A/N: Just finished midterms, and I'm regretting my choice to major in history in a way I can't explain. The multitude of papers pushed this chapter back, but I'm hoping to get some solid writing/editing done now that I'm on Spring Break. Speaking of editing, this one didn't get the time it deserved, so be gentle with grammar critiques. Thanks for all the support! I really enjoy seeing your comments.
Chapter 41
Remus could hear activity outside of his room, though the sound provided no comfort. He'd been locked in a prison of his mind for what felt like years, though he knew it was likely only days. It was unbearable, and he wondered if the Healers knew he'd been somewhat conscious. If they did, he'd be having words when he was next awake. The noise grew closer, his door flinging open with a crash as the chaos found him.
"Sirius," he heard Brunson plead. "I'm telling you, there's nothing we can do yet!"
"I'm not asking you to, Isaac."
"Then how about you slow down a tic and fucking explain."
Remus felt Sirius settle into the visitor's chair next to him, and wished for the thousandth time that he could turn and smile at the person sitting in it.
"Harry has a plan," his friend said simply, the hope in his voice nearly tangible.
Remus' heart soared at the comment, though from what he'd overheard about the teen, he was confused as to how he managed it.
"Harry's back?"
"A recent development. He'll be here soon, and asked me to get you out of bed to be on hand."
"I'm happy to be woken, but I don't understand."
"I can't get into it, as I'm sure it'll need to be covered by an oath of some sort, but the short story is that Harry tried… something… and he's different now. He was fully in control of himself when I left him, and the confidence in his eyes was remarkable."
"I'm happy to hear that, but I can't let him endanger Remus."
"He would never," a third voice interrupted, the air shifting as Tonks entered swiftly. "If Harry thinks he's figured it out, Remus will be swimming laps by morning."
"Perhaps we should temper expectations," Albus offered gently, clearly following Remus' girlfriend into the room. "He may be sure, but this is uncharted territory..."
"You didn't see him," Sirius countered firmly. "I'll bet my vault we'll be outta here by tomorrow."
"Given the odds, it would be fiscally irresponsible for me not to take that bet," Brunson offered dryly, breaking the tension in the room. "I'm not trying to be a naysayer, it's just that I was asleep five minutes ago, and this is a bit of a surprise."
"Harry's Patronus pulled me out of bed, too," Albus offered in sympathy. "Not what I had in mind for the evening, but exciting all the same, isn't it?"
"Where is he?" Tonks asked impatiently.
Remus chuckled inwardly at his girlfriend's anxiousness, though he mentally pushed his expectations down as far as he could. His mind was whirling from the new information, but he knew a silver knife was simply a death sentence for a werewolf. That Harry could sweep in like a summer storm and fix everything made a good bedtime story, but he refused to be disappointed if it wasn't possible.
Regardless of the outcome, all he wanted was to be able to respond to his loved ones again. He'd had a cavalcade of visitors, each bearing their heart to him as he appeared unhearing, and the inability to respond felt like torture. Tonks and Sirius, especially, deserved reassurance at the very least, and he was excited to give it no matter what happened after.
The four seated around him chatted lightly as they awaited the man of the hour, but a feeling of power brought the noise to an immediate halt. Even in his half-awake state, Remus could feel the air displaced around him, his ears popping slightly in response. He'd only felt something similar just before Voldemort appeared, but his worry was quickly interrupted.
"Harry!"
"Hey, Pads," he heard the teen offer, his voice muffled. "I just saw you like ten minutes ago… didn't think you'd need another hug."
"I need a thousand of them, kiddo, I'm all over the place right now."
"I can tell."
Harry's tone was completely carefree, and Remus couldn't help his hopes from rising at the sound. He felt different. Like the Harry he knew before the battle had aged decades, and returned a self-assured grown man.
"Isaac," the teen greeted, a smile evident in his tone. "Thank you for joining us, and I'm sorry to pull you from your rest."
"Not a problem, Marshal."
"It's Harry, you frustrating man."
"I'm glad you remember, sir. What happened to your glasses?"
"Destroyed in a duel with Voldemort, but I haven't seemed to need them since."
"That's not normal…"
"Don't be offended if I get a second opinion."
"Harry," Albus interrupted gently. "Perhaps you could explain what we're doing here."
"I can't, actually. I'm not sure myself, but I do know I'm sick of Remus lying here an inch from death. Tonks, you okay?"
"No…" she answered weakly, and Remus' heart broke at the sound. "This week has been the worst of my life. If you're able to save him, I swear I'll name every kid I ever have after you."
"Remus can hear you, and he may have something to say about daughters named Harry."
The certainty in the teen's tone shocked the werewolf, though he was glad the others knew he was semi-conscious. Tonks and Sirius had both bared their hearts to him, and if he made it out of this alive, he was intent on not letting those words go ignored.
"He can?" Brunson asked in surprise.
"Yup. He's an inch away from consciousness, and if his frustration is anything to go by, he has been this whole time."
"We didn't know that would happen, I swear."
"What, Isaac? You think he's gonna wake up and curse you for saving his life? Or that I am? Relax, man! The fact that he's still alive is above and beyond your call of duty already. He'll get over being stuck in his own head for a few days."
"What do we do?" the healer asked.
"You reverse the sedation, and I fix the old wolf."
"How?"
"I guess we'll find out…"
"If we pull him from the stasis, the silver will continue poisoning him. You won't have long to do… whatever it is you're going to."
"I won't need it," Harry answered confidently. "I'll ask that you all keep quiet until I'm done. You'll have time with him after, but I'll need to work fast."
"Harry," Albus interrupted, his tone showing his confusion. "If you don't have a plan, perhaps we should wait."
"No need. I can't explain it, but my magic pointed me at Moony as soon as it got fixed. I can do this, I swear it. I wouldn't risk his life."
Remus felt his heart calm at the assertion, his trust in the teen bringing his hopes back up to dangerous levels.
—
Harry nodded at Brunson, and the Healer canceled the stasis at the signal. He watched as Remus' eyes fluttered slightly before opening, his chest rising with an exaggerated deep breath. The man glanced around wildly, clearly aware he shouldn't address the other guests, but wanting to lay eyes on them all the same.
"Moony," he began gently. "I know you heard what little of a plan I have, so you know this is probably gonna suck for you."
"Better than the last few days," the man rasped, his voice rough from disuse.
"We'll see, I guess. Sirius is going to roll you so you face your lovely girlfriend, and Tonks is gonna hold your hand while I reopen your wound. Sound like fun?"
"Sounds great," he countered sarcastically. "You look weird without your glasses."
"Thanks! Go ahead, Pads."
Harry watched as his godfather eased his best friend over, and Isaac vanished the bandages covering the wound in his back. Blood ran slowly from the stab, but he didn't need the wound to be clean.
"I don't appreciate you being out of commission for this long," he said, attempting to distract the man as he pooled his magic.
"I figured," Remus quipped in return, the pain in the wound clearly affecting him. "This long without your secretary… the Manor must be in ruins."
"My adjutant," Harry countered with a grin, happy to flip the script on his mentor. "Just stare into Tonks' hideous eyes if you would, but if you cry me and Sirius will laugh at you."
"If you get me out of this bed, I'll take all the jokes you can think of."
"You know better than to promise that. On three."
Harry extended his magic into the wound, feeling the microscopic pieces of silver that were poisoning his friend. They were easy to pick out, clearly foreign amongst other living material, and his magic urged him to proceed.
"One."
Without counting further Harry's magic dove into the wound, serving as a sort of immaterial sponge for the fragments. Silver's lack of magnetism was a hindrance, but he knew if he'd forced a magical magnet into his friend's body, the pain would be mind-breaking. Instead, he essentially summoned the poisonous fragments, absorbing them into his carefully controlled spell as they approached.
"You forgot the number two," Remus wheezed, the pain wracking his body.
"That's always a tough one for me," he countered, sweat forming on his brow from the magical exertion. "Three's easy, but I'm not sure if four or five comes next."
"We'll… work on it… when you're done… torturing me…"
Harry caught the first glimpses of sunlight streaming into the window as he worked, and knew the dawn would be a much happier one for his group of loved ones.
"Oh what a beautiful morning," he sang softly, remembering an old musical he'd watched with the pair a lifetime ago. "Oh what a beautiful day…"
"I swear, Harry," Remus interrupted. "If this doesn't work, and the last thing I hear is you singing, I'm pranking you for eternity in the afterlife."
"I've got a beautiful feeling," he continued with a grin, the final remnants of silver being absorbed. "Everything's going my wayyyy."
As his short song ended, Harry withdrew his magic carefully. He detected no hint of silver left in the man, and Remus' color quickly improved. Instead of looking like a corpse with a voice, he looked very much like the mentor he knew, if slightly peaked.
"Easy enough," he breathed exhaustedly. "I think I'll go home now."
"Wait!" Isaac called indignantly. "That can't be it! Let me do some scans."
"Scan away, sir."
Harry sat heavily in a conjured chair, silently chuckling at the astounded faces around him. Tonks and Sirius hadn't moved a muscle, though Albus quickly shook off his surprise with a happy smile.
"Good job, my boy."
"Not yet. Ol' sour-face-Brunson hasn't given his approval."
"It's gone," the man in question breathed in wonder. "The silver's gone. All of it. Remus, you're a healthy man with a slight hole in your back… Harry, how in the hell…"
"See? That's not so hard! Same number of syllables as 'Marshal'."
"How did you do it?" the man asked, his wonder turning to frustration, the thought of an untrained person healing the unhealable clearly rubbing the scholarly part of his brain wrong.
"I can't explain it," Harry answered honestly. "It's instinct, and I don't think we can rely on it for everything."
"Unbelievable."
"If you say so," he countered, standing with a groan. "I'm gonna go take a shower, then sleep for three days. Wake me at your own peril…"
Tonks interrupted by slamming into him, the pair falling gracelessly to the floor. She kissed him on both cheeks, her hair shifting color at the speed of light, and Harry gently levitated her off of him in response.
He stood slowly, brushing off his filthy clothes, and met her eyes as she floated horizontally a few feet off the ground.
"I just wanted to thank you!"
"Consider me thanked," he replied with a roll of his eyes, returning the woman to her feet. "I'll leave you all to catch him up."
Harry moved to the door, wanting to give Sirius and Tonks needed time with the man, but didn't quite make his escape.
"Harry."
He turned immediately, meeting Remus' emotional gaze.
"What you've done… I just… thank you."
Harry took the two steps required, grabbing the man's extended hand when he neared. He smiled down at his friend happily, his heart soaring at the direction the night had turned.
"I'd be lost without you," he whispered seriously. "As would those two on your other side. I'm happy I could help, but we'll be having words if you let yourself get stabbed again. I love you, Moony…"
He saw jaws around the room fall at the last comment, and smirked victoriously as he made his exit. The new comfort he felt at the word still felt weird, but saying it aloud and making others feel the weirdness instead was as good a way to cope as any.
—
July 8, 1996
Harry's shower was life changing, as was his few hours of lying down in a real bed. Sleep never visited, but he got up late anyway, feeling better than he had in ages. He took another quick shower to reminisce about the one the night prior, making his way to the den once he was dressed.
"Harry!" Dobby cried happily as he entered. "You's look better!"
"I feel better, mate. Think I could get some breakfast?"
"Master must sit at the table like an adult," Winky offered firmly as he neared the couch.
Harry grinned at the stern elf, noticing the happy tears pooling in her eyes. He moved towards her as she attempted a glare, and pulled her small body into a hug.
"I'm sorry if I scared you, Winky."
"Master doesn't need to apologize," she whispered, though her body was wracked with small sniffles. "Winky just glad you's back."
"Me too," he countered, releasing the elf with an understanding smile. "Thank you for keeping everything together here. I know Dobby and everyone are a handful on your own…"
"Master be the biggest handful," she countered with a sly grin. "Sit! Breakfast on the way."
Harry did so, returning Dobby's grin at the interaction. Winky began whipping up a full english, and he was more than content to simply sit and watch.
"When does Remus come home?" Dobby asked, interrupting the sounds of cooking.
"He's healed of all but the wound, so I assume it won't take him long. I'd guess today, but I'm just a humble child with few answers, trying to find his way in a dangerous world..."
"No," Remus argued as he entered. "You're just some arrogant super hero doing things thought impossible. I trust that second part was for my benefit?"
"I felt you coming a mile away," he answered with a grin. "It was tough to time it right, but a spectacular entrance, Moony."
"Glad to help," he said, approaching the teen to pull him into a hug. "I'm gonna take a shower and a nap, but we'll talk after, yeah?"
"You need it. Good to have you back."
"Both of yous," Winky agreed, placing a heaping plate of food in front of Harry.
"Thanks, Winky," Remus offered, making his exit as Harry tucked in.
He ate with gusto, relishing the meal while listening to the pair of elves bicker playfully. He couldn't help but smile at their relationship, Winky's realistic view constantly at battle with Dobby's optimism. The pair left with matching smiles once the kitchen was tidied, though they were quickly replaced by Albus and Arthur.
"Good to see you back," Arthur offered with a grin and a handshake.
"Good to be back," Harry agreed. "I'd offer you some bacon, but it's mine."
"I've eaten, but I appreciate the lack of offer all the same. How are you, Harry?"
"Overwhelmed, confused, happy, sad… take your pick."
"I think we all feel similarly."
"How many dead?"
Harry winced at the bluntness of his own tone, but was anxious for the information. He planned to visit the families of those they lost personally, though he still hadn't figured out how to be a comfort. He just knew his men and women deserved the utmost respect for their sacrifice, and their loved ones deserved the chance to vent their spleen if they so desired.
"Seven," Arthur answered, Harry's heart dropping at the number. "Four during the battle, and three of their wounds after. The other injured are in various stages of recovery, though they're all expected to survive."
"Too many," he whispered darkly, vanishing the remains of his breakfast. "I'll need a list of names."
"I'll get it to you immediately," the Minister answered gently. "It's a tough loss, and my heart is broken, but from a strategic standpoint, we did much better than our enemy. Judging from memories we've reviewed, we took out at least sixty Death Eaters."
"Add a one at the front..."
"I'm sorry?"
"I killed at least that many once everyone left the station, and a handful more at the Lestrange house."
Harry hated the dullness of his voice, but he knew in his heart it was the right choice to make given his situation. He'd never enjoy killing, but if it meant his people survived, he'd do it every day for the rest of his life.
"Harry," Dumbledore interjected softly. "I can't imagine how you feel, but that information turns the battle into a momentous victory for our side. I'm so very sorry you were put in that position, but the realist in me is very pleased."
"Same here," he agreed, though he felt conflicted. "That many wands not firing spells at us, but I'm a bit worried what my conscience will look like once this war is done."
"Then we focus on the lives we save, my boy… and the world we build when we're finished."
"I'm tempted to say the world you'll build. The urge to disappear once Voldemort's dead grows by the hour."
"I wouldn't hold it against you if you did, and I trust you'll let us visit."
"Of course, sir."
"Good," the older man said with a smile. "Now I'd like to ask about your sudden transformation if I could…"
—
Harry walked happily across his property, the warm summer sun filling him with a sense of comfort he hadn't felt in what seemed like weeks. Hedwig and Buckbeak circled joyfully overhead, calling back and forth as they played in the air. His godfather walked alongside him, and he took a brief moment to thank his lucky stars that he was back with his family, as opposed to stuck on the mountain terrified of his own power.
"Alright, kiddo?"
"I'm great," he answered with a grin. "Just relieved. It got a bit… dark up there at my camp, and I honestly didn't think I'd be able to come home."
"I never had a doubt," Sirius countered, bumping his shoulder slightly. "But that you saved Remus while doing so has me dancing in my sleep."
"Me too, though our trip today turns that feeling to stone pretty easily…"
"As much as I hate to say it, this will be the first of many visits. This mess is just beginning…"
"I know it," he countered, the happiness he felt quickly fleeing. "But their families' don't deserve this pain."
"None of us do. We're lucky enough to be alive in one of those times future generations will learn about from the comfort of their classroom..."
"One hour of glorious life…" Harry mused darkly in response.
"Is worth an age without a name," Sirius continued, forcing the teen's eyebrows to raise in surprise. "One of my favorite quotes from my younger days… I'd give away every galleon to my name for a boring life now, though."
"You and me both."
Harry spotted a downed tree near the edge of the wood leading to the village, and immediately moved to sit. He didn't need a break, but he knew he couldn't go much longer without a necessary conversation. Sirius sat next to him with a questioning look, Hedwig and Buckbeak choosing to continue the journey into the woods.
"I need to tell you something."
"Is it about what Peverell said? I thought you told me everything?"
"I did," he replied, a knot forming in his gut about what comes next. "It's about what happened at the Lestrange's… I killed Bellatrix…"
A heavy silence fell over the pair, and Harry turned inwardly on himself in shame. He knew it was the right strategic move to kill a powerful enemy, but was also aware of Sirius' responsibility to his family. That Arcturus rang that bell so powerfully in his message to his grandson weighed heavily on the teen, and he struggled to meet the man's eye.
"Harry," Sirius finally offered confusedly. "What is it you need to tell me?"
"I… I just did?"
"You stopped to tell me you killed Bellatrix?"
"Er… yeah…" he answered, matching his godfather's confusion. "I know how much Arcturus harped on the Black family, and I'm really sorry you won't be given the chance to save her. It was an instinctual thing that I…"
"Stop," Sirius whispered, pulling him short. "Harry, I don't care if you killed every Black in the world… that you came back is the only thing that matters to me. Fuck Bellatrix."
"But Arcturus' message…"
"Fuck Arcturus, too! He's not here. Why should I give a damn about some dead guy who thinks he knows best? I tried with Bella, and she was too far gone. That's all my grandfather could ever hope for, and he's lucky he got that much."
"She hadn't even drawn her wand…"
"Good. You should work on doing that more, these assholes aren't worthy of a fair fight. Kill 'em as you can, 'cause I'm gonna do the same."
"But what about the whole 'we're the good guy' thing?"
"The 'good guy' is the one that's still standing, kiddo, and I plan to do everything I can to make sure that's us. Were you worried I'd think differently of you?"
"I guess I was," Harry admitted sheepishly. "I hate killing, but it's something I've done a lot of in my short life. I keep waiting for you guys to turn on me…"
"You could kill everyone we love, and I'd still have your back. Feel free to turn Dark Lord when the post is vacated… I'll be your first minion."
"No! I need some sort of checks and balances, Pads. I need someone to tell me if I've gone too far. I feel like I'm too strong now, and I need grounding."
"You'll have to look elsewhere," Sirius countered with a grin. "One: because I know you'll use your power for the right purpose. And two: because my life is your life. Ask Albus or Daphne if you want, but I'll share your fate, regardless of what it looks like."
Harry felt the anxiety leave his shoulders, happy with the new defined relationship. In the past, it had been him reigning his godfather in as he spoke of acting viciously, something he felt a newfound guilt for. Sirius' only purpose in life was him, and that realization was a bit staggering. That he hadn't even realized what the problem was proved the man's commitment, and he made a solemn vow to tell Arcturus to go to hell if he felt differently when their time was done.
"I love you, Sirius," he admitted honestly.
"I love you too... though hearing you say that will take some getting used to. Now let's go speak to the families."
—
July 12, 1996
Life quickly turned to a new normal, though the stakes of the war were more tangible for Harry than ever. The first casualties to his side still weighed heavily, and that the families of those lost were understanding didn't go far to assuage his guilt. One death was too many, and he renewed his vow to end this as soon as possible.
He knew his power had grown impressively as it matured, but his duel with Voldemort proved exactly how good of a match he had in a nemesis. He spent the day after speaking to the families in training, and pushed himself even further than he had before. He was determined if he lost it wouldn't be due to lack of preparation, and his auxiliary unit seemed to agree.
Today, however, their training was put on hold for a trial of sorts. Daniel had been working just as hard for months, and demanded a chance to join the unit. Harry was torn on the matter, but knew his friend was just as deserving of a chance at revenge.
"Here's the thing," he began, his team and Daniel seated around him. "The way we've been training takes everyone's ability into account. Bill's shields and wards are the best I've seen, so he's our defense. Sirius is essentially our sniper, as his accuracy is incredible, while Remus buys him time to pick out targets. Charlie and I run around like headless chickens for the most part, but we're covered by each other and Bill at our back."
"No offense," Daniel responded seriously. "But I didn't see any of that on the platform or the hospital."
"You did," Remus countered with a smile. "You just didn't recognize it for what it was. The hospital was a shitshow, but the five of us still operated as a cohesive group when we could. The chaos of the moment makes it hard to see, but we wouldn't be here today if we weren't so prepared."
"So the question is, what do I offer?"
"Exactly," Harry answered. "It's not that I doubt your ability, as I know you could go toe-to-toe with just about anyone. It's whether or not you add something to the unit, or if another body spinning around would just get in the way."
"Then let's test it," Daniel offered determinedly.
"There's also your family to think about," Sirius interjected. "On the platform, for instance, the five of us stood at the front... Your girls need you at moments like that."
"A lot of good it did…"
"Stop," Harry breathed softly, the power behind the word pulling the man up short. "If you and Daphne hadn't been so prepared, that day would've gone much worse. At best, It would have been four of you needing a rescue, if you survived that long."
"It won't be a problem going forward," Daniel answered, his eyes returning from the floor. "The girls won't be put in a position like that again."
Harry bit his tongue, knowing Daphne had a plan in the works to be included, and simply nodded at his friend's assertion. He stood from his chair, the others mirroring him, and set up the training room for the required scenario.
"The dummies won't fire the Killing Curse," he explained, his team forming up behind him. "But everything else is on the table. Where do you think you can help?"
"At the back for now," he answered immediately. "Bill can focus on the big magic, and I'll rip anyone that comes near him apart before they're an issue."
"Fair enough. On three."
—
Daniel passed with flying colors, his determination evident in his casting. Bill's newfound breathing room allowed him to be more proactive in his defense of Harry and Charlie, and the unit defeated the forty training dummies in record time. The next two attempts finished even quicker, with no one so much as needing to dodge a spell.
The group reviewed their upcoming training schedule and time spent alongside the military force before going their separate ways, and Harry rushed towards his shower, eager to get to his girlfriend.
Daphne sat impatiently in the den, looking up from her book as he entered. Her smile froze him in his tracks, his stomach flipping familiarly, and he grinned at the fact he still hadn't grown used to the sight while he plopped down next to her on the couch.
"Good read?"
"Yep," she answered simply while closing the book. "How'd it go?"
"He did great. He fits in perfectly, and Bill is almost completely freed up to play guardian angel more frequently."
"He was a nervous wreck this morning…"
"He didn't show it," Harry countered with a surprised smile. "Now how exactly are you planning to convince him to let you join?"
"I'm working on it with Nev," she answered coyly, clearly unwilling to share her plan. "It's something I think you've forgotten about, but I'm positive it'll help."
"If you say so. What are we doing today?"
"You and I are sharing lunch and a kiss, then you're gonna hang out with Ron and Neville."
Harry was surprised by the admission as the girl had been blessedly selfish with his time the last few days, even during their time spent with friends. He'd enjoyed every second of it, but was looking forward to the time alone with the guys just the same.
"Just one kiss?"
"I can be talked up to two if you mind your manners at lunch…"
"And what if I just steal 'em?"
"You'd forfeit any future kisses."
"Hmmm…" Harry mused, deep in playful thought. "I call you a liar, Greengrass."
"What a rude thing to say!"
"Perhaps, but true all the same."
"And just how are you so sure?"
"Because you like kissing me almost as much as I do you."
"Fell for that one, did you?"
"Now that was rude…"
Harry grinned as Daphne put on an unconcerned mask, though her eyes were shining despite herself. She opened her mouth to speak, but he leapt forward, capturing her response with his lips. She fought his affection for the barest of seconds before ending her act, though she quickly rolled them both so she was on top.
The next few minutes were the best of Harry's week, and his heart felt full enough to burst. The fact that this perfect person was somehow his partner was mind-blowing, and the amount of understanding she showed after his time away was incredible. They'd spoken, at length, about the experience, but she accepted his explanation immediately and only wished for him to understand her side of things. He'd never felt closer to the girl, though he still wasn't above a small prank or two…
"Oh!" Arthur cried as he entered. "I'm so sorry, you two… I'll just wait outside… Harry, if I could have a… nevermind. I'll come back."
Harry grinned as Daphne's lips froze in terror on his own, and knew he'd pay for not warning her about the man's approach.
"Arthur, I'll be right with you."
"Of course... Take your time."
Daphne stormed to her feet, her face red with shame as she rushed to her bag, collecting her book distractedly. Harry simply smiled, unable to share the shame, though a sense of impending doom at her payback almost tempered his happiness.
"The Minister for Magic…" Daphne muttered tormentedly. "Of all the people… and I was on your lap! I'll never live this down, and Mum and Dad will be relentless… Oh my god! They'll tell Astoria, and she'll tell Blaise and Tracey! Harry, this is…"
Her rant was cut short as her eyes found his, and his laughter finally broke through the tight hold he had it under. His eyes watered with mirth as the girl's shame quickly disappeared, her eyes narrowing as it turned to anger.
"You knew…"
"You lie!"
"I don't," she seethed. "You absolutely felt him coming, and decided to embarrass me!"
"Why should you be embarrassed? He's in my house, and we were fully clothed… but maybe next time you won't suggest kissing me is a chore…"
"Cruel and unusual, Harold…"
"I felt it fitting."
"We'll see how you find your punishment, then."
Harry stood while chuckling, pulling the still anxious girl into his arms. She hesitated for a moment, before eventually settling into the hug. He eventually felt her smile against his chest and knew he wasn't in for too terrible a payback.
"I'm sorry, Daph. I just knew how awkward he'd get, and it was too tempting to ignore."
"I swear," she answered, looking up at him happily, her embarrassment forgotten. "As soon as I'm of age, we're building a small house with unbreakable locks."
"Tired of the interruptions, are you?"
"Just worried someone will walk in when you get what you deserve."
"I like the sound of that," he countered with a wink, earning a swat on the shoulder for his impertinence.
"Go speak to the Minister for Magic, would you? We can have lunch tomorrow."
"I love you," he offered as innocently as he could manage.
"You know," Daphne answered, moving from his arms with a radiant smile. "That's only gonna work for so long. I'll get used to hearing it eventually."
"You'll get sick of it," he corrected with a grin. "I'm gonna say it until I lose my voice."
"Off with you," she replied, blushing happily. "Enough of your silver tongue, you snake."
"Lion, love."
—
Harry headed towards his office, feeling a crowded room awaiting him. He entered to find Arthur, Albus, Daniel, Sirius, Moody, and Severus, and was briefly surprised by the last member of the group. He headed towards his desk with a smile, settling into it comfortably.
"I'm sure you're all wondering why I've called you here…" he began sarcastically, the unscheduled meeting being somewhat rare.
"Harry," Arthur interrupted, his face red with embarrassment. "I'm terribly sorry I barged in. I've grown too comfortable in your home…"
"Don't worry about it," he countered with a wave of his hand. "I felt you apparate in, but Daphne was being a punk."
"That's my daughter you're calling names."
"Then correct the behavior, Daniel."
"I've tried for years," the man admitted, deflating dramatically. "Perhaps you'll have better luck."
"I'd never change her, unfortunately."
"Gross," Sirius offered with a roll of his eyes, clearly over the conversation. "Let's just say that knocking on doors is advisable, and Harry's curfew is now noon."
"Good luck with that, old man. Now Minister, why the sudden appearance?"
"Captain Davies had an idea," the man answered, shaking off the last of his shame. "Bravo Company has been stationed at the Ministry while it's open, but we know a takeover is coming any day."
"They've been trained on how to operate," Harry said, having been briefed on their mission by Moody at Samuel Davies' promotion ceremony. "They'll get everyone out in time, and the building isn't worth losing people over."
"That's where his thinking and yours differ. He believes we should get everyone and everything out ASAP, and man the building with soldiers only. If Voldemort's past behavior proves the rule, it'll be his people that enter first and he'll only follow once it's secure. Davies thinks we may be able to spring a trap."
"To what purpose?" Harry asked, the idea surprising him.
"Safety, first and foremost," Arthur offered awkwardly. "The lives of the workers are the priority…"
"Second and second-most?"
"Prisoners."
The tension the answer delivered was palpable, all eyes awaiting his reaction. Harry breathed deeply, understanding the awkwardness was the result of his initial thoughts on the matter, but the idea no longer felt abhorrent. After the losses they sustained at the train station, Harry would give the go ahead for things he'd rather not even say out loud. He let out the breath slowly, fully aware the group would follow his decision on the issue.
"A brilliant idea," he admitted, the tension easing immediately. "Something I wish I'd thought of. Does Davies have a plan?"
"He presented it an hour ago," Moody answered with a nod. "We'll use their own tactics against them. A small unit will be tasked to pick out whoever's in charge, and grab them before portkeying away, the rest of the Company providing cover. As soon as the unit is out, the rest of them will return home. Should take thirty seconds at most."
"Easy enough," he agreed, though he knew it could go very wrong. "And what of the Ministry? Are we prepared to hit the ground running in the new building?"
"I did a walk-through this morning with Remus," Arthur answered reluctantly. "It's better even than the current building."
"Then why the hesitation?"
"Because I'll be the first Minister of a British government in exile…"
"You'll also be the Minister to preside over the rebuild," Harry offered confidently. "I know this is an impossible scenario to maneuver, but your reputation will reflect your hard work, I swear it."
"I don't give a damn about my reputation," he countered immediately. "I don't care if I go down as the worst Minister in history, I'm only worried about our people, and the effect the news will have on them."
"Proof you're the man for the job," Albus interjected. "We're much better off in exile under your leadership, than at home under the last administration. The people will come to understand."
"We'll have Xeno release a special edition… you and I can do a joint interview," Harry decided confidently. "Is that all?"
"We just need your official go-ahead, Marshal," Moody answered with a grin.
"Then by the power vested in me, by the joke of a life I live… I now pronounce you able to marry the prisoners or whatever."
"That's going in my memoir," Snape interjected with a smirk. "Our fearless leader marrying others against their will…"
"Careful," Harry countered with a grin. "I'm gonna see the twins this week… both could use a good partner."
—
"Sorry I'm late."
"We knew you would be," Ron answered distractedly, focusing on corralling the football kicked his way. "Neville saw Dad right before he left the Manor, and we figured you'd be tied up for even longer."
"It was more of a formality than anything," Harry answered with a shrug, spreading out to form a triangle on the quidditch pitch with his two friends.
"Everything okay?" Neville asked, kicking the ball his way competently.
Dean and his family had been relentless in their determination to promote the sport in the Village, and according to Charlie, there were near-constant pickup games on a field quickly transformed into a pitch. Dean's father was even setting up recreational leagues for the fledgling town, for both children and adults.
"Yeah," he answered, managing to direct the ball towards Ron, his physical education classes from childhood kicking in. "We have a new operation on the books for the Ministry… gonna flip the script on ol' snakeface a bit."
"Will you be there?" Ron asked, a concerned look in his eye.
"Not sure. It seems like a plan that may go smoother with fewer numbers, and Davies has been there for a month. He knows the building's ins and outs."
"Roger?"
"Samuel, Ron," Harry answered with a laugh. "He's been Captain of Bravo for a couple weeks now…"
"I haven't met him yet," the redhead defended with a grin. "My world's smaller than yours, mate…"
"Not sure that's how it works, but I definitely understand the feeling. So what do we wanna do today?"
"You're meeting with me, Hermione, and the twins in a few," Ron answered, making better contact on his pass to Neville.
"I'm sorry, what now?"
"We have ideas we want to bring to you."
"Okay…" Harry agreed, his mind whirling at the formality of the answer. "I'm happy to hear 'em, but since when do we schedule meetings?"
He looked at Neville for support, but the teen flushed slightly in embarrassment.
"Not you, too?"
"Me and Daphne, when you're done with them…"
"What the hell, guys?"
"Your schedule is insane," Ron offered gently. "If we don't ask for time, we won't get it…"
"Ron… I'm sorry, but…"
"No, Harry… I understand. Especially after everything that went down at the platform and afterwards… but you've come back running full speed, and it's tough to get you to slow down."
"We've hung out! We had dinner last night at your parents' place!"
"And you and Dad talked about Ministry stuff for eighty percent of it…"
"Yeah, but…"
Harry cut himself off from his slightly offended defense, taking a moment to try and see things from Ron's perspective. It was true that the few days since he'd been back had been hectic, but the things taking priority needed to. He took a deep breath to center his thoughts, only speaking when he was calm once more.
"I'm sorry. You're right, and I honestly didn't realize I was neglecting you guys. I'll do better."
"Harry," Neville interrupted as he approached, football in hand. "We're not asking you to change… Ron meant it when he said we understand. The amount of things on your plate could feed us all, and if anything, we feel frustrated for you. We only 'scheduled' this afternoon because we wanted some uninterrupted time, and if that's how we have to do things from now on, it's no big deal."
"It feels weird," he countered frustratedly. "I know I'm everywhere right now, but it just feels weird to have you guys need to approach me like this."
"You'll get used to it," Ron offered with a grin, throwing an arm around his shoulder. "And once all this mess is over, we'll come with you to whichever planet you decide to move to."
"I hadn't even thought of leaving Earth," Harry said with a grin. "Great idea, mate. Give me a couple years to figure it out."
"You'll be done by Thursday…"
"So little faith," Neville added with a smile. "He'll mention it to Daphne, and we'll be house hunting by dinner."
—
"Field Marshal Potter!"
"Teen of prophecy and power!"
"My lord!"
"My liege!"
"Welcome to our humble abode, sir…"
"Protector of innocence and virginity…"
"Guys…"
"He speaks!"
"His voice is magical!"
"My stomach is all a-flutter!"
"My fluttering is a bit further south!"
Harry grinned despite himself, but decided to end the twins effusive welcome. He levitated the pair with a gesture, sticking them gently to the ceiling of their shop.
"The control over his magic!"
"The grace of his movement!"
"GUYS! If you don't stop, I'm letting you fall…"
"Too far?" George asked, hanging precariously.
"It was too far from the first word, you idiot."
"Just trying to make you comfortable, mate," Fred added, the blood in his head making his face match his hair.
"Consider me comforted. You done?"
"YES, SIR!" The pair enunciated the answer with matching salutes, and Harry shook his head while lowering them to the floor.
When their feet touched the ground they leapt at him, and he was enveloped in a painfully tight group hug. He breathed a relieved sigh when they finally released him, looking around the stockroom in pleasant surprise.
"More organized than I expected from you two..."
"The girls and Lee are helping out for the summer," George admitted with a grin. "We're gonna have to hire someone when they head off to their various callings, though."
Fred cleared off a nearby table, and Harry followed Ron and Hermione to a seat. Their shop opened not long after Hogwarts officially let out, though he'd been unable to attend the event as he'd been on the mountain. He felt guilty about his absence, but the twins quickly disabused him of that feeling when he mentioned it afterwards.
"So what's this about?"
"We've had similar ideas and wanted to run them by you," Ron offered immediately. "Hermione and I have been talking of organizing a group of students when we head back to school, to help defend the castle if needed."
"And Fred had the same idea for here in the Village," George continued.
"I love the idea and hate the necessity," he offered honestly.
"Not your fault, mate," Fred countered with a grin. "You can't be everywhere at once, and it's up to the rest of us to make sure you can focus where you need to."
"But the villagers that would be able to help have already turned down the offer to join our forces…"
"Agreeing to go into battle is very different than preparing to defend your home," the redhead replied, seriously for once. "I've floated the idea already, and it's been met with overwhelming positivity. These people don't want to sit with their heads in the sand, they just don't think they're cut out for traditional military work."
"That's a welcome realization, mate. What do you need from me?"
"Just the go-ahead," George answered. "We felt weird essentially forming a militia on your land without your knowledge…"
"And if you could stop in on training every now and then, that would be a godsend."
"I'd love to," he agreed immediately. "I'll have to work with Remus on my schedule, but I'd like to come once a week if I can."
"That's more than we'd hoped for…"
"It's the least I can do. I'll come to Hogwarts, too."
"Oh Harry," Hermione breathed happily. "That would be fantastic!"
"I'll figure it out," he promised with a smile. "Maybe one night here at the Village, one night at Hogwarts, and another just to hang out when I can."
"That's better than just holidays," Ron agreed with a grin. "But don't overdo it, mate."
"Remus and Daphne won't let me. One of them will tie me to my bed if I start to get overwhelmed."
"Shoot for Daphne," Fred countered seriously.
"Remus is a good looking guy," George continued with a nod. "But his mustache is ticklish."
"Careful… Tonks has a whole Company to kick your asses with."
—
"Mr. Longbottom," he greeted sarcastically as he entered the training room. "Madam Greengrass."
"Told you," Neville said with a wry look at Daphne.
"Are you still upset about the schedule thing?" she asked exasperatedly as she drew him into a hug.
"I'm not," Harry answered with a grin. "But if it's going to be such a formal appointment, I figured I should treat it as such."
"Sit down and hush," she demanded playfully with a gentle shove to his chest.
Harry followed the directive, grinning at the pair happily. The two had spent hours each day in this room, and he was only allowed to visit when they asked him too. They both trained with him and their friends every other day, but their work together remained a mystery to him.
"Am I to finally learn what you've been up to behind my back?"
"Jealous, Potter?"
"Not even a little, Greengrass. You two are the most trustworthy people I know."
"I bet you say that to all the girls."
"Nope, just you and Neville."
"I'm offended and honored all at once," the teen interjected with a confused smile. "Daphne, you wanna explain?"
"We've figured out how to join your team," the girl offered immediately.
"I thought as much."
"Instead of explaining, I wanna show you. Stand up."
Harry did so bemusedly, the seriousness in his girlfriend's tone forcing him to lose his joking manner. He followed her to the dueling area, and watched as she brought three training dummies to the front. She didn't animate them, however, and returned to stand at his side.
"Blast the one on the left, at full power."
Harry looked at her questioningly, but Daphne's confidence was evident in her eyes. She nodded towards the dummy encouragingly, and he drew his wand to follow the order. The dummy ceased to exist, the spell obliterating it immediately. He turned to look at his partner, and found a disappointed surprise on her face.
"What's wrong?"
"I… I don't know. I didn't think it would be that powerful…"
"That was only seventy percent, as I didn't want to destroy the ones behind it…" he offered reluctantly. "I told you I'm a bit of a nuisance now, but why don't you explain what you were thinking?"
"I've been studying the battle in Hogsmeade," she admitted defeatedly, her shoulders slumping. "And what Dumbledore talked about when we trained together at school. We were stronger together, but now you're a powerhouse all on your own."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"Of course not. I just figured that was our way onto the team, and all of a sudden you don't need me to be that powerful."
"I'll always need you, love," he countered gently, raising her chin with his offhand.
"Try it anyway," Neville offered from behind. "Move one dummy out from in front of the others, and Harry, give it all you've got. We'll try our idea on the next one."
Daphne moved to do so, and the trio's ears popped at the power behind Harry's spell. She quickly replaced it with a third, and moved back to stand next to him with a nervous smile. She grabbed his left hand in her right, looking up at him with hopeful eyes. Harry's heart fluttered familiarly at the sight, before he tore his gaze away and aimed his wand.
The magic that left the weapon plunged the room into darkness, the light bulbs shattering immediately. The trio was blind to the damage caused, but the Manor's alarms blared as they heard the spell connect with the wall behind. The floor quaked under their feet worryingly, and Daphne's hand gripped his own tightly.
He squeezed it a few times comfortingly, before lighting the room with a modified Lumos. The light left the wand, hanging over their heads, illuminating the large room with ease.
"What the hell…" Neville breathed as he moved forward.
Harry waited to respond, feeling others rushing towards them also wanting an explanation. The door opened with a crash, with Sirius, Remus, Daniel, and Emily following it with raised wands. He held his own towards the ceiling in surrender, grinning at the four as they pulled up short.
"Nothing to worry about," he offered flippantly. "Just a little experiment that went a bit awry."
"Harry," Sirius countered with a relieved sigh. "My sandwich went airborne, and landed halfway across the room. That's not 'a bit'..."
"Depends on what room you were in. If it was the bathroom again, halfway is only a couple feet."
"Why would he eat a sandwich in the bathroom?" Emily asked, clearly still confused by the scenario.
"It's called multitasking," Sirius countered indignantly, to the hilarity of the teens. "It doesn't matter what room I was in, what just happened?"
"I cast a blasting curse on a training dummy."
"And set off the alarms in the most warded room in the house?"
"Er… it was a good one?"
"Harry," Remus interrupted with a smile. "We're looking for a more detailed explanation, and you seem to be enjoying our discomfort. How should we go about getting the answers we want?"
"Moony, I don't appreciate that argument, as it takes all the fun out of the experience…"
"Kiddo…"
"You four go upstairs," he relented with a sigh. "This pair's scheduled meeting has another twenty minutes left, I'll pencil you in afterwards."
The adults reluctantly agreed to the compromise, though Daniel's anxious look didn't bode well for Daphne's desire to join the team. Harry repaired the lights as the door closed behind them, and the trio returned to their earlier seats.
"So that was… something…" He grinned at the pair as they tried to compose themselves, though he felt a bit overwhelmed himself. "I'm assuming you want to use the power you give me as your entrance into the team?"
"After seeing that, I'm not taking no for an answer."
"I wondered when you'd bring it up…"
"You remembered?"
"Of course," Harry answered with a smile. "Daph, your impact on my life and magic is the only reason I'm still standing. How could I forget?"
She answered by leaning forward, though they kept the kiss to a peck in front of their friend.
"We can button up this war by the weekend," Neville offered bemusedly.
"How do you factor into this, mate?"
"He's my Bill."
"He's your what?"
"He's my 'guardian angel'," Daphne continued. "He's what Bill does for you and Charlie, giving you the time to attack. We've been training since Hogwarts… me with my left hand, and him with his shields and deflections. So far we can take out twenty dummies in around five minutes."
"So you'll be nearby, waiting for me to hold my hand out?"
Daphne and Neville both nodded anxiously, clearly hoping the explanation would prove enough to gain his influence in their application. Harry took the time the idea deserved, though after what they'd just experienced, the answer was a foregone conclusion. He hated the idea of the pair in harm's way, but he knew they deserved a chance to fight for their lives just as he did.
"I'll agree on two conditions," he eventually offered. "One: I need to see you in action, and two: if I ever tell you to run, you do so without argument."
"Harold…"
"Fuck off..."
Harry was surprised by the overlapping responses, but couldn't help but smile at the stubbornness in the pair's eyes. He knew the second part would be an issue, and wasn't disappointed in the slightest.
"What would Sirius or Remus do if you told them to run?" Neville asked.
"They'd tell me to go to hell…"
"Then go to hell, Harry."