A/N: Hey everyone! At the time of writing this note we're at 999 favorites, and over 1400 follows… that's crazyyy. I really appreciate all the support, and the reviews and messages from the vast majority of you. This has been a fun new hobby for me, and the fact that others seem to enjoy it as well is a pretty cool icing. And for the few of you that have read over 200k words of my story and hated every second of it… just stop fucking reading it.

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Chapter 33

February 25, 1996

"He said two-thirty, right?" Remus asked with a look at his watch.

"He did," Harry agreed. "But coming from Italy isn't as easy as stepping over from the castle."

The two sat in The Three Broomsticks, as Lorenzo Ricci had written to request a meeting two days prior. His message was brief, but Harry was hopeful the man meant to promise support. He asked Remus to join, as his adjutant was more up to date on the status of their force, and he wanted to be as open as possible if Ricci agreed to sign the secondary contract.

"I'm assuming you've heard about his lycanthropy activism?"

"Albus told me yesterday. His brother, right?"

"Yeah," Remus agreed with a grimace. "His older brother Davide. He was bitten protecting Lorenzo as a child, and recently took his own life. Ricci's been very outspoken in the media about the treatment of werewolves and half-bloods of all sorts."

"I can't imagine how that feels," Harry commiserated softly. "And I'm blown away by how you're able to keep it together all the time."

"I have my weak moments… But when I look at you and Sirius, and everything we're working towards, I know that my problem takes a distant last place on the list of priorities."

"It's still something I wish you didn't have to deal with, Moony. And I hope you let one of us know if things start piling up."

"Of course I will," he agreed with a smile. "And Healer Wilson moved into the village this week, so he'd be an easy person to find."

"Spending a lot of time there recently, huh?" Harry asked with a grin.

"I've been there for my job, yes," Remus countered with a roll of his eyes. "And a couple times socially. I thought you'd be better than teasing me about Tonks."

"Not teasing! I'm happy for you! Sirius said he had dinner with you two this week and he looked like the cat that ate the canary."

"It's been… something. She's unlike anyone I've ever dated, but a werewolf getting their hopes up is like a turtle trying to fly."

"What kind of fortune cookie bullshit is that?"

"I'm just saying she could do a lot better. And from my experiences in the past, she'll figure that out soon."

"Remus," Harry replied, turning to look at his friend seriously. "You're not often wrong, but when you are it's monumental. There is nobody better."

"Thank you," the man relented with a grateful smile. "But forgive me if I keep my walls up a bit."

"Who am I to give advice? Do what you want with your walls."

The doors opening drew Harry's attention, and he smiled as he saw the man they were here to meet. The smile grew wider as he saw who followed him.

"Signor Ricci," he began, crossing the room to shake his hand. "I'm honored you made the trip. And Captain Moretti, a very pleasant surprise!"

"I told him you'd remember," Ricci replied with a victorious grin. "Enzo here figured you were too riled up to think straight that evening."

"Moments like that have a way of burning themselves into my memory," Harry offered as he shook Enzo's hand. "And I'll thank you again for your team's response, Captain."

"It was nothing," Moretti answered. "And any debt owed was paid in full thirty seconds after. My team thinks we should have just let you handle it and enjoyed the show."

"Contrary to any rumors, I'm not that powerful. My shield was on the verge of collapse before you guys stepped in."

"Then let's have a drink to celebrate good timing," Ricci interjected, moving towards the bar.

Harry introduced the pair to Remus, and Ricci immediately began speaking to the Marauder about his work on behalf of werewolves on the continent. Remus was clearly interested, and the pair seemed to forget their younger counterparts existed. After the two newcomers received their drinks, they moved to a secluded corner where Harry cast privacy charms.

While the two older men continued their conversation, Harry turned to Moretti with a grin.

"Are you often dragged along with the Delegate for meetings like this?"

"This would be a first," Enzo answered with a smile, seeming to relax a bit at the informality of the question. "I haven't even been able to leave the country in years. Our team keeps quite busy."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I actually asked my secretary here to remind me to reach out after we got back. I was impressed by your team and how quickly the threat was neutralized."

"You actually saw our slowest response time," the man argued with chagrin. "Our muggle element was caught in a large tour group when the enemy attacked, and I'd like to think if the timing had been different, there wouldn't have been a single spell fired."

"Well I'm glad there wasn't any major harm done. Any idea why you're here?"

"I was going to ask you…"

"Usually a poor decision… The mangy werewolf there is the one with all the answers. I'm just a too-young figurehead."

"I don't know many figureheads who could do what you did that night."

"We'll call me a figurehead with a good shield, then. Did you leave family behind? Anyone I should apologize to?"

"No, nothing like that. My mother and sister live to the south, but I have no family of my own. The job takes too much of my time."

"How long have you been working for the Ministry?"

"Five years. I graduated and immediately enlisted in our version of the aurors, and was lucky enough to catch on with a newly formed team once I completed the training. I was named Captain a year ago."

"And he's outshone every one of his peers and all expectations," Ricci interjected from Enzo's left. "The Commander of our joint forces asked for him by name after seeing him during training, and the man's been right in every way. Enzo is our best."

"Thank you, signor," Moretti offered with a slight blush. "But the men and women who serve with me make my job easy."

"I plan to leave him here, Harry."

"I'm sorry, what?"

"Our Minister isn't willing to promise direct support just yet, but I've convinced him to allow Enzo to remain in Britain to help build your force if you'd have him."

"Lorenzo, I'd be absolutely honored, but not if Captain Moretti is reluctant."

"I'll jump at the chance," Enzo admitted in surprise, excitement filling his eyes. "My second in command is more than capable, and honestly should have been promoted already. She's probably four drinks deep in celebration right now if she's guessed why I'm here. I'd like to do what I can."

"It'll require a confidentiality agreement," Remus offered from Harry's right.

"I assumed it would. I'll sign whatever is needed within reason."

"And I'll let you three discuss that after I leave," Ricci added. "Remus, you must come visit to see the advancements we're making on the Wolfsbane soon. The lab seems to be improving it daily, and every time I visit I'm blown away."

"I'd love to," he agreed with a smile. "Hopefully we can find a weekend over the summer."

"I'll pester you until you do. Before I leave the three of you to it, do any of you have questions for me?"

"I do," Harry offered. "Is your Minister any closer to supporting our cause?"

"He was never against it," Ricci reminded the teen. "He is still hamstrung by the minority, but their support from the neutrals is waning as we see more and more of our darker elements moving to your shores. There are still those that argue for British problems to remain in Britain, but support for you is growing. I believe we'll get the required votes within the year."

"December feels very far right now, Lorenzo. Like I said at the trial, I'll die for this country if I need to, but I'd much rather have the resources required to live for it."

"I know, and I promise to continue to plead your case as I can. Jakub is closer to providing actual numbers from eastern Europe I believe, but I can't say for sure."

"I'll write to him this week," Harry answered gratefully. "It's just frustrating knowing what's coming and not feeling prepared."

"The world is hoping for your success, young man, though I'll do what I can to turn that hope into help."

—

February 26, 1996

The monthly Wizengamot session went smoothly, as any dissenters had already left their number. Scrimgeour didn't join, which was worrisome, but he sent a note to Dumbledore apologizing for his absence. The remaining members had all agreed to Harry's plan for relocation if necessary, and he gave a brief update on the new Chamber being finished in the village, but the only thing of real substance was planning for the upcoming election.

Nominees for Minister would be named in early March, with the election held mid-April. Arthur and Amelia were mentioned as possible nominees, but both declined citing busy schedules. Harry knew it was because neither wanted to give up their spot in his inner circle, and though he appreciated it, he planned to speak to both of them soon.

Sirius gave a brief update on the training of their forces, and the Chamber seemed to agree that the relative peace was likely Voldemort doing the same with his own followers. It wasn't a happy thought, but the lack of recent attacks was a welcome respite after the chaos of the trial earlier in the month.

Harry decided to return to the Manor for a bit after the session, and immediately felt more at home than he did in the castle. Sirius, Remus, Daniel, Emily, and Tonks joined him for a late dinner, and he was happy to let the group socialize around him as he soaked up the feeling of peace.

"Isn't that right, kiddo?" Sirius asked, interrupting his thoughts.

"I doubt it," he answered, shaking off his distraction. "What was the question?"

"He was saying Moretti's going to be a shock to the troops," Daniel answered helpfully. "After meeting the man yesterday, I can't help but agree."

"He's a godsend," Harry agreed. "He shared some memories of his training the day he got here, and I think he'll revolutionize what we're doing. The Italians are years beyond anything we're capable of, and honestly, it makes me wonder what the hell our Ministry has been doing all this time."

"My Company won't be thrilled about things getting shifted this far into their training," Tonks offered pessimistically.

"And I can see you aren't either… Give him a chance, though. Even if it adds a few weeks, it'll be worth it. Just an extra perspective, if nothing else."

"I'm happy to have him," Tonks relented. "And I'll do whatever Moody asks of me, but Alpha is just reaching the stage of being built up again after being broken down for weeks. A shake up could go poorly."

"Luckily, they have excellent leadership," Harry argued with a smile. "You'll figure it out."

"Er… yes, sir," she replied, clearly feeling awkward as she seemed to realize she was speaking to her nominal superior.

"Knock that shit off now, please," he countered with a roll of his eyes. "If I'm on the field with you guys, call me 'sir' or 'Marshal' or whatever. I'm choosing to clock in and out from that job… I'm just Harry until you see me get all weirdly formal."

"Even if we're talking about the military?"

"Tonks, I'd be happy to have everyone call me Harry in the entire Battalion. Since that's not possible, I'll at least be Harry in my own home, regardless of the conversation."

"I have a razor if…"

Remus muffled his best friend with a dinner roll, though the group rolled their eyes collectively at the pun.

"I can manage that,' Tonks continued with a grin. "It's just a bit weird having dinner and suddenly realizing your boss sits across from you."

"Try having your girlfriend's parents instead," he countered.

"We've been lovely," Emily argued.

"You always are… just saying I understand the awkward position. Speaking of your beautiful daughters, there was a bit of a moment at dinner last week..."

"Astoria told us about it," Daniel answered with a grimace. "I should've married an uglier woman… maybe my daughters wouldn't be in such high demand."

"No other woman would have you," Emily quipped. "It's not Daphne or Astoria's fault they take after me so obviously. They can handle themselves, Harry, but Astoria mentioned Draco doesn't seem to have forgotten the imagined slight."

"Really? She told me everything's been fine since that night."

"Because she doesn't want to be a burden."

"She's not a…" Harry's frustration boiled over, but he forced it down with a few deep breaths before continuing more calmly. "Astoria could never be a burden. She's family, just like everyone at this table."

"She mentioned Blaise has been hearing whispers," Daniel added darkly. "Every time he enters the dorm, Malfoy and his friends immediately stop talking, and apparently he's pretty sure something's coming."

"Why is this the first I'm hearing of it?"

"That's a question for your friends, but I'd hazard a guess that they don't want to bother you with rumors when your time is already in high demand…"

"Their safety is more important than the fucking Wizengamot… I think I'll head back actually. I don't feel good being here knowing Malfoy hasn't let it go."

"I'm sure she's fine," the father countered, though his eyes showed his gratitude. "Finish your dinner, at least."

"Harry! Mum! Sirius… someone!"

The voice was quiet, but the weird mood at the table allowed it to be heard. Emily outdrew Harry at pulling her mirror, though he quickly moved to stand behind her.

"He's here," Emily answered, Astoria's face filling the mirror. "What's wrong?"

"I can't find Daphne, and she has the Slytherin map. She left the Room early with Tracey, but she wasn't in the dorm when Blaise and I got back."

"How long since she left?" Harry demanded as he grabbed the offered mirror.

"Five minutes, maybe. She took the doorway to the dungeons, so she didn't go anywhere else."

"Stay with Blaise," he ordered, his magic building behind his eyes as he shut off the connection. "Dobby!"

The elf popped in immediately, his large eyes widening at Harry's scowl.

"I need you to pop me into the school at the Slytherin common room entrance, then head to my dorm to grab the Marauder's Map."

"We're coming with you," Sirius interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Are you all on the visitor list? We'll bounce off the wards if you aren't."

"Albus keyed in Alpha Company a few weeks ago," Tonks answered, her normal joking tone inexistent. "Everyone else already was as they're the family of a student."

"Winky!" The second elf popped in, and the group split towards each of the elves. "Entrance to the Slytherin common room, now!"

After a moment of disorientation, the group quickly found themselves in the dungeons. Alarms blared at their sudden arrival, and Harry knew it was because of the non-students' appearance through anything but the gates. He took a moment to silently thank elf magic as Dobby popped away, and checked his watch for Daphne's name.

"She's not in the common room, but she's not far. Emily, stay here with Winky to let Snape and Dumbledore know what's going on, I'm sure they'll be here soon."

The woman nodded in agreement and Harry called the Elder Wand, the weapon's power coursing through him as it found his hand. He led the other four in the direction Daphne's watch hand pointed as quickly as he dared, while feeling around the corridor for her magic.

He finally felt her presence coming from a classroom not far from the common room, and held up a hand as he realized she was unharmed. His group stilled behind him, and he turned with rage building in his eyes.

"She and Tracey are two doors down. There's six others with them, Malfoy included, and all seem a bit surprised by the alarms. Sirius, blow the door off its fucking hinges to the left, she and Tracey are towards the right. The rest of you, lead with stunners if you can, but don't hesitate to kill the bastards if they manage to respond."

The four nodded as one, and Harry led the way towards the door. Sirius pantomimed a deep breath, which Harry returned, before the man raised his wand and his offhand, his fingers counting down from three. When the third finger fell the door was blasted inwards and Harry followed it.

Daphne and Tracey sat tied to chairs, Daphne's shirt ripped from her torso leaving her in only her bra. Harry's already uncontrollable magic grew furiously at the sight, and he felt something snap in his mind. The Elder Wand seemed to sing in response and he blasted Pucey away from the helpless pair with a flick, the older boy crumpling to the ground across the room. He saw his team take the other students down with ease, with Malfoy being the lucky man out.

The boy's luck ran out, however, as Harry crossed the room in three quick strides. Malfoy raised his wand as he recovered from the shocking interruption, but Harry ripped it away with his offhand. He snapped it like the stick it was, dropping the pieces at the boy's feet. As the halves clattered to the floor, he grabbed the terrified boy by the throat, his magic burning into Malfoy's skin.

"Potter," Draco rasped in terror, both hands scrabbling at the one holding him.

Harry's mercy was nowhere to be found, however, as he raised his wand to the boy's forehead. He allowed his magic to pour through the weapon and ran it downward in a zigzag, burning an immediate scar into his skin as Malfoy screamed in pain.

"There you go, Draco," he hissed. "The scar you've been so jealous of..."

"Harry," Daphne whispered from behind.

He shook off the sound of her voice, his magic clamoring for retribution and his mind closed to thoughts other than vengeance. He raised his wand again, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him.

"Harry. Come back to me. I'm fine."

Harry squeezed Draco's throat tighter in response, cutting off the boy's pained moaning. He chanced a look over his shoulder, and saw Daphne's beautiful blue eyes looking at him in shocked relief. His team stood behind her, with Albus, Emily, and Snape filling the doorway worriedly. He shook himself again, unwilling to leave the boy's punishment undelivered.

He felt a stunning spell fired at his back, but deflected it with his wand without a thought. He allowed his magic to burn out of the weapon once more, and focused on exactly how much pain he wanted Draco to feel before he died. Before he could direct the magic, however, familiar arms wrapped around his waist from behind.

"Harry, please," Daphne whispered into his ear. "Not like this. His time will come, but this isn't it. Let him go."

The closeness of the girl who held such a large portion of his heart seemed to overpower his anger, and Harry felt his magic ebb. His eyes cleared as he saw Draco lose consciousness from the pressure on his throat, and he immediately released the boy to fall into a pool of his own urine.

He felt Daphne squeeze him tighter in gratitude, and his stomach clenched uncomfortably at what he'd almost done. Guilt suffused his body, and his hands trembled slightly at how close he'd come to killing the obnoxious boy. He felt nauseous at the thought of his actions, as Draco was clearly no longer a threat, and was terrified of the fear he'd see when he turned around.

"Dobby!" he called desperately, the elf popping into the room immediately.

"No, Dobby!" Daphne countered, knowing exactly what he intended. "Harry wants you to pop him away because he feels terrible, but that's not what he needs right now. Stay close if you want, but don't take him."

Dobby's eyes widened in confusion, but he quickly shook himself and looked at Harry loyally.

"Don't you dare," Daphne whispered as she realized the elf had chosen to ignore her. "I've had a rough ten minutes, and I need a hug from my boyfriend. Please don't go."

Her pleading tone seemed to break through the last of the fog in his brain, and Harry allowed the tension to leave his body. He cast a quick stunner at Draco, and turned to pull Daphne into a tight hug.

Her arms snaked over his shoulders, and Harry lifted her off the ground, burying his face into the crook of her neck. He felt the tension leave her body, as the reality of the moment came crashing down. He whispered soothingly into Daphne's ear as she began to shake softly from her tears, and carried her over to the desk. He sat on its edge and pulled his girlfriend into his lap, unwilling to speak to the others just yet.

As Daphne's small sobs slowed, his eyes found Tracey who was wrapped in Emily's arms while she cried. He felt his anger rise again on behalf of the girl's mistreatment, but not as overwhelmingly. Remus was moving to each of the stunned Slytherins, tying them in ropes as he did, though his normal calm demeanor was absent. Albus was helping a clearly recovering Severus from the floor, and Harry realized it must have been Snape's stunner that he deflected. Daniel, Tonks, and Sirius, however, seemed frozen in their anger.

Daphne's tears finally slowed, and she pulled back to capture his gaze. Her watery blue eyes reflected the relief she felt in the rescue, and the fear she was trying to fight away.

"I'm so sorry, Daph," Harry whispered miserably, assuming the fear was of him.

"You're sorry?" the girl whispered in disbelief, her eyes clearing a bit. "For what? For being my knight in shining armor again?"

"For scaring you," he answered, his eyes finding the floor. "I'm sorry I lost control."

"Harry," she answered after a moment, her left hand raising his chin to meet his gaze. "You have nothing to apologize for, though I'm surprised you think I'd be disappointed in you somehow."

"Are you okay?" he asked, forcing the remaining guilt he felt away for the moment.

"I'm fine, and don't change the subject. You think I'd care if you killed the bastard? I'd have celebrated… but you would've regretted doing it like that."

"I shouldn't have lost control," Harry argued, pulling her into another hug. "Are you sure you're okay? Did he hurt you?"

"No. Pucey ripped my shirt off right before you showed up, but they didn't touch me otherwise. Apparently he's mastered the Obliviate charm, and he and Draco convinced the others to 'teach me a lesson'. Bulstrode tried to argue with him, but they threatened her into silence."

"What happened? How did they get the drop on you?"

"They were waiting just inside the entrance to the common room, and they'd sent everyone else up to the dorms. They stunned Tracey as soon as the door opened and tied me up when I moved to defend her. I'm so stupid for leaving without Astoria and Blaise."

"You're not," Harry argued gently. "Nobody our age should have to be on guard for an ambush like that at their school, and if you hadn't left Astoria, we wouldn't have gotten here when we did. You didn't do anything wrong."

Daphne wrapped him in another hug, and he met Daniel's anxious eyes over her shoulder. He nodded at the man in understanding and pulled back slightly.

"Your parents need a hug," he whispered as he shrugged out of his jumper. "Put this on and go tell your Dad you're okay before he loses it."

Daphne smiled softly in response, pulling back enough to throw the larger shirt over her head. Harry released his hold on her hips as she regained the use of her arms, and gently directed her to her parents. Daniel swept his daughter into a tight hug, whispering into her ear softly.

"You okay, kiddo?" Sirius asked as he approached.

"I was terrified, Pads."

"I think we all were. We got really lucky just now."

"I know it," Harry grumbled as Albus stepped forward. "I'll kill him if he comes back, sir."

"He won't while I'm Headmaster," Dumbledore promised darkly. "I'd suggest we call the aurors, but I think we all know how that would go. I'll inform the families they're all expelled tonight."

"Talk to Bulstrode first," Harry offered. "Apparently she tried to stop them."

"I'll interview all of them, along with Daphne and Tracey."

"I'd like to be there."

"Of course, Harry. Severus has gone back to the common room to make sure the rest of the students are okay, but he asked me to apologize for his stunning spell."

"He didn't need to. I understand why he felt it necessary… I almost lost it there."

"Understandably so, my boy," Albus replied. "And I'm glad you allowed Daphne to intervene. Your actions weren't inappropriate in the moment, so push any guilt from your mind."

"I'll try, sir. Moony," Harry called, switching targets. "Everyone else okay?"

"Right as rain. Parkinson fell on her face when Tonks stunned her, but she'll be fixed up before her expulsion I'm sure."

"Do you guys mind sticking around for the evening? I don't trust Lucius not to raise a stink when he comes to pick up his child."

"The elves are already setting up rooms for the Davis', Greengrass', and you four," Albus offered. "Tracey's parents should be here soon, and I'll get her statement once she's spoken to them."

"Thank you, sir."

Daniel, having passed his oldest daughter over to his wife, approached with a grateful look as Albus moved away.

"Harry, thank you for…"

"Don't," he interrupted gently. "If I hadn't been home for the call, it would've been you leading this little adventure. Let's just be glad we got here in time."

"You have my gratitude all the same," Daniel argued. "And I couldn't be prouder of you."

"Thank you, but Daphne deserves that pride. She kept me from being arrested just now."

"She has it too, though I wouldn't have let that happen."

—

"What the hell is going on here, Dumbledore," Lucius raged as he stormed into the office.

Harry sat between Sirius and Daniel, unsurprised by the man's anger. Albus had interviewed all of the students involved, though the only one of the attackers to answer his questions was Bulstrode. She'd been suspended for her decision not to notify a staff member for the rest of the school year and placed on probation for the next, though she and her father apologized profusely to Daniel when she finished her story.

Pucey, Crabbe, Goyle, and Parkinson were all expelled for their attempted attack, their parents collecting them with varying degrees of surprise. Albus notified Scrimgeour of the development via Patronus, but the man hadn't replied as of yet. Draco also refused to answer any questions, and Harry stunned him again before his anger demanded a harsher punishment. The boy lay on a conjured cot in the Headmaster's office, though his father seemed content to ignore his son at the moment.

"Mr. Malfoy," Albus began calmly. "This evening Draco led and participated in an attack on two of my students. The intent behind the attack was to sexually assault their victims, and obliviate them afterwards. He has been expelled for his actions, and as the new Head Auror, I'll ask you to begin an investigation once you've returned the boy to your home."

"My son wouldn't be so stupid," Lucius argued with a sneer. "You must have incorrect information."

"We have the story from the two victims, as well as one of the group that attacked them. The explanations match up perfectly, and I suggest you ask for the expelled students' testimonies soon so their wands may be snapped and legal action may follow."

"Don't you dare tell me how to do my job," Lucius snapped acidly, before being lifted off his feet by an enraged Daniel Greengrass.

"No, Lucius," the man hissed dangerously as he slammed the blonde into the wall. "Don't you fucking dare say anything other than 'yes, Lord Dumbledore'. It was my daughter your son attacked, and if it weren't for sheer luck and good timing, you'd have no son to take home."

Lucius paled at the man's anger, and none in the room felt the need to step in on his behalf. Daniel lowered the smaller man to the floor, but kept a hand firmly on his chest.

"Now we all know exactly how thorough your investigation is going to be," he continued a bit more calmly though no less dangerous. "But the story will be hitting the press this week regardless. If you have a shred of honor in your body you'll do the job you've been assigned, but as I know that's too much to ask, the best we can do is make sure your son's reputation reflects his actions. And I fucking beg you to sue me for libel…"

"Lord Greengrass," Lucius began, clearly hesitant to provoke the man further. "I apologize for any insult your daughter has endured, and I will look into the matter."

"I bet you will," Daniel countered, turning his back on the man disdainfully. "Now collect the piece of shit and be gone."

Lucius straightened his crumpled robes as he moved to do so, though his eyes grew furious once more as he approached. Harry drew his wand in response, noticing the movement was copied around the room.

"Who's done this to my boy?"

Harry gave the man an evil smirk and saluted with his wand, hoping for an opportunity to use it. Lucius' anger only grew, though his eyes quickly took in the drawn wands around him, and forced him to choose silence rather than a tantrum.

"He's lucky that's all he got," Harry offered darkly, unwilling to let the matter drop. "If it weren't for Daphne, I'd have roasted him alive and smiled while he burned. I suggest you help him understand how lucky he is, as the next time I see his face, that's exactly what I'll do."

Lucius sneered, but his reply was interrupted as Daniel returned to his feet. The angry blonde took the hint and ennervated his son in lieu of response, and Draco sat up groggily, his hand moving to the burn on his forehead.

"Father?" he asked confusedly. "What happened?"

"Your ineptitude has been proven complete," Daniel answered before Lucius could. "And the next time I see you it'll either be behind bars or at the end of my wand, boy. Now get out of my sight."

Draco looked at his father in shock, though Lucius shook his head slightly in answer. The elder Malfoy led the younger from the room, and Daniel moved to follow the pair to ensure they left the grounds.

"What's your best guess as to how Scrimgeour reacts?" Harry asked his Headmaster.

"I wish I had one. A few months ago I would assure you of his immediate and merciless response, but I guess we'll see."

"If he doesn't react appropriately, I'll make sure his reputation is destroyed as well," Sirius countered darkly. "That'll be proof enough of his position for me."

"And me," Albus agreed. "Though I hope it doesn't come to pass. I suggest we all return to our rooms for the evening, and I'll ensure the wards are as strong as I can make them."

—

As Harry neared the Greengrass' guest rooms, he noticed Daniel approaching from the opposite direction.

"They're gone," the man said, his earlier anger still visible. "Call Emily on the mirror to let her know it's us knocking."

Harry did so, and the nearby door was cracked open. Daniel entered first, shutting the door behind the teen as he followed. Emily pulled him into a hug immediately, and the teen patted her back awkwardly. The woman was quickly replaced by her youngest daughter, who looked like she'd been crying for hours.

"Astoria," Harry whispered as he pulled back. "You okay?"

"I was terrified," the girl admitted. "And the truth was exactly as bad as I feared."

"Where's Daph?"

"In the shower. She's been in there since she got back from Dumbledore's office, but I'll go tell her you're here."

"Thanks. And thank you for following your instinct to call us."

The girl moved towards a door across the room, and Harry turned back to the adults. A couple who could only be Tracey's parents stood next to Daniel and Emily, and Harry approached to introduce himself. The pair thanked him effusively, but he shrugged it off as best he could. Her father told him Tracey was lying down in Daphne's room, as she didn't want to leave her to go to theirs. Harry nodded understandably, but his answer was interrupted by the bathroom door slamming open.

He caught Daphne as she jumped into his arms and squeezed her tightly. Her tears didn't return, but the girl clung to him desperately. Harry glanced over her shoulder at Daniel, who motioned him towards one of the bedrooms with an understanding look. Harry carried the girl to the doorway, opening it with a motion from his hand as he approached.

He closed the door behind them and sat on the foot of the bed, pulling Daphne into his lap. After a few long moments of silence, he pulled back slightly. She seemed okay with the distance, and moved to sit next to him.

"You know what the funny thing is?" she asked, smirking at the floor nervously. "I had no doubt in my mind that you would show up... How silly is that?"

"I don't think it's silly," Harry countered gently, grabbing her hand. "I'll always be there if I can."

"I know you will, but you won't always be able to. I need to be better."

"Daph," Harry whispered, squeezing her hand. "You're already incredible. You just got very unlucky tonight."

"Like we've been super lucky so far?" she scoffed. "I need to be better. I can't be caught out like that."

"Don't be so hard on yourself… you were outnumbered and ambushed. If anything, you kept your head when I needed you the most. You stopped me from making a huge mistake."

"It wouldn't have been a mistake, Harry, it would've been justice. I only stopped you because I knew how much you would've regretted it afterwards. I'm not some shrinking violet. He deserved exactly what you intended, and I'd have felt the same about you afterwards. I have no doubt you'll kill the asshole before this is over, but if you did it while he was unarmed and harmless, it would eat at you."

"I'm thankful for you stopping me all the same," Harry offered sincerely. "I was so scared tonight. The thought of something happening to you broke me."

"Then you'll help me train," Daphne answered firmly. "I won't be some victim in all of this. Next time someone raises a wand in my direction, it'll be the last thing they do."

"Of course I'll help. I've been meaning to drop Creatures for a while, if you want to do the same to give us time. I'll ask Albus if he can give us some pointers."

"I'll tell my parents tonight," she agreed immediately. "Can I just have my spot for a minute before we go back out there?"

"I thought you'd never ask," Harry answered as he laid back on the bed, Daphne quickly snuggling into his side.

"I'm fucking mortified that I let this happen. I don't know how I'll show my face at breakfast…"

"Tomorrow will be better… I promise."

"What if it's not?"

"Then I'll say it again tomorrow."

A/N: Enzo will continue to play a minor role in the story, but he's one of only two OC's (so far) to do so. I feel like the lead up to Draco's attack was abrupt, and I tried adding a scene midway through this chapter to build it up more, but it felt forced and weird. Thanks for reading!