A Promise Kept - Chapter 60 - No Rest

No Rest

“Better?” he asked as she emerged from the bathroom.

Sabine nodded appreciatively and almost appeared embarrassed by the state she’d arrived in only a matter of hours prior. She’d been exhausted by her ordeal, and Harry had carried her to bed to sleep, though it had only been a short rest.

A nightmare had woken her, and it had taken some time to coax her to speak of what had happened.

Months.

She had been locked inside the basement of Malfoy Manor for months believing she would be killed, all because Voldemort had wanted to keep his supply of potion ingredients he was receiving from her father.

Sabine had been subjected to the Cruciatus Curse at the hands of the man, watched as others were beaten and taken away to be killed, and suffered more indignities at the hands of the Death Eaters than he knew she’d yet to tell him.

They would pay the price for what they’d done to her, reap what they sown when Harry caught up with them.

“Much better. I might have used all of your soap,” she choked.

Harry pulled her into his arms and held her tightly to him.

She would never truly get over what she’d been through. It would haunt her for the rest of her days, but it would get easier to live with, eventually.

“It’s fine,” he chuckled, summoning the plates of food he’d pieced together for her, placing them on the table in the living room. “I know you probably don’t have much of an appetite, but you should try to eat something, and we should get a message to your parents.”

Her grip suddenly tightened around his arm almost painfully.

“No,” she whispered. “Can…can I stay with you, just for a few days?”

Her vulnerability left him with a pang in his chest, and he offered her as reassuring smile as he could muster.

“Of course, but I will get a message to Marcus.”

“Marcus?”

“He’s the one who found and told me about your situation. Someone was posing as you at Ilvermorny, and Riddle had two Death Eaters watching over your parents.”

“Someone was pretending to be me?”

“Yes, but he’s dead now.”

Sabine swallowed deeply as she nodded.

“Harry, my father found out about us during the summer, and…”

He held up a hand.

“You don’t have to explain. We both knew it would happen one day, and I suppose I should’ve realised something wasn’t right when all I received was what I thought was a note from you when I returned to school in September. I thought maybe you believed it was easier if we just didn’t speak again…”

“I would never…”

“I know,” Harry sighed. “Like I said, you don’t have to explain. Let me just get a message to your brother. He has been worried, and I promised I would get you back. Eat,” he urged. “You could use a good meal.”

He wanted to say more, to say that he’d been fine with how things had been concluded between them, but Harry could not lie and say he wasn’t hurt, that it didn’t bother him, and that seeing her around Ilvermorny during his brief stay hadn’t been painful.

What could he say?

Nothing had changed, and the ending would’ve been the same. It had been months now, and he’d moved on as best he could, focusing on the war he found himself in.

As far as he’d come to accept, what they’d had ended abruptly the previous summer, despite the other circumstances surrounding it.

With a sad smile, he finished writing the note to Marcus ensuring he had rescued Sabine, and that he would return her home when she was ready in a few days.

The Van Droombeeld parents would likely be displeased, but Harry owed them nothing. They had partly brought this on their daughter, well, her father had, at least.

“Huh,” he snorted as he passed the window, pausing briefly to watch the activity in the alley below.

“What is it?”

“People.” Harry answered curiously. “No one has been down there for months now.”

Sabine joined him and watched the throngs of people moving cautiously up and down the street, many leaving soon after arriving when they realised that most of the shops were closed, but among them, were indeed a few that had opened again.

Maybe the owners were doing so prematurely.

Last night had indeed been quite the victory, a sorely needed one at that, but truthfully, little had changed in the grand scheme of things.

Voldemort was still in control of the Ministry, and it wasn’t as though he was incapable of keeping his Death Eaters hidden, nor striking back with a vengeance.

He would not be using the giants to do so, however, thanks to Norbert and his efforts.

Sabine almost jumped out of her skin as an owl landed on the windowsill, pulling Harry from his thoughts.

“It’s just the newspaper,” he explained, allowing the bird to enter and relieve itself of its burden. “Oh, bloody great,” he sighed as he read the headline.

Fortunately, there were no accompanying photos of the battle itself, but Malfoy Maor featured prominently on the front cover, along with quite the collection of photographs of the Death Eaters who’d escaped from Azkaban that had been killed, among others who’d escaped justice the first time around.

The Carrow Twins were there, as was Rabastan Lestrange, along with Walden Macnair.

Of course, Harry’s name was mentioned, and he was grateful that none present had spoken of his part in what had unfolded.

‘I will be carrying out a full investigation into the matter and will be speaking with those involved in due course.’

That was all Amelia Bones had said to the members of the media, who’d evidently arrived after Harry had taken his leave.

Still, he did not expect it would take long for her to reach out to him. Bones would ensure Susan was safe, get her version of events, and undoubtedly have a plethora of questions she wished to ask Harry.

He shook his head at the thought, but knew things could’ve been much worse.

Well, they still might be.

He was yet to speak with Sirius or anyone else who’d fought outside of the manor whilst he’d been doing his utmost to get the prisoners from within, and he suspected that too would happen soon.

For now, however, Harry too just wished for a little time to rest, even a few more hours so that he could digest all that had happened, not only last night, but what had led to him being where he was now with Sabine and all he’d done to get her out of Malfoy Manor.

(Break)

He rubbed his eyes tiredly as he sunk into one of the kitchen chairs of Grimmauld Place.

Sirius had spent that past hours fielding questions from Aurors, fending off members of the press, and ensuring everyone was as well as they could be given the circumstances.

For the most part, those that had sustained injuries were doing well with only minor cuts and the after-effects of curses that had been removed.

His arm had been easily fixed, and though a dull ached plagued him, it would be right again soon enough.

The same couldn’t be said for Doge who had been confirmed dead at Malfoy Manor, and both Moody and Tonks, who had been taken to St Mungo’s for treatment, neither having regained consciousness.

Still, the Healers had assured him they would keep him informed of their conditions, and Sirius had already gotten a message to Ted and Andromeda.

“What a bloody mess,” he muttered, picking up the mug of coffee Kreacher had poured for him and taking a sip.

“How’s your arm?” Emmeline asked as she entered the room.

She too had endured her share of minor wounds, but nothing permanent.

“It will be fine,” Sirius said dismissively.

She quirked an eyebrow at him.

“I know you, Sirius Black. Something is bothering you.”

It was.

Snape.

He could not forget what the man had revealed to him in the heat of their confrontation, and Sirius’s temper remained boiling beneath the surface. He wanted the man dead, wanted him to suffer for what he’d seen done to Remus.

“Just something Snape said.”

“He always was a bastard.”

Sirius nodded his agreement, wincing as Emmeline climbed into his lap.

“Have you heard from Harry?”

“No, not yet. He will be looking after the Van Droombeeld girl and keeping his head down. I can’t say I blame him. Every journalist in Britain is looking for him.”

“Well, it is a good job they won’t be able to find him.”

“No, they won’t,” Sirius snorted. “I saw him before he left. He seemed well enough, and it wasn’t as though the night was such a disaster. Voldemort ended up much worse off than us this time.”

“Because of Harry, the Aurors, and the dragon.”

“Norbert,” Sirius said fondly. “I took him off Hagrid’s hands almost six years ago. He was just a baby when he arrived, and Harry somehow made friends with him.”

“I think we all saw that,” Emmeline said dryly. “The Department for the Control and Regulation of Magical Creatures will want to speak with him, I bet.”

“More than likely,” Sirius agreed amusedly, “but Norbert will be long gone, and there’s nothing they can do about that. Besides, Macnair is dead, so it’s not as though they have an executioner available. Not that anyone would be stupid enough to try it. No, the Ministry will have their hands full with other matters to worry too much about Norbert, as will the Wizengamot. We might only just manage to even up the votes there now, but it is better than nothing.”

Emmeline offered him a smile before it fell.

“A lot of people died last night,” she murmured.

“They did, and there will be more. We both know how this works.”

“What if it’s you.”

“Or you,” Sirius returned.

“It could be.”

Sirius shook his head.

“Can we not talk about that? I know it could happen, but I’d rather not think about it.”

“Not talking about it doesn’t change anything. Look at James and Lily, Frank and Alice.”

“Are you saying you want us to get married?” Sirius asked confusedly.

“That is not what I’m saying at all.”

“So, we shouldn’t?”

Emmeline quirked an eyebrow at him.

“I think you should probably get some sleep, Sirius Black. You’re beginning to sound delirious. Come on, I’ll help you to bed. Merlin knows you can’t be trusted to do as you’re told.”

She all but pulled him from the room, and Sirius could not deny that he was exhausted from all that had transpired the previous evening.

Sleep was certainly on the agenda for him before he’d inevitably need to return to Hogwarts to tend to his duties there. For now, however, the castle was in Minerva’s capable hands.

He needed to speak with Harry, and Lily would wish to see him too, to see for herself that he was indeed fine.

All of that, however, could wait a little while yet whilst Sirius got some much-needed rest.

He doubted he would be granted much of it later when the shock of what had occurred wore off and the pieces began to move around the chessboard once more.

(Break)

The smell of scorched flesh wafted from the remains of the giants, and the Dark Lord’s nostrils flared in a mixture of distaste and anger.

How Potter had come to bring a dragon into his employ was beyond him but was quite the concern. He had witnessed the beast immolate Malfoy Manor and send his followers feeing for their lives.

Only a fool, or someone capable would attempt to fend off such a creature, after all, but it was no excuse for cowardice.

Those that fled would be punished, but as things were, that was far from Lord Voldemort’s mind.

He had lost the leverage he’d secured over the proceedings of the Wizengamot, and now, Yaxley would need to find a way to maintain his hold because Black would come for him with every political weapon he could muster.

Worse yet, Amelia Bones had managed to survive their encounter, thanks to Potter’s intervention.

The unmitigated gall of the boy was irksome.

He dared stand beneath the Dark Lord so brazenly, so brashly, claiming he felt no fear, as though he truly believed he was able to defeat him.

“Potter,” he muttered irritably.

Were it not for the presentation of Barty’s head at his feet, he would wonder just how it was he’d managed to get within the grounds of Malfoy Manor, let alone leave with more than two dozen prisoners, all whilst the Order of the Phoenix and the Aurors had been responsible for the death of some of his most devout followers, along with the many others that had been arrested, and those injured, being treated in St Mungo’s before they would inevitably be put on trial.

He was not so concerned with the proceedings. Yaxley was shrewd enough to do what was needed to see them freed, well, he hoped.

No, his concern was with those already lost to him.

Rabastan would be sorely missed, as would Walden, who had a way with creatures like no other the Dark Lord had met.

The Carrows had not deserved such an end, and with some of the wounded he’d gathered at the home of his deceased grandparents and father, there was no certainty they would survive.

Severus had been badly wounded, and was unable to tend to the others, so it had been left to whomever was the next most useful with potions and healing magic.

“Bella, you should be resting,” he sighed as he felt the woman arrive just a short distance behind him.

She limped to his side, the cuts and bruises on her face minor compared to her broken leg and ribs.

She’d been fortunate not to have been killed by the combination of Aurors she’d managed to fight off whilst escaping. Even so, she was undoubtedly feeling the effects of the confrontation.

“I do not need rest, my lord, I need blood.”

“And you shall have it, when the time is right. You are injured, as are many others, and as you can see, we have lost one of our greatest assets.”

“Lucius is not pleased about what happened to his home,” Bellatrix said amusedly, “and Narcissa is whining about Draco’s face. It is hideous.”

He had briefly seen the boy shortly after taking his leave of Malfoy Manor. His wounds were irreversible, and certainly noticeable. One side of his face had been horribly burned.

Truthfully, he was lucky to have escaped the manor, let alone be alive.

“Well, Lucius always was one for complaining. He can rebuild his home a thousand times over before making a dent in his finances. He will get over it.”

Bellatrix nodded, grimacing as she put a little too much weight on her broken leg.

“What next, my lord?”

“Patience, Bella.”

He knew what he intended to do next, and knew he must act quickly to ensure the success of his plan.

He frowned thoughtfully as he continued observing the smouldering bones spread out before him.

The Dark Lord needed to make a statement, to remind them all of his power.

(Break)

She woke with a start, her breath hitched in her chest and gripped by a fear that she was back in her cell, only to feel a pair of strong arms wrapped around her.

It took a moment, but Sabine managed to get her breathing under control, but she couldn’t quite shake the fear.

She wasn’t sure she ever would.

“Does it really get easier?”

“It does,” Harry assured her.

“Do you have nightmares about things?”

He nodded.

“For as long as I can remember. They come and go, but they don’t scare me like they used to.”

“How did you get over it?”

He said nothing for a few moments.

“I embraced them. I used them to shape myself into someone that can defeat those things that haunt me. Before that, I spent most days scared that he would come back for my mother. I promised her I would protect her, and everything I’ve done is to make sure that I can do just that.”

It was odd to hear him speak so candidly about his own demons.

The world knew the story of Harry Potter, but they didn’t know him or what he had truly been through all those years after that Halloween night.

“You protected me too. You came for me.”

“Maybe I have a thing for protecting people.”

“And getting into trouble.”

“That too,” Harry chuckled. “I get that from my father. Oh, bloody hell, what now?” he huffed as he stood from the sofa to answer the incessant knocking on the window.

He opened it to admit a rather regal owl, which presented its leg, leaving as soon as Harry removed the missive attached.

“That took less time than I thought,” he grumbled. “It looks as though I have a meeting with Amelia Bones this evening.”

“Do you think you’ll be in trouble?”

Harry shrugged in response.

“I couldn’t care less, but I should see my mother and Sirius first. Will you be okay here or…”

“Can I come with you? I don’t want to be alone.”

She felt almost ashamed admitting it out loud, but Harry merely nodded in response and offered his hand to help her from the sofa.

“Of course, I just need to shower first, then we will head over to Grimmauld Place. Oh, a word of warning, don’t touch anything there, and don’t pay attention to the portrait of Sirius’s mother. She’s a special kind of bitch.”

Sabine could only frown as Harry grinned, leaving her as he entered the bathroom and closed the door behind him.

She’d heard rumours of the Blacks, was not ignorant of what they were most famous for across the wizarding world, but it seemed she would get to experience it for herself soon enough.

Still, she’d meant what she’d said.

She really did not wish to be alone with her thoughts, not for a while at least, not any time soon if she had her way.

(Break)

She watched as her spell tore through Amycus Carrow’s chest, leaving nothing behind but a gaping hole in its wake.

Macnair was rooted to the spot in shock, and Lily’s next spell ripped the innards of his throat out, spraying them across the ground. For a moment, he stared at his own insides, didn’t even reach for the wound to check they were his own, and collapsed limply into the dirt, lifeless and unmoving.

She had showered three times already, but no amount of cleaning could remove the feeling of uncleanliness from her skin. She was raw from the scrubbing, and though she felt no guilt for what she’d done, it was not something she could come to terms with so easily.

Lily knew this was what the war would come to, that she would have to choose between her own life and that of her enemy. She’d accepted that inevitability, it was just that making a decision and living with it were not so synonymous.

Still, she wouldn’t change anything.

She knew that any three of those she had killed would have done much the same to her with keenness, and although she did not share that sentiment, she was not like them.

The Death Eaters killed for fun, for sport even, and Lily only did so to live, to protect those she cared for.

She released a deep breath as she turned off the shower once more, stepping out and drying herself off before dressing, feeling no cleaner than when she’d entered.

How Harry did it and carried it so well, she didn’t know.

Maybe it was because he’d grown up with the taint of death hanging over him, or perhaps he struggled just as much as her, but hid it well.

Lily paused as she heard voices coming from the kitchen below and exited the bathroom on the first floor where she’d taken a room in Grimmauld Place.

“Harry,” she whispered, breathing a sigh of relief at the sight of her son speaking with Sirius and Emmeline, along with a younger woman, a rather stunning blonde with brown eyes.

“Hello, Mum,” he replied, pulling her into a tight embrace. “This is Sabine Van Droombeeld.”

“Hello, Mrs Potter,” the blonde greeted her.

She had pale skin, paler  than usual, Lily suspected, and those brown eyes were full of uncertainty, haunted by what she’d endured.

Lily offered her a comforting smile.

“Is this the same Miss Van Droombeeld you found yourself in trouble over during your second year?” she asked amusedly.

“It is,” Harry answered fondly. “She always has a way of getting me into trouble.”

“That is a lie, Harry Potter. You are the troublemaker.”

“She’s got you there,” Sirius snorted.

Harry scowled at the man before shifting his focus back towards her.

“I’ve been called in for a meeting with Bones. Would you mind waiting with Sabine?”

“Of course not. Did Amelia say what she wanted?”

Harry shrugged.

“Probably to give me an earful and an Order of Merlin.”

Sirius unleashed a bark of laughter.

“If you think that, you don’t know Bones. She’s going to drag you over hot coals, and maybe let you go with a foot up the arse for what you did, but she will be grateful.”

“Great, I look forward to it,” Harry muttered. “Well, worst case scenario is she sends me off to Azkaban. If she does that, I’ll be back before dinner.”

He waved as he left the room, and Lily shared a look with Sirius.

“You don’t think she would…?”

“She’s a bloody stickler for the law, and Harry probably broke more than a few last night. I wouldn’t put it past her if he hadn’t gotten her niece out of there.”

Lily could only shake her head in response.

“Would he really just breakout of prison?” Sabine asked.

“He would,” Lily and Sirius answered together.

“Do you remember when I grounded him for setting fire to Ted’s underwear?”

“Well, he was still wearing them,” Sirius reminded her.

Lily hummed disapprovingly.

“And where did you find him in the morning?”

“Sleeping with Aurelius and the other griffins. He said he would live with them permanently until he was no longer grounded. He was out there for three days,” Sirius finished amusedly.

“Wait, he set fire to someone’s underwear?” Sabine interjected.

“Oh, that is nothing,” Lily sighed. “There have been dozens of incidents over the years. Like when he accidentally apparated in the shower when Andromeda was in there.”

“I’m still not convinced that was an accident,” Sirius chuckled.

“He was eight.”

Sirius shrugged.

“I would’ve done it if I could at that age.”

“Because you’re a disgrace,” Emmeline huffed. “If you get any ideas of doing that to me…”

“I’d be welcomed with open arms.”

Emmeline quirked an eyebrow at him, and Lily gestured for Sabine to follow her into the adjoining living room.

“They will argue for the next half hour, at least,” she explained. “Now, why don’t you tell me how it is you met Harry, and why he thinks so much of you that he would risk his life the way he did last night?”

Sabine was suddenly very uncomfortable under her gaze, and she could only shrug in response.

“Because Harry is the best person I know,” she answered candidly.

Lily scrutinised her for a moment, but found no deception in her words, tone, or eyes.

“And what about the first part of the question?”

Sabine smiled warmly, evidently replaying some of the happier memories the two of them had shared, and Lily suspected she was missing much more than she could’ve anticipated.

(Break)

“Look, it’s Harry Potter!”

“Do you think he would sign my scarf?”

“I heard he rides that dragon.”

He ignored the poorly veiled remarks about him as he passed through the atrium of the Ministry of Magic, entering the golden elevator.

The few people in the atrium watched him unashamedly until the gates closed and he was rocketed upwards.

“The Department of Magical Law Enforcement,” the feminine voice announced.

Harry stepped out of the elevator into a large office with dozens upon dozens of cubicles laid out before him. As with the atrium, it was empty for the most part, but those that were present watched him as he made his way through the narrow walkway towards the office located at the end.

He knew he would not see Tonks here.

Sirius had informed him that the woman was not in a good sate, but he would stop by St Mungo’s to visit her and Moody when he was done here, if he wasn’t forced to go on the run, of course.

Bracing himself for whatever awaited him, he knocked on the door.

“Come in, Mr Potter.”

Entering, he saw Madam Bones seated behind an ornate desk, and in a chair next to her, Susan, who stood immediately and threw her arms around his neck.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“Susan, would you give me some time with Mr Potter?”

It was more of an instruction than a request, but the young woman nodded and left the office, closing the door behind her.

“Take a seat, Mr Potter. Would you like something to drink?”

“Coffee, please.”

The redhead nodded, and said nothing as she prepared his beverage, placing it on the desk in front of him when she was done.

For a moment, she said nothing, and tapped a large stack of files in front of her with the tip of her wand.

“These are the witness reports from the incident last night,” she explained, “including from those that were held hostage in the dungeons of Malfoy Manor. They make for some very interesting reading of what they saw and endured.”

“I expect it is more harrowing than interesting.”

Bones nodded tightly.

“But they also speak of one person coming to rescue them, one person who got them out of there, and did so admirably. I am not interested in the details, Mr Potter, they will likely only be an admission of dozens of laws you broke, but I do not care about those and nor do any Auror you will come across. You saved many lives, including mine with your timely arrival. Now, I would advise you to make that dragon scarce before Yaxley takes too much of an interest in it.”

“Norbert is already out of Britain.”

Amelia nodded approvingly.

“I had intended to have an explanation from you, but I find I do not care for one. You returned Susan to me, and you have made all the difference where it matters in this war. There will be no reward for what you’ve done, but you have my gratitude, and that of the people of Britain.”

“So, no attempt to lock me in Azkaban?”

“Would it be worth it?”

“No.”

Amelia laughed, and Harry found it was much more pleasant than he would expect from such a stern woman.

“I have no intention of arresting you, but there are many questions to be answered, and none of them will be good enough for Yaxley. He will come for you using everything he has at his disposal, but my Aurors are loyal to me. They will not bother you. It is those in the black robes you need to watch out for.”

“I thought as much, but if Voldemort doesn’t worry me, his little arse-kissers certainly don’t.”

“No, I don’t expect they do,” Bones mused aloud. “Well, thank you for clearing everything up, Mr Potter. Do be careful out there. You may not fear him, but you should never forget that he is as unpredictable as he is dangerous. Twenty years ago, I may well have been a match for him. That isn’t so anymore, as you saw for yourself.”

Harry nodded his understanding as he stood.

“I don’t take anything for granted, Madam Bones, but he overestimates himself and underestimates me.”

“A mistake he will not make again.”

“Good. I’m tired of his stupid games. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

He left the office, pleased there had been no unpleasantness, but equally wondering why it was Amelia ones had wished to speak with him if she intended to do nothing with the evidence she’d gathered.

Had she merely wished to get a measure of him?

Harry wasn’t certain, but truthfully, it didn’t matter.

His focus was solely on taking Riddle’s life, and a certain blonde waiting for him back at Grimmauld Place.

First, however, he had another stop to make before returning to look after Sabine.

There was a certain metamorph he wanted to check in on, and a grumpy, retired auror who would not be pleased by his stay in the hospital.

(Break)

“I told you, I’m fine!” Moody huffed irritably. “It’s a few broken bones and a few curse scars.”

“You will stay until I say you’re ready to leave, and will you stop sniffing that sausage! Eat the damned thing, it’s not poisoned.”

“Did you cook it and bring it to me?”

“It was prepared in our kitchens, and one of the other nurses brought it in while you were sleeping.”

“Then I’ll eat it.”

The woman left the room, muttering under her breath about difficult aurors, and Tonks was certain she heard a slur somewhere in her description of Moody in particular.

“Mum, I’m fine,” she sighed. “It could’ve been worse.”

“I warned you, Nymphadora. Bellatrix is not like any other witch!”

“I know that now,” Tonks grumbled, grimacing as her newly acquired scar stretched uncomfortably as she moved.

It was a rather grotesque, almost black jagged line running from her hip, down the length of her thigh, and she was uncertain if even her metamorph abilities would be able to rid her of it.

For now, she’d been warned about using her ability until the foreign magic still in her system was purged, so, she was stuck in her natural form, something she was not wont to do often.

“Look at the bloody state of you, Moody. You somehow look worse than usual. Don’t get up, you’ve not even got your leg on, but I did bring a little gift for you, and before you ask, yes, it is sealed and purchased from one of your approved sellers.”

“Aye, you’re a good lad, now, let me just have a nip of that and I’ll be as right as rain.”

“Not until your Healer says you can,” Harry said firmly. “I think I’ll hold onto this. You can’t be trusted.”

“Potter, get back here!” Alastor growled, the empty bedpan he hurled after Harry crashing against the wall next to him.

“He’s in a good mood,” Harry said brightly, pausing at the sight of Tonks as she sat up.

“Not a word from you,” she warned.

“I was just going to say how beautiful you look,” he replied with a shrug. “Those Black genetics really are something.”

Her mother nodded her agreement, and Tonks rolled her eyes at the young man.

It was odd to see just how much he’d grown up these past few years. It only seemed like yesterday he’d been the annoying, mischievous little boy that found himself in trouble every other day.

“Still breathing then?” he asked.

Tonks nodded, and her mother shot him a glare.

“Good,” Harry declared, wrapping his arms around her. “From what I hear, you were amazing.”

“Not good enough,” Tonks muttered, wincing again.

“Not many would be. Can I see it?”

“See what?”

“The scar.”

“No, you cannot!”

“I’ll show you mine if you show me yours,” he replied with a grin.

Tonks shook her head.

“You really are more like Sirius than your mother would like.”

He frowned thoughtfully for a moment.

“Not quite as bad.”

“But bad enough?”

“It’s complicated,” Harry sighed. “Really bloody complicated.”

“The girl you saved last night…”

“Will be marrying someone else soon.”

“So, there are others?” Tonks asked amusedly.

“I’m not discussing this with you.”

“Oh come on, humour me.”

“Show me that scar and I’ll think about it.”

“I think I’m going to step outside for some air,” Andromeda declared. “I suddenly feel very awkward and unseen.”

She left the room Tonks was sharing with Alastor, and Harry watched her go until the door closed behind her.

“She’s gone.”

“Thank Merlin,” Tonks murmured. “I know she means well, but…”

“She likes to mother you.”

“Thanks, Harry. So, are you going to tell me about the girls that are on your mind?”

“I don’t even want to think about it right now. I’ll be taking Sabine home when she’s ready, and I probably won’t see her again, and the less I think about Gabrielle, the better.”

“Why?”

“We like each other, don’t get me wrong, and we’re really good friends, but…”

“You don’t connect where it matters.”

“I honestly don’t think she wants to. She’s been very honest with me about it being mostly physical, and that hasn’t changed at all. We meet up, we, well, you don’t need the details, and that’s it. We just go back to being friends.”

Tonks nodded her understanding.

“Well, that’s not always such a bad thing. There’s nothing wrong with that if it is both what you want and are happy with.”

“Maybe,” Harry murmured. “I don’t know, I suppose I just need to figure everything out.”

“You will,” Tonks assured him, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “So, what is it like being with a Veela?”

“Different,” Harry snorted.

“Ah, so there has been others.”

“You bloody tricked me!”

Tonks grinned at him.

“You’re good looking and famous. I’d be more surprised if there wasn’t,” she said dismissively. “Besides, it’s not as though I’m going to tell anyone anything. We’ve known each other forever, Harry. Your secrets are safe with me,” she finished with a wink.

Oddly, Harry believed her.

Although she was several years older than him, he’d always appreciated the friendship they had. Tonks had never gotten him in trouble intentionally when he’d been younger, and though they were not as close as he was with his other friends, he still held her as such.

“What about you, aren’t you dating anyone?”

“A chance would be nice,” Tonks sighed. “Between being in the academy and the crap hours I get as a rookie, I barely have time to sleep a reasonable amount.”

“You wanted to be an Auror.”

“And I don’t regret it. It will get easier in a few years when I have some experience and have my own rookie to boss around. Have you thought about signing up?”

“I don’t think so,” Harry snorted. “I have other plans.”

“You do?”

“When old Tom’s dead, I might play Quodpot, or Quidditch if I’m any good at it. After that, well, I don’t know. I’ll have the Wizengamot to deal with and whatever interests my family has. I won’t know what they are for a few months yet.”

“Well, if you change your mind, we could always use people like you.”

“Brilliant wizards?”

“Absolute nutters who can handle themselves.”

“If I end up looking like that git in there, not thanks.”

“I can bloody well hear you, Potter!” Moody huffed from the other side of the curtain.

“Well, at least your ears are fine.”

Moody muttered something indiscernible under his breath, and Harry suspected it was not so flattering.

Not that he had time to ask the man to repeat his words.

He felt the sudden influx of coldness before the entire hospital seemed to tremble, and Harry groaned.

“What was that?” Tonks asked worriedly.

“Dementors,” Harry grumbled as he stood, “and probably Death Eaters. There are some here, isn’t there?”

“Guarded by Aurors,” Tonks confirmed. “Harry, my mother…”

“I’ll find her. You stay here. You’re in no fit state to fight.”

He hurried from the room with his wand drawn, and Tonks drew her own. Struggling to her feet against the protestations of her leg, she followed in his wake.

She could not lie here and do nothing whilst her mother could be in danger.

“Don’t leave me here!” Moody called after her.

“If you’re helping, you’d better get off your arse,” Tonks returned, rushing from the room as quickly as her leg would allow her to move.