A/N: This is a pretty big chapter and I've been sitting on it for a while! Super excited to finally get to post this!


Chapter 11: The Horrors of Halloween

Halloween dawned over Hogwarts with a crispness in the air that only seemed to amplify the excitement surrounding the upcoming Hogsmeade trip. The castle grounds were vibrant, leaves turning to fiery reds and deep golds, casting the halls in autumnal hues. The Great Hall was already being decorated in preparation for the feast later that evening, with carved pumpkins and enchanted bats floating near the rafters.

It was early that morning that the castle was abuzz with excitement. Harry met Michael and Neville near the entrance hall, where the professors were lining up students to board the carriages. Students chatted excitedly, their faces bright with anticipation of treats from Honeydukes, gadgets from Zonko's, and perhaps a visit to the Shrieking Shack.

Michael gave Harry a wink. "So, we'll be sure to bring you back enough sweets from Honeydukes to tide you over until the next trip," he said, his voice carrying a playful note, as though they'd concocted a perfectly ordinary plan.

Neville, however, glanced around nervously. "I'm not sure this is the best idea, Harry," he muttered under his breath, casting a worried look in Harry's direction. "What if one of the professors finds out?"

Harry clapped a hand on Neville's shoulder. "Relax, Neville. No one's going to know I'm gone," he assured him. "Besides, I'll only be away for a few hours. In and out before anyone can miss me."

"Plus with the map," Michael said, "Brilliant magic by the way, he won't be blindsided by a teacher coming in his direction. It's perfect. Honestly, can't believe Fred and George gave it to you so easily."

Professor Flitwick, the charms master, was a diminutive, sprightly man with a shock of silver hair and a neatly trimmed mustache that framed his perpetually cheerful face. His smile was bright as he walked down the line, checking permission forms.

"Ah, Mr. Potter, I believe I received notice from Professor Dumbledore that you won't be allowed to attend Hogsmeade this weekend," Flitwick said sadly. "I'm afraid I can't let you-"

"Oh, that's okay, Professor," Harry said warmly. "I was just saying goodbye to Neville and Michael and giving them a list of things I want them to bring back for me if they can."

"Ah, I see," Professor Flitwick smiled. "That's very kind of you Mr. Corner, Mr. Longbottom." As the next carriage pulled up to the gates, Flitwick ushered in Michael and Neville who waved goodbye to Harry as the carriage began to move forward on its own.

"See you when you get back!" Harry called out. "Try not to have too much fun without me."

Seeking to kill some time, Harry unfolded the map and touched it with his wand, watching as the parchment materialized into a living breathing view of Hogwarts and all its inhabitants. Quickly, he found both Astoria and Daphne, the two seemed to be the only ones in the library. His interest piqued by the idea of catching a glimpse of Daphne in a setting where she might not be rolling her eyes at him, Harry made his way to the library himself.

As he entered, he began scanning the library, but found nobody. Glancing down at the map, he moved a bit closer to where the two Greengrass sister's footsteps were, and sure enough, found them tucked into a table near the corner of the library, and saw Daphne leaning tiredly against an aisle near the potions section.

He was just about to approach them when he heard a hint of concern in Daphne's hushed voice. "…you know you're supposed to come to me when you're not feeling well, right?" Daphne's tone was firm but had a softness Harry hadn't heard from her before. "Astoria, is this the first time it's happened this year?"

Astoria sighed. "It's really not that big of a deal, Daph. I didn't want you worrying yourself sick over it… again."

Daphne scoffed, though there was no humor in it. "You should know by now, that's my job. Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Is something wrong with Astoria? Harry thought, feeling a thump of concern in his chest.

"You should be at Hogsmeade, you know," Astoria said, trying to lighten the mood. "With friends, living a normal life."

Daphne sighed, and Harry could imagine her crossing her arms defensively. "I'm busy researching. You know that."

"You've read every medical book in this place twice over," Astoria countered gently. "If you haven't found anything by now…" There was a pause, and Harry could almost see Astoria's resigned look. "I don't want you to stop living just because… well, just because I might."

Harry's chest tightened. What does she mean?

Daphne was quiet for a moment before her voice softened. "Is everything else going well, at least? In Gryffindor? How's school going?"

Astoria's voice remained focused. "Stop trying to change the subject."

"Just answer the question, Astoria," Daphne said.

"Fine," Astoria sighed. "School's good, honestly. Much better than I thought it'd be. And Gryffindor isn't so bad. Harry's been helping me a lot. I think I'm actually starting to enjoy myself."

Daphne made a dismissive noise. "I don't like how much time you spend around Potter. He's got dangerous people against him."

Astoria's response was quick, and Harry could practically see her matching Daphne's crossed arms. "Harry stood up for me. He even made Draco back down. Draco's still smarting from the bloody nose he went back to the common room with."

Daphne let out an exasperated sigh. "He probably just got in a 'who has the bigger ego' contest with Draco, Astoria. Typical Gryffindor pride."

Astoria shook her head. "You've got it wrong. Draco was… he was saying horrible things about you, Daph. Harry told him to stop talking about you like he owned you or something. Stood right between me and Draco when Draco wanted to take his anger out on me. It was… it was kind of amazing."

A moment of silence passed, and Harry decided to make his entrance. He strode casually into the aisle, his footsteps light, and leaned against a shelf. "Oh, Astoria, there you are. I figured since I can't go into Hogsmeade that maybe we could do some studying or something… but I… uh… I see that you're busy. I'll let you get back to it then."

Astoria shook her head, smiling brightly, "Don't worry about it. Though got to admit, I'm kinda surprised to see you here."

"Well it was either this or go hang out with Romilda Vane in the Gryffindor Common Room, and well," Harry's eyes drifted to Daphne, "This seems to be shaping up to be more and more of a good decision."

"Though, speaking of being surprised to see people," Harry said with a smile. "I'm surprised to see you're still here Daphne. You know, if you're not in Hogsmeade because you didn't want to go alone, I'd be glad to take you next time."

Daphne crossed her arms, her gaze sharpening in that familiar way. "That's very considerate of you, Potter," she said, her voice as cool as ever, "but I don't need a chaperone."

Harry shrugged, maintaining his casual tone. "Just thought I'd offer."

Astoria, meanwhile, stifled a smile. "Maybe next time, Harry. You might even manage to talk her into it one day."

"Don't fill his head with false hopes, Astoria," Daphne said with another of her beautiful smiles that made Harry's mind turn to the mush Daphne probably believed it to be. "That's hardly fair to him."

"Well, you know me, Princess, I'm always up for a challenge,"

Daphne rolled her eyes at him, but to his surprise, she took a seat at the same table, and gestured to a chair. "You going to stand all day or what? Personally, I find homework much easier to do when sitting."

In disbelief, Harry took a seat across from her. He'd taken out his copy of Mental Barriers: A Beginner's Guide to Occlumency and cracked open to where he'd left off. Harry had never intended to read in the first place, but trying to do it next to Daphne he imagined would have proved impossible. Constantly, Harry found his eyes leaving the page to stare at the way she chewed on her quill when reading, or the way she curled her blond hair around her finger as she found herself absorbed in thoughts. Harry couldn't remember a time he'd felt time pass so fast just staring at someone, and Harry couldn't help but feel the slightest bit embarrassed whenever, Daphne would look up from her book and catch him staring at her.

Merlin's beard, Potter, Harry thought to himself feeling his palms sweat as he pretended to turn the page in his book. What is happening to you?

Unable to stand the silence, Harry looked over at the cover of Daphne's book. "Blood Maladies and Their Magical Properties? Light reading, Princess?"

Daphne's face stiffened just slightly. Suddenly, she snapped the book shut, and rose from her seat. "You know what, on second thought," she said her eyes still distracted, "I'll head to Hogsmeade after all. I could use some fresh potion supplies."

Internally cursing himself for causing her to go, Harry shot her a teasing smile, "Glad I could inspire you, Greengrass. You might just run into me there one day."

The sharpness had returned to them at once as she rolled her eyes at him, though this time there was a faint, amused curve to her mouth. "A girl could only be so lucky," she replied dryly before slipping past him and heading toward the library door. With a quick wave to Astoria, she disappeared into the corridor.

"Did I say something wrong?" Harry asked Astoria.

Astoria chuckled, "Literally everything you say to her is wrong. I think she's starting to realize she may not have figured you out quite yet."

"Is that a good thing?" Harry asked.

"I actually think so," Astoria nodded. "Daphne likes challenges. And figuring you out, that seems to have become a bigger challenge than I think she anticipated."

"So she thinks I'm interesting," Harry grinned.

"She thinks you're challenging," Astoria corrected.

"Same difference," Harry said with a wave of nonchalance.

"If you say so," Astoria said, rolling her eyes.

Harry grinned, about to open his notes when a loud crack echoed through the library, making him jump. Madam Pince spun around, her face red with fury, and hissed at the room to be silent.

Harry's eyes widened. There, standing behind him, was Kreacher, holding a small folded note in his hand.

"Kreacher!" Harry whispered in disbelief, barely able to contain his surprise. "What are you doing here? You know you aren't supposed to appear around other people"

Kreacher gave him a sly look and handed over the note. "From the werewolf, Master Potter, said it was urgent," he whispered, his voice a low grumble.

Harry took the note from Kreacher, who leaned closer, speaking in a hoarse whisper. "The werewolf, came by the other day and convinced Master Sirius to take off the locket," Kreacher muttered. "He promised they'd share the burden until it can be destroyed. Kreacher shares too, sometimes. That meddling Tonks, her parents too—they've all offered to bear it. But the werewolf," he said begrudgingly, "is the only one Master Sirius accepted."

Harry felt a conflicted wave of relief wash over him. "Finally," Harry's fist tightened with a heavy breath. "I hate feeling so out of the loop. I wish I could keep in better touch with them. I should've stayed with them. They need me."

"Master Sirius doesn't want you worrying," Kreacher replied stiffly. "Master Sirius knew you'd react like this. Master Sirius told Kreacher to tell Master Harry to remember the mission. Master told Kreacher to remind Master Harry to do his part in all this."

Harry clenched his jaw. "Okay." That was all Harry could muster as his mind swam in a sea of conflict. "Just, make sure they take care."

Kreacher nodded, before vanishing with a pop.

"Um, Harry," Astoria interjected. Harry had almost forgotten she was there. "That was a house-elf, right?" Harry nodded, seeing no way to deny it. "And he called you master, and also, a man named Sirius a master."

"Astoria," Harry said. "Stop."

"That house-elf," Astoria continued, "He belongs to Sirius Black, doesn't he?" Harry gave Astoria a warning look, but Astoria persisted. "Which means, you've been living under the care of Sirius Black. Doesn't it?"

Harry froze for a split second, unable to do anything but stare at her. Finally, Harry uttered, "Yes. But, Astoria—"

"The Daily Prophet and the Ministry, they say he… they say he was involved in your family's…" Astoria trailed off, her brow furrowing. "I mean, that he kidnapped you and—well, I've read articles claiming he betrayed your parents because he had a brother… who had ties to You-Know-Who. None of it was ever proven, Sirius hasn't been spotted in England since… but people still say…"

"None of it's true," Harry said firmly, his voice low. "Sirius is my godfather, and he's the one who's been looking out for me since… well, as far back as I remember. But, Astoria…" he hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Please don't tell anyone. I'm trusting you with this."

Astoria stared blankly into the distance, "Have you been in England this whole time?"

"Well, yes, and no," Harry said, scratching his head. "I mean, I traveled a lot. Spent some time away every now and then, especially when the Ministry was out looking for Sirius, but mostly, yeah, I've been here."

"So Sirius Black, he's not a kidnapping traitor, he's just-,"

"Yeah, he's just my godfather," Harry answered. "Seriously, Astoria, I need you to keep your mouth shut about this. Can I trust you?"

"But why doesn't Sirius just make a statement to the ministry and-"

"He will, we just, we have to settle something first, and him being out of view is just better until everything is worked out," Harry whispered, shushing Astoria. "Can I trust you, Astoria?"

Astoria nodded slowly, though her eyes were wide with surprise, and Harry could still see the gears turning in her head. "I mean, yeah, of course you can, it's just, wow. I knew the Daily Prophet was wrong from time to time, but like, talk about completely missing the mark."

"Yeah," Harry said with a faint smile, "they definitely whiffed on that."

With Astoria's word, Harry felt his pulse slow a bit. He'd almost forgotten the letter in his hand until he'd placed it down on the library table. To Harry was written on the envelope in Sirius' signature messy scrawl, though it looked worse than Harry had ever seen it. It was with shaking hands that he opened the letter and begun to read with Astoria seemingly exerting all her willpower not to peer over the letter from her seat.

Harry,

I know things were rough during our last talk, and I'm sorry about that. It's been that infernal locket, it had this grip on me, it was like while wearing it, I couldn't conjure a single happy thought. I've never experienced any magic so vile. While I am not normally one to thank others for going behind my back, reaching out to Remus was the right call. He and I have agreed to share the burden in order to provide us each some relief. So far, I've reached nothing but dead-ends in trying to destroy it, though my cousin did reveal things to me that I think is best not shared over print.

On to other matters, I received word from Dumbledore over this week about the Hogsmeade business and the dementors. While regrettable, I must say I agree with Dumbledore that it best you not attend Hogsmeade until Fudge sees reason and removes the infernal creatures from the premises. He does inform me that you have been progressing well in your lessons, and I am very proud to hear that. While this may seem laughable coming from me, I urge you to take great caution for now. Something is amiss.

You claim, for instance, that you heard Wormtail's name in the forest. I cannot conceptualize a reason for why he'd be at Hogwarts. He was never one for bold action, and with Voldemort far from full power, I see no reason why he would think to act against you. In his core, he is a coward, and will not act, certainly in a way opposite to Dumbledore without assurances of protection. I do not question that you heard his name said. I know you far too well to accuse you of imagining things, but something is not adding up. So for now, stay close to Dumbledore, nobody will attack you should you do so, and stay on track with your mission. I want to hear if you've discovered anything regarding plans or whereabouts from our friends inside the castle when you come home for the winter holidays.

I don't, however, wish for this letter to contain nothing but grim news, and so, I'll end by moving on to happier things. Remus and I were thrilled to hear of your position on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team! I'm certain your father would be proud of you. You've got James' blood for flying in you, there's no doubt about it. Though you might find it hard to compete without a broom. So, to celebrate, we pooled our efforts (against my wishes, as it is my sole responsibility to care for you, but you know how stubborn Remus and Andromeda can be) and got you a little something I think you'll appreciate. Head to the Owlery as soon as you can; you'll find a special delivery waiting for you. Let's just say I don't think anyone in Gryffindor will be complaining about a certain missing broomstick for much longer.

Take care, Harry, and keep your focus. You're doing great.

With love,
Sirius

As soon as Harry folded the letter, it vanished from his hand with a pop that gained him another glower from Madam Pince. "I think we should leave," Harry whispered to Astoria.

Astoria nodded, collecting her things before the two left the library. They'd walked only a few steps before Astoria seemed unable to take the silence any longer. "What did the letter say?"

"Just an update from home is all," Harry replied coolly. "But it did say I have a present waiting for me in the Owlery. You wanna come?"

Astoria nodded, and together, the two made their way to the Owlery. he air turned cooler with each step, and the unmistakable scent of straw and feathers drifted toward him, mingling with the faint whiff of owl droppings.

Reaching the top, Harry pushed open the heavy wooden door, revealing the circular, open space of the Owlery. Shafts of pale sunlight filtered through small, arched windows set high in the stone walls, illuminating rows upon rows of roosts. Owls of every kind filled the nooks and beams above—barn owls, tawny owls, and snowy owls nestled or perched, each turning to peer at him with keen, unblinking eyes. Soft hoots and rustles echoed around the room as the owls shifted in their places, adjusting to the new visitor.

At the center of the Owlery was a sleek black-feathered owl, perched atop a bundle wrapped in brown parchment. The owl's eyes gleamed gold as it tilted its head, watching Harry with an intensity that suggested it somehow knew exactly who he was. Resting against its perch was a long package delicately wrapped in paper. With a racing heart, he untied it and peeled the wrapping off to reveal—

"A Firebolt!" Harry exclaimed, eyes widening as he held up the gleaming, polished broom. His fingers grazed over the dark wood and ran over the etched, small elegant lettering that gave the broom its name. The Firebolt carried the same hum of power Harry had felt before in the training facility, and a grin split his face as he moved to mount it, watching it hover perfectly at his desired height.

"This is… unreal," Harry muttered, lifting himself slightly higher into the air.

"This is incredible, Harry!" Astoria said, her eyes twinkling. "They actually got you a Firebolt! You're going to dominate at Quidditch."

Harry guided the broom to the window, ready to push off for a flight, when he felt something suddenly slip from his pocket and land on the floor with a quiet flutter. Harry's heart dropped into his stomach as Astoria moved to pick it up. I remembered to clear the map, right? Harry thought.

"The Marauder's Map?" Astoria read quizzically.

Crap

Opening the map slowly, Astoria's eyes widened even further and zoomed from corner to corner, her finger tracing over what Harry assumed to be their own marker on the map.

"Harry, this map is enchanted," Astoria said, wonder, filling her voice. "I can see everyone. Like there's Daphne leaving the grounds, and I can see Professor McGonagall in her study, and look, Harry, this is us in the Owlery. How is this- I mean, what is this- just… wow."

Harry slid off his broom, and stood over Astoria, he took a look at Daphne's moving dot on the map, just before it disappeared. "Well, um, Astoria… this is another one of those things I'm gonna need you to keep secret."

"But what is it?" Astoria asked.

"It's a map," Harry said, scratching the back of his neck. "My dad and his friends made it while they were students here. It helped them to commit pranks and get away with it. I um… found it a couple days ago. But it's not exactly allowed, and if Filch ever found it, he'd take it for sure. You can't tell anyone about this either, Astoria."

"Wow," Astoria said, "This is really cool. You said your dad made this? He must have been really good at magic."

Harry nodded, gently taking the map from Astoria. "Yeah," Harry said, peering down at it, "he was. I don't even know how long it took him to-"

Suddenly, Harry's mouth went dry. It happened in an instant, but Harry found his eyes latched upon a set of footprints converging on a single spot. His heart clenched as he read the names: Peter Pettigrew. Severus Snape. And…an empty set of footsteps.

Harry barely registered his own voice. "Pettigrew…he's here!"

Without hesitating, he pulled out his invisibility cloak. Astoria's gaze flicked to the shimmering cloak Harry held draped over his arm, "Is that… an invisibility cloak? Merlin Harry, how many secret toys do you have?"

Harry said nothing, peering over the map once more before throwing the cloak over himself and vanishing. Harry had already descended halfway down the Owlery before realizing he hadn't grabbed his broom. He'd almost turned back up the stairs to get it when he saw Astoria darting after him, the Firebolt gripped tightly in her hands.

"Wait, Harry!" Astoria hissed, her footsteps echoing softly as she trotted after him. She caught up just in time to reach out and grab the edge of the cloak, her face a mixture of stubbornness and caution. "Where are you going?"

"Nowhere," Harry hissed back. "Just bring the Firebolt to the common room for me, okay?"

"Yeah, like I'm gonna believe that." Astoria huffed. "You should have seen your face, you're off to do something reckless and I'm not gonna let you go alone. And if you try to stop me, I'll, I'll-"

"Fine!" Harry growled, lifting his cloak enough for Astoria and the broom to hide underneath it as long as they crouched. "But don't make a sound, okay, and if I tell you to run, run."

They crept through the castle, their steps muffled under the cloak as they made their way toward the marked location on the Marauder's Map. Harry's eyes stayed glued to the map, watching as the footsteps moved with unsettling purpose. But it was Astoria who tugged at his arm, her whisper urgent.

"Harry… I think we're here. The corridor, it's right in front of us."

Harry hushed her, his finger to his lips as he strained his ears. Just ahead, barely visible in the dim light, two figures stood pressed against the wall. One was Professor Snape, looming over a cowering Professor Quirrell. Quirrell looked as though he might crumple at any moment, his trembling frame backed against the cold stone.

"Harry, this is… this is the forbidden corridor. The one Dumbledore warned us about on the first day," Astoria whispered.

Harry this time clapped his hand over her mouth, keeping her quiet as he leaned closer toward the two professors.

"What do you know about it?" Snape's voice was a sharp hiss, filled with barely contained fury. "The room and its defenses—do you think I don't know what you're hiding?"

Quirrell's voice quivered, his words stumbling over each other. "I—I don't know what you mean, Severus! I've told you—everything I know is only what I've been—been instructed to teach—"

Snape's hand shot forward, pressing Quirrell further against the wall. "Enough of this simpering. You have been hovering far too close to what does not concern you, I've seen you with them, the dementors, and if I find you meddling one more time—"

"Please! I swear, I haven't been meddling, I—I wouldn't dare—"

Snape's dark eyes bore into Quirrell, who whimpered, looking desperately for an escape. But just as Quirrell was about to shrink away, a loud, shrill cry erupted from the portraits lining the walls, filling the corridor.

"All teachers, all teachers except those designated as emergency supervisors, are to report immediately to Hogsmeade! There is an emergency—students are in danger!"

Snape's head snapped toward the portraits, his eyes narrowed in irritation. He released Quirrell with a shove, taking a step back, but his glare remained on the trembling professor. "This isn't over, Quirrell," he warned in a low tone before he turned on his heel, disappearing down the corridor with a flourish of his black robes.

Quirrell sagged against the wall, looking as though he might collapse with relief. He waited a moment, catching his breath, then stepped toward the door, reaching for the lock with a trembling hand.

But the door was locked, and no matter how hard he shook it, it wouldn't budge.

"Blast," Quirrell hissed, frustration and something darker flashing across his face. With a final, helpless glance back down the corridor, he scurried off after Snape, leaving the hall empty once again.

Beneath the invisibility cloak, Harry and Astoria shared a wide-eyed look, their hearts pounding in their chests. Harry's mind spun, heart pounding with the decision that loomed over him. Confronting Pettigrew was so close he could almost feel it, the memories of his parents' betrayal and hurt coiling tight in his chest. But then the echo of the portraits' call rang fresh in his mind—students in danger.

Harry's hand clenched around the map, eyes flicking desperately between the little dot labeled "Peter Pettigrew" and the window that pointed in the direction of Hogsmeade. Hogsmeade where his friends were, where they could be in danger. He grit his teeth, feeling as if his very soul was splitting in two directions.

It was the tremor in Astoria's voice that shook Harry back to life. "Harry… Daphne's at Hogsmeade. If something's happening in Hogsmeade, she might be in danger too. I got to do something… I have to-"

Harry's mind swam with images of Daphne, Michael and Neville—every one of them were at risk. With a growl, Harry snapped the map shut, his voice low and urgent. "Stay under the cloak, Astoria. Head straight back to the common room, don't stop for anything."

Astoria's wide-eyed gaze held a rare spark of fear, and she whispered, "But what about Daphne? If something's happening in Hogsmeade, I can't just—"

"Don't worry," Harry interrupted firmly, pushing the cloak further around her. "I'll find her and bring her back."

He gave her no room to argue, snatching his Firebolt from her shaking hand. Moving quickly, Harry pushed open the nearest window, and with one look back to ensure Astoria was hidden, Harry jumped out the window, and mounted his broom.

The broom responded instantly, soaring beneath him as he urged it onward, the thrill of speed mingling with the fear that had sunk deep into his stomach. Hogsmeade's lights twinkled in the distance, the village shrouded in ominous shadows. Michael, Neville, Daphne, hang on, I'm coming.


The broom was a blur beneath him as Harry pushed it to its limits, feeling the rush of wind tearing past his face. The Firebolt responded instantly, its movements sharp and precise, slicing through the air with an urgency that matched the pulse thudding in his chest.

As he neared, Harry could make out the chaos that had descended on the village. Dementors hovered like a storm overhead, their chilling presence palpable even from the air. Below, small groups of witches and wizards darted between buildings, trying to help one another through the confusion. Every instinct screamed at him to hurry.

When he finally reached the edge of Hogsmeade, Harry dropped quickly from his broom. The Dementors soared overhead, feeding on the chaos in the streets. Harry's eyes scanned rapidly for any sight of a familiar face. His heart stilled as he caught sight of both Michael and Neville, the two helping a few older residents inside the Three Broomsticks.

A loud crash sounded to his right as a figure rammed the door of Honeydukes, taking advantage of the pandemonium. Without a second thought, Harry raised his wand. "Stupefy!" he shouted, his voice a quick slice through the commotion. The thief was flung back, crumpling against the stone.

Michael turned sharply, spotting Harry with a mix of shock and relief. "Harry!" he called, his voice barely carrying over the noise as he waved him over.

Harry sprinted towards him, thrusting his new Firebolt into Michael's hands. "Take this," he commanded, urgency lacing his words. "Get Neville and anyone else you can and head back to the castle."

Michael's expression wavered, his eyes widening. "What? You're staying here?"

Harry shook his head, scanning the street as his focus sharpened. "I'll be right behind you," he assured, his voice steady. "But I have to find someone first."

"Daphne, right?" Neville asked, his face pale as he threw a cautious look toward the hovering dementors.

Harry nodded resolutely. "Exactly. I promised Astoria I'd get her. I'll catch up with you as soon as I can. The Professors are on their way."

Michael hesitated, clutching the Firebolt tightly. "Don't take too long, alright?"

"I won't," Harry replied, his gaze steely as he looked to both of his friends. "Just stay safe."

With a final nod, Michael and Neville began retreating toward the castle, ushering along a new set of the residents. Harry swept through the streets, scanning every shadowed alley and deserted corner of Hogsmeade in a frenzy. The cold was creeping in, the icy chill of the dementors seeping into his bones, heightening the urgency of his search. His heart nearly stopped when he caught sight of Daphne ahead, struggling to drag both Tracey and Blaise, who were shaking uncontrollably, their faces pale and eyes unfocused.

"Daphne!" Harry called, rushing over to her. Daphne whipped around, her eyes widening in shock.

"Potter? What are you doing here?" she asked, barely masking her surprise.

"Long story," Harry replied quickly, pointing his wand at the collapsed students beside her. "But right now, we're getting them out of here. Professors are on their way. You—head for the castle." With a flick of his wand, Tracey and Blaise began to levitate, their bodies floating a few inches above the ground.

Daphne nodded, taking a step back, but her face paled as her gaze fixed on something just beyond him. "Harry… there's a dementor… right behind you."

Harry felt the chill intensify before he even turned, his breath coming out in sharp gasps. He pivoted, his wand at the ready, he closed his mind and searched desperately for the memory. Dumbledore fixed one of them, Harry thought to himself, Come on, Potter. Think.

It had taken him only a few moments for the vivid memory to come to mind. Harry was soaring over sunlit waves, his Air Wave Gold humming beneath him as Sirius flew beside him, the two of them racing through the skies above Bali. The sun was warm on his face, and he could feel the exhilaration of freedom—the world open and boundless beneath them. Harry could hear Sirius' laugh ringing in his ears. Even in the presence of the dementor, the chill had softened, and with a sharp breath, Harry bellowed, "Expecto Patronum!"

Harry smiled, watching as white vapor sprung out of his wand, wrapping around the dementor and pushing it back. For a moment, Harry had felt the cold around him recede, but like waves crashing on the shore, it returned, though this time stronger as a second Dementor had caught sight of him, and then a third. Harry's head pounded hard as the sound of shrill screaming began to grow louder, drowning out the sound of Sirius' laugh. A fourth came, and then a fifth. Quickly now, more and more dementors pressed against the shield, their skeletal hands stretching toward him with ravenous hunger.

Harry felt a shiver crawl up his spine as nearly ten dementors now swarmed him, sucking on the mist of his charm. Harry swore, watching as his shield began to dim and flicker under the weight of the dementor's hands. A sharp chill pierced through him, and the world tilted as he felt the familiar, oppressive fog of despair begin to creep back in, making his vision swim.

"Daphne," Harry grunted, gripping his head with his free hand. "Run."

But Daphne didn't run. He heard nothing moving behind him. What came instead, were whispers which grew louder by the second until they had broken into full sobs. "Astoria… no… Astoria… please, no… don't leave me…"

"Daphne, it's okay," he called over his shoulder, his voice shaking as he forced himself to sound steady. "Astoria's safe—she's back at the castle. You got to get it together and go to her. She's waiting for you back at Hogwarts. Go!"

Harry grit his teeth, watching as Daphne tried to stand and collapsed repeatedly under her trembling legs. Come on, come on… He closed his eyes, summoning every ounce of strength he had left, trying to recall the warmth of his memory, Sirius's laughter echoing in his mind as he whispered again, "Expecto Patronum…"

"Expecto Patronum!" Came a loud booming voice to bring even the walls of the Hogsmeade homes to a tremble.

Harry's strength wavered as he watched, his own Patronus flickering under the weight of the ten Dementors, the shadows swirling closer, tightening in their circle. But before they could close in, six bright Patronuses burst through the darkness, cutting across the street like blazing comets. Leading them was a magnificent phoenix, radiating with a beautiful silver light. Harry stumbled forward and found himself pressed against the flowing robes of one Albus Dumbledore, his figure tall against the horde of screaming dementors.

"Harry," Dumbledore said evenly, as he sent his Patronus off in another direction with a flick of his wand. "Take Miss Greengrass and the others back up toward the castle, if you'd be so kind. The quicker the better."

Harry nodded, pushing himself upright once more, and leaning down to the trembling Daphne, her face pale and tear-streaked. Without a word, he scooped her up, cradling her as she clung to his shirt, her sobs muffled against his chest. "It's okay, Daphne." Harry whispered. "You're safe now. Astoria's safe, and so are you."

He glanced toward Tracey and Blaise, still slumped against the wall, their faces blank with shock. With a sigh, he raised his wand to lift them, but his own exhaustion pulled at his strength, and he felt his magic wane. Just as he started to lower them, two familiar figures appeared beside him.

Michael and Neville hurried forward, each taking one of the trembling Slytherins by the arm. Michael gave Harry a nod, his eyes bright with relief. "We'll take it from here," he said with a grin, steadying Blaise as he draped his arm over his shoulder.

"You guys are still here," Harry wheezed.

"Of course we are," Neville said, allowing Tracey to adjust herself against his side.

"We waited for you by the carriages, but you never came," Michael said. "I took one look at Neville and we both said 'like hell we we're going to leave you here'"

Michael trudged making the first step forward, "And don't worry about your broom by the way, I gave it to Oliver when I saw him rushing up. He told me to tell you he's gonna guard it with his life."

"I believe him," Harry coughed out.

"Come on now," Neville said, following Michael's lead. "Let's get out of here. The carriages are coming back for any stragglers."

Harry nodded, following the two others up the main road and toward the row of carriages lined up at the village's gate. Daphne had clung to his wet-stained shirt even after they'd entered the carriage. She gripped onto him as if she might have even been afraid he'd disappear in a cloud of smoke.

Unsure of what else to do, Harry rubbed gentle circles on her back, watching as Daphne's sobs slowly morphed into exhausted, ragged breaths. Harry tucked a loose blond strand of hair behind her ears and clutched her gently against him.

"It's all over now," Harry whispered softly into her ear. "Everything's going to be okay."

He stroked her hair, letting her lean into him, and in the gentle rhythm of his hand, Daphne's shivering quieted, her eyes fluttering shut as she finally drifted into sleep, her head resting on his chest.

In the stillness of the carriage, Harry looked out the window, the distant lights of the castle flickering like stars in the night.

As he held her, the reality of the night weighed heavily on him. He'd broken nearly every rule, pushed every limit he could… and tonight, he was certain, would be his last at Hogwarts.


A/N: Well, like I said, I really loved writing this chapter, and I hope for those of you who wanted more Harry x Daphne scenes that this chapter delivered. Also, we got to see more bonding between Astoria and Daphne which is also fun. With that though, if you enjoyed please be sure to Follow, Favorite, and Review and until next time, peace!