A/N: Hey everyone! I wanted to get this one out yesterday, but life is fun. Chapter 20 will likely be the last one this week, for a few reasons. The overwhelming urge to write still exists, but looking back at the last few chapters I finished (33-36), I realized the talent to do so has gone missing. I scrapped all four, and hopefully what little talent I possess hasn't run far. Between that, exams, work, and holidays, the time I can devote to uploads will suffer a bit, though the determination I feel to finish the story remains. I hope to maintain two a week, though it may fall to one a week if I feel like I'm falling behind. A new friend mentioned to me that writing fanfiction needs to remain a hobby, and if it starts feeling like a job I'm doing something wrong, and I think he's right.
I updated my brother about the story at family dinner a couple nights ago, and realized "favorited it" is my least favorite thing to say out loud. But I'm grateful for all the reviews, favorites, and follows! Hope you enjoy this one!
Chapter 19
November 6, 1995
Harry managed to survive Saturday night, though it hadn't been fun. His numbness stuck around for Sunday, thankfully, and he was able to get through his weekly mirror session with Remus somewhat normally. He'd been glad Sirius was out, though, as it was harder to lie to his godfather.
The numbness faded on Monday, however, and the strength of his heartache was almost too much for the teen to bear. His earlier normality was also proven ineffective, as Sirius called on the mirror ten times in a row around dinner time. When he realized the man wouldn't stop, Harry finally sat up from his spot on the bed and answered.
His godfather's face showed the concern Harry expected, and the man seemed at a loss for words. Harry smiled reassuringly, though it didn't come close to reaching his eyes.
"I'm fine, Pads," he said, breaking the awkward silence.
"No you aren't. What happened? Is it the suspension?"
"Couldn't care less," Harry answered shortly.
"Is it the Room?"
"The Room's been great."
"Then what? I know it wasn't the match. Is it the conversation with Malfoy?"
"If anything, I enjoyed that. It's just been a rough few days."
"It's Daphne," Sirius realized, his eyes filling with sympathy.
Harry's heart skipped a beat painfully at her name.
"How'd you know?"
"Kiddo, I saw who walked away with the snitch, and who kissed you on the cheek after all the nonsense."
"I told her I can't," he admitted, his voice breaking a bit. He willed his eyes to stay clear, but they seemed reluctant to agree.
"I'm so sorry."
"It's for the best." Harry rubbed at his face furiously, not wanting to be so visibly weak.
"I understand why you think that. Have you eaten?"
The change of topic confused him, but he realized he hadn't. Not for two days.
"You have to eat," Sirius continued sobrely. "I didn't eat for a week after Marlene, and I got so sick I had to spend a weekend at St. Mungo's. At least you can't drink yourself silly," he added with a relieved look.
"I'll sneak down to the kitchens for something tonight."
"Too late," the older man countered. "Dobby was in here watching a movie, and disappeared into the main kitchen I think. You'll have company for the evening."
Harry felt a bit of warmth for the first time since Daphne left, grateful for the elf's friendship.
"Kiddo, I don't know what to say."
"You don't need to say anything."
Sirius took a deep breath, clearly deep in thought.
"Yes I do," he finally answered. "I can tell how much you're hurting, and I know how permanent it feels. But I promise it gets easier. Heartbreak has a way of filling you up. It takes over your entire being, and makes it impossible to feel anything else.
"But eventually you grow. Other things in your life need space, so you grow a bit to make room. And suddenly, the loss isn't all of you, just most of you. And as you add new things, new experiences, new people, new priorities, you grow further and the hurt is smaller still. At some point it becomes a bearable pain. I promise it gets easier, you just have to let it."
Harry wiped at the tear streaming down his face, angry at himself for being so affected.
"It doesn't make any sense," he breathed, trying to control his voice. "I've only known her for a few months, but when she walked away it's like I lost the ability to do anything. I can't be a person right now."
"You don't have to, kiddo," Sirius answered gently. "You don't have to do anything but eat your dinner and go to sleep afterwards. If you don't sit in this pain for a bit, you'll never get past it."
Harry let out a watery chuckle.
"Someone's mind-healing is working."
"It is," Sirius admitted, ignoring the teasing tone. "And you'll be getting back to it over the holidays."
Harry nodded, wiping his face again. "I can't afford to be like this. I need to check in on the school, and I can't miss the Hogsmeade trip. It's the perfect opportunity for Voldemort to make a move."
"That's easy," Sirius countered confidently. "Dobby will be there soon. Eat dinner with him, and explain what you need to know from the school. That little dude is incredible… he'll know more in an hour than you'd find out in a week. Keep him with you for the rest of your suspension, at least. Let him help you.
"Come Saturday, if you're feeling better, Remus and I will meet you in Hogsmeade, and we'll keep an eye out together. If you aren't, the two of us will handle it. Even Voldemort himself would be silly to take on the great Lord Black."
Harry smiled at his stupidly imperious face and nodded. "I can do that."
"Good," the man said with a smile. "And above all, give yourself a bit of grace right now, kiddo. As much as it may not feel like it, people have survived what you're going through right now."
"I just don't get it," Harry complained. "After all I've been through, this shouldn't hurt this much. I spent one night with her."
"James fell for your Mum on the train to Hogwarts in first year," Sirius countered. "And all she did was call him a moron. You have very little control over your heart, Harry. It decides what's best for you, and tends to be incredibly stubborn about it."
"I'd appreciate it if it would get to the growing portion of this bullshit."
"Give it time," Sirius replied with a sympathetic smile. "I have a meeting with Albus in a few minutes, so I have to run, but call me before you go to bed, okay?"
"I will. Bye, Pads,"
"You'll get through this, I promise."
The mirror went clear, and Harry couldn't stop another tear from falling, the brief conversation enough to completely unravel him emotionally. As he wiped his eyes, he felt two familiar presences enter from the Gryffindor door.
"Oh, Harry."
Hermione rushed over to the bed, immediately pulling him into a hug. Harry felt like a child, but couldn't deny the contact helped a bit. After a few long moments he finally felt spent of emotion, and pulled back wiping angrily at his face.
"You've looked better, mate," Ron said from behind.
"Cheers."
Harry got out of bed for the first time in two days, other than the occasional trip to the loo. He moved to a chair near the fire, falling into it heavily. His friends sat on the couch opposite, and he couldn't help but notice their clasped hands. He bit down on his jealousy as best he could and met their gazes.
"Daphne's the same, you know," Ron offered gently. "She hasn't been at meals since you got suspended. She skipped classes today, too. Tracey said she's a mess."
"Ron," Hermione admonished. "He doesn't need to hear that right now."
"No," Harry argued, blowing his nose on a conjured handkerchief. "I'm glad you told me. I'll send her some food."
"What happened?" Hermione asked.
"I told her I couldn't be with her," he answered neutrally. "And she understood."
"Mate," Ron countered. "I swear to God if you tell me you're fine just a single time tonight, I'm hitting you. Now what happened."
"Exactly what I said," Harry defended. "Just… bigger. I think I broke her heart. She said she understood, and I think she honestly was trying, but it didn't make it any easier. And when she left, I… I'm just not handling it very well." He fought to keep the tears from returning at the memory.
"Harry," Hermione began. "No offense, but I don't really understand. You haven't known her long."
"I get it," Ron countered simply. "I saw it in Diagon that day over the summer, and every day here at school. She's your person."
"Ron," Harry said, trying to shrug it off. "She's not my person, whatever that means. Hermione's right, I'm overreacting."
"No," the redhead argued gently, as if he was speaking to a toddler. "She is your person. My dad told me about how he and Mum got together, said he looked at her one day, and just knew he needed her in his life. And he spent years doing everything he could to win her over, because that moment happens at different times for different people. For him, the moment was in his second year. For Mum, it was sometime during their fifth. I think Diagon Alley was you and Daphne's moment, mate."
"That's a really cute story about your parents, Ron, but that's not how it works," Hermione replied softly.
"I know what my moment was, 'Mione," he countered stubbornly, refusing to be dismissed. "I can tell you exactly where we were, and exactly what we said."
Hermione looked up at her boyfriend, blushing outrageously.
"Even if she's my person," Harry interrupted quickly, desperate to move on. "It won't work."
"Because you're scared."
"I'm not scared of anything," he snapped. "I'm trying to figure out how to kill a fucking Dark Lord."
"Easy," Ron soothed, unwilling to back down. "I'm not saying you're scared of Daphne or relationships. I'm saying you're scared of what could happen if you admit it, or what would happen if the wrong person found out. And you're right to worry! But if you start letting your fear control your actions, we may as well give up now. This mess is gonna come down to you, as much as I hate that idea, and you can't afford to let fear make your decisions."
Harry, exhausted from his emotional breakdown and confused by the situation, merely blinked. After a few moments, he finally found words.
"Hermione, I don't know what you've done to my best friend, but it's bugging me."
"I'm as confused as you are."
Ron laughed, a booming sound that lifted Harry's spirits a bit.
"I may not be as smart as either of you, but I grew up in a house with two parents who are still disgustingly in love, and who are far too open about how they've managed it. And sure, maybe they're wrong. But if they are, I wanna be wrong too."
Harry and Hermione stared at each other in shock for a moment, before breaking into laughter.
"Well that's rude."
"No, mate," Harry said while composing himself. "We just never expected you to be so wise about this."
"Well that's even more rude," he countered, his grin putting the other two at ease. "But I'll take it. Ron Weasley, Doctor of Love."
"Don't push your luck there, Doctor," Hermione quipped, squeezing his hand. "Harry, have you eaten?"
"Dobby should be here…"
The elf popped into the room with perfect timing.
"...right now, apparently. Hey Dobby."
"Dobby is being here with master's food!" the elf squeaked, vibrating with excitement.
"Dobby be speaking house-elfish again," Harry countered with a grin.
The elf gave a sheepish smile, opening the large satchel he carried with him.
"Sorry, Harry. I's just excited to be able to help."
"It's okay, buddy," Harry said, patting his friend on the shoulder. "You can speak however you want, and I appreciate you coming."
"I's happy to. But I didn't bring enough food for a Weasley," he finished with a mischievous glance towards Ron.
"Already had dinner, mate," Ron answered with a grin. "Though that chicken does look good."
"Don't you dare, Bilius," Hermione said seriously. "That's for Harry."
"Thanks 'Mione," Harry said with a smirk, enjoying the glare the girl sent his way at the nickname. "Dobby, could you please take the roast beef and the chocolate pie to Daphne Greengrass, please."
"Dobby be… I's thinking you should eat it all, Harry."
"Someone I care about hasn't eaten in two days either, buddy," Harry answered. "I really need her to, and I'd appreciate it if you could make sure she does."
Dobby seemed to think for a moment, before popping away with the two plates of food.
"You know he's going to force feed her, right?" Ron asked with a grin.
"Oh god," Harry breathed, realizing the truth of the statement. "Something else to apologize for."
Harry spent the next half hour talking with his friends and eating far too much food. He was surprised by Ron's insights when it came to relationships, as was Hermione, but the surprised pair were quick to pop his ego when he needed it. After finishing his meal, Harry's body quickly let him know it was time for a shower and bed, and he ushered his friends to their door.
"You're okay?" Hermione asked seriously, hugging him tightly.
"Not even a little bit," Harry admitted as he pulled back. "I clearly broke the heart of my person, and at some point I'll have to figure out how to move forward."
He interrupted Ron's indignant response with a hug, and whispered in his ear.
"Thanks, mate. I'll think about it."
The room felt empty again without the pair, but not as painfully so. Hedwig flew through the window as Harry sat near the fire, dropping a dead rat at his feet.
"Thanks, girl," he offered seriously, stroking her feathers. "But I actually ate while you were gone."
Dobby reappeared, looking like he accomplished his mission, and banished the rat to the corner of the room by the window.
"Dobby, I can't thank you enough for coming."
"I's happy to, Harry."
"Glad to hear it, buddy. We have work to do."
"What we's waiting for?"
—
November 11, 1995
Harry's week of suspension felt like the longest of his life. His heartbreak settled into a constant dull ache, but a sudden thought or memory would quickly send it back to torturous levels, and those thoughts popped up with alarming frequency. He persevered, however, and he was able to be somewhat productive during the time, making a list of things to practice when his magic returned to its normal level. The loss of power surprised the teen, but Sirius assured him that emotional upheaval often came with fluctuating levels of magic.
Dobby spent most of his time in the castle itself, using his ability to go unnoticed to keep an eye on things. From his reports, it sounded like the school was in a bit of a stasis since Harry had been suspended. No new rules were added, but the students still lived in a constant state of anxiety, and Harry knew something needed to change soon.
Almost every member of the training group visited at some point during the week, some to train, and others just to check in on him. Astoria even stopped by with Blaise and Tracey a couple nights ago, surprising Harry.
"Somehow," the younger girl said frustratedly as she entered. "You look even worse than Daphne does."
Harry's heartache returned with a vengeance at the thought, forcing him to be a less than gracious host, and the three Slytherins made their exit rather early after practicing a few spells.
Twenty-three visited, the only one he really wanted to see choosing not to. Harry tried to be thankful for that fact, as he was somehow more torn now than he was before their fall out, and didn't have a clue how to move forward. He couldn't seem to order his thoughts, even after using Sirius and Dobby as sounding boards. Focusing was impossible for the teen, and Harry couldn't afford to be distracted today.
"Harry," Remus said from his left, drawing him out of his thoughts. "Eat your lunch. You'll need your strength."
"You sound like Dobby," Harry responded, though he did take a bite of the fried fish Rosmerta served a few minutes prior.
"I'm honored. Dobby is a thoughtful and intelligent guy," Remus countered easily.
"He meant how you sound," Sirius interrupted. "Not what you said. The squeakiness. Interesting grammar choices. Occasionally slipping into third person."
"First," Remus replied loftily while Harry chuckled into his butterbeer. "I'm impressed you know what third person means. Second, the number of times I've heard you refer to yourself as Lord Black in the last few weeks should be some sort of crime."
"There's not a jail in the world that can hold Lord Black," Sirius countered loudly, puffing his chest out in pride.
Harry snorted as he watched a few nearby patrons quickly stand to leave, shooting worried glances in Sirius' direction. Clearly Lord Black's reputation was still iffy at best.
"Rosmerta won't appreciate you running her customers off," Harry advised with a grin.
"Rosie loves me," Sirius argued loudly before standing. "Isn't that right, Ros'?" he called out to the witch behind the distant bar.
"Depends on my tip, Black," she called back, not looking up from the drink she was pouring.
"Still got it," Sirius preened, returning to his seat.
"The salve didn't clear it up?" Remus cracked, he and Harry laughing at the man.
"Why is it always me getting ganged up on?" the man grumped in return. "Why can't we ever make fun of Moony?"
"Moony doesn't make a fool of himself in public," Harry answered with a grateful smile, knowing his godfather was doing it to cheer him up.
The three finished their early lunch, paid for their meals, and headed out into the village. Hogsmeade felt like an entirely different place without the horde of excited students walking its streets. The only real activity was from a few shopkeepers loading boxes of product, making sure they were well stocked for the coming invasion.
"Is Robards gonna make it?" Harry asked worriedly.
The Head Auror was well aware of how big a target the Hogsmeade visit would be, but according to Sirius, his request to station extra aurors was denied by Fudge.
"Yeah, he took the day off," Sirius answered. "He made sure to keep a few aurors he trusts off the schedule as well. They should be here any minute."
"Tell him I appreciate it if I don't get to speak to him."
"I will. Apparently his wife is none too happy with him over it, so maybe the thanks of the Boy-Who-Lived will be enough to get him out of the doghouse."
"I'll personally deliver some flowers if it keeps him on our side."
"Walk us through what you're thinking," Remus requested.
Harry used the last couple nights to try and plan for every eventuality. The Room provided maps of the Village, including floor plans of all the shops, but he couldn't get his brain to work correctly, and was worried he'd missed something.
"It's gonna depend on what any possible attack looks like. I doubt they'll come en masse, as the Ministry is still doing their ostrich impression, and if I'm right, that also means Voldemort won't be joining us. If I'm wrong and it is a mass attack, your first job, Moony, is to get Dumbledore here as soon as possible."
"No problem," Remus agreed. "He said he wanted to be here already, but didn't want to be the cause for any awkwardness with students or staff."
"I get that," Harry agreed morosely. He knew if he saw Daphne his presence would likely ruin her trip. His face must have shown his thoughts, as Sirius placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"You can only control so much, kiddo," he said with a comforting smile. "Her happiness isn't part of that at the moment."
Harry nodded, shaking the distraction from his mind.
"I'm guessing they'll be after certain students," he continued. "Wizengamot parents, wealthy families, and the like. I asked Susan to tell the most probable targets to stick with large groups, but I don't know how successful she was. We'll need to be everywhere at once."
"Snape told Albus he hasn't heard of any planned attacks," Remus mentioned. "So if one comes, it's likely not from the inner circle."
"I hope he's right, but I'm not willing to take that chance."
"We know," Sirius responded gently. "Arthur, Bill, Charlie, and Amelia should be here soon. That gives us three groups to cover a bit of ground."
"My training group can handle themselves, as well. I doubt the Death Eaters will use anti-transportation wards, as they'd want to escape as soon as they got their hands on their targets. So all I can think of is to stick in teams and keep a close eye on everyone we can. Honeydukes' cellar is our primary shelter if we need it, and we can lead students into the tunnel. Secondary shelter is the post office. It's the most warded building in the village, and should able to withstand a good bit of damage. But I'd rather we get everyone behind the castle's wards if we can."
"And if it's an all-out attack?" Remus asked, clearly wanting to cover all bases.
"Get every student you can off the streets. I'll force the Death Eaters to bunch up on the main road, and we'll push them out of the village to the east."
"Sounds simple enough," Sirius cheered.
"No plan survives first contact with the enemy."
"Who said that?"
"Uncle Charlus… and before him some old dead guy."
"Your vast knowledge is a calming influence," Remus quipped with a grin. Harry shoved him in response.
"There's the aurors," Sirius noticed. "I'll go run through things with Gawain."
As he left, Harry felt the three Weasley men approaching from behind.
"Remus, you mind filling them in? I'd rather not let them see me like this."
"You're doing better than you think, Harry. Go grab something from Honeydukes. Sirius and I will meet you outside before the school arrives."
—
The students wandered around the Village like lemmings, following each other without any real direction, but Harry was happy for them. This semester had been difficult for everyone, and they deserved a chance to breathe some air besides the tainted Hogwarts atmosphere.
Harry and Sirius casually strolled their section of the town, each hoping their Saturday was being wasted. Remus chose to post up in the main intersection, just in case the other two were caught on the far side of their area. Harry shook his head in frustration every few minutes, unable to keep himself from looking for Daphne. He just wanted to see her, to make sure she was okay, but the idea was also terrifying to the distracted teen.
The head shakes didn't help much, nor did they clear the pessimism he was feeling.
"You alright, kiddo?" Sirius asked when he noticed the behavior.
"I feel like I've missed something, but I can't figure out what."
"I spent a year distracted after Marlene. It's perfectly normal."
"It just feels like I was thinking so clearly since I came back. I had my plan, and I built on it as I needed to. But this last week it's been impossible to have a stream of thought longer than thirty seconds before something jumps out of the corner and punches me in the gut."
"Fun, isn't it?" his godfather asked sarcastically.
"Very."
"Hey, there's Ron and Hermione," Sirius pointed. The pair was leaving Dervish and Banges, Ron with bags in each hand. "Let's go say hello."
Harry was about to agree when he noticed a familiar flash of blonde hair beyond his friends. As Ron and Hermione crossed the street, he was caught in whatever spell Daphne had over him, stopping him dead in his tracks.
"Yeah, nevermind on that one," he heard Sirius mutter to himself. Harry didn't respond.
He couldn't. He was stuck still at the sight of the girl. She looked beautiful, if a bit sad. She was surrounded by her two friends and her sister, a group of others not far behind, but they barely registered to Harry.
He watched as she responded to something said beside her, smiling in return, though it looked forced. She shook her head emphatically at a question asked of her, her gaze sweeping forward, and Harry was punched in the gut all over again.
Daphne froze in place, the students behind her quickly moving to either side to avoid her. Her beautiful blue eyes reflected the sunlight, and the shock she felt, as she stared at Harry.
He couldn't be sure how long they stood in place, and he worried it had been hours. Finally, an arm slipped through Daphne's, and tugged her into a shop to her right. She followed, looking over her shoulder at him until she was out of sight.
"Er, Harry?"
Harry shook his head, willing it to clear, but wasn't very successful.
"I'm fine, Pads."
"Okay, kiddo," Sirius responded gently. "Let's head over to Moony, she's already passed him."
The two made their way over, Harry refusing to look in the shop he wanted to peek in so badly. As they approached they saw the man talking with Professor Flitwick. Remus smiled over the diminutive man's head, and Flitwick quickly turned.
"Mr. Potter," he said excitedly. "I hoped you would be here. The school isn't the same without you."
"Hello, sir," Harry replied, unable to return the man's excitement.
"I hope your suspension has been fruitful."
"Yes, sir," he lied. "It's been okay."
Flitwick must have noticed Harry was in a funk, as he patted the teen's elbow in commiseration.
"Dark times rarely last, Harry. Hogwarts will be back to normal before you know it."
"Huh?... oh… yes, sir. I imagine it will be."
"If you gentlemen will excuse me, I have a lunch appointment," the man said kindly. "Sirius, so good to see you, my boy."
"You too, Professor," Padfoot replied happily.
"You okay, Harry?" Remus asked with concern.
"No." Harry didn't trust himself to say anymore, and wanted to try and forget that Daphne was somewhere behind him right now.
He watched as the two friends shared a look, Remus' eyes growing soft with recognition.
"She looked okay," he said softly. "She's with a large group, and it looked like her friends were keeping an eye out. Try not to worry."
"I'll be fine, Moony," he replied after a moment. "No trouble here?"
"None. And Arthur and Robards both stopped by to say everything seems normal on their ends."
The off-duty aurors were positioned on the far side of the town, away from Hogwarts, with the Weasley's and Amelia nearest to the school. Harry knew any attack would likely come from the aurors' direction, and Robards promised to fire sparks if they found trouble. So far everything seemed normal, except for the nagging feeling in his stomach.
"Harry," a voice said near his shoulder, startling the teen and causing him to curse his ongoing distraction once more. He turned to see Astoria standing close, a serious look in her eyes. She gestured him away from the Marauders, and he followed a few steps away.
"Hey," he said, trying to sound normal. "Having a good time?"
"Better than you it seems," she answered. "You need to talk to my sister."
"Astoria, I…"
"No, Harry," she interrupted. "Just listen. She's like some sort of zombie, unable to string three words together. She's failed every assignment she's had this week, and I heard her tell Tracey that she can't seem to focus on anything."
Harry winced, very familiar with the feeling.
"I don't want to get in your business, and I trust Daphne to make good decisions," Astoria continued, not unkindly. "But you look as bad as she does, and that was the first time I've ever seen anyone sneak up on you. Talk to her. If nothing else, just so you can have a moment of clarity before going back to whatever hell you're both living in."
"It's not that easy."
"It doesn't need to be easy!" she replied frustratedly. "It can't be much worse than what you're feeling now! And I promise you, if you don't talk to her eventually, she'll figure out a way to forget you. She's stronger than you know."
His heart went cold at the thought, hating the idea more than anything.
Before he could respond, bright red sparks exploded in the air beyond the girl. The aurors had trouble. He shook his head to settle his emotions, adrenaline kicking in immediately, though his heart remained frozen.
"Astoria," he said firmly. "Run to the gates, right now, and tell anyone you see to do the same."
"What?"
He grabbed the confused girl's shoulders, meeting her eyes seriously. "Something is happening. An attack. Run to the gates right now and keep running until you get into the castle."
He nudged the girl in the right direction, and turned back to look at Sirius and Remus. They both had wands drawn and looked determined.
"Harry," Astoria called, following his instructions, a fearful look on her face. "Find Daphne."
"I will," he promised as she ran off, yelling and gesturing at people as she did.
Harry drew his wand, realizing the coldness in his heart had spread to his fingers.
Dementors.
The thought cleared his mind immediately, but he could have punched himself for not thinking of the possibility. The feeling was getting stronger, and Harry began hearing screams coming from the direction of the aurors.
"Sirius," Harry ordered. "Your Patronus still isn't great, so you work from here towards the Weasley's. Get everyone past the gates, the wards will keep the dementors out. Remus, you're with me. I'm heading to the aurors, raise the alarm behind me."
The two men nodded, Sirius clearly feeling the effects of the creatures that bothered him so much. His godfather pantomimed a deep breath, and Harry took one. With a last look of warning, he turned and sprinted down the road, intent on reaching Robards before any damage could be done.
"Harry!" Ron nearly barreled into him as he ran from across the street.
"How do you feel about your Patronus?" Harry asked without slowing.
"I can do it," the redhead answered confidently.
"Great. Slow down a bit and try to pick out any of the training group that's managed it. So far I think it's Fred, George, Lee, and Katie."
Harry remembered Daphne finally succeeding in their last group session, her horse as graceful as its owner, but he refused to drag her into danger, regardless of the power her spell brought.
"You got it, mate," Ron agreed, running into the middle of the street, his head on a swivel. Harry knew Hermione would be helping students back to the castle, her Patronus still a work in progress.
"Harry!" Remus yelled as the streets slowly emptied of students. "You won't do any good if you can't breathe when you get there."
The werewolf's strength and stamina allowed him to catch up easily, not breathing hard at all. Harry slowed from a sprint to a jog, nodding at Remus seriously. As they rounded the last curve before the village dissipated into the occasional house, they nearly ran into the back of the seven guarding aurors.
"Robards," Harry barked.
"Welcome to the party!" the man shouted back, his wand focused on his Patronus.
The seven were trying and failing to hold back at least a hundred of the vile creatures, but they were retreating quickly. Harry watched as the auror on the far right passed out, the dementors almost breaking through the formation. Remus stepped up in a flash, casting his wolf, and dragged the auror backwards with his offhand.
Harry slipped in between two aurors he didn't recognize, intent on sending the dementors packing.
"EXPECTO PATRONUM!"
Prongs, however, didn't appear, only a fine white mist. Harry shook his head roughly, focusing on his time spent with his Mum.
"EXPECTO PATRONUM!"
The spell failed again.
"Get back, kid!" the auror to his left called. "That won't do anything but see you kissed."
Harry stepped to the back of the small formation, at a loss as to what to do. His Patronus was usually more powerful than anyone's, and he didn't understand what was happening. He tried the spell again as he quickly backpedaled, the aurors falling back in front of him, but it was proven useless once more.
Harry saw another auror fall and sprung forward, dragging the young woman backwards. He knew the remaining defenders were flagging, and he suddenly realized this was going to be a catastrophe. He knew he wasn't getting out of this, though the realization didn't affect him as much as he thought it would.
His mind immediately turned to Daphne, and he hoped she'd already reached the gates. If his life was soon to end, at least she would be safe. He remembered Daniel's desire to move his girls to Beauxbatons, and hoped he'd convince them to do so. It was weird, he realized, to be facing certain doom and think only of the logistics of another person's life, but he couldn't find any concern for himself in his heart.
"Harry!"
The distracted teen looked over his shoulder to see Ron running up the road towards him, the four Gryffindors in tight formation behind. Harry was torn on asking the five to cast their spells or run back to the castle, but the Weasley's made the decision for him, rushing past him to join the aurors' line.
Lee and Katie followed quickly, revealing a hidden sixth member of their group.
Daphne stared at him with fear in her eyes, but they softened when she saw he was okay. Harry fought the urge to scream at her to run, knowing she would refuse.
"Mate," Ron called, his bear Patronus in the air. "We could really use Prongs right now."
Harry winced as he continued to move back to the castle, eventually drawing alongside Daphne who backpedaled next to him.
"It's not working, Ron," he called back. "Something's wrong with my Patronus!"
"Shit!" he heard his friend yell.
Two more aurors left the formation, swaying on their feet. They managed to shake it off slightly, and took their two teammates off of Harry and Remus' hands. The diminishing group were nearly jogging backwards now, unable to hold back the swarm.
"EXPECTO PATRONUM!" Harry called once more, willing everything he had into the spell.
It failed again. Harry felt the almost tangible helplessness of the situation, and the danger they were in. Above everything, however, his heart broke at the thought of losing Daphne to the creatures. He chanced a look at the girl, and saw her staring at him while moving backwards.
When he caught her eye, everything around him seemed to still. He knew he was still moving, but it's like the world around him ceased to exist. Daphne smiled softly in his direction, her heart completely open in the expression, and Harry's almost burst at the sight. She didn't look scared or broken, she was confident. Confident in him. She believed he would save them, and the obvious belief was like a balm to his broken heart.
Harry felt his body warm, and the dementors' affect on him pulled back. He breathed deeply, shot the girl a grateful smile, and raised his wand.
"EXPECTO PATRONUM!" he screamed, his eyes still lost in Daphne's, hoping he could convey the thanks he felt in his look. He finally wrenched his eyes away when he felt the magic rush from him.
Prongs was huge. Much larger and brighter than it had ever been before. Harry directed it towards the vile creatures, the stag leaping into the air over the aurors in front.
The first dementor Prongs hit flew backwards as if shot from a cannon, releasing an unholy shriek as it did. Harry directed the Patronus to rush across the front line of the evil creatures, pushing them into the densely packed swarm behind them. The stag ended on the far left, forcing the stragglers back and to the middle.
As Harry directed the Patronus to make another pass, he felt a hand slip into his left. He turned to see Daphne, wand raised in her off hand, staring at him with pride in her eyes. She smiled, her thoughts an open book, and cast her horse.
The surprisingly massive animal flew to the left side of the swarm, forcing the flank backwards. She directed it to the center, and Harry mirrored the action, bringing Prongs from the right.
As the two animals met in the middle they seemed to melt into each other briefly. As they morphed, a massive shockwave of pure magic burst outwards from them. The dementors were flung away by the blinding magic, spinning through the air as they did, and the wave didn't stop until the dementors were mere specks in the distance.
Harry let Prongs fade, tugging Daphne around to face him as he did. She turned easily, quickly meeting his eyes, her arms grasping his biceps. Harry felt the tension leave his body as he sank into her look, and the world seemed to disappear once more. Nothing else mattered in this moment, Daphne was safe. She was here.
And suddenly, so was someone new. An unfamiliar presence apparated directly behind the girl. Harry reacted purely on instinct, whipping Daphne behind him with his right hand, his empty left extending to the black-masked wizard the move revealed.
The attacker's hands were extended in an attempt to grab the unsuspecting girl, his wand in his right. Harry grabbed the hand without thinking, twisting it violently in the opposite direction. He managed to place a finger on the slender piece of wood, and pushed.
He hadn't thought of a particular spell, but his magic reacted nonetheless. A malicious purple bolt of magic erupted from the tip of the wand, hitting the wizard in the mask from point blank range.
As the magic penetrated the mask, the Death Eater within screamed in excruciating pain. The gathered witches and wizards watched as the mask seemed to lose its foundation, crumpling in on itself. The scream was cut off abruptly, but the magic persisted. The wizard's body burst into unnatural purple flames, and Harry stepped backwards, pulling Daphne close behind him.
The girl released his hand, clutching his shirt with her left, her wand pointing underneath his armpit in her right. The shocked group watched as the flames destroyed everything, the attacker's clothes and mask being burned with the body. The wand was the last to turn to ash, as the flames finally finished running their course.
Nobody moved. The attack and response lasted all of four seconds, and nobody was sure how to react. Harry shook it off first, turning to Daphne quickly, his trembling hands grabbing her own.
"Are you okay?" he asked breathlessly, his eyes shining with power.
"Of course, I am," she replied after a moment, her eyes meeting his. "I'm with you."
He smiled at her in relief, adrenaline still coursing his veins. She returned the smile, and Harry's stomach flipped.
"Potter," Robards interrupted from his right, his aurors fanning out around the group. "We need to get these students back to the castle. Keep your wits about you."
Harry, still staring into his favorite blue eyes, nodded agreeably. He sent Daphne one last smile, and shook himself slightly.
He turned towards the castle, refusing to release the girl's left hand, and led the way back through the Village. As they walked, he and Daphne traded glances at one another, both smiling like they hadn't in a week.
"Mate," Ron said gently from his other side. "Remind me not to piss you off."
Harry laughed, and he noticed Daphne roll her eyes at the comment.
"Ron, you have my solemn vow that I'll only light you on fire if you really really bug me."
"I can live with that," he laughed, clapping the teen on the shoulder. The trio led the others down the street, Sirius sprinting their direction when he saw them.
When he approached he pulled Harry into a rough hug. Harry returned it with one arm, his right refusing to release Daphne's hand.
"You're okay?" Sirius asked worriedly, pushing the teen to arm's reach.
"I'm okay, Pads," he answered with a smile. He looked down to the hand that held the girl who rescued him, and back to his godfather.
"Well look at this," Sirius said with a grin, noticing their interlaced fingers.
"Black," Robards interjected dryly from behind the teens. "I'd keep whatever terrible joke you're thinking of to yourself. You don't want to see what Harry does to someone that tries to harm the girl."
Sirius looked back at him questioningly, but Harry shook his head. "Later. What happened? Is everyone okay?"
"There were a few attempted kidnappings," the man admitted with a grimace. "A group was lying in wait near the wards."
"Who did they get?" Harry asked, quickly turning furious.
"Nobody, kiddo," the man soothed. "Amelia and the Weasley's came through. Charlie took a cutting curse to the stomach, but he should be fine."
Harry allowed his sudden tension to ebb and lightened his grip on Daphne's hand, not realizing he had squeezed it tightly.
"Bill and Arthur killed one each," Sirius continued with a somber look. "They're a little shaken up, but we'll get them through it."
"Where are the bodies?" Robards asked immediately.
"Gone. They disappeared about a minute ago. Must've had connected portkeys."
"Damn it," the auror responded frustratedly. "I'll get our side's statements."
He rushed past the four as he headed towards the castle. His aurors followed, two stopping in front and turning back to Harry.
"Mr. Potter," the first said, a large black man who radiated confidence. "Sorry for snapping at you back there. I didn't want you to get hurt."
"I appreciate it, Auror…"
"Shacklebolt," the man offered with a smile. "Call me Kingsley. Good show back there."
"Thanks, Kingsley. And thanks for being here in the first place."
Harry finally released Daphne's hand, shaking the auror's firmly before he turned to follow his boss. He was quickly replaced by the young witch he had pulled from the formation, who wore a mischievous smirk and a bright pink mohawk.
"Harry, you don't know me but…"
"You must be Tonks," Harry interrupted, noticing the resemblance to Narcissa despite the hair.
"My reputation precedes me," the witch grinned tiredly. "Thanks for that back there."
"Of course," Harry said with a smile. "Thanks for coming."
"I assume you guys are good from here?"
"We are, Nymphie," Sirius answered with a smirk.
"Not if you call me that again you aren't," the witch spat dangerously, her previous exhaustion forgotten.
Sirius gulped, and Remus stepped behind him while chuckling.
"We're fine, Miss Tonks. I'll make sure this lot stays out of trouble."
"From what I saw, Mr. Lupin, you're more than capable," the auror said with a flirtatious wink before turning and following her colleagues.
"Moony," Sirius hissed dangerously.
A/N: I wrestled over what Daphne's Patronus should be for far too long. I was stuck between an antelope, unicorn, horse, and eagle. Eventually, I decided I liked what a horse represents according to the internet. Strength, courage, beauty, grace, and the ability to shoulder burdens. Sounds like what my version of Daphne is going to need as we go further, and honestly, horses are just badass.
Actual resolution with Daphne in the next chapter. Thanks for reading!