Chapter 10
Blood dripped from Light's lips as he stared down at what was left of his meal. Euphoria and bubbly dizziness overcame him as he licked the rest of the blood off his lips. His ear to ear smile soon turned to laughter as he went over to the desk, his walking almost drunk like. There was nothing like ripping through the teeth of a mudblood sympathizer, they had no place in society. Above all, there was nothing like fulfilling his hunger...even for a little bit.
Light ran his hand over the desk, before trying to open several desk drawers, before forcefully opening one that was locked. Carefully looking through the filed parchment, revealed the document he had been tasked to find.
Dragon Island(CONFIDENTIAL)
The new world was coming, and he was destined to be a part of it. It would all be worth it. Light chuckled before stuffing the folder into his pocket.
"A disgusting creature," someone said as they nonchalantly entered the little office he was located in.
Before Light, stood an average middle-height man with long, straight brown hair. He wore the same robe that Light himself wore, but Light's was much longer than his and dirtier. Light looked up at Caine, immediately realizing his mistake, as his vision turned black.
"Stay out of my fucking head, Caine," Light yelled as one of his shadow spears shot forward.
Light's vision returned, but Caine was nowhere to be found, and he was standing beside Caine with an unrolled parchment. Light looked at his hands where he had just held the parchment. Caine didn't bother to look at Light's obvious annoyance as he read through the parchment.
"Hmm... Interesting. Well, we better go then. We have a job to do." Caine said he rolled the parchment up and looked over at the remains of what was left of the Ministry of the magic employee.
"STOP NOW," Someone yelled as they entered the room, it was an auror. His wand was pointed strategically between them both, waiting for either to make a move. His gaze fell upon what was left of the mudblood carcass Light had made quick work of.
"You sick fucks," the auror yelled, visibly nauseous.
Light began to move before Caine's hands went up, stopping Light. Caine continued to put his hands up over his head. The auror immediately caught the gaze of Caine.
"Yeah, we know," Caine said apathetically.
Light fully began laughing as the auror's face fell and he dropped his wand, wandering over to the doorframe. Light could see the tears in his eyes as he began to violently slam his head against the doorframe until blood began to fall heavily from his head.
"Let's go," Caine said as he walked past the guard, "Dolohov is waiting."
Light giggled as he walked past the door, "The most interesting abilities I've ever seen someone possess"
"All in the family."
Daphne stood in front of a mirror, she was entranced by the ugly long purple-dark scar that ran from her upper chest to her lower stomach. The constant reminder that she saved someone who had most likely killed her boyfriend, the scar that would haunt her forever. Daphne ran her fingers along the scar, even touching it brought back painful memories, and made her feel weak again. She could hear the explosion of the broom closet door and could taste the metallic blood from her broken nose. The worst was that she could feel and see all of the nightmares that would forever haunt her, the death of her mom, and the death of her boyfriend, and horrible fears actualized.
"Daphne, you in there," She heard someone yell.
Daphne quickly put on her robe as someone suddenly entered the dorm bathroom.
"What's taking so long? We're going to be late," Pansy said impatiently, "Before the aurors start checking for Dark Marks again!"
A few days had passed since Dawlish had become Headmaster and, in that time, three students from Slytherin had been arrested for having Dark Marks, with new mandatory and random sleeve checks, which was part of W.A.A. Everyday, it seemed Dawlish had been implementing more and more of it in Hogwarts.
Daphne ran her fingers through her hair, "Why are you in such a hurry to get to the library? It's not like Draco's going to be there, and even if he was, he isn't someone to hurry for."
"I told him to be there, besides I have a lot of homework to do."
Daphne looked suspiciously at Pansy as she left the bathroom door, but didn't bother saying anything. It wasn't her place. She grabbed her bag, and they proceeded to leave the dorm room. Pansy then proceeded to tell her all the pieces of drama she had missed which made Daphne want to scream.
"Daphne, you got any cute boys, you've been thinking about?"
"My boyfriend just died last summer, and I almost died, not even a month ago. What do you think?"
"Geez, lighten up, I was just trying to make conversation. You get so serious," Pansy replied
Before Daphne could argue with Pansy, Blaise ran around the corner, "Greengrass, can I ask you something?"
"Yeah," Daphne turned toward Pansy, "I'll meet you in the library?"
"Yeah... sure," Pansy said as she began walking away hesitantly.
Blaise waited a little bit for Pansy to leave, "I thought it was a good idea to save you."
Daphne smiled, "Yeah, you're a lifesaver."
"Library," Blaise motioned forward as he began walking, "How are you holding up?"
Daphne was tired of that question because truthfully, she wasn't sure. Every time she looked into the mirror, she wanted to burst into tears, and every time she did certain things, her scar would light up in pain bringing back all the pain she wanted to forget so badly.
"I'm doing fine, just trying to catch up on the massive pile of work I've missed, but I'm sure that's not why you are seeking me."
Daphne couldn't help but feel suspicious. Blaise had always been a good friend, but he wasn't exactly the talkative type nor was he one for small-talk. Today was becoming weirder and weirder and it had just started.
Blaise nodded, "You're right. I heard about your invitation to come train with us. Take it. In an hour, entrance of the forbidden forest. "
Daphne looked over at Blaise, "Why does it matter?"
"Because you'll be safer."
Daphne laughed, "I'm sorry, Zabini, but when have you been concerned about anyone's safety."
"Then don't," Blaise said harshly as they made it to the entrance of the library, "But you'll wish you had."
"Is that why?" Daphne asked.
"Why what?"
"You became friends with Harry... for safety?"
Blaise shrugged as he began walking away into the library, "Find out for yourself,"
Harry. The constant theme in her immediate life right now, and she couldn't help but feel guilty for how much he was and how less Theo was. Her dead boyfriend.
Daphne began to saunter over to where the tables were. She needed to be out of her own head. Unfortunately, Pansy was nowhere to be found, but she was sure she had gone to go find Draco. The only girl available was Tracy Davis, who Daphne wasn't really friends with. She was a friendly though.
Before she could think, she felt her walking closer where Tracy was scribbling something into a notebook.
"You mind if I join you," Daphne asked.
Tracy jumped in her seat, slamming her notebook down, surprising even Daphne.
"Daphne...sorry, you scared me," She replied as put up her notebook, "Yeah, you can sit."
"I'm so sorry, Tracy." Daphne said as she sat down, "What-uhh- what are you working on?"
"Runes. It requires pretty much all of my focus." She said as she pulled out a textbook, "Now onto Charms,"
Daphne apologized again before they started working, moments of concentration broken up by small talk every so often. Time passed quickly before Daphne looked over the clock, it was time for her to go to the forest. As she began to put up her books, Tracy looked over at her.
"Hey, I'm sure a million people have asked you, but how are things?"
"It's okay. Nothing is ever easy after almost dying, but I'm fine," Daphne said as she stood up
"Yeah, I'm glad, I couldn't believe it when I heard it, " Tracy said, "But I'm glad you're alright. See ya later."
"Yeah," Daphne said as she began walking away. Tracy wasn't that bad. She imagined Tracy wouldn't be a bad friend to have.
"Focus, Astoria. You can spout off as many spells as you want, but it's about being able to expose your enemies weakness. Most battles aren't about power; they're about strategy." Harry said while moving cautiously around Astoria, "You can't rely on fancy spells to survive."
Daphne watched carefully. She had been taking a break for a bit. The vigor that all four of them was almost impossible for her. It was a shock watching, at least Blaise and Draco, a rounder view of their abilities. Harry hadn't shown anything except to block all of Astoria's feeble attempts as attacking him.
"Yeah, but you have to have spells to use," Astoria replied as she got up from the ground, dirt covering her entire body.
"Tell me how many you'll remember when you're out of breath, or when you only have a second to react," Harry sighed, "Let's take a break, and do ten laps for me, and then we'll fight again."
"Ten laps," Astoria yelled, "What the hell kind of break is that?"
"You told me not to take it easy on you, so I'm not. Let's see how many spells you'll remember when you're out of breath. You want to beat me, develop your stamina," Harry said sternly, "You're wasting your time, get going."
Astoria groaned as she began running. Harry looked up over at her, watching before making his way over to her. Even though they had gone on duty once since that night before, they hadn't talked about that one night on the tower or the night of the attack, it had been as quiet as their first encounters, but that was more so due to the required auror guards that followed them now.
Harry sat down next to her, not saying a word as they both watched Blaise and Draco both go at it. She couldn't believe where she was. She could remember Theo talking about how much stronger Blaise and Draco were getting. It had been a point of insecurity for him, not that he needed anymore.
"Thank you," Daphne said as she leaned her head back, "for the invite, I mean."
"Yeah," Harry replied nonchalantly, "You need it."
Daphne laughed, "Good to know you're still an arse,"
She could see the corners of a smile from Harry as she stared at the sparing of Blaise and Draco.
"Just a small pointer from afar, but you get way too flustered. It sounds crazy, but you have to relax...even in the midst of the battle."
"Easier said than done," Daphne replied quietly.
After about a minute, Harry turned to look over at her. She turned to make eye contact with him. She could remember the tower, the same brokenness still present in his emerald eyes, maybe even more present in the daylight.
"I don't think I ever officially thanked you...for saving me."
"You're welcome even though I may have lost my pureblood status for it," Daphne replied jokingly
Harry smiled slightly. Daphne felt a wave of guilt as she broke her gaze to look at the forest floor.
"I wouldn't have had to had I been more competent."
Harry grabbed her forearm, startling her as she looked up at him, "Being competent has nothing to do with killing. Never feel guilty for not killing. Never."
The coldness of his tone sent chills down her spine. She could hear the pain that was present in it. He let up his hand, apologizing quietly, as he went back to staring at the spar. Daphne could do nothing but stare.
"Is it easy for you," She asked mindlessly, still feeling the tight grip of Harry's hand on her forearm
"If you mean killing, It's easy to do it, but what you have to live with isn't."
Daphne couldn't help but stare at him. Theodore had unintentionally killed his own mother when he was young and she watched as the pain ripped him apart even at an older age. She could only imagine what Harry was enduring. What he had to live with.
"I'm-I'm sorry with what you've had to live with," Daphne said soberly, "Thank you for trusting me enough with that."
Harry grinned, "I'm just trying not to be a selfish arsehole."
"Come and get it, Harry," She heard her sister yell.
"I think you care a lot more than you let on," Daphne replied sincerely.
Harry gave a brief pensive nod before getting up.
Daphne watched as he walked back over. The stiffness from sitting made aware as she stretched, watching both her sister and Harry go at it.
"Lets see it then," Harry said, his wand held to his side
Astoria ran after him, sending a verbal spell, Harry with no effort sent it back. Astoria fell to her back with a loud groan.
"Verbal spells? You're better than that," Harry said flatly, "I guess you're getting this whole stamina thing now, huh?"
Astoria clenched her teeth before stumbling back up. Harry quickly sent another spell, sending Astoria into the air and back on the ground. Astoria yelled out in pain as she lay on the ground.
"Stamina is your biggest weapon." Harry said, "that's enough for today."
"I'm...not...finished," Astoria panted, her wand shaking in her hand.
Daphne couldn't help but feel proud of her sister. She was the tough one. Daphne watched as Harry smiled before slowly walking toward Astoria. Astoria made a motion with her wand, but it flew out of her hand.
"Shit," Astoria said as she tried punch Harry
"Know when to quit," Harry said as he grabbed her wrist
From her angle, she could see the forming of Astoria's infamous smirk.
"Or... know when you're about to win," Astoria yelled as her knee made a beeline for Harry's crotch
Daphne gasped, and shut her eyes, only to open them to Astoria on the ground. By that time, Draco and Blaise had come over to where she was.
"Damn, I've tried that too many times. Probably the worst move to make. " Draco whispered as he sat next to Daphne
Harry whispered something to her sister before helping her up and bringing her over. Astoria look of exhaustion was not something she was used to seeing of her sister.
"Now onto to real business," Draco said eagerly, approaching the younger Greengrass.
"You owe us something, Astoria," Harry said, wiping the sweat from his face
Astoria nodded, as she pulled a piece of paper out of her book bag. Daphne had never felt so lost, but the paper looked familiar.
"I keep my word," Astoria said as she handed Harry the paper, "I found it in the Slytherin Girls bathroom...It had Cormac McLaggen crossed out. I haven't seen anyone with parchment quite like this, and none of the pureblood girls have this journal."
"What is it?" Daphne asked her sister, as the boys gathered around it, as she eyed the familiar paper. She had seen it before.
Astoria sat next to her sister, "The people that attacked you and Harry... were under the imperious curse. There are more of them, apparently. I found this in the Slytherin bathroom, but I haven't found out who."
Harry folded the paper and tucked it into his robes as he whispered something to Draco and Blaise.
"Thanks," Harry said dryly as he began walking back
"Wait! What about training," Astoria asked eagerly
"You know when we train, don't be late," Harry said as he continued walking, Draco and Blaise following behind him.
Daphne sat silently as the boys vanished past the treelines.
Astoria stood up in front of her, "Are you okay?"
Daphne stared at the forest ground in disbelief, "I know whose journal that is."
It felt weird coming out of her lips as Astoria stared at her awestruck, "Wait really? Who is it! Why didn't you say something "
Daphne stood up, shaking her head, "Astoria, Do you think they're just going to talk to her? Are you that mad?"
Astoria scoffed and shook her head at Daphne, "It doesn't matter. They deserve it. All of them, helpers included."
"And then Draco goes back and tell Caine our involvement? I will not put Father's life in any more risk."
Astoria shrugged off Daphne, "Let him. I told you I'm done being ruled by Caine. I'm done living in fear. I'm done caring about someone's blood status. Muggleborn or pureblood, we all do magic."
Daphne groaned, "Astoria, you have to think about the consequences. The family name. It makes us a target."
Astoria began walking away but stopped a few feet away before turning to look at Daphne, "I'm done playing politics, Daphne. Your dead boyfriend proved you could still play and die all the same. If you really care, you'll tell Harry, fuck the consequences."
Daphne watched as Astoria wandered off, leaving her alone in the forest. Her sister was never the cautious one, rather the explosive one, unpredictable. It always fell on Daphne to look at the bigger picture, to think about the 'politics'. To appease Caine.
Daphne ran her hand through her hair as she began to walk back toward Hogwarts. Today felt like a long one.
Hermione sighed as she finished a difficult charm problem. She would rather be doing much more important work than helping Neville, but if she didn't, he would get upset at her for not helping. God knows she didn't want another argument right now.
"That's how you do the problem, Neville. It's based more on assumed knowledge than anything given. You just have to be able to memorize the particular rules for this charm." Hermione said as she meticulously looked over her work.
Neville leaned back against the common room couch, "You're so bloody brilliant. My girlfriend is bloody brilliant!"
Hermione smiled weakly, "Thank you, now onto D.A.D.A"
Neville got up and kissed Hermione on her forehead, "Dinner first?"
Before Hermione could answer, Ron walked into the common room, and looked at them, "Have any of you seen Lavender? We're supposed to be going to dinner together, I'm starving!"
Neville shook his head, "No, but we're about to go if you want to go with us? Maybe she's there?"
"Okay, let's hurry, I haven't eaten in an hour!" Ron said as he looked at the portrait door eagerly, "If she's playing with me, I'm going to be so upset."
Hermione closed her book rather aggressively, "I guess we better go,"
Neville looked at her suspiciously but didn't say anything as they began their trek toward the Great Hall. Hermione noticed more aurors on their route toward the great hall. She, much like every other student, couldn't help but feel this place was becoming more a prison. Each of them, prisoners to a war that they each might have to have a part in.
"I feel pretty safe with all these aurors around," Ron said as he paid respect to one passing by, "I bet it has people like Malfoy scared shitless."
"Yeah, my grams doesn't like it, but It has been pretty effective," Neville replied, "The policies work. Don't you agree, Hermione?"
Hermione sighed, "No, I feel like I'm being used as propaganda."
There was a bit of silence before Ron, hesitantly, broke it.
"Yeah...but maybe it's because you're a muggle-born?"
Hermione turned toward Ron, "What is that suppose to mean?"
Ron began rubbing his red hair, sheepishly, "It doesn't mean anything-"
"-You think because I'm a muggle-born, I'm supposed to be happy with all these aurors around?"
" Bloody Hell, I didn't say that! I was-" Ron stammered.
.."What? What could you have meant-"
"Guys," Neville interjected, "-enough!"
"Voldemort doesn't scare me," Hermione said confidently to the jumps of both Ron and Neville, and some near passers-by.
"Hermione. Stop." Neville said angrily.
Hermione looked at Neville and Ron, "I'm sick-
Before she could even start, there was a loud familiar scream coming from the great hall entrance.
"LAVENDER," Ron yelled as he began running, followed by Neville and Hermione
As they got to the entrance of the great hall, Harry who was standing next to Draco and Blaise stood over Lavender who had fallen over the floor. Hermione had never seen Harry as surprised as he was, but she could tell he hadn't expected this to happen at all. Others had started yelling for aurors, while Harry began to pull out her wand.
"YOU SON OF A BITCH!" Ron yelled as he whipped out his own wand, "YOU FUCKING TOUCH HER, I SWEAR!"
Hermione watched as Ron's spell flew toward a surprised Harry, actually contacting him, and sending him flying to the floor. Ron began to make another motion but was quickly interrupted by disarmed by an auror. More aurors came running down the hall aurors moved to the scene. One tackled Ron, and the others surrounded around Harry, their wands pointed at him.
Neville tried to move Hermione aside, but she pushed him out the way to move closer to run toward Lavender, who was being surrounded by other aurors. From what she could see, a knife had been inserted into her stomach, a pool of blood surrounded her, but from the color of her face, she could tell Lavender had been cursed.
Everything felt like slow motion, even as she was being pushed away by Aurors. Hermione felt a heaviness in her chest. Lavender wasn't exactly her friend, but to lose someone you talked to regularly with was devastating. Hermione, just like other fellow students, couldn't help but begin to sob.
A/N: Thanks for reading! One note: If you're wanting a "GOD-LIKE" Harry, this isn't that story. Harry is powerful but certainly still human.