Chương 64: A Moment of Weakness
The hearth of Greengrass Manor's family quarters blazed merrily, spreading warmth through the room and into Harry's cold body.
"So, you were on your way to save the day, turned into a girl, and your first thoughts were you needed to dress the part?" Daphne giggled.
Freekey sat on Daphne's shoulder, nibbling on a macadamia nut.
Harry smiled a thin smile. "Yes well, I couldn't give any clues, could I? Besides"—he continued, looking contrite—"it did look wrong."
Daphne reclined back in her comfy armchair and regarded him. "Well, that was quick thinking on Weasley's part at least. If she hadn't hidden your cloak and wand when she did they could've linked you to Lord Slytherin through memory examination."
"Yeah." Harry rubbed the back of his head. "That was far too close for comfort."
"She did say your name though…"
He shrugged. "They already knew someone called Harry was involved, so it wasn't too bad."
"And the containment ward?"
Harry shuddered. "That thing was a monster. It isn't normally possible to power a ward that strong so quickly. The only explanation I can think of is that the curse breaker tied the ward directly into The Burrow's own perimeter wards." He snorted. "If so, I could've just apparated straight out when I broke it. As it was, smashing that thing almost completely drained me. I was weak, vulnerable, and not thinking straight. Add to that the lack of wand, and the need to keep my signature moves secret, and there you have it." His face contorted in disgust. "The perfect recipe for me being almost beaten by two kids who just graduated."
Daphne's eyebrows knitted together. She looked puzzled. "What caused it though?"
"What?"
"Your reaction. I mean, you've never lost control like that before. Have you?"
He thought back to what happened the moment he'd realised he couldn't escape from the containment ward.
"I… I don't know. You're right. I don't know what happened. It just felt like I was trapped. It felt like the walls were closing in on me. I felt powerless. I've never reacted like that. Not even in Azkaban or while at the Dursleys." He shivered. "I couldn't even breathe properly. It wasn't a good feeling." He looked at his feet, and continued in a whisper. "The closest I ever felt like that was when I was at Hogwarts, before they locked me away."
Daphne was quiet for a moment. She stood, plopped down beside him, and took his hand in hers. "Harry, look at me."
He raised his gaze to meet her ice blue one.
"You saved me from a life of imprisonment, Harry. And I will do everything I can to ensure you never have to go through that again."
He smiled weakly at her. "Thanks, Daph."
"I mean it, Harry. You have me with you this time. And Granger." She frowned briefly before her face changed back to concern. "And the others next year, too. You aren't alone this time."
He smiled again, and this time allowed it to spread over his face.
His focus snapped from Daphne's face, distracted by a sharp tapping from the nearby window.
"Oh," said Daphne, "speak of the fey." She stood and let in Hermione's new pet.
The beautiful snowy owl, formally known as Snowy, now known as Hedwig, alighted on the low table and stuck out her leg.
Harry detached the letter and read it. Hermione was so enthusiastic about getting to Hogwarts, so ready to prove herself. They all knew it was going to be tough. They knew they were walking into a multi-year battle for control of the wizarding world, but that didn't squash her spirits. If anything, she seemed even more focused than last time around — sharper, more aware — and while he knew a lot of it was down to his own meddling, he couldn't help but respect the witch.
Daphne stood to his side, reading over his shoulder. "Sounds like she's doing well."
"Yes." He looked around at Daphne. "She's about as ready as she'll ever be." He looked down at the letter again, and to the table where Hedwig and Freekey were nipping and scratching at each other. He rubbed the letter between thumb and forefinger, and spoke softly. "I think we all are."
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