Cavorting with Death

by Rokakku

Suffering from the aftermath of his Godfather's demise, a resolute Harry Potter has reached his breaking point. Recognising the wizard he was destined to be; Harry will stop at nothing to ensure he reaches his happily ever after. Relationships will be tested, lies will be unravelled, blood will be spilt. At the end, will everything he had done, all be for nought? AU. End of 5th Yr

11. Chapter 11

Chapter 11

CwD

Bellatrix shivered when the air changed. Her twisted, lust filled eyes watched Harry's magical aura detonate like a ferocious storm and she couldn't help grin wickedly.

It seemed her plan worked like a charm.

Rage unlike anything Harry ever felt before took over his senses. It was burning, blood-boiling, manic-inducing rage. His heart thundered in his chest, blood rushing in his ears, drowning all thought except for one: vengeance. When he would think back to this moment, he realised he never even remembered raising his wand.

His magical aura flared as ice gripped his veins. The ground beneath him cracked, splintering under the pressure of his magic. Dust and debris flew about as his overwhelming power came down on the damaged house, infusing the air with overcharged magic.

Focusing entirely on the Death Eater who had his grip on Andromeda's hair, Harry's vision tunnelled.

"Glacies Mortis!"

A dark blue curse shot from his wand like a bullet, traversing the ground leaving sharp icicles that had dark blue tips on the ground behind it. The spell had such speed, such overpowered magic behind it that Yaxley didn't stand a chance.

With wide eyes full of impeding dread, Yaxley's shield spell died on his tongue as the ice spell shot through his raised wand arm and then through his torso but not before icicle tendrils instantly wrapped around his upper body, pulling him along with the ongoing spell. It was with a large crash that he impacted against the wall behind him, a permanent scream frozen on his face as the crater that was left in his torso had even crystalized the dripping blood and falling bones as if in permanent animation.

Harry, however, had enough clarity still left, despite his overwhelming rage to focus on the situation at hand. He had to act.

He needed to get the two women out of here.

With his wand high, he spoke with a snarl, using the dark emotions that filtered through his mind to his advantage.

"Umbra Imperium!"

Dark shadows like ink swam the surface of the ground, walls and ceiling and instantly, the entire room was submerged in pitch-black darkness, darkness in which Harry could see as clear as day.

With urgency, he scrambled over to Andromeda who had once again lost conscious. Pushing his intent on the two spikes that held her by the palms of her hand, he vanished them with a flick of his wand, deftly moving to catch the injured witch carefully.

The teen felt her whimper in his arms which caused him to cradle her closer to him. Fear unlike anything he'd ever felt flooded his brain and one thought ran rampant:

I can't lose her.

That thought alone kept his hands steady as Harry looked around to see if the darkness he'd summoned was doing its job until he was momentarily startled when he saw Bellatrix standing eerily still.

He would've thought she would've begun hurling curses to either dispel his charm or attempt to strike him but instead, she stood in exactly the same spot, her arms behind her back without a care in the world. The witch had her eyes closed, an alluring smile danced on her lips whilst she rocked back and forth on her heels.

The madness in her stillness sent a chill down Harry's spine.

She was toying with him.

Using her inaction to press on, Harry quickly summoned Tonks by the scruff of her jacket, wincing when his eyes caught her arm grotesquely twisted.

"Renervate."

The Metamorph groggily opened her eyes, but began to panic when she couldn't see anything.

"Wha-"

"-It's me now shut up and listen. I've destroyed the anti-apparation ward. Take mum and get the fuck out of here. Get her to Madam Pomfrey. St Mungo's can't be trusted right now and she's fading fast."

"Harry-" Tonks protested weakly, trying to sit up.

"-This is not a debate, Nym!" Harry hissed angrily. His voice was cold, harsher than he meant it to be.

Bellatrix's voice slithered through the air, interrupting their conversation. "-Light huh? Aren't you a clever little thing my sweet prince…" She cooed with her wand out in front of her, the tip of the stick glowing brighter and brighter causing the shadows to disappear.

Harry's stomach dropped. Looks like she's figured it out…

"Time's up. Grab her and go!" Harry ordered. The teen harshly pulled Tonks's working arm and ensured that she had a strong grip on Andromeda.

"What about you? You can't handle her by yourself!" Tonks whispered back worryingly.

"Forget about me! I'll be fine! Now hurry!" Harry urged vaguely before sighing in relief when the two women apparated away.

The teen didn't have a moment of respite because as soon as Tonks and Andromeda left, the blackness Harry had conjured, vanished beneath a blinding, bright light and at its epicentre, stood Bellatrix, twirling her wand lazily, her eyes gleaming with manic excitement.

"Now that the distractions are gone, I believe it's time you and I get ourselves re-acquainted because my oh my, haven't you grown so much more delicious since I last saw you."

Before Harry could even react, she appeared in front of him.

Eyes widening at the unbelievable speed, Harry attempted to raise his wand but found that he couldn't.

It felt to him as though every muscle in his body froze completely.

Alarm took over Harry's senses when her sapphire eyes sparkled with crazed mirth. Her predatory smile widened as she got on the tip of her toes and leaned her chest provocatively onto his, snaking her hands up the sides of his neck and into his hair.

"Oh, my sweet prince…" Bellatrix fussed, roughly grabbing the teen by his hair and making him look down at her, "You've gotten so very strong… all for little ol' me… mmmm…"

Harry's skin crawled.

"Like 'em? Big aren't they?" She breathed deeply as she pushed her breasts hard against his chest, making sure he felt every curve, every wrongness. "Soon they'll be full of hot milk… food for our children to slurp up…"

"Get the fuck away from me, you demented bitch!" Harry gritted out, his eyes burning with anger and revulsion as he fought helplessly at the invisible force whilst Bellatrix's smile widened.

"Such a harsh mouth," She tutted condescendingly, "Perfect match to mine… actually… I think I deserve a little taste! Just to make sure."

Before he could protest, Bellatrix claimed Harry's lips roughly, shoving her tongue against his. The kiss was brutal, invasive, and filled with obscene moans. The witch sensually rubbing the teen's paralysed body whilst she mapped out his mouth.

Harry's mind screamed, every fibre of his being recoiling at the contact.

Everything felt wrong.

"I dream everyday of you seeding me with this." She whispered after pulling back slightly, grabbing Harry's lower half whilst he shivered in disgust. "Fucking and fucking until you've stuffed my poor little womb full of your little babies who will one day grow up to worship and rule with the Dark Lord."

"You're fucking insane." Harry growled out with absolute loathing whilst Bellatrix licked the drool from his bruised lips.

"It was you who made me like this, darling. You ripped the haze from my eyes and I have never seen anything so much clearer-"

Harry sneered. Her face may have regained its youthful appearance and looked normal enough but it was her eyes that told another story. The real story. They were wild, crazed and filled with a madness that was terrifying in its intensity.

Windows to the soul indeed, Harry thought with a grimace.

The young Lord's mind frantically went into overdrive as he ignored Bellatrix's insane ramblings. A plan formulated in his brain of a way to get out of this predicament and though he had wished he had thought of something else; he didn't have anything else. There was no other way, not with her so close.

He had to play his part.

"-No… perhaps the Dark Lord wouldn't like our first born to have his name-"

"-Bella."

Bellatrix's eyes widened. A shiver unlike anything she's ever felt before was sent from her head all the way down to the soles of her feet. Her flesh erupted in goosebumps, her stomach and womb filled with a hot, fuzzy feeling as she felt his powerful eyes gazing down at her.

The voice was so deep, so thick and not to mention powerful. So extraordinarily powerful.

She slowly looked up at her husband-to-be and couldn't help the moan that had escaped from her throat. His enchanting, emerald orbs was bursting with lust and brimming with unbelievable hunger, and all of it was directed at her.

Only her.

"Yes…" Bellatrix answer with a whisper, gazing adoringly at the hunk in front of her through her half-lidded eyes.

"Come closer… I want to taste you again…"

She felt her wetness growing, her pulse quickening and her breaths accelerating. There was a presence about him that wasn't there before. A commanding presence, a dominating one and it brokered no refusal.

As if she'd refuse him.

"Just say the word, darling, and you can breed me right now." Bellatrix whimpered; unaware of Harry's discomfort when she palmed his member. "I want it. Your seed. Your children. Breed me over and over. Please!" She finished breathlessly. Her eyes were fanatic as her pale face reddened with an almost uncontrollable yearning.

"Ssssoon," Harry began, slipping into Parseltongue with a sultry hiss, watching with grim satisfaction how Bellatrix's sapphire eyes darkened further, "But right now… I want to tasssste you again, Bella. Now come…"

Bellatrix nodded as if she was in a trance. Pressing her heaving chest against him, she leaned up on her toes and without a second to waste, glued her lips onto his but this time, Harry commanded the duel of tongues. She let out a guttural moan as he mapped her mouth, her panties practically soaking with her essence.

Her darling hadn't even touched her with his hands and she could already feel her release coming, quicker and quicker until finally, just when she felt her orgasm at its peak, a sharp pain exploded from her mouth. With a scream she hastily scrambled back and before she knew what had happened, she felt herself being blasted away and thrown roughly onto the ground.

With another scream, she holstered herself up, her sapphire eyes blazing with outrageous fury.

The teen was panting, his bruised lips were dripping with blood as a cold, unnerving smirk appeared on his face as he used his once frozen hand, to wipe his bloody chin.

An ugly scowl appeared on the witch's face before it was suddenly replaced with a genial expression, though this time, she stayed rooted on the spot.

"Wandless magic? You continue to surprise me but did you have to hurt me, darling?" She simpered, healing the cut on her tongue with a wave of her wand.

Harry sneered, spitting out saliva and blood from his mouth. "Did I mention? I like to bite."

Bellatrix's eyes sparkled with glee. "Ain't that something… I'm a bit of a biter myself."

As if it were a common fly, she smacked away the bone-breaker that Harry had sent.

"That wasn't very nice." The witch pouted. With a flick, she sent of her own bone-breaker, the spell blasting through Harry's hastily conjured shield effortlessly. Seeing this, the teen just about pivoted his body, making the spell hit his elbow instead of his ribs and with a loud crack, the bone broke cleanly at the joint.

Harry bit back a cry of pain as he rolled behind an overthrown sofa. Gingerly placing his forearm on top of his kneecap, he used his wand to numb the joint. The excruciating pain was thankfully gone but he had completely lost mobility in the arm. With hateful eyes, he turned to look at a mirthful looking Bellatrix who raised an eyebrow at him.

He was good. Brilliant in fact when it came to duelling and he would only progressively get better and yet, even he knew he was outclassed. Pretending to accept her infatuation may have worked the first time, but judging by the stiffness in his foe's shoulders, she was on her guard now.

"Enough with this. This ends now." Harry said, stepping around the sofa.

Bellatrix mock sighed, taking a step forward but scowled when Harry took a step back.

"Why can't you see we belong with one another? We have a connection, a true connection. Every day, every night, my thoughts are about you, about us! About our future!" She explained passionately.

Harry's eyes hardened, a touch of disgusted pity entered his voice. "Andi was right… they really did fuck your head up."

Bellatrix's eyes flashed with rage.

"Andi, Andi, Andi…MUST SHE ALWAYS GET IN THE WAY?!"

Harry's hand tightened on his wand.

"-Sinking her traitorous claws in to you… it's as I thought… I need to remove her taint. She's corrupted you… turned you against me…" She muttered, her sapphire eyes beginning to glow with power, "Not to worry my sweet, Bella will make you all better."

With a snap of her wand, she sent of a stunner which Harry easily parried. His eyes narrowing.

"NO! Let me help you, Harry! Only I can help you!" The mad witch sent of another stunner and this time; he sent it careening back to her which she avoided by side stepping out the way.

"I'm not the one who needs help…"The teen snarled. His thoughts went back to Sirius' death, to the way Bellatrix had laughed as he fell through the veil.

Harry's magical aura exploded again from its confines, the action causing the air to charge up.

Even just thinking about the way she had violated him earlier… it was enough to push him over the edge.

A whisper.

That was all he needed.

"Avada Kedavra!"

The Killing Curse rushed from his wand without a sound. The area around the two lit up in green; Harry's eyes the only thing brighter.

Bellatrix's gasped before she hastily moved out of the way death, watching morbidly how the curse struck pugnaciously at what remained of the house and with an ear-shattering bang, the entire structure was blown away leaving the duo outside, the wind smacking harshly around them.

"Now I want you even more…" The mad witch began breathlessly, eyeing a cold looking Harry lustfully, "I see… yes… it's all tough love, I suppose. No matter, no matter, you'll thank me in the end…"

Bellatrix twirled her wand with a giggle and spell after spell left her curved stick in rapid succession, half of which Harry didn't recognise as he blocked the ones he knew and dodged ones he didn't.

Instantly, he was on his back foot as the duel between the two commenced.

The woman cast with reckless abandon; spells bursting from her wand like never ending fireworks.

Harry however, had quickly realised that Bellatrix wasn't trying to kill him. Rather, incapacitate him instead and that, he smiled, was to be her downfall. Though it did nothing to diminish her skill with her wand, it was something Harry easily capitalised on.

Unlike Bellatrix though, the young Lord had no such restriction.

He wanted the bitch to die.

With renewed determination, Harry began to fight back, sending off his own curses in between deflecting and dodging hers whilst Bellatrix did the same, with a growing glare.

On and on their duel went, as neither side gave an inch.

Harry dug deep into his newly learned Battle Magic, utilising spells that would leave even the strongest of duellers shocked and yet, none of it seemed to faze Bellatrix.

The crazed woman was clearly Voldemort's strongest fighter for a reason. She efficiently avoided the spells she didn't know, scrambling out their way or utilising a golden shield that seemed to block everything to Harry's increasing ire.

Despite that, she didn't use that shield often. Judging from the way Bellatrix was perspiring; the shield was taking a toll on her each time she used it and that was when he struck.

"Incendious Maximus!" Harry thought silently, thrusting his wand sharply at her.

His magic answered his call as a large inferno blew out of his wand like a modified flamethrower. The grass under his feet burnt instantly to ash and the wooden floorboards of his once new home turned black as the wide wave of fire rushed towards a snarling Bellatrix who quickly realised she couldn't dodge the incoming spell.

"Scutum Arcana!" She screamed; the first words she said since the beginning of the duel.

The same shimmering golden shield appeared around her and not even a second later, Harry's battle spell struck it, encompassing her completely in an ocean of fire.

The flames roared around her, devouring everything in their path, but despite this, Bellatrix's shield held strong after the spell finally dissipated.

Predicting this, Harry flicked his wand towards his side. Transfiguring a large beam of wood into a makeshift silver spear, he quickly banished it straight towards her, before sending off a spell chain that was one of Professor Flitwick's favourites.

Harry however, rather cleverly, had modified it a tad.

After all, he wanted her dead, not bound, gagged and wandless.

Bellatrix's face twisted in glee as she turned the spear into ash, swirling her wand to push out a shield charm afterwards but watched in shock when Harry's following spell tore through it. Parrying away the blood boiler that came straight after what she realised was a shield breaker, her sight was blinded by a light so strong, it felt as though her eyeballs were being burnt and as such, she didn't see the killing curse flying at her until it was almost too late.

Diving out the way, she swiped her wand immediately, sending of a piercing spell at Harry who's eyes widened at the violet streak of magic heading towards him.

Unable to react in time, he grunted hoarsely when the spell pierced right through his abdomen with a sickening slice. Blood poured from his wound in excess, staining the darkened floorboards. His eyes grew heavy as he fell painfully to his knees and heard the sounds of footsteps approaching him balefully.

His vision swam as he looked up, expecting to see Bellatrix's smug, sadistic grin.

Instead, he saw shock.

"No… NO!" Harry heard her panicked whisper, her voice sounding faint in his ears as he felt himself being pulled up. He felt her take his head cradle it against her bosom whilst her hand was pressed hard on his open wound, attempting to superficially stem the bleeding.

"Forgive Bella, my sweet. I lost control for a second there…" She mumbled with a giggle. "You're dangerous, darling, and powerful mmmm, so powerful… any longer and… never mind. Let Bella get you all better and then we'll be together forever."

Her hot breath brushed against his face, and the sheer wrongness sent a jolt of revulsion through him. Adrenaline pumped through his veins as he lifted his hand which somehow still held his wand, and whilst Bellatrix's attention was on him, he managed to discreetly aim the wand at her side.

"Stupefy." And like a sack of potatoes, the mad witch crumbled to the ground, a shocked expression plastered on her face as Harry pushed himself to his hands and knees.

With grim satisfaction at besting his foe regardless of how he did it, he summoned every dark memory and emotion he felt towards the woman and aimed his wand at her. The tip of the stick grew green as his eyes blazed but just when he could utter the cursed words, a strained voice shouted out behind him.

"POTTER!"

Harry turned sharply at the voice and what he saw was victory on a face.

The Death Eater that he had banished earlier had somehow regained conscious and had his sleeve rolled up. His wand in his hand, pressing hard against the Dark Mark on his forearm.

NO!

Pin-drop silence for the first time enveloped the space.

Harry's breaths were laboured and sharp; the wound on his abdomen bleeding as he looked around wildly. Looking for any sign, any subtle shift in the air that he was coming.

Finally, the penny dropped.

The young Lord felt the accursed magic and couldn't help the shiver that ran down his back.

The sick, familiar and twisted magic of the one he hated the most above all. The one that took everything.

Voldemort was here.

New found energy burst from his body. Anger and rage beyond anything he's ever experienced this entire night pushed through every ache, every protest of pain as Harry swivelled on the spot, jabbing his wand towards the direction he felt his magic the heaviest and roared out the strongest spell he had in his arsenal pouring everything he had towards it.

"FULMEN TENEBRIS!"

Purple lightning pulsed from his wand with a thunder crack, the resulting power bucked the stick in his hand violently. The air itself seemed to tremble as it streaked towards the pin-drop silence, tearing towards the target like a wrathful storm whilst Harry fell back down on his knees.

The target appeared with an equally violent crack, his crimson, glowing eyes projected an intensity none could compare but those same eyes widened at what was coming towards him.

With a snarl, Voldemort snapped his pale wand up to intercept the threat. There was no time to analyse what spell it was and so with inhuman reflexes, he surrounded himself in a blinding, golden shield hoping it would be enough.

His non-existent eyebrows rose when the spell struck it with a boom, the resulting force shattering every remaining window in the neighbourhood and putting out every lingering flame from the earlier battle as the ground shook violently.

The shockwave pushed Voldemort back whilst the indestructible shield that had once blocked even Dumbledore's ancient spells, cracked in several places; the purple lightning pulsing around continuously as if it was searching to find a way inside.

Voldemort looked across at his arm, the arm that held his wand and he couldn't describe the emotions that ran through him. He watched fascinatingly as it trembled at the power of the spell.

He had scoured the world, fought and killed hundreds who had thought they could stand on par with him, his power never once wavering until now.

Of course, he knew who cast it.

The boy that he had failed to kill over and over. His magic was as familiar to him as the back of his hand.

As the smoke cleared and the final remnants of the lightning finally dispersed with a screaming crack around his shield, the Dark Lord lowered his surprisingly numb arm though it wasn't long till he began feeling it coming back to life.

"So… you came…" Harry rasped, struggling to get to his feet as his vision blurred. The loss of blood and his earlier injuries finally taking its toll on his body as he stared unflinchingly at his nemesis.

They got away… that's all that matters… they got away…

Voldemort frowned as his eyes swept over the scene.

His right hand, his most powerful wand, Bellatrix, was flat on the ground.

She wasn't dead it seemed, merely stunned… the how, he would make sure to painfully withdraw from her mind.

The chance of the boy besting Bellatrix cleanly was the same as him losing this war.

Impossible.

How she was on the floor bereft her wand was indeed curious.

A tick of his eyebrow was the only inclination he gave when he saw the state of Corban, one of his Inner Circle, killed in most brutal fashion. Despite the annoyance of the situation, he mentally grinned when he felt the remnants of Harry's magic on the corpse.

It seemed the darkness Voldemort had once seen in the boy when he was in his First Year had never left and had predictably, grown.

He turned his gaze towards the only remaining Death Eater and he sneered at the way the fool looked relieved at his arrival until the man flinched, hastily dropping to his knee and looking down.

Bested by a boy… how utterly pathetic…

"Consider me bemused… I did not foresee seeing you today, Harry Potter…" Voldemort drawled with a deadly whisper, his early fury for being called into a situation like this, a situation of which he was not informed, returning in full force.

Pyrites whimpered, rapidly shifting his eyes from his stunned madam and his enraged master.

"Such vitriol in your magic, Harry." Voldemort purred. Even though this evening was unplanned, he was anything but adaptable as he stalked slowly towards his adversary. "Poor Corban didn't stand a chance it seemed…"

Harry's eyes blazed but he smiled eerily during which Voldemort's mouth twitched with amusement.

So that fucker was Yaxley… good riddance.

"He deserved it."

"And I am sure he did. Corban, though politically sharp, his obsessions made him weak."

Pyrites watched the back and forth with a relieved smile, that was until Voldemort sharply turned his gaze at him.

Forcefully entering his follower's mind, the Dark Lord relayed a simple message that brokered no refusal.

Take Bellatrix and go. You will wait for my summons later.

Pyrites bowed again and with growing dread, he scampered off to his madam and without a moment sooner, apparated away.

Silence followed his departure as Voldemort stared down Harry's injured form whilst the teen prepared himself for the death he knew was coming.

It seemed there was no way out this time around.

I wonder what happened to my Patronus… Harry thought fleetingly before flinching when Voldemort raised his wand.

He felt a spell hit him where he had been pierced and instantly, the painful wound had healed, though not well. Where there was once a constant, excruciating pain, it was reduced to a dull, pulsing throb.

With widened eyes, Harry was rendered speechless as he tried wrapping his head around the fact that his sworn enemy had healed him. The teen watched unblinkingly as Voldemort swished his wand negligently and an ornate throne was conjured just before him.

Sitting down into it with a cruel, relaxed grace, the Dark Lord interlocked his fingers and gazed down at the wary looking boy.

"Since our little escapade at the Ministry, you have given me naught but problems, Harry." Voldemort began silkily. "It seems your death is imminent and yet… I am not pleased. Do you know why that is?"

Harry remained quiet, glaring defiantly at the man.

"Crucio."

With a guttural scream, the teen thrashed about on the floor; the Unforgivable lighting up every nerve in his body.

"Albus continues to slip on your manners," Voldemort sighed mockingly, enjoying the boy's tremors after releasing the curse, "Your Lord asked you a question, boy."

Harry grit his teeth hard, his face unable to mask his pain. He raised his wand to attack with what little vestiges of magic he had. That was until he quickly found himself without the stick as it was deftly flicked into Voldemort's outstretched hand.

"Not only have you gotten stronger but it seems your insolence has increased also-"

"-Just kill me already. That's why you're here isn't it?" Harry interrupted hatefully whilst the man scowled, physically stopping himself from cursing the boy into oblivion.

"And that is the underlying issue… the child, lying before me, who I've failed to kill time and time again and here you are, defeated, but not at my hand. The concept frustrates me to no end." Voldemort drawled, spinning Harry's wand in his hand before he hummed. "Well… now seems like the perfect opportunity…"

Harry cried out when he felt Voldemort's mind tear through his like wet parchment. Try as he might, the teen couldn't stop the Dark Lord from perusing his memories.

It wasn't a moment later when Voldemort snarled, harshly pulling himself out of Harry's mind. "Dumbledore's meddling knows no bounds. Intelligent of him to show you false prophecies leaving me to speculate on which is the truth."

"You're one piece of fucking shit, Tom." The teen hissed on the floor, holding his head gingerly. It felt as if someone had jackhammered his brain.

Voldemort's eyes flashed in anger.

A whip made of fire, extended from his wand, striking Harry on the back.

CRACK!

His flesh was torn harshly, the scent of blood and burnt flesh permeated the air as Harry cried out in agony. The pain was so intense that it felt as if it was burning straight into his very bones.

"Men have been butchered for lessssss, Harry," Voldemort said softly, his crimson eyes smouldering with malice, "You would do well to heed my words."

Despite the pain, Harry managed to smirk, pushing himself onto his elbows.

"Death comes for us all in the end, Tom."

Voldemort ignored the surprisingly eery words of the stupid boy and instead raised his and Harry's wands, touching the tips of the sticks to one another.

Harry's heart momentarily lifted when a familiar phoenix's cry was heard, a flash of a reminiscent golden dome appearing over their heads until it faded away as quickly as it came.

"Brother wands are ever so curious and yet, so unbelievably pathetic. " He muttered, throwing Harry's wand just a few feet in front of him before rising to his feet.

Harry, his heart pounding, tried straining his arm to feel again the familiar warmth of the stick but his body protested the very movement abhorrently, sending sharp spasms of pain through his very nerves.

Voldemort chuckled darkly at the teen's plight before smiling widely when he heard the sounds of apparation in the background. "Do not be benumbed, Harry. No matter how I long for your death here, it would, regrettably, leave a bad taste in my mouth. No. The time for your death will come when I see that defiance leave your eyes, when you are completely and helplessly broken, only then will Lord Voldemort give you your reward."

The Dark Lord then turned around and faced the members of the Order, basking in their fear as they held their wands shakily at him. His crimson eyes begun to glow eerily when he turned to the wizard who stood at the helm of the group.

"Good evening, Tom." Dumbledore said quietly, though there was a grim edge to his voice that betrayed the worry that swirled in him. His ocean blue eyes couldn't hold off the grimace when he saw the state of his protégé; battered and torn apart but alive. Thankfully alive.

"You must forgive me, Albus… I will have to cut off our banter short."

"And Harry?" The old man questioned, tightening his hand on his wand whilst his eyes began glistening with restrained magical power.

Voldemort ignored him, choosing to smile evilly whilst lazily spinning his pale wand in his hand.

The tension was palpable as titans of magic stared down one another. The air became heavy and violent, strengthening with charged energy as the overwhelming magic of the two wizards infused their surroundings.

The Order was too visibly stunned to move, frightened even, to breathe too loudly in case the Dark Lord's ire turned to them. Death Eaters they could handle to a certain degree, but the Dark Lord himself? It was beyond anything they had ever encountered. His mere presence was suffocating.

"You are too generous, Albus," Voldemort began, his voice carry a mocking lilt. "Not only have you come to die, you have brought your foolish wands of justice to theirs also. Pity…" He drawled, his smirk deepening when the Order members looked uneasy.

A ripple of discontent shot through the group. Whispers of fear hummed under their breaths as the members shifted uneasily.

"No innocent will die tonight, Tom." Dumbledore retorted firmly. "Not while I still breathe."

"Spoken like a true hero." Voldemort sneered mockingly, settling into a comfortable duelling stance while Dumbledore mirrored him. "For many years now, you have continued being a thorn at my side, Dumbledore. I believe… it is finally time to remedy that."

In an instant, Voldemort spun his wand, firing a torrent of spells, a cascade of curses that lit up the night sky in a kaleidoscope of colours. Magic built around him, brutal and unrelenting, each curse darker and more horrific that the last.

But Dumbledore was ready. With a sweep of his hand, he pushed the Order members back behind him and twirled his wand with his other hand, easily countering the onslaught with effortless precision before sending his own with equal measure.

The ground beneath them trembled immensely, the stronger members of the Order moving to stand protectively in front of the less but even they were struggling to block Voldemort's aberrant spells due to their power and lethality.

Harry watched from the ground, spellbound. The battle unfolding was nothing short of legendary as neither wizard gave an inch, Dumbledore especially.

The old man had to not only protect the Order behind him but to protect himself and to also ensure none of his errant spells hit Harry.

Their earlier battle in the Ministry was nothing short of amazing but this… this was truly a battle of the ages as Dumbledore effortlessly fought against a slowly angering Voldemort who began increasing the brutality of his spells, realising that another one of his duels with his oldest nemesis was beginning to venture in to the territory of a stalemate.

A lull in the battle occurred when in a fit of rage, Voldemort screamed, sending a devastating spell chain that twisted and spiralled toward Dumbledore with the full might of his esoteric magic. Unforgivables danced in the air, blending with spells so dark they were almost incomprehensible, nearly invisible, hoping one of them would slip by the old man's almost impregnable defence.

Countering the final Cruciatus by intercepting it with a fallen street lamp, Dumbledore strained his dying magic, pushing out a silver barrier that encompassed the entire vicinity of him and the people behind him and watched with laboured breath as the last spell splashed harmlessly against the shield with a high pitch hiss, but it held.

The old man grimaced, every muscle ached. For the first time in his life, Dumbledore felt as if he was on the very edge of defeat. Any longer and he was sure he would've survived.

The silence was deafening.

The entire landscape of the once easily recognisable neighbourhood was completely destroyed, levelled, as if a natural disaster had swept through. The sky above them was layered with smoke, the aftermath of their battle hung like a smothering blanket.

Dumbledore's garish robes were stained with dirt, blood and dust. His chest was rising up and down in excess as he struggled to gain his breath but his eyes never wavered from its foe who like him, was also in a similar condition.

Voldemort's anger was at an all-time high as he roughly pulled out a wooden fence that had been transfigured into a pike, out of his arm with a snarl. His crimson eyes burned with abject loathing as the small cuts and welts that had appeared on his body began to heal.

"Stalemate…" The Dark Lord asked gleefully, looking around their makeshift arena. "Or perhaps not."

Dumbledore took a deep breath before his eyes grew sorrowful. Many of the Order was injured, a few even dead not to mention the muggle neighbourhood which no longer harboured life, all perished due to their duel.

He felt his anguish building up as he turned to see a severed head of a little girl, many paces away from her tiny frame. She was underneath what remained of what could only be her house. Cold, lifeless, blue eyes looked out aimlessly but it felt as though the gaze was locked on to him.

Condemning him.

Judging him.

Forgive me… forgive me…

The guilt was almost too much to bear and that was when Fawkes appeared in a flash of brilliant fire. The phoenix played a sorrowful but hopeful melody, raising the group's morale and most importantly, Dumbledore's, as the old man let out a raspy breath, before turning his tired eyes to a distasteful looking Voldemort.

"No more, Tom. No more innocent blood needs to be spilt."

Voldemort's face remained in a scowl until he enforced his Occlumency.

Suddenly, the sounds of multiple pops were heard, the sounds echoing all around them. A large contingency of men and woman arrived. With them was Amelia Bones herself, standing at the front of the group and alongside her was Rufus Scrimgeour and Kingsley Shacklebolt who brought up her rear.

"Voldemort…" Amelia whispered, the Aurors behind her all flinching at the cursed name.

"Madame Bones," Voldemort began with a mocking bow, "How good of you to join us."

Amelia's eyes turned to steel as she took a step forward, raising her wand at the snake-like-man.

"Lay down your wand and surrender." She commanded, her voice firm. Others around her, raised theirs too though shakily.

Before Voldemort could retort however, the clouds above him parted and the familiar image of his Mark, a skull with a snake protruding from its mouth, lit up the sky. From it, black smoke in the shape of a person descended from its jaws, flying through the air until it landed just in front of him.

A Death Eater, a man it looked like from Harry's perspective, kneeled at Voldemort's feet before rising. Black beady eyes, behind the silver, intricate mask widened once it travelled over Harry's form before he walked up to the Dark Lord and whispered something to him.

"I am afraid, I am little, short on time," The Dark Lord said reluctantly after a moment, his red eyes burning with hatred at the people in front of him. "But do remember this… this is only the beginning. Soon you will all have a choice to make. Assent or die."

Voldemort spared Harry with one last look before both master and servant vanished into the night.

The silence since their departure felt oppressive and cruel. Broken only by the crackling flames and the cries of the wounded. If the people didn't feel it before, they definitely felt it now.

They were against a monster. An unhinged, unrepentant animal that wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted.

"Status?" Amelia asked quietly.

Shacklebolt spoke just after a junior auror updated him. His deep voice was steady despite the situation. "Multiple casualties, even more wounded, some even critical. Those who knows basic healing charms are administering them now but they need immediate medical attention."

"Begin evac to St Mungos. Proudfoot, assign an Auror to each of those… civilians and double the Auror duty at the hospital. We can't afford any more surprises tonight." Amelia said, her tone clipped. She watched Dumbledore stride away, McGonagall and Moody right behind him, "It's time I have a word with Dumbledore about this secret little club of his."

"Harry!"

Harry grunted at his name, pushing himself on his elbows. He felt his eyes slowly growing heavy again. It seemed the adrenaline was finally wearing off.

"What took you?" The teen mumbled.

McGonagall knelt beside him, reaching out to offer comfort to her lion but the instant her hand touched his, Harry recoiled violently, flinching away causing the older woman to hastily pull her arm back.

For a split second, he was trapped in Bellatrix's grasp again.

Helpless.

Alone.

"-Harry?" Dumbledore questioned worriedly. His usual calm face was wrought with concern as he watched the boy tremble.

"I'm fine… just… never mind." Harry sighed, pushing away the nauseating thoughts of Bellatrix from his mind, "Where the bloody hell were you?"

"Sounds fine to me." Moody muttered causing McGonagall to scowl at him.

Dumbledore exhaled wearily.

"Werewolves were spotted in Luton. Their entire pack had gathered and so we were a little preoccupied but thankfully, managed to drive them back though not without difficulty." His eyes lightened. "It was only when Dobby informed me you were in danger, did we come."

Harry blinked, confused. His green eyes turned to Moody. "I-I don't understand. I sent my Patronus to you earlier, wanting you to check on Andi and Nym…"

Moody's brow furrowed, his prosthetic eye whirling wildly before it focused on Harry. "Didn't get nuffin', kid. Certainly, no Patronus. Think I'd have seen that."

How's that possible? Harry thought, I saw it receive my message and fly off towards Moody.

"Where's Andromeda, Harry?"

Dumbledore's voice cut through, causing Harry's eyes to widen and his heart to race.

"Shit! I need to go Hogwarts." He tried to move but clenched his jaw when strong tremors wracked his body.

"Merlin, Albus! He's been exposed to the Cruciatus Curse." McGonagall gasped with horror whilst Dumbledore's frown deepened considerably.

"I cannot on good conscience let you go, Harry. You need urgent medical care-"

The teen gritted his teeth. "I'll be alright."

"Travel will be painful." The headmaster cautioned.

"I said I'm fine." Harry reiterated angrily, forcefully pushing himself up with sheer determination.

"Dumbledore!" Amelia shouted. Her lips were set in a very straight line as she marched towards the group.

Dumbledore sighed, already dreading the impeding conversation.

A flash of fire appeared on the old man's shoulder and Fawkes materialised without a sound. The Phoenix's curious eyes stared deeply into Harry's before it flapped its wings gently.

"Take Harry to Poppy, Fawkes, and ensure he stays there until I return." Dumbledore said the last bit at Harry fimly causing the teen to scowl.

Chirping happily, the bird flew over to the teen's shoulder and before he could retort, flashed him away.

"I know you saw that black, lookin' ink on the boy's neck, Albus." Moody said quietly whilst Dumbledore hummed in acknowledgement. "It was magical; unlike any marking I've ever seen before."

"Indeed Alastor… though if my working theory on it proves to be true, then it makes sense why young Harry would keep it hidden. I have only seen one other with something similar."

"And who's tha'?" Moody asked with a frown.

"My late friend of old… William Potter." Dumbledore said with a gleam in his eye. "Amelia! A pleasant surprise!"

"Cut the crap, Albus. People are dead, the Muggle neighbourhood is annihilated and the PR is going to be a nightmare. Not mention the fact that there are bloody civilians who shouldn't even be here, some dead and many injured. What the bloody hell is going on here and who was it that just left?!"

"Amelia…" He tried.

"No, enough! No. More. Secrets. Otherwise, I'll throw the book at all of you." The red-haired woman growled.

Dumbledore sighed. "It was Harry."

"Harry? Harry Potter? What on earth was he doing here?!" Amelia exclaimed incredulously.

The old man winced when the group behind her began to whisper.

"Harry's presence here is irrelevant." He finally said, his voice tired. "There are far more urgent concerns to worry about."

Amelia's eyes narrowed. "Another neighbourhood was decimated, Dumbledore. The muggle Prime Minister will need to be read in and as such, this is now an active investigation especially due to Voldemort and now, Lord Potter's direct involvement. Was the boy injured?"

Dumbledore pursed his lips but the look on McGonagall's face spoke volumes.

Amelia's jaw clenched. "Very well. Proudfoot, send an additional unit to St Mungo's. I want you to send for me when Lord Potter is fit to answer a few questions…"

"-My dear Amelia, you will not find him there." Dumbledore spoke up causing the woman to scowl in annoyance.

"You are toeing the line very finely, Albus," She growled warningly, "Now, unless you have something pertinent to say, I suggest you not impede me any further."

"Albus!" McGonagall hissed warningly causing Dumbledore to let out a weary sigh as he raised his hands in surrender.

"Very well. Very well… Perhaps it will be better if you join me at Hogwarts, Amelia. I do believe a long-anticipated conversation is in order."

"And Lord Potter?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.

"In, I am sure now, Poppy's capable hands though I do not know if he will be quite willing to answer any questions at the moment. He is not too fond of the Ministry as you may know." He said drily whilst the redhead pursed her lips, unable to refute.

"I'll take my chances."

"After you."

With one more stern look at McGonagall and Moody who smirked in response, Amelia turned to the Auros behind her. "Proudfoot. You and Dawlish clean up this mess. I want a rudimentary report on my desk by the time I return. Shacklebolt, if you would please inform the Prime Minister on tonight's development. I fear it'll be a long couple of days. Scrimgeour, with me."

As she marched away, Dumbledore turned to Moody.

"Alastor, check up on our friends at Luton. Ensure they are cared for. I will schedule a meeting tomorrow to discuss today's events."

"Aye. Try not to hide anything from the lass. She was trained by me after all 'nd she's got quite the temper." Moody grinned before he hobbled away.

"Will You-Know-Who proceed with any additional attacks tonight, Albus?" McGonagall asked worriedly as she moved to stand next to him.

Dumbledore repaired the rips and burns on his robes with a wave of his wand as he eyed the battle worn surroundings sorrowfully. "No, my dear. It seemed Tom had more pressing concerns judging by his face at the end. Small mercies. We can only wait on Severus for more."

"A-And Potter?" McGonagall asked, her voice quieter this time, her hands trembling slightly. "The way he flinched when I got close…"

"-I do not believe it was due to you, Minerva," Dumbledore interrupted gently whilst McGonagall's shoulders sagged, "I can only imagine what took place before we arrived."

"I'll stay." McGonagall said after a pause. "Round up the rest of the Order and ensure they're safe and cared for."

Dumbledore nodded gratefully.

Casting his tired eyes once more around the levelled grounds, he softly called for Fawkes and within a flash of fire, the wizened wizard flashed away.

CwD

"How is she?"

His voice was hollow, his face set in a complete, expressionless mask as he stared at the unmoving form of Andromeda.

Madam Pomfrey sighed, wiping the sweat of her brow with the cuff of her sleeve.

"I thought I told you not to get up, Mr Potter. Your exhausted as it is and your wounds will reopen. You need to rest so that the potion for the tremors can take effect."

Harry ignored the matron, opposing to stare at the woman until she huffed with annoyance before her eyes softened.

"Stable, for now. I had to put her in a magically induced coma due to the severity of her injuries. Andromeda had lost a lot of blood and because of that, her body had gone into shock. If she had been left untreated any longer…"

The answer was left unsaid. The silence was deafening.

Death.

Andi would've died.

Harry's eyes flashed as a torrent of emotions went through him like an abundant wave.

Rage, fear, shame.

He'd broken his promise to them.

The promise to keep them safe.

To keep them out of harm's way.

Why? After everything I've gone through… why am I not strong enough to protect my family?

Harry flinched when he felt someone gently clasp his shoulder. The urge to summon his wand was almost palpable until he forcefully pushed the feeling down.

"I know what you're thinking…" Tonks began gently, her voice quiet, tentative. She waited, but when he didn't respond, she pressed on. "Stop. Don't do this… you know it wasn't your fault."

Clenching his jaw tightly, the teen gave no reply before he brushed his shoulder away from her and began walking off towards the doors of the Hospital Wing whilst Tonks' face fell.

"Harry! You did everything you could! She… B-Bellatrix was-" She stopped herself when she saw him turn around to face her over his shoulder. His handsome face was hidden by the shadows, but the fury in his glowing green eyes was unmistakable. It burned with a hatred so deep that for a brief moment, Tonks didn't recognise him.

Swallowing thickly, Tonks looked away from his intense gaze and spoke her next words carefully. "We're in a war. Mum and I knew the risks, the dangers. You can't carry tonight's burden on yourself, Harry. You… You did all you could."

Harry bawled his fists up so tightly that his knuckles turned white. Shame reared its ugly head as he spoke quietly; the anguish in his voice discernible to the two women in the room.

"I didn't do enough."

His words cut through the solemn room like a knife and with that, Harry ignored Tonks' further pleas as he walked out of the Hospital Wing. Madam Pomprey watched him go, her aged face was lined with sympathy as she guided a distraught Tonks to the bed beside her mother, whispering words of comfort.

Meanwhile, Harry stalked aimlessly through the halls of Hogwarts, ignoring the numerous paintings and ghosts who vied for his attention which he couldn't hear over the roar of his thoughts.

His body was healed, Madam Pomfrey as always, doing a fantastic job of that and yet his mind felt as if it was a war-torn battlefield.

Eventually, he reached a small, dim alcove off to the side. Pressing his back against the wall, he sunk down into the darkness and threaded his fingers through his hair, gripping at the roots tightly as though the physical pain could distract him from the helplessness he felt inside.

What do I do, Sirius? Mum… Dad…?

A silence descended, only broken by the flickering candles and the deep breaths he was utilising to avoid completely breaking down. He was done crying at the unfairness of the world and had accepted the cards he had been dealt with a long time ago but there were moments in his life that sometimes, things felt too much to bear.

This was one of those times.

Maybe dying would be easier…

A shiver ran down his spine as a cold draft flew through the space he occupied causing his hackles to rise in alarm and suddenly, Harry wasn't alone.

"Peverell… the cavorter of death…" A raspy, disembodied voice spoke.

The teen turned sharply at the voice, his breath hitching when he looked into the wide staring, black eyes of the Bloody Baron.

"What…?" Harry asked warily.

The Baron was an oddity. He rarely spoke, choosing to instead, wander around the halls indirectly frightening the younger years and unnerving the rest with his bloodied robes and the blackened chains that bound him. Harry wasn't like most though.

He'd never tell anyone but there was always an odd sense of familiarity he felt with all the ghosts for some reason.

"You bathe in death, Peverell. Spilling blood… a terrible act… I would know… Allow me to give you some advice."

"Potter." Harry corrected but blinked owlishly when it looked as if a smirk appeared on the usual stoic face of the Baron.

"Contrition is a spectre that clings to the living like a shroud. War is all the same; Blood is spilled… lives are torn asunder… pain is inevitable. The blood of your loved ones have stained your soul and will never wash away not even after death. Guilt is eternal… take heed to make it your own, after all… the Reaper takes all in the end and not even its chosen is safe…"

With that, the Bloody Baron drifted away through the wall leaving a pensive Harry behind.

"I didn't ask for your advice…" He muttered to no one but nevertheless, allowed the cryptic words to echo in his mind.

Harry sighed, leaning his head back against the wall. "Winky."

"Master Harry?" The small elf questioned with worry in her voice when she appeared.

The young Lord swallowed, struggling to get the words out of his mouth. His mind refusing to stray away from the image of Andromeda stationary on the bed, bruised and bandaged.

"A-Andi… she and Nym have been injured. Stay with them, ensure Madam Pomfrey has everything she needs to care for them. And when Andi wakes… Call for me. Will you do that for me, Winky?"

Harry felt a small fist grasp the side of trousers tightly. He turned to look at the understanding eyes of his elf.

"Winky will, Master Harry. Winky won't let you down." With a determined look, she popped away, leaving the teen to stew in his thoughts.

Let you down… The teen chuckled humourlessly.

Perhaps that was what all of this was.

His lack of preparedness is what caused such a situation to take place. Andi and Nym's home destroyed, their belongings gone and both sustaining injuries, severe in the former's case… all of it could've been prevented if he was better.

In the end, that's all it came down to.

He needed to be better.

Better than Bellatrix.

Better than Voldemort.

Stronger, quicker. More ruthless, more ferocious… unrepenting.

Harry rose, using the wall to get his feet under him. His body ached, but the pain felt distant.

What he was doing right now wasn't enough. He needed to ramp up his training, his knowledge and skill, otherwise another situation like what had happened this evening may end less favourably and he couldn't let that happen.

He couldn't lose his family again.

"Never again."

CwD

August 7th, 1996

ANDROMEDA TONKS NOW ANDROMEDA BLACK! BLOOD ADOPTS THE CHOSEN ONE AND BECOMES PROXY TO THE NOBLE AND MOST ANCIENT HOUSE OF BLACK ADMIST CHOSEN ONE'S MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARENCE!

By Rita Skeeter

In what has sent the wizarding world into a frenzy, Madam Andromeda Black, former Andromeda Tonks, has not only taken charge of the infamous Black family, but has blood adopted, yes my dear readers, BLOOD ADOPTED, the Chosen One, Lord Harry Potter!

This shocking development is certainly not done there! In a move that left today's Wizengamot in an uproar, the legislative body received official documents by the Goblin Liaison office detailing that one, Lord Harry Potter, has given full proxy and autonomy to Madam Black to helm the Black family seats effectively placing the once disowned Heiress, in a position of immense power and status amongst the Wizengamot.

Could this be a sign of a shift in power? With Harry Potter mysteriously absent and no public statement made regarding his current whereabouts, many are speculating whether this is a move which is part of a larger strategy orchestrated by Madam Black.

Has she been planning this for years, waiting for the right moment to reclaim her place in the Black family, the family who had disowned her for marrying her late muggleborn husband, Edward Tonks? What does this new development mean for the future of the wizarding world?

It is not exactly clear on where the new Lord Black's political views lie but rest assured, dear readers, that I, Rita Skeeter, will be deeply immersing myself in this story…

CwD

August 12th, 1996

MINISTER CORNELIUS FUDGE OUSTED IN A VOTE OF NO-CONFIDENCE! MADAM AMELIA BONES TAKES OVER AS INTERIM MINISTER OF MAGICAL BRITAIN!

By Michael Loften

In a dramatic turn of events, today afternoon, Cornelius Fudge was voted out as Minister of Magic following a vote of no-confidence by the legislative body of Magical Britain. In his place, the previous Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Madam Amelia Bones of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Bones, has been appointed as the new interim Minister and is said to be voted into power in the following weeks with Rufus Scrimgeour taking her place as the new Director of the DMLE.

Fudge, who's leadership has spanned six years, has faced immense scrutiny of his handling of recent events especially with rumours of the re-emergence of the Dark Lord Voldemort. (See p.g. 3)

"This is barbarity I tell you! Barbarity! I have strived to ensure the safety of this country throughout my tenure and this is the thanks I get?! This is a grave mistake! A mistake that will haunt this country for many years to come, you mark my words!" A few of the late Minister's departing words.

While Albus Dumbledore, legendary Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and Defeater of the Dark Lord Grindelwald, has yet to comment publicly on the change of leadership, there was no doubt that his influence looms large over the current incident as multiple sources…

CwD

August 20th, 1996

ALBUS DUMBLEDORE, PREMIER MAGE OF MAGICAL BRITAIN AND DEFEATER OF THE DARK LORD GELLERT GRINDELWALD, HAS NAMED BOY FAMOUS, LORD HARRY POTTER AS HIS APPRENTICE! ICW MEMBERS FURIOUS!

By ICW Special Correspondent.

In a stunning development that has reverberated throughout the entire Magical World, Albus Dumbledore, Premier Mage of Britain and defeater of the Dark Lord Gellert Grindelwald has named Lord Harry Potter as his direct apprentice to take the mantle of Premier Mage when he retires.

Lord Harry Potter, who in recent times, has had his fame and renown skyrocket due to attaining the infamous Lordship of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, will now be the youngest apprentice to a Premier Mage since the position's inception. The announcement has not only captivated global public attention, but also provoked the intense backlash from the International Confederation of Wizards (ICW), particularly over Potter's new status.

Like other apprentices and Mages before him, Potter's new position provides a certain level of immunity from ICW legislation. This in turn, has now raised alarms amongst the Confederation and one such vocalist was none other than the current, youngest Premier Mage in history, Heir Lucas White of the Noble and Most Ancient House of White.

"Absurdity… for lack of a better word! He's merely a boy! Sixteen years old and to think he would be given a position of such power is ridiculous! I had once held respect and admiration for Mage Dumbledore but it is clear his indecisiveness and delay in choosing a more experienced apprentice, only demonstrates his mental decline that the British media have been sprouting for the past year!" Mage Lucas White (21), Premier Mage of France.

Lord Harry Potter did not linger to comment on his new found position at the Induction Ceremony here in Switzerland and so we were unable to get his thoughts on the matter nevertheless, Potter's notoriety cannot be denied. Only recently has Potter taken on the Lordships of…

CwD

September 1st, 1996

A delicate breeze stirred the leaves of the ancient oak trees that littered the grand expanse of Potter Manor. The dew-laden grass shimmered in the soft, golden light of the sun as a few birds chirped lazily in the treetops. Though the stormy weather of the past week had finally relented, the land still bore the marks of the heavy rain with the scent of petrichor filling the air.

Inside the magnificent manor, a young woman rolled her eyes, adjusting the lapel of her red, auror robes with keen precision whilst speaking absentmindedly to a green eyed teen who stood opposite her.

"-It'll be packed to the teeth in Aurors. If Voldemort and his cronies come, they'll have no chance. Moody and Shack will be there to escort us as well so we'll be covered. For the last time, Harry, stop worrying."

"Voldemort won't come." Harry Potter said knowingly with a sigh as Hedwig hooted angrily, demanding his attention whilst flapping her wings mercilessly on top of his head.

Tonks crossed her arms with a frown. "Then what are you worried about?".

"The people. The crowd."

She let out a frustrated huff. "That's your fault and you know it. We specifically told you beforehand, if you wanted to avoid the crowd, you should've got there earlier."

Harry scowled and glared at the woman who glared right back.

Who, in their right mind wakes up at seven in the morning just to reach the train station for ten?

Not Harry Potter, thank you very much, though now he was beginning to regret that.

He knew his absence in the public eye had only grown in traction and had finally reached its boiling point.

Curse that spindly old man!

If Harry knew accepting Dumbledore's apprenticeship would project his name even further in to the wider magical community, he would never have signed that bloody contract and now the only things planted on the newspapers nowadays was either about some fake sighting of him or how he liked his bloody tea!

Witch Weekly had to be the most abhorrent piece of journalism ever created and that was saying something when you have contenders like the Daily Prophet vying for their position.

Vultures! The lot of them!

The teen walked towards an open window, squinting as the morning sun shone brightly; a few clouds chasing after it. The past couple of days of relentless rain had finally given way to a clear and bright sky.

Averting his eyes to shield them from the powerful rays, he gently picked Hedwig off his head and sat her on the window sill, rubbing her head affectionately.

"It'll be more hectic than usual, Hed, so I can't take you with me this time. Find me on the train or I'll see you when I get to Hogwarts, okay?"

Hedwig gently nipped Harry's fingers as they traversed over her beautiful feathers. She fixed him sternly with her amber eyes before she flew away into the blue sky with a powerful flap of her wings.

Looks like she'll be seeing me.

Sighing again, which felt like he'd done at least a hundred times today, Harry shut the window and glanced at the watch on his wrist.

10:35.

Today marked the day he'd return back to Hogwarts for his Sixth Year and yet the burst of excitement he usually felt during this time of the year was absent. Perhaps it was due to the fact he had a home now and a loving family.

Though they were part of the reason, Harry knew deep inside that wasn't it.

Here he was heading off for school whilst a war that he was in the midst of raged on outside.

It frustrated him to no end.

He should be here, focusing solely on the war front, not off to school to learn about useless things or listen to Snape's wilful bemoaning.

It was with that mindset that Harry unintelligently broached the idea to Andromeda and as he should've predicted, the two ended up in quite a shouting match which he lost rather quickly when she blabbed to his grandparents.

Safe to say his grandfather was furious, claiming he'd become obsessed with the war and that he had responsibilities and so forth. Though he was sceptical at first, he quickly conceded when his grandmother Dorea stepped in.

He found that he didn't want to upset his grandmother.

Harry dragged his fingers across the window sill. Even now he could feel the comforting magic of Potter Manor seeping through the wood and he was sad to say that he would miss this place dearly. The home he should've grown up in, had grew on him considerably even though he'd only lived here for a couple of months.

"Hadrian?"

Harry turned at the voice.

Andromeda looked picture perfect. Her careful, cool mask was ever present but her eyes spoke of her sadness.

She walked up to him and smoothed out the imaginary wrinkles from his shirt before brushing her hand through his unruly hair.

"Your hair is too long." The older woman muttered causing Harry to crack a small smile.

"You always say that."

Andromeda huffed before presenting him a sad smile. "It's time. Packed everything?"

"Mmhmm." He nodded, offering the woman his arm. "Shall we? Nym?"

Tonks who had been silently watching, nodded, sending off a Patronus with a muttered incantation. An ethereal wolf shot off from her wand before she trained the stick at Harry's trunk, all the time ignoring Andromeda's disapproving gaze and pursed lips. Shrinking it, she moved over to the fireplace where she joined her mother and brother.

Harry looked up at the portrait of his great-uncle, smiling when he saw his grandparents standing behind him. The three older Potters had proud expressions on their faces as they regarded their blood.

"Got our painting?" Dorea asked, dabbing at a few tears from the corner of her eye.

Since that fateful night, Dorea had been inconsolable, burdened with guilt over her perceived role in what had happened. No matter how many times Harry had told her it wasn't her fault, the regret still lingered in her eyes.

Grandmother and grandson spoke extensively to one another afterwards and if anything, their relationship grew stronger than it did ever before. Underneath all the pride and stoicism that was Dorea Potter, Harry could tell she was very fragile and cared immensely for her family.

He couldn't imagine hating his sweet, sweet grandma because of that night and neither could Andromeda and Tonks.

Harry patted his pocket whilst giving the emotional woman a fond smile. "I'm not off to war Grandma, just school you know."

"Leave her be, son. The day we understand a woman's emotions is the day the world stops spinning." Charlus said with a roll of his eyes. The two Potter men shared a small grin whilst Dorea huffed in annoyance before she matched their expressions.

Waving goodbye to his Uncle Fleamont, trio stepped into the large fireplace and muttered their destination - one platform nine and three quarters and with a swoosh, they disappeared and reappeared off to the side where a contingency of Aurors garbed in red robes met them. Standing at the front of the group were the familiar faces of Moody and Shacklebolt.

"Cuttin' it bit close eh, Potter?" Moody smirked whilst Harry shrugged carelessly.

"Lord Potter, good to see you are well." Kingsley greeted with his baritone voice.

"And you, Mr Shacklebolt." Harry eyed the group of Aurors behind him, all straining theirs heads and bodies to look at him. "They can't all be here for me can they?"

"Aye lad." Mad-Eye grunted. "Quite a crowd waitin' for you on the platform."

"Lovely." Harry began sarcastically, "So… what's the plan?"

"Tonks holds the rear; Moody and I will escort you and Madam Black towards the last carriage. The others behind me will provide a small perimeter around us to hold back the reporters and other… overly curious individuals." Shacklebolt said whilst the teen reluctantly nodded.

He could see the Aurors behind the massive form of Shacklebolt, straightening up, their eyes on high alert as they scanned the area around them.

"I can take care of myself y'know…"

"-An' let you maim some unfortunate fucker who looks at Madam Pretty funny? Come off it, lad!" Moody retorted, his prosthetic eye spinning back and forth between Harry and Andromeda.

The young Lord's cheeks reddened as Andromeda preened. Her eyes sparkled with amusement, though her lips barely curved, leaving her expression composed.

Tonks stifled a grin whilst the group chuckled at Harry's discomfort. A few female aurors even cooed teasingly at the teen, their grins widening when he shot them a sheepish glare.

"'Nough chitchat. Positions!" Moody barked.

Dissolving any sort of emotion from his face that caused a few peeking Aurors to shiver at the coldness he was emitting, the teen gripped Andromeda's hand strongly as they turned the corner and suddenly, it felt like he was back at the Quidditch World Cup.

The platform was packed.

The sound of voices suddenly grew considerably when the people realised who was being escorted by the large group of Aurors and like smelling blood in the ocean, reporters and onlookers surged forward, pushing against the escort hard.

"Lord Potter-"

"Witch Weekly here my Lord-

"A few words for the Eastern Enchanter-"

"Madam Black, a few minutes of your time-"

"Move back! BACK!"

"OUT THE WAY OR I'LL SHOVE M'WAND SO FAR UP YOUR BACKSIDE YOU'LL-"

After pushing through the numerous reporters and gawkers alike, they eventually got to the last carriage. Harry, ignoring the gaping students, some of whom had been sticking their heads out the windows to watch the situation on the platform unfold, turned to Andromeda and Tonks with a roll of his eyes.

Taking out his wand, he gave it a wave and a privacy charm was erected, giving respite to his ears.

Harry threaded a hand through his hair as he turned to the two women, offering them a cheerless smile.

Tonks' bottom lip wobbled before she woodenly walked into him, enclosing her smaller arms around his bigger frame and burying her head into his chest. "I'm going to miss you, Harry." She said thickly.

The normal urge to tease the woman never came as Harry hugged her back tightly, resting his forehead on her shoulder. "Me too."

With a final squeeze of her arms, Tonks pulled back. Her eyes were misty as she gave him a watery smile. "O-On duty so I can't be any longer. Don't forget to write to me, 'kay? About anything."

Harry nodded and watched her go once she gave him a lingering kiss on his cheek.

Within a moment later, Andromeda filled the position Tonks vacated and instantly Harry felt himself melt into the arms of the woman he was beginning to see as someone who he had desperately craved when he was younger.

"Oh, Hadrian." Andomeda's emotions betrayed her as tears left her eyes. "You be good a-and make sure you are eating well. Not too much of that grease, and don't forget your vegetables. Fruit! Don't forget your fruit-"

"-Andi." Harry gently interrupted with an amused but fond voice. She was always a cool and measured individual and yet, seeing her like this, though refreshing in a sort of way, did make him realise how much she was struggling to control her emotions which only made his affection for the woman grow. "I'll be fine, you know me."

Andromeda sniffed as she pulled back. Wiping away at the small tears that escaped their confinement, she placed her hand on his cheek.

"You need to let that night go, Hadrian." She whispered knowingly, rubbing her thumb over and over his cheekbone until his face lost the tenseness that had come at her words. "Your friends, they're good people, people who care about you deeply. Confide in them, spend time with them. Do not shut them out like you have done in this past month, baby."

A small smile appeared on Andromeda's face after he nodded hesitantly. "It will be so quiet without you."

Harry's heart ached. "I'll write, every week."

"Two more minutes, mum." Tonks reminded them gently.

Andromeda bobbed her head, unable to speak as her emotions built up again. Encircling him in his arms, she pulled him in for one last hug, holding him as if she could protect him from all the dangers that awaited him.

She layered kisses on his cheeks as she had done when he were a babe and like in the past, he began to squirm in her arms, an adorable blush on his cheeks. With a watery giggle, she pulled back and locked her grey eyes with his emerald green.

"I love you sweetie, more than you know."

Harry swallowed thickly. The emotions that welled up in him felt ever so foreign and yet felt completely right. His throat tightened, his voice coming out in a small, whisper.

"I love you too."

Andromeda's heart swelled at his words and she could hardly contain the smile that spread across her face. She'd never seen him look so vulnerable, so bare. With a wide smile full of love, she cupped his cheek, her eyes flowing with tears.

"Off you go then."

Unable to look at the wounds on her hands, Harry forced out one last, genuine smile before walking away towards the carriage door. As he moved, the privacy charm around them flickered before dispelling, and that's when he caught sight of a pair of light green eyes fleetingly.

Tonks, during that time, filled the empty space with a comforting arm around Andromeda, and it wasn't a moment later, before the two women popped away to the sounds of shouts and commotion filling the station behind them.

Entering the carriage, Harry slipped past a group of tiny, wide-eyed students who stared at him with a mixture of awe and fear, with an internal sigh. He could already feel a headache forming as sharp whispers darted between the boys, and giggles- far too coquettish for his liking, escaped from the girls who looked him up and down as if he was a piece of meat.

The school year hadn't even started and he was already over the whole ordeal.

He moved through the narrow corridor, making his way to the last compartment. As he pulled open the sliding door, a small girl who was struggling to lift her trunk up on the rails, took one look at him and squealed out an "Eeeep!", before abandoning her trunk altogether and what seemed to be her pet Kneazle, next to it. The animal looked rather miffed; its ears twitching with irritation as it looked forlornly at the door where its owner had scurried away.

With a roll of his eyes, Harry stored the trunk with a swish of his wand and took the now empty compartment, sitting down next to the window. He was about to close his eyes when he felt something soft and poofy land on his lap.

The teen blinked owlishly, momentarily stunned by the creature's boldness. The Kneazle yawned lazily, then proceeded to curl up comfortably, as if Harry's lap was its rightful place.

"Alright then…" He muttered, scratching it under its chin whilst it purred loudly, clearly appreciating Harry's ministrations.

Leaning back against the seat, Harry closed his eyes for a brief moment, savouring the quiet. His peace didn't last long, though. His instincts flared and with a snap of his wand, he waved it around the compartment. The windows blackened and the common clink of the door locking was heard when suddenly, he felt magic building up near the door and a person, a woman, materialised out of thin air.

She had dulled red hair which framed sharp features, her eyes was hooded with pale green irises. The woman stood tensely whilst Harry looked at her apathetically.

"Well?" She asked bitingly.

Harry shrugged carelessly, "If you weren't good at what you do, I'd never let you near her."

"I shouldn't have to prove myself." The woman muttered darkly under her breath whilst glaring at the teen. "There's a reason why I'm renowned in the underworld. My skills are unmatched."

"You should've been quicker."

"I beg your pardon?" The woman said incredulously.

Harry turned to regard her coldly. "Moody saw the man behind the wall before you."

"-A split second earlier doesn't change anything!"

Harry's eyes darkened considerably.

"So, I didn't see that man half a second quicker than the Alastor Moody, big deal! He was dealt with in the end." She shook her head with irritation. "Every corner, every shady man, woman, even child was covered. Everything was covered!"

"-Half a second is the difference between life and death. As a mercenary, shouldn't you know that? Perhaps I should gouge out one of your eyes and replace it with a magical one. Would you like that, White?"

White's eyes flashed in rage as she took a threatening step towards him, her hand twitching, itching to draw her wand.

"Don't you dare call me that!"

Harry sat calmly, a cold smile playing on his lips as he stroked the fur of the purring Kneazle.

In a sudden jerk of his body, he had his hand wrapped around White's thin throat, pinning her against the door whilst looming above her. Harry's magic exploded, bathing the room in oppressive energy.

Her eyes widened in panic as she struggled against his grip, her hands clawing at his in vain.

"Do not forget that you came to me, Sierra."

The teen's hand tightened around her throat, and her struggles grew weaker. He pushed back her red hair so he could stare directly into her wide eyes. "You are dispensable, replaceable. I could've hired a hundred people like you but I didn't. You need this, not me."

"Please…" Sierra's gaunt face reddened as tears fell down her bloodshot eyes. She gripped the hand around her neck tightly, looking pleadingly at him.

Harry leaned into her ear, "You vowed to protect them and I decided not to enforce that vow with magic because our backgrounds are so, very similar but don't mistake that for kindness. I'm not a kind man and I'm not one who offers second chances. If you jeopardise their safety in any way or worse, betray me, I will kill you and ensure nothing remains. I have a particular issue with betrayal, you see… I'm sure you of all people understand my feelings on the matter."

Sierra nodded as best as she could, gasping and heaving when Harry slackened his grip. Falling roughly on to the floor, she held her throat gingerly as she looked into his frosty, green eyes.

Harry held her gaze until his eyes flickered to the door.

"Get out and do what I hired you to do and do it well. You still want my help to get revenge on your family, don't you?"

The older woman wiped the tears from her face with trembling hands, glaring at him with a mixture of hatred and humiliation. She said nothing before her body slowly turned into smoke, the gas mixing with the air until she was gone without a sound.

As soon as she disappeared, Harry exhaled deeply. With a tired groan he fell back onto the seat by the window and rubbed his eyes.

He felt a weight on the seat next to him and saw the Kneazle, its eyes staring accusingly at him.

"Sorry mate." He said, scratching its chin until it began to purr in contentment, its earlier annoyance disappearing. "Easy aren't you…"

Whipping out his wand, he waved it around him, dispelling his earlier charms before swishing it at the door which opened with a squeak.

Harry watched amusingly as a hand halfway raised as if it was to knock slowly dropped, his green eyes locking onto the blue of a ginger and the hazel of a familiar bushy haired woman behind him.

"Hey guys, good summer?"

CwD

A knock was heard before the door slid open presenting Neville, Ginny and Luna.

"Finally got rid of that prissy owl, Harry?" Neville gestured to the Kneazle that was currently sitting in Harry's spot.

The teen in question snorted, clasping Neville's hand with a large smile. "Don't let her hear you. She can hold a grudge. Trust me."

Ginny giggled, greeting Harry with a hug that lasted a little longer than what was appropriate causing Hermione to narrow her eyes behind her book.

"You didn't visit us again, Mister!" The redhead pouted, poking Harry's chest accusingly whilst he smiled genially.

"I was-"

"-Busy. We know mate." Ron finished with a roll of his eyes. "What's annoying is that you won't tell us what you were doing."

"Stop pestering him, Ronald. If Harry wants to hide things from us, let him." Hermione said with a sniff whilst Harry's eyebrow twitched. Her words, though meant to defend him, had an edge he didn't miss. Her eyes didn't move from the page and her shoulders were tense. She was hurt, and she wasn't hiding it well.

Before he could retort, he looked down in confusion when Luna had her arms around his midsection. Her body was hugging him from the side and due to her height, she had somehow managed to tuck herself under his armpit with her usual ethereal calm.

"Luna?" Harry asked somewhat awkwardly.

"I heard hugs are good for the soul," Luna said serenely, as though that explained everything.

"Uh-"

She got on her tippy toes, dragging Harry down by his bicep.

"Me and Daddy are glad you and your family are safe." She whispered in his ear.

Harry's eyes minutely widened before his lips curled upward into a genuine smile.

He didn't know how she knew as the contents of that night were not made public. Harry hadn't even told his friends, not wanting them to worry, especially Hermione knowing her personality..

"Thanks Luna." Harry had found that he genuinely cared for the rather enigmatic girl.

"Wrackspurts Harry!" She said out loud causing Harry to raise an eyebrow. Luna nodded her heads towards the two girls behind him. "Their heads are full of them and it's making them quite cross."

Harry looked over to the girls' direction and instantly, they looked away, their cheeks flushing.

"Probably should let go then, Luna." The teen replied amusingly.

Luna shrugged. "I do find it quite entertaining to watch Hermione squirm. Its soothing."

A teasing smile appeared on Harry's face.

"Me too, Luna, me too." He whispered conspiratorially whilst Hermione looked scandalised, her cheeks darkening further.

After Ginny begged off, citing the need to see Dean much to Ron's rather loud disapproval, the group of five settled down as the journey to Hogwarts was underway.

Harry sat by the window; his eyes unseeing as he stared blankly at the moving scenery lost in thought. Beside him, Hermione sat primly, her face buried in a large tome. Though she was attempting to be discreet, she'd occasionally cast furtive glances in Harry's direction and though the teen found it endearing, he was quickly getting tired of it.

Across from them, Neville and Ron were engrossed in their fifth game of chess, the familiar clatter of pieces the only sound in the otherwise quiet compartment whilst Luna flipped through her copy of the Quibbler, her expression one of serene detachment only the girl herself could express.

The comfortable silence was only broken when Hermione gasped loudly. Snapping her book shut, she shouted out the Tempus charm and her face drained of colour.

"RON PREFECT MEETING!"

"Merlin woman! Shout a bit louder won't you?" Ron exclaimed to deaf ears as Hermione rapidly packed up her things.

"Get a move on Ronald!" Hermione hissed, frantically packing up her things. "We're late as it is! We're Sixth Years now! We have to set an example for the rest of the school and the new Fifth Year prefects-"

The ginger groaned loudly interrupting Hermione's tirade. Hefting himself to his feet, he trudged after the brown-haired girl with a sullen look on his face whilst Harry and Neville watched on amusingly.

"Chess, Harry?"

"Why not."

Just as Neville reached for the board, a quiet knock was heard from the door.

The Kneazle perched on Harry's lap perked up at the sound as it hopped down and began pawing against the wood.

"Malfoy?" Neville asked warily. They hadn't had their yearly visit from him yet.

"No." Harry replied, looking knowingly at the Kneazle. "Last thing he'd know how to do is knock."

Snorting, Neville stood and slid open the door revealing a small girl, her wide eyes darting nervously around the compartment before she noticed the animal beside Neville's feet.

"Giggles! There you are you silly cat! I was looking everywhere for you!" She exclaimed, dropping to her knees to pet the Kneazle affectionately.

"Can I help you?" Neville asked kindly, with a clear of his throat.

With an alarmed expression, the child quickly stood up straight, almost toppling over backwards making Neville to reach out a hand to balance her. Well and truly embarrassed, she looked past the boy and locked her eyes with Harry's.

"Umm, Professor… uh… well," She stammered, closing her eyes tightly when Harry looked perplexity at her.

Taking pity on her, Neville placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Just relax, kid. He stares at everyone like that."

Gaining a small amount of confidence from his words, the child tried again. "I-I was told to give you these i-invites…" Fiddling around in her pockets, she plucked out two pieces of parchment before passing them over to the perplexed looking boys."

"Professor Slughorn… tea party?" Neville read curiously, turning over the parchment to see if there were anything extra written on it.

Harry sighed inwardly, glancing at his invitation with resignation.

"We don't seem to have much of a choice… Luna, you going to be alright by yourself?" Neville asked Luna who made a shooing motion with her hand, her gaze still on the Quibbler. "Harry?"

"I'll join you in a bit, need to head to the loo first."

"Don't take too long. This little get-together is all the way at the front of the train." Neville replied before he walked out.

As Neville walked out, Harry stood. Feeling a pang of sympathy for the little girl who looked as if she was going to melt when her eyes caught his, he spoke up.

"Want to escort me to the loo?"

The girl's eyes widened in disbelief before a large grin took over her features as she nodded enthusiastically.

Harry offered his hand slowly, almost warily and watched with wide eyes when the girl took hold of it eagerly.

As they walked down the narrow corridor, Harry's heartrate sped up as his mind went elsewhere. His hand trembled slightly in the girl's grip, and when the girl frowned at him, he had to force a smile to hide his growing unease.

Ignoring the onlookers whilst the little girl looked back smugly, the odd duo eventually made their way to the carriage which held the lavatories. After telling her not to lose her Kneazle, Harry awkwardly patted the girl's head when she looked miserable that he was leaving her and sent her on her way before immediately stepping into a vacant cubicle.

Once inside, Harry locked the door and took a shaky breath when he saw his hand trembling wildly, the familiar sensation of cold sweat prickling at his skin.

Splashing cold water on his face, he attempted to alleviate his rampant breaths.

Bellatrix continued to haunt him and Harry hated it. Even after all this time, the memory of that night continued to make him feel so powerless, so empty and so very angry.

He stared at his reflection, his face was pale and drawn. Noticing the image of the dragon on his neck caused his anger to rise. With a thud, Harry slammed his fist onto the sink, the dull throb doing nothing to reduce the fury he felt for himself for losing control of his magic.

After taking a moment to calm down, the young Lord dried his face with a wave of his hand before using Occlumency to push away all the disturbing memories of Bellatrix to the dark recesses of his mind.

He needed to focus on the task at hand.

If upcoming meeting was a precursor to everything that was Horace Slughorn, then it definitely would be a long year.

Once again Harry cursed Dumbledore's name.

CwD

The blonde beauty took a calming breath and raised her hand. Lightly knocking on the dark wood, she heard a jovial voice from behind the door that beckoned her in.

"And you must be Miss Greengrass! Come in my dear! Come in!"

Daphne's electric blue eyes followed the voice to its owner - an enormously large man with a moustache that was shaped funnily like a walrus. His small eyes were shrewd but his demeanour oozed a tremendous amount of warmth which eased her shoulders a little.

"I apologise for my tardiness, Professor." She said, her tone clipped but respectful.

"Not at all my dear, not at all! I'm afraid we're a bit tight for space but do have a sit next to Mr Longbottom over there against that wall and we'll just wait a few more minutes for our last guest to join us." Slughorn replied with a smile before going back to the conversation with the student next to him.

Daphne nodded before making her way towards Neville. As she walked, she regarded the Gryffindor with a small glance, one which he quickly looked away from and took her seat perpendicular to him gracefully. Ignoring the eyes of the other students that she knew were fixated on her, she carefully smoothened out her long black skirt and Slytherin green blouse before eying the room with an impassive face.

Professor Slughorn was directly opposite her and due to his sheer size, occupied more than his fair share of space with a Seventh Year, it seemed, squished uncomfortably in the corner next to him. Next to the older student was that obnoxious Gryffindor, McGrubble was it? Who grinned widely when he saw her looking.

Averting her eyes from the creep with a barely concealed sneer, she curiously watched her fellow housemate, Blaise Zabini fill Ravenclaw, Su Li's cup.

Daphne felt her lip curl in distaste when Blaise flicked his long, slanting eyes towards her, momentarily dipping them down to her chest before quickly focusing his attention back to the Ravenclaw next to him.

Su barely glanced in her direction before looking away, proceeding to give a small to Blaise as a thank you that most definitely didn't reach her eyes.

To Daphne, there was something about the mysterious, foreign girl she couldn't quite place her finger on.

Su was small and lithe; her Asian descent giving her beautiful, silky black hair and blemish free skin. From what Daphne knew, the girl was a loner like her and yet at the same time, got along with everyone. From the handful of lessons they shared, she couldn't remember even once when Su spoke but that same person seemed to be on better terms with the rest of her year than herself.

Pushing away her thoughts, she carried her survey of the room until reaching a pair of familiar brown eyes.

Of course he's here.

Only reciprocating a small nod from the smile Cassius gave, Daphne watched Susan Bones and Neville whisper quietly between themselves before she looked down and eyed the menu fleetingly, her mind going elsewhere.

In normal settings, she would've had to sit next to Cassius but due to the way the tables were set up and the lack of space next to him, that wasn't going to happen. Sighing mentally, she was glad he hadn't gotten out of his seat to sit next to her. It was cramped as it is and the last thing she needed was his large presence pushing against her or anyone else's for that matter.

Small mercies.

"Still waiting, Professor?" The Seventh Year asked with a thankful sigh when McLaggen reluctantly scooted up next to a scowling Blaise.

Daphne's ears perked up.

Slughorn glanced down at his pocket watch. "Indeed. I do believe he'll turn up, however. I heard he enjoys the proclivities of being fashionably late oho!"

Not a second later, a knock was heard from the door and Slughorn's face brightened considerably. With a broad smile, the man invited the visitor in and Daphne's eyes widened comically.

She should've known it would be him and try as she might, she couldn't keep her heartrate from speeding up.

"Harry m'boy! Excellent, excellent!"

The teen in question gave a plastic smile as he closed the door behind him. "Hope I'm not too late."

"We haven't even started! Come in, come in." Slughorn replied, scanning the room with a hum, "We don't have much space but… aha! Why don't you squeeze in with Miss Greengrass over there."

Daphne stiffened immediately. Looking up, she watched him say a quick thank you and saw how his eyes roved around the compartment until it stopped at her.

He'd changed again.

It was instant. She didn't know how or why but she knew he'd changed simply by staring into his eyes.

There was something always dangerous about Harry Potter but he'd never looked at her like the way he was looking at her now. It was powerful, almost predatory.

She didn't like it.

Harry made his way around the table, and it took a herculean effort for Daphne to calm her warring emotions behind her impassive mask. She watched from the corner of her eyes how he pinched the fabric of his trousers just above the knees and gently pulled them up. His presence pushed against her as he lowered himself beside her with practiced ease.

The fit was tight – too tight.

Despite his cold exterior, Harry was warm. His shoulder and leg pressed heavily against hers and she couldn't help a small smile from appearing on her face as her mind travelled back to that night of the Summer Gala. That too was a tight fit.

She mentally scolded herself.

Damn him.

The black-haired teen threaded a hand through his hair, pushing away the once shorter hair out of his eyes and Daphne couldn't help involuntarily inhaling his scent.

Dangerous! Incredibly and utterly dangerous –

"Greengrass." Harry greeted.

Pinching the side of her leg to distract herself from the incredibly immoral images her mind created, Daphne was startled at how quiet and soft his voice was but noticed there was an undertone in it… something unfamiliar.

"Potter." The blonde replied, her voice icier than intended, "Or is it Potter-Black now?"

Harry raised an eyebrow but barely gave a half shrug in reply and Daphne couldn't help but feel slighted by his response and like a switch being flicked, all the repressed emotions of the past month hit her hard.

They promised to talk and they did. Sent mail back and forth, nearly every day until one day, he didn't reply.

Daphne originally thought nothing off it. Harry was extremely busy after all. Training and learning about his new found duties. She couldn't deny how proud she was of him and how much respect and admiration she had for his dedication and resilience. Everyday she'd wish she was there with him, helping in any sort of way.

The letters, she'd hoped, were his escape, just like they were to her.

A life she wanted so desperately but knew she could never have.

A fantasy.

Love was painful and it only got worse when one day turned into three and then three turned into seven and finally… Daphne had given up. The silence had become unbearable.

She felt abandoned. Used.

The one time she thought that she had something true. Something genuine and then it was gone and her countdown which had begun to become bearable, came back to the foremost of her mind.

The countdown of being locked in a loveless marriage.

Looking back on it, she both hated and loved her time with Harry.

He was perfect and she was a fool.

A fool to fall in love with Harry Potter for that was the fantasy and now she had to live in the reality. The reality that she had a task to do. To befriend Harry Potter and earn his trust so that her family could continue to play both sides of a war.

The only question now was how to make him trust her again. Clearly whatever sort of thing they had vanished after the Summer Gala and if she wanted to adhere to her father's command, then she needed another way in.

Another way in to Harry's heart.

The blonde's stomach dropped as she observed him from the corner of her eyes.

He looked more closed off than ever before.

Despite sitting next to him, feeling the warmth of his flesh against hers, his scent, his presence, Harry felt so very far away.

Would such a scenario even be possible anymore?

Daphne looked up when she heard Slughorn say something about appetisers and that's when she realised the majority of the occupants was staring towards her direction. Panicking for a second thinking she got caught staring at Harry, she calmed down when she realised they weren't looking at her but rather at the teen next to her.

Longbottom looked immensely relieved and seemed to relax a bit. He began briefly conversing with Bones who discreetly, had begun eyeing Harry up and down with a gleam in her eye whilst continuing her conversation with the Gryffindor who was none the wiser.

Daphne felt something ugly and vile forming in her stomach at this but ignored it wisely and instead continued her observations.

Zabini looked at Potter with an indecipherable expression before looking down at his menu and began ordering to the house elf that popped in front of him. The reaction to the girl next to him was also the same if not more lacklustre. Daphne couldn't even tell if Li had even glanced in their direction at all.

The Gryffindor Creep and that Seventh Year, Marcus, was making small talk with the professor whose conversation was lost in the thrum of the carriage. And then there was Cassius, her betrothed.

The blonde's muscles tensed the moment she noticed his eyes on her, though it wasn't on her directly but more at the subtle contact of her and Harry's bodies. Daphne shifted slightly; trying to ignore the lingering warmth of contact but her betrothed's stare was unwavering, like a weight pressing down on her.

Envy and jealousy were no strangers to her; they had always been prominent in her life. Whether they be the looks of envy her family received to the bouts of jealousy the female population directed towards her throughout her time at Hogwarts. Though she may not have the best relationship with her family, Daphne had quickly learned to wear her family's legacy and her natural beauty like armour, repelling the harsh whispers and jealous stares with cold indifference and a sharp tongue.

Her eyebrow twitched as her annoyance flared.

Daphne despised weak willed individuals, those that lived with their insecurities causing it to fester and therefore initiating issues for those around them. And Cassius? He was the worst kind. Behind his haughty bravado and many accolades, he was a predictable man. Completely and utterly driven by his fragile ego that Daphne couldn't even muster pity for him. They were childhood friends, someone she was able to tolerate when growing up but now, all she felt for him was loathing, a simmering disgust.

It's why she glared at the older boy until he begrudgingly looked away and began conversing with the other Seventh Years.

Her mood had now pummelled even further. The carriage seemed suddenly smaller. She was, at first, fine being sort of friends with Cassius and now, ever since her betrothal to him was decided, she began to abhor him.

Just as Daphne's emotions threatened to bubble over, the train lurched. The movement was sharp, jerking everyone slightly in their seats, enough to pull her out of her spiralling thoughts and the cup in her hand.

Daphne squeaked in alarm when its contents flew everywhere.

Everywhere being all over Harry.

Her eyes widened in horror when she saw the deep, red wine beginning to seep into the fabric of his trousers and she hastily began to dab it with her napkin, pressing it everywhere she could see the colour changing.

"Morgana, Morgana, Morgan-" In her frenzy, she barely registered the absurdity of what she was doing until her hands stilled when a calloused pair grabbed on to them.

She froze.

It was soft and yet firm, hard and yet gentle. Daphne couldn't help the shiver that ran up her spine when she cautiously looked up at him. Past memories of sitting on a cozy bench began to surface.

"You okay?" Harry asked, his voice spiked with amusement. His emerald eyes shone with mirth, a stark contrast to the coldness she'd seen earlier.

Daphne felt heat rise to her cheeks, the flush quickly spreading to her neck. She was painfully aware of how close they were and how Harry's calm expression seemed to mock her flustered state. She felt a familiar tingling sensation forming in the pit of her stomach.

Stop.

"F-Fine." The blonde beauty stammered, feeling utterly ridiculous. "Your clothes, I-"

She went to remove her hands from his grip but found that she couldn't. His grip was tender but unyielding. Looking up at him again, Daphne felt her heart skip.

Don't.

"We're wizards… Daphne. We have magic, remember." His voice was pleasant, sensual even, and she couldn't help the tighten of her hands as it felt as if her heart was about to burst from her chest.

No.

"Do it then." Her voice was barely audible. The sounds of the train and conversations masking their voices.

Harry's lips curved into a wry smile. "I'm not very good at cleaning charms."

Daphne felt herself leaning closer, drawn to him without realising it. She could feel every contour, every warmth of his muscle beneath the fabric.

There was a small voice in her head reminding her of something important but she negligently cast it aside. Daphne felt herself wanting more… Slowly but surely, she was once again sinking into the whirlpool that was Harry Potter.

"Let go then."

The young Lord's eyes turned cloudy as if he was having an internal dilemma. Eventually, as if he made up his mind, he let go, only of her wand hand and even then Daphne felt the emptiness of his touch.

She raised her wand with her now-free hand, the words said with hardly a whisper. "Scourgify."

But as the magic worked, she couldn't help her gaze from slipping. The taut lines of his shirt, the fabric clinging to his frame like second skin –

Dear Morgana help me!

She dipped her head down, hoping her face didn't show the massive blush it was sporting as she put her wand away. Without thinking, she spoke, her words tumbling out in a rush.

"Big wizard like you can't do cleaning charms, Potter?"

Harry dragged his fingers across the area where the wine stains used to be. An amused smirk formed on his lips whilst he raised an eyebrow at the blonde bombshell next to him.

"Well, we can't all be perfect, Greengr-"

His words trailed off abruptly and Daphne's eyes shot up to meet his in shock. Her blush intensified when she saw Harry's cheeks pinken and his own green eyes widen as if he couldn't believe he had said that.

The two blushing teens stared at each other in disbelief and shock, their hands enclosed underneath the table forgotten. The world around them seemed to fade the longer they had their eyes locked on to one another. The moment felt surreal as if they were in their own little bubble.

" – Introductions!" Slughorn exclaimed from the front.

As if hot, scalding water was poured on them, the pair instantly let go of their linked hands.

Daphne could groan.

"For those that do not know me, my name is Horace Slughorn. I am a Potions Master and had once taught at Hogwarts many years ago now. Many of your parents, yes! Under the request of the Headmaster, I will be taking over as your Potions Master." The old man smiled widely.

"Just to clarify Professor… you will be taking over as our Potions professor?" Susan's asked incredulously.

Slughorn blinked at her, as if surprised by the question. "Naturally, my dear."

"Then that means…" The redhead began excitedly towards a wide-eyed Neville whilst Daphne could only wonder curiously about her sallow head of year. She doubted Snape was sacked, despite what Bones seemed to believe. If she were honest, she had a hard time imagining anything unseating her professor if he had managed to survive this long.

The rotund man then gestured towards the gangly boy next to him and the blonde immediately began to zone out as the fool began his monologue.

Daphne couldn't help but discreetly turn her head towards Harry and she had to give him props, it wasn't easy to pull off the I'm paying attention look when he clearly wasn't.

Harry sat relaxed; his left hand was on his lap whilst his other gently swirled the goblet of water that was set on the table in front of them.

Raking her eyes up his neck, she saw the faint outline of a curious, silver necklace and at one point, thought she'd seen a black mass on his neck but it quickly vanished as soon as she blinked.

Odd.

Daphne observed how he raised his goblet up slowly, how the arm that held the cup softly butted against her arm, how his shirt strained against his chest and arm. The blonde couldn't help herself from wetting her lips as she watched the rim of the cup in between his own, inadvertently swallowing with him as Harry gulped down the liquid.

" – Like what you see, Greengrass?"

His teasing voice cut through her thoughts like a bludger. Daphne had to use every single ounce of her training in Occlumency to stop the rapidly approaching blush from appearing on her skin but even if she had managed to do so, she couldn't help sucking in an involuntary breath.

Damn him!

She met his gaze challengingly, already knowing by the smirk curling his lips that the idiot knew. He always knew.

Trying to regain a semblance of composure, the blonde took a swig of her own goblet, the cool liquid bringing some much-needed relief. Daphne hoped the delay in her response would somehow throw him off but that damned smirk still remained on his annoyingly, handsome face.

"You've changed again." The blonde finally muttered.

Harry's smirk faltered, a small frown taking its place before it quickly smoothed over.

"How so?" His voice had lost its earlier teasing edge which caused Daphne to clench her fist.

Daphne hesitated as if searching for the right words, "I don't know." She went out on a limb. "What happened?"

Harry quickly adverted his eyes. A stiffness befell his body as he avoided her question.

"Nothing." Realising even to him the response sounded pathetic, the young Lord chanced another look at her. His expression guarded. "I grew up."

Daphne's frustration bled through. "As did everyone, Potter. It's how the world works.

Despite her frustration, Harry couldn't help but be amused at her answer though it didn't quite reach his eyes. Putting down the goblet, he turned his head.

An indecipherable expression came on his face; his emerald eyes turning both cold and old at the same time causing Daphne's stomach to lurch.

"People hate me, Greengrass." He said matter-of-factly.

The simplicity in his voice caused her expression to falter. She turned her head away from him. Opening her mouth to respond, Daphne found that nothing came out.

"It's not anything new." Harry added.

"No," Daphne eventually whispered, "But – "

The smile Harry sent her was completely devoid of warmth. A smile so pristine, so bright and yet so fake and emotionless. It almost fooled her.

" – The ones who hate me, hate me enough to want to kill me and everyone I hold dear and they almost succeeded."

Daphne quickly found that she hated that smile.

It didn't fit him one bit.

"You'd once told me I've changed and I suppose I have. Back then I was weak, undecided. Now… now I know the role I must play. Be smart Greengrass. Don't get involved with me."

His words, so cold and calculated, sent a deep chill down Daphne's spine. She studied his face, his eyes which had once looked so innocent and so full of life now held a power that was both terrifying and captivating.

In the past month since they last spoke face to face, the boy she had fallen in love with had changed again. It was undeniable. She could still see him in there. It was small but now, something else had taken over. Something vengeful. Something dark.

Daphne distinctly heard Longbottom stutter out an introduction as she mulled over what Harry had said and before she knew, it was her turn.

"Daphne Greengrass of the Most Ancient House of Greengrass." She said automatically, expressionlessly, monotonously.

"-And finally, Mr Potter who I'm sure needs no introduction but for continuity's sake, if you would please m'boy."

Slughorn looked like an over enthusiastic, enlarged child and Harry barely reacted.

Sitting back down, Daphne watched as the slightest flicker of exasperation crossed his face and despite the obvious tedium, he stood, his demeanour shifting.

That plastic, effortless smile she hated, reappeared as he addressed the compartment. His green eyes swept across the small room, meeting everyone's gaze with calculated precision.

"Harry Potter." The teen said simply.

Neville grinned whilst Slughorn looked a bit put off by such a bland introduction but recovered rather expertly. "Splendid! Well don't let me keep you folks any longer, help yourselves! For those of you unsure on how to order, simply say the name of your dish or beverage and it'll appear."

There was a chatter of different meals being said while light conversation began between people.

Though still deeply troubled by her earlier conversation with the person next to her, Daphne's stomach had other ideas when mouth-watering scents filled the room tempting her senses.

Daphne was always a picky eater. That was a fact that only a select few knew. Naturally, it was something she had kept well hidden beneath layers of composure.

She glared at the odd-looking pheasant that was somehow supposed to be gourmet, prodding it around with her fork and wishing it would turn into something more appealing to consume but no amount of wishful thinking could make the dish look any better.

It was moments such as this when Daphne particularly loathed the lack of pictures on menus. It bothered her immensely because it could've prevented things like this from happening but as always, Daphne's pride kept her from voicing her displeasure.

So here the blonde sat, uncomfortably or was it comfortably, she wondered, looking from the corner of her eye at the boy, no, man next to her.

A wave of annoyance came over her as Daphne watched how his stupid eyes sparkled as he speared a chunk of juicy, medium-rare steak with some sautéed mushrooms that looked absolutely divine. She looked over at his plate and then looked at hers and the annoyance doubled.

Of course, Potter would end up with the perfect meal… just my luck.

Harry, seemingly oblivious, continued eating with an air of casual ease but Daphne wasn't fooled.

He had noticed her glaring, she wasn't even surprised at this point, and judging the way his eyes kept flicking between her face and her plate, he'd likely figured out the source of her irritation.

"Glare any harder Greengrass and your poor bird will turn into dust." Harry whispered teasingly.

Whatever tension that was between them earlier had apparently disappeared.

" – Probably will taste better." Daphne murmured with clarity in her eyes, slipping her wand into her hand and aiming it discreetly at her plate from under the table.

Harry blinked unbelievably at the action and before the blonde could obliterate the bird, his hand shot towards hers, grabbing her fist.

"What do you think you're doing Potter?" Despite their closeness and her feelings on the matter, Daphne somehow spoke in a measured voice.

"Preventing a mistake." Harry replied as if she was oblivious.

Daphne scowled though she did not pull back her hand from his grasp. "What I do with my food is none of your concern."

"Tell that to the others when they turn to see the explosion you'd cause."

Pouting in annoyance, she reluctantly conceded to his argument and lowered her wand.

Daphne morosely looked down at her plate until she heard Harry sigh next to her.

Feeling him shift, her eyebrows shot up when he quickly switched her plate with his.

"Happy?"

She turned back to him with the same surprised expression on her face.

"Why?" Daphne demanded after a moment,

Harry pursed his lips before looking down at the plate that was now his with a grimace. "You looked like you were going to cry."

Daphne's cheeks pinkened. "Should I conjure some new glasses for you Potter? You clearly still need them." She whispered back heatedly, discreetly making sure she wasn't heard by the others who thankfully were preoccupied.

Daphne Greengrass did not cry.

Harry rolled his eyes before looking back at her. "Please, I could've had my eyes closed and would've still felt the glare you subjected to that poor pigeon."

"It was a pheasant and I wasn't glaring!"

"Whatever."

The blonde beauty huffed at him before she turned her gaze towards her new plate.

Her stomach felt as if it was leaping for joy.

Daphne couldn't quite keep the small smile of her face as she raised her utensils and speared a cut of steak and mushrooms and carefully popped it in her mouth. A soft sigh escaped her while she luxuriated in the taste. Her tastebuds exploded with delight as she chewed slowly to ensure maximum pleasure.

"Satisfied?"

Daphne merely hummed in response as she took another bite.

"You know, most would say thank you when someone does a good deed for them, Greengrass." Harry said casually, grunting quietly when he bit into the tough bird. "Stupid pigeon…"

Daphne paused. Daintily dabbing the corners of her mouth with her napkin, she turned to him.

"You didn't have to but thank you… Potter."

Harry dipped his head slightly in her direction before going back to his meal.

A brief silence came upon the pair as the only sounds were the ones around them as they indulged in their meals; Daphne enjoying every second of hers whilst Harry wandlessly vanishing every bite from his fork.

"Y'know, I thought you'd restrain yourself a little more than that." Harry started conversationally.

"If I waited any longer, the food would've turned cold, Potter." Daphne sniffed. She placed the final piece of meat in her mouth, her lips holding the fork a little longer than necessary as she savoured the final bits of godliness.

"I don't mean that."

"What then?" The blonde could practically see the amusement dripping from his voice as she looked at him from the corner of her eye.

"We practically just kissed."

Daphne rolled her eyes, pushing away the image her mind conjured. Reluctantly placing the fork back on her plate, she reached for her goblet.

"You wish."

Harry hummed before he turned and offered her a small smirk, his eyes gleaming with mirth as he whispered.

"Right… not like you were practically molesting my fork or anything this entire time."

CwD

"Offer me a bone at least, Cassius!"

Cassius flicked his head, sending his curls away from his eyes with an indulgent smile. There was an almost theatrical air to him that made him think of that fraud, Lockhart.

Harry looked over at Neville and rolled his eyes whilst the round-faced boy snorted behind his cup.

" – As a thanks for this lovely get-together today then, Professor." Cassius began smoothly, leaning back in his seat as though the room itself were an audience to be charmed. "December twenty-seventh. I have been invited to a tournament that the Noble and Most Ancient House of Azure is hosting at their home in Italy."

Slughorn's eyes nearly bugged out of their sockets. "I-Indeed? My, my what an honour…" His sly eyes flickered briefly over to Zabini who sat relaxed, his face effortlessly calm.

Too calm, Harry contemplated, his emerald eyes narrowing as he observed the dark-skinned boy. Andromeda had once mentioned that Blaise's mother, a notorious black widow, had been wed to a member of the House of Azure. The connection wasn't lost on him, and judging by the slight glint in Slughorn's eyes, it wasn't lost on their professor either.

Picking up his goblet while still in thought, Harry almost missed Cassius Warrington's next words.

" – Naturally of course, Daphne will be watching in the stands as my number one supporter."

Daphne stiffened next to him. Her reaction was almost imperceptible. Almost.

"Ah… sweet love." Slughorn crooned happily as he gazed back and forth at Cassius and Daphne, "It's final then?"

"Soon to be," Cassius said brightly, his voice dripping with pride, whilst Daphne's eyes turned hollow, merely nodding, as if by rote. "Once we both graduate."

"Excellent! Excellent! You two really suit one another impeccably! A good girl you got there Cassius, and you too, Miss Greengrass. Having a prodigious dueller as a future husband… doesn't get better than that! Though… speaking of prodigies… Harry m'boy!" Slughorn contemplated Harry for a moment as though he was a succulent piece of meat. "Where do I even begin? I feel I barely scratched the surface when we met over the summer!"

Looking down in her lap, Daphne's stomach dropped when she no longer felt Harry's arm and thigh against hers anymore. The absence of his warmth felt almost as physical as a slap. She chanced a look at him and saw the same sickening, fake smile on his face but this time it felt a hundred times worse.

"Tell me Harry… is it true?" Slughorn leaned in conspiratorially, his voice dripping as if he was whispering a great secret. "Lord Potter and Lord Black?"

Harry simply shrugged. He lifted up his hands showing the compartment the Potter and Black rings.

Slughorn's round face split into a massive grin. "Splendid! Simply splendid! Lord Potter, I, and I'm sure others expected, but Lord Black too? An enigma if there ever was one. Say… am we to look forward to a special announcement in the Prophet soon?" He asked with a wink.

Harry smiled pleasantly, "Despite what people may think and hear, Professor, there is no such person in my life at this moment – "

" – I was under the impression that Draco was to inherit the Black estate. He was the next in line, was he not?" Cassius Warrington drawled, much to agreement of the others who nodded.

In all actuality Harry couldn't blame them. Throughout the years, if there was one constant that everyone knew about Draco Malfoy, it was his ability to able to tattle to his father whenever he wanted and to remind everyone nearly everyday that he would be next Black successor.

The young Lord leaned back, crossing his arms with a slow, confident motion. His lips were pulled into a sharp smirk. "My cousin is quite the joker. He wasn't wrong… he simply lacked necessary information."

An odd sort of tension fell over the room like a heavy fog, the kind that made everyone sit a little straighter, a little quieter. Cassius' eyes gleamed with challenge whilst Harry's narrowed; the two sizing each other up whilst some watched on warily while others looked on intrigued.

"Oh dear!" Chuckled Slughorn, his laugh nervous but carrying on even with the clear tension in the air. "You be careful with this one Harry. I've seen first-hand Cassius' skill in duelling and it's one not to be underestimated."

Harry acknowledged the compliment with a slight dip of his head, though his smirk remained fixed in place. Cassius looked smug, clearly eating up the praise, while Daphne sat rigid and silent beside the former.

" – Then again, Harry here is no slouch are you, m'boy?" Slughorn continued with a twinkle in his eye when he saw that he had everyone's attention. "Such rumours this summer. Of course, nowadays, one cannot decipher between what is fact and fiction when it comes to the Prophet but… even that seems incontrovertible when your recent escapades has reached international headlines. More specifically, straight from the ICW's mouth."

Susan perked up with wide eyes. "It's true then? What they have been saying?"

"About?" Harry raised an eyebrow at the redhead.

" – That you fought Voldemort in the Ministry?" said Su Li.

Harry's eyes minutely widened as he ignored the small pandemonium that had erupted from Voldemort's name. Turning his gaze at Su Li, he regarded her carefully whilst she did the same, her dark brown eyes staring directly at him, her attention unwavering, a stark contrast from her earlier countenance of cool indifference.

"Yes."

The young Lord's voice was sharp and cold, cutting through the voices around them instantly.

Slughorn, glad that the room had gone quiet again, quickly took control of the conversation once again. "You were there then? But the rest of the stories – so sensational, one doesn't know quite what to believe. Something about a fabled prophecy, for instance – "

"We never heard a prophecy," said Neville, turning pink when everyone's attention switched onto him. His confidence, however, grew when he saw Harry look at him with a grateful smile. "All this 'Chosen One' rubbish is just the papers making things up as usual."

"You too were there, Mr Longbottom?" asked Slughorn with immense interest.

Neville stammered. "Uh – well – "

" – It all happened quite fast Professor." Harry took over with practiced ease. "You must understand, it wasn't just … You-Know-Who … but his followers were there too. Neville and I, we were fighting for our lives. We had no time to really concern ourselves with other things. Certainly, no prophecy."

"Yes… well… it is true the papers often exaggerates, of course…" Slughorn agreed sounding a little disappointed. "Why, I remember dear Gwenog telling me – Gwenog Jones, Captain of the Holyhead Harpies that is – that somehow the papers had concocted this bizarre story of her wanting to retire! She was only twenty-five at the time!"

" – Wait so it isn't true that you've become Dumbledore's apprentice then, Harry?" Susan interrupted not so politely.

Harry, who couldn't see a way out without outright lying, nodded reluctantly after a bit of hesitation.

Slughorn looked as if Christmas had come early, his earlier disappointment all but forgotten. "So modest, so very modest you are Harry m'boy! No wonder Albus is so fond of you and made you his apprentice." The Potions Master shook his head in astonishment, "I must say, what an honour."

"We all know how he got that." McLaggen's sullen voice spoke up, laced with obvious envy.

"Fool." Su Li spoke up with a soft voice, eying McLaggen as if he was dirt whilst next to her, Blaise snorted in agreement, his eyes flicking toward the Gryffindor with disdain.

McLaggen's face reddened.

" – None of that now, Cormac." The Potions Master chided, measuring a disapproving gaze at the Seventh Year. "Premier Mage of a country is no silly title a wizard can just throw about and despite Dumbledore's eccentrics, I've never met a person more thorough than him and well… given the recent disturbances that occurred at the Ministry not long ago, I believe Harry is more than apt for such a role."

The afternoon wore on with Slughorn recollecting his past students, boasting on how they had all become illustrious professionals after joining his exclusive 'Slug Club' and it wasn't long until the sun began to set.

"Merlin's beard! Is that the time?! Off you pop now all of you. I reckon one or two hours at the most before we arrive at Hogsmede. Susan, you must tell me that story of you meeting with Gwenog when you have the time! Did I mention that me and her go way back? Same goes for you, Cormac, drop by when you have the time and I'll let you borrow that book on nogtails. The invitation is extended to you all. Naturally, you as well Harry m'boy!"

The students trickled out into the darkening corridor, most choosing to ignore Harry whilst Cassius and Cormac glared at him as they walked past.

"I will join you later, Cassius." Harry heard Daphne say to the older boy who huffed before walking away whilst she walked in the other direction.

"I'm glad that's over," murmured Neville with a sigh. "Bit of an oddball, isn't he?"

"I'll say." Susan quipped. "Anyway, I better head back. Say Harry, are we still going to continue with the D.A meetings this year?"

Harry looked down at the busty Hufflepuff who couldn't help her cheeks pinken at his gaze.

"No point now that we've got rid of Umbridge, is there?"

"Shame… do let me know if you change your mind. I quite liked those secret meetings of ours." The redhead winked at him before she walked off.

"Eyes up soldier." Neville pointed up with an amused voice whilst Harry rolled his eyes.

"So, she has a nice arse, arrest me."

"Don't let Hermione hear you." Neville chuckled, shaking his head.

"I can technically look. Not like we're together." Yet.

"Right… Anyway, we should go. If we're quick, we can make the last round of the trolley before we get off." Neville urged.

Harry nodded but paused when a voice called out from behind him. "Potter, a moment."

"Zabini." The green-eyed teen replied with a raised eyebrow whilst Neville glared at the Slytherin behind Harry's back. "You go on, Neville. I won't be a moment."

Neville reluctantly nodded before he walked away.

Blaise whistled low. "When did Longbottom grow balls?"

" – Cut the shit, Zabini. What do you want?"

The dark-skinned boy held his hands up in mock surrender, smirking. "Relax will you. I'm not here for a fight. Even I know duelling you is practically suicide, no matter what Draco says. " His hand then reached for his pocket causing Harry to minutely stiffen, his green eyes narrowing.

Blaise, noticing the subtle shift, smirked wider. "I'm not stupid, Potter. Here, I was told to give you this." He handed Harry an envelope, the seal marked with a distinct, intricate design that the young Lord immediately recognised.

Harry tore open the seal, unfolded the letter inside and began reading its contents while Blaise watched on curiously.

"Seems my hunch about you was right, Zabini." Harry eventually spoke as his eyes scanned the elegant script.

"Oh? Do tell."

Harry ignored him, continuing to read the letter before glancing up. "One of your mother's ex-husband's?" He held up the letter for emphasis.

"Biological father, actually."

"Not part of the main line, Zabini?" The young Lord questioned with a tilt of his head.

"I'm the bastard. A drunken night made me. Knowing my mother, I'm sure it was all planned." He let out a dry laugh. "Half-siblings hate me but my grandfather, the head of the family, is different."

"You're surprisingly open about it."

Blaise smirked. "No one had the balls to ask. In the right circles, it's quite common knowledge but for those out of the loop, the moment they dig a little deeper and see the name Azure, they suddenly clam up real quick. Clearly as you knew my connection, you're not one of them, Potter."

Harry smirked. "I'm the Lord of quite a dangerous family myself, Zabini."

"Used to be."

"Is that what they say nowadays?" replied Harry amusingly.

Blaise shrugged. "Only what I've heard. You can find out straight from the horse's mouth if you accept that invite."

Harry looked down at the letter in his hand, reading the name of the sender at the bottom.

Lord Giovanni Azure, Head of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Azure.

"Well?" Blaise questioned.

"I'll send a reply soon." Harry said curtly.

"My job is done then." Blaise didn't dally, choosing to walk past Harry towards his compartment.

The young Lord sighed; his eyes drawn to window paving way to the beautiful countryside that went past him. His thoughts were torrented as he watched the darkness ebb away at the final remnants of the light.

The House of Azure… the family that controls Italy behind the shadows. Seems like they've made their move and I'm sure they're not alone but does it have to be on the same day as that duelling tournament they're hosting? Great… all I need is another stuffy party.

Pushing his away his irritation, Harry blinked in surprise when he saw Hedwig flying along the train close to the window. Opening the latch with a soft smile, he held out his arm and watched her gracefully land.

After generously rubbing her head against the side of his face whilst he petted her, Harry waved his wand over the letter he received and duplicated it, offering the copy to Hedwig.

"Take this to mum, would you girl?"

Hedwig hooted, nipping his ear before she flew out the window and into the sunset.

Closing the window, Harry took off to his compartment, greeting and waving at some of the members of last year's D.A along the way. Eventually, he made his way through the carriage that held the lavatories and that was when he felt himself being grabbed and pulled in into one of the cubicles.

Barely a second passed before he had his wand out in a flash, jabbing it towards his assailant's side. Harry's eyes widened when he looked down and met familiar, electric blue eyes that belonged only to one person.

"Do you mind?" Daphne asked with a raised eyebrow. Staring clearly at the wand in Harry's hand that was pressed against the side of her breast.

"I didn't know kidnapping boys was a hobby of yours, Greengrass." Harry sighed, putting his wand away.

Daphne's cheeks pinkened. "Shut up!"

The cubicle was small. Too small. It was a train after all and the tiny space wasn't made for two.

Daphne had him pressed against the wall, her dainty hands had Harry grabbed by the front of his shirt whilst she stared up angrily into his eyes.

Harry on the other hand floundered a bit, finding it difficult to place his hands somewhere it wouldn't be highly inappropriate. He eventually settled on the rounds of her shoulders but even that felt strongly intimate.

"Look, I haven't got time for this – "

" – We've still got a few more hours left until Hogwarts, Potter, I'm sure you'll manage." She cut him off frostily.

Daphne watched him as he drew in a breath when suddenly, his face turned expressionless as he bore his eyes down into hers.

"Talk."

She almost looked away, but her anger for the situation pushed through her fear.

"What did you mean in the compartment earlier?"

"You're going to have to be more specific, Greengrass."

"You know what I mean!" She hissed, her grip tightening on his shirt.

Harry's jaw tightened. "I meant what I said. Don't get involved with me."

"Why?" Daphne demanded.

Harry lost the edge in his eyes as he looked at her sympathetically. "You're a snake, I'm a lion. You're a pureblood with deep roots in the conservative ideology, I'm practically the opposite." He shook his head, "Imagine if someone saw the both of us having this conversation. Word will spread. I'll be able to weather the storm but you? They'll come for you, your family. The world you know it will no longer be the same when Voldemort sets his eyes on you just by associating with me."

She shivered at the Dark Lord's name but didn't relent. "My family and I can handle it. We're strong, we have connections… the D-Dark Lord… it would be foolish of him to come after us. You can trust me, Harry."

Harry's eyes began to glow with intensity as he pinned her with his eyes.

"Don't take me for a fool, Greengrass." The teen whispered, his voice dripping into a dangerous, low register that sent a thrill through Daphne even as her stomach tightened with dread. "I have been very patient so far. I even had a small amount of hope that you'd perhaps come clean but trust you?"

Daphne swallowed nervously, feeling her composure slip. Unable to keep eye contact she looked away but stiffened when she felt his touch on her chin.

With a featherlight touch, Harry turned her head back so he could look into her blue eyes. The contact sent an unexpected shiver down her as she fought against the heat that was rising to her pale cheeks.

"It was refreshing. Speaking to someone I'd never really imagined speaking to. I have to admit that I had originally lumped you into the typical snobby, Slytherin pile." Harry tucked a golden strand back behind Daphne's ear who watched on with wide eyes, feeling her pulse quicken. "Imagine my surprise when underneath all that aloofness was a rather adorable girl who seemed to have as much interest in me as I had with her."

The blonde's chest tightened, torn between the magnetic pull of his presence and the cold edge in his voice.

Harry smiled, the expression not reaching his eyes. "I'm not one to judge someone based on their parents. Everyone is their own person, and I thought I'd give you the benefit of the doubt. But you see Greengrass, my new found position in today's society allows me a few advantages particularly when it comes to Wizengamot families."

Daphne's eyebrows shot up, a flicker of alarm breaking through her mask.

"Don't look so surprised. I was merely curious at first. I'd thought I'd made a new friend after all and though I was happy, my underlying responsibility to my family takes precedence."

Harry's eyes narrowed, his gaze darkening. "Astoria Greengrass."

The blonde flinched as if she was struck.

"For someone who's only fifteen, she's quite set in her views, no? She seems to hate me on principle or was her view influenced by the Malfoys she's so awfully enamoured by? At first I thought nothing of the fact that she and Draco were together at the Gala but betrothed too? Not even the public seems to know about that."

"Harry – "

" – But you see that's just the tipping point."

Harry's magic flared suddenly, bathing the tiny space with concentrated energy that slightly swayed their hair.

"Cassius Warrington."

The blonde beauty paled instantly.

"Betrothed to marry him are we, Greengrass?" There was an indecipherable emotion in his green eyes but he blinked it away as soon as Daphne noticed. "It doesn't matter… what matters is that I can't help but notice that his father and yours are quite the pals. You see, I've got a funny little feeling that in the future, me and your future father-in-law will be crossing wands."

Daphne's heart pounded wildly in her chest; her pulse heavy in her ears. The walls of the cubicle felt like they were closing in, and her mind raced, struggling to keep up with the cascade of revelations. Her breath quickened, but not just from fear. The raw proximity of Harry, the way he spoke to her, the intensity—it was intoxicating.

Suddenly, she cried out when Harry pushed her back against the door of the cubicle hard, but not enough to hurt, his hands having grabbed hers and now held above her head.

The sound of a squeak followed by a flurry of footsteps echoed in the hallway outside the cubicle and for a fleeting moment, Daphne thought that someone might barge in and see the scandalous position she and Harry were in. Even with the panic rising in her throat, she couldn't deny the thrill of excitement that surged through her.

Harry leaned forwards, his lips inches away from hers as he kept his voice low.

"I wanted to trust you. Truly, I did. When I asked you about your family, you didn't tell me the full truth, did you?"

The blonde kept quiet, knowing she wouldn't be able to hide the tremor behind her voice if she spoke.

Harry continued, tightening his grip on her hands. "You fed me a bunch of half-truths, hoping that would be enough for me to stay on my leash and at first I was fooled."

"Harry – "

" – Your family are opportunists, Daphne." He interrupted her softly. Harry could feel her heartbeat beating wildly and he knew he had her. "They hide behind the notion of neutrality. Setting up your sister to marry Draco was pure genius. Your father's idea, I bet?"

Daphne's silence confirmed it.

"Voldemort wins and you and your family will have first-hand seats to his glory because of the betrothal between Astoria and Draco. What I am struggling with now is your role in this." His voice was a low, controlled murmur; each word striking Daphne like a hammer.

Without pre-empt, Harry's fingers found her chin again, turning her head so she had no choice but to meet his intense, smouldering gaze.

Daphne's breath caught as his face drew closer to hers, his lips hovering so dangerously close that she could feel his breath on her skin. She could feel his warmth, the intensity radiating off him like a physical force, enveloping her in a haze of heat and anticipation.

"You're trying to make me fall for you." Harry said softly, the accusation hanging between them like a loaded curse.

She thought her heart stopped when he said that; a tangled mess of fear, attraction and something perilously close to hope. Her blue eyes refused to stray from his lips. Mesmerised by how close they were, how easily they could close that minuscule gap and how utterly magnificent they'd feel, how they'd taste. The traitorous feelings surging through her body sent chills down Daphne's spine and if it wasn't for her biting the inside of her cheek hard, there was no idea what she would've done in that moment.

" – Is what I first thought."

She let out a breath she didn't know she was holding as his words shattered her thoughts.

"And then today, I hear about your betrothal."

Daphne's stomach lurched at the mention of Cassius. It was still a wound that had barely healed, a sore spot she hated to revisit, and now it was being thrown in her face by the one person she didn't want to push away. She opened her mouth to respond, but her voice faltered, the words too faint to be heard.

"What?" Harry questioned when Daphne mumbled something to quiet for him to hear.

"Is that why you didn't reply to my mail? Because of my family?" The blonde repeated, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Harry's hands around hers slackened as he took a step back. "Partly."

Daphne rubbed her wrists absently whilst looking at him through the curtain of her hair. The distance between them felt like a chasm and she immediately missed his warmth, the intensity of his touch.

"You're right," She began after a moment, "My family are opportunists. Astoria had done her part and I was given mine."

There was only one way he'd take what she was about to reveal and it destroyed her every second she hesitated.

Harry's heart rate rose as Daphne fisted his shirt again. She rested her forehead on his chest and try as he might, he couldn't avoid smelling her intoxicating scent. He fought hard against the sudden, random urge to wrap his arms around her, to offer comfort he wasn't sure he had the right to give. Wasn't sure if he wanted to give.

"I was told to become someone you trusted, your friend." Daphne whispered, her voice trembling. "That way, if you were to win this war, then my father hoped you'd look out for us as well."

Harry's eyes widened until suddenly they grew cold. He cupped her face; her perfect skin was soft and delicate in his hand as he lifted her head to look into her electric blue eyes.

His voice was empty and completely devoid of warmth. "Was any of this real? This… This thing between us?"

" – Every second of it was for me." Daphne immediately pleaded, her voice breaking. The pain in his voice was worse than she had anticipated, and it broke something inside her.

Daphne Greengrass didn't cry. She never cried but in that moment, standing before the one she loved, feeling the weight of his mistrust, she felt as if she was falling apart, felt as though the world was slipping through her fingers and Harry was the only anchor she had left. She could deny it a hundred times, pretend he was nothing more than a pawn in her family's twisted game but the truth was laid before them. The msn could've not spoken to her for a year and yet she still knew she'd fall in love with him again and again, every single time.

"And me," Harry revealed softly. His eyes lingered on hers for a moment and then as if her touch burned him, he stepped away, pulling himself free from her grip.

Daphne felt as though her heart had shattered into a million pieces. She reached for him, desperation clawing at her chest.

"Harry… please – "

" – Don't look for me again." His voice was sharp, final, like the slam of a door in her face. The pain was palpable and Daphne felt as though she couldn't breathe.

Her head hung low, her blonde hair falling around her face like a curtain, hiding the devastation written across her features. She barely registered the sound of someone banging on the door from the other side.

"What's going on in there?!"

Hermione's muffled voice washed over Harry like a bucket of cold-water causing his face to lose its colour.

"Shit – "

" – I suggest you get out of there at once! I-Its highly unethical for there to be m-more than one person inside the lavatory. It's for personal use!" Hermione's voice wavered, the scandalised indignation making Harry wince. He could practically see the horrified expression on her face through the door.

"It sounded like there was a bunch of banging going on there!" A little girl piped up causing Harry mentally to groan.

"Banging?!" Hermione squeaked, her voice rising.

Panicking, Harry turned back to Daphne. He couldn't let this situation get any worse. For both their sakes, he couldn't let anyone see them together, especially not Hermione. Gritting his teeth the teen walked back to Daphne, still unable to see her face due to her hair obscuring it.

"Look. Hermione catching us both here… I could give you a hundred reasons why that's a very bad idea."

Silence.

"Greengrass… Greengrass!" He hissed, shaking her shoulder gently, his voice tightening with frustration when Daphne didn't respond.

Clenching his jaw, the teen looked around the cubicle aimlessly, searching for a way, an idea even, but he drew blanks. The constant bangs on the door, not to mention the growing voices outside indicated that a crowd was forming. Every second they were in here, their situation was getting worse. He had to do something, anything.

Despite his better judgement, he carefully parted her hair and cupped her face with both his hands. Lifting her head softly, Harry saw that her eyes were closed tightly, her face a mixture of pain and deep regret.

"Daphne. Look at me. Please."

Slowly, her eyes fluttered open and Harry's breath hitched. There were tears in her electric blue eyes, unshed tears, making her look more vulnerable, more heartbreakingly beautiful than he'd ever seen her. His stomach fell at the sight.

They barely knew one another. They've spoken to each other merely a handful of times and yet why did her expression hurt him so much? Whatever it was between them was fake, orchestrated by her father to play on his kindness and she went through with it.

He no longer wanted anything to do with her but then why? Why did it hurt so much to see her in so much pain?

Swallowing uncomfortably, Harry looked away; his hands slackening around her face. He could feel Daphne's gaze on him but unlike her, he couldn't bear to look at her right now.

Palming the cool, water-like fabric in his pocket, the teen hesitated for a moment, really thinking hard about what he was about to do. Realising he had no other alternative, Harry pulled out his father's invisibility cloak and unfolded it.

"What is that?" He heard Daphne whisper hoarsely; her eyes wide as she eyed the cloak in his hand.

Despite the tension between the two, the young Lord offered the blonde a wry smile, though the words felt hollow. "An olive branch."

Before the girl could respond, Harry threw the cloak around her, the gesture causing Daphne to squeak in alarm when she felt herself being pulled into the taller boy's chest.

"S-Sorry." Said Harry sheepishly whilst she glared at him, her cheeks rosy.

"Why?" Daphne questioned quietly, holding tightly the sides of the cloak.

" – There was no other alternative – "

" – This cloak means something to you, " Daphne interjected, admiring the beautiful material with muted awe. "I can tell with the way you were looking at it. If you don't trust me," Her voice broke but she continued nonetheless, "Why give it to me and not use it yourself to escape?"

Harry pursed his lips.

Daphne, seeing as he wasn't going to answer, hesitantly reached out before Harry could stop her. Her hand eventually found its way to his face, her fingertips lightly brushing against his chin and she felt him shiver.

"Harry…" She whispered, her voice raw and pained. The blonde felt herself drawn to him, pulled by a force she couldn't resist. The amazing cloak that rested on her shoulders was all but forgotten as she raised her hand to cup his cheek like she was tethering herself to him.

" – RIGHT! I will give you to count of five to open this door before I open it myself!" Hermione's impatient voice snapped them out of the moment.

Daphne jumped, her hand falling away from Harry as if she had been caught doing something forbidden. She watched Harry's body stiffen before he tore away from her quickly.

She wanted to reach out to him, to hold him in place, to resume whatever disastrous and indecent action she knew she would have done but the moment had passed, the intensity however hadn't.

"Cloak." Harry said tersely; his skin tingling from where her hand had been.

"Wait – "

Not letting her finish in case he'd do something really stupid, Harry stepped back into her space and reached around, pulling the material over her head. He couldn't let this escalate.

"Leave thirty seconds after I do."

"What about your cloak?" She asked, watching him turn his back on her as he faced the door.

"Fold it up and take it to the owlery and give it to Hedwig. She'll make sure I get it back.

" – TWO!"

"No."

Harry stilled. "No?" He echoed, looking confusingly at her from across his shoulder.

Before he could react, he suddenly felt her press against him again. Every curve, every soft piece of flesh… he felt it all as he struggled to gain back control of his senses.

" – ONE!"

Daphne stoop up on her toes, her breath hot against his ear, her words dripping with quiet defiance.

"You'll have to find me and get it yourself."

Harry's eyebrows shot up at her declaration, a shiver running down his spine at the promise in her voice. Before he could even process her words, Hermione's furious voice cut through the moment.

" – RIGHT, THAT'S IT!"

The young Lord quickly grabbed some paper towels and used his Occlumency to clear his face of all emotion. A click of the door being unlocked was heard before it was yanked open by a flustered and irate looking Hermione, a gaggle of what could only be a bunch of upcoming First and Second years behind her, straining their tiny bodies to look around the bushy haired Prefect.

"H-Harry?" Hermione spluttered wide eyed as the small crowd of kids behind her began whispering excitedly to one another.

"Hermione." Harry greeted with faux surprise before a teasing smile came upon his face, "Miss me that much that you came to accost me in the loo? My, my, Hermione Granger."

The young girls behind Hermione squealed with giggles whilst the girl in question shot him a glare that wasn't very impressive considering the blush she was sporting at his words.

"What on earth – " She stopped herself before turning around, "Away! All of you! There's nothing to see here!" She barked at the kids who groaned and moaned before they marched off, Harry waving back at the few who were brave enough to wave to him with a grin.

Hermione shouldered past the teen and slid open the door wider, frowning rather cutely, in Harry's opinion, when she saw no one else in the cubicle.

"The coast is clear you know, if you want to hop in." Harry whispered in her ear, smirking when he felt her shiver against him.

Hermione whirled on him, holding her ear as if she got burned. Her blush intensifying with her glare when she saw him smiling at her with his trademark lopsided grin. "Harry Potter! Don't be so crass!"

He rolled his eyes before swinging an arm over her petite shoulder. "Spoilsport."

"Must you always be so… so – "

" – Yes?" The teen raised an eyebrow down at her.

"Touchy…?" Hermione asked with a sigh, eventually leaning against his larger frame while Harry walked.

"Only with you."

"Prat." She muttered, though she couldn't help her eyes brighten at his words as she allowed him to pull her along. "Were you really in there by yourself?"

"You saw for yourself."

Hermione hesitated, eying him suspiciously. "Ellie said she heard… banging." She whispered the word at the end with a squeak.

Harry rolled his eyes at the innuendo despite his heart skipping for a second. "You know how the little creatures are. They get spooked over everything."

"That wasn't what I - never mind." Hermione eventually finished with a sigh.

"It makes you feel any better, I promise I won't do any of that banging unless it's with you."

"HARRY!" Hermione screeched whilst the teen laughed, pulling her tighter against him as he steered her out of the hallway.

Behind them, a pair of electric blue eyes looked at the two from within the cloak. Her eyes were barren of any and all emotion, her face incredibly still. She couldn't tear her gaze away from Harry's retreating figure, his arm looped casually over Hermione's shoulder.

Daphne pulled the cloak around her closer, desperately yearning for the warmth it provided which she couldn't feel. It couldn't touch the ice that had settled deep within her chest.

She felt him all around her and that was what made it cruel.

He wasn't there.

He didn't have his arms around her.

Instead, they were around Granger.

The blonde swallowed a sob that lodged itself painfully in her throat. There was a darkness growing inside her, gnawing at her insides with every second that Harry held someone else.

She had known. She had always known that they were doomed but seeing it – seeing him with Hermione – made it all the more unbearable.

Daphne felt something awful grow within her as she stared at Hermione's back. She hated herself for feeling this way but right now, there was no one she hated more than Hermione Granger.

As if feeling his gaze, her breath hitched when Harry's eyes locked onto hers, as if he knew she was there watching him, them. The emerald eyes she'd fallen in love with, held nothing as they gazed at her, but when he broke contact and looked down at the brunette under his arm, they filled with an emotion that caused Daphne to mask a sob.

"Say… am we to look forward to a special announcement in the Prophet soon?" Slughorn asked with a wink.

Harry smiled pleasantly, "Despite what people may think and hear, Professor, there is no such person in my life at this moment – "

"Liar."

CwD

It was as magnificent and timeless as it was when he first set his eyes on it all those years ago. Its towers pierced the sky with the same grandeur he'd first marvelled at as a young boy. Every inch of the castle brimmed with magic, unseen currents of ancient enchantments humming just beneath the surface of reality. The warm glow of the windows against the dusky sky felt like a beacon, pulling him back into its embrace after a long summer.

Harry inhaled deeply, the scent of damp earth, the crisp autumn breeze and the rich, dense, magic of Hogwarts welcomed him like a long-lost son.

Though he had a home, a real home, nothing could compare to his first, true home. A place where he felt he belonged for the first time in his life.

"Next!" Barked Mr Filch, gruff and as joyless as ever. The caretaker stood hunched over, his eery cat, Mrs Norris, between his legs as both their eyes flicked suspiciously from student to student. "Potter! Where's yer trunk?"

"It was already sent ahead." Harry lied, fighting the urge to roll his eyes with irritation. Though he could've just brought out his trunk from his pocket, he didn't want to waste his time being subjected to what he imagined would be the most invasive, soul-crushing search in human history.

Harry Potter had that effect on people.

Mr Filch harrumphed with a sceptical sneer. "I'm watching you, Potter!"

"Yeah, yeah – "

"Don't be rude, Harry." Hermione chided from up ahead, where she was waiting next to an empty carriage that seemed to be waiting just for them. "He's only doing his job."

" – Some job." Ron muttered with a sullen expression next to her. "My left toe could do better than whatever the bloody hell he's doing. Can't believe that git made me empty my entire trunk in front of everyone. I swear I'm going to kill Fred and George. I'm serious this time."

Hermione looked at Ron with a disapproving gaze whilst Neville snickered next to him. "Honestly, Ronald, you shouldn't have brought those awful things in the first place."

"But I didn't!" Ron protested, his ears flushing red as hopped into the carriage. "It was Fred and George stuffing 'em in my pockets when I weren't looking! I didn't even realise until Filch pulled them out! Of all the things, why did it have to be dung bombs?" He moaned out to no one.

"The look on Filch's face was priceless… the man looked like he was going to have a heart attack." Neville added with a bemused smile.

" – No wonder why Filch told you to empty your trunk." Harry chimed in, his mood lightening for the first time since arriving. "Probably thought you were hiding more or worse, your brothers."

Ron grumbled. "I hope they choke on their bloody pranks."

Gaining a pretty smile from Hermione after helping her up into the carriage, Harry and the three travelled up the dirt road towards the entrance of the castle whilst he stared out at the landscape. The darkening sky cast long shadows over the grounds; a palette of purples and oranges and far in the distance, the Forbidden Forest loomed like a dark, brooding sentinel, its trees still ever so tall.

For a few precious moments, Harry allowed himself to bask in the simple joy of returning to Hogwarts. Despite not originally wanting to return due to the war front, he couldn't deny the sense of security that came with coming back; a brief respite from all the chaos that consumed the world outside its walls.

"Feels good to be back, doesn't it?" Neville said rhetorically, a small smile dancing on his lips as he saw the edges of the greenhouses in the distance.

Harry's gaze drifted back to the darkening skies above them.

It did feel good to be back but it felt different from all his other years. The atmosphere was thick, charged with an unspoken tension.

The extra security, Auros being stationed at every entrance. Even the ancient wards themselves felt strengthened. The little changes made the reality of their situation sink further in.

The calm before the storm.

Although the upcoming devastation due to the war would be catastrophic, the young Lord couldn't help but feel a strange excitement. His magic stirred beneath his skin, restless and eager, tempting him to use it as if it could sense the future upheavals.

Harry wasn't ready before but this time, he would be.

Hogwarts was only a lull in the battle after all. For all Voldemort's claims, even he wouldn't be stupid enough to attack Hogwarts head on when Dumbledore's still alive.

He sighed internally. Perhaps that was just wishful thinking.

The teen's mind moved away from the war and instead gazed at his friends, his eyes naturally turning to the girl next to him. A small smile appeared on his face when Hermione and his eyes locked.

Maybe this year wouldn't be so bad after all.

CwD

---

HUMONGOUS CHAPTER, BELIEVE ME I KNOW!

I'm glad you guys got through it though! Hope you enjoyed!

Next chapter will be MUCH shorter than this! I've quickly realised I suck pretty badly when it comes to deadlines but hopefully the next chapter will be soon... HOPEFULLY. Don't hold it against me pls :(

Let me know what you think as always :)