Chapter 209 - 6

Chapter VI: The Aftermath

(Narcissa P.O.V)

Death Eaters Dismantled

By Rita Skeeter

It is a rare event for the Quidditch World Cup to not be the dominating news story, especially so shortly after the match had concluded with Ireland's victory of Bulgaria and their star seeker Victor Krum, but such is the case with the events that succeeded the World Cup mere minutes later. As many of you have been made aware, moments after the conclusion of the 422nd Quidditch World Cup, chaos erupted on the campgrounds owned by Muggle John Roberts where many wizards had set up camp to bide their time for the long-awaited competition.

The joy was stripped away from many of those in attendance as shortly after the match's conclusion, and for the second time in less than a year, the Dark Mark appeared in the sky, and unlike the one this reporter gathered from her sources that had been conjured by the nefarious wizard Pettigrew, this one had been accompanied by a plague the world had believed to have been eradicated, Death Eaters.

The memories acquired by the prophet of people in attendance of the attack show that the terror and carnage were nearly unspeakable. Tents were ripped to shreds, fires roared over the fields, and most distressingly of all, children were separated from their parents as everyone fled desperate for refuge. This reporter shudders to think of what could have been, but thankfully, those nightmarish visions are nothing more than dark fantasies due in no small part to the efforts of a resistance group known as the Order of the Phoenix.

Our younger readers may not be as familiar with the organization, but to those who share in the dark memories of the first war against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, will recognize the Order as the very same militia that was led by current Headmaster Albus Dumbledore during the darkest hours of the war. However, while Albus Dumbledore is certainly an active member of the Order, seen here (Figure 2) conjuring a brilliant white Phoenix to overtake the Dark Mark, and effectively ending the battle as all the Death Eaters who could, quickly fled the area, this reporter has reason to suspect that the Order has appointed itself a new leader, or at the very least are planning to in the near future.

While Ministry Aurors did arrive on the scene thanks to the efforts of Nymphadora Tonks, an off-duty Auror in attendance of the match, it was thanks to the efforts of the Boy-Who-Lived and the Hero of Hogsmeade, Harry Potter, that the damages were kept to a minimum. No reporter has managed to get a hold of Mr. Potter since the events of the attack, but memories from those in attendance show the boy rallying the members of the wizarding public to stand against the horrors that had attempted to befall our home (Figure 1), a sentiment that this reporter can truly stand behind.

Mr. Potter, along with his rumored but now seemingly confirmed girlfriend Daphne Greengrass, and a small team consisting of Slytherin 4th Years Tracey Davis, Blaise Zabini, Hufflepuff 4th and 6th year, Neville Longbottom and Cedric Diggory, Along with Ravenclaw 4th year, Michael Corner ran a preliminary rescue operation removing as many defenseless children away from the chaos before the arrival of Ministry Officials and Medical volunteers. Along with their rescue efforts, the Order was also monumental in reuniting the aforementioned children with their parents post-attack, an operation led by the once-thought criminal Sirius Black and Heir to House Vance, Emmeline Vance.

In short, this reporter is simply blown away by the efficiency and executive ability shown by the Order in this terrifying attack, and while the efforts of those that stood to defend the hill where the medical team had set up its equipment to tend to the wounded should not go unsung, this reporter is simply thankful that Harry Potter continues to be a beacon of light in this dark and disturbing time.

While no Death Eaters were apprehended alive, the bodies of those found consisted of a various group of individuals ranging from the wanted family annihilator, Alton Smith, to former Auror, Alex Bailey. The minister has refused to comment amidst all the chaos, but this reporter promises to stay on the trail, the public deserves an answer of how such a coordinated attack could have happened under the Ministry's Nose.

(Identities and given Obituaries of the 27 fallen civilians found on page 14)

Lucius slammed the Prophet down with a growl as Narcissa silently burned with internal fury while she placed her wand to her husband's wound. It was nearly immeasurable how badly she had simply wanted to leave the gaping cut on his chest unattended to and watch him bleed out from his injuries. But before all her pettiness, Narcissa had a duty as Lucius' wife, and more importantly, she didn't want his blood staining their sheets.

Her husband cursed without restraint as Narcissa painfully sealed the wound, her mind drifting back to her son as Lucius placed his hand to his now-scarred chest, "Damn him, I'll kill that Blood-Traitor Black when I see him next, I'll make him pay for his transgressions."

Bitching had become a specialty of her husband and ignoring his bitching had become a specialty of hers as her mind continued to wander towards Draco, her son who now sleeping as comfortably as he could after her best efforts to alleviate the burning pain on her son's back from being caught in the explosion of a blasting curse. He had promised he'd look after Draco, Narcissa thought as she kept her passive face locked on her husband, The lying bastard, how could he allow Draco to be separated from him. All that effort, all that planning, and it had amounted to nothing but a failure. The Death Eaters had indeed killed twenty-seven wizards, but they had lost nearly double that in their raid before being forced to retreat with their tails between their legs. It wasn't often that Narcissa found herself agreeing with the nosy-reporter, but she couldn't help but agree that Death Eaters Dismantled was a fitting title.

Yes, the main branch of the Death Eaters had escaped relatively unharmed, her husband sustaining what she imagined to be the worst of the injuries, but plenty of 'recruits' had fallen, and worse yet, the name of the once terrifying organization had struck fear into the hearts of none as the revived Order of the Phoenix, along with Harry Potter had quelled the terror of the Dark Lord's followers. Overall, like everything her husband had led, it amounted to nothing but a pathetic attempt at power.

"Harry Potter," Lucius growled, "How dare he make a fool of me. Mobilizing the commoners against those of us with noble blood, how dare he trample on the fear the Death Eaters represent. If he thinks he can make a fool of me and get away with it, I'll show him just how wrong he is. The Malfoy name will not tolerate such disrespect."

"Of course, Lucius," Narcissa spoke in a bored and uninterested tone as her husband continued the ramblings he had begun hours ago, "But I must ask, to what end will you pursue this goal? Both you and our son have been harmed in this attempt to revive the Death Eaters, in the hopes of returning to the Dark Lord's favor. When is it going to be enough?"

"What are you saying!" Lucius bellowed, a twitch forming in his eye, "The Dark Lord will return and as a family of noble blood, we must be ready to answer his call. To fail to do so would be to believe that those of lesser blood have a right to magic, magic which should only run through the veins of the pure."

"I thought you were doing this to save our son," Narcissa retorted, keeping her eyes on the ground, not willing to further risk her husband's anger by looking him in the eye as she critiqued him.

"Of course I'm doing this for my son!" roared Lucius, "He is of pure-blood, I am ensuring that by currying the Dark Lord's favor, Draco will rise through the ranks of His supporters and be cured of his abominable disease which marks him as a filthy half-breed. If the Dark Lord wills it, Draco will walk the earth with the status of a god, rather than the mutt he is now!"

Narcissa boiled in disgust at her husband. How badly she had wanted to re-open those wounds, to belittle him as he bled out and remind him that Draco's fate was thrust upon him due to Lucius' incompetence. But she knew she had to restrain herself, to lose control would lead to the removal of her name from the Malfoy line, and in-turn, removal from her son's life, a fate she wanted to avoid at all costs.

"Lucius," Narcissa spoke in a pleading tone, "Please, reconsider. Draco, he's already been hurt badly, and he isn't even a marked Death Eater yet. If the Dark Lord does return, the fighting will only get worse, and who's to say that Draco will survive. Please, husband, I'm begging you, keep Draco out of your endeavors, he's but a boy, he-"

Smack! Narcissa slowly moved her hand to her cheek as she felt the thumping of blood pounding through the area she had been struck. Never in all the years of marriage had Lucius raised a hand to her, but more and more she had seen that the man before her was nothing like the man she had found so illustrious during her youth as a misled Pure-Blood girl at Hogwarts. "You sicken me Narcissa, you allow your weakness and care for our half-breed of a son to make you soft. Can't you understand that the Dark Lord is the only one with a chance to save Draco from his fate? He, my son of noble blood can have no higher calling than to remedy his condition by serving the Dark Lord proudly, and if his life is forfeited in the Dark Lord's cause, the Malfoy name can live on in a new heir. This is the only way."

Who is this man? Narcissa spoke, her hand trembling as the taste of her own blood coated her lips. And what am I to do now? Is there really no way out?

(Daphne P.O.V)

12 Grimmauld Place, The Order of the Phoenix, her father attempting to join the death eaters, the theorized rising of the Dark Lord, and the fact that Harry seemed certain he'd be at the center of it. Daphne struggled as she sat in a room Kreacher had set up for her at Grimmauld Place following the World Cup attack trying to process what she had learned. Harry, her boyfriend, the boy that was growing closer and closer to her heart by the day along with Neville and Michael had agreed to join a militia to face down the Dark Lord's most devout followers and had spent their summer dedicated to preparing for this task. That fact in itself was hard to swallow, and worse was the fact that she wasn't sure how long Harry had been planning to keep it all a secret from her.

Yes, she kept a secret from him, multiple in fact. The separation she felt from her family, the emotional and mental abuse she suffered from her father, and most importantly, Astoria's blood curse. But she had slowly been trying to open up to Harry, allow him into a more permanent place in her life. The more she thought about the more she cursed her own feelings, it wasn't the secrets that hurt her, it was the idea that like everything else in her life, if Harry continued down this path he could vanish and she wasn't quite sure how to handle that.

Daphne had wished she could have been like her sister who had surprised everyone by adamantly stating that she wanted to stand and fight against the Death Eaters. That she wanted to make sure people who got pleasure from watching others suffer simply because of their blood-status didn't get to walk free, the courage her sister had shown had made Daphne feel small. In her heart of hearts, what Daphne had desperately wanted to do was pack everyone she cared about into a box; Tracey, Blaise, Astoria, Harry, and leave England behind for somewhere safe.

Yet even her best friend didn't share her view as she took a stand beside Harry. Daphne supposed she should have expected that. Tracey knew better than most what it was like to be looked down upon by her peers for something she couldn't control. It infuriated Daphne, she had every reason to fight, her friends, her boyfriend, her sister, and yet her heart still pounded painfully in her chest as she remembered her and Harry's stand in the forbidden forest. She didn't want to leave Harry, part of her felt like she couldn't, but she shivered as she thought of what could be coming in the future.

A knock on her door shifted her mindset as she tried to apply her Ice Queen persona to her racing mind. Though, it melted immediately as the crestfallen voice of Harry called out to her, "Hey Princess, are you sleeping?"

"No," Daphne responded softly, her voice quivering slightly.

"Can I come in?" He asked once more in such a defeated tone. Daphne cursed herself slightly as she felt a pain in her heart, even hearing Harry so worried had begun to affect her deeply. Slowly, she pushed herself off the bed as she walked to the door, taking her time as she turned the handle before allowing it to swing open. His eyes were red, and his face was tired and instantly Daphne felt racked with guilt feeling, knowing that it was her reaction to the news that had caused his degraded state, she watched as Harry lifted a basket of sugar quills as he attempted his best smile, "Hey."

"Sugar quills," Daphne said with a small smile of her own, "These are my favorites."

"I know," Harry said in a low whisper and quietly, Daphne stepped aside allowing Harry into her room.

"It's late," Daphne spoke, seeing that it was well past midnight, the light from the crescent moon shining through the old home's many windows.

"I know," Harry repeated as he stepped closer, "But I needed to see you. I- I couldn't live with myself if I let you be upset with me without us at least talking about it. I know that I should have told you what I was planning, but-"

"I'm not upset," She replied honestly, "Terrified, confused, nervous, there are so many adjectives to describe my feelings, but I'm not upset or angry."

"Daphne, I-," Harry tried to start once more but stumbled over his words as Daphne realized she was still trembling. Without another word, she felt the warmth of Harry's embrace wrapped around her as she buried her face into his neck.

"At the World Cup," Daphne started, "When you vanished to go find Astoria, I've never in my entire life felt so much pain in my heart. I didn't know what to do, and every time I helped a new group of kids to the safehouse I couldn't stop myself from thinking what if you got hurt and I wasn't around to help you?"

"When Pettigrew ran and you chased after him, even when you had run into the Forbidden Forest, I couldn't stop myself from chasing after you," Daphne admitted aloud, "I cursed myself with every step I took, but I couldn't turn away, even when I thought our souls were about to be stolen by 100 dementors, I just couldn't leave. And then, at the World Cup, I could have just called for Dobby and tried to find Astoria before grabbing Tracey and Blaise and getting myself out of there, but I stayed because I couldn't leave you behind, even though only a year ago I wouldn't have thought twice about it."

"I thought not caring about anything except the people who I couldn't help but care for made me a stronger person, and ever since I've met you, you've thrown that whole World View out of order," Daphne spoke, "When I'm around you, I feel stronger than ever, and it has nothing to do with these runes on our wrist. In some ways it's nice, but in others, it's frightening. I'm terrified because I know that if you choose to go down this warpath, I'm not going to be able to stop myself from going down it with you. I'm terrified because I care too much about you to cut bait and leave, I'm terrified because I think I'm losing my mind-"

Instantly, she felt her mind melt as Harry pressed his lips against hers, his salty taste mixing so beautifully with her vanilla chapstick as he stepped forward, pushing himself deeper and deeper into the room. Daphne wasn't sure why she allowed this, having a boy, especially her boyfriend in her room at this late of an hour was bad enough, but snogging him with as much desperation as she could, was beyond improper. However, as her heels touched the side of her bed, she didn't much seem to care about proper etiquette and instead turned, making it so that it was Harry who hit her bed first.

They broke apart and Daphne now resting in his lap, her exhausted head tucked into the crook of his neck let out a tired sigh as the vibrations in Harry's throat changed into words, "When I was at Muggle School, before I came to Hogwarts, I was an ass. I'd kiss so many girls, go on so many pointless dates, and not once did I feel anything from them. But with you, every time I kiss you, every outing or date, every time I see you sneak a smile, I feel something, something I can't really explain. I'm not great with really talking about how I feel, but in the simplest terms, being around you, it makes me happy."

"That's why I'm doing this," Harry spoke, "That's why I push myself so hard. The Death Eaters, Voldemort, they nearly took everything from me once, if it hadn't been for Sirius showing up when he had, I- I don't really want to think about what could have happened to me. Every time I see Sirius or Remus talk about the last war, the pain in their eyes as they think about what they lost sends my mind into a panic. I don't want that to happen again, I want to be strong enough to protect you and everyone I care about no matter what, be it against dementors, death eaters, or the Dark Lord himself. But last year, in the Forbidden Forest, you showed me a truth that terrified me, honestly, it still terrifies me, you showed me that I can't do this alone. I know it's selfish of me, but what you just told me, about how you wouldn't be able to stop yourself from following me, it put me at ease. It put me at ease because I know that I need you, Daphne, we're a team and I need you more than you can imagine."

Daphne tightened her arms tightly around Harry's neck as she whispered, "You selfish idiot," at her words, she felt Harry return her tightness around her waist, as without a thought, a weak smile appeared on her face, "Always finding a way of dragging me into your messes."

"Daphne, you don't need to be on the front lines I-,"

But she quickly silenced Harry with a kiss that left his eyes wide in surprise, "I'm Harry Potter's girlfriend," she spoke trying to develop a light-hearted tone as she looked into her boyfriend's eyes, "I'm on the front lines, whether you like it or not, so you better take some responsibility for it and help me become strong enough to stand beside you."

She felt Harry smile against her cheeks and with an attempt at a lighthearted tone of his own Harry spoke, "Well, I guess I have no choice, do I?" Daphne pulled herself back, as she looked tenderly at her boyfriend before she rolled gently off his lap and fell into her bed. "It's pretty late" He spoke softly, "I should probably go so you can get some sleep and-"

To her own mind's disbelief, her hand reached out for Harry's grasping it firmly as she allowed the desperation she felt to echo through her voice, "Stay, please," she spoke as the fear of nightmares clouded her mind.

"Are you sure, I mean, if Tracey or-," Harry started.

"I don't care if they find out," Daphne spoke, "It's not like we're going to do anything, I just, I don't want to be alone right now."

Harry nodded, "Okay," and slowly she watched as Harry fell to the side opposite hers, resting gently above the covers to ward off all possible suspicion that he knew would embarrass her greatly if they were discovered, especially by Tracey or Astoria.

"Aren't you going to be cold?" Daphne asked feeling a bit guilty for what she had asked of him.

But before she knew it, Daphne had found her head resting on his firm chest as Harry snuck his hand under the sheets gently wrapping around her shoulder as she turned further throwing an arm around Harry as well. Her icy blue eyes locked with his emerald green and she listened with a smile as Harry tucked a loose hair behind her ear and whispered gently, "Right now, everything is perfect." Softly, Daphne felt the peck of Harry's lips on her forehead, and as the comfort of her boyfriend's arms took her, Daphne finally allowed herself to sleep.

(Michael P.O.V)

Dear Michael,

Thank you for reaching out to so promptly after the attack, had it not been for your letter telling me that you were okay, I would have truly lost my mind with worry. I read the prophet, and while the thought of what must have happened to you out there frightens me, knowing that my son was willing to put his life on the line to help people in need makes me so proud. I know that I haven't always been there for you and that you and your father share a difficult relationship, but I know that the path you have to follow is your own, and there is nothing more I can do for you than to give my advice. I know you've stated that you wanted some space, and I understand that, but I just wanted to tell you that I miss you, Michael, the shop isn't the same without you around, and if you ever need either of us for anything, please know there isn't anything in this world that your father and I wouldn't do for you. He may seem a bit callous, but I know that he loves you, as do I. I hope Lord Black has kept you focused on your studies and that you've enjoyed your summer with friends, I'd love to meet them in person someday, perhaps during the Christmas Holiday? I guess, long story short, I'm proud of you Michael, and, I love you, always.

- Mom.

P.S: We got your Report Card last week, straight E's with an A in potions, keep at it kiddo!

Michael wiped the tears furiously from his eyes as he placed the letter into his trunk, struggling as he tried to desperately organize his school supplies, broom, quidditch gear, robes, and ordinary clothes. It was hard to believe the summer had come to an end, and while it had in some senses practically been hell on earth with Remus and Sirius working himself along with Neville and Harry to the bone, the results of his training had definitely borne fruit.

In the days following the attack, much had happened, but primarily, was the realization that usage of the Black Cottage in Dublin as a safehouse was forcefully eliminated as during the reunion of children with their parents, too many people had learned about the cottage's location. And the second was the relocation of Astoria to a momentary safe haven at Saint Mungos for her injuries. Yes, it was true that Astoria's injuries were not nearly as severe as they could have been, but after Sirius had informed the medical witch in charge of Astoria's case of his suspicions regarding Mr. Greengrass, the witch that had been one of those who arrived at the World Cup to tend to the wounded instantly created as many reasons for Astoria to stay at the hospital under observation for the next couple of days until the start of term. And while Mr. and Mrs. Greengrass weren't happy about it, they weren't about to publicly slander their good name by removing their daughter from 'needed' medical treatment. Honestly, Michael was impressed, he hadn't expected such a cunning idea to come from the man, but then again, he did come from a family of snakes, he was bound to pick a few things up.

"Hey," Harry called out from behind him, his entrance clearly not registering in Michael's rapidly moving mind, "Need any help packing, we gotta get to King's Cross soon."

"No," Michael said with a shake of his head, "I can handle it."

"Corner," Harry called out and instantly he heard the concern in his friend's voice shifting the tone of their conversation as Harry continued, "About this whole Order thing and fighting Dark Wizards, I know you agreed to help, but now that you've seen a battle zone first hand, I won't blame you if you back out, it's my fight, not yours after all and-"

"Did you get hit in the head or something?" Michael said cutting Harry off as he turned to face him, "I told you I was going to fight, and I'm not someone who goes back on my word. Did you give Neville this same speech?"

"He's not like you, I understand why he wants to get involved, the Death Eaters tortured his parents to a state worse than death," Harry spoke before letting out a tired sigh, "I just don't want to feel that you're putting your life on the line only because you're my friend."

"That's reason enough though isn't it?" Michael said his light brown eyes digging into his Emerald Green, "We're more than just friends Harry, we're family, if they're coming for you, they're coming for the both of us because there's no way I'm letting my brother go out there and face those demons alone." He watched as a small grin grew on Harry's face, but Michael wasn't finished yet, "But I have other reasons, mainly, it's because to them, I'm not supposed to exist. My mom's a pureblood witch, my dad's a mechanic, the idea of someone telling me I'm inferior just because of who my mom chose to love makes my blood boil. My family one way or another are going to be targeted in this fight, the least I can do is make sure I can defend them, even if my father's an ass, I owe him that much."

"Okay," Harry said with a nod, "Sorry, I just needed to make sure."

Michael gave a weak grin as he returned the nod, "Alright, you get one Potter, but if you ever ask me a question that dumb again, I'll kick your ass."

"Bring it on Corner," Harry said with a smirk as he reached out his hand, "Come on, let's get downstairs for some breakfast, we don't want to be late."

Michael nodded before turning to his closet, "Just let me pack my dress robes. Weird that we'd need these, but I guess Hogwarts rarely ever makes much sense. Any theories?"

"I don't know," Harry said with a shrug, "Maybe a school dance, it could be fun."

"Yeah," Michael snorted, "Coming from the only one of us in a relationship I guess you would see it that way. Though do you really need a dance, I mean, you and Daphne are already sleeping together."

"Corner I swear to god if you tell anyone, I'll hex your bits off," Harry said with a fake seriousness in his tone.

"Yeah, yeah," Michael waved it off playfully, "Your secret's safe with me. Just be glad it wasn't Tracey that Andromeda had sent to go snooping around, the whole world would have known about it by Tuesday if she'd seen you and blondie sharing some sheets."

"I was above the covers," Harry said, and Michael laughed watching his friend try to hide the blush.

"It may have started that way," Michael said with a smirk, "But it was a full-on spooning session when I walked it. I'm honestly surprised you're still alive given where your hands were resting but I guess you are known for pulling off miracles.

Harry's face was now beet red as Michael laughed tucking the dress robes carefully into his trunk before letting out a final stretch, "Alright, I'm done. Let's go get some food lover boy, I'm starving, and I know you don't want to keep your Princess waiting on the platform without you for too long."