screen, her mouth agape.

"I like her," Astoria managed to choke out as her giggles provoked another coughing fit.

"She gets big," Daphne said breathily. "Or Harry figures out how to make her bigger."

Astoria shuddered.

-GU-

July 31, 1995, flashed on the screen. It was early morning on Harry's birthday, and he was up before anyone else, standing outside the door to Sirius's room. He sighed and steeled himself as he slowly grasped the handle and turned. The door opened with nary a whisper before ceasing inches from the wall.

Harry's determination outweighed his trepidation, and he finally entered the room. It was tidier than he anticipated, and relatively clean. There were stacks of books from the Black family library lining the nightstand and dresser, as well as a desk on the far wall, just past the large four-poster bed that was neatly made.

Harry approached the desk and noted several parchments scattered about which he began methodically going through, eventually finding himself in the former Lord Black's chair. He lost track of time when he came across a particular letter that gave him pause.

"All right there, Squirt?" Tonks called from the doorway, causing Harry to startle from his reverie.

"Y-Yeah!" he stammered. "Just, uh, you know…"

"Yeah," Tonks smiled sadly as she gingerly approached and gave him a half-hug. "I know. I miss him too."

Harry's throat felt tight. He swallowed heavily and gave a terse nod.

"Find anything?" Tonks probed softly.

He nodded and made to stand. "I think so."

Tonks helped her cousin to his feet and the two made their way downstairs, but not before Harry turned at the doorway and grasped the doorknob.

"Goodbye, dad," Harry whispered softly as he closed the door.

-GU-

"Based on the note, Sirius had contacted Croaker…" Tonks pointed out as the family had gathered at the dining table at 12 Grimmauld Place. Sasha was curled up in the living area near the fireplace, and Fawkes was comfortably perched on Harry's shoulder.

He still marveled that he somehow had access to a basilisk and a phoenix.

"…The only Croaker I know is the Head of Department of Mysteries."

"Which is great and all," Harry sipped his tea, "but I can't just stroll on over there and ask to speak with him."

"No, you can't," Ted agreed. "The Unspeakables operate separately from the Ministry. They have their own little world that they manage, and generally to deal with one requires equal exchange, usually in knowledge."

Harry nodded, his mind racing, "And Croaker, based on the note, studies the mysteries of death."

"And you are a Peverell, although unconfirmed," Ted set his cup down with a sigh. "Which Gringotts is still working through."

"I take it Croaker won't deal with me unless I am confirmed?"

"What does being a Peverell have to do with anything?" Tonks furrowed her brow.

"Masters of Death," Harry reminded his cousin. "Croaker studies death. I potentially hold the bloodline of those who called themselves Masters of Death." He idly fingered his cloak as he said this. "I also have a supposed artifact from Death himself."

"Croaker won't believe such a claim without proof," Ted pointed at his nephew. "Hence, the Lordship is imperative."

Harry frowned and nodded as he stared down at the most recent paper with a big, bold title, The-Boy-Who-Lies – What We Know About the Triwizard Tournament.

"Rubbish, all of it," Andromeda sniffed indignantly. "Pay it no mind, dear."

"Makes asking to speak with Croaker an impossibility, what with all this nonsense they're printing about you, Squirt," Tonks tore the paper she'd picked up in half before setting it aflame with her wand.

"We'll manage," Harry forced a smile. He began fidgeting nervously, dreading the next conversation he desired to hold. With a deep breath, he took the plunge. "We need to talk about the Fidelius."

-GU-

September 1, 1995, appeared on the screen. Harry sat at the dining table in 12 Grimmauld Place alone, sipping a tea Dobby had prepared for him. Fawkes preened while perched on his shoulder and Sasha lay curled around his legs.

It had been a titanic clash to get Andromeda to finally agree that it would be best if she, Dora and Ted went under the Fidelius with a Goblin secret-keeper. Harry had explained, numerous times, that Voldemort knew of their involvement with him, since the Dark Lord had been inside his head.

Harry also explained that, at Hogwarts, he was safer than anywhere else he could possibly be. The school actively protected him with centuries of latent, ancient magic. He had to remind his aunt of the experience with fake-Moody to get her to acquiesce that point.

There was also the inevitable confrontation with Dumbledore, whom Harry knew would be aware of the attack on 4 Privet Drive. The news articles had, of course, not bothered reporting on it. With Voldemort's death-grip on the Ministry, Harry wasn't surprised.

Then there was Astoria, Harry's best friend. He had to know she was okay. After the terrible words Cyrus had uttered regarding his youngest, Harry didn't trust that Astoria would be left alone. At least at Hogwarts he could protect her.

All these reasons culminated in an adamant stance that Harry was returning to Hogwarts. After a row for the record books, Andromeda stood down and, with many tears, agreed that they would go under the Fidelius. Tonks had been mutinous until Harry had pleaded with her that they could stay in touch through the mirror.

And that he promised he would contact them if he was ever in trouble.

Dobby snapped his fingers and breakfast appeared.

"Dobby," he said thoughtfully. "How do you do that?"

Dobby looked up at Harry with his large tennis ball sized eyes. "What, Master Harry?"

"That snappy-finger-magic-thingy," Harry snapped his fingers.

"It is elf magic, Sir," Dobby answered.

Harry nodded and chewed his eggs slowly. "Can you teach me?"

-GU-

In a flash of fire, Harry appeared on the Hogwarts Express in an empty cabin, Fawkes hovering above him and chirruping pleasantly. Sasha had been most displeased that she could not accompany her Master and had bemoaned the fact that 'The Fawkes' was allowed to go with him.

After an exasperating discussion, Harry had promised he would see her soon, seeing as how she was to be roomed in Rowena's study in the Room of Requirement, along with the portraits of Rowena, Salazar, and Arcturus. This had, seemingly, placated Sasha, much to Harry's relief.

"Thanks, buddy," Harry called with a soft smile. "I'll see you soon?"

Fawkes nodded and chirped before vanishing in a flash of flame.

The compartment door opened and Dumbledore himself stepped in.

"Headmaster Dumbledore," Harry greeted stiffly.

"Harry, my boy," Dumbledore greeted with a strained smile as his shoulders sagged with relief. The elder wizard collapsed into a nearby seat and rubbed his eyes wearily. "I cannot tell you how relieved I am to see you."

"I was attacked," Harry said bluntly.

"As we discovered," Dumbledore winced. "How did you escape?"

"Fawkes."

"And to where did that most magnificent bird take you?"

"Home," Harry replied cryptically. "What matters is I am safe, and that Voldemort is back."

Dumbledore sighed. "Yes, and I am afraid caution must be exercised this year."

Harry nodded, having taken to reading between the lines in the Daily Prophet articles the last two weeks. "The Ministry is interfering with Hogwarts then?"

"Alas, it is so."

Harry felt nothing but contempt for the man responsible for his Godfather's death, but he forced a sympathetic expression to his face.

"We'll manage, headmaster."

"That we will, my boy," Dumbledore stood with several pops as his old bones protested the movement. "I do believe a friend of yours is eager to see you," he waved his wand casually, undoing the many enchantments and wards he had placed on the door. "I shall see you at the feast then, and I suspect we will be speaking more later this year to discuss your summer accommodations."

"Goodbye, headmaster," Harry waved as Dumbledore disappeared from the compartment with scarcely a pop.

A second later, Astoria burst through the door and Harry welcomed the hug the small girl leveled him with as she attempted to squeeze the life out of him. He returned it tenfold, unbelievably thankful that Astoria was alive and well.

"Hey, Tori," he chuckled as he felt Astoria sob into his chest.

"Har-" she coughed heavily, doubling over, and Harry pulled away as she gasped for air.

Able to get a good look at his friend, Harry felt a swelling of panic. Astoria, usually radiant and beautiful, looked awful. She finally managed to get her bearings and offered him a weak smile as she slumped into the seat Dumbledore had just occupied.

"Sorry," she rasped. "Still recovering from…you know."

Harry blanched at the memory of Astoria learning the Patronus Charm. "Tori, I-"

"Don't!" Astoria said firmly. "It was my decision. I pushed you to teach me."

"But you're hurt," Harry whispered, even as his mind began poking holes in Astoria's claim.

"I'll get better," Astoria said without much conviction.

Harry drew his wand and cast several parseltongue wards and silencing charms on it, not wanting to be disturbed. He sat next to Astoria and gently wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. She leaned into his chest with a contented sigh.

"What's really going on, Tori?" Harry questioned, knowing that something else was bothering her… and it wasn't an incident that occurred over half a year ago.

She sniffled and swiped at her eyes irritably. "It's these Morgana-damned articles!" She swore vehemently. "I can't stand what they're saying about you!" She looked at him with tear-stricken eyes, her nose slightly running, "You've not been the same since… since…" she hiccupped as a sob overtook her. "That incident. I know you're not telling me things."

Harry stiffened.

"You always wear long sleeves now," Astoria gently fingered the sleeve of his shirt.

"I'm okay, Tori," Harry said comfortingly as he began rubbing her back.

Astoria snorted. "And I'm Morgana-incarnate!"

"Okay…" Harry trailed off. "I'm glad that you're okay."

"That I believe," Astoria huffed but offered a slight smile.

"And I'm not okay that your blood curse is clearly acting up," Harry frowned.

"I look terrible," Astoria groused.

"If the shoe fits," Harry chuckled, earning himself a smack on the chest.

"Prat," Astoria giggled before suddenly turning somber. "I'm dying, Harry."

His grip reflexively tightened on Astoria as he processed the words, wanting to violently deny them.

"It's true," Astoria affirmed in a small voice. "I can feel it in my core."

"Don't say that," Harry said thickly.

"It was always going to happen, Harry."

"Don't!" Harry barked as he swallowed back a torrent of emotion.

Astoria smiled at him sadly and gently thumbed an errant tear from his cheek. "I'm still here, Harry."

"And you're not going anywhere!" Harry commanded.

Astoria sighed. "Not yet at least."

An uneasy silence resounded within the compartment as Harry tried to compose himself, not comfortable with the idea of Astoria fading. His thoughts began to turn back to the Deathly Hallows and his need to discover them, especially the Resurrection Stone. He had to cure Astoria. No matter what.

"Summer was rough," Astoria coughed weakly and wiped her palms on her robes, uncaring of the blood that stained them. "Father was jovial, which is rather odd for him, but distant from me. I think he knows that I'm getting ready to leave the world of the living."

It took every bit of Harry's Occlumency training to not curse the man's existence.

"Mum took care of me, as she always does," Astoria continued softly. "Daphne…" She sighed morosely. "She's gone cold, Harry. Like ice. She doesn't show any emotion, or acknowledge me, and she didn't even contest me coming back to Hogwarts this year."

Astoria twiddled her thumbs nervously.

"It's not right… I keep thinking that something happened that I've not been made aware of." She looked over at Harry and shrugged. "Or they all sense the inevitable is approaching, just like I do."

"You. Are. Not. Dying." Harry growled savagely.

Astoria giggled. "You're sweet, Harry," she said. "But even the great Harry Potter can't stop a blood curse."

Harry's hands spasmed as he fought his inner turmoil. Astoria, ever joyful, was speaking words that pierced his very soul. The thought of the gentle, yet fierce, girl dying reminded him of what it felt like when Sirius had died.

Harry shook his head to clear his mind. Now was not the time to dwell on Sirius.

"…I guess my only regret is that I won't get to experience romance," Astoria rambled on between coughs, her breath rattling in her chest. "How pathetic am I? I'll die without ever having been kissed."

An idea hit Harry with all the force of a lightning bolt.

"What about me?"

Astoria looked up at him in confusion. "Huh?"

Harry licked his lips nervously. "What if I kissed you?"

Astoria blinked. "You're weird."

"No, I'm serious."

Harry couldn't prevent the voice of his Godfather echoing in his mind, bringing a wistful smile to his face.

No, you're Harry. I'm Sirius!

He noticed Astoria had gone quite still and was blushing to the tips of her ears.

"…Really?" she asked in a tiny voice.

"Really," Harry repeated.

"…It won't change anything between us?"

Harry paused for a moment as he mulled over the proper response. "Do you remember what I told you at the Yule Ball?"

Astoria gaped at him. "You meant that?"

"I did," Harry assured. "I still do."

Astoria started fussing with her hair, "Oh, my. I look a fright!"

Harry gently grasped her hands, ceasing her ministrations. "You're beautiful, Astoria Greengrass."

Somehow, Astoria managed to turn even redder than she had been before.

"May I kiss you, Tori?"

She nodded dumbly.

As Harry prepared to kiss her, he felt the familiar nausea settle in his stomach and he pointedly ignored it. His body seemingly screamed in protest, triggering a few spasms from his over-exposure to the cruciatus curse. Still, he pushed onward, wanting nothing more than to fulfill Astoria's wish.

You don't control me! Harry thought as he felt revulsion rise within himself.

Harry leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, uncaring that she looked a mess, or that she had a little bit of blood smeared on her cheek from where she'd wiped her earlier tears. Astoria was, in Harry's mind, the most wonderful, amazing girl he'd ever met. Not once had she abandoned him or hurt him, and she had always stayed by his side and defended him.

Her mewling groan caused him to deepen the kiss as he explored her peppermint taste, tinged with a hint of iron. His tongue yearned for access to her mouth, but she stubbornly refused. When he licked her bottom lip, teasing her for entry, she pulled away suddenly, breathing heavily and leaving Harry confused.

"Harry," Astoria gasped. "We can't."

He stared at her, unable to hide the hurt he felt.

"It's not right," Astoria shook her head, "and it's not fair to you."

"I don't understand," Harry said numbly.

"I'm dying, Harry," Astoria whimpered. "Although I desperately wish I wasn't. Besides, you know I see you as a big brother…" She trailed off before adding, with a small smile, "Who I love."

Harry stared at his best friend as the reality of her words settled within him. His shoulders buckled as the first sob wracked his body and broke the dam he had built to withhold the sorrow the thought of Astoria dying evoked. He felt her tender arms wrap around him and pull him into her embrace as he screamed out in a mixture of agony, outrage, and denial.

Through it all, Astoria held him, comforting him in a raspy voice as her breath rattled in her chest and she coughed periodically.

-GU-

In the Great Hall, Astoria refused to look at Daphne who was staring at her with a sorrowful smile.

"Looks to me like Harry really loves you, Tori."

Astoria sobbed into her hands. "I'm sorry, Daphne!"

"For what?" Daphne asked resignedly. "Do you love him?"

Astoria gawked at her older sister. "I- I-"

"It's okay, Tori," Daphne hugged her baby sister.

"He wasn't in his right mind," Astoria sighed.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm dying, Daph," Astoria shrugged. "And Harry had just lost his dad, his family had gone into hiding, and he suspected you betrayed him." She huffed. "Obviously, I didn't know any of that at the time…"

"…But?" Daphne pressed.

"But it was really nice to kiss someone!" Astoria groaned.

"What happens if he breaks the blood curse, Tori?" Daphne asked tentatively, clearly nervous to hear Astoria's answer. "Do your feelings change?"

Astoria looked up at her older sister with an understanding smile. "No."

-GU-

September 4, 1995, flashed across the screen. Harry exited DADA extremely grateful for Occlumency. Dolores Umbridge, their newest Professor and Ministry stooge, had tried every vile accusation and insinuation she could concoct to get a reaction out of Harry.

And he had endured them all stoically, not giving her the pleasure.

But now he needed to vent some steam and was on his way to the Room of Requirement when he bumped into Tori on the way up to the seventh floor. She was sitting in an alcove twiddling her thumbs nervously and was startled when she saw Harry, concerning him.

"Tori?" Harry called.

He watched as she hid her hand behind her back and narrowed his eyes.

"H-Harry!" she stammered nervously. "Um, wh- what are you doing?"

Harry marched up and grabbed her hand, nearly dropping it in surprise when she yelped in pain. A stern glare was all it took for her to hold out her hand gingerly, allowing Harry to see what had been done. He saw blood when he did.

"Blood quill," Astoria winced as she pulled her hand back. "I've penned a letter to father. It's illegal to use them that way. Umbitch shouldn't even have access to a blood quill!"

"Detention?" Harry queried.

Astoria nodded. "She said some downright awful things about you and- and I- I-"

"Stood up for me."

"Please don't rise to her taunts, Harry," Astoria begged. "Promise me?"

Harry answered by grabbing her undamaged hand and kissing her knuckles tenderly before heading back to DADA.

He had a toad to deal with.

-GU-

October 7, 1995, appeared on the screen. Harry was nursing his hand in the Gryffindor common room in some dittany he had stolen from Snape's stores while beneath his cloak. It had been a simple conversation, taking on Astoria's punishments so the girl didn't have to hurt herself.

She was fragile enough already, and Harry didn't want to risk her health any further than it already was.

Umbridge had been ecstatic at the prospect and readily agreed. Harry wanted, oh how he wanted, to grind the woman under heel. Whether through Lordships, Hogwarts magic, or his own growing repertoire of spells, Harry had options. But with the Ministry firmly in Voldemort's pocket, his reputation in tatters, and most assuming he was crazed or a habitual liar, Harry knew the only recourse he had was to bargain to take Astoria's place.

Harry had decided against informing Astoria, and she had not suspected foul play, seeing as how Umbridge cancelled Astoria's detentions on, 'advisement from her father'. Thus, Harry knew he was royally screwed when Astoria staggered down to the common room in her pajamas, yawning and rubbing her eyes sleepily.

Harry's first inclination was to panic, but his curiosity as to why Astoria was up at this unholy hour overruled his common sensibilities.

"Tori, are you okay?"

She jumped, clearly not expecting anyone in the common room.

"Harry?" She croaked. "Why are you up?"

"Couldn't sleep," Harry said, praying she didn't see his hand soaking in the bowl on the nearby stand.

"My feet get cold," Astoria grumbled as she marched over to the couch he was seated upon. "I come down here to warm them by the fire."

She plopped down on the couch and cuddled into his side, yawning heavily.

"You're warm," she muttered.

Harry chuckled and subtly removed his hand from the dittany to inspect it, knowing that at best it would numb the pain, considering he'd been writing the same lines with a blood quill for at minimum two hours a night for the past month. He knew Umbridge took a sadistic pleasure in watching him torture himself, and he longed to unleash the magic of Hogwarts on her.

Astoria shifted, her hand flaring out as she struggled to get comfortable, and grazed Harry's damaged hand, eliciting a yelp of pain from him. Astoria shot up, wide awake, and turned to see him nursing his hand. She paled visibly as she grabbed his hand and inspected it.

"My gods," she whispered, horrified. "What-"

Harry closed his eyes as he saw the invisible light bulb in Astoria's mind illuminate.

"No!" Astoria choked back angry tears. "You didn't!"

"Tori-"

"NO!" Astoria screamed. "You IDIOT!"

Harry gasped as Astoria shoved away from him and stood, jabbing a finger painfully into his chest as she read him the riot act.

"You took my punishments, didn't you?!" she demanded, outraged. "You let me believe my father intervened instead of telling me the truth? Why? Why would you let her do this to you?"

Harry reached out to hug her, but she recoiled as if stung.

"No!" She slapped his undamaged hand away. "I'm mad at you, you dolt!"

"Tori," Harry pleaded.

"Why didn't father put a stop to it?" Astoria whimpered as she chewed her bottom lip. She coughed heavily, the stress overriding her body's limitations. Harry barely caught her as she collapsed, easing her to the floor despite his hand screaming in protest.

"Tori," Harry said gently. "Look at me. We're okay, yeah?"

Astoria gasped for air, the sound wheezy and carrying a harrowing rattle.

"Breathe," Harry coached. "Like me."

Astoria gripped his robes, her eyes beginning to roll into the back of her head as she clutched at him feebly.

"Tori," Harry begged. "Stay with me."

She went limp in his arms and Harry, without thinking twice, sprinted to the Hospital Wing while carrying her, uncaring of the blood that dripped from his freshly opened wound. He couldn't help the pang of guilt that threatened to crush him as he ran, nor could he deny the irony of what was happening now.

He had lied to Astoria, and she had reacted poorly. His thoughts drifted to that damned phrase he wrote on a nightly basis, carving it slowly, painfully into his skin.

I must not tell lies.

-GU-

"That idiot," Astoria sniffled and rested her head on Daphne' shoulder. "I never got to tell him off properly."

Daphne half listened as she watched Harry's desperation as he carried Astoria in his arms. It was obvious that he loved her and wanted to pursue something deeper than just friendship. Daphne felt a numb detachment at the realization and struggled to contain the bitterness welling within.

I know he'll never forgive me, but Morgana I wish I had a chance to explain, Daphne thought longingly. I know that I love Harry, even though my memories and emotions have been twisted and obfuscated. I saw it in my eyes during third year and each time I tried to fight what was happening.

Daphne turned to look at Astoria.

Even if Tori loves him as more than a friend, I can't give up, Daphne mused resolutely. I'm going to get my memories back, my true memories. And then I'm going to explain everything and start over.

Memories of the Potions incident flashed through her mind, as well as the barely contained rage she so vividly remembered Harry displaying. She flinched, causing Astoria to look at her curiously. Daphne offered a reassuring half-smile in response and Astoria returned to her position, resting her head on Daphne's shoulder.

Based on what happened, I may never have a chance, Daphne realized as her tenuous composure threatened to crumble. What I said… Even if he forgives me, can I ever forgive myself?

"It's next," Daphne said tremulously.

"What is?"

Daphne gestured at the date being displayed on the screen and Astoria gasped.

"Oh," Astoria breathed and hugged her older sister tightly.

-GU-

October 10, 1995, flashed across the screen. Harry slowly made his way to Potions, oblivious to the students staring and whispering as he passed. Astoria had been taken home three days ago. The grim expression Madam Pomfrey wore when she told Harry nearly broke him.

Astoria had been transferred to a place where Harry couldn't protect her.

And it was all his fault.

He flexed his right hand irritably, the one he had methodically carved into each night. Despite having no need to continue attending detentions, Harry had continued to do so the last two nights. It was his own way of punishing himself for causing Astoria to have another episode.

Umbridge, of course, thought he had finally caved and realized that he was in fact telling lies. Harry didn't bother correcting her. The stupid bint could believe whatever the hell she wanted as far as he was concerned.

Three straight mornings of no updates on Astoria when visiting Madam Pomfrey had shaken Harry to his core. Usually, the Matron had at least a minor status report. Her silence each morning had continued to unnerve Harry.

Last night had, mercifully, been a small breath of fresh air. After detention, Harry had gone up to the Room of Requirement where he spent time with the portraits, Fawkes, Sasha, and Dobby. Fawkes had been mournful that he could not heal the blood quill wounds on Harry's hand.

Sasha had begged to eat 'The Fawkes' for his lack of competency. When that had failed, Sasha had begged, and almost convinced, Harry to allow her to eat 'The Pink Toad'.

A mirror call to Andromeda, Tonks, and Ted was exactly what Harry needed, despite having to fake his state of mind. He didn't need Andromeda or Tonks to charge into Hogwarts to check on him. Seeing their faces, hearing their voices, and even laughing with them was enough to uplift him.

He barely registered Snape commanding the gathered students to enter while holding open the door. Nor did he notice the critical glare the hook-nosed professor leveled at him. Harry took a seat in the back, knowing no one in class would join him. Snape, with his typical flair for the dramatic, waved his wand and explained how the 'dunderheads' they all were would fail spectacularly at this assignment.

Harry saw Snape looking directly at him the entire time. He heard the thinly veiled insults aimed directly at him, while students, Gryffindor and Slytherin both, snickered at his expense.

He simply didn't care.

A knock, and Dolores Umbridge waddled in imperiously, doing her skin-crawling 'hem-hem' cough to garner attention that was completely unnecessary considering her gaudy attire. Harry did notice Snape stiffen and scowl, eliciting a brief smirk.

Not even Snape enjoyed the presence of the toad.

As if sensing Harry's righteous vindictiveness, Snape smirked knowingly and explained how, for this lesson, he would be assigning them partners. Harry's eyes widened as his mind instantly connected who he would be partnered with. It made sense, after all, seeing as how Snape thrived off Harry's pain.

Therefore, Harry was unsurprised when Snape directed him to partner with Daphne Greengrass.

Harry truly debated leaving at that announcement, doubly so when the room erupted in whispers and murmurs while Umbridge looked over her clipboard with a raised eyebrow, clearly unaware of why such a pairing should evoke such a reaction.

Resigning himself to his fate, Harry stood and made his way to the desk Daphne occupied. He plopped down on the bench beside her and set his bag on the ground, careful not to connect with his damaged hand. A glance from his peripheral showed Daphne staring rigidly ahead, her face an expressionless mask of ice.

Harry focused on her eyes and saw a storm of emotion behind them as her lips thinned and a tendon in her neck strained, indicating she was clenching her jaw. Snape, still smirking, commanded the class to begin and Daphne slowly turned to Harry, her eyes burning with barely contained rage.

"Potter."

"Greengrass."

"I'll brew, you prepare the ingredients," Daphne said coldly.

"Very well," Harry acquiesced and stood to gather the ingredients.

He returned to their workstation and pulled out a silver knife where he began slowly preparing the ingredients while Daphne ignited a fire beneath their cauldron.

"I hope you're happy, Potter," Daphne spat under her breath, causing Harry to fumble his knife and frown.

He returned to his preparations, refusing to rise to the bait.

"I warned you this would happen, but you wouldn't listen," Daphne continued venomously as she took the first ingredient from Harry and dropped it into the cauldron before stirring with measured strokes. "The next ingredient you'll need to add, as I have to maintain a constant rotation. Remember, go slow or you risk the potion exploding."

Harry ground his teeth, not answering.

"Do you understand, Potter?" Daphne hissed. "Or was the simple instruction too complex for your idiotic mind?"

Harry snarled and slammed his knife down on the table, causing several to glance at him in alarm and Snape to direct his attention directly at their table.

"What the hell is your problem, Daphne?" Harry said. "Isn't it enough that-"

"No!" Daphne cut him off. "It's never enough. Not after what you've done!"

"What I did?!" Harry whisper-shouted.

"Add the damn ingredients," Daphne growled.

Harry grabbed a handful of the prepared ingredients and began dropping them in one by one as Daphne stirred harsher than she should. The cauldron bubbled and popped ominously, turning an angry red color, but neither recognized it.

"Astoria's dead, Potter," Daphne said grimly. "And you killed her."

Harry's vision tunneled as his hand slackened, dropping the remaining ingredients into the cauldron which began to fizz and foam. Daphne was staring at him with a vindictive satisfaction, unaware of the mistake, while he turned a sickly pale color and began shaking violently.

Somewhere in the recesses of his mind, a voice screamed at him to move. Instinctively, Harry dove forward, tackling Daphne to the ground and covering her with his body. She shrieked and screamed through the fall, struggling to get out from under him right until the cauldron exploded violently.

The room was filled with an acrid smoke that only cleared when Snape waved his wand to dissipate it. He had managed to shield the students from major injury, although several nearby had minor burns and scrapes from the debris of the desk and cauldron.

Harry felt a sharp pain in his hand as Daphne's struggling connected with the blood quill damage. He hissed and pulled away, allowing Daphne to scramble to her feet where she pushed her hair from her bangs, breathing heavily. Harry, still reeling from the revelation that his best friend was dead, staggered to his feet right as Daphne, Snape and Umbridge all spoke at once…