CHAPTER 7: THE BREACHED SANCTUARY

Greengrass Manor was a cauldron of chaos. Thick, acrid smoke billowed from its roof, curling into the murky fog of the encroaching twilight. The fiery orange glow of the setting sun struggled to pierce through the blackened haze, casting eerie shadows on the scene. Harry and Amelia moved stealthily towards a group of Aurors huddled near the edge of the property.

"Why aren't we making a move?" Harry's mind churned with frustration.

"What's the hold-up, Shrike?" Amelia demanded, her voice slicing through the tension.

"We charged in and lost three off the bat, boss. I ordered a pullout until we could regroup with more backup," Shrike replied, his tone betraying his anxiety.

"Where the hell are Tonks and Weston?" Amelia's voice was a low growl, laced with worry and anger.

Shrike hesitated, his eyes flickering. "They were on a surveillance op. I sent a Patronus, but..." His voice trailed off, the uncertainty hanging heavy in the air.

Harry scanned the ten Aurors standing before them. They weren't cowed, but the flicker of doubt in their eyes was unmistakable.

"Is that Potter?" one of the Aurors whispered, his tone barely audible above the crackle of the flames.

"Yes. What gave it away?" Amelia shot back, her patience wearing thin. "I vouch for him. Now let's move."

Shrike swallowed hard. "Yes, boss."

Amelia's gaze swept across the manor grounds. Shadows moved with unsettling ease, some figures laughing maniacally, while others worked with deliberate precision, casting runes and spells on the manor's once impenetrable defenses. Harry realized with a sinking heart that the wards had been shattered, the Greengrass family's sanctuary breached. The intruders were inside, and time was running out for them.

"Harry, we need to get in there. Now." Amelia's voice was steely, her resolve unshaken. "We have to find the Greengrass family before it's too late."

Harry nodded, feeling the weight of the situation settle on his shoulders. "Let's move," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. "We need to push through and find them."

As they advanced, the distant sound of spells and shouts grew louder, a cacophony of chaos that underscored the urgency of their mission. The Aurors, with renewed determination, fell in behind them, the grim resolve in their eyes matching the ferocity of the fire that raged around them.

Approaching the manor's entrance, the smell of burnt wood and ozone was overpowering. Harry's heart pounded in his chest as they breached the door, the interior a labyrinth of smoke and shadows. Every step forward was a battle against the choking haze and the sinister presence of their enemies.

"Stay close," Amelia instructed, her voice a commanding whisper. "We stick together, and we keep moving."

Harry nodded, gripping his wand tighter, the familiar weight grounding him in the chaos. They navigated through the hallways, the sound of distant voices and spells echoing through the stone walls. They reached a corridor where the floor was littered with debris, the aftermath of a battle that had already taken place. The smell of blood was unmistakable, and Harry's stomach churned.

Ahead, a flicker of movement caught his eye. He raised his wand, ready to strike, but Amelia's hand on his arm stopped him. She gestured silently towards a shadowed alcove. There, huddled together, were Daphne Greengrass and her younger sister Astoria, their faces pale, eyes wide with fear.

"Amelia! Harry!" Daphne cried out, relief and terror mingling in her voice. "They—they're everywhere!"

"Don't worry, we're here to get you out," Amelia said, her voice calm and reassuring. "Stay close and move fast."

Harry helped them to their feet, his eyes scanning the corridor for any sign of the attackers. The sounds of battle were growing nearer, the tension palpable in every breath they took. They had to get out, and fast.

As they moved, the manor seemed to close in around them, the walls echoing with the distant shouts and the crackle of spells. Every shadow seemed to loom larger, every sound a threat. But they pushed forward, driven by the need to save those who couldn't save themselves.

Suddenly, a figure materialized in front of them, wands raised, a sneer of triumph on his face. "Going somewhere, Potter?" he taunted, his voice dripping with malice.

Harry's instincts kicked in. "Not today," he replied, his voice steady, his wand flashing with a burst of light. The ensuing battle was fierce, every spell a clash of wills, every moment a test of their resolve. But they fought with a purpose, each spell cast with the hope of bringing them closer to safety.

As the last of the attackers fell, the weight of their victory was bittersweet. The manor, once a symbol of safety and heritage, was now a shell of its former self. But in the midst of the ruins, Daphne and Astoria clung to Harry and Amelia, their fear slowly giving way to gratitude.

"We need to get them out of here," Amelia said, her voice firm but gentle. "There's still more work to be done."

Harry nodded, his heart still racing, but a sense of purpose anchoring him. Together, they led the Greengrass sisters out of the manor, the smoke and chaos of the night slowly fading behind them. The battle was far from over, but for now, they had saved lives, and that was enough to keep them moving forward.

"We need to move now," Amelia ordered sharply. "What's your plan, Shrike?"

Shrike straightened his posture, determination etched across his face. "Our biggest priority is finding and evacuating the Greengrasses, but we need to fight through the grounds to do that."

Harry shook his head, his mind racing. Did Shrike learn nothing about Death Eater tactics from the First War? Muttering a quick Summoning Spell, hoping it would work as it did during the First Task, he quickly spoke up.

"That's a stupid idea. By the time you get through to the manor, the Greengrasses will be long dead. Plus, you'll be walking straight into whatever traps they've set at the front entrance. We need to split into two teams. One fights through the grounds, the other flies into the back to get the family."

Shrike's nostrils flared. "Who the fuck are you to give us orders?"

"I'm Lord fucking Potter," Harry snarled, his eyes blazing with intensity. "You must be the nobody."

"Put your cocks away, gentlemen," Amelia interjected, her voice cutting through the rising tension. "Potter, your idea has merit, but we can't spare a team to fly in the back when we can barely manage the ones on the front grounds."

Harry's mind raced, looking for a solution. "What if we use a distraction? Something to draw the Death Eaters' attention away from the back entrance?"

Amelia considered this, her eyes narrowing in thought. "It's risky, but it could work. We need something big enough to draw their focus."

"We could use a Patronus," Harry suggested. "A large one to draw their attention. Meanwhile, a small team sneaks in from the back."

Shrike still looked skeptical but nodded reluctantly. "Alright, Potter. What's your plan for the distraction?"

Harry glanced at the assembled Aurors. "I'll use my Patronus. It's strong enough to get their attention. While they're distracted, Amelia and a few others can slip in through the back."

Amelia nodded. "That might work. Shrike, take half the team and keep the front occupied. The rest of us will move in from the back."

Harry raised his wand, summoning all his concentration. "Expecto Patronum!" he shouted. A magnificent silver stag erupted from his wand, galloping across the grounds and drawing the Death Eaters' attention.

"Move!" Amelia barked, leading the small team towards the back of the manor. Harry followed closely, his senses heightened, every nerve on edge. They moved swiftly, using the cover of the thick smoke and the growing chaos.

As they neared the back entrance, the sound of battle at the front intensified. The Death Eaters were taking the bait, their focus shifting. Harry's heart pounded as they slipped inside, the interior a shadowy labyrinth of destruction.

"Stay close and keep quiet," Amelia whispered, leading the way through the darkened corridors. The distant sounds of spells and shouts echoed around them, a constant reminder of the danger they faced.

They turned a corner and found themselves in a grand hallway, the walls lined with portraits of stern-looking ancestors. Suddenly, a noise ahead made them freeze. Footsteps approached, and they ducked into a side room, holding their breath.

The footsteps passed, and they exhaled in relief. Amelia motioned for them to continue. They moved swiftly but carefully, every second counting.

Finally, they reached a large, ornate door. Amelia pressed her ear against it, listening intently. "I hear voices inside. It has to be them."

Harry nodded, gripping his wand tighter. "On three. One, two, three!"

They burst through the door, wands raised. Inside, Daphne and Astoria Greengrass huddled together, their faces pale with fear. Relief washed over them as they saw their rescuers.

"Amelia! Harry!" Daphne cried out, tears streaming down her face. "We thought we were done for."

"Not today," Amelia said firmly. "We're getting you out of here. Stay close and move fast."

As they made their way back through the manor, the tension was palpable. Every shadow seemed to harbor an enemy, every sound a potential threat. They moved quickly, the urgency of their mission driving them forward.

Finally, they emerged into the night, the cool air a stark contrast to the chaos inside. The battle still raged, but the sight of the Greengrass sisters safe and sound was a victory in itself.

"Shrike, we've got them!" Amelia called out, her voice carrying over the din. "Fall back and regroup!"

Harry felt a surge of relief as they moved away from the manor, the night air filling his lungs. The battle was far from over, but for now, they had saved lives. And that was a victory worth fighting for.

"Then I'll go alone," Harry declared, determination etched across his face.

Shrike laughed derisively. "With what broom, genius?"

Harry raised his hand, and a broom zipped into his grasp, a Clearsweep Nine straight from the Greengrass' broom shed. "This one."

"Go!" Bones ordered, her voice brooking no argument.

"I'll distract them and give you a chance to sneak up on them," Harry said, mounting the broom. He shot into the night sky, the cool air rushing past his face. He flew directly at the Death Eaters, casting Bombarda curses with reckless abandon. Explosions erupted in the ground below, sending plumes of dirt and debris skyward. One of the blasts caught an unfortunate Death Eater, reducing him to a grim collection of remains in a newly formed crater.

Harry ascended, twisting and rolling to evade a Severing Charm and a barrage of other spells aimed his way. With the Death Eaters' attention now focused on him, he looped around and soared over the manor towards the rear entrance.

As he approached, a light in one of the windows caught his eye. He flew closer, peering inside to see a girl's bedroom. There, facing away from the window, stood Daphne Greengrass. She was wearing a semi-sheer negligee, her long legs leading up to an astonishingly curvaceous figure, accentuated by a pair of lacy black panties. Her long dark hair cascaded down her back in sleek waves, almost reaching her waist. Daphne was visibly trembling, holding her wand out towards the stairs that descended from her bedroom.

Harry's heart pounded as he realized the imminent danger she was in. He tapped on the window gently with his wand, trying to get her attention without startling her too much. Daphne turned her head, her eyes widening in shock and relief when she saw him.

"Harry?" she whispered, her voice barely audible through the glass.

Harry nodded, motioning for her to open the window. Daphne quickly crossed the room and unlatched it, allowing him to slip inside.

"We need to get you out of here," Harry said urgently. "The Death Eaters are all over the grounds."

Daphne nodded, her fear palpable. "Astoria... my sister. She's in her room. We can't leave without her."

"Alright, let's move quickly," Harry replied, scanning the room and then the hallway beyond. "Stay close to me."

They moved cautiously through the dimly lit manor, every creak of the floorboards and distant shout making their nerves jangle. They reached Astoria's room, and Daphne pushed the door open gently. Inside, the younger Greengrass girl was huddled in a corner, her eyes wide with terror.

"Daphne!" Astoria cried out, rushing into her sister's arms. "I was so scared!"

"It's alright, Tori. We're getting out of here," Daphne reassured her, though her own voice trembled slightly.

Harry led the way back, his wand at the ready. The sounds of the battle outside were growing louder, the urgency of their escape pressing on them. They moved swiftly, the manor's corridors a maze of shadows and danger.

As they reached the rear entrance, Harry glanced outside to ensure the path was clear. "Alright, stay close to me. We need to get to the others."

They darted across the grounds, the cold night air biting at their skin. Harry kept a vigilant eye out for any signs of the enemy. Suddenly, a flash of light burst from the side, and Harry barely had time to push the sisters to the ground before a curse flew past them.

"Down!" he shouted, casting a Shield Charm to protect them. He retaliated with a Stunner, hitting the attacking Death Eater squarely in the chest. "Run! Now!"

They sprinted towards the meeting point where Amelia and the other Aurors were holding their position. As they reached safety, Harry turned to check on the Greengrass sisters, ensuring they were unharmed.

"Harry, you did it!" Amelia called out, relief evident in her voice. "We need to get them to a secure location."

Harry nodded, still catching his breath. "Let's move. This isn't over yet."

Together, they led the Greengrass sisters away from the burning manor, the echoes of the battle fading behind them. The night was far from peaceful, but for now, they had ensured the safety of the innocent, a small victory in the ongoing war.

Harry landed with a thump, quickly plucking the wand from Daphne's hand as she whirled around to face him.

"Potter!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of shock and relief.

"I'm here to save you, Daphne," Harry said, his tone calm but urgent. He leaned in closer, flaring his magic, causing Daphne to flush, her bone-white skin turning a delicate shade of pink. The stories parents told their daughters about the hero Harry Potter coming to save the day seemed almost surreal now, as he stood there, a living embodiment of those tales.

The voices of the approaching Death Eaters grew louder. Time was running out. Harry knelt down and began drawing a quick rune circle on the ground, a simple but effective escape mechanism he had learned during his training.

"What are you doing?" Daphne whispered harshly, her fear evident.

"Shut up and get in the closet," Harry ordered, his voice leaving no room for argument.

"But—"

He gave her a light slap on her backside, more to snap her out of her panic than anything else. She let out a surprised squeal, but quickly complied, moving to the closet. As she did, Harry couldn't help but notice her figure. She was slim and tall, with curves in all the right places. Her breasts were more than a good handful, but it was her backside that was truly remarkable—an almost perfect bubble, clad in lacy black panties that seemed to have disappeared into the cleft between her thick, peachy buttocks.

Harry shook his head, forcing himself to focus. Now was not the time for distractions. He finished the rune circle and muttered a quick incantation. The circle glowed briefly, signaling that it was ready.

"Stay quiet," Harry whispered to Daphne. "This will take us to a safe location."

The door burst open, and a Death Eater stormed in. Harry sprang into action, his wand a blur as he cast a stunning spell, dropping the intruder before he could react. More footsteps echoed in the hallway.

"Now!" Harry grabbed Daphne's hand and pulled her into the circle. The runes flared with light, and with a dizzying rush, they were transported away from the manor, leaving the chaos behind.

They landed in a secluded clearing in the nearby forest, the sounds of the battle a distant memory. Daphne stumbled slightly, and Harry steadied her, his eyes scanning the area for any immediate threats.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice softening.

Daphne nodded, her eyes wide. "Yes, thanks to you. But my sister—Astoria, we need to find her."

"We will," Harry assured her. "But first, we need to make sure you're safe."

Amelia and the other Aurors would handle the rest of the Death Eaters, and Harry knew they could trust her to secure the area. He led Daphne to a safer spot, a hidden grove where they could regroup and plan their next move.

As they settled, Harry kept his focus sharp. The night was far from over, and there were still many lives to save. He could only hope they were not too late for Astoria and that the reinforcements would arrive in time to turn the tide of the battle.

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