A/N: Hey all! This site has been a bit funky the last few days, at least for me. I've tried uploading this a couple times, but so far no luck. Hopefully it'll work at some point, as I've knocked out a fair bit of new writing the last few nights.

Thanks for all the interaction with the story! I'm in a constant state of bewilderment when I think of the response, and I appreciate you all for reading.

Chapter 35

March 30, 1996

"Harry, you got a minute?"

He turned to see the twins standing close by, and offered them a smile as he wiped the sweat from his face. He, Sirius, Remus, Bill, and Charlie had just faced off against a squad of Alpha Company, as Moody believed the Battalion needed to see what his group was capable of. The fight had been a bit overwhelming at first, as the squad worked well in its smaller units of four, but Bill's impressive shields gave the five the time they needed to eventually prove victorious.

"Of course, guys. Let me check in with Moody and Moretti, and I'll meet you by the street."

"Take your time," Fred answered graciously as the pair moved away.

"That was fun!" Sirius cheered, slapping Harry on the back as he and Remus approached.

"We need to be quicker," he countered, surprised by his own pessimism. "When it's Unforgivables being thrown around, Bill's shield won't give us time to breathe like it did today."

"We still did well," Remus interjected. "Five versus seventeen is a victory for mice over men."

"Identifying as the mice is growing annoying. We have to be perfect in every aspect of this, or those troops are gonna pay with their lives."

"They volunteered," Sirius offered somberly. "It's their war too, kiddo. I know it feels like everything's resting on your shoulders, but I have a feeling they'd be fighting regardless of who's in charge."

"Long faces?" Moretti interjected as he approached. "Marshal, I figured you would be celebrating! Davies' squad is the best we have."

"You don't work for me," he countered with a grimace. "Call me Harry, Enzo."

"After your recent performance, I think I'll err on the side of caution. May I ask what the problem is?"

"Mortality sinking in," Remus offered.

"I figured, and I've had the same thought as I've grown to know your men and women. I believe it is something that deserves to be worried about, but now isn't the time. Your people are looking to you, Harry, metaphorically and physically. Far be it for me to tell you how to be a leader, but they could use a word, and a positive one at that."

"You're right," he realized, his stomach sinking at the thought of his people seeing him being negative. "Thanks. For those words and what you're doing… the troops look great."

"I'm pleased you think so, now go speak with your soldiers."

"Yes, sir," Harry agreed with a grin.

Sirius and Remus joined him as he made his way through the ranks of Alpha Company, sharing a moment with as many of the troops as they could. Harry made sure to congratulate Samuel Davies, the squad leader for the unit they'd fought against, though the young man was clearly frustrated by his defeat. Harry knew he'd feel the same, and told the man so before moving on.

—

He finally escaped the large group of people, making his way towards Fred and George who stood patiently at the far side of the military base. The land was blocked off from the rest of the Village, though its citizens were allowed on the land if they had a reason to be there. The twins were allowed free reign, however, since they usually brought ideas and prototypes the Battalion could use in the field.

"What's up, guys?"

"We have a surprise for you," George answered, producing a large handkerchief.

"You can blind yourself, or I can," Fred added with a grin.

"I'll play along," Harry sighed, hands raised in surrender. "But if you kill me, Sirius will tell your mum."

"The top of our very short list of reasons not to," George agreed, quickly tying the cloth around Harry's face. "We'll direct you as we go, but take your time. Seeing their fearless leader trip over his own feet won't instill much confidence in your people."

"Then how 'bout we get rid of the blindfold?"

"Nah," Fred argued succinctly. "Way more fun like this. Walk forward."

Harry did so, feeling exceedingly dumb. He was directed to turn left, and knew he was walking along the main street of the Village. He heard people interacting around him, and winced at the sound of many laughing at his situation.

"This is so fun, guys," he said sarcastically. "I really missed you..."

"Turn left," George answered happily. "Too far, a step back to your right. Perfect. Now forward again."

Harry continued in the new direction for fifty steps or so, now completely lost as to where his feet were taking him. The thought was a bit anxiety-inducing, but his trust in the twins helped him push that feeling down.

"Stop," George ordered. "Now turn to your left… and two steps forward. Now turn a bit to your right. One step forward."

"What are we doing?"

"One half step to the left, but don't turn. Perfect!"

"Nope," the other twin argued. "One more half step forward."

Harry took it, but was growing annoyed by the exercise. He decided to follow no further instruction, and was quickly proven wrong in his assertion.

"Take off the blindfold," Fred whispered dramatically.

He did so, and found himself facing a grinning pair of buffoons, their arms held aloft. He rolled his eyes at the twins as they bowed dramatically.

"Ta-da!"

"What the hell am I supposed to be looking at?"

"It's your good friends Fred and George!" Fred celebrated sarcastically.

"I…" Harry tried to find words, but the only thing that came out of his mouth was an exasperated chuckle. "I'm thrilled to see you again," he finally managed.

"We figured you would be," George countered with a grin. "Now turn around."

He did so, and nearly shut his eyes at the vibrant orange building the turn revealed.

"Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes," the pair intoned dramatically from behind.

"Your shop!" Harry breathed in realization. "Congrats, guys! A bit… loud, isn't it?"

"We had to order the paint special," Fred admitted happily. "Should be open for business before the kids get home for summer."

"That's great! We could use a bit of fun. Wanna show me around?"

"It's a shell right now," George answered. "One big room on the bottom, with stairs up to one big room at the top. The town council has allowed us to modify the interior to fit our needs, and we'll be doing so as we go. MacMillan's been a great Mayor so far."

"Because he's allowed you two free reign, or because he's actually been great?"

"Both! We're building our stock at a good pace, and we've started working on things for the Battalion when we can."

"Amelia mentioned it," Harry answered with a grateful look. "I'm happy for you guys, and I appreciate the effort towards the cause."

"We'll wait until you're here for the grand opening," Fred offered, throwing an arm around Harry's shoulder. "We have you to thank for this."

"Let's keep my name out of it until we see what the Village thinks."

"Works for us! We'll accept the plaudits, but you're still a third partner."

"Guys, no. I don't need to be a partner..."

"And you didn't need to give us your tournament winnings," George countered. "You're an unofficial twin now, Harry. Accept it, or we'll force you to."

"Thanks," Harry relented. "But turn my side of profits back into research for the Battalion."

"Figured you'd say that, and we're happy to."

"Then I'm happy as well. Seriously, congrats you two."

—

April 17, 1996

"Better," Dumbledore cheered from his seat in the Room of Requirement as Harry and Daphne circled around each other. "Now start with offensive spells, Daphne."

Harry ratcheted his defensive efforts up a notch, unwilling to let his girlfriend get hit while she was firing back at the training dummies. The usual twelve dummies were active, though they were spread around the training platform, covering the teens from all angles. He watched as Daphne blasted one to pieces, but reached out to pull her away from a spell heading towards her back.

He placed a brief kiss on the hand he grabbed, earning a smile from the girl as she allowed her momentum to pull her behind him. Her next area based explosive curse took out three enemies at once, and Harry felt his jaw drop at the power behind the spell.

"STOP!"

The training dummies froze immediately at the command, though the teens didn't lower their wands. Harry backed towards Daphne, trusting her to shield her side if the dummies returned to life, but Albus quickly lowered the dome protecting the rest of the Room.

"Right there," the older wizard said with a grin as he approached. "That's what I was looking for. Did you feel it?"

"I did," Daphne answered immediately. "It's like the magic came from my toes, and I felt it move through my entire body."

"That's what I need the two of you to grow used to. This time it was instinctual after Harry grabbed your hand, but I need you both to trust the power is there at all times."

"It's kinda difficult," she admitted with a grimace. "All year I've had that feeling, but it's only after moments with the Golden Boy here."

"If you can feel it with him, you can recreate it without. And not to sound too foreboding, but you need to master it, as it could save your life. How about you, Harry? Have you been able to fully draw on your magic in situations where your emotions aren't heightened?"

Harry responded by allowing his magic to build within him, his eyes glowing powerfully after a moment.

"A simple yes would have sufficed, my boy. Keep practicing. It's all well and good to be able to do so on instinct or when you're angry, but it needs to be instantaneous at all times if you can manage it."

"I will," he promised, grabbing Daphne's hand in his own.

"Can I ask how you call it?"

"I started by putting myself back in dangerous situations mentally," Harry answered, squeezing his girlfriend's hand. "But after a few training sessions, I realized it was quicker when I thought of Daph."

"You two share something special," Albus said with a smile. "Something most people only dream about... Don't take it for granted."

"We won't, sir," Daphne offered, smiling at Harry.

"Speak for yourself," he quipped imperiously. "I'm already sick of it."

He was rewarded for his sarcasm by a swat to the stomach, and Albus chuckled at his dramatic reaction.

"I'd normally leave the two of you to have some time alone," the older man offered. "But unfortunately, I need to steal Harry for a bit."

"No problem," Daphne countered with a mock glare at her boyfriend. "He wouldn't enjoy being alone with me right now anyway. I'll go study with Tracey."

Harry walked the girl to the door that led to the Slytherin dungeon, kissing her on the cheek as she turned to leave. Her mock anger softened, and she finally returned his smile as she left. He waited until she entered the common room before turning back to his Headmaster.

"Your office, sir?"

"Lead the way."

A few moments later the two wizards were sitting on opposite sides of Albus' impressive desk, sipping tea Toppy had provided. Fawkes stood between them, torn as to who to seek attention from. Eventually, the bird chose Albus, as the older man offered him a biscuit.

"The early voting is being tabulated," Dumbledore began, stroking Fawkes' chest. "Arthur leads by a wide margin, though the vast majority of voters have yet to do so."

"Have you been able to speak to Scrimgeour?"

"Only in passing," the man admitted with a grimace. "I ambushed him outside of his office, but he brushed me off after niceties. If I were a betting man, I'd put my entire life savings on him being controlled."

"His stump speech last week was… interesting."

The election for Minister was ongoing, and Harry was glad Arthur agreed to be nominated. His rallies with the public had all gone very well, and he couldn't help but feel surprised by the normally quiet man's eloquence while speaking publicly. His supporters were devoted and numerous, most having followed him since the protests on the steps of the Ministry in the past.

Scrimgeour, however, had only spoken publicly once. Harry's team expected a darker nominee to be named, but the Interim Minister's speech made it clear why one wasn't. The man ranted for ten minutes about the danger facing the wizarding world, though in his opinion, that danger seemed to emanate from the direction of the Wizengamot. It was an interesting campaign choice, as the public's knowledge of current events was too far along to be dissuaded, and Arthur's victory was almost completely assured.

"That wasn't the Rufus I know," Albus agreed. "I went so far as asking Alastor if there's any way our forces could get to him, but his determination to not risk his people's lives unnecessarily is admirable. I'm hoping he'll be released from whatever control they have over him when he loses the election."

"And what do you think will actually happen?"

"He'll be killed," the man answered, his expression darkening.

"I hate it," Harry agreed sympathetically. "Any loss of life is unacceptable to me, but sending in Alpha Company unprepared would only lead to further loss."

"I know, and I regretted asking it of Alastor as soon as the words left my lips. I've thought of storming the Ministry myself, but his auror detail has grown to the point that even I would struggle to get near the man. At this point all I can do is hope for an unexpected positive outcome."

"I'm doing the same, sir. How soon after Arthur is named the victor before Voldemort takes the Ministry?"

"I'll be surprised if the votes are done being counted. I hear you've been training with Alpha?"

"I have. Sirius, Remus, Bill, and Charlie are part of my new auxiliary unit within the Company, though Moody will have direct command for the hospital extraction. We should be ready to move soon, but the timing is running dangerously close to when the election results will be announced."

"That's a bit frustrating to hear," Albus countered. "Because I've also decided to move our exams up."

"If the Ministry falls, testing would be the last thing on the list of priorities. It makes sense."

"And according to Charlie and Remus," Dumbledore added. "Every student's family that is likely to join us has already agreed to do so. I think getting some of the students back to their homes early would make the school less of a target, but I don't want to create a perfect storm of opportunity for Voldemort."

"Could you push things back to normal?"

"Not easily, and not without a risk that testing may not happen. I don't want that for our seventh years, and we're bound to catch a lucky break with timing sooner or later."

"I think you've just ensured we won't…" Harry countered. "What comes will come, then. If everything falls at the same time, we trust our team. Alpha Company to deal with the hospital and the elves to evacuate any ministry workers that need it. I'll ask my team to come to the castle during testing to make sure things go smoothly here."

"And I'll send the school's elves to the Village over the next few days," Albus offered while standing, clearly drawing an end to the conversation. "We'll need them if everything kicks off at once."

"They'll be welcome. Any chance I can set off the Malfoy Alarm before I go?"

"You can't be trusted with the alarms," the Headmaster admonished, though his eyes twinkled brightly at his attempt to break the tension. "You'll have to wait until you sit on this side of the desk."

"Fred Weasley sat on that side of the desk a few months ago, sir. Not exactly as impressive a seat as you imagine anymore."

"I've wondered where all my lemon drops disappeared to."

—

April 25, 1996

Harry sat at a table in the library, his leg bouncing impatiently as he waited for his friends to finish their study session. He finished the last of his four exams the day prior, but Ron and Hermione still had to sit the tests for their electives. He tried to focus on the books Albus had gifted him for Christmas, but his body clamored to get outside and enjoy the nice spring day.

"Mate," Ron hissed, not looking up from his Divination notes. "If your right knee moves another inch in the next twenty minutes, I'm taking it."

"What'll you do with it?"

"Put it somewhere you really don't want it to be... Go bother Daphne."

"She's already threatened the same knee," he whined dramatically. "I just wanna go outsiiiiide."

"Then go already," Neville answered frustratedly. "Go flying with Hedwig, or jump off a cliff."

"I can't," Harry admitted, forcing his impatience away. "Montague is still a few tables back."

Hermione looked up from her book with an understanding smile, and drew her wand without replying. A silent spell coursed its way towards the older Slytherin, and she tucked the wand away quickly.

"There," she whispered victoriously. "He'll be in the bathroom for the next few hours, and you can leave us alone. You're very sweet, though."

"Hermione," Harry whispered accusingly. "You are a prefect, young lady. I'm tempted to report you to McGonagall!"

"Beat it, Harry," Ron answered firmly, kissing his girlfriend's hand. "We're all so pleased you're done with exams, but we aren't."

"Fine, but call for Dobby if you need to."

"We will," the trio chorused frustratedly as Harry rose to his feet.

His eyes turned towards Daphne's table, and his girlfriend looked back at him with an understanding smile. He winked at her in response, and left the impressively quiet room. Before he could make it to the grounds, however, he was waylaid by a clearly upset Snape.

"My office," the man hissed, not slowing his pace.

Harry's impatience and distracted energy vanished as he turned to follow him, knowing it could only be something important. As the pair reached his new office they cast an impressive set of privacy spells, and Severus grabbed his bottle of firewhiskey, pouring himself a drink.

Harry shook his head, at the man's silent offer. Snape shrugged at the response, and downed his drink in one.

"What's wrong?"

"The Dark Lord has me brewing potions that almost turn my stomach," he answered, pouring a second drink. "The only information I can find on them is beyond alarming, and I've no idea where he found them... One of them controls its drinker in ways beyond even the Imperius, turning them into a gleefully willing slave of sorts, and the second saps the magic of its drinker until they're no more than Squibs."

"Shit. Any idea of who the intended victims are?"

"Not anyone we would want, I assume. I can't sabotage the brewing without him suspecting something, and I haven't been told anything else."

"Damn it," Harry whispered darkly. "And this is a new thing? It's not how he's controlling Scrimgeour?"

"He called for me this morning," Snape confirmed. "However he's controlling Scrimgeour is unrelated. Lucius has seen the voting, though, so I'm assuming this will be part of his response. He's asking for a huge quantity of the potions."

"So he intends to enslave the entire Ministry. This may be big enough for you to blow your cover."

"Why do you think I found you? It'll have to be soon if you want me to interfere…"

"So we either somehow remove the Ministry workers before they have a chance to be subjected to the potion, or destroy it beforehand."

"Those who aren't already your people within the Ministry could be considered his," Snape suggested gently. "I doubt he would use the potions on his followers, and your people have their escape plan."

"But I guarantee there are still neutrals," Harry countered. "And I'm not willing to sacrifice them just because they're deluded by the administration."

"You can't save everyone, Harry."

"But I can try."

"I appreciate your conviction," the man replied seriously. "But if I lose my position in his ranks, we'll have zero information moving forward. Sacrificing a few lives now may save more in the future."

"I need some time with this. How long until you finish the potions?"

"Three days… Right before the election is announced. I doubt the timing is coincidental."

"No shit," Harry said waspishly, before forcing his frustration away. "Thank you, Severus, seriously. Go talk to Albus. I'm gonna go fly for a bit, and I'll meet with him after."

—

Harry sat on a rock near the Forbidden Forest, his dark thoughts rotating frustratingly in his mind. He wasn't sure how to respond to the new information, as neither outcome felt positive. Hedwig nuzzled his cheek comfortingly and he stroked her feathers, knowing the bird could feel his frustration.

"Harry Potter and Hedwig," an unfamiliar voice called from the forest, startling the teen. Harry cursed his distraction, and he quickly found a familiar centaur standing just inside the treeline.

"Firenze," he called back politely, walking towards the old acquaintance. "How are you?"

"Too busy for trivialities, unfortunately. I believe you've heard of the danger your kind faces?"

"I have. What do the centaurs know of it?"

"Only that things are coming to a head, I'm afraid," he answered neutrally. "You will have choices to make, and those choices will have far-reaching consequences."

"I'm aware," Harry countered darkly, the reticent response drawing his frustration. "Got anything of substance?"

"Nothing about your decisions, but I'll say that the Forest will side with you," Firenze replied with a short bow. "The centaurs voted in your favor last night, and the acromantulas will follow our lead."

"That's a relief, Firenze. Thank you, and I'm sorry for being rude."

"I understand your frustration, Harry Potter. Our support will not extend past our borders, but we will keep the Forest and grounds clear as well as we can."

"I'm okay with that," he answered more graciously. "I wouldn't want to put your kind at danger in a fight among wizards anyway. The grounds being protected is more than I would even dare to ask."

"Our leader will appreciate your response, young wizard. I wish you luck, and hope to speak to you again at the conclusion of this momentous period."

"Thank you, Firenze, and tell your leader I'm grateful."

"She'll be glad to hear it. Goodbye, Harry Potter and Hedwig."

—

The gargoyle leapt aside as Harry approached, clearly expecting him. He moved quickly up the stairs, and was bidden to enter before he could knock. Albus sat behind his desk, with Arthur, Daniel, Sirius, and Severus seated in chairs around the office.

"Welcome," Albus greeted with a forced smile. "Severus has told us of the current predicament, though we haven't yet spoken of possible solutions."

"I'm leaning towards asking you to destroy the potion," Harry replied, glancing at Snape while taking a seat. "How many others are capable of brewing it?"

"Three that I know of," the man admitted. "All of whom are abroad and unsympathetic to his cause. They are both incredibly complex potions, and the few steps I've completed already have taken some research and instinct to figure out. The Dark Lord might be able to do so, but I doubt he'd spend the time they require."

"Then I say we pull you out. Your position with them hasn't given us much to act on yet, no offense, and I'm not willing to put innocents at risk if you continue."

"I'm happy to destroy the work I've done," Snape responded seriously. "But we'll regret being in the dark from here on out. With exams ending early I could ingratiate myself further into the inner circle, and you may need that information."

"And what of you," Albus interrupted. "You go on raids, Severus? You kill innocent people and destroy families?"

"If I have to," the man countered stubbornly, though Harry detected a hint of fear in his voice. "If that's what's asked of me while I gather information."

"No," Harry answered firmly. "We may regret it, but I'm not willing to put you in that position. You'll be found out eventually, and I guarantee it will be at the least opportune time."

"You will regret it," Severus argued, though his shoulders sank in relief.

"Maybe not," Daniel cut in. "I have an idea, though most of you won't like it. We can get our information through more… inventive means."

"Prisoners," Sirius whispered in realization. "We'll get our intel as we go."

"I was expecting you to be part of the 'won't like it' group, but yes. Between the Greengrass and Black family grimoires, I have a feeling we'll find plenty ofways to get what we need."

"I'll happily add any expertise I can to that plan," Severus offered.

"We'll have to target inner circle members for capture when we're able," Sirius added.

"The elves will be a big help for transport," Daniel answered immediately.

Harry felt a bit overwhelmed by the quick change in direction of the conversation, and shut his eyes as the three continued to brainstorm.

"There are ways to break through memory charms," he heard Sirius offer. "My great-aunt was a savant, and she kept incredible notes."

"Stop," Harry whispered, though his harsh tone brought the group to a halt.

He took a deep breath as the three men looked at him in confusion, while Dumbledore wore a knowing smirk.

"I'm not saying no, though I'm very confused by this sudden dark triumvirate. I just want to be clear that we're talking about torturing information out of Death Eaters, and that the three of you are excited about the idea."

"Excitement isn't the right word," Sirius began after an awkward moment. "We don't wanna risk Snape's life, and we don't wanna risk the public being subjected to the potions… this seems like the best possible middle ground."

"Torturing people is middle ground?"

"Harry," Daniel began gently. "I know it's awful, and I don't believe any of us are looking forward to it, but the Greengrass family has spells that will make this the easiest way for us to stay forewarned. I'll happily do things I'd rather not to insure our people remain safe, and I'll happily deal with any disappointment you feel in me if it means my girls survive this. I won't ask you to understand, but I'd burn the world alive for my family."

"I would too," Harry agreed reluctantly, realizing he didn't have a leg to stand on after what he almost did to Draco not long ago. "But this is just one of those conversations that feels like it's being repeated on the other side... This isn't what I expected."

"Harry," Arthur interjected, breaking his silence on the matter. "It makes me sick to my stomach, but I'd see every Death Eater bastard stripped slowly of their skin before I saw one innocent person with a hangnail."

"And when that isn't enough? When it's neutrals that have information that we need, or a friend who has a memory charm we need to break?"

"Kiddo, let me read through Dorea's notes," Sirius offered into the awkward tension in the room. "She was incredible, and I think between the mind arts and Snape's potions, we'll be able to figure something out for that will be a bit easier to come to terms with."

"Fine," Harry relented, though he dreaded the certainty of the future problem. "Severus, could you take Sirius and Daniel to your office to continue that discussion? We can reconvene after."

"Of course," the man offered, looking slightly abashed by his earlier eagerness. "Gentlemen?"

Daniel and Sirius followed the professor, both placing a hand on Harry's shoulder as they passed. Arthur and Albus were content to let silence reign for a bit, as Harry tried to get his thoughts in order. After a long moment, he finally looked up from his feet and met his Headmaster's gaze.

"I hate it."

"I do too, my boy. But the alternatives are…"

"I know… and I feel like a hypocrite after how I dealt with Yaxley and Daphne's attack. I'd have taken Malfoy apart bit by bit if she hadn't stepped in."

"I could wax poetic about moments in my own life that I regret for their violence, but it won't make this moment any easier. This decision is trading a certain hurt for a possible one, but I believe those three have come to the best of the only terrible options."

"I'm starting to wish I hadn't come back."

The comment surprised his two companions, and even Harry himself. He shook off the dark thought, but before he could continue, Arthur stood.

"Son," the man said firmly, an understanding look in his eye. "I've had to promise many things over the last few weeks, and say things I know to be half-truths at best. But believe me when I tell you, what you've done in the last year could not be done by any other. You've given your people, my family, and myself hope in a time where it's not an easy thing to come by. Stand up."

He did so, surprised by the emotion in the man's eye. He was surprised further as the father wrapped him in a tight hug, but he returned it after a moment's hesitation.

"The fact that it's you that has to make these decisions," the man whispered as they embraced. "Makes me sick to my stomach. I'm so sorry you've led the life you have, but I promise things will get easier. When you come out on the other side of this, you'll see it was all worth it. All the pain and heartache will be replaced by the future, and I believe yours will be truly impressive."

Harry fought to keep his eyes dry as the man stepped back from the embrace, and smiled as the two retook their seats.

"You know it's you that'll have to answer for this once everything is done," he finally said with a wry look. "I may be the Field Marble or whatever dumb title they gave me, but you're gonna be our Minister."

"I can't wait to give up that title as soon as all of this is over. I couldn't care less if it's in disgrace, as long as we come out on the winning side."

"Albus?" Harry asked, looking towards his mentor.

"I doubt it'll be the last or worst decision we have to make, and I'm hopeful the ends will justify the means."

"I've always hated that saying."

"So have I, Harry."

—

He finally escaped the older men a couple hours later, pulling the original Marauder's Map from his pocket as he exited the Headmaster's stairwell. He scanned the parchment for the only name he wanted to see, his heart dropping when he couldn't find it. He shifted targets and searched for Ron and Hermione, who also seemed to be missing. His feet had carried him towards the entrance hall while he searched, but he quickly reversed course, panic flooding his body.

"Harry!" Neville's call slowed him for a moment, and he heard his friend jogging to catch up. "Mate, what's wrong?"

"Daphne, Ron, and Hermione are gone," he hissed, resuming his frantic pace.

"They're in the Room... They're fine."

Harry stopped in his tracks, relief slowly replacing the adrenaline coursing through him.

"They sent me to get you as soon as we saw you were done with your meeting," Neville continued gently. "We all needed a bit of a break, though Hermione is still practicing her runes. They're fine, I promise."

He took a few deep breaths to still his racing heart, and knew his eyes were likely alight with power. He centered himself as best he could before turning to his friend.

"I should've guessed," he breathed. "Sorry, Nev. Just been a bad-news kind of day."

"I can tell. Me and Astoria are gonna go for a walk, but Blaise and Ginny are coming just to be safe. Go hug your girlfriend, you look like you need it."

"Deal. Send a Patronus if you need me."

"I will, but I won't. Go on."

Harry smiled, still trying to calm himself, and nearly sprinted to the seventh floor. He paced past the door as quickly as he could, and flung the door open once it appeared.

Daphne's eyes were the first thing his found, and he saw the girl brighten at his entrance. The happiness, however, quickly turned to concern as she took in his slightly manic state. Harry walked towards her as casually as he could, and she stood from her spot on the couch to meet him. He pulled her into a tight hug as she drew close, and Daphne returned it fiercely.

"What happened?"

"Nothing besides me being an anxious mess," he answered softly, breathing in her scent. "I got through with my meeting, and couldn't find you on the map."

"I'm sorry," she whispered, lightly stroking his back. "I know that must've freaked you out."

"It shouldn't have. I should've thought of the Room first, but I was just a bit grouchy in the moment, and my brain wasn't working."

"If being grouchy means you storm in like you'd flip the world to find me, I might try to make you grouchy more often. It was incredibly attractive."

Harry couldn't help the chuckle from escaping, and he felt Daphne relax in his arms.

"Sorry for busting in, guys," he said to his two best friends over her head. "I thought you'd been kidnapped or something..."

"We figured," Ron answered for the pair. "Sorry for the scare… Me and Neville were watching the map, but could've sent a Patronus."

"Not your fault... I'm just a bit high strung at the moment."

"Let's go for a walk," Daphne suggested as she stepped back. "My brain is fried, and we have a couple hours until dinner."

"Is that okay with you two?"

"Of course," Hermione answered with a smile. "We might head outside, too. Ron's only asked thirty-five times so far, but I figure the thirty-sixth may do it."

"'Mione," the redhead offered immediately. "Can we have class outside?"

"You two go ahead," she answered with a roll of her eyes. "We'll be close behind."

Daphne took his hand, and Harry allowed her to pull him towards the door. They made their way to the entrance hall, though he couldn't help glancing around worriedly.

"Harold," Daphne whispered as they reached the grand entrance. "Montague is in his dorm, and I doubt anyone else is trying to sneak up on us. My fingers would like their blood back."

He gave the girl an apologetic smile as he lightened his grip, not realizing he was squeezing. He mentally shook himself as best he could, and forcibly shifted his focus to enjoying the time with his girlfriend.

"Sorry, just a weird day... Your dad was here."

"I saw him on the map. Everything okay?"

"Yes and no," he answered, not wanting to get into it. "We have some decisions to make, and I'm not very comfortable with them yet."

"This whole year has felt like the calm before the storm," Daphne countered softly. "Even in the moments of peace… it just feels like we're still building to something."

"That something is almost here."

"Then we'll be through it that much earlier."

"I like that perspective," he said with a smile as they walked towards the quidditch pitch, Hedwig joining them from above. "How was your appointment yesterday?"

"It was good! Healer Wilson is really nice, though he wouldn't spill your secrets no matter what I tried."

"I'd hope not," Harry countered, bumping her shoulder slightly in response. "How are you feeling after… everything."

"I'm okay… Like I told him, I knew you'd show up, as crazy as that sounds, and I think that certainty helped me keep my sanity a bit."

"I'm glad, but I need you to be honest with yourself if you start to feel weird about it. An attack like that can mess with your mind."

"I know it can, and I appreciate Healer Wilson coming by, but I promise I'm okay. Now what has you all riled up?"

"I don't wanna get into it too much," Harry said with a grimace. "I can explain further in the Room at some point, but essentially things are just converging in a way that'll spread us thin, and your dad's solution to part of the problem isn't sitting well with me."

"Then talk to him. He'd listen to any concerns you have."

"He's right, though. It's me that needs to move, but it's not feeling easy to do right now."

"Harry Potter being stubborn? What has the world come to?"

"And to think I was worried about you going missing a few minutes ago."

"Oh hush. We both know you'd move mountains if something happened to me."

"If something happened to you, Daph," he admitted, tugging her around to face him. "There wouldn't be any mountains left to move."

"Then I'll guess I'll have to stay safe… for the geography's sake, you know."

Daphne looked up at him with sparkling eyes, and Harry felt the magnetic pull of her lips on his. As he kissed his girlfriend he felt a bit of the weight fall from his shoulders, and he was thankful for the release. Things may be growing more difficult, but he'd bet his vault that Daphne would make it feel easier.

A/N: I'm not very happy with this one, and thought about deleting it, but the dry dialogue is needed to explain some things. I tried rewriting it where I could, but I'm still not satisfied. I want action or romance or funny moments just like all of you do, but this chapter was just not having it. Luckily, things pick up soon, and the story will continue to be pretty high paced through the end. Thanks for reading!