Chapter 5 – The first date
On Christmas morning, the air was crisp and bright as Amelia descended the grand staircase of Bones Manor. Laughter and the clinking of glasses echoed from the drawing room, where her family was gathered around the Christmas tree. She paused, startled, when she noticed Lord Hector Blackwood standing by the fireplace with his children, Edward, Lillian and Samuel.
Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. He wore a deep green robe that complemented his striking features, and his children were dressed festively, their faces alight with excitement as they examined their presents.
"Harry," she said, stepping into the room. "I didn't expect to see you here."
He turned, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Merry Christmas, Amelia. I hope you don't mind. The kids insisted on bringing over a few gifts for you and your family."
Lily darted forward, clutching a small package wrapped in shimmering gold paper. "Miss Bones! This one's for you!"
Amelia knelt to take the gift, her heart melting at the girl's enthusiasm. "Thank you, Lily. You didn't have to."
"It was Daddy's idea," Lily said with a giggle, earning a playful nudge from Eddie.
They spent the day surrounded by warmth and joy. Harry's presence blended seamlessly with her family's, his laughter ringing out as he joined in the festivities. Amelia couldn't help but notice how naturally he interacted with her relatives, as if he had always been part of their lives.
As the day drew to a close and the children grew sleepy, Harry stood to leave. "Thank you for having us, Amelia," he said softly, his eyes meeting hers.
"It was wonderful to have you here," she replied, her voice sincere.
He began to gather his things, but Amelia stepped closer, her heart pounding in her chest. "Harry," she said, stopping him.
"Yes?"
"Do you have any plans tomorrow?"
He raised a brow, surprised by her question. "No, not at the moment."
Her cheeks flushed, but she pushed forward. "Would you like to… go out with me? Just the two of us?"
For a moment, his expression was unreadable, and then his face lit up with a rare, genuine smile. "I'd love to."
Relief and excitement surged through her as she returned his smile, a little shy but undeniably radiant. Acting on instinct, she leaned up and pressed a light kiss to his cheek, her lips brushing against the faint stubble there. "I'll see you tomorrow, then."
Harry didn't move immediately, as though savouring the moment. "What time shall I pick you up?" he asked, his tone light but full of meaning. "Preferably not too early, so I have time to make the necessary preparations."
Amelia's cheeks flushed, but she laughed softly. "You don't have to go to any great lengths."
"Yes, I do," he replied, a teasing glint in his eyes. "It's not every day a man gets asked out by a beautiful woman. I have to make it memorable—otherwise, what hope do I have for a second date?"
She ducked her head, smiling at his easy charm. "How about 11?"
"Perfect." His voice was warm and filled with promise as he reached for her hand. Gently, he brought it to his lips, brushing a soft kiss across her knuckles. "Goodnight, Amelia."
Her breath hitched, and she could only nod in reply, watching as he turned and left the room, his silhouette disappearing through the doorway.
As the firelight flickered across the walls, Amelia stood rooted in place, her hand still tingling where his lips had been. Her heart raced, but it wasn't from nerves anymore.
For the first time in months—perhaps years—she felt a sense of rightness, as though she were exactly where she was meant to be. Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough.
O – o – o – o
The morning of their first date dawned crisp and bright, with sunlight glinting off the frost-covered grounds of Bones Manor. Amelia spent the morning torn between excitement and nerves, her hands trembling slightly as she tied the ribbon around her braid. She chose a soft blue cloak that brought out the colour in her eyes, hoping she didn't look like she was trying too hard.
When the clock struck eleven, a soft knock echoed at the door of Bones Manor. Taking a deep breath, Amelia opened it to find Harry standing there, impeccably dressed in a charcoal-grey cloak with silver accents. His eyes lit up when he saw her, and his lips curved into a small, genuine smile.
"You look lovely, Amelia," he said, his voice low and warm.
She flushed, unable to stop the smile that crept onto her face. "Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself."
Harry chuckled, remembering the first time she'd said something similar to him in his timeline. He kissed her cheek and then offered his arm. "Shall we?"
Amelia nodded and they apparated to a quaint village nestled in the Scottish Highlands, far from the bustle of their usual surroundings. The cobblestone streets were lined with shops draped in evergreen garlands, and the air was filled with the scent of pine and roasted chestnuts.
Their first stop was a cozy café where they shared mugs of steaming hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. The conversation flowed effortlessly, a mix of lighthearted banter and more personal topics.
"I didn't know you were such a fan of magical creatures," Amelia said, smiling as Harry recounted a tale of wrangling a rogue Hippogriff in his youth.
"There's much you don't know about me, Miss Bones," he replied, his tone teasing but his eyes serious.
"Maybe I'd like to," she said softly, surprising herself with the admission.
Harry's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he smiled. "And I'm sure you shall..in time."
For a moment, they sat in companionable silence, the world outside muffled by snow and glass. Finally, Harry hesitated, then broke the quiet with a question that had lingered on his mind.
"So… what happened with Richard?" Harry tilted his head, his expression briefly unreadable, before he took a sip of his drink.
"I ended things," Amelia said after a moment, her voice calm but reflective.
"Why?"
Amelia's eyes met his, steady and unflinching. "Because I couldn't stop thinking about you."
The simplicity of her answer caught him off guard. His breath hitched as he watched a flush crept up her cheeks. Harry raised an eyebrow in surprise, his usual composure slipping for just a moment before his lips curved into a slow smile. "Well, I do feel for Richard," he said, his voice quiet but tinged with humour. "You would be a difficult woman to let go."
Amelia's blush deepened, but Harry wasn't finished. Leaning slightly closer, his voice dropped, growing more intimate. "But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't pleased."
His words sent a shiver through her, and for a moment, all she could do was stare at him. Harry's smile remained, warm and genuine, as though he was laying bare a piece of himself just for her.
Amelia finally managed a faint laugh, her heart hammering in her chest. "You have an annoying way of saying exactly the right thing, you know that?"
Harry's grin widened. "So I've been told."
The conversation shifted again, back to the easy rhythm they had shared all day. But underneath it, a new thread of understanding wove itself between them—a quiet acknowledgment that something was growing, unspoken but undeniable.
After the café, they wandered through the village market, where vendors sold enchanted ornaments that twinkled with tiny lights and scarves charmed to warm the wearer on the coldest days. Harry surprised Amelia by purchasing a delicate silver bracelet adorned with a charm shaped like a badger.
"For your patronus," he said, fastening it around her wrist
Amelia's breath hitched at the thoughtful gesture. "Thank you, Harry. It's beautiful."
"I'm glad you like it."
As the afternoon wore on, Harry led her to a secluded hill overlooking the village lake. He spread out a picnic blanket, conjuring a basket filled with food and a bottle of enchanted sparkling cider.
"I didn't know you were such a romantic," Amelia said, raising a brow as she sat down.
"I have my moments," he admitted with a grin, pouring her a glass.
They talked for hours, their voices weaving together as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the lake. Hector shared memories of his late wife, his voice steady but laced with a quiet sadness that hinted at wounds still tender.
"I took her on a date like this once," he began, staring out at the horizon as if the past were painted there. "It was about a week or so after we got engaged. We had a picnic by the lake, swam until our fingers pruned, and just… laughed. It was one of those days you wish you could bottle up and keep forever."
Amelia watched him carefully, her eyes soft with understanding. "It sounds beautiful," she replied gently. "I've always loved swimming."
"So did she." Harry turned to look at her, the sorrow in his gaze gradually shifting into something warmer, more vulnerable.
"I never thought I'd feel that way about anyone again," he admitted, his voice low but steady. "When she died, it shattered me. I didn't think there'd ever be room in my heart for anyone else." His voice caught slightly, but he pressed on, his eyes never leaving hers. "But meeting you… it's like seeing the sun after a long storm. You've given me hope, Amelia. Hope that maybe, just maybe, there's room in my heart for something new."
Her breath caught at the raw emotion in his words, at the way he looked at her as though she were the most extraordinary thing in the world. "Harry…" she whispered, her voice trembling.
"I'm not asking for anything," he said quickly, his tone soft and reassuring. "I just needed you to know how much I value this—whatever it is we're building."
Amelia's expression softened further, her hand reaching out instinctively to cover his. "I value it too," she said, her voice steady and certain.
They sat in companionable silence for several moments, the world around them quiet save for the gentle lapping of the lake against the shore. Finally, Amelia spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper.
"You've never told me her name," she said gently, her curiosity mingled with caution.
Harry stiffened slightly, his gaze dropping to their joined hands. "If I tell you her name," he said after a long pause, "I have to tell you everything. About my past, about why I'm here. And… I'm not sure we're ready for that."
Amelia frowned slightly but didn't pull her hand away. "You can trust me," she said earnestly.
"I know," Harry replied, his voice firm. "I would trust you with my life, Amelia. I would trust you with the lives of my children, and there aren't many people in this world I could say that about. But this isn't about trust."
"Then what is it about?" she asked, her brow furrowing.
Harry hesitated, then sighed deeply. "It's about my scars. My secrets. Once I tell you, everything will change. It will change how you see me, how you feel about me. And I need you to choose to be with me because you love me—Hector Blackwood—as I am - not because of my past or my ambitions for the future."
Amelia looked like she was about to argue, her lips parting in protest, so Harry did something bold to stop her. Leaning forward, he captured her lips in a kiss, firm but gentle, a moment of audacious honesty that left her wide-eyed and speechless when he pulled back.
Smirking slightly at her stunned expression, Harry murmured, "Trust me, Amelia. It will change things between us. And it's important to me that you know me for who I am now, not who I was. So when you know—when you know that you love me—tell me, and I promise you, I will tell you everything."
Amelia stared at him, her heart racing. "I can't say I'm happy about it," she said finally, her voice tinged with frustration but also with a grudging respect for his resolve. "I want to know you, Harry. I want to know everything. But I respect your choice, and I can wait until you think the time is right."
"You're amazing, Amelia," Harry said, his voice filled with awe.
"I know," she replied with a faint smirk, her tone lightening as she teased him. "I'm glad someone else is finally realising it."
Harry chuckled, a warm, familiar feeling washing over him, almost like déjà vu. "Now," he said, his eyes glinting mischievously, "can I kiss you properly?"
Amelia's lips curved into a small, genuine smile as she nodded. Without hesitation, Harry pulled her closer, his hands gently cradling her face as he kissed her again, this time with all the tenderness and passion he'd been holding back before.
As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, they made their way back to Bones Manor. Before parting ways, Harry hesitated, his hand lingering on hers.
"Thank you for today," he said, his voice low. "It's been a long time since I've felt this at ease."
"Me too," Amelia replied, her cheeks warming.
For a moment, it seemed as though he might kiss her again. But instead, he simply raised her hand to his lips, brushing a soft kiss across her knuckles.
"Goodnight, Amelia," he murmured.
"Goodnight, Harry," she whispered, her heart fluttering as she watched him apparate.
As soon as she was inside the manor, Amelia leaned against the door, her bracelet catching the firelight. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of peace—and the thrilling possibility of something more. As she walked into the sitting room, she found Edgar nursing a tumbler of whiskey, a knowing smile already tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Did you have a nice time?" Edgar asked, though his tone suggested he already knew the answer.
Amelia hesitated for a moment before replying, her lips curving into a soft smile. "I did."
Edgar nodded approvingly. "He's a good man."
"I know," Amelia admitted, sinking into the armchair opposite him. "But he has scars—and secrets. There's so much about him I don't know, and that scares me."
Edgar studied her for a long moment, his expression thoughtful. "He does," he agreed, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "He's been through more loss than any of us could imagine, but it hasn't jaded him. That's what makes him remarkable, Amelia. He still has hope. He hasn't let the weight of his past crush the good in him, and that's no small thing."
She looked at him, her brow furrowed. "But what if those scars—those secrets—change everything? What if I can't handle it?"
"If you ask him about his scars," Edgar said carefully, "I've no doubt he'll tell you. But you need to be prepared, Amelia. For a truth you may not be ready for. It will be a lot—impossible, even, by any reasonable standard. And those children," he added, his gaze softening, "they already love you. So when you do ask, make sure you're ready to stick around. They've lost enough."
Amelia stared at him, startled. "You know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I do," Edgar replied simply, meeting her eyes.
Her heart raced as she considered the implications. "Is it… bad? Is there anything about him—anything in his past—that will make me regret feeling the way I do about him?"
Edgar's expression softened further, and he gave her a reassuring smile. "No. If anything, it will make you cherish him more."
Amelia's eyes widened, her mind reeling as she tried to piece together what he could mean. She took a deep breath, then nodded. "Then I can wait," she said quietly. "I can wait until he's ready."
Edgar leaned back in his chair, a rare look of approval crossing his face. "You know," he began, his voice tinged with affection, "I always thought that whoever you brought home, I'd have to chase away with a broom. I could never imagine anyone being good enough for you."
Amelia laughed softly, shaking her head. "I remember."
"But Harry," Edgar continued, his voice steady, "he's worthy of you. He's a man of honour, strength, and conviction. He's the kind of man our parents would have loved."
Amelia blinked, startled by the depth of his praise. "You've already given him your blessing?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
"I have," Edgar said with a small smile. "And I don't hand that out lightly."
She stared at him, unsure of what to say. Her brother, ever protective and ever skeptical, was offering not just approval but genuine admiration for the man who had stolen her heart. It was unexpected, overwhelming, and oddly comforting all at once.
For once, Amelia found herself at a loss for words.
O – o – o – o
The Hogwarts Express whistled loudly, signalling its departure from King's Cross. Snow dusted the windows as the train chugged north toward the castle, carrying students back after the Christmas holidays. Amelia sat in a compartment with her usual group — Lily Evans, Marlene McKinnon, Mary Macdonald, and Dorcas Meadowes. The chatter around her was lively, but Amelia found herself staring out the window, lost in thought.
"Amelia?" Lily nudged her gently. "You alright? You've barely said a word."
Amelia blinked, shaking herself out of her reverie. "Oh — sorry. Just… thinking."
Lily exchanged a look with Marlene, who grinned mischievously. "Thinking about someone, perhaps?"
Amelia's blush betrayed her before she could protest.
"How was your break, Amelia?" Lily asked, her tone deceptively casual.
"It was great," Amelia replied, glancing at her hands. Then, after a beat, she added, "I… I had a date."
The compartment went dead silent for a moment before Marlene practically shouted, "A date?!"
Amelia winced. "Shh! Keep your voice down!"
"With who?" Mary asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Amelia hesitated, but there was no point in hiding it. "With Lord Blackwood."
Marlene's jaw dropped. "Wait. You mean Professor Blackwood?"
Amelia nodded, cheeks burning.
"Merlin's pants, Amelia!" Marlene shrieked.
"Shh!" Amelia hissed, glancing nervously toward the corridor.
"It's about time," Lily chimed in with a knowing smile.
Amelia gaped. "What?"
Lily rolled her eyes. "Come on, Amelia. We all knew he was the man you've been daydreaming about since the summer. And given the way his eyes light up when he sees you, it's clear the feeling is mutual."
Marlene leaned forward eagerly. "So… what happened? Where did he take you?"
"We had lunch and spent the day exploring a village in the highlands," Amelia admitted, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks again. "It was lovely. We talked, we… watched the sunset over the lake."
"You watched the sunset?" Mary sighed dreamily. "That sounds so romantic."
Amelia nodded softly, her mind replaying the memory of the passionate kiss they had shared. The way his tongue felt against hers…...
"And?" Marlene pressed, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Did he kiss you?"
Amelia looked away. "No comment."
"That means yes!" Marlene crowed.
"Was he a good kisser?" Mary asked, leaning in eagerly.
Amelia blushed even harder. "I'm not answering that."
"You don't need to," Marlene said, grinning. "I'm sure he's a fantastic kisser."
Amelia bit her lip to keep from smiling.
Marlene smirked. "A man like him… I bet he's a fantastic lover, too."
"Marlene!" Amelia spluttered, scandalised.
"What? It's true!" Marlene laughed. "He's handsome, charming, and has that whole brooding, mysterious thing going on. You know he'd be good."
Amelia shook her head, covering her face with her hands. "I wouldn't know."
"Mmm-hmm." Marlene leaned back, crossing her arms. "I can't believe you were so stubborn for so long. Just think about what you could be doing with him right now if you'd given in ages ago."
Amelia groaned, but she couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips.
Lily reached over and squeezed her hand. "We're happy for you, Amelia. You deserve to be happy."
Amelia's blush softened into a warm glow. "Thank you."
A few hours later, the train rolled into Hogsmeade Station as snow fell in soft drifts, painting the landscape in white. Students poured out of the carriages, laughing and chattering as they made their way toward the castle. Amelia, bundled in her cloak, walked alongside Lily and Marlene, but her mind was elsewhere.
Her thoughts kept drifting to him.
Lord Hector Blackwood —Harry— the man who had occupied her thoughts since the summer, who had stolen her breath with one kiss and left her yearning for more.
The memory of their date lingered in her mind — his hand at her waist, his lips brushing hers, the way he looked at her as if she were the only thing in the world that mattered. It left her heart fluttering, a feeling both thrilling and terrifying.
"Are you even listening?" Marlene nudged her.
"Hmm?" Amelia blinked, snapping out of her reverie.
Lily laughed softly. "She's hopeless."
"I'm not hopeless," Amelia protested, but even she could hear the unconvincing tone in her voice.
They reached the castle and made their way into the Great Hall, which was alive with the buzz of students returning from the holidays. The enchanted ceiling shimmered with stars, and the familiar scent of roasted meats and warm bread filled the air.
Amelia scanned the room automatically, her heart pounding harder with each passing second. She told herself she wasn't looking for him — but of course she was.
And then, she saw him.
Harry was standing near the staff table, deep in conversation with Professor McGonagall. He wore his usual dark robes, his presence commanding without even trying. As if sensing her gaze, he glanced up.
Their eyes met across the hall, and everything else seemed to fade away.
He smiled — the most brilliant smile she'd ever seen. His eyes lit up, warm and inviting, as if he were genuinely happy to see her. It wasn't just a polite gesture; it was a smile meant for her, and her alone.
Amelia's breath caught in her throat. Her heart skipped a beat, then fluttered wildly in her chest.
Oh.
Marlene's teasing words from the train echoed in her mind."I can't believe you were so stubborn. Just think about what you could be doing with him if you'd given in ages ago."
Maybe Marlene was right. Maybe she should have given in months ago.
Because in that moment, as Harry's gaze held hers across the Great Hall, Amelia realised she was well on her way to falling in love with him.
And there was no stopping it now.
"Amelia?" Lily's voice broke through her thoughts.
"Huh?"
Lily grinned knowingly. "You look like someone just hit you with a Confundus Charm."
Amelia tore her gaze away from Harry, feeling her cheeks heat. "I'm fine."
Marlene raised an eyebrow, smirking. "I saw that. He saw you. And that smile…"
"Stop," Amelia mumbled, though she couldn't hide her own smile.
"Oh, we're not stopping," Marlene teased. "We're going to talk about this. In detail."
Amelia shook her head, but her mind remained on Harry. The warmth in his eyes, the way his smile had made her feel like the most important person in the world…
She was falling for him. Hard.
And she wasn't sure she even wanted to stop.
O – o – o - o
A few days after returning to Hogwarts, Amelia sat in the library, poring over textbooks and parchment, when a soft throat clearing broke her concentration. She looked up to see Narcissa Black step gracefully towards her, a folded note in her hand.
"Narcissa," Amelia said, setting her quill down. "Did you need something?"
Narcissa smiled faintly and approached the desk, holding out the note. "I come bearing a message. A rather important one, if I do say so."
Amelia raised a brow as she took the note, recognising the elegant handwriting immediately.
"Harry?"
"Indeed," Narcissa replied, her expression amused. "And before you ask, yes, he specifically requested that I hand-deliver it."
Amelia opened the note, her heart skipping a beat as she read the familiar, straightforward words:
Amelia,
Dinner tonight? My quarters. 7 o'clock.
Yours,
Harry
Her cheeks flushed as she folded the note carefully. Narcissa observed her reaction with a knowing smile.
"I take it you'll be accepting?" Narcissa asked.
Amelia nodded, tucking the note into her pocket. "It's just dinner."
Narcissa chuckled softly. "I'm sure it is. But if I were you, I'd wear something nice. You never know what a dinner invitation from a man like Harry might entail."
At precisely seven o'clock, Amelia stood outside Harry's quarters, her nerves fluttering in her chest. The deep green dress she had chosen hugged her figure just right, bringing out the colour of her eyes, and her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders.
Before she could raise her hand to knock, the door opened, as if Harry had been waiting for her on the other side.
"Amelia," he said softly, a slow smile spreading across his face. His gaze traveled over her, lingering on her eyes. "You look beautiful."
Her heart skipped a beat, and she felt warmth rise to her cheeks. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice steadier than she expected.
Harry stepped aside, gesturing for her to enter. "Come in."
The room was warm and inviting, the soft glow of candlelight casting gentle shadows across the walls. A small table for two was set near the window, with a bottle of wine and two glasses waiting. Outside, the snow-covered grounds shimmered under the moonlight, but it was the coziness of the room — and the man standing beside her — that made her feel at ease.
"This is lovely," Amelia said, glancing around before meeting his gaze.
"I'm glad you think so." Harry handed her a glass of wine. "I wanted tonight to be… special."
Their fingers brushed as she took the glass, sending a spark down her spine.
"Well, it certainly feels special already."
They settled at the table, and the conversation flowed easily. Harry listened intently as Amelia shared stories of growing up with Edgar, laughing at her witty observations.
"I still can't believe Edgar once tried to charm his broom to fly faster by painting runes on it with… what was it again?" Harry asked, shaking his head in amusement.
"Charcoal," Amelia said, laughing. "He was convinced it would work. Spoiler alert — it didn't."
Harry chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Sounds about right. He always had more enthusiasm than sense."
"And yet," Amelia teased, tilting her head, "he always managed to come out on top."
Harry raised his glass to hers. "To sheer determination, then."
"To determination," Amelia agreed, clinking her glass against his.
As the meal wound down, Harry stood and walked around the table, holding out his hand. "Come here."
Amelia glanced up at him, her heart quickening. Without hesitation, she slipped her hand into his, letting him pull her to her feet.
They moved toward the fire, its warmth wrapping around them as Harry gently traced his thumb over her knuckles.
"I have to admit," Amelia said softly, "I wasn't sure what to expect tonight."
"And?" Harry's voice was quiet, his gaze searching hers.
"And… it's been perfect."
Harry's hand slid to her waist, his touch warm and steady. "You've made it perfect."
Slowly, he leaned down, brushing his lips against hers in a lingering, tender kiss. Amelia melted into him, her arms wrapping around his neck as the kiss deepened.
When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads rested together, their breaths mingling.
"I've wanted to do that since you knocked on my door with that first note," Harry admitted, his voice husky.
Amelia laughed softly. "Well, you could have done it sooner."
"Could I have?" His eyes sparkled with teasing amusement. "You had a rather impressive glare back then. I wasn't entirely sure you wouldn't hex me."
Amelia smirked. "I still might."
"Worth the risk," Harry murmured, brushing his lips against hers again.
When they pulled apart this time, Amelia's cheeks were flushed, and she couldn't stop smiling.
"Stay," Harry whispered, his thumb brushing her cheek. "Just a little longer."
Amelia tilted her head, pretending to think. "Hmm… I suppose I could be convinced."
Harry chuckled, pulling her closer. "I'm very persuasive."
They spent the rest of the evening wrapped in quiet conversation, lingering touches, and gentle kisses. As the evening wore on, the conversation drifted toward hopes, dreams, and the future. Harry told her about his children and his plans for them, and Amelia shared her ambitions for the Ministry and her desire to make a real difference.
Eventually, the clock chimed, reminding Amelia of the time.
"I should go," she said reluctantly.
Harry sighed, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I wish you didn't have to."
Amelia lingered by the door, her hand resting on the frame. "This has been…"
"Perfect?" Harry finished for her.
She nodded. "Yes. Perfect."
Harry leaned in, pressing one last kiss to her lips. "Are you free for dinner on Saturday evening? The children will be here, but I know they'd love to see you."
Amelia smiled, her heart feeling lighter than it had in months. "I wouldn't miss it."
As she left his quarters, her fingers touched her lips, a smile playing at the corners. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.
O – o – o – o
After Amelia left Harry's quarters that night, her scent and the warmth of her touch still lingering, Harry stood by the fire, staring into the flickering flames as he replayed the evening in his mind. The moment of peace, however, was short-lived. He knew what had to be done — the first step in dismantling Voldemort's growing network of power.
He stepped through the fireplace and arrived at Blackwood Manor. With a flick of his wand, he sent a silent message to Sirius and Edgar.
Within minutes, the two men arrived.
"Ready?" Sirius asked, his eyes gleaming with excitement and determination.
Harry nodded. "It's time."
Edgar crossed his arms, his expression serious. "Where do we start?"
Harry pulled out a map, unrolling it on the table. "Croaker's intelligence points to a hidden command centre in Wiltshire. It's where Voldemort's most loyal followers have been gathering. We'll scout it tonight, see what we're dealing with. No unnecessary risks."
Sirius grinned. "So we're sneaking in? Sounds like fun."
Harry smirked. "Not sure I'd call it fun. This is far more dangerous then the fun I typically like to have."
They apparated just outside a dense forest on the outskirts of Wiltshire, the air cold and heavy with mist. The towering trees swayed gently in the wind, casting eerie shadows across the moonlit ground.
"This way," Harry whispered, leading them toward a secluded path.
As they moved through the forest, the atmosphere grew more oppressive. Magic hung thick in the air, a sure sign they were getting close.
Edgar paused, holding up a hand. "Do you feel that?"
Harry nodded. "Wards. Powerful ones."
Sirius pulled out his wand. "I'll handle it."
Carefully, Sirius worked to break through the protective enchantments without triggering any alarms. His movements were precise, and after a few tense minutes, the wards shimmered and fell away.
"Impressive," Edgar murmured.
Sirius grinned. "I'm a Black. We know wards better than anyone."
Harry motioned for them to move forward. "Stay close. We don't know what we're walking into."
They reached a clearing, where a large, ancient manor loomed. Its windows were dark, and the air around it felt sinister.
"That's it," Harry whispered.
Edgar frowned. "Looks abandoned."
"Appearances can be deceiving," Harry replied.
They moved closer, keeping to the shadows. As they approached the manor, they spotted several cloaked figures patrolling the grounds.
"Death Eaters," Sirius muttered.
Harry narrowed his eyes, recognising a few of the figures. "These aren't low-level recruits. These are his inner circle."
Edgar's expression hardened. "If they're here, this is more than a meeting spot. This must be the command centre."
Harry nodded. "We need to get inside."
Using Disillusionment Charms, they crept toward the manor, slipping past the patrols undetected. Harry led them to a side entrance, his wand drawn.
Once inside, they moved silently through the dark hallways. The air was cold, and the walls were lined with portraits of long-dead wizards, their eyes following the intruders with suspicion.
They reached a grand hall, where a large table was set up with maps and documents.
Harry carefully approached the table, scanning the papers. "He's planning something big," he murmured. "Coordinated attacks on multiple locations."
Suddenly, footsteps echoed down the hall.
"Someone's coming," Edgar whispered.
They quickly hid behind a tapestry, holding their breath as two Death Eaters entered the room.
"Rodolphus wants the latest reports sent to the Dark Lord tonight," one of them said.
"We'll send them after the meeting. He's expecting a full briefing on our progress."
As soon as the Death Eaters left, Harry motioned for them to move.
"Let's go," he whispered as he gathered the documents and put them in his cloak. They slowly made their way back through the manor. Once they made it outside, they sprinted to the woods, hoping the wind would drown any noise they made. Once safely out of sight, they apparated to Blackwood manor..
Once safely inside, Sirius let out a breathless laugh. "Now that was a proper mission."
Edgar shot him a look. "It was reckless."
Harry set the documents on the table, his expression grim. "It was necessary. We've confirmed the location, and we know some of Voldemort's plans."
As the three of them settled in to review the stolen documents, Harry's mind drifted briefly to Amelia. He was playing a dangerous game, but if it meant a future where they could live without fear, it was worth the risk.
They were one step closer to ending the war before it truly began.