A/N: Howdy everyone! Early release this week! 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 27
July 1, 1996 (Hogwarts – Morning)
Daphne knocked on the door to Professor McGonagall's office, where she had been instructed to meet so they could go home. Astoria had departed on the Hogwarts Express earlier that morning, where Aria would pick her up at King's Cross Station.
Daphne fidgeted nervously with the mirror in her hands, her mind still reeling with whether or not her conversation last night was a trick. The fact that they had asked to speak directly to Minerva helped their case. Little did they know, Daphne was going to bring it up with Minerva even if they had not asked.
The door opened and McGonagall offered a rare smile as she regarded the young woman she now saw as family. One look at Daphne's face, however, was all Minerva needed to know that something was bothering her.
"Daphne dear, you're early," Minerva said warmly. "Come in and sit."
Daphne allowed herself to be ushered inside and took her normal seat by the fire.
"Tea?" Minerva called as she bustled about.
"Yes, please," Daphne responded with a nod. "Thank you."
Once a nice hot cup of tea was in Daphne's grateful hands, Minerva sat down in a vacant chair beside her favorite student – although she would never admit that to anyone – and tugged at her hair, releasing it from its usual tight bun. Daphne's eyes widened as Professor McGonagall's hair tumbled down to rest on her shoulders while the elderly woman shook it free from its confines.
Noticing Daphne gawking at her, Minerva raised an eyebrow while keeping a playful smirk. "What?"
"I've never seen you with your hair down," Daphne blurted.
"I find summer vacation a good time to let my hair down," Minerva winked.
Daphne giggled lightly, almost spilling her tea. To see the strict woman acting normal was quite entertaining.
"You appeared troubled just a moment ago," Minerva said over the rim of her teacup. "What is bothering you, dear?"
Minerva knew it was a rather foolish question. What wasn't bothering the poor girl? Her reputation was in tatters, her heart was in turmoil as her true memories slowly returned, she seemed scared of her own shadow most days, and, apart from her sister, Daphne had no friends her age.
Minerva watched Daphne fidget while opening and closing her mouth several times, searching for the right words. The old woman waited patiently while admiring the hidden strength the young woman before her possessed. Daphne, despite all she faced, continued to push forward in her own way, stubbornly refusing to give up.
Truth be told, Minerva saw a lot of herself in the young girl. That both encouraged and terrified her, as hers was a rather lonely life most days, and she wouldn't wish that on Daphne. No, Daphne needed to heal and recover, so she could live a long and healthy life, filled with joy and love.
"A lot…" Daphne mumbled in a watery voice, her hands beginning to shake, forcing her to set the teacup down on McGonagall's desk.
Minerva provided a sympathetic smile and set her teacup down as well before gently pulling Daphne into a hug. Once she released the girl, she noticed a familiar mirror sitting in Daphne's lap.
"Did something happen?" Minerva indicated the mirror.
Daphne bit her lower lip and nodded, fumbling for the handle before passing the mirror to her professor. "I received a call," Daphne said softly.
Minerva's eyes widened in surprise. "From whom?"
"Andromeda Tonks nee Black," Daphne muttered, sniffling. "She… She wants to speak with you."
"Me?" Minerva questioned incredulously. "Whatever for?"
"I was invited to spend the summer with Andromeda," Daphne replied, not daring to look up. "I think she could see the confusion and fear in my expression, because she told me to have you call her."
Minerva hummed in thought for a moment as she considered the situation. Decision made, she brandished her wand and activated the mirror, speaking clearly, "Andromeda Tonks."
The mirror shimmered before an image of Andromeda Tonks appeared, the stoic woman inclined her head at Minerva and opened her mouth to speak when she was cut-off.
"How many times did I put you in detention?" Minerva demanded sternly.
Andromeda's eyes flashed. "One."
"What year?"
"Sixth."
"The reason?"
"You caught me and Ted in a broom closet," Andromeda said with a slight pinkening of her cheeks.
Minerva raised an eyebrow. "Doing what?"
"Goodness, Minerva!" Andromeda huffed. "You may as well end the call if you expect me to answer that!"
Minerva cracked a grin. "Hello, Andi."
"That was rather cruel of you, Minnie," Andromeda mock pouted.
"A necessity," Minerva assured. "I will not risk Daphne's safety."
"Is she in the room?"
"She is."
There was silence for nearly a whole minute before Andromeda finally spoke. "…I need to speak with you, Minnie."
Minerva sighed and gave Daphne an apologetic glance. Daphne could only nod dumbfoundedly. A swish of her wand, and Minerva had ensured Daphne would not overhear.
"I've set up privacy charms," she told Andromeda. "Daphne cannot hear us."
"What has she told you?"
"Only that you invited her to spend the summer with you."
"She needs to, Minnie," Andromeda said severely.
Minerva bristled. "I think you underestimate exactly what Daphne has been through, Andi!"
"Quite the opposite," Andromeda countered. "I have only just caught up to what has happened in the world since we went into hiding."
Minerva sighed heavily.
"How are you, Minnie?" Andromeda asked gently.
"About as well as you could expect," Minerva replied shakily. "Albus- what he did… I still can't wrap my mind around it, Andi."
"Age does not equate wisdom," Andromeda said solemnly.
"Why do you want to help Daphne?" Minerva questioned suddenly, her eyes narrowing. "I would have thought you, of all people, would want nothing to do with the poor child."
"We both know the fault lies with her deceased father," Andromeda answered calmly.
"But does Harry know that?" Minerva asked harshly.
"No," Andromeda said. "At least, not when we last spoke."
"You are in contact with him?"
"No, he gave the only form of contact to Astoria…" Andromeda trailed off, her eyes misting. "To give to Daphne."
"So, you wish to help Daphne only because Harry seemingly wanted you to?" Minerva practically growled.
"Of course not!" Andromeda snapped. "I know the Mind Healers working with the girl. I trained half of them and went to school with the other half."
Minerva blinked several times.
"They're talented, make no mistake," Andromeda sniffed. "But a case like Daphne needs a more practiced hand, and I wish to help the poor girl."
"…But why?" Minerva pressed, her voice hardening, "Daphne is not a clinical case study, Andi!"
"No, she is a victim, Minnie," Andromeda responded, her voice laced with authority. "A victim who needs proper medical treatment."
Minerva's expression softened and she took a hefty swig of tea. "Why now?"
"Have you read the morning paper?"
Minerva nodded, her sharp mind recalling the front page. "The Department of Mysteries reported their ritual to destroy Voldemort's horcruxes was successful."
Andromeda nodded. "If he survived, he will be a shell of what he was. There is no longer any need for us to remain in hiding."
Minerva hummed thoughtfully, her mind racing. "I will have access to Daphne?"
"Any time you or she desires," Andromeda promised.
"And her sister?"
"It would be foolish to refuse her," Andromeda frowned. "If my suspicions are correct, Astoria is likely the only friend Daphne has at the moment, especially with Skeeter running amok."
Minerva's nostrils flared at the mention of the foul woman. Oh, how she longed to curse that foul bint. She shook the dark thoughts from her head. "Andi, Daphne is very, very fragile-"
"I know, Minnie," Andromeda interrupted. "I would be shocked and concerned if she wasn't. Please let me help her."
-GU-
July 1, 1996 (Unknown Location – Midday)
"Andi will not hurt you, dear," Minerva assured gently as she double-checked Daphne had packed everything she would need for an extended stay with the Black family.
Daphne stood nearby, shaking from her nerves. "I… I don- don't want to go."
Minerva frowned. "Just an hour ago we both agreed you would stay with them."
"But they'll hate me…" Daphne whispered in a small, tiny voice.
"Daphne," Minerva said firmly but not unkindly, grabbing Daphne's attention. "Why would they hate you?"
"Be…" Daphne swallowed. "Because…" A bitter sob erupted from her. "I'm the reason he left!"
Minerva closed her eyes and did her best to center herself. Coddling was not her strong suit, and while she considered her efforts with Daphne thus far to be a smashing success, she knew that the poor dear needed a different, more clinical approach. So, instead of chastising Daphne, or dismissing her concerns, or placating her, Minerva said nothing and instead snatched the girl's packed bag while gently taking her hand.
"Come along, Daphne," Minerva commanded in her teaching voice.
Daphne obeyed, and followed Minerva through the floo to Three Broomsticks, where she found herself promptly side-along apparated to the address Andromeda had provided. Daphne was trembling like a newborn kitten as she stared at the ominous, yet quaint, home nestled securely in a forested area.
"Any time you wish to leave, you may," Minerva said quietly as she passed Daphne her bag. "You are not a prisoner here. Understood?"
Daphne nodded and her shoulders sagged as Minerva turned to leave. "Thank you, Professor," Daphne whispered.
Minerva gave a stiff nod, surreptitiously sniffled, and then disapparated with a pop!
What am I doing here? Daphne thought in a rising panic as the reality of where she stood settled on her. These people will hate me for what I did to Harry! Why would they even want to help me? Why did I answer that stupid mirror? Why did I ever try to contact them in the first place?
In her mind's eye, Daphne saw her baby sister asking her to live. She sighed defeatedly and trudged forward until she stood at the door. Hesitantly, she knocked and waited, twiddling her thumbs, and shuffling her weight from foot to foot. Every instinct screamed at her to run and not look back. She was seconds from giving in to the temptation when the door was jerked open.
"Yes, mum, I'm getting the door!" a voice called irritably before the door fully opened to reveal Nymphadora Tonks, currently sporting bubble-gum pink hair.
The ex-Auror stared at Daphne, who refused to meet her eyes, instead looking anywhere but at Tonks.
"Oh," Tonks' hair swiftly shifted to orange, continuing to darken toward red. "It's you."
The way Tonks said you shattered Daphne's tenuous composure, and she staggered backwards as if struck while stammering out a hasty apology.
"I- I- I'm sorry! I sh- shouldn't have come!" Daphne fumbled her bag, dropping it to the ground. "I- I'll j-just be going th- then!"
"DORA!" a stern voice bellowed, causing Tonks to wince.
Tears flooded Daphne's eyes, obscuring her vision as she scrambled for the strap of her bag. A yelp resounded from the doorway as Daphne finally grasped the strap and jerked the bag up. Stumbling forward, she tripped over her own feet and sprawled onto the ground.
"I- *hic* really *sob* am s-sorry!" Daphne hiccoughed as she somehow managed to get back on her feet. Her departure was halted as she felt a strong, firm hand grab her shoulder. Panicked, Daphne immediately began screaming, punching, and kicking, all thought of drawing her wand abandoning her.
"I'll leave!" Daphne promised as she fought desperately to break free. "Please! Let me go! Don't hurt me!"
But the hand would not relinquish its hold, and Daphne felt herself tiring rapidly. Tears poured from her eyes as she futilely struggled before finally giving up.
"FINE! KILL ME THEN!" Daphne screamed miserably.
There was a surprised gasp from the doorway, and then Daphne felt herself engulfed in a warm hug. She wailed in agony as she felt a gentle hand rub her back.
"Hush, child," a feminine voice she recognized as Andromeda soothed.
Daphne felt herself hyperventilating as she reflexively struggled to free herself from the foreign touch. Her vision began to tunnel, and she saw white spots. Then, mercifully, she felt her consciousness fade and she fell limp in Andromeda's arms.
Andromeda sighed in relief as Daphne passed out. A quick featherlight charm allowed Andromeda to easily lift the girl and carry her into their home. As she crossed the threshold of the front door, she glared at her daughter who looked a mixture of shock and horror.
"Shite, mum," Tonks swore softly. "I didn't think-"
"No!" Andromeda barked, furious. "You didn't think, Nymphadora! This girl is terrified to be here! Ask yourself, how would you feel in her shoes. Doubly so, knowing our family's reputation in the Pureblood circles!"
Tonks winced and shied away, her hair turning a deep blue.
"This child is a victim, Dora! What her father did to her mind…" Andromeda's voice was strained from barely contained rage. "Far greater Wizards and Witches have fallen to the Mind Arts. Do not forget that!"
"Yes, mum," Tonks replied, subdued. She hesitated to speak but plowed ahead, "Is- Is there anything I can do – You know, to help?"
Andromeda gently placed Daphne on a bed in their spare bedroom and pulled the covers over the girl before wearily sitting in a nearby chair. She absently brushed Daphne's hair from her pale face.
"She needs a friend, Dora," Andromeda said softly. "This girl is being lambasted by Wizarding Britain for something she had no control over. Worse, she is carrying an unhealthy amount of-"
"Guilt," Tonks finished solemnly.
Andromeda gave a stiff nod.
Tonks fidgeted nervously, not sure if she should speak her mind. "…It's just hard, you know?" Tonks huffed and folded her arms. "We saw firsthand what her actions did to Harry. She hurt him, mum…"
Andromeda scowled and Tonks hurriedly held out her hands defensively.
"I understand it wasn't her fault!" Tonks assured. "But still… Can you really say you don't feel any anger towards her?"
"All I feel for Daphne is pity, Dora," Andromeda glared. "And that's exactly what she doesn't need."
Tonks fell silent, pondering her mother's words.
"Why do you want to help her so badly, mum?"
Andromeda smiled sadly. "There are many reasons, Dora. Sometimes I think you forget that I'm a Senior Healer."
Tonks stiffened and went to protest, but Andromeda stalled her with an outstretched hand.
"Dora… Did it ever occur to you that while Harry was hurting, Daphne was hurting too?"
Tonks appeared pensive as Andromeda stood and brandished her wand, slowly beginning to run diagnostics. The Senior Healer knew she had finally reached her daughter with that question and focused on her medical spells.
"Have your father prepare lunch, dear," Andromeda instructed gently.
"Yes, mum," Tonks said as she exited the guest room.
-GU-
Daphne awoke with a start and looked around in surprise. She was… home? In her room?
A quick glance outside and a feeling of dread washed over her as she saw it snowing outside.
She heard a floorboard creak and instinctively pulled the covers up to her chin as she frantically searched for her wand with her eyes, eventually spotting it on the nightstand. Reaching forward, she snatched the wand and turned to see her father standing before her.
She opened her mouth to cast a spell – any spell! – but nothing came out. A wave of her father's wand and she was bound in thick ropes as her wand was ripped from her grasp by a second spell. She saw his wand tip glow white and started screaming, begging, pleading…
Still, nothing emanated from her.
'No! Please don't, father!' she thought desperately.
"Legillimens!"
Her Occlumency barriers, impressive for her age, shattered from the overwhelming force of the attack. Her head felt as if it were splitting open as her father began sifting through her memories; studying and observing each with a slow, methodical pace. The man appeared unconcerned with her pain, fear, and privacy.
All he wanted was answers.
Daphne felt him reviewing the memories of her and Harry. Special memories. She heard him growl as he reviewed their Hogsmeade date, and she fought with everything she had to push him out of her mind.
'Those are my memories!' she screamed internally. 'Not for you!'
The pain subsided as her father retreated, leaving her mental shields shattered into tiny pieces. Daphne gasped as a thundering migraine pounded in her skull. Tears fell unchecked down her cheeks as she struggled to understand why her father would do such a horrible thing to her.
The ropes tightened slightly, and Daphne cried out in pain as her father began to summon his magic. She begged and pleaded for mercy. She didn't want to forget.
It fell on deaf ears.
Her father's wand flashed in the air, and Daphne felt her most precious memory brutally ripped from her mind. She screamed in both outrage and agony as her father began slowly, carefully implanting modified memories.
-GU-
Andromeda rolled her eyes as she exited the loo, having been interrupted by her patient screaming like a banshee.
Every. Time. Andromeda thought sarcastically. And I always tell myself I should have left someone behind to stand watch when I go for a quick pee…
She hurried down the hall and into the guest room to find Daphne backed into a corner, clutching a pillow. A flustered Dora was doing her darndest to calm the situation, but her rapidly changing hair and brandished wand were only amplifying Daphne's terror.
"Whoa! Slow down, Blondie!" Tonks pleaded. "I'm not going to hurt you!"
"Please!" Daphne whimpered, clearly terrified. "I'll leave!"
"You don't have to lea-" Tonks began.
"Don't hurt me!" Daphne begged, sobbing, and clutching her head.
"Dora," Andromeda said in a calm, controlled voice while grabbing her daughter's wrist and forcing it to her side. "Perhaps it would help if you lowered your wand."
"Oh," Tonks said sheepishly, blushing.
Andromeda looked up with her eyes and Tonks, receiving the message, closed her eyes and focused, getting control of her emotions while Daphne's sobs punctured the silence. Once Dora's hair ceased its rapid shifting, Andromeda motioned for her daughter to take a seat before she slowly approached Daphne who began kicking in a futile effort to create distance, despite being backed into a corner.
Andromeda stopped approaching and sat, folding her legs. "Daphne," she called in a gentle tone. "No one in this home will harm you."
But Daphne wasn't listening. She was babbling.
"…It's all my fault," she said, almost in hysterics. "Had I fought… Had I not been so weak…"
"Daphne."
"…I could have broken free and told someone – anyone!"
"Daphne."
"…Or maybe I should have just jumped from the Astronomy tower! Then Harry wouldn't have been hur-"
"Daphne!" Andromeda called sharply, causing the girl to startle and hiccough.
"It's all my fault!" Daphne whispered in a watery, desperate tone. Her eyes were puffy and bloodshot, snot ran down her nose, and tears poured from her eyes. "I broke my promise!"
Andromeda leaned forward and extended her hands, palms up. She waited patiently as Daphne, like a cornered animal, looked for signs of danger.
"No one in this home will hurt you, Daphne," Andromeda repeated softly.
Slowly, ever so slowly, Daphne reached forward with her hands. Her lips trembled as she continued to cry quietly. As soon as her hands touched Andromeda's, the older woman gently latched on and said four words that Daphne so desperately needed to hear.
"It wasn't your fault."
Tonks sat in the corner, her heart aching as she observed Daphne come undone with a wail of sorrow. There was still an ember of anger in the ex-Auror. After all, it was Daphne who convinced Harry to win the tournament, the result which cost the life of Sirius Black.
Tonks knew, deep down, that her thoughts were unreasonable, her anger misdirected. She watched her mother cradle the sobbing girl and, with a heavy exhale, squelched the last ember of anger she carried. She remembered the memory Harry had shared of Sirius's last moments.
Sirius wouldn't have wanted her to hate Daphne.
-GU-
July 31, 1996 (Somewhere in America – Morning)
"Good morning, Fleur!" Harry sang as Fleur popped into his flat – er, apartment – via Fawkes.
"'Appy birthday, 'Arry!" Fleur returned, giving Harry a hefty hug which he quite enjoyed.
Fawkes chirruped happily as he landed atop a nearby chair and began to preen.
"That's today?" Harry mock gasped. "And here I thought you agreed to join me because you liked my company!"
Fleur rolled her eyes. "Keep that up and you won't be getting your gift." Her eyes roved his appearance, and she raised a perfect eyebrow. "'Arry?"
"Yes, Fleur?" Harry ran his fingertips through Fawkes' plumage.
"What are you wearing?"
Harry cocked his head to the side and met Fleur's cerulean eyes with his own emerald greens.
"Uh, clothes?"
"Swimming trunks," Fleur pointed.
"Pretty sure my note mentioned for you to bring swimwear," Harry frowned and prodded Fawkes. "You did deliver the note I gave you, yeah?"
Fawkes squawked indignantly.
"Oui," Fleur came to the phoenix's defense.
"Then I'm confused that you're confused."
In response, Fleur lifted her shirt, revealing a powder blue bikini top that complimented her breasts very nicely.
"Care to show me the rest?" Harry quipped with a lopsided grin.
Fleur smiled coyly and sauntered past, refusing to humor him with a reply. Harry turned to the portraits on the nearby wall and waggled his eyebrows.
"I'm wearing her down!" he proudly proclaimed.
"Oh, he reminds me so much of you, Sal!" Rowena giggled. "I wonder if he will fail just as spectacularly as you did."
"What?!" Salazar cried in outrage. "I had you eating out of the palm of my hand!"
Rowena raised an eyebrow.
"…I had you after the first date!"
Rowena continued to stare down her husband.
"…Merlin's beard, woman!" Salazar groused. "It was a miracle you even looked my way!"
Rowena tossed her hair over her shoulder, clearly pleased. "That's more like it!"
Arcturus cleared his throat to hide his snort of amusement at the Legendary Salazar Slytherin, once again, being cowed.
"I know this goes against everything the Black family stood for… But I say, go get her, lad! She would make a fine wife!"
"Even though she's a Veela?" Harry questioned.
"Especially because she's a Veela!" Arcturus and Salazar chorused, both looking at each other in surprise.
Salazar winced and obstructed his view of Rowena with his hand. "If I don't see her, she can't hurt me…"
"Good luck with that, Papa Sal. But I wouldn't recommend imitating an ostrich," Harry chuckled.
Fleur rounded the corner, a frown marring her immaculate features. "Well?"
Harry blinked several times. "…Well, what?"
"Are we going?" Fleur demanded.
"Um, yes?"
"And don't think I didn't hear you saying you were wearing me down!" Fleur scolded. "As if I would settle for such a mediocre Wizard!" she exclaimed with a teasing smirk and playful glint in her eyes.
Harry smirked. "Of course, Your Highness. I prostrate myself before your greatness and beauty!"
"Non!" Fleur giggled behind her hand. "It is your birthday, 'Arry! Where are we going?"
"Well, I wanted to visit this nearby theme park…" Harry said as he hooked his arm with Fleur's and led her out the door.
-GU-
"You 'ave – 'ow you say? – lost your marbles, 'Arry," Fleur noted as she stared up at the towering contraption held together with what appeared to be air. Her platinum blonde hair fluttered in the wind and Harry chuckled when he saw her comically wide eyes.
"It's just a roller coaster," Harry shrugged. "Kind of like flying, only you're strapped into a metal cart."
"And you want to go on this?" Fleur gestured at the roller coaster.
"With you, yes," Harry nodded, completely at ease.
Fleur gave a very unladylike snort. "Non."
"Aww, come on, Fleur!" Harry pleaded. "It'll be fun!"
"I saw a face painting booth back that way," Fleur gestured over her shoulder. "That sounds fun."
Harry made an icky face. "Boring!"
"Don't think you can talk me into going on this death trap, 'Arry!" Fleur said imperiously.
"You mean to tell me that Fleur Delacour, a Triwizard Champion, is scared of a leetle muggle contraption?" Harry said slyly.
"Don't do that!" Fleur snapped instantly.
"Do what?" Harry questioned innocently, giving his best puppy dog eyes.
"That!" Fleur waved in his direction.
Harry mock sighed in defeat. "I suppose I'll have to tell everyone that Fleur Delacour is a scaredy bird…"
Fleur huffed, completely forgetting that Harry Potter no longer knew anyone in the magical world. "Fine!" she scowled. "But if I die, I am going to come back and 'aunt you, 'Arry Potter!"
"I would not be opposed to that," Harry waggled his eyebrows, earning him a well-deserved slap on the arm.
-GU-
(Five Minutes Later)
"Did you really use magic to skip the line?" Fleur hissed as they sat in their cart while a technician double-checked their harnesses.
"Maybe…" Harry drawled out.
"You are unbelievable!" Fleur scolded, smacking his arm several times, and causing Harry to laugh uproariously.
"Would you have rather waited an hour?" Harry questioned mirthfully.
Fleur didn't answer, but her grin told him all he needed to know. He hummed contentedly as the roller coaster started moving, coming out of the boarding tunnel, and beginning its slow ascent to the top, clicking all the way. Fleur began to look nervous as they climbed higher and higher.
"You are certain this is safe?" she questioned.
"No," Harry managed to shrug with his right shoulder.
"WHAT?!" Fleur exclaimed.
"Oh, and I forgot to mention there are a few loops…" Harry trailed off as they reached the peak.
"Harry Potter! I am going to KEE-AIEEEEEEEE!" The rest of Fleur's tirade was lost as the roller coaster began its descent.
Harry laughed so hard tears fell from his eyes as Fleur screamed like a banshee and uttered a plethora of curses in French all aimed directly at him. The first loop, however, caused her hair to whip directly into his face and, by proxy, his mouth. He spluttered and coughed as he choked on her hair while still laughing.
It tasted like cinnamon.
-GU-
(Three Minutes Later)
"Meurtre, 'Arry!" Fleur grumbled as they stood outside a booth where Harry paid for two printed pictures of their recent adventure.
"Oh, calm down, Fleur," Harry chuckled. "It was fun, yeah?"
Fleur muttered under her breath as she snatched the offered picture. "What is this?" Her mouth fell open and she began cackling, the sound melodious and beautiful. Harry really liked it when Fleur laughed. "Look at you!" she managed to choke out, "My 'air is covering your face!"
Harry chortled and grinned. "Tasted like cinnamon."
That just made Fleur laugh harder.
The two made their way to a nearby food stall where Fleur examined the menu with a critical eye. Harry, used to her pickiness, decided to throw a proverbial dart at the board and ordered a funnel cake. He was fairly confident it would be a hit with the Veela, who he learned had a legendary sweet tooth.
They found an empty two-seater table and Harry passed Fleur a plastic fork which she graciously accepted before prodding the funnel cake as if it were going to crawl across the table. "What is this?"
"Good," Harry replied unhelpfully as he cut himself a piece and hummed in delight.
Fleur's fork refused to obey her command to cut the silly 'cake' and she finally gave up, ripping a chunk free and popping it into her mouth. A few chews later and her gorgeous cerulean eyes lit up with delight, then closed as she enjoyed the flavor. She released a low moan that almost made Harry blush before pulling another piece free.
Harry watched her with an amused expression, waiting for the perfect moment to embarrass her. She was mid-chew when he struck like a cobra.
"You've got powdered sugar on your nose," he pointed out.
Fleur choked, blushed furiously, and scrambled for a non-existent napkin. Harry nearly fell from his seat laughing when she glowered at him, promising death if he didn't appease her immediate need.
"You're cute when you're mad," Harry winked as he went to grab her some napkins.
Fleur scoffed and looked down in horror as her shirt was now dusted with powdered sugar. She muttered angrily in French, but her smile gave away her true feelings.
-GU-
(Three Hours Later)
"What is this ride again?" Fleur questioned as she sat beside Harry.
"Another roller coaster," Harry said, but there was something in his eyes that unnerved Fleur. She frowned suspiciously.
"What's the catch?"
They reached the peak and Fleur braced herself for the inevitable drop that made her stomach lurch every time.
"Remember when I told you to bring swimwear?"
"Ouais?"
"Well, this ride is why…"
-GU-
(Two Minutes Later)
"Would you stop laughing?" Fleur growled as she assaulted Harry's arm with slaps that caused water to fly from his drenched shirt. He laughed harder, seeming unperturbed by her attacks, which only infuriated the Veela more.
"Y- You l- look like a d- drowned rat!" Harry choked out.
Fleur blanched and looked down at the shirt and shorts clinging to her form. "Moi?" she blurted incredulously.
Scowling, she shoved Harry and began to wring out her long, thoroughly soaked hair. The sheets of water coming from it only served to continue making Harry howl with laughter.
"You are so not getting your birthday present!" Fleur snarked.
Harry tapped his head, still gasping for air as he doubled over and gestured weakly in her direction. "Best memory ever, Fleur – And it's all right in my head. Merlin! I love Occlumency!"
Fleur rolled her eyes and let Harry have his fun. She had read the articles and knew what he had endured; not to mention the rare times Harry would open up and talk about things he had not shared in his memories to the public.
He deserved to laugh, even if it was at her expense.
-GU-
August 19, 1996 (Undisclosed Location – Morning)
Daphne's eyes fluttered open, and she breathed a sigh of relief as she began to stretch languidly. Last night was one of the rare times she managed to sleep through the night in a dreamless, heavy slumber. The nightmares were happening with less and less frequency, and their intensity was diminishing.
Fitting, that she'd have such a good rest the eve before her birthday.
Setting about her morning ablutions, Daphne absently brushed her teeth with one hand while pulling a brush through her hair with the other. When the door to her room burst open and ricocheted off the wall with a loud bang, she hardly flinched. One became quite accustomed to such dramatic entrances when living with Nymphadora Tonks.
Andromeda could be heard scolding her daughter from another room, but Tonks appeared nonplussed as she shot Daphne a playful grin and rolled her eyes.
"Good morning, Blondie!"
"Gum morshin, Shonks" Daphne slurred around her toothbrush.
Tonks hopped atop Daphne's bed, sprawling out. "Oh! And happy birthday!"
"Shanks," Daphne pulled the toothbrush free, leaving her hairbrush lodged in her golden blonde hair, and spat. She rinsed her mouth and shot a half-smile at her… friend?
"So, any plans today?" Tonks prompted.
Daphne shrugged as she went through her wardrobe in search of a suitable outfit, eventually settling on a pair of blue jeans and a forest green blouse.
"Not really," Daphne said as she swiftly changed out of her pajamas.
"Well, I think mum has a surprise for you," Tonks hummed as she rolled off the bed. "I'll go let her know you're awake."
Daphne felt her smile falter as she thought about what the surprise could possibly be. She already owed Andromeda – or Andi, as she preferred to be called – so much more than she could ever repay. Once Daphne had overcome her initial terror, and accepted the profuse apologies of her now friend, Tonks, Andromeda had immediately began working with Daphne.
First, Andromeda scolded her for not eating properly. Apparently, she was approaching malnourishment, and Andromeda was having none of that. Daphne had been forced to eat until she felt she was going to explode, as well as go on an immediate potion regiment.
Surprisingly, Andromeda understood Daphne wasn't intentionally starving herself. She just wasn't ever hungry. However, that did not excuse her from not eating, and Andromeda made this very clear the first week of her stay.
The real work began when Andromeda stepped inside Daphne's shattered mindscape and, together with Daphne, began to slowly rebuild. It had taken weeks, but Daphne's mind was once again relatively back to the way it was before Cyrus Greengrass had infiltrated it.
Even better, Daphne was now able to employ basic Occlumency. It wasn't much, but it did help her with her sometimes-irrational emotional outbursts and, more importantly, it often kept the nightmares at bay and allowed her to have a decent sleep.
For that, Daphne would be forever grateful. Cyrus still visited her in her dreams on occasion, but it was becoming rarer with each passing week.
As Andromeda stood in the doorway, a tender, motherly smile on her face, Daphne felt her own smile blossom. For the first time in ten months, Daphne felt like she was making progress and healing. She still felt vestiges of guilt for what happened sometimes, despite Andromeda's vehement stance that it was not her fault.
But there was a part of Daphne that could not accept that truth, and she desperately wished she could apologize to Harry in person and receive forgiveness. Andromeda, knowing Daphne's desire, had counseled that Daphne first had to forgive herself before she could accept forgiveness from someone else.
That statement confused Daphne thoroughly.
It wasn't like she wanted to keep blaming herself.
She just felt that she had to.
"Happy birthday, Daphne dear," Andromeda greeted.
"Thank you, Andi," Daphne double-checked her appearance a final time and, satisfied, made her way to the older woman who meant so much to her and thoroughly hugged her.
"I have something for you," Andromeda said as she took a seat at the foot of Daphne's bed and pulled a wrapped package from her pocket.
Daphne's smile faltered. "You didn't have to get me anything, Andi."
"I wanted to," Andromeda raised an eyebrow.
Daphne nodded and gingerly accepted the gift, her stomach doing flops as she debated how exactly she was going to repay this woman. A gentle hand stroking her head caused her to look up.
"You must stop thinking in a transactional sense," Andromeda said gently. "You owe me nothing, Daphne."
Daphne's lip quivered but, thanks to her limited Occlumency, she kept herself composed. Andromeda indicated she should open the gift and Daphne complied, eventually revealing a three-ring binder. Daphne looked up at Andromeda with a confused expression which caused the older woman to chuckle.
"What is it?" Daphne asked.
"A tool to help you heal," Andromeda patted the bed beside her, and Daphne took a seat, placing the binder in her lap. "You are incredibly observant, Daphne. As we've repaired your mindscape and reviewed your memories, I took note of how much you observed that night, particularly around Dumbledore and the other staff members."
"You mean how Dumbledore was reacting to Harry's memories?" Daphne scrunched her nose cutely.
"Yes, and how you derived the other professors were preparing to attempt to apprehend Dumbledore," Andromeda pointed out. "On top of that, you are able to quickly take information and properly sift through it, making accurate determinations."
"I think you may be overestimating me, Andi," Daphne said timidly.
"And you underestimate yourself, Daphne," Andromeda countered softly. "You have the mind of an Auror. I should know – Morgana knows I've dealt with plenty of them in my career."
"R-Really?" Daphne gasped with wide eyes. "You believe that?"
"I do," Andromeda said firmly. "Which is why I want you to have this," she patted the binder resting on Daphne's lap. "It's a tool Auror's use for investigations. It has an extension charm, and there is a sheet on the inside that details the different folders and files it can produce for you to organize your thoughts."
Daphne's eyes watered as she idly stroked the cover of the binder.
"I don't know what to say," she finally whispered.
"Well, a thank you would be polite," Andromeda teased.
"Th- Thank you," Daphne gave a watery smile.
Andromeda gave Daphne a kiss atop the head and left her to her thoughts. Daphne continued to stare at the gift, internally cringing at the thought of the cost.
I can finally begin understanding why it all happened, Daphne thought determinedly. I can go through every memory and determine what was me and what was…him. She shivered involuntarily at the thought of Cyrus. Then, if I ever run into Harry again, I can show him everything.
She clenched her jaw and forced away her tears as Tonks stumbled into the room with a grin.
"Good present?" she nodded toward the binder.
Daphne sniffled and nodded, offering a weak smile.
"Well, come on, Blondie," Tonks beckoned. "It is your birthday, after all!"
"Oh, okay," Daphne stood and reverently placed the binder atop her bed before following Tonks. "You really didn't have to-"
"DAFFY!"
Daphne nearly lost her footing as a dark-haired missile crashed into her.
"T-Tori?"
"Happy birthday!" Astoria gushed, squeezing Daphne for all she was worth. "I'm so happy you're doing well!"
Daphne nodded mutely as she returned the hug. Gods, how she loved her sister! A cold flick on her cheek caused her to jump slightly.
"He- hello, Sasha."
Sasha purred and flicked Daphne's cheek a second time with her tongue. Astoria giggled and leaned toward Daphne conspiratorially.
"Mum isn't a fan of Sasha," Astoria stage whispered. "Says it's not natural, having a basilisk on my shoulder."
"Mother is here?" Daphne asked in a low voice.
"Well, yeah," Astoria shrugged. "Why wouldn't she be? It's your birthday!"
Daphne fidgeted nervously, unsure of how she would react to seeing her mother. She hated that she felt such anger and betrayal from her mother's touch. Daphne knew it was unreasonable, she knew it was unfair, she knew she had to forgive her mum.
She just found that extremely difficult to actually do.
Aria Greengrass appeared at the end of the hallway and tentatively opened her arms, a hopeful smile on her tired features. While the woman had made great strides in her recovery, she still had months to go. Daphne's initial instinct was to flee back to the safety of her room, but she fought it down and walked toward her mum.
When she hesitated less than a foot away, Astoria gave Daphne a gentle push and she found herself in her mother's embrace. The initial rage and revulsion ebbed as Daphne squelched the emotions as quickly as they arose. After nearly a minute, Daphne gave a tremulous exhale and began sobbing quietly.
"Oh, my sweet, sweet baby," Aria whispered as she tenderly ran her hands through Daphne's silky hair. She pulled away slightly, holding Daphne at arm's length before kneeling and looking up at her eldest child. "Daphne," Aria's voice was thick with tears. "I am so, so sorry. I should have fought-"
"No," Daphne shook her head, her own tears falling, and gave a comforting, forgiving smile. She uttered the four words that had saved her from her own pit of despair. "It wasn't your fault."
Aria bit her lower lip and Daphne realized that it was a habit she had inherited from her mother. Then she was buried in her mother's embrace and, for the first time since Aria had been freed from her husband's control, Daphne felt comforted by the contact.
"I love you, Daphne," Aria said thickly.
"I love you too, mum," Daphne replied, her tone muffled from the embrace.
"Okay, time for presents!" Astoria clapped giddily as she vanished into the living room, giggling like a maniac.
Daphne shared a knowing glance with her mother and allowed herself to be ushered into the living room, uncaring of her appearance. She was surprised to find Minerva there, a gentle smile on her face and a gift in hand. It wasn't until she was seated on the couch with a small pile of presents nearby that she realized she was, for the first time in a very long time, genuinely happy.
-GU-
September 1, 1996 (America – Arizona – Midday)
"This is our last chance, buddy," Harry said conversationally to Fawkes who was perched atop his shoulder. "Monsoon season will end soon."
Fawkes cooed and bobbed his head.
"If we're going to see a thunderbird, it has to be today," Harry peered up at the ominous thunderclouds. "Looks like we chose a good day."
Harry unfolded a nifty muggle camping chair and grabbed himself a soda from a chilled cooler. He rather enjoyed camping. Fleur, on the other hand, hated it. The Veela had attempted it once and for less than a day before she declared it an unbearable experience and demanded Fawkes take her back to France.
Harry chuckled at the memory – His friend could be quite a diva sometimes.
"Lunch, Master Harry?" Dobby questioned with a bow.
"I'm good, Dobby," Harry indicated the empty chair beside him. "Have a seat, my friend. It's going to rain soon."
Dobby smiled and took a seat, humming contentedly to himself.
Then again, Dobby does make camping rather easy… Harry thought amusedly. Still… He closed his eyes and took a deep inhale as the first droplets of rain began to fall. How could one pass up a view like this?
There was a distant rumble of thunder tinged with a hint of magic and, if one listened closely, a telltale shriek. Fawkes' head shot up and the phoenix stared intently at the distant clouds.
"Looks like we found one," Harry nodded at his friends. "Hopefully they'll show themselves."
He pulled his wand and shot a harmless flare spell into the sky, just to let the thunderbird know it was safe.
"Miss Flower is missing out," Dobby said chipperly.
"I couldn't agree more," Harry replied as the sky darkened, and lightning began to flash erratically. Thunder shook the very rocks around them. The silhouette of the thunderbird appeared in the clouds and Harry found himself smiling ear to ear.
How could Fleur not want to witness this majesty? Harry asked himself as the bottoms of the clouds seemed to open, pouring out a deluge that swiftly soaked the three observers. Harry stood and held his hands out, palms up, as he tilted his head back and allowed the rain to wash down his face.
Harry could feel the area around him saturated with magic, raw and primal and so different from what he had felt at Hogwarts. Here in the Grand Canyon, there were no magical leylines, no hidden schools, no magical communities.
No. It was just nature and those caught up in its unyielding power.
The Elder Wand in Harry's hand hummed with magic, yearning, begging to be unleashed. Harry fingered the hilt, the finger with the Peverell Lordship ring and, by proxy, the Resurrection Stone twitched sporadically. His invisibility cloak, the last of the Deathly Hallows, usually cool, was warm and enveloped him like a blanket as it sat atop his shoulders.
Hissing in parseltongue, unashamed of his heritage, Harry began waving his wand and casting an ancient Ravenclaw spell. It had been a while since Harry flexed his own magic, and he felt the Deathly Hallows sing with pleasure as his body surged with magical power.
The rain continued to pour as Harry continued his intricate dance with his wand, his smile never faltering. Thunder boomed overheard, and an echoing boom resounded from Harry's wand.
Yes, Fleur was missing out.
Lightning flashed multiple times, filled with primal energy and Harry answered, his own pale lightning alighting the sky while a green mist began to coalesce in a growing circle around him. For nearly an hour the dance went on. The thunderbird would initiate, and Harry would respond. A conversation born of lightning and thunder.
Finally, chest heaving, sweat pouring down his brow, although it was difficult to tell with the rain still hammering him, Harry lowered his wand and allowed his magic to recede. In response, a single beam of sunlight penetrated the heart of the thunderclouds, stealing Harry's breath away with its beauty.
Harry squinted his emerald green eyes and grinned. There, in the center of the beam of light, was the thunderbird. Two massive wings with feathers the size of Harry's legs, light emanating from somewhere within, flapped lazily. A pair of smaller wings, closer to the twin-feathered tail, flapped in tandem.
The avian was gigantic and Harry looked over at Fawkes, who was soaked to the core, with a raised eyebrow.
"Well, are you going to say hello?" Harry poked the phoenix.
Fawkes released a screech that echoed off the stones. The thunderbird answered, the sound mimicking the thunder. Fawkes shot off in a flash of fire and Harry sat back down to watch the two birds dance around one another in the sky. Despite being soaked to the bone, Harry turned to Dobby and noted the house-elf was wearing a happy smile, just like him.
"If it's all right with you, Dobby," Harry chuckled. "I'll take lunch now."