The journey to the Burning Plains was not what Daphne expected. The wind was extremely annoying, and she had to cast a Bubblehead Charm in order to breathe properly. What amazed her was that Harry had never heard of the Charm before. All kids learn it when they go to the Beach. She reached out to him again and gave him a mental kiss and a cuddle. He always seemed to melt whenever she was intimate with him through their bond. But during their journey, she often reached out to Harry and Aëlindra through their bond, even just to stay connected in silence or have conversations in their arduous journey.
They had been travelling for sixteen hours straight, and the sun had set over two hours ago. When Eragon had contacted them asking if Aëlindra was tiring, she told them to land.
"Let us make camp here for tonight," Eragon suggested looking around until his eyes landed on what was quite a nifty spot. He dismounted Saphira and she promptly plopped down in exhaustion while Orik was asleep on the saddle. Daphne and Harry also got down and began levitating their camping equipment off.
"Harry, I want pizza." Daphne said wistfully while arranging some items on the ground.
'Ooooh, I like your memory of pizza. I want to go to Italy.' Aëlindra thought out to everyone.
'What is pizza?' Saphira queried with one eye half open.
"It is a round piece of bread, with a tomato paste and cheese on top, heated until golden brown." Daphne explained.
"I would love to try it as well," Eragon said as he started picking up dry wood from around him. "Let's get this fire going, shall we?"
Harry nodded and helped Eragon locate the driest pieces of wood. Orik had eventually woken up and helped them, regaling them with stories of his youth as a young dwarf.
An hour later, Harry had a pot of rabbit stew cooking over the fire. Eragon had hunted the rabbit while Saphira lit the wood on fire as Aëlindra's fire-breathing capabilities had not yet developed.
"Harry, how is Aëlindra able to carry the both of you and the supplies for so long?" Eragon asked quietly while Daphne was reading one of the ancient Gramarye scrolls that Oromis had sent with them.
'The Featherlight Charm, right Daphy?' Harry double-checked with her. She looked up with a dangerous scowl then resumed reading with a smirk.
"We have a spell that removes the weight of an object or person." He explained as Eragon listened attentively while stoking the embers with a stick. But Harry doubted he was listening. He appeared to be brooding now. "Eragon.."
"We need to talk about what we're going to face in battle," he said, his voice low and serious. "The Empire's forces... they are just unlike anything you have ever seen before."
Daphne set her scroll down and leaned forward; her face illuminated by the flickering flames. "Tell us everything you know. We need to be prepared." She mentally nodded to Harry and Aëlindra who opened one eyelid from her position behind them.
Eragon nodded, his eyes distant as he recalled his previous encounters in the Battle of Farthen Dur. "They have a fuck-load of soldiers, archers, siege weapons. But it's their magicians we need to worry about most. They work in groups, sharing their strength, making them incredibly dangerous."
Harry stifled a laugh at Eragon's use of the F-bomb but then frowned, thinking of the Death Eaters he'd faced back home. "How do we counter that?"
"That's what we need to figure out," Eragon replied. "What spells would work against their magicians?"
Daphne pondered a bit at first then said, "What if we place a Muggle Repelling Charm on all the weapons?" She moved closer to Harry, and she placed her hands over his.
"Yes," Harry added, a glint in his eye, "like the ones they used at the Quidditch World Cup?"
"Exactly." Daphne agreed. They had brought Eragon up to speed on as much as they could from their world during the time they spent together.
Eragon's eyes lit up with interest. "That could be invaluable. If we can catch them off guard, even for a moment..."
Orik grunted, "I don't think that would work, from what I understand, there are hundreds of thousands of weapons, a feat like that would take weeks!"
"Orik's right but I think we can direct it with the help of the Ancient Language." Harry suggested slowly, "Can we scry Oromis quickly to ask him?
"I'm sure we can," Eragon replied, "I don't think it's that late."
Eragon knelt to the ground, dug a bit of the sand out to make a bowl and was about to summon water when Harry placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I'll do it, save your energy." Harry said and pointed his wand at the recess. He filled it using the Aguamenti Charm.
They gathered around a small, shimmering pool of water that Eragon had conjured. Daphne took a deep breath and said, "Draumr kopa."
"Oromis," she called out softly, her voice barely above a whisper. The water rippled slightly as if responding to her call.
After a moment, Oromis's image appeared in the pool, his wise eyes looking at them with a hint of curiosity. "What is it that you seek at such a late hour, young ones? You could not have arrived there as yet."
Daphne apologized and explained their plan to use the Muggle Repelling Charm on the Varden's weapons. Oromis listened intently, nodding occasionally.
"Using the Ancient Language to direct such a charm is indeed possible," Oromis said thoughtfully. "You will need to focus your intent clearly and channel your magic through the language. The incantation for the Muggle Repelling Charm is 'Repello Muggletum.' Harry, it was in your memories of the Quidditch World Cup. Then use the correct words in the Ancient Language to direct your intention after casting charm. You must pronounce both with precision and infuse them with your will."
Harry nodded eagerly; he already knew the charm and the words required. "But how do we make sure that it affects all the weapons at once?"
Oromis smiled gently. "The key lies in your intent and concentration. Visualize the charm spreading across all weapons, repelling any non-magical influence. Remember, the power of the Ancient Language is dangerous, try and cast it over smaller sections at a time, not the entire army at once. Per infantry should suffice."
After they ended the scry, they continued to discuss tactics late into the night until Saphira started snoring loudly, at which they could not help but laugh. They all decided to get some rest.
Harry and Daphne cuddled under Aëlindra's left wing with Harry holding his Daphne tightly as he fell asleep. Orik found a spot near the fire and promptly began snoring as his head hit the ground. Eragon waited for them to fall asleep and took a walk. About two minutes away, he lit a small fire so he could have some light, then dug out a hole in the ground.
"Adürna rïsa!" he said with force.
"Brom." He whispered into the puddle.
"Yes son."
-oIo-
The next morning, as they prepared to take flight once more, Daphne pulled Harry aside.
"Harry," she said, her voice low and urgent, "I've been thinking. We need to be smart about our relationship. In case of capture or something, what if someone kidnaps you?"
Harry nodded, understanding her concern. "You're right. We should not let anyone know about it. I also fear that someone may try and attack us through our relationship. Just know I – er..."
Daphne's eyes widened slightly, a smile tugging at her lips. "I know you do. Ron and Hermione would be proud that you finally have a girlfriend." She teased.
Harry chuckled, feeling a pang of homesickness at the mention of his friends. "Yeah, well, I've picked up on a few things. Having you around helps too, you know. Did you know I'm an expert snogger now?"
Their lips met, and for a moment, the world seemed to fall away. There was so much left unsaid between them, so many feelings neither of them quite knew how to express. But now wasn't the time, not with a fucking battle looming on the horizon.
Daphne pulled away when she felt something rise up against her navel and cleared her throat, breaking the moment. "We should get going. Eragon's already saddling up Saphira."
"Let's go!" Orik shouted!
"Okay, okay old man." Harry grumbled while turning away to right himself.
A short while later, after having cast Featherlight Charms on Eragon, Orik and their baggage, they took off into the blue expanse.
-oIo-
As the sun began to set, they caught sight of the Varden's encampment. Thousands of tents spread across the plains, a sea of humanity preparing for the battle to come. Eragon signaled for them to begin their descent, and as they spiraled down towards the camp, Harry felt a mix of anticipation and dread. He fought a basilisk, dragon and a hundred dementors, let alone Voldemort, yet this was daunting. He realized that the Varden was expecting one dragon, but he was slightly nervous about the initial reactions of the foot soldiers.
As they neared the boundaries, a small contingent of archers loosed a few arrows. Aëlindra and Saphira, having seen this, rolled out of the way quickly to avoid being struck. Eragon looked livid and urged Saphira to land, followed closely by the golden dragon. Cries of 'It's Eragon Shadeslayer' ran through the now gathering mass. They landed on the outskirts of the camp, immediately drawing the attention of nearby soldiers. Whispers spread through the ranks like wildfire and soon they found themselves surrounded by a crowd of awestruck faces. Weatherbeaten soldiers and fresh meat alike.
"The Riders have come!" one of them heralded and Harry was in awe. He turned to help Daphne dismount but then remembered what they had discussed regarding displaying their relationship.
"We walk from here." said Eragon as he began to lead the way.
Someone who Harry assumed was a general, quickly made his way to them with a soldier in tow. A thin, wiry man that looked a lot like Barty Crouch Junior.
"This is him milord!" The general spoke out of breath. "The one who gave the order to fire!"
"Really?" Eragon asked.
The man in question looked as though he would have rather died than face such a mighty Shadeslayer. Eragon walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. The Barty doppelganger looked flummoxed.
"Well done. That is exactly what you should do should you see a threat." Eragon smirked, causing the general's mouth to open wide. "Jornsen, it's good to see you again." This time he looked directly at the general this time."
Jornsens eyes widened in shock.
"HE REMEMBERS MY NAME!" he started shouting to all those around him who would give him an ear. Eragon had once eaten with him in Farthen Dur. Eragon motioned to the others and continued walking.
The journey to the Varden's central camp smelled awful so they tied their scarves around their mouths because the air was heavy with the scent of sulphur from the Burning Plains beyond. The scorched earth seemed extremely dry beneath their feet, each step feeling as though they were intruding upon a piece of hell. Saphira's wings churned the ashen air above them, her scales reflecting the dim glow of the magma rivers snaking through the plains like veins of molten gold yet Aëlindra appeared to have camouflaged against it! Harry, Daphne and Orik followed at the rear in silence, their figures casting long, Slenderman shadows in the eerie light of the land.
Eragon walked ahead, his hand resting on Zar'roc's hilt as though to assure himself of its presence. His eyes scanned the horizon, narrowing as they approached the dark shapes of the Varden's sentry towers looming against the fiery backdrop of the sunset. Orik kept pace beside Harry, his stout legs moving with surprising swiftness as he occasionally muttered oaths revenge under his breath much to Daphne's amusement. Daphne now trailed a bit behind, her expression turning to that of discomfort.
"It's like a scar on the earth," Daphne murmured, her voice barely audible above the distant roar of volcanic activity. "It feels… like my sister."
"What do you mean?" inquired Harry.
'This place feels exactly like my sister's magic.' She said through their bond.
'Your sister must be very powerful.' Aëlindra noted.
"This place has seen its share of unnatural things," Eragon said over his shoulder, oblivious to the nature of their conversation. "The Burning Plains are a testament to the chaos Galbatorix, and his forces have wrought. It is a shame he destroyed so much life in the process."
'Then I will rip him limb from limb.' Aëlindra stated firmly and Eragon smirked.
"I am sure Saphira wouldn't like the taste of that." He said confidently.
'Deer. Pigs. Sheep. Men. All the same.' Saphira responded nonchalantly as Eragon choked.
Harry looked at Daphne worried.
'Check your map.' Daphne urged.
He took out the map, cast a Notice-Me Not charm that he learned from Daphne and then whispered the phrase. He searched the castle for a few minutes until they reached the Varden's central camp entrance. He cancelled the charm and shook his head at Daphne who immediately understood. Astoria had gone missing from Hogwarts for months, but she had just presumed that for her safety, her parents would have removed her.
-oIo-
As they entered the Varden's central camp, they could hear metal banging against metal, men shouting, orders being barked, dogs barking and even cows mooing. The camp itself was a sprawling network of tents and fortifications, nestled in the relative safety of a rocky outcropping that shielded it from the direct heat of the plains. What was odd about it was the fact that every fifty meters or so there was a large water barrel with what looked like metal faucets. Harry and Daphne looked at each other confused.
They reached the perimeter to the central camp where banners bearing the Varden's sigil fluttered in the heated wind, their edges singed and frayed. The sentries at the perimeter straightened up immediately, their weapons lowering as they recognized the great dragon and her Rider. Eragon stepped forward, raising a hand in greeting.
"Hail, friends," he called, his voice carrying with practiced ease. "I return with allies and news."
The guards exchanged glances before one stepped forward, a burly man with a weathered face and a scar bisecting his left eyebrow. He inclined his head respectfully. "Welcome back, Shadeslayer. The Varden has been restless in your absence. Nasuada will want to see you immediately. However, who are the others? As far as we knew, there was only you and the might Saphira."
Eragon nodded, his expression hardening. "I vouch for them. It is good to see you, Jörmundur. Now let's not keep Nasuada waiting." He turned to the group, gesturing for them to follow. "Stay close. The Varden's camp can be overwhelming for newcomers."
"Very well." Jörmundur responded and began to lead the way.
Aëlindra was having a lot of fun, her head swivelling to take in the sights and sounds around her. And even the Varden were confused, they now had two dragons fighting for their cause. Many of them stopped in their tasks and openly stared at the two.
At the heart of the camp stood a larger, sturdier structure – a command tent reinforced with wooden beams and lined with thick canvas. A pair of guards flanked the entrance, their spears crossing instinctively as the group approached before relaxing upon recognizing Eragon.
"Halt!" the lead guard ordered. He was unfamiliar to Eragon. "State your business." He looked confident until Saphira brought her head closer to him and growled at which point he started trembling but didn't move.
"Greetings, I am Eragon-"
"Just let them in already!" Nasuada's voice boomed angrily from inside the tent.
Eragon chuckled silently and beckoned everyone to follow him inside.
-oIo-
Inside, the atmosphere was tense. A large table dominated the centre of the room, its surface covered with maps, scrolls, and tokens representing troop movements. Around it stood several figures, their expressions ranging from grim to determined. At the head of the table was Nasuada, her commanding presence immediately drawing the eye. She turned as they entered, her dark eyes narrowing slightly as she took in the newcomers.
"Eragon," she greeted, her voice steady but edged with urgency. "You have returned sooner than expected. Who are these companions?"
Eragon stepped forward, bowing his head respectfully. "Lady Nasuada, allow me to introduce Harry Potter and Daphne Greengrass. They are not of Alagaësia but have proven themselves to be allies. The circumstances of their arrival are… extraordinary, but I believe their presence here is no coincidence."
Nasuada's gaze flicked to Harry and Daphne, her sharp eyes assessing them with the precision of a blade. "Extraordinary circumstances, indeed," she said after a moment, her tone measured. "If you vouch for them, Eragon, then they will have a place among us. But know that trust is earned, not given."
Harry inclined his head respectfully. "We understand, Lady Nasuada. We are here to help in any way we can."
Daphne remained silent but dipped her head in acknowledgment, her posture composed despite the weight of Nasuada's scrutiny. Years of preparing to be the proper pureblood socialite came in handy. She held her chin high while Aëlindra and Saphira poked theirs heads into the tent on either side. Nasuada was taken aback but recovered quickly.
"Aaah. And one of you is a rider? Well, this is a revelation." She grinned widely. "And hello Saphira, I missed your wisdom and beautiful scales."
'You are stronger.' Saphira responded so everyone could hear. 'Leading suits you.'
"Thank you, Saphira." She smiled at the sapphire dragon then turned her gaze to the golden dragon. "And what is your name, mighty dragon of gold?"
'You look like chocolate." Aëlindra promptly responded causing Harry to giggle inwardly.
"Her name is Aëlindra." Harry stated while trying to hold in his amusement. "I am Harry, son of James and this is Daphne, daughter of Aurelia." Nasuada's eyes widened at the mention of Daphne and her mother's name. "We have come from where Eragon went to train."
"Very well," Nasuada said, her expression softening slightly. "We will speak further once I have been briefed on your journey. For now, make yourselves at home. You will find no shortage of work here. However, there are some people I would like you all to meet before we begin the more serious discussions."
Daphne turned to Harry and began a conversation through their bond, reminding him of the importance of hiding their relationship. They both were mentally preparing to meet the Council that Eragon mentioned.
Eragon frowned and looked at the magical pair. They realized he sensed that something was off.
"Roran." Eragon gasped under his breath.
The sound of heavy boots on the ground preceded his arrival, his broad shoulders framed by the tent's entrance as he ducked inside. His rugged features lit up with anger and hurt, though his gaze was quickly drawn to Nasuada, silently awaiting explanation. Before he could speak, another figure entered behind him.
Astoria's delicate features betrayed a mix of surprise and hope when her eyes met Daphne's. She hesitated for a moment, as though unsure whether to believe what she was seeing before a radiant smile broke across her face.
"Daph?" Astoria whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
Daphne heart pounded at the sound of her sister's voice, her own eyes widening in disbelief before the realization hit her. "Tori!" she exclaimed, closing the distance between them in an instant. The two embraced tightly, tears glistening in their eyes as months of separation and uncertainty melted away in a single, profound moment.
Roran, meanwhile, had locked eyes with Eragon, his expression unreadable.
"Cousin," he said simply.
"Roran. I –"
THWAP!
Roran's left hook struck Eragon in the face.
The guards rushed in with weapons drawn and raised and Saphira growled loudly.
"Stop." Nasuada gestured to the guard not to interfere.
"I kind of deserved that." Eragon said simply. Roran held out his arm, which Eragon grasped firmly without hesitation.
"Brother?" Roran asked.
"Brother." Eragon confirmed.
"You left Father." Roran clearly still blamed Eragon for the mess he left Carvahall in.
"I had no choice, I couldn't risk Saphira being seen. She is the Empires only – er… well was the Empire's only hope until Harry and Daphne came along."
"You look different." Roran took note of Eragon's more elvish features.
"Later." Eragon nodded.
Astoria and Daphne stopped hugging to look at the altercation with curiosity while still holding hands as if it were ten years ago.
Nasuada observed the reunions with a faint smile, her usually stern demeanour softened. "It seems fate has been working in our favour," she said, her voice cutting gently through the emotional atmosphere. "Your paths were meant to cross here, and I trust this will strengthen the ties we'll need in the battles ahead. So, Astoria and Daphne are indeed sisters?"
"Yes, Lady Nasuuda, indeed." Astoria couldn't help but smile widely.
"Oh Tori, I am so sorry! I didn't plan on disappearing!" Daphne started but Astoria held her hand up.
"It's okay Daph, I figured out what happened. It's okay! But you also look different, and so does Potter."
"Greengrass." Harry said.
"Oh, shut up Harry, you can call me Tori now." At which everyone laughed, except Nasuada who had her brow raised.
"Are all three of you from the same, ooniverse? Was it?" Nasuada asked, more so at Astoria.
"Universe, yes, actually, we all went to the same school." Astoria responded.
Harry noticed there was a vulnerability and a joy to Daphne that he hadn't seen in a long time.
'My Harry.' Daphne locked eyes with him quickly, assuring him of their bond.
'My Daph.' He confirmed.
'Does it ever stop?' Aëlindra sighed while Daphne and Harry had sheepish looks. Astoria noticed their shared moment and smirked.
As the initial shock and joy settled, Nasuada stepped forward, her tone returning to its usual authoritative edge. "Now that we're all gathered and reunited, there is much to discuss. Your shared experiences and talents are invaluable to the Varden. Together, you have the power to turn the tide in ways even Galbatorix cannot anticipate."
Astoria stepped back from Daphne, her expression resolute despite the lingering emotion in her eyes. "What do you need from us, Lady Nasuada?"
Nasuada's dark eyes gleamed with purpose as she gestured to the map spread across the table. "The Burning Plains are but the edge of the storm. If we are to defeat Galbatorix, we'll need every advantage we can muster. Your skills, your dragons, your magic, and your leadership—all of it will be crucial in the days ahead."
Daphne nodded, she found her way back to Harry and grasped his hand. "We'll do whatever it takes."
Roran glanced at Astoria, then at Eragon, before meeting Nasuada's gaze. "The Varden has my sword, my hammer and my loyalty. Whatever needs doing, I'll see it through."
"Hammer?" Eragon inquired loudly.
"Later." Roran said.
Eragon rested his hand on Saphira's side, his expression determined. "The strength we've gained through hardship will be the strength that carries us to victory."
'Are you ready, little one?' Saphira asked her rider who nodded firmly.
Nasuada inclined her head, her confidence bolstered by their resolve. "Good. Then let us prepare. The Burning Plains will soon be more than a battlefield; it will be the stage where legends are forged."
The group huddled around the map, discussing strategies and pooling their knowledge. Nasuada felt the most motivated and driven that she ever had before. Not only did she have one rider and dragon, but two! Also, she now had three exceptional wand magicians instead of one. Galby is going to get what is coming to him.
-oIo-
After they all left the command tent, Daphne looked at Harry, silently asking for permission to spend time with Astoria. He rolled his eyes at her, which she knew to be the 'why are you even asking' look. Harry allowed himself to be led by a young lad called Jarsha, while Aëlindra and Saphira flew off somewhere. Roran had taken Eragon somewhere, and Harry was to be left to his own devices.
Once he arrived at the tent that was supposed to be his, he dismissed Jarsha and he started rearranging the items around it, not that there were much. Outside his tent, he had a small fireplace, and a large clearing which he assumed was for Aëlindra to lay.
Taking out his wand, he cast an Incendio to light the half-burned logs. He began reflecting about everything that happened to him.
Before arriving in Alagaësia, the most important people in his life were Sirius, Ron, Hermione and perhaps the Weasley's; but now, Aëlindra and Daphne were the most important. He couldn't envision his life without them. When they first entered Ellesméra, Harry and Daphne were very awkward around each other and took some time to grow closer. They had some difficulty containing their innermost thoughts from each other but slowly learned to maintain their mindscapes integrity over time. A few times, Daphne had unintentionally caught Harry fantasizing about her while having a bathe and often Harry felt Daphne's steamy dreams of intimacy with Harry seep through their bond. This worsened until they started cuddling and sleeping, at which point they felt more relaxed and accepted each other's thoughts. Once the awkwardness was gone, they then began to focus on other aspects of their personalities. Harry was concerned over Daphne's growing worry for her family and had difficulty relating because he did not receive any familial affection from the Dursley's. He knew he love for her family would never wane and desperately wanted to help her see them again. When they stopped seeing Astoria on the map, she had begun to feel depressed but was brought out of it when Aëlindra said her first word – Harry.
Daphne knew then that she would lose any hold she had over Harry over to the beautiful baby dragon. And she did not mind. There were a few awkward moments during the Agaetí Blödhren when some of the female elves were traipsing around naked covered in pheromones. One such moment was when an elf lady asked Harry to be her mate, she had led him to her dwelling and had just peeled his clothes off and begun to awaken his member when Daphne, who had followed his aroused thoughts through their bond, stunned the elf, bringing him out of his reverie and pulled him by his ear back to their room. And yes, he was naked. Daphne ignored him for a week after that. He grimaced and vowed never to get on Daphne's bad side again, even if he was being mind controlled. Apparently, a similar thing had happened to Eragon and the prince Arya, so he didn't feel all too bad.
His thoughts then drifted to everyone he missed. He wished he could see Sirius and tell him all about what had happened here. He wondered if Dumbledore was trying to find a way to bring him back when urgent footsteps ran towards his tent.
'Harry love, come hear this now.' Daphne's voice sounded strained as she and her sister came into view.
"I'm here." He stood up with his wand out.
"Harry, do you have a house elf?" Daphne asked quickly.
"No… why?" He responded and felt hurt seeing Daphne's shoulders deflate.
"I accidentally summoned our house-elf, Tufty, but she went back almost instantly." Astoria explained. "She looked as though she were in pain, I just hope she's alright."
Harry digested this information quickly and tried to understand the implications.
"I remember Hermione saying something about this before, when she was doing her spew stuff." He said with his finger on his lips in a decent impression of Hermione.
"S.P.E.W. Okay, and?" Daphne impatiently demanded while staring daggers at him. She was a vulture for knowledge.
"Something about there being a primary owner, the person the elf is bonded to that is, and then the other family members who are secondary owners. House elves are strongest when ordered by their primary owner."
"Mom." Both the girls said in unison.
"I don't have an elf, but I know a free elf… would that work?"
"I mean, we could try?" Astoria suggested.
"Dobby!" Harry shouted.
CRACK!
"The great Harry Potter called Dobby, master sir!" the elf materialized and instantly jumped onto Harry's leg.
"Stay." Harry ordered quickly.
"Dobby is not going anywhere, master Harry!" He let go of his leg and started hopping excitedly from one leg to the other while awaiting his orders.
"Dobby? Aren't you the Malfoys house-elf?" Daphne asked confused and looked at Astoria.
"The great Harry Potter freed me from those – dark wizards." He started pounding his head with his tiny fists.
"You are not allowed to hit yourself anymore." Harry said firmly.
"Thank you master Harry Potter sir, you are most kind." The elf practically bawled in appreciation.
"Dobby, who do you serve?" Astoria asked him. Dobby's eyes widened in fear and pointed at Harry.
"But – but how?" Harry spluttered.
"Dobby bonded himself to Master Harry when Master's doggy came to the castle looking for Harry. Dobby hopes Master is not angry?" His ears fell slightly. "Dobby wanted to protect Master Harry."
Harry's expression softened, "Dobby, am I your primary master?"
The happy elf nodded with wide eyes. All three of them shared glances with each other.
"Dobby, can you take Harry back to Hogwarts?" Daphne asked slowly.
Dobby instantly grabbed Harry's hand and closed his eyes.
"No, Dobby cannot!" He started sobbing again.
"Can you go back and return to us?" Astoria asked this time. The elf nodded thoughtfully.
"Dobby, can you fetch me my trunk and broom?" Harry asked curiously.
Dobby popped away with another crack.
"I do hope that works!" Astoria exclaimed. "We can pass messages to Mum and Dad!"
"Or Professor Dumbledore!" Harry chirped in.
"That could work…" Daphne agreed. "I need to sit." And she immediately plopped down on Harry's seat.
"Soooo," Astoria drawled sneakily, "what are your intentions with my sister?"
Harry's eyes darted between a sheepish Daphne and smirking Astoria.
CRACK!
Dobby popped back with Harry's Gryffindor-clad trunk next to him and his firebolt in his left hand.
"Yes!" All three shouted.