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Dreams of Home Chapter 27
🕑 Added 2023-06-28 03:51:16 +0000 UTCChapter 27
“This is a mess, Potter!” Crouch exclaimed, “We have at least a dozen bodies out here, and serious damage done to the village. From all the witness statements I have, your boy and his little friend could be responsible for some of the loss of life here tonight.”
Charlus crossed his arms looking at the head of magical law enforcement with an unimpressed gaze, “They were defending the ancestral home of the Potters, Godric Gryffindor, and dozens of other magical and muggle families alike. Your career would not survive an attempt at arresting my son or Miss Essex, who is under the protection of House Potter.”
“Why were they even here?” Crouch asked accusingly, “They should be at Hogwarts, or in Hogsmeade if I have my dates right.”
“I called for my son.” Charlus said, still looking completely unbothered.
Crouch twitched at the man's casual answer, “You called your seventeen-year-old son to an active battlefield? Are you mad?”
“I won’t suggest telling you what to do with your child, Crouch. I highly recommend you do the same for me.” Charlus said with a much harsher tone.
The man’s mustache furrowed at the war vet’s words. Seemingly thinking about what he would say next as he looked across the destroyed street of Godric's Hollow, and then glanced over at the boy in question who had his arm and a blanket around the girl who had assisted in the defense of the village. Crouch also noted that Dorea Potter was standing close to the pair, seemingly still on edge to protect her charges if necessary. The press had arrived minutes ago, and they were already snapping pictures that would undoubtedly be on the front page of the prophet tomorrow.
Charlus was right. His career would not survive trying to arrest a single member of the defense force this evening. Muggles had been getting slaughtered the length of the country for the last two months, and finally, the cowards in their masks attacked a muggle area that had a wizarding population, making it result in a disaster. This may not have been a win, but he was imagining how grizzly this scene could have been without the intervention of the Potter family.
Begrudgingly the man finally spoke, “Very well. I suggest your son and his companion remain available for further questioning from my department.”
“They will have lawyers present for any further questioning, Mr Crouch.” Monty interrupted before his brother could rudely retort.
Crouch offered the two a nod of his head, and turned on his heel to address the gathering media presence. When just the two Potter siblings remained Monty sighed, “We will need to make sure Harry and Miss Essex know not to speak to any more Aurors without our lawyers.”
Charlus nodded, “The girl has proven to be a valuable ally. I would see her taken care of.”
“What do you have in mind?” Monty asked curiously.
“The girl is Muggleborn, and supported only by her father, according to Harry.” Charlus explained, “If she needs anything financially I think the least our family can do for her is provide assistance. If she needs help finding a job after graduation, perhaps we can even assist, depending on what she would like to do. Beyond that, I think we should discuss it with our wives, but she has earned my respect tonight. She fought well, and clearly took Harry’s teachings to heart.”
“Dorea tells me the girl did not have a Hogsmeade permission slip signed. It seems James' mischievous nature carried onto Harry in some ways.” Monty said with a smile, “If the girl faces trouble I will use my position on the Board of Governors to protect her. The girl is of age so I don’t imagine I will face much resistance in that area.”
“Dumbledore lives to be a pain in my ass.” Charlus said with a grumble before his attitude seemed to shift when saying, “I think it may be time to have a meeting with the girl's father. Her family deserves to know she has earned our favor.”
With a nod Monty took his little brother's words in with a frown, “You think the man will be difficult?”
The two were both looking over at Harry and Elaina with completely different thoughts in their minds. Charlus shook his head, “I don’t know. Something about her seems familiar. Harry and Dorea both suspect the girl has dabbled in certain types of magic to become as talented as she is, but I don’t know if I agree. She is clearly disturbed by the loss of life tonight despite these men being our enemies that would’ve killed us had the situation been reversed. The type of magic that would elevate her to the unnatural level she is now would have made her unsympathetic to the loss of life.”
“Where would a Muggleborn even find such knowledge?” Monty asked in wonder, and not a little suspicion.
“She was sorted into Slytherin for a reason.” Charlus answered ominously, “I will not dismiss any possibilities, but for better or worse I will be keeping an eye on the girl.”
.o.
Harry had his arm around the shaking girl as Dorea returned with a calming draught, “This will help the nerves, dear.”
Elaina gratefully took the vial that was offered by the former healer, and downed it in one go. The shakes subsided after only a few moments, and the girl offered the healer a weak smile, “The training doesn’t prepare you for the aftermath.”
“It never does.” Dorea agreed sadly before turning to her son with another vial, “Harry, this will help you tonight. No arguments. I think it best you take it just this once.”
Harry eyed the vial in question before recognizing the dreamless sleep draught for what it was. Standing to accept the vial he offered his mother a grateful smile as she patted him on the cheek.
Elaina shivered slightly as she watched the exchange with curiosity, “Harry?”
The young man in question turned his head towards his friend, and her disguised brown eyes were looking at him with concern, “You were responsible for some of the…well, I don’t really know how to-”
“It’s okay, Elaina.” Harry consoled, “This was not my first time on a battlefield, nor was it the first time I have had to take a life in combat.”
A hundred questions swam in the girl's eyes, and Harry wanted to trust her. To tell her the truth, yet he needed more time, and some answers about the girl's past before he could even consider it. Looking up at Dorea who seemed anxious about how he would answer the question he sighed, “You’ve earned my trust, but some secrets are a very heavy burden to bear.”
Elaina looked towards Dorea questioningly who merely offered her a sad smile that showed understanding, causing the girl to take a deep breath, “I’m not sure I understand, but I want to.”
“I believe someday, you will.” Dorea answered, taking a seat next to the girl.
“Do you think…” Elaina asked trailing off for a moment before strengthening her resolve, “Do you think I am responsible for some of the deaths that happened here tonight?”
Harry was almost certain she was, but he didn’t know how to tell her that. Thankfully Dorea came to the rescue, “Let me ask you this before I answer that question. Would you change anything you did tonight? Knowing that had you acted any differently, any less instinctually, that it is possible you or one of us could’ve lost our lives.”
Elaina seemed to ponder the question for a long moment, before answering quietly, “I wouldn’t change a single thing about tonight. I did what I thought was right.”
Dorea offered the girl a soft smile wrapping an arm around her shoulder, “I think you did too, dear. The answer to your question is that it doesn’t matter. If you believe what you did was right then the consequences are of little importance at this point. I assure you the only ones who are likely regretting their decisions tonight, are those cowards in masks.”
Elaina seemed to melt into the older woman's arms, and Harry offered a grateful nod to his mum who seemed to know exactly what to say and do for his friend. Hardly any time at all passed before they were joined by Charlus and Monty, the younger of which said, “I think they are done with the questions for the night. I think it is safe for you both to return to Hogwarts.”
Monty nodded before offering to Elaina, “Is there anyone you would like me to contact for you, Miss Essex? A family member who might read tomorrow's prophet and be worried?”
The girl seemed to turn ashy white at his question before shaking her head, “No, Lord Potter. It's just my father and I, and he doesn’t receive any news from the Wizarding World. I would prefer he not be made aware of this.”
Harry was watching the girl closely observing her reactions to the mention of her family. Charlus frowned at her words, and exchanged looks with his wife that Harry caught, but didn’t understand. If Monty was bothered by her words he didn’t show it, “You are of age, and that is your choice, my dear. If possible though, I would like an opportunity to speak with your family. You have done mine a great service on two occasions now, and I would like them to know how high a favor you carry with us. We could open many doors for you after graduation, doors that are usually quite difficult to get through when Muggleborn.”
“Not that we are judgemental about such things.” Dorea added quickly, “We just don’t want to mince words about the disadvantages you will face in our world.”
Elaina swallowed heavily, looking between the three adults and Harry like a cornered animal. Taking a deep breath the girl said, “Respectfully, Lord Potter, it would be best if my father was left out of this. He does not have the highest regard for magical…anything. I appreciate what you are trying to do, but if it's all the same to you this should stay between us.”
Monty frowned, glancing at Charlus with an expression Harry did not recognize. Harry, on the other hand, was getting a sinking feeling about Elaina’s father. Before either of the Potter men could retort, Dorea offered the girl an assuring answer, “Of course, Elaina. As we said before you are of age, and we will respect your wishes. I think I speak for my family when I say that we want to do more for you. I think we should all take an opportunity to have lunch together next month in Hogsmeade. Perhaps a repeat visit will be on the agenda. Or a visit to Potter Manor over the holidays.”
Relaxing slightly, the edge of panic seemed to melt away from Elaina, “I would like that, Mrs Potter.”
“Dorea.” The woman corrected with a smile, “I think I told you that last time, but it's been a long night. I will let it slide this time. We have all been in a firefight together now. You have earned the right to be casual with my family.”
Before Elaina could protest Monty placed a comforting hand on the girl’s shoulder, “This will all undoubtedly be in the papers tomorrow, and I want to assure you that I will use my seat on the Board of Governors to ensure you don’t land in trouble with Hogwarts for being in Hogsmeade or coming to our aide here tonight. You are in good hands, Miss Essex.”
Elaina seemed very grateful at the man’s words as she offered him a satisfied look. Hugs were exchanged between Harry, his family, and Elaina while Dorea offered some final words of quiet encouragement to the girl as Charlus took his son aside, “Are you going to be okay? I know this is your first time since…rejoining magical Britain.”
Harry understood the man’s words offering him a confident nod, “I will be alright. I’ll be back home in just two weeks as well. It will all be okay.”
“Just be ready for anything in tomorrow’s paper.” Charlus advised.
“I will be.” Harry promised allowing the man to hug him one last time.
Offering his hand to Elaina he closed his fingers around hers, “Are you ready?”
With a nod, Harry gave his family a final nod before apparating the pair back to Hogwarts.
.o.
Sneaking back onto the grounds of Hogwarts was simple. Harry had shown Elaina the passageway from Dervish and Bangs that led to a mirror on the fourth floor. The journey was completed mostly in silence as the two contemplated what they had done, and what consequences might befall them the next day. With a flick of his wrist, Harry sent his patronus to James telling him that everyone was okay, and that Elaina would be returning to the Slytherin common room with him safely.
The two continued their trek through the halls of Hogwarts disillusioned. It was well after curfew by now, and as they made their way to the dungeons Harry felt the tension in the girl beside him. He could sense the hundreds of questions she must have for him, but he had just as many for her.
When they reached the common room Harry could feel the question burning inside of him to the point that he couldn’t hold it back any longer, “You and your dad…you two don’t have a very good relationship do you?”
The dark-haired girl whirled on him with anger in her eyes, but it died just as quickly as it came. Her heterochromia was on full display now, as they had removed all her glamors after arriving back at school, but that made her seem only more intimidating, “I don’t want to talk about that tonight, Harry.”
In understanding, Harry nodded, “I understand. If you ever…wanted to talk about it, I promise to listen.”
“After tonight, I think we have much bigger issues than the relationship I have with my father.” Elaina answered dismissively.
In acceptance, Harry nodded, “I suspect you’re right. I think we will have a lot of questions to answer tomorrow. From the school, from our friends, from my date…”
The last part Harry muttered quietly, but Elaina must have heard him as she offered him a smirk, “I put the odds of you getting hexed by the lovely Miss McKinnon to be rather high.”
Wincing, Harry nodded, “They wouldn’t have understood why we train the way we do. They would have romanticized it. In fact, I am sure they have.”
Snorting, the girl shook her head, “There was hardly anything romantic about you beating me to a pulp in our training sessions.”
“They won’t see it that way.” Harry said with a sigh.
“That’s their problem then.” She answered stubbornly.
“You’re right.” Harry said in agreement, “We should get some rest though. I suspect tomorrow will be longer and much more annoying than today was.”
Harry turned to head towards his dormitory, but before he could a small hand took his. He turned to face Elaina who was looking at him intently, “It was really brave what you did tonight. I can’t imagine how you charged forward with so much certainty, but I mean it when I say I would follow you again. One day I hope you are comfortable enough to tell me what happened to you before we met. Your comfort in battle is conditioned. You have done what we did tonight before. I want to know how one day.”
Surprised at how understanding the girl was, he met her eyes and offered her a nod as his thumb brushed the back of her hand, “You will be the first I tell. You have earned that tonight.”
With a satisfied look, the girl released his hand and moved towards her own dormitory allowing Harry to do the same. As he lay in bed later that evening, he swallowed heavily thinking about what he had done tonight. He was unsure whether it was a good decision to bring his friend into an active battlefield like that, but he was frantic to get to his family. Frantic to bring every capable fighter he could. At that moment she was all he had and he was grateful for her willingness to fight. Though there were more dark undertones in what he learned of the girl's upbringing, he started to ponder just how similar the two might be.
Shaking his final thoughts aside he pulled the vial his mother offered him from his robes and drained the contents, glad to get a peaceful night's rest.
.o.
The next morning Harry did not skip his usual training. He was on the grounds by dawn, and grateful that he made it through the night without his usual nightmares. His mind was clear, and he felt lighter than he had in weeks by the time he had joined the school at breakfast.
It was clear to him immediately that the world had not yet known of what had happened the night before. There were no whispers, or odd glances, something he was grateful for. In fact, the only thing that was out of the ordinary was James rapidly approaching him. Before he knew it he was being pulled into a hug by the teenager who took a deep sigh of relief, “Even after your patronus arrived I was on edge. I hardly slept last night worried about you. Are you injured? Are mum and dad okay? Is your mum and dad okay?”
The questions came fast and Harry separated from the boy putting a hand on both shoulders, “Everyone is alright, James. We handled it. Godric's Hollow is going to need some repairs, but I think by Christmas everything will be back to normal.”
James looked relieved by his words, “You are lucky. I convinced Lily not to say anything about Elaina, but I think half the school already knows.”
“Your dad is handling it.” Harry answered confidently, “Hopefully he is getting ahead of it, before we get to the problems, but we will find out soon enough.”
As he finished with James he was approached by Lily who immediately hugged the teen, “I can’t believe you are okay.”
The redhead looked like she might cry, but Harry just offered her a grin when they separated, “Everything is okay, seriously. Now are you guys going to let me go eat breakfast, or am I going to be put on a leash?”
Lily’s eyes went to the front of the hall, and Harry followed them to see Elaina had arrived with Pandora and Andi attached at her hips. The dark circles under her eyes made Harry think the girl likely hadn’t slept well the night before. He wasn’t sure if that was due to nerves of what was to come, or guilt for what she did on the battlefield. Either way, Harry knew he would need to check on her at some point. When Harry turned back to Lily her arms were crossed looking at him with an accusatory stare, “You told Marlene there was nothing going on between you and Elaina. Now we find out you’ve been training her, and she leapt into your arms to go fight with you. That doesn’t seem like nothing.”
Shaking his head Harry answered as best he could, “Elaina and I are just friends. We understand each other, that’s all. She protected me that night in the common room, now she has fought with me on a battlefield. There is a bond between us, but it’s not romantic.”
It sounded like a lie and he knew it. Lily and James both looked at him with varying degrees of disbelief, but Lily shook her head, “Good luck explaining that to Marlene.”
With that the girl began to walk back to her table before turning her head slightly not looking Harry in the eyes, “I’m glad you're safe, Harry.”
With that, she continued to the table taking a seat next to Alice who offered him a soft smile, and Frank who offered him a nod of respect. James shrugged patting Harry on the shoulder as he moved towards his table allowing Harry to do the same.
Taking a seat with his Slytherin friends, Andi put a hand on his arm when he took a seat, “It's good to see you, Harry.”
Wordlessly he smiled at the girl while reaching for his breakfast glancing at Elaina who watched him curiously. Breakfast carried on without a hitch, until Marlene approached the Slytherin table. Her eyes were puffy, and she looked irritated, “We should talk, Harry.”
Before Harry could respond the girl began walking out of the hall, and he sighed following her towards the entrance hall. As Harry followed her he noticed owls were arriving with the morning post, and he twitched in realization of what was about to happen. Deciding not to allow the girl to get too far in case he was needed he stopped her with a gentle pull of her arm before she could exit into the courtyard, “Marlene?”
The girl whirled on him with an angry expression, “You lied to me.”
Wincing at the accusation Harry shook his head, “I did not. You asked if there was anything between Elaina and I. I stick by what I said. There is nothing romantic between us. We’ve never snogged, or gone out to have fun together.”
“But you’ve been training her in secret?” She accused, already knowing the answer.
“Yes.” Harry admitted, “In the Dark Forest. While everyone else is in Dueling Club.”
“Why?” She asked angrily.
“Because she knows what is going on out there.” Harry retorted in frustration, “She understands the danger our world faces. Her home town was burnt to the ground. Last night when they tried to do the same to mine she didn’t hesitate.”
Marlene recoiled at his words and his sharp tone, and he took a deep breath before saying, “When I asked if we were a couple, you laughed and dismissed me. Had you said we were, I would've been more open with what I was doing in my free time. Now, you still have my word that there is nothing romantic going on between Elaina and I.”
Marlene shook her head thinking for a long moment. She bit her lip saying, “I want to understand, but there is still so much I don’t know about you. You are so secretive. Then I find out you are sneaking off with some other girl in the Dark Forest while the castle isn’t looking…I will be honest Harry. I don’t think this is going to work. I’m sorry.”
Before Harry could even respond, the girl was walking away leaving the teenager scratching his head. That could’ve been worse. Harry thought morbidly.
.o.
Back in the hall, Elaina watched with bated breath as today's edition of the Daily Prophet arrived. The headline was quite grabbing particularly with the picture on the front, Heroes of Godric's Hollow Fight Back!
The picture showed Charlus, Dorea, and Harry leading an assault while Monty, Elaina, and the other defenders of Godric’s Hollow attempted to contain the damage. Her disguised form was thankfully all that was displayed, but it wouldn’t take long before people pieced together that she was there. Only her group would recognize the fact that she was among the defenders, but word would get around. The staff would find out. If nothing else Crouch would likely report to Dumbledore what had happened, and the questions would begin. Elaina hoped Lord Potter knew what he was doing.
As Elaina peered at the Daily Prophet over Andi’s shoulder she was given a full dramatized version of the heroics that were on display from the previous evening. The praise was consistent until the end. Reports were coming in that a dozen attackers lost their lives, while no number was mentioned that counted the fatalities of the muggles.
Inwardly she seethed about that fact, but Andi just put the paper down looking at her friend in awe, “People died last night, Elaina. You could’ve been one of them.”
“Harry wouldn’t let anyone hurt me.” The words were out of her mouth so fast she was surprised she said them. The way Andi and Pandora’s eyes shot up they seemed equally surprised.
Pandora offered her friend a soft smile, “I think our friend has developed a bit of a crush.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Elaina denied blushing softly, “You both have no idea what Harry or his family are capable of. Had you been there last night you would understand.”
Looking around to see that everyone was distracted with their own conversations about what happened she leaned into the girls in a whisper, “Voldemort, the one Harry keeps talking about, he was there last night. He tried to goad Charlus and Harry into a fight.”
Andi and Pandora both looked shocked by her words, and even Nate who was hardly paying attention was leaning in now. Andi asked, “What stopped them from fighting?”
“The Aurors were arriving.” Elaina explained, “You should’ve seen Harry though. As soon as the pops were heard and he knew reinforcements were coming he went after Voldemort. That madman threw a killing curse at us as he was running away.”
The others' jaws were all open and Elaina shook her head glancing in the direction Harry had departed with Marlene, “I don’t care how powerful they say he is. Fighting Charlus and Harry at the same time would be a death sentence. Add in Dorea Potter and they have to be the most powerful family in Britain, if not the world.”
“You seem enamored with their abilities.” Pandora pointed out.
Scoffing Elaina said, “You should have seen it. They tore through scores of masked fanatics. Any who face them on the battlefield will be crushed. It’s about time people start showing where their allegiance lies.”
Nate whispered quietly where only the four of them could hear, “Well, Elaina, it seems you already have. I just hope the others don’t realize it.”
Glancing in the direction of the older Slytherins, Elaina caught the eyes of Yaxley on her. The man was giving her a blank look that seemed to radiate a cold feeling. The girl refused to shudder under his gaze, but he made her distinctly uncomfortable. Before she could say anything to the boy a strong hand gently squeezed her shoulder. Turning to see a familiar pair of green eyes that was offering her an encouraging look she took a deep breath before shaking off the sick feeling Yaxley gave her before scooting over allowing Harry to sit beside her on the bench.
Pandora eyed Harry cautiously, “Are you okay, Harry?”
The whispers were instant when people started seeing Harry sitting at the Slytherin table. People were pointing and gossiping in an instant, while the youngest Potter just shrugged, “I’m alright. This will be the talk of the school for a few days, but I’ve lived through worse.”
Elaina didn’t doubt his words. After what she saw last night and how well he handled it all it must’ve been true. Pandora didn’t look so sure and even Andi seemed concerned for her friend who was reaching for a piece of bacon casually.
.o.
The Gryffindors all stared at the front page of the Daily Prophet in awe. They couldn’t believe what Elaina and Harry had gone through the night before. To act so normal after walking off a battlefield was unthinkable to all of them.
Frank was the first to voice his thoughts, “Guys…when we were told Harry was special, I am starting to think there was a little more to that than we first thought.”
James could only glance at his mysterious cousin who appeared from nowhere just a few months before. He was so calm and poised most of the time, but James intimately remembered what it was like to be in Harry’s crossfire. The day James had startled him and nearly had his head blown off in the Great Hall was one he was unlikely to ever forget. Even the teachers were whispering about him, while Dumbledore looked at Harry with an expression he was unfamiliar with.
Lily put her hands to her mouth in horror, “He could’ve been killed. They both could have.”
“People were killed, Lils.” James said swallowing hard, “Harry told me…he told me there was a war coming. The signs are right in front of us. The fact that my family's home was attacked…the fact that my family fought against these maniacs…this is real.”
Peter shook his head frantically, “There won’t be a war, James. The ministry won’t let it go that far.”
The fear in his eyes was undeniable but Sirius heatedly responded, “The Ministry? Wake up, Wormy. Look at what the Ministry did! They showed up nearly an hour late, and the battle was already over. How is it possible that Harry and Essex crossed the country in minutes, fought, won, and had time to start rebuilding Godric’s Hollow before the Ministry showed up?”
Padfoot was exaggerating and they all knew it, but still, he raised an interesting point, James thought. Remus, however, had an answer, “This stinks of corruption. I don’t see any other possible answer.”
This silenced everyone and a part of James was infuriated by the suggestion, but Remus was right. How was any other answer even possible? When in their society you can cross a countryside in an instant, why did it take so long for backup to arrive?
James tightened his grip on his Daily Prophet until it was crumpled, “We have to do something.”
“Come off it, Prongs.” Sirius said, shaking his head, “What are we going to do?”
James slammed his paper on the table, “Don’t you guys get it? This is our fight now too. These bastards attacked my home. This could’ve been Falmouth or London or Yorkshire. They aren’t discriminating. They are just attacking. I think Harry and Elaina had the right idea. If these bastards want to burn down our country they are going to have to kill me first.”
With that James stepped out of the table and stormed out of the Great Hall.
Comments
Robert
I hope it isn’t going to take something so close to home for the others to react like James did. Showing the realities of what this Blood War will cause is going to be really important to the growth of the younger characters. Enjoying the development between Elaina and Harry. Just for curiosities sake, in your story as of now, if Voldemort challenged Charlus and Harry at the same time would he still win? (Horcruxes not being a factor in this hypothetical)
Austin
Love the story
Brent Barclay
Perfect timing I checked like 3min ago
