A/N: Hey everyone! Sorry for the delay on this one, exams really got the best of me this week. I submitted my last exam yesterday, and turned back to this even though I kinda hate the sight of my computer after so many research papers. I'm also behind on my writing schedule for this story, and the fact that I'm only a few chapters ahead stresses me out a bit, but now that school's out for summer I'll have more time to write. ALSO! Holy shit, we hit 2k followers! Thanks to all the newcomers, and to everyone that's been here for a bit. This story WILL get finished, and the beginning of the end is nigh. Thanks for all the support!

Chapter 52

Harry ended the floo connection distractedly, his eyes scanning Liverpool's busy nightlife with complete focus. The brief feeling of magical presences was enough for him to raise the alarm, but he still held out hope that he was the boy that cried wolf.

He was frustrated by the timing of his call, knowing Izzy likely arrived just minutes ago, but he knew he'd regret it if things kicked off without alerting his team. They'd crafted a schedule of sorts in the last few days, with his team split among the Italians in their guard duty, though he'd had to fight to be included in the roster. The idea of asking others to do something he wouldn't do himself felt incredibly wrong, and he demanded to head a task force just as the rest of his team.

Daphne and Neville joined his group, the only of his team not leading their own, but the pair accepted the stipulation immediately. None of the three wanted to be without the others anyway, and they worked together in a way that made their closeness a necessity.

"Whaddaya got?" Neville asked as he apparated nearby, drawing a pair of binoculars as he settled in.

"Nothing solid," he admitted, scanning the crowd with his own equipment. "I felt four or five wizards pop in, but they were gone just as fast."

"Sounds like a scouting party," Daphne offered from his left, her own binoculars resting on the rooftop's ledge. "You were right to call."

"I know," he agreed reluctantly. "But Izzy's portkey was scheduled for ten minutes ago…"

"So she gets a front row view of our new normal," Neville offered with a shrug. "The timing sucks, but it is what it is…"

"I was hoping…" Harry cut himself off as he felt the magical presences return, snatching his binoculars back to his face. "There!"

The four Death Eaters were attempting to blend in with the crowd, but Riddle clearly hadn't offered training on how to do so. Their business suits were like a uniform amidst the various party-goers' regalia, and their awkwardness stood out like a sore thumb.

He raised a hand high to signal the Italians on the rooftops around the block, and turned as the group apparated behind him.

"There's four," he offered firmly. "I'm sure you saw them, and we need information. Chiara, you think your team can get them back to the Manor?"

"Give the order, Marshal," the confident squad leader answered.

"Go."

He turned back to watch as the twelve Italians worked, the four Death Eaters quickly disappearing as if they'd never existed. His team was one of many stationed around Britain at the moment, but their lack of reach was infuriating. They had to whittle the list of potential targets down to a handful, and the whittling proved ineffectual as civilian attacks were announced on the news daily.

Ten thousand muggles had been killed so far, but it felt like Voldemort was building up to a real mass-casualty event. Neighborhoods were wiped from the Earth in seconds while its occupants slept, but so far, the more populated centers remained unaffected. The Prime Minister had issued a State of Emergency to his people, but the warning went largely unheeded as the information provided was suspect at best. The Muggles were hesitant to believe a pandemic had settled on the country, and the nation's nightlife was as vibrant as ever.

"Problem solved," Neville offered lightly as the Italians disappeared. "Chiara will have 'em set up in no time."

"Not so fast," Daphne countered as Harry's consciousness pinged once more. "Another four at the end of the block."

"It's your great-uncle."

The words made him sick to his stomach, but he could feel Roger Greengrass as clearly as if he was standing next to him. He'd hoped he wouldn't have another interaction with the man, and had been proven lucky so far, but it seems a holiday family reunion was in the cards. He stood abruptly, preparing to apparate to the new attackers, but his move was interrupted by the rest of his team's arrival.

"Daniel," Harry began before they could say a word. "Go home."

"Good to see you, too," the man answered confusedly.

"I'm serious. Roger just apparated in, and I'm not willing to let the operation be compromised by emotion."

He felt Daphne's hand slip into his own as he stared at her father, though the support wasn't needed as Daniel clearly wasn't in the mood to argue. He drew his wand with a flourish, and held it at arm's length unwaveringly.

"Harry, I haven't even thought about the man in months, and I swear to you my emotions are in check. If anything, I'm a benefit for this, as he'll hesitate."

"You're sure?"

"I'll take an oath if you need one."

Harry shook his head at the answer, pushing his anxiety over the conversation away relievedly. Daniel's presence, if untainted, could prove helpful, and his mind whirled as he adjusted his unspoken plan.

"Good. Here's what we'll do."

—

It took his team less than thirty seconds to get into position, and Harry had to keep himself from trembling from the power he felt as he stood under the Cloak. He could feel how big a moment this was for his people, but knew it could go pear-shaped at the smallest inconvenience.

He watched as Roger Greengrass spoke to his three companions, positive he could guess the subject of the conversation, though the dullness in Greengrass' eyes was a surprise. The Death Eaters didn't notice his team approaching from behind, and he raised anti-transportation wards as subtly as he could, hoping none of them were attune enough to detect them.

His hope proved true as the conversation continued, and Sirius' stunner led the charge as the would-be attackers had their tables turned. The three underlings were down after the first volley, though Roger was quicker to react, sidestepping Charlie's spell and raising an impressive shield. Harry removed the Cloak to intercede, but froze instead as Daniel stepped forward.

"Uncle."

"Danny, thank god! Get me the fuck out of here, now!"

—

December 22, 1996

Charlie returned the multitude of salutes awkwardly as he moved through the Italians' camp, incredibly uncomfortable in his new role as Joint Commander. He'd begged off when Harry offered it, but Enzo's explanation of his troops' needs swayed the argument. They viewed Harry as something different, and the teen's differentness made him an impossible person to deny.

Now that their force was whittled down to six hundred Italians and the auxiliary unit, Enzo wanted his officers to have a say in training and operations, and none felt comfortable arguing with Harry when their opinions differed. The result was the weirdness in his life growing further, as he was now the overall Commander of the unit, answering only to Harry himself. He hated it, but he could admit the Italians were more likely to give their honest opinion to him than to Harry.

Enzo's place as Italian Commander remained, but his friend was granted a bit of leeway in his duties while his family was in the country. Instead, Charlie was forced to inspect the camp, though his trip was proved unnecessary as the troops were more than capable of taking care of themselves.

"General," a familiar voice interrupted as he moved back towards the Manor.

"God damnit, Bill. Knock it off."

"Just following protocol, sir," his older brother countered with a grin. "Snape's here, time to talk to Greengrass."

Bill turned to lead the way, and Charlie was happy to follow behind for the first time in a while. Roger's surrender was a surprise at the very least, but Harry suggested caution in their conversation with the man. He'd ordered meal delivery only before Snape could get away from the Village, as he wanted the boost of certainty their interrogator's potions allowed.

He and Bill were the first to join the dour man in the newly-built holding cells, and Snape nodded at them both in welcome as he prepared his equipment.

"I figured Potter would be the first here."

"He's in the field," Charlie offered with a shrug. "He refuses to miss a shift, and he's taken Moretti's while his family is here."

"Of course he has," Snape countered distractedly as he tested his potions. "I trust Black's around?"

"He is," Sirius answered as he entered the room. "Any trouble getting away, Snape?"

"You act like I was behind enemy lines. Arthur rolled out the red carpet when I told him…"

The dichotomy was bizarre, and Charlie hated the fact that his father was on the other side of this reluctant divide. He'd seen the Minister twice since they turned 'outlaw', both times at family dinners, but the political separation felt wider than the reality. Their group was in zero danger of being arrested or questioned by their allies, but Harry's desire to keep their people from suspicion kept their interactions with them to a minimum.

It wasn't a sustainable relationship, but nobody had yet come up with a better answer. Charlie's heart was torn further by Narcissa's absence, though he'd managed to meet his girlfriend a few times in his few hours off. Their last date was with the griffins as usual, but her reluctance to part broke his heart like he hadn't felt in years. He missed her in a way that belied the distance between, and her eyes shared the sentiment the last time he saw them.

"Me first, or you?" Sirius asked, interrupting his musing.

"Me," Snape answered immediately. "He seems willing to speak, so I'd like to start with a mild compulsion to help him do so. We can lean into other avenues if they're required, though Daniel has excused himself."

"He's shared his spells with me," Bill offered, surprising everyone. "I doubt we'll need to lean into enhanced interrogation, but he said he trusted me with the spells if needed."

"If they're Greengrass spells," Charlie mused. "He'll likely be immune anyway. Let's get to it, I'd rather not be here all day."

The trio around him nodded in agreement, and he was the last to enter the small cell as Snape administered the truth potion.

"Roger Greengrass," he greeted neutrally once Snape moved back. "Tell me, why were you so quick to surrender?"

"Is this potion supposed to do something?" the man asked instead, glaring at Snape as he moved towards the door.

"We hoped it would loosen your tongue a bit," Charlie answered honestly. "You seemed eager to speak when you were captured, but we wanted to make sure…"

"Give me a wand…"

"Why the fuck would we do that?" Sirius hissed dangerously.

"Because Snape's potions won't do a damn thing, and even you won't be able to break my mental defenses. Give me a wand so I can make an oath…"

Charlie felt four pairs of eyes on him at the question, but the pair he met belonged to the man in chains. He didn't have the Legilimency skills of Sirius, but he considered himself a decent judge of character, and what he was feeling from their newest prisoner was more than a willingness to speak.

"Here's mine," he offered, drawing his wand and setting it on the table, noticing three others leaving their holsters at the offer. "I'd warn you off any shenanigans, but Sirius needs an outlet, so do as you see fit."

"I, Roger Greengrass, swear on my life and Magic that anything I say for the next hour is the truth as I know it."

"Fair enough," Charlie accepted, returning his wand to its holster when the man returned it to the table. "First question… how's it feel to be a jackass?"

"Not good," Roger answered with a shrug. "Riddle isn't near the man he was when I joined, and the shame my brand brings me grows daily."

"And how many share the brand?"

"Six thousand at my most recent count," Roger offered easily. "Gringotts' move provided an influx of support, mostly from the Middle East and Asia, though few are worth their salt in a fight."

"Our intel says nine thousand," Bill interjected calmly.

"Your intel may be more accurate," he admitted. "My time in the Inner Circle was served in an advisory role, and I've been used as a sounding board more than anything."

"And yet you led an attack on Muggles," Sirius hissed angrily.

"At my request, with hopes I could manipulate my way into escaping. It took me weeks to convince Riddle I needed a chance to cast some spells, and I've gathered every plan I could get my hands on in the interim."

"Name them," Charlie demanded, feeling no sympathy for the man's predicament. "In order of date and importance."

"Hogwarts… early spring."

—

December 23, 1996

"Minister," Harry greeted warmly, hugging the man as he was popped into the Manor. "It's great to see you."

"You too, son. Molly sent me with a list of questions that would've trailed out the door, but the only one that matters is: how are you?"

"I'm here. We haven't been hugely successful in our goal, as we're too few spread too far, but we got lucky a few days ago."

"How so?" Arthur asked as he moved to a chair, Harry choosing to sit across from him instead of behind the desk.

"We stumbled upon an attack in progress and captured eight prisoners, one of which has been eager to be so."

"I assume that's what Severus has been working on?"

"Yes, sir, and thank you for making that awkward request easy."

"It wasn't a request," the man chuckled. "Severus walked into my office and said, 'I'll be working for Harry while I'm home,' and walked out. I owled him my permission the next day for legal reasons, but he was coming regardless of what I said."

"He's getting harder and harder to hate," Harry admitted with a frustrated sigh.

"Then maybe you shouldn't…"

"Don't be silly."

Harry couldn't help grinning at the man's laughter, Arthur's exuberance as contagious as always. He looked much more stressed than the last time he'd seen him, but his voice was as steady as ever. The pair had shared weekly letters back and forth, but meeting face to face was more warming than he expected.

He stood as he felt Dobby's return, steadying the man he brought with him with a hand to the shoulder. Jean Delacour took the briefest of moments to gain his bearings, before smiling and extending a hand.

"Harry. Your eyes aren't as low as they once were."

"Perhaps the weight of the office is shrinking you, Minister-Elect," he countered, gesturing the man towards a chair after the handshake.

"Enough of that," Jean offered with a glare. "Arthur."

"Jean," the Minister greeted with a smile. "Congrats on the election, but I beg you to run once more. As far and as fast as you can…"

"I'm leaning further and further in that direction. Thank you both for meeting with me."

"I've been meaning to invite you to dinner to celebrate," Harry replied with a wince, wishing his life was more his own. "Daphne's giving me hell for making you be the one to reach out as it is."

"I've heard the stories," Jean countered with an understanding nod. "From what Bill's said, your team and Enzo's troops are trying to be everywhere at once."

"Yeah, it's been great…"

"Any luck so far?"

"Just this week, actually. We have some intel on future attacks in the Muggle world, and we'll quickly disabuse the bastards of that being a good pastime."

"Not a time for mercy, Harry," Jean offered gently.

"Not planning any, sir."

"Good. You'll be reinforced by a thousand French in two weeks."

The casual tone with which he shared the information belied the power behind it, and Harry couldn't help his jaw falling open. Arthur was similarly stunned, though both quickly shook themselves to respond to the assertion.

"What?" Jean asked with a smirk before they could. "You thought they were campaign promises? I offered as much help as I could give, and you'll have half my trained fighting force until this war is over. At this moment that number is a thousand, but we have another two thousand in various stages of training."

"I assume," Arthur began, clearing his throat. "That number includes the French that remain in the Village?"

"I'm afraid so. I'd rather France stand with those that are actually working to end this war, and I swear to you, I mean no offense by the statement. I understand your position, and I'm leaning towards pulling France from the ICW for their ineptitude."

"You'll be without their protection if you do."

"I've been without my entire life. The ICW has done nothing but levy taxes on France in my fifty years, though I won't hesitate to acknowledge their part in the war against Grindelwald."

"And I wonder what that help looks like," Harry agreed with a scowl. "Jean, when this is over I swear to offer whatever men I can scrounge up if they find a reason to come for you."

"So all of Britain, then," Arthur countered with a smirk. "Just take the damn country, son. I beg you."

"My sources in the States think that's a poor decision," Jean interjected with a sigh. "Their current Minister apparently views this war as a three-headed Civil, and nothing more. Passing the government to one of the 'rebel factions' could prove disastrous, Arthur."

"Harry's entire life is spent on the verge of disaster," the man argued lightly. "Yet he remains the most impressive person I've ever met. I trust him with my life, and my country."

"That means everything to me," Harry admitted with a smile. "But it's asking for trouble we don't need. My group and the government can still work together when needed, and we won't put anyone else in danger unnecessarily. This can still work, Arthur."

"It doesn't work for me," the man countered emotionally, standing from his seat to pace frustratedly. "I've been a puppet since I was elected, Harry… and I've been thrilled to be one. You need the power right now, and I know you'll run from it as soon as you can, but when the person that needs the power is denied it by those that don't understand… that's just a recipe for defeat."

"A bridge to be crossed in the future, sir."

"Not if it's burned before we get there."

"Gentlemen," Jean interrupted gently. "I don't envy either of your positions, but I will say the Eastern Bloc has approached me as a unified group. They'll follow Harry, even if it's against the ICW."

"So we turn this mess into another World War?" Harry asked desperately. "We use our military might to turn on countries that could be swayed otherwise? I don't want that life for any of us, Jean."

"Neither do I, but I'd rather a life of war versus an early end for either of you. My dad once told me that any power you can take, deserved more from its previous owner. My suggestion is we take the power, and make it up to the world after."

"I'm not willing to take that step just yet."

"Albus is shitting himself right now, wherever he is," Arthur added darkly.

"I hope not," Harry argued. "He's in the kitchen, and Winky won't appreciate the mess…"

—

December 24, 1996

Daphne jerked awake when Harry did, her boyfriend clearly trying to regain his bearings after the early knock on the bedroom door. She didn't blame him, as any who would knock wouldn't do so this early, and any that would approach this early wouldn't knock. She sat up next to him as he rubbed his tired eyes, and kissed him on the shoulder while he was occupied.

The contact seemed to do what his own hands couldn't, and Harry crawled to alertness in the barest of seconds. She couldn't help the butterflies she felt as he smiled at her gratefully, and kissed the shoulder a second time as he opened the door with a wave of his hand.

"Good morning, Mamma," he offered knowingly, smiling at the older woman as she rushed in. "When did you get here?"

"Just a moment ago, dear," the woman answered hurriedly, placing a kiss on each of his cheeks. "What I've seen of your home is lovely, but we'll catch up later. I'm here to kidnap your better half… Daphne?"

"Sure…" she offered intelligently, completely bewildered by the early conversation. "Give me a minute to brush my teeth…"

"We'll be waiting in the family kitchen," Mamma offered as she turned for the door. "It's unfair how beautiful you are first thing in the morning… I'll go see if your sister is as frustrating."

The door slammed shut as quickly as it was opened, and Daphne felt like she needed to catch her breath after the interaction. Harry seemed equally bewildered, though his silence turned to laughter far too quickly for her liking. She swatted his twice-kissed shoulder as she threw the covers off, swinging her leg over his in her bid to leave the bed.

"Assault!" Harry whispered dramatically, his hands clutching her waist tightly just as she was perched directly on top of him. "Someone, please! I've been attacked."

"Not sure they can hear you," she countered with a roll of her eyes, settling onto his body tiredly.

"Shucks. Whatever shall I do?"

"You'll release me, you heathen. Apparently I'm important to pre-dawn happenings…"

"But I need you here," Harry argued with a tug, pulling her tighter.

"You've had your sleep, sir."

"Then how 'bout a kiss?"

"Just one, or you'll get spoiled..."

His morning breath was pleasantly fresh as always, something she hadn't yet been able to figure out. He didn't seem to mind hers either as he deepened the kiss, his hands working through the hair at the nape of her neck. She couldn't help but melt further into him as he grasped her head tightly, but mustered all the power in her body to pull back after a long moment.

"I'm needed," she whispered breathlessly as she rested her forehead on his, green eyes shining brightly up at her.

"Every day of my life…"

"Not by you."

It took every ounce of will in her body to continue her escape, though Harry's lack of fight was a welcome one. He smiled up at her as she gained her feet, and her stomach flipped again at his early morning innocence.

"Go back to sleep, Harry."

"But I'll miss you."

Sirius' timing couldn't have been better as the door opened once more, Padfood plodding in tiredly and jumping up to take her already warmed spot on the bed. Her heart nearly burst at the sight of the tired dog collapsing onto her boyfriend's feet, or the lopsided grin Harry sent her at the action. She returned the grin as best she could, and headed for the bathroom for the quickest shower she could manage.

The pair were snoring softly two minutes later, and Daphne took a mental picture of Harry and his pup before closing the bedroom door as quietly as possible.

The sun hadn't even begun to rise on the day, but she couldn't help the excitement she felt at the sudden calling. From what she learned from Enzo, she knew it had to be a Christmas tradition, and she'd wake up before the sun for that any day. The den was bustling with noise as she neared, and she pushed on the door eagerly to join whatever fray awaited.

"Astoria's just as beautiful," Mamma offered as soon as she entered. "As is your mother. I think I'm angry with the Greengrass family, dear."

Daphne giggled as the woman approached, returning her hug as warmly as she could. Her apron was already covered with flour, and Izzy was grinning at her as she kneaded a pile of dough.

"I'm frustrated with them daily, Mamma," she offered as the woman rushed back to her work. "It's so good to see you!"

"It's good to be seen! Now come, we're making cornetto, tiramisu, and cannoli, and Enzo will be devastated if they aren't ready by lunch."

"I'm not much of a baker…"

"You're in no danger of being needed," Izzy offered easily. "It's just our family tradition to wake up before the Devil to bake for the men on Christmas Eve. You'll be lucky if Mamma lets you touch the ingredients…"

The thought of Mamma merely wanting her presence warmed her in a way she didn't expect, and Daphne blinked her happiness away as well as she could. Izzy seemed to understand the expression as she left her kneading station, and she accepted the woman's hug while she composed herself. The door opened as she pulled away, the entrance filled with clearly groggy versions of her sister and mum.

A second round of hugs were shared, though Mamma quickly set the group to tasks that would help in her attempt at perfect pastries. Astoria was relegated to shaving chocolate after a sarcastic remark, but Daphne was ecstatic with her job as Mamma's assistant.

"Harry looked well," the woman offered as she gestured for more flour on the counter, which Daphne provided immediately.

"He's doing his best. The last months haven't been easy..."

"And yet he looks healthier than last time I saw him. You're good for him, dear."

"I hope so," Daphne countered weakly. "I love him with everything I have, but I worry I'm not enough to help him sometimes…"

"You're everything to him, young lady. He'd be worthless without you, and you're doing incredibly."

"Thank you," she offered sincerely, sending a watery smile to her mum who was eavesdropping. "He's my everything, too, but I'm just so ready to be done with this."

"I know the feeling," she countered gruffly. "Papa fought against Grindelwald, and I felt like my entire role was to wait. But he made that time worth it a hundred-fold, and Harry will do the same. You'll see."

"But Mamma," Izzy interrupted with a smirk. "Daphne fights at his side! She's as much a part of this as he is."

Daphne's heart sank as Mamma stopped moving, the smaller woman looking up at her with an unreadable expression. She forced herself to return the stare, uncertain of what was coming, but a second hug was the furthest guess from her mind.

"Then you are his equal in every way I wish I'd been," she offered tearfully. "You tell me if that boy acts up, and I'll set him straight."

"Harry knows what he has," Astoria answered before she could. "He's disgustingly in love…"

"As he should be, so I'll pass my offer to you, dear."

"Nev knows it too."

"Daniel, then!"

"Now there's a target that could use a kick in the pants," Emily offered with a grin, the group laughing at the immediacy of the response.

They worked for an hour or so, Mamma allowing Winky to oversee the proofing and baking as she eventually retired to her guest room to settle in. Astoria and Emily were quick to return to theirs as the sun began to rise, though Izzy seemed content to remain awake. Daphne accepted a cup of tea when it was offered, settling across from the woman at the small dining table.

She knew Padfoot was awake so early for a reason, and Izzy's satisfied smirk proved it in spades. She couldn't help but grin at the realization, and Izzy returned it as she recognized she'd been discovered.

"You should've seen them when I left," Daphne offered happily. "Just a boy and his pup, snoring away."

"They make a good pair. I told Sirius his entrance would be an announcement…"

"Telling Sirius anything takes a few attempts at the very least," she countered with a smirk. "Are you two together?"

"For last night and the one before," Izzy admitted with a sigh. "He refuses to promise more than that until this is over…"

"I'm sorry, Izzy. He's just… different…"

"I've heard how different men are my entire life, Daphne. Yet, when I meet them, they're all a shade of gray."

"And Sirius is what in comparison?"

"Oof… I don't know the English word, but it's a children's toy with all the colors that spins…"

"A kaleidoscope?"

"Yes! The other men were shades of gray, and Sirius is the most… frustrating… kaleidoscope of all time."

"He's the 'most frustrating' version of many things," Daphne agreed with a grin. "But he's also the godfather I'd pick for Harry if I was offered my pick of the world."

"Then I'm not alone in picking him," Izzy countered, smiling widely. "Just for a different cause."

"So last night went well, then."

"You're too young for more than a yes, but I'd scream the yes if I wasn't in danger of waking the man."

"I…"

The rest of the sentence seemed to escape her, as Daphne tried to put what she felt for the man into words. Harry was her world, but that seemed to pale in comparison to what he was to Sirius. She knew it wasn't a bad trait in the slightest, but she also knew Izzy was in for a rough time if she wanted to take precedence before this war was ended.

"You're worried," Izzy offered into the awkward silence, reaching a hand across the table that Daphne accepted easily. "No need, dear. Sirius was honest from the start, and now that I know it wasn't just a story, I love him all the more. I'm happy to wait until this is over."

"You love him?"

"When you've lived the single life as long as I have, the real thing is startlingly apparent."

"He loves you too," Daphne answered confidently. "But if he's anything like Harry, he'll deny it."

"That must be their biggest difference, then…"

"He told you!?"

"He blurted it out around midnight the evening I arrived."

"Oh, Izzy…"

The door slamming open interrupted her dramatically, though Enzo's smile proved the interruption innocuous.

"I smell pastries!"

"Yes, Enzo," Izzy answered condescendingly. "Now what about colors? What color is my shirt today, little buddy?"

"Shut it, woman," he countered as he pulled his sister into a hug. "I never even dreamed… Harry knows how to throw a war…"

"I'll tell him you said so," Daphne offered with a grin, the man returning it happily. "Izzy, recall your dog, I'd like a nap before breakfast."

"What's that about dogs?"

Sirius' exhausted happiness was a beacon to all in the room, and she couldn't help but smile as Enzo's eyes narrowed dangerously. He seemed to understand his mistake as he froze midstep, but Harry's silent laughter was a welcome sight as he entered behind his godfather.

Daphne grabbed his arm in her bid for the exit, her boyfriend trusting her enough to follow without an answer to the tugging. She immediately crawled back into bed when they reached it, pulling firmly for him to follow.

"Daph, I feel like I need to be there to make sure wands stay holstered…"

"Trust me, Harold," she countered with a grin as she wiggled out of her jeans. "That's a conversation you don't need to be a part of. Scratch my head until I fall asleep?"

"Easiest yes ever…"

—

December 25, 1996

Charlie didn't try to hide his staring, his cheeks hurting from the smile on his face. Narcissa on Christmas was his new favorite sight, though their location for the festivities was more bizarre than most families'.

"No," Narcissa offered patiently, pulling wrapping paper from the youngest griffin's mouth. "That's just the covering, silly boy, the gift is inside."

The young griffin tilted his head in response to the words, though his second attempt to eat the wrapping proved he hadn't yet mastered the English language. Charlie chuckled as Narcissa stood with a half frustrated, half amused sigh, and drew the woman close as she approached.

The older animals figured their gifts out rather quickly, most already snacking on the large catfish she'd managed to procure for this moment. Rasa stood alertly nearby, however, unwilling to lower his guard when the rest of his herd was distracted. The pair watched happily as the griffins moved on to their next gift, the majority of the herd quickly moving to chase the charmed rabbit. The gift would prove impossible to catch for an hour or so, and transfigure into another fish once their game was done.

Rasa slowly approached as the others left, and Charlie released Narcissa's hands so she could stroke his feathers.

"Hey fella," she whispered lovingly. "Happy Christmas. I gave you an extra fish instead of the rabbit, and I'm happy to watch the little one while you eat."

The griffin seemed to understand as his eyes darted to the yearling, before moving to his own gifts, placing himself so he could watch the youngest while opening them.

"I don't know how you do it…"

"It's not hard, Charlie. Rasa's as smart as you or I, just in different ways."

"You're right, and he's smarter by far than most people I've met," he relented, readjusting the necklace at her chest he'd gifted her an hour prior. "I miss you."

"I'm right here," she countered with a grin.

"But when I go to bed, you're far too far."

"I've felt that myself…"

"You could move to the Manor," he whispered gently, unwilling to push the woman in a direction she didn't want. "There's an empty room down the hall from mine."

"We both know it would go unused," she whispered with a tide-stopping smile, though it fell too soon for his liking. "I can't leave Andi, and she won't leave her daughter…"

"And Tonks won't leave her troops," Charlie finished with a sigh, hating the scenario. "I get it, but I hate it."

"Me too, Charlie."

He kissed her forehead lightly in disappointment, and turned to watch Rasa as he finished his meal. Charlie knew the situation wouldn't last, as the British force was bound to demand to join Harry at some point, but he didn't feel whole seeing Narcissa just a couple times a week. It felt like part of his magic was missing, and that thought scared him in a way he wasn't used to.

He'd been in harrowing situations before, but a battle when he was distracted was bound to end in disaster. He'd wrestled with the problem since he noticed it, but was nervous about the only solution that presented itself. He could deal with nerves, however, and pushed them down stubbornly while tugging lightly on her hand.

"Narcissa," he began confidently. "I understand your situation, I promise, but I don't like my life without you. I don't wanna push you into anything you aren't comfortable with, and I'm sorry if my next sentence is weird to hear. You've become everything to me, and I just feel like I need more of you than we've allowed. I don't have the answer, but I know I hate the question."

Her blue eyes sparkled with unshed tears as Rasa and the youngling moved into the woods to chase the newest charmed rabbit, and she took a moment to compose herself before moving to respond. She turned, taking both of his hands in hers, kissing each before returning to meet his gaze.

Her words were stolen from her mouth before they could be heard, however, and Charlie yanked her to the left as magic rent the air powerfully over their heads.

The explosion ripped through tree trunks like paper, and he tugged her to the ground to avoid the debris. The hope in her eyes turned to abject horror, but the sight turned his fear to furiosity.

He didn't know who dared interrupt their time, but he knew they'd pay for it with their lives. He raised his head over the shallow dip in land they'd fallen into, but quickly ducked under a Killing Curse.

"Fuck."

"Who is it?" Narcissa whispered fearfully.

"No idea, but it's a shit-load of them. Death Eaters."

"It's Lucius…"

"We don't know that, love… Could be just a lucky group with a Disruption Stone."

"WIFE!"

The angry call proved him wrong immediately, and Charlie's heart sank as Narcissa's eyes filled with new tears of horror. He kissed her forehead when she clutched his shirt desperately, whispering soothing words softly in her ear while he thought through their predicament.

Another quick glance proved his first true, as twelve Death Eaters were fifty meters away, and moving forward cautiously. He knew they couldn't stay here, as their small cover would quickly become their grave, and his mind raced for possible ways out. Harry and Moody would both be alerted by the breach in the Village wards, but it would take a few minutes to get a unit here to help, and they didn't have that much time.

"Narcissa," he whispered firmly, drawing the woman's eyes to meet his own. "Help will be here soon, but not soon enough. Do you have your portkey?"

"It expired weeks ago."

"I figured. I'll bet money they've raised anti-apparition wards, but when I move, I want you to try anyway."

"I'm not leaving you, Charlie."

He bit back the knee jerk reaction to her stubbornness, knowing he'd have responded the exact same way. He closed his eyes to settle his raging magic, finding resignedly firm blue ones on his when they reopened.

"I go first," he hissed, staring until he got a nod of confirmation from the woman that stole his heart. "When I do, things will move fast. Stay here until I draw their fire, and when you move, go from tree to tree. Any in front of me won't be a problem, but if they flank me I'll be dead. Don't let them flank me."

"And you don't underestimate Lucius."

"The only thing I plan to do to Lucius is kill him, love."

"That's the second time you've called me that…"

"A conversation for another time."

"You don't say?"

"On three," he countered, steeling himself for the fight. "One… two… three!"

His first blasting curse took out the two closest attackers, their bodies disappearing into a disturbing pink cloud. He didn't hesitate, however, as he sprinted to his left as quickly as he could. He felt spells trailing behind him, but luck was on his side as he reached another dip in the earth.

Charlie rested for a half-second at most, before taking a page out of Harry's book. He let his wild emotions fuel his spell as the mound in front of him lifted from the forest floor, using it as a shield as he strode forward. He peeked around it for the barest of moments, and the mound flew forward at incredible speed before connecting with the three bravest Death Eaters.

"Seven more," he muttered to himself as he ran, taking cover behind a wide tree trunk.

He saw spell fire near his original position, and knew Narcissa was now fighting her own battle, but the thought didn't scare him like he thought it would.

Instead, he felt the harshest anger he'd ever experienced, and a wind kicking up at his back. He knew it was a physical manifestation of his magic, but he welcomed the power instead of hesitating.

He batted a cutting curse away distractedly as he rushed to his girlfriend's side, killing the caster with a second wave of his wand. He dodged forward as his overpowered accio caught the next attacker, skewering the asshole on a broken branch behind him. He barely heard the man's screams over the pounding in his own ears, and luck was on his side once more as his foot stuck in a root, a Killing Curse sailing just over his head as he fell.

"CHARLIE!"

Narcissa's terrified call helped him ignore the shooting pain in his ankle, and his jet of flame engulfed the only attacker he saw between him and his girlfriend. The ankle slowed him a bit as he ran, but made him impossible to hit from a distance as he lumbered awkwardly through the woods.

A quick flash of blonde immediately drew his attention, and Charlie changed course as he followed his girlfriend down the hill. Three Death Eaters were following close, though they moved from cover to cover to avoid the woman's spells. He caught up as quickly as he could, and waited until Narcissa was behind cover once more before acting.

The first died to a piercing curse that bored a fist-sized hole through his chest, the second from a fallen limb through the temple. The third managed to turn and shield before his blasting curse could land, but the woman clearly didn't expect Narcissa to attack from behind. The Death Eater screamed shrilly as her intestines leaked from her body, but Charlie's quick silencing spell ended the noise.

"It's me!" he called loudly, not wanting to catch a spell from his girlfriend who had ducked behind a tree.

"And it's me," a man's voice slurred drunkenly.

Charlie hesitated at the response, leaning against the back of a nearby tree to catch his breath.

"Lucius?" he guessed loudly, hoping to draw the man out.

"Lord Malfoy," he corrected arrogantly, spinning from the cover his tree provided, his wand at his ex-wife's throat. "Which Weasley are you, boy?"

"The one that'll kill you slowly," Charlie supplied, his rage evident in his tone. "So I'd suggest you release Narcissa, lower your transportation wards, and escape with your life."

"You left me for a child?" he hissed instead, swinging Narcissa to face him roughly, allowing Charlie time to move forward.

"He's more a man than the entire Malfoy family stacked together."

The slap that met her cheek nearly ripped Charlie's heart from his body, but the speed of his angry reaction drew Lucius' eyes. His perfectly aimed piercing curse was blocked at the last moment, and the bastard hid behind his wife more completely.

"Touch her again," Charlie called as he took cover behind another tree. "And I'll make sure you don't die for weeks."

"I'll do what I please, boy. If anything, I'm saving you from a betrayal fifteen years from now! You should be thanking me."

"Lucius, if you don't let her go, my thanks will be shown by feeding you your own balls. Let her go!"

"So angry…" he slurred in response, his tone showing his enjoyment. "She has a way of drawing you in, doesn't she? Should've heard all the things she said to me at the start…"

"I meant them," Narcissa hissed indignantly. "It was you that changed, you asshole."

"Quiet, woman!"

Another loud smack and a soft whimper of pain enunciated his demand, and the sound drew Charlie from his cover immediately. He leveled his wand unwaveringly, and limped down the hill as quickly as he could.

"Let her go, and fight me," he hissed, his anger multiplying at the confident grin that grew on the man's face.

"You don't want that, boy."

"I don't think I've ever wanted anything more. Hell, I'll fight with my offhand if you'd like…"

"So quick to die for a traitorous bitch..."

"We all have our quirks, Lucius... Take advantage of mine."

His flippant tone drew a chuckle from the drunken man, though his grip on his ex-wife didn't weaken. Charlie clenched his wand tighter, though his attention was split as another angry fighter suddenly entered the picture.

He hid his surprise as best he could, watching as Rasa descended silently from above. The griffin let out a shriek just before he hit, allowing Narcissa to wrench herself away from the man in his surprise. Charlie rushed forward as she did so, casting a shield at her back, but the effort proved unnecessary as the griffin's aim was perfect.

His long talons grasped the man's neck with absurd accuracy at such speed, and he watched as his head was torn from his body at a squeeze of Rasa's forelegs.

He collected himself enough to catch Narcissa as she leapt into his arms, but couldn't look away from the gore until her ex-husband's body stopped twitching. It did so after a few seconds, and he finally gave the woman the attention she deserved as he forced his power down into a tightly compressed ball.

"It's okay," he soothed quietly, rubbing her back as she sobbed.

He watched as Harry and Sirius popped nearby, a furious Dobby in tow, but nodded in the corpse's direction with a firm glare. Moody's entrance was more impressive at the head of Alpha Company, but Charlie saw Sirius move to intercept them before any commands could be issued.

All that mattered at the moment was the woman in his arms, and Narcissa clung to him desperately. Silence reigned as he gave her time to control herself, and the number of kisses he'd placed on her forehead grew too large to count. She eventually stilled, though she still squeezed him tightly, and Charlie gently raised her chin with his thumb.

The quickly growing black eye drew his anger once more, but he forced it away to smile down at her comfortingly.

"We're okay, love."

"That's the third time…"

A/N: Some of you might wish Lucius had more of a 'moment', but honestly, I hate the character so much I just wanted to kill him. My next story's outline has much more Lucius, but I'm already dreading writing the bastard. Thanks for reading! Next chapter should be within a week, and hopefully I can hammer out a few new chapters in the interim.