A/N: Updates will slow down a bit as my life returns to its normal chaos this week, but I was able to write quite a bit in my break from school. Thanks for all the interaction with the story! I've finished rough drafts up to Chapter 54, and if I had to guess, I'd say this will top out at somewhere between 60-65. The ones between this and 54 need a ton of work, though, so it'll be a while before we get there. Thanks for reading!

Chapter 43

July 26, 1996

"How many did we get?"

Remus followed Sirius as he stormed through the new Ministry, the man's eagerness turning his stomach slightly. Bravo Company's operation at the old government headquarters had gone off nearly perfectly, with only two friendly soldiers being treated for minor wounds. Snape's Patronus woke Sirius at the break of dawn to request his assistance, however, and Remus immediately offered to join him on his way out the door.

"Six," Sirius answered tersely. "The Young brothers find themselves behind bars once again, but the other four weren't as easy for Snape to recognize."

"Those two won't be leaving," Remus offered darkly.

The twins were a couple years younger than he and Sirius, and their vindictiveness was apparent at surprisingly young ages. They were merciless in their torment of anyone not in Slytherin, and James even had a dust-up with the pair in his sixth year. The weekend spent in the infirmary convinced the boys to leave the Marauders alone, but didn't go so far as to curb their behavior towards the rest of the school.

Their worst crime, in Remus' opinion, was their relationship with Greyback. Luca and Grady were an attractive and charismatic pair when they chose to be, and they used those traits to build friendships with wealthy muggles during the first war. Once they were invited to the muggles' homes, they'd return the next full moon with Greyback and other werewolves, wreaking havoc that turned the stomachs of all who learned of it.

"Of course not," Sirius agreed as passionately. "I'll kill them myself before they see daylight again. Here we are."

The new prison was built in the lowest level of the building, around fifty meters below ground. He, Harry, Bill, and Albus raised the wards around the floor themselves, and any attempted escape or breakout would end very badly for the culprits. Sirius knocked on the door firmly, and Snape pulled it open after the briefest of moments.

"Gentlemen," he offered silkily. "It seems we have our first clients…"

"Snape," Sirius greeted with a nod. "Is Daniel here?"

"He's speaking to one of the prisoners. Apparently they had a professional relationship in the past, and he thought he could get some information the easy way."

"Alone?" Remus asked, knowing the protocol they drew up required two people in the room while interrogating a prisoner.

"With Albus."

"Albus is here?"

"He wanted to offer his assistance before harsher methods are employed," the dour man answered with a shrug. "The others haven't yet been revived."

"I'll be speaking to the Youngs…"

"I didn't realize you'd be joining us…"

"I'll probably serve as liaison between you and Harry from here on out, but I'll have words with those two beforehand."

"Fair enough, I trust you and Black to maintain your composure."

"Odd feeling, that," Sirius interjected with a smirk. "You and I can meet with Daniel after to discuss how to proceed."

"Third door on the left," Snape answered with a nod, moving towards a collection of desks in the bizarre lobby. "I kept them together for the primary interrogation, but they'll be separated afterwards."

Remus entered the room in question while his friend held the door, his eyes widening as he took in the state of the previously attractive men. Azkaban hadn't done them any favors, and both looked twenty years older than their age. He and Sirius settled into chairs opposite the shackled men, both raising their wands to ennervate the twins.

"Remus Lupin," Luca offered after a few seconds to shake off his confusion. "You got old…"

"And you two look like garbage warmed over. Azkaban didn't do you any favors, did it?"

"It was a summer camp," Grady answered with a grin. "Isn't that right Sirius? Lovely to see you again…"

"Back at you," the man answered casually. "You've always looked best in shackles…"

"They feel like home… What can we do for Dumbledore's pet monsters this evening?"

"It's seven in the morning, actually," Remus supplied with a smirk of satisfaction. "You've been stunned and restrained for around ten hours."

"I hope your time on the outside was enjoyable," Sirius added.

"It was heavenly," Luca confirmed confidently, though his eyes belied his words. "We'll look you up for a beer once we're free of this place…"

"Not in the cards, unfortunately… You'll be prisoners until your miserable lives end, and we'll throw a parade in the streets to celebrate."

"We're in the hallowed Village we've been hearing about," Grady whispered in realization. "I have to say… it doesn't exactly merit its reputation…"

"What is it that you've heard? Something more than empty rooms and chains?"

Remus was impressed by his friend's ability to hide his reaction, as the fact that Voldemort knew of the Village was a terrifying thought. He made a mental note to speak to Harry, but he knew their actual location was still protected by oaths and wards.

"That the rivers flow with gold, yet the trees weep for the weakness of its people."

"Not far off," Sirius countered, looking very much like he was enjoying himself. "Though its people are the ones that brought you here, so any weakness still managed to overpower you two…"

"A cowardly attack," Luca spat, his friendly demeanor shifting immediately. "Some twenty year old girl dived on me and portkeyed… not exactly a feat worthy of a medal."

"We stole the idea from your master… your side has been doing it for months, why shouldn't we?"

"I'd never lower myself to an attack like that…"

"No," Remus countered, his blood boiling slowly. "You'd rather ingratiate yourself with helpless victims, and offer them as toys for your lover. Did you hold a funeral for the bastard, or does he still lay on the platform where I killed him?"

The question clearly shook the pair, and Remus glanced at Sirius as he realized they hadn't known. Instead of letting them react, however, he twisted the knife.

"Fenrir wasn't against cowardly attacks… he apparated behind me after the battle was done and stabbed me with a silver knife. It stung a bit, but ripping his spine from his body outweighed the pain tenfold."

"You lie."

"I'll share the memory if you'd like… tears fell from his eyes as he died, and he soiled himself before his miserable heart finally stopped. Top ten moments of my life."

"You'd be dead if he stabbed you," Luca countered, regaining his composure. "And Fenrir is likely next door, enjoying three a day and a nice warm bed."

"I would be dead," Remus allowed with a grin. "But luckily, our side has magic unknown to yours. The silver laid me up for a couple hours, but I was on my feet soon after. And you and your little friends are actually the first to enjoy our new accommodations… what d'you think?"

"That you still lie. We went to the platform… there weren't any bodies, just bits of bone and flesh strewn about."

"That would be my godson's work," Sirius answered with a proud smile. "He doesn't like it when people shoot spells at him, and judging from his memory, it'd be tough to collect enough of any of your people to fill a single casket…"

"You're expecting us to believe that the all-powerful savior of the light murdered hundreds of us and obliterated their bodies? Pull the other one, Black…"

"We'll do that later, but I'll work on a short little presentation for you and your friends. Harry had a front row seat to Greyback's death, so you can both have a moment to say goodbye."

Remus hid a grin as the twins seemed unsure of how to respond, the information clearly shaking them to their core. That Voldemort's men didn't know what happened was a surprise, but he knew the monster likely kept it that way to retain morale.

"So smug, Lupin," Grady said, breaking the silence. "Enjoy it while you can, and fast track us to Azkaban if you would."

"Oh, there won't be any Azkaban for you," he answered, his hidden grin no longer so. "This will be your last home. These four walls, no windows, no visitors… this will be the rest of your short lives, and I'll be just outside living my own happily."

"You're a traitor to your kind…" Luca hissed dangerously. "You should be standing next to us, not fighting us."

"And you should've learned from the beating you took from James all those years ago. You both talk a big game, but you're nothing compared to those that matter. Your disappearance will be swept under the rug just like Greyback's, and no one will even remember your name in a decade. Luca, Grady… welcome to the life you deserve."

—

"They know of the Village…"

Harry breathed a frustrated sigh at the statement, Remus looking very much like he wished he hadn't been the messenger. The man sat on the opposite side of the Command Center, with his extended team and various Commanders filling the other seats. He'd called an emergency session when his friend returned to the Manor so urgently, but the reason for the meeting was disturbing at best.

"To what extent?" he offered quietly, breaking the thick silence.

"Rumors," Sirius offered from his right. "They know it was you, and that the majority of their victims are out of reach… we worked all day on the prisoners, and none knew anything else."

"What do you mean by 'worked' on them?" Amelia asked with a scowl.

"Potions and Legilimency. Nothing untoward, I swear."

"I witnessed all of it," Albus confirmed. "As much as I hate the need for it, Sirius, Daniel, and Severus have devised a genius method of interrogation. Any prisoners will be treated humanely unless they prove capable of overcoming our methods, up until they're put to death for their crimes."

"No good," Commander Bukowski interjected. "We need them to fear us. Torture all six, kill five, and release the weakest to tell the story."

"Amen," Moody offered darkly, the man offering the same advice multiple times in the past few weeks.

"No," Harry countered. "I trust our interrogation methods, and we'll receive the same information from most whether they're tortured or not. They'll receive no mercy, but they won't suffer at my hands unduly. I respect your opinions, gentlemen, and I ask you to continue to share them, but I'm firm on this…"

"I agree," Enzo offered. "Mistreatment at our hands will only lead to a resentment that will continue to build once this war is finished, and we'll be fighting the same war in two decades."

"Thank you, Commander, my thoughts exactly. That's not the only purpose of this meeting, however. Remus?"

"Azkaban."

The single word answer elicited a confused murmur amongst the group, though Harry's eyes didn't leave his friend's. He raised a hand to silence the room, and it fell immediately, allowing Remus to continue.

"They think we're still protecting the prison, and Voldemort has yet to move on it. We need a solution yesterday, and need to deploy it an hour ago."

"How many prisoners in the godforsaken place?" Arthur asked darkly.

"Around four hundred," Sirius answered immediately, earning a supportive bump to his shoulder from his godson. "Some may have died in my time away, but I'd guess three fifty at the very least."

"Four hundred new recruits for the Dark Lord," the Minister whispered darkly, murmuring returning at his words.

Harry raised his hand once more, his newfound power giving him the confidence to run the meeting like he never had before.

"Not if I have anything to say about it," he offered into the silence. "I'll ask each of you to discuss the issue with your teams today and tomorrow, we'll meet the next day to brainstorm. I believe we can find a way out of this that makes sense, and I'll begin thinking of ways to further protect our Village. Thank you for coming, and have a good rest of the day."

Harry watched as the group trickled out of the room, smiling in response to the few that looked his way. He trusted each one of them with his life, but a niggling thought was struggling to find purchase in his mind in a very frustrating way.

"Harry…"

He turned to find Daniel standing to his left, and the niggling thought was given immediate clarity. He shot to his feet in realization, and grabbed the man in a tight hug.

"Good to see you too, son, but what the hell?"

"I have the answer, but we'll wait to hear from the others. You aren't gonna like it…"

"I haven't liked much in the last year, but your current confidence is close."

—

"Let me get this straight," Hermione offered from her seat in the den, her hand locked in Ron's. "You want me to invent brand new magic that can contain dementors and keep out Voldemort, in the span of a week, with no prior knowledge of how to do so…"

"No," Harry corrected with a grin. "I want you to work with Professors Babbling, Vector, and Dumbledore, as well as Bill, Fleur, Remus, and Daphne to invent brand new magic that can contain dementors and keep out Voldemort, in the span of a week, with…"

"We get it, mate," Ron interrupted, surprisingly somber. "Tall order, don't you think?"

"Drastic times… Bill says the theory exists, but no one has been able to harness the power required. The prison's wards would interfere with a Fidelius, and that wouldn't contain the dementors anyway, but the arithmancy has been proven on a smaller scale. Fleur's a rune expert, and mentioned the amplification effect they could add, and I know in my heart we can do this."

"What do you expect from me, Harry?" Hermione asked worriedly, her mind clearly moving a mile a second.

"Nothing you aren't capable of."

"I'm sixteen… I can name twenty people more capable in the next three seconds if you want."

"But we don't trust any of them to study our connection," Daphne countered, squeezing his hand in support.

"So what, I have three days to figure out how your relationship works, and four to incorporate it into what everyone else is doing?"

"Er…" Harry offered intelligently. "Yes?"

The silence that followed his answer was overwhelming, though Ron sent him a bemused grin that was immediately returned. He knew he was asking for a miracle, and had backup plans if Hermione felt uncomfortable, but he was being pushed in this direction. He knew it was possible, he just needed help getting there.

"Okay then," Hermione said after a long moment, the tension popping relievedly. "I'll tell Mum and Dad they're on their own in the Village for a few days, and I'll need a guest bedroom. The library in town is… nice, but I'll need access to yours' and Hogwarts'."

"Done and done," Harry countered with a smile. "And congratulations on joining a team that will be written about in magical theory books for centuries. We'll name the spell 'Granger Danger' if you want…"

"I very much don't want, now let's go for that walk. You didn't need to be so formal with your request."

"I figured asking the impossible deserved the formality…"

"Harry, if you ever ask me for something simple, I'll schedule you an appointment at the hospital."

"But I don't like needles..."

—

July 27,1996

Charlie's knock was immediately answered, Fleur opening the door with a welcoming smile. His cheeks were quickly kissed, as were Narcissa's, his partner squeezing his hand at the overwhelming affection.

"It's so good to see you!" Fleur offered happily, gesturing the pair into the small cottage.

"It's been less than a week," Charlie countered, though he was warmed by the welcome.

"And it's been more than a year since I've had friends other than your brother... I've been looking forward to this!"

"Now that makes sense," he answered with a grin. "Where is the lout?"

"Pouring you a drink," Bill called from the kitchen indignantly. "And if you're not careful, you'll get nothing but water while Miss Black and I enjoy the lovely French wine I have."

"Drop the 'Miss', Bill," Narcissa called back with a smile as the trio found seats around the dining room table. "I feel old enough as it is!"

"Does it bother you?" Fleur asked curiously. "The age difference? Or I can shut up if you'd prefer…"

"It doesn't," she answered, squeezing his hand affectionately. "Charlie makes me happy, and after everything else in my life, I've decided to focus on that."

"You make me happy, too," he offered, returning the squeeze. "And the age difference never crossed my mind. I've always needed a more mature partner…"

His words were countered with a roll of her beautiful eyes, though her happiness was undeniable. He scooted his chair closer, and pulled her hand into his lap.

"When I heard you were seventeen years older," Fleur offered happily. "I nearly lost my balance! You look incredible. Are you sure you don't have Veela blood?"

"Not that I know of, though my mother was a Rosier, and their family tree isn't as well studied as the Blacks'."

"I'd bet Bill's vault you do."

"Not much of a risk, then," Charlie answered with a grin. "I've seen it, nothing to sing about."

"Au contraire, little brother," Bill countered as he entered with a tray of champagne. "My vault is hers now, too."

He was confused by his brother's shit-eating grin, but Narcissa quickly gasped in realization. He followed her excited gaze, and eventually found the impressive ring resting on his new sister-in-law's finger.

"Bill," he cried while standing. "You ass of a man… I was supposed to give a best man's speech!"

"Why do you think we eloped?"

Charlie pulled his brother into a tight hug, his heart bursting with happiness. Bill and Fleur were as obviously meant to be as Harry and Daphne, and he was so pleased by the news he felt dizzy. He sat heavily when he was released, Narcissa recapturing his hand with a smile after hugging Fleur.

"Why the suddenness?" he asked breathlessly, still trying to process the information. "Is there a red-headed Veela cooking I should know about?"

"Non," Fleur answered, drawing him to his feet once more for a hug. "We knew given the state of the world that a wedding would be a distraction at best and a target at worst, and decided to forego the nonsense."

"Mum's gonna kill you both…"

"As is mine, but we'll have a belated reception at some point. You're the first we've told."

"Incredible news. I'm so happy for you both! Welcome to the craziest family in the world… there's no escape now."

"I wouldn't want one," Fleur answered with a smile, snuggling into her new husband's shoulder. "We'll renew our vows at the reception, and have the full ceremony if our mothers' demand."

"They will, and my speech will reflect your subterfuge."

"Bring it on, Charles," she countered daringly.

The four shared a toast, and another round of hugs, and settled in for the first of a four course French dinner. The champagne flowed easily, though Bill interrupted their happiness by raging to his feet, a worried look on his face.

"Charlie," he demanded. "Take Fleur and Narcissa to the Manor."

"No."

His new wife's words had an immediate sobering effect, and Bill turned to her confusedly.

"Fleur, you have to go. Percy's just apparated nearby, and from what we've gathered, that's not a good thing."

"I go where you do, husband. Either invite him in, or come with us... I won't be leaving your side."

"Same," Charlie offered awkwardly, Narcissa squeezing his hand in agreement. "We never got a firm answer about the idiot, so let's go check it out."

"Harry's gonna kick our ass in training for a month…" Bill countered.

"Like that's any different from normal…"

—

"He just showed up," Remus offered confusedly. "Last word we had was that he disappeared at some point before Fudge went down, but we just don't know."

"So what do I do?" Harry asked with a sigh as they neared the Ministry's small prison. "Is he restrained? Has he been questioned? What am I walking into here?"

"No clue," Sirius answered with a shrug. "According to Charlie, Percy's not himself, and he may not have been for a long time… Severus wanted your input before we tried any of the potions, and Bill asked for you as a favor."

"I'm happy to help, but if he's as much of a mess as it sounds like, I don't know what I can do."

Remus knocked on the door as they approached, and Harry was surprised by the person that answered.

"He seems… broken, Harry," Arthur said in lieu of a greeting. "He recognized me, but the only thing he asked for was a moment of your time…"

"I'll give it happily, but it sounds like he's endured… something. I can't make any promises, Arthur."

"I don't expect any, I never even expected to even see him again. I figured he was killed months ago."

"Well let's see how it goes, I guess. I'll be going in alone."

"The hell you will."

"I have to, Sirius," Harry countered gently. "If he's under some sort of compulsion, I can't protect you from my magic in such a small room. I'll be fine."

"I know you will, because I'll be sitting next to you... I'll protect myself from your magic just fine."

"You're frustrating, you know that?"

"Years of practice. Which room, Snape?"

"Eight. It's an interrogation room and he's awake, but restrained."

"Good enough. After you, kiddo."

Harry entered the room warily, his magic on edge at the bizarre confrontation. He'd written Percy off as a lost cause, as had his family, but his reappearance wasn't as rainbow-inducing as they'd all like. According to Bill and Charlie, the man was barely coherent and had clearly been mistreated. He felt weird to hope that's all it was, but his magic was clamoring in warning, and the Wand was itching from its spot on his forearm.

"Percy."

"Harry," the young man breathed in response, his eyes almost lifeless.

"I'm sorry for the restraints, but you haven't exactly filled your brothers with optimism…"

"I know."

"Where have you been?"

"I don't know."

Harry glanced at Sirius, the man shrugging at his questioning look. He didn't know how to proceed in this, as the young man was so different from what he expected.

"Percy," he began again, hoping for a better answer. "I was told you wished to see me, and that you wouldn't say anything until you did. I'm here, and I wonder if we could get to that conversation. We have a hospital bed and a warm meal waiting for you once we're done."

"Did I ask for you? I don't remember that… you look older than I thought you would."

"That'll happen over time, mate. What do you remember?"

"A cell… not as nice as this one, but the shackles are the same. I remember Rufus telling me to be strong, but he was gone one day. A few people occupied his cell afterwards, but not for long…"

"Where were you?"

"I don't know."

"When did this happen?"

"I don't know."

"Were you taken before or after Scrimgeour was named Minister?"

"Rufus was Minister? What happened to Cornelius?"

"He was arrested and sentenced for child abuse, Percy. He's been in prison for months… your father is Minister now."

"Cornelius would never…"

"He did, and it was proven in a court of law."

"You said Dad is Minister now?"

"Since May," Harry confirmed, his magic still tingling warningly. "He's been incredible, and he's just outside listening… Why did you want to see me?"

"I… I don't know…"

Percy seemed to be struggling internally, and the struggle was setting off every one of Harry's magical instincts. Something was wrong, and the fact that he couldn't pinpoint it was frustrating.

"If you don't know, I think I'll head outside… we'll set a healer at the door and make sure you're fed, but we'll need to keep an eye on you until we figure out what's going on."

"Wait."

The demand in Percy's tone drew Harry up short, but he was hesitant to remain in the room any longer. He turned reluctantly, his eyes finding a new unfamiliar gleam in the redhead's.

"Your shackles are just like theirs," Percy hissed quietly, a triumphant smile on his face. "Magical inducing cuffs are a good idea…"

A resounding 'pop' filled the air, and Harry opened the door with a wave of his hand. Another gesture sent his godfather sailing from the room, and the door locked behind him, cutting off his angry response.

"But if you can get a hand out," Percy continued, the maniacal gleam growing in his eye. "Just one hand… then you're back in the game."

"You're right," Harry agreed as he watched the man struggle to release his left hand with his broken right. "I hate that you've had so much experience with them, but you're safe here, mate."

"Mate." the man scoffed. "Mate. Like we've been friends…"

"I'd like to think so… by proxy if nothing else. Your family is like a second one to me, Percy. Fight whatever it is you're feeling…"

"Fight!? There's no fighting this… mate. There's a directive, and nothing else..."

"And what's your directive?"

"To kill you."

"How unfortunate."

"It is," Percy offered, though his dangerous look was stronger than ever. "I won't survive the blast, but I'll be celebrated."

"You'd be celebrated if you returned to your family… Whatever you're attempting won't work."

"It has so far. My hands are freed, and I don't need my feet…"

"But the fact that you're still talking means you're torn. You're fighting it, Perce. Keep fighting and I'll figure you out, I swear."

"I… I can't…" Percy's eyes finally cleared after a rough shake of his head, and the plea they held was desperate. "Get out of here, Harry. Please…"

"I'm not going anywhere."

His new power gave him a surprising confidence, and all he felt in his heart was pity for the man in front of him. He watched as Percy shook himself violently, clearly trying to fight the supernatural force he was under. The struggle lasted for a long minute, and Harry reinforced the cell with every spell he could think of.

"We're safe here, my friend. Your family is safe, and they'll remain so. They've missed you, Percy. Come back to them."

"I… I want to. I want to apologize. But… but I can't fight it any longer… leave! PLEASE!"

He directed his thoughts to Daphne at the plea, forcing all the emotion he felt for the girl into his magic. His body thrummed at the influx, and he drew his wand to allow it an outlet. The shield he produced was unlike any he'd ever seen, though the redhead at the end of his rope in front of him was as visible as ever. Percy began to shake as whatever spell he was under took hold, and his mouth opened wide in a silent scream of pain.

"Percy… your family loves you."

—

Remus grabbed onto a nearby desk as the Ministry shook around him, though the floor finally stilled after a brief moment. He reached forward to help Sirius off the ground, the man jumping back to the source of the explosion with a deranged look.

"HARRY!" Sirius screamed desperately as he punched the locked door as hard as he could. "Unlock the door! I can't get in!"

Remus stepped forward to keep his friend from injuring himself, though the pain in his chest would rather he joined him. He took a breath to still his racing heart, and eventually tugged Sirius backwards and into his arms. He saw the three Weasleys and Snape regaining their bearings around them, though all four wore looks of matching worry.

"Padfoot," he whispered softly, squeezing the man from behind. "I'm sure he's fine, take a breath."

"No, god damnit, let me go!"

Sirius wrenched himself free with surprising strength, though before he could take the three steps required, the room he sought opened slowly. Smoke poured from the door and quickly filled the lobby, and he drew his wand to dispel it after a moment of confusion.

"I'm fine, Pads."

Remus felt his heart return from its position near his feet at Harry's words, though the teen wasn't yet visible. The smoke didn't stop him and Sirius from launching forward, however, and he quickly found the pair and joined their hug. He gently steered all three away from the doorway, eventually drawing clear of the remnants of what must have been a hell of an explosion.

"You asshole," Sirius whispered harshly, his words choked with emotion. "Don't you ever fucking do that again."

"You wouldn't have survived it," Harry countered gently. "I was following my magic, and it needed you out of the room. I think if I hadn't reinforced the cell from the inside, we'd be dealing with an exploded Ministry right now."

"I don't give a shit!"

"You will when you calm down," Remus countered, pulling away from the pair. "Take a breath, Sirius… we need to figure out what happened."

His friend attempted to follow the advice, and finally released his godson with a deep sigh. The four others stepped forward at the movement, clearly hesitant to disturb the trio.

"Harry," Arthur began gently. "What happened? Is he… is Percy gone?"

"I'm so sorry, sir. He was under some sort of compulsion, and you heard how hard he was fighting it. Voldemort turned him into some sort of bomb… and my heart is completely broken for you and your family."

"Thank you, Harry…" the Minister offered hesitantly, sinking into a nearby chair. "I… I don't know what to say… my son is…"

Remus' stomach dropped at the listlessness in the man's tone, and reached out to grasp his shoulder tightly. He was clueless as to how to help further, and his two sons seemed equally as lost.

"Arthur," he offered, soft enough to not be overheard. "Why don't you take Bill and Charlie for some fresh air? They look like they could use a word, and I'll set up the chess board at the Manor when you can get away. Your family needs you right now, and I'll be there whenever it's your turn to fall apart."

"Thank you," the redhead responded softly, taking a few deep breaths to steady himself. "Boys, let's go see your mother. She'll need us around right now."

Remus watched the three leave the room, though the pain they felt seemed to remain. The Weasleys didn't deserve this, but he knew they were strong enough to get through it.

"That was well done, Moony."

"Thanks," he countered while turning. "But how are you, Harry?"

"I'm… I'd like to see Daphne."

"Then go. We'll figure things out here, go get her and take the rest of the day off."

"I'll go with you," Sirius offered, the teen's eyes showing gratitude at the offer.

Another vicious death for the teen to work through, and the thought turned Remus' stomach. He was an incredibly strong young man in every way, but even the strongest had breaking points, and Harry's would be more… volatile than most. The pair exited the prison, and Remus sat heavily in the chair their Minister recently vacated.

"Did you feel the power behind that blast?"

"It would've leveled the Ministry for sure," he agreed, glancing at Severus.

"It would've leveled the fucking Village… how is Harry still standing?"

"Because we need him to..."

—

Daphne sat across from Hermione, though the pair hadn't spoken in hours. Both had pieces of their new conundrum they were focusing on, but the silent companionship was a welcome addition to the research. The book she was skimming was an old one, the handwritten pages faded with age, but from what she could make out from the few words she could discern, it wasn't helpful at the moment.

She stood to find another to replace it, but as she returned it to its spot on the shelf, the library rocked around her. She grasped the nearby shelf in an effort to retain her footing, but the Manor's rumblings forced the shelf from the wall. Daphne cast a shield on instinct, protecting herself from the falling books, her eyes immediately searching for Hermione. The girl had reacted similarly, her wand holding a shield over their heads, though the shaking stopped as quickly as it began.

"Quick," Hermione hissed, storming to her feet. "Earthquakes happen in groups, we need to find a doorway…"

"Find a what? Hermione, the Manor is warded against earthquakes. It's not coming down around us any time soon."

"Oh… right. Sorry, just something I learned as a child that I thought would be a much bigger problem in life."

"I get it. That was a big one though, right?"

"I don't have much experience, but it felt like it."

"Girls," her Dad called as he rushed into the room. "Are you hurt?"

"We're fine. Minor destruction to the room, but no harm done. Everyone else okay?"

"Winky burned herself on the stove, but your Mum's patching her up. That was… something."

"I don't think it was an earthquake," she offered, though she wasn't sure why.

"What else could it have been?"

"No idea, but I have a feeling it has to do with my boyfriend…"

"A nuisance of a boy," her father countered, though his eyes showed his worry. "You sure he's the one you want? I could find you a cat if you'd like…"

"I think I'll keep him," she answered with a smile. "Though him and a cat would be nice…"

"No deal. I'll have no more than one purveyor of chaos in the house at any given time."

"It's the purveyor's house, Dad."

"Don't ruin my imaginative world where I still hold a bit of power, Daph."

She grinned at him gratefully while Hermione laughed, glad he was able to pop the sudden tension so easily. He returned the smile while he exited, and she turned to set the room to rights.

"You really think it has something to do with Harry?"

"I know it. I have this weird sixth sense about him, and it's going nuts at the moment."

"Is he okay?"

"I'd bet on it. He'll be here soon, I'm sure."

"I need to stay," Hermione countered seriously. "I don't think I'll be able to pick anything up when he gets here, but I can share the memory of my perspective with the others."

"Fine," she allowed, though she felt torn. "But if I ask you to, I need you to leave."

"Try not to ask."

"That depends on him. If he's a mess, he won't open up if we have company."

"I don't know how you do it," Hermione breathed in frustration. "Being one of his best friends is hard enough… I can't imagine what it feels like for you."

"It's tough at times," Daphne admitted with a smirk. "But the good moments outweigh the bad tenfold, and the bad times won't last forever."

"I like your confidence."

"Certainty, not confidence. He's gonna fix this, Hermione, and I'll be next to him the whole way."

"He deserves it. I'm so glad you found each other."

"Me too."

Silence fell as the pair took a few minutes to return the room to its previous state, but just as the last book was put back in its place, the air around them seemed to fizzle with electricity.

"Daph."

She turned to find the man of the hour, and her heart sunk at the desperate look in his eyes. She crossed the library in three long strides, Harry rushing to meet her halfway. His eyes were bleeding power but they still shone brightly, and Daphne knew she was right in her guess. They met surprisingly gently, but his tight grip as he pulled her into a hug showed his emotional state. He felt him start to shake as they embraced, and her sunken heart broke at the sound of his pain.

"Hermione," she whispered, stroking the back of Harry's neck.

"Already gone," the girl answered as she exited.

"What happened, love?"

"I have no idea…" Harry's sobs ratcheted up at the admission, and Daphne just squeezed him tighter as he cried into her neck.