A/N: Early update! My creative juices aren't moving at all this week, and I've learned that if I force myself to write like this, I end up rewriting pure garbage later on anyway. So I decided to edit instead! This chapter is about as large a tonal shift from 44 as possible, but it's one of my personal favorites. Thanks for reading!
Chapter 45
August 9, 1996
Harry nearly kissed the ground when his feet found it, the feeling of the international portkey stealing his breath. He didn't think he'd ever grow used to the sensation, and he felt a strong hand on each shoulder to steady him.
"You okay, kiddo?"
"I'm ready to pick an island and stay there," he admitted, knowing he was slightly green.
"If only Voldemort knew you had such an obvious kryptonite…" Remus countered with a grin.
"Kiss my ass, grandpa."
Remus chuckled at the familiar insult, though Harry was glad for the positive energy. The trio were joined by Tonks, Neville, and the Greengrass' for this journey, and Enzo, their guide, was too happy to be allowed.
"Everyone still have their breakfast?" he asked excitedly. "We're at a designated apparition point, and have a bit of a walk ahead of us."
"You think I'd make you walk?"
The voice was connected to an incredibly beautiful witch, her amber eyes filled with love as she raced towards the Italian Commander. Enzo's face quickly mirrored the emotion, and the familial resemblance was immediately apparent.
"Izzy!" he nearly screamed, rushing towards the woman in delight.
Harry couldn't help but smile at his friend's happiness, and his eyes found Daphne's whose grin lit up the small room. His equilibrium shifted again as she met his gaze, and he held out a hand as she took a few steps forward.
"Everyone," Enzo began once he released his sister. "This is Isabella Moretti, my sister who seems to grow more beautiful every time I see her."
Emily was the first to approach the slightly blushing newcomer, while Sirius nudged Harry with his elbow.
"Was I the only one expecting a younger sister?"
He merely grinned in response, watching the magnetic woman as she greeted the visitors with kisses on each cheek. Her smile was contagious, and he squeezed Daphne's hand as he saw his group uplifted by her presence.
Her rounds finally brought her to the trio, and she held out a hand to Daphne with a warm smile.
"My younger self would be exceedingly jealous of the beauty that just entered my town," she offered as she kissed his girlfriend's cheeks. "My entrance was less impressive than intended as I had to catch my breath…Daphne, I presume?"
"Any more impressive and we'd have a couple men sleeping on couches," she countered with a grin. "It's so nice to meet you, Isabella."
"Izzy, please. Enzo said the teenagers he was bringing were that only in name, and now I see why. This is your boyfriend he writes of so fondly?"
Harry grinned as he saw Enzo's blush, and accepted the kisses from the tornado of a woman.
"His words about you are just as effusive," he offered sincerely. "Thank you for the warm welcome, Izzy."
"It is my extreme pleasure, Harry. It sounds like you all deserve a break, and I'm so glad you've chosen to spend it here."
She stepped close with a conspiratorial wink, whispering loud enough to be overheard by all.
"And who is the handsome man next to you that hasn't quite recovered from my sudden appearance?"
"Sirius," his godfather blurted a bit too loudly. "Sirius Black, godfather extraordinaire…"
"I've heard much of you, too," she countered as the pair embraced. "I've warned the polizia of your arrival, sir... I'd very much like my town to remain standing once you've left."
"That cuts my ideas for activities in half…" he replied with a grin. "But I'm sure I'll find other ways to occupy the time."
"I'll make sure of it… Mamma will need help in the kitchen, and you look up to the task."
"Not if you intend to feed people," Remus interjected with a knowing smirk. "Perhaps an outdoor chore… counting rocks or something."
"He'll do just fine," Izzy argued happily. "Now! Who's ready for another portkey?"
She laughed aloud at the collected groans, but her joy was contagious, and the journey much shorter.
—
Charlie groaned at the thousandth knock on the door, exhausted by his first day as 'Lord of the Manor'. He'd been honored when Harry asked if he'd step in, but after twelve hours in the job, he'd happily go back in time and strangle his younger self.
"Come in…"
He sighed in relief at the sight of his dad and brother, the pair sporting matching grins at his reaction. He collapsed into the chair once more, gesturing distractedly for the two men to join him.
"Lord Potter," Bill greeted sarcastically. "Thank you for admitting us into your lovely home."
"Mr. Weasley," he countered with a glare. "I have complete control over the wards at the moment, so watch your mouth before I explode you…"
"Not the job you thought it was?" Arthur asked with a knowing smile.
"The wards alone are too much! It's like a constant draw on my magic, and I have no clue how Harry focuses all day…"
"I have a feeling it's easier for him as an actual Potter… Any fires to put out?"
"Just ten thousand sheets of parchment to study, categorize, and summarize… I have a newfound respect for Remus, and he was already near the top of my list in that department. On a quiet Friday, I've had six reports from our forces, two each from the Italian and Polish, four from Macmillan, three from the Wizengamot, and one each from Albus and Severus. Who has the time to write all of these?"
"I thought I'd hand deliver mine," Arthur countered amusedly as he reached into his satchel. "Two more to add to your collection… I decided to save the other six for when Remus gets back."
"I'm defecting. Anyone know where Voldemort's hanging out? I guarantee he doesn't deal with this much clerical bullshit…"
"If you find him let me know," Bill chuckled in response. "They're back Sunday?"
"If this place still stands…"
"It's two days, brother…"
"Let's switch then, brother… I'll do your job until Sunday, you do mine."
"I'm off for the weekend…"
"Rub it in."
"No, Charles," the man corrected with a roll of his eyes. "I'm saying I'm not working for the weekend… neither is Fleur. We'll come help you out if you change your attitude."
"I love you. Do I say that enough?"
"I think that's the first time, actually. I'll take the unfinished reports home when I leave, and we'll come by after breakfast tomorrow."
"You're a godsend. Why didn't he ask you if you're off for the weekend?"
"Because as capable as your brother is," Arthur answered. "He's not 'the great Charlie Weasley'."
"The hell's that supposed to mean?" Charlie asked in surprise, knowing his brother was at least his match in every way.
"I'm not who you are to this community, Chuckles," Bill supplied with a grin. "You've done things I never could have, and I think I'm more proud of you than I've ever been…"
He took a moment to absorb that statement, feeling a bit torn on how much it warmed him. Bill had always been the one to live up to: Head Boy, head of his class, respected job right after graduation, and now, happily married. He'd never felt jealous, but the man cast a monstrous shadow. That Bill thought he'd done something remarkable was a bit overwhelming, but Charlie chose to dismiss the feeling as a side effect of his mental exhaustion.
"I think you're wrong, but thanks all the same. You sure Fleur's okay with the offer?"
"You think it was my idea? I was ready to spend the weekend in bed… it was her that demanded we help."
"Father sitting right here…" Arthur interjected with a grimace.
Charlie grinned at his response, knowing the older man was also working multiple jobs in his attempt to restrain his mother. Molly reacted strongly to the news of her eldest son's marriage, though she'd managed to control her hurt during the conversation with the newlyweds. According to Arthur, however, that response was the 'public face', and he'd spent every day since helping his wife come to terms with the reality. He was an incredible husband and father, and Charlie couldn't help but smile at the love he felt for the man.
"Maybe leave the 'bed' part out when you get home," he offered.
"I intend to, but Molly's gonna demand to bring lunch tomorrow and Sunday."
"We'd love to have her, as long as she understands we can't exactly clock out…"
"She does, son. Now that Bill's sorted your problem so easily, why don't you invite Narcissa over for a late dinner?"
"I… I didn't think I'd have time. It feels a bit weird in Harry's house, though."
His new relationship was also a brief point of contention with his mother, but he was firm during the conversation. He understood her point of view, as she didn't really know the woman, but their meal together last week had gone surprisingly well. He'd briefed Narcissa on his Mum's thoughts, and she was understanding, if apprehensive, but the pair quickly hit it off. The evening ended in tears for his girlfriend, however, as the women began swapping stories of toddlers, and Charlie could admit his mother handled consoling her better than he ever could have.
"Are you planning to use his bedroom?" Bill asked with a laugh. "You're a grown man, Charlie… you don't need permission to invite your girlfriend over."
"Can we perhaps leave further mention of beds or bedrooms out of this?" Arthur asked awkwardly. "I'm glad to know you've both grown, but you're making me feel far too old…"
"Ministers should be old," Charlie countered with a grin. "If it were me or Bill, the world would be in constant fear that we'd sell half the country for Krum to have English citizenship…"
"Not a bad idea," Bill mused distractedly, considering the possibility.
"Get out… And take your homework with you. Tell Fleur she has my undying love and gratitude, and that I'll cook her a steak whenever she needs a break from you."
"It'll be weekly. We'll see you at nine-ish tomorrow."
"Thanks, Bill."
"Anytime, little brother."
"I'll walk you out," Arthur offered before turning back to Charlie. "You boys make me proud, you know that?"
"Back at you, Minister," he countered with a grin.
He watched as the pair made their exit, his heart full from the interaction. His family had been through a lot in the past few months, and Percy's loss was a constant presence. His memorial service was tough on everyone, and Charlie was a bit confused as to how his father was able to compartmentalize things so well. He'd been in tears in the morning, and back at work at the Ministry in the afternoon, not missing a beat.
Molly explained it without anyone asking, explaining that Arthur allowed himself to be weak in off hours only, and he could see his younger siblings' respect for the man ratchet upwards at the revelation. His respect, however, had nowhere else to go, and the realization that his dad and elder brother thought the same of him was a surprising feeling. He knew exactly how lucky he was in his family, and took a moment to send a thought to the brother who hadn't quite fit in.
The fireplace flaring to life interrupted his maudlin thoughts, but the person that filled it replaced them spectacularly.
"I was about to call you," he offered as he stood, almost racing towards Narcissa as she dusted herself off.
"Your letter sounded like you needed help," she countered, though he cut her off with a searing kiss.
"I've had it," he answered with a grin, steadying the woman as she swayed slightly at the sudden affection. "Bill and Fleur are stepping in, and the rest of the evening is mine."
"I've brought dinner…"
"Careful, woman… keep saying things like that and I might keep you."
"Keep kissing me like that and I may let you."
—
August 10, 1996
Daphne couldn't decide where to look, as the medieval architecture of Siena, Italy was breathtaking. The exterior wall was centuries old and gleamed in the morning light, and everywhere she walked she felt the history beneath her feet. It was overwhelming in the greatest of ways, and she couldn't help but squeeze her boyfriend's hand in excitement at the opportunity to visit.
Harry, however, was unable to enjoy the moment, as he was deep in discussion with Enzo and Remus. The trio were discussing further assistance from the Italian Ministry, and how best to approach the Minister in their meeting later in the day. He cast her a quick smile to let her know she wouldn't be ignored for much longer, and her stomach flipped at the gesture.
Regardless of how busy or distracted he was, she knew she was a constant presence in his thoughts. That feeling was more overwhelming than her current location, and she wouldn't trade it for all the beautiful cities in the world. She turned her attention to her sister on her left instead, and smiled at the excitement she found on her and Neville's faces.
"Have you been to Italy before, Nev?"
"Never left Britain," the young man answered with a smile. "Gran wasn't big on travel, and after the portkey, I thought I agreed… but this place is incredible!"
"I'm glad you think so," Izzy interjected from behind. "It's a hard place to leave, though I'm desperate to see your Village."
Isabella's warm welcome was repeated by her mother, and the group's entrance into their family's villa was thick with joy. Mamma, as she demanded to be called, was a boisterous woman, and her recent retirement as head of the wizarding primary school allowed her more time to play hostess, a role she thrived in. Her daughter had replaced her in the school, and Daphne almost wished she was a child in the city just to see her at work.
The villa was gorgeous, with land to spare, though Mamma's husband's absence was felt in every corner. He'd passed when Enzo was young, killed in the line of duty, but the accolades and awards he'd won in his time as head of the regional auror force were numerous. His wife had continued his beloved hobby, and the vineyards on the land were worked by a small team of people who were introduced like family.
"Tempered expectations would go a long way," her father offered from the woman's right, his hand in her mum's. "What Harry's built is perfect for our people, but we can't compete with the majesty of your city."
"The majesty becomes commonplace when you've lived here your whole life," Izzy countered. "A small cabin in the woods and a fresh blanket of snow on the ground sounds like my idea of a holiday."
"We'd love to have you," Emily added with a smile, as Daphne released Harry's hand to drop back and join the trio. "I need another woman to offset the stubbornness that surrounds me at all times."
"I'll keep in touch, then! Perhaps over winter break…"
"I'll hold you to that. How do you think Sirius is faring?"
Daphne grinned at the man's mention, as he'd been through a whirlwind of emotions in the last twenty-four hours. He was clearly shaken by Izzy's sudden entrance into their lives, but his introduction to Mamma took a turn. The woman didn't seem to pick up on her daughter's joking tone when she said Sirius was here to help in the kitchen, and he'd been hard at work ever since. Harry told her over breakfast that his godfather slept like a log, clearly exhausted by playing sous chef and dishwasher for the hours-long dinner they'd enjoyed the night prior.
"He's doing just fine," the beautiful woman said with a knowing smirk. "Mamma knows exactly what she's doing… and she's right to do so. He's entirely too charming…"
"He's had a… complicated… past," her father offered awkwardly. "But Sirius is one of the best men I've ever known."
"He mentioned it," Izzy countered, shocking Daphne to her core. "We had coffee once his shift was over, and he was quick to explain why he wouldn't be 'flirting with me'."
"And what do you think about that?" her mum asked, her smile hiding a smirk.
"I'm refreshed by the self-awareness, and curious to hear more. Our community here is tiny, and the men are all the same... If I hear one more story of how they won the quidditch cup for their school twenty years ago I'm going to scream. I know the power I have over men, and having one turn me down before I even grew interested was… interesting…"
"He won't be emotionally available until this is over," Daphne offered soberly. "Harry's tried to convince him, but his loyalty is unshakable. He spent too many years away from his godson to give any up now when he's needed…"
"My brother is cut from similar cloth," Izzy countered with a grin that lit up the narrow road. "I'm not looking, Daphne, but ignoring someone who's fallen into your lap seems a mistake."
"I just don't want you to be disappointed when he chooses Harry. In any circumstance until this war is over, that man will choose Harry over the world, and I couldn't love him any more for it if I tried."
"And my respect for him grows further…"
"I heard the word 'love' a few times," Harry interrupted, clearly finished with his planning. "I'm assuming you're all speaking of Sam Davies?"
"Another possible option," Emily offered with a grin. "A bit younger, but dashingly handsome."
"A great young man," Daniel agreed. "But far too vanilla for you."
"Then I'll appreciate his looks from afar. Harry, what do you think of my town?"
"I honestly haven't seen much of it," he admitted with a grimace. "I'm sorry for my distraction, but I'm ready for the tour."
"Then we'll start in the middle and work outwards, so you can appreciate what we've already seen!"
—
Harry exited the office with a sigh, shaking himself violently to dispel the awkwardness of political conversation. The meeting with the Italian Minister went well, and Albus' presence helped ease the few tense moments that his inexperience birthed, but the formality of the conversation was mind-numbing.
The good news was that Italy had finally come off the fence, and the bad was they'd chosen to limit their international support. The Minister knew they'd be a target if the war spread from Britain, as their own violent minority would allow a good landing ground, but he also promised to double his support abroad in the coming months. He couldn't fault the man for the decision, and thinking objectively, would've probably made the same had the roles been reversed. He was grateful for the promise of further support, and swore to return for a press junket once the war was over if he proved victorious.
Remus had taken part in the meeting as well, though the man was visibly anxious to move on to the next. Harry smiled as his friend approached, bumping his shoulder when he neared.
"Should we head back to the villa for a nap? Not much else to do today…"
"Harry, if we weren't in the Ministry, I'd curse you. Ricci's waiting for us, and your little meeting went a half hour long."
"I'll make a note to hurry leaders of the world along while they pledge support in the future. I trust you have the portkeys?"
"If they haven't expired by now…"
"Then let's get outside the wards, negative Nellie."
"You don't need to come," Remus countered, sobering immediately. "I know you'd rather enjoy your time, and I'm happy to go alone…"
"Moony," Harry argued, meeting the man's eye. "This takes precedence, and I'm as anxious as you are. Quit wasting our time…"
"That's what I've… I hate you."
"I'm fine with it."
—
Remus' jaw dropped as his feet hit the ground, the entrance room to the facility already outweighing his expectations. It looked like the entrance to CERN, and the employee awaiting them, clipboard in hand, only added to that feeling.
"Signor Lupin," the young man offered politely.
"And Harry Potter."
"Sign… Signor Potter…"
"Ye… yes…" Harry countered with a teasing grin, earning a nervous smile from the employee and a glare from him.
"An honor to have you both. Signor Ricci will join us shortly, but I've been given the opportunity to start the tour."
"And you are?"
"Fernando Amato," the young man offered, flushing slightly.
Remus smiled as Harry warmly extended a hand, setting the clearly anxious man at ease.
"A pleasure, Fernando," he said as they shook. "We're excited to see what you guys are working on."
"We're excited to share it," he countered, clearly feeling more comfortable. "After me, please."
The trio worked through the bottom level of the facility, and Remus continued to be impressed by the amount of dedication shown to the study of lycanthropy. The disease was being inspected at every possible layer, and each laboratory was focusing on a different aspect of the affliction. Fernando explained that the facility recently brought muggle scientists into their employ, and the addition was proving worth ten times its weight in gold, as developments were occurring weekly.
It was a welcome piece of information, and Remus couldn't help but feel optimistic for his long-term outlook. Werewolves' life expectancy was dramatically shorter than their wizard counterparts, though the inherent violence of the affliction helped skew that number. According to Fernando, however, the change was more understood than it had ever been before, and as they neared the upper levels, they were greeted by Ricci himself.
"Remus!"
"Lorenzo," he greeted enthusiastically, embracing the man that was the impetus for the research. "I'm blown away by the work your group has done."
"As I am, daily. Harry! I'm so pleased you joined us. I just left a meeting with the Minister… you managed to impress a thoroughly difficult to impress old man…"
"Good to see you, Lorenzo," the young man offered awkwardly. "Any impressiveness is a result of Remus and Albus joining me, I assure you."
"I doubt that," Ricci countered with a grin. "Now tell me, what do you know about your friend's change?"
"Only that it's unbearably painful, and something I wish I could take from him…"
"Then allow me to show you how we're doing so…"
—
Harry followed the older men towards the front doors, his mind whirling at the influx of information they'd been given. Ricci had gone so far as to allow them to meet with a group of werewolves that signed up for experimentation, each giving a testimony about how much their changes had improved. For most, it had become a monthly distraction… a night spent away from home, with a painless transformation followed by a painless morning. There were anomalies that still struggled, however, and Ricci's team was hard at work to pinpoint the cause for the disparity.
He couldn't help but smile at Remus' new optimism, as the man's affliction weighed silently upon him at all times. The recent advancements, however, clearly gave the man hope in an area he didn't expect, and Harry immediately and happily gave his permission for him to come to Italy for his next transformation. That Remus felt the need to ask was bizarre, but he tried putting himself in his friend's shoes in an attempt to understand.
Remus and Sirius both had a new lease on life, and that lease was him. No matter how inadequate he felt at the information, he knew it to be true, and his gratitude for the pair was overwhelming. He wouldn't be here without either of them, and he knew his parents were smiling down at the result.
"Before we step out," Ricci said, interrupting his contemplation. "I'll say our work isn't exactly popular. That same minority of our citizens we've spoken of in the past believe this to be a waste of time and money. That it's my money doesn't seem to dissuade them, no matter how much progress we've made…"
"I'm assuming they're at the gates with pitchforks?" Harry asked with a wry smirk.
"Not far off, unfortunately. Government regulations for the facility only allow arriving portkeys under special circumstances, so unless you'd like to display your penchant for the spell, despite its illegality, we'll need to head towards the constant protestors."
"Create one," Remus offered immediately. "Albus can explain away any difficulties, and we'll be able to get home without the nonsense."
"If I were staying with the lovely Isabella I'd advise the same," Ricci agreed with a grin. "I'll mention it to the Minister and prepare him for Albus' call."
"Sorry," he replied, though he didn't feel it. "I won't leave out the back like an embarrassed mister… mistress-er… whatever the male version of mistress is… I'm incredibly impressed by what you've done here, Lorenzo, and the world will see my support for themselves."
"It could make relationships with other countries awkward," Remus countered. "I appreciate the support, but we might be alienating potential allies with that headline."
"Moony, any country who would deny support because of Ricci's work, isn't a country that would've offered it in the first place. Fuck 'em."
"You've spent too much time around Sirius…"
"And you've spent too much time apologizing for something you can't control!"
Harry felt his eyes light at the comment, and made no effort to reign in the magic. That his friend believed he needed to hide who he was to anyone was infuriating, and any who agreed with the belief could go to hell. He was happy to put his face to this cause, and would do so for as long as the cause would have him.
"Well said," Ricci offered somberly, extending a hand that Harry shook. "My brother is smiling down on you right now."
"I wish I'd known him, Lorenzo, and I'm so sorry for your loss."
"It won't be in vain, my friend, and I'll stand next to you whenever you ask it of me."
"How about right now?"
"Lead the way, sir."
He did so, through the doors and security checkpoint, a crowd of angry protestors awaiting them just outside the gates. Word of his visit must've gotten out, as he could see members of the Italian press amidst the group. The gates opened slowly, though the security forces pushed the protestors back without much of a struggle.
"Potter!" One voice called above the din, and Harry's gaze found a reporter with a quick-quotes quill in hand. "What do you have to say to the Italian citizens who feel you've spat on their political beliefs with this visit?"
"It's my sincerest hope that I'll never have to endure a conversation with such an intellectually incapableperson…"
He disapparated without a further word, Remus following as he found himself back at the arrival room they'd portkeyed into yesterday.
"You're a PR nightmare, Harry."
"Hagrid said something similar when I turned eleven..."
—
Their arrival at the villa was met with exasperated laughter, as the protest was apparently given live coverage on the Italian version of the Wireless. His words were broadcast throughout the wizarding nation, and from what he gathered, the station was receiving hundreds of floo-calls in support of his response. He merely shrugged in slight embarrassment as Mamma kissed his cheeks repeatedly, thanking him profusely for saying what she'd thought so many times before.
"They've been detailing what the facility has been working on for over an hour," Tonks celebrated as she repeated the older woman's greeting. "We should've brought you months ago!"
"If I knew we'd have that response I would've demanded it," he agreed, smiling as the woman turned to greet her boyfriend effusively.
"The Wireless has provided a vault number for donations, and every caller so far has pledged money towards Ricci's work," Mamma added happily, sinking into a chair at the large dining table. "That man has worked for years towards public support, and you managed it in an afternoon…"
"You'll get used to that, Mamma," Daniel countered with a grin. "He works fast, and it's best to just hold on tight."
"You make me sound like a bronco…"
"Not far off," the man answered as he drew the teen into a hug. "Good job today."
"Thanks, but there's another Greengrass I'd like to hug…"
"She's in the kitchen," Emily answered as she also moved in for a hug. "Izzy and Sirius are in charge of dinner, and she, Astoria, and Neville are helping prep some ingredients."
"Poor Izzy…"
"We tried to warn her," Tonks countered immediately. "Every time I try to interrupt she throws a pan at me… a confusingly attractive reaction…"
"Looks like we got here just in time, Moony…"
"I wouldn't blame her for the defection..."
Harry grinned as Tonks proved her loyalty once more, and sat next to Mamma with a sigh. He'd much rather be with the group in the kitchen, but he didn't want to be rude to their host.
"Go!" the woman demanded with a playful swat, as if she'd read his mind. "Leave the elderly to their gossip…"
"Hey now," Enzo countered indignantly.
"You hush and go grab a few bottles of wine from the cellar."
Harry chuckled as the man immediately moved to do so, and kissed Mamma's cheek in gratitude. She patted his own with a laugh, and he sped to the kitchen door excitedly.
"Have you ever met a knife?" he heard Izzy ask in disbelief. "I said cube them, Sirius… not mutilate."
"They're cube- ish! It's a potato, Izzy... Tastes the same in any shape."
"Oh, how much I have to teach you…"
He pushed the door open gently, though the teens in the corner saw him immediately. They sat at a small table in the window, working as a team to crank out homemade pasta, though they were clearly distracted. Daphne brightened immediately, holding up a finger to shush him, and he took the hint, creeping over to their table as quietly as he could.
He kissed his girlfriend silently, and winked at Neville and Astoria, though all four quickly turned back to enjoy the show.
"I'll have you know my cooking skills are completely acceptable," Sirius offered, his eyes dancing with mirth.
"I've heard of British food," Izzy countered with a roll of her eyes. "I'm sure you're incredible at boiling a whole potato and putting it on a slice of bread, but that's not cooking."
"I make eggs!"
"I'll grab a sticker from my office! What else should we tell your parents when they pick you up today?"
"I've grilled steaks," he supplied with a smirk. "I've poured cereal… buttered toast… my range has no bounds!"
"Your arrogance perhaps."
"You'll see… When all this is over I'm gonna open up an inn. Padfoot's Playroom… we'll be world renowned for our offerings… culinarily, of course."
"That you haven't been locked away again boggles the mind, Padfoot. And if the dog appears again, he'll be added to the sauce… prickly hairs all over the place!"
"You'll be complaining about cashmere next! My fur's as smooth as it comes!"
"As is your brain…"
"Well that's just rude," he answered with a wide grin. "In front of my godson and everything…"
Harry laughed as Izzy's face lit up in shame, her eyes widening in horror that he'd overheard the playful bickering. He was impressed that his godfather had noticed him during the spat, and his heart was warmed by the pure joy on the man's face.
"Harry…" Izzy offered miserably. "I'm so sorry I didn't hear you come in. I was just messing with Sirius, as he's been a nuisance all day."
"The day you have to apologize for giving Padfoot hell is the day the world explodes," he answered as he stood, kissing the woman's cheek in forgiveness. "I suggest training with him. Cursing him a few times helps release the frustration of dealing with him the rest of the day."
"I may try that, but that's one area he may have the upper hand."
"Maybe, but we'd get you trained up in no time. Can I help with dinner?"
"You can," she answered with a smile, her earlier embarrassment a thing of the past. "You can take the three at the table outside. You all deserve a chance to relax, and your godfather is proving to be anything but…"
"Try living with him."
"Watch it," Sirius countered with a dangerous smirk. "I know where you sleep, kiddo."
"Haven't slept all week…" Harry muttered, though he regretted the weak retort immediately.
"Harry!"
His world suddenly shifted into stereo, as his name was repeated from all angles. Izzy seemed to be the only one that didn't join in, but the sympathy in her eyes proved her an untrustworthy ally.
"I've tried, guys…And lying down for a few hours has been good enough. I'm fine."
"You're not," Astoria countered firmly. "I can feel it… and you can't continue like this."
"Feel free to cure me..."
"I will! Sirius, you're in the sitting room with Neville tonight. Daphne, you're in with your boyfriend."
"Didn't need to be said," his girlfriend agreed immediately, stubbornness in her eyes as she dared him to argue.
"What?" he asked into the awkward silence. "You think I'll have a problem with the new arrangement? You three should be glaring at Sirius…"
"I'm on their side, kiddo. Why didn't you wake me last night?"
"A helicopter could've landed in our room without waking you..."
"Then I'm rested enough to kip on the couch. Daphne, I'll speak to your parents, though I'm sure they'll want to have the talk."
"I'll clear it with Mamma," Izzy added immediately, her tone filled with concern. "You hide it well, Harry…"
"Thank you," he answered with a grimace, his stomach clenching at the shift in atmosphere. "And now that I've ruined the mood so expertly, I think I'll go for a walk…"
He stood and left the room as quickly as he could, wanting to be free of the sympathetic looks from his loved ones. He knew his lack of sleep was an issue, but the thought of worrying others weighed on him heavily. He needed to be a pillar of strength for his people, and he thought he'd done a good job of hiding his new problem. One stupid comeback, and he'd ruined what was a previously joyous evening.
He ignored the others as he moved through the sitting room, kicking himself for his lack of thought. Better responses to Sirius' joke filled his mind a bit too late, and he cringed internally at how poorly he handled the situation.
He turned towards the vineyards, taking a moment to appreciate the beautiful afternoon, and hoped the workers were done for the day. His quest for alone time was quickly denied, however, as he was forced to block a jelly-legs jinx fired at his back.
"Will you slow down, you asshole?"
Harry turned to see a frustrated Neville, and sat on a nearby half-wall to wait. The teen sat next to him heavily, clearly unaware of how to breach the silence.
"I figured it'd be Daphne that came out first…"
"Waylaid by her parents. You made quite the exit, things flying all over the place…"
"Damn it. I'm sorry, Nev. You guys were having so much fun before I got here."
"And what? You think you're ruining it? I know you saw her light up when you came in, mate… and it felt like everyone else was in a weird holding pattern while you were gone. I think Sirius was playing it up just to keep us entertained…"
"And I put an end to that pretty quickly…"
"Maybe because you haven't slept…"
"You don't think I know it's a problem?" He couldn't help the frustration in his tone, as the problem was something he spent plenty of time worrying about. "I'm trying… I swear it on whatever you'd like. I just can't do it…"
"And who have you told?"
"Hedwig."
He knew he was being petulant, but he really didn't want to add further burdens to those who already held too many. He was fine, and he'd figure this out on his own.
"I'll buy her a bag of fancy treats," Neville offered with a grin, immediately shrugging off Harry's unfair tone. "But unless she has powers I've yet to see, she may not be the right person to help."
"I'm gonna tell her you said that."
"I'll happily suffer her wrath."
"What do you want from me?"
"For you to get the embarrassed anger out of your system before Daphne catches up."
The response brought Harry up short, and he felt his eyes well up emotionally at the answer. It was completely unexpected, and his friend's ability to understand was a shock to his system. His emotions had been volatile as of late, and the fact that he was near tears at the sudden realization further proved that point.
"I'm a mess."
"Like Izzy said, you hide it well…"
"Clearly not well enough."
"Astoria doesn't count."
His conversation with the younger girl before they left was eye opening, as the trauma she'd gone through had unlocked something within her. She was somehow attune to other's feelings since her kidnapping, though she hadn't yet gained control of the gift. Her family and Neville had finally managed to draw the girl from her shell, but Astoria said it felt like learning how to be a person again. That he'd been immediately added to the list of trusted friends was something he'd cherish forever, but the new Astoria was a pain in his ass in this moment.
"How's she doing with everything?"
"She's incredible, and she's learning to adjust."
"Good. I'm glad you guys have each other."
"I thank my lucky stars nightly," Neville agreed, bumping his shoulder. "Speaking of…"
Neville's nod only proved what his magic already informed him of, as Daphne rounded the corner beautifully with a worried look on her face.
"Thanks, mate," Harry offered sincerely. "I'll try not to use you as a punching bag very often."
"Happy to be one. Dinner's in an hour… don't be late."
—
Daphne's heart shattered at the regret in Harry's tone, and she stood as he stormed from the room. Neville and Astoria mirrored her, though Sirius quickly crossed the room to draw them up short.
"Move, Sirius."
"I will," the man offered with an understanding smile. "I just wanted to say he's kicking the shit out of himself right now, and doesn't need a lecture."
"You don't know me well enough," she countered waspishly, a lecture the furthest thing from her mind. Harry needed a hug, and her entire being clamored to give it to him.
"I do actually, but I don't trust anyone when it comes to Harry, and wanted to make sure. Now go."
She stormed forward as he stepped aside, though she did notice Izzy's heart in her eyes as she watched the brief confrontation. Harry left a wake behind him as he moved through the sitting room, and the adults within looked to her in confusion. She shook her head, hoping they'd let her pass, but her Dad stopped her with a hand on her wrist.
She sent a pleading look over her shoulder, and forced a smile as Neville nodded in response. She watched as he escaped unnoticed, and took a deep breath to attempt to explain.
"Daphne," her mum began sympathetically. "What happened?"
"Harry hasn't slept in days, and he made a joke about it that he's hating himself for right now."
"He's seemed fine," her dad countered in surprise. "Why didn't he say anything?"
"You've heard his story… he's incredibly well trained to be silent. Now can I go?"
"In a minute. He needs to speak to Wilson…"
"In the ten minutes of down time he has at lunch?"
"He'll have to make time…"
"Fine. Now can I go to him? Please?"
"Let her go, Dan," her mum interjected with a sympathetic smile. "I assume you'll spend the night with him?"
The question pulled her back to the moment in its simplicity, and she lost her momentum as she looked at her mother in shock.
"What?" the woman asked with a smirk. "You think your father didn't tell me about your night together? We trust you, Daphne… and it's clear Harry needs you. Don't prove us wrong in that trust."
"We won't," she agreed quickly. "I swear, Mum… I just want to help him."
"Then go, dear. And tell him we love him."
She couldn't help but smile at the acceptance on the faces around her, and nodded confidently as she found Sirius' hopeful look. That this group of incredibly impressive people so obviously loved her boyfriend was a warming thought, though their love was as different from hers as the night was from day.
The sun blinded her as she pushed through the door, though she didn't slow a bit in her pursuit of the love of her life. She forced herself not to run, though the speed with which she walked was likely a record of some sort. She tried to clear her mind of sympathy, as Harry wouldn't want to see it, but her heart was broken by his reaction to his slip up. He was such a confident person, a trait that drew her in immediately, but he was clearly struggling if that confidence could be fractured so easily.
She rounded the corner towards the vineyards, slipping briefly on the gravel path, and found a familiar pair of eyes on hers as she regained her balance. They glistened with power and unshed emotion, and Daphne's heart broke all over again. He stood from the waist-high wall when she moved forward, and met her halfway in a crushing embrace.
She smiled at Neville as he passed the pair, making a mental note to thank the boy later. Her only current concern, however, was the young man around her, and she squeezed back as tight as she could.
"I'm so sorry," Harry whispered desperately. "I thought I had a handle on it, but I'm everywhere right now."
"You have nothing to apologize for," she whispered soothingly, a few silent tears trailing down her cheek. "It's not your fault…I just want you to be okay."
"I'm trying."
"That's not what I mean. I don't want you to try to be okay for me or anyone… I want you to be okay for you. You can't help anyone if you're broken, Harold, and if you're broken, then so am I."
"I need to see Wilson, don't I?"
Daphne hid a grin as she pulled back slightly, meeting his eyes that stubbornly refused to release his pent up emotion.
"Do you think you do?"
"Yeah…" he admitted reluctantly, grabbing her hand and leading her towards the vineyards.
"Then I think you should."
"I should probably just sign my vault over," he countered with a hint of a smirk. "The amount of business he's had from me and mine should set him up for life…"
"He's good at his job, though," she countered, squeezing his hand. "You're not weak for needing him, Harry. He's helped me more than I can say."
"I know. Aunt Dorea hammered that fact into my brain early on in my time with her… I just hoped I was done, I guess."
"Harry…"
"I know… The idea of being done with mind healing at the beginning of a war is insane, but I hoped to keep it together until everything is over."
"Well now that it's not an option, I'll help you make some time to see him."
"How?"
"However you'll let me," she offered, hoping he would agree. "I've seen your daily schedule, and I think I can help streamline some things at the very least. We'll make it work, love."
Daphne's breath froze in her chest as Harry turned to her, his heart completely visible in his eyes. She swayed a bit at the look, but his hands steadied hers as he smiled.
"When you call me 'love', my heart explodes. It's a bit rude, but I hope you never stop."
"I thought you didn't like pet names?" she asked with a teasing grin.
"I'm a big enough person to admit when I'm wrong, but let's stick with 'love' for now."
"I was thinking 'pookums'..."
"What's that!?" Harry called dramatically, dropping her hands. "I think I heard Charlie calling me from the Manor… I've gotta run…"
Daphne grinned at the act, though her hands were quickly back in their favorite spot.
"I love you."
Her heart broke again at the emotion behind his words, and she raised his hand to kiss it in response.
"I love you too. We have an hour till dinner… how 'bout we forget the world for a bit?"
"Best idea I've heard all day."
"Mum gave me permission to share your bed, so second best for me."
"I love that woman."
"I figured you would…"
"Speaking of beautiful ladies," he countered, his smile widening. "I think Izzy and Sirius are hitting it off…"
Daphne couldn't help her jaw falling slack at the admission, completely blown away by his lack of radar.
"What was your first hint?" she asked sarcastically.
"I dunno," he offered, completely innocently. "They just seem to fit, you know?"
"You should try and set them up…"
"Daph, I'm not that slow," he admitted, dropping the innocence to her surprise. "Wanna offer odds on when they get together?"
"To who?"
"Everyone at home. Mamma gets a cut, as she's the one that had the idea of betting on it…"
A/N: For the few of you asking that Sirius finds a woman, I'll say AGAIN… never! If anyone has the money and free time to travel, I HIGHLY recommend Siena, Italy. One of those cities that stole my heart, and I'm hoping to find my own Izzy whenever I'm able to go back.
