Chereads / Otherworldly Interference / Chapter 61 - Blood Beach

Chapter 61 - Blood Beach

Harry woke up to the gentle warmth of the morning sun filtering through the curtains. The events of the previous night—the laughter, the delicious food, and the company of friends and family—had left him feeling content and happy. Despite returning late, he felt surprisingly well-rested. 

As he lay in bed, listening to the birds chirping outside, his thoughts drifted back to the previous day's events. Why had his magical energy run out of control? And what exactly was the water resin? He didn't have an answer to either of these questions, and it irked him.

Rolling over, Harry noticed Ron still fast asleep in the bed next to him, his soft snoring a testament to how tired he had been. Harry sighed and looked out the window again, trying to shake off his lingering worries. This was another surprise: Ron still had no problem sharing a room with him, even after what he had shown.

Harry couldn't help but feel a rush of gratitude for his friend. Despite the magical mishap and the unsettling questions it raised, Ron had remained steadfast and supportive. He was grateful for it but also guilty. Harry got up from his bed and looked out of the window to see the bustling streets down there. 

He sighed, wishing for some answers. Just then, there was a soft knock on the door. Ginny poked her head in, her face bright with excitement.

"Good morning, Harry," she whispered. "Mrs. Dursley sent me up to call you downstairs"

Harry managed a smile. "Thanks, Ginny. I'll wake Ron up, and we'll be down in a minute."

Ginny nodded and disappeared back into the hallway. Harry walked over to Ron's bed and shook his shoulder gently. "Hey, mate, time to get up. We've got a big day ahead."

Ron groaned and opened one eye, looking at Harry with a mixture of sleepiness and annoyance. "What time is it?"

"Time to get ready," Harry replied with a laugh. "Everyone's downstairs, and we need to decide what we're doing today."

That seemed to do the trick. Ron sat up, rubbing his eyes and yawning. "Right, let's get going."

Harry stepped into the shower, letting the warm water fall over him, hoping it would wash away his anxieties. The previous day's magical mishap replayed in his mind. The laughter and joy he had felt seemed distant compared to the worry gnawing at him now. Why had his magical energy spiraled out of control? And what was the significance of the water resin?

As the steam filled the bathroom, Harry's thoughts drifted to Praesidius's cryptic warning: "Voldemort will be the least of your worries. He is merely a pawn in a much larger game. Your real enemy is different." The words gave Harry a real ominous feeling. 

Harry knew he was strong, but was he strong enough? He feared for his loved ones, afraid he might not be able to protect them. He had to become stronger, stronger than anyone or anything else. But how?

With a deep sigh, Harry turned off the water and quickly dried himself. He dressed, trying to shake off the lingering doubts. Exiting the bathroom, he glanced at Ron, who was now fully awake and groggily heading in for his turn.

"All yours," Harry said with a reassuring smile.

"Thanks, mate," Ron replied, still half-asleep.

Harry made his way downstairs, masking his inner turmoil with a calm demeanor. The living room was filled with the comforting murmur of conversation. Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley, Ginny, Fred, and George were seated together, chatting animatedly. Abigail sat nearby, her eyes wide with excitement as she listened to their stories.

"Good morning, Harry," Mrs. Weasley greeted warmly. "Sleep well?"

"Morning, Mrs. Weasley. Yes, thank you," Harry replied, his smile never wavering.

Mr. Weasley looked up from his conversation with Fred and George. "We've been discussing our plans for the day. There's so much to see here in Romania."

Just then, Petunia entered the room. Harry saw her and smiled, "Morning, Mum." She smiled back at Harry and ruffled his hair.

"Good morning, Harry. Sleep well?" she asked. Harry smiled and nodded.

He glanced around and noticed the absence of Vernon and Sirius. "Where are Dad and Sirius?" Harry asked.

Petunia took a seat next to Abigail and replied, "They have gone to get the breakfast. They should be back soon."

Harry nodded, the usual morning bustle of their vacation routine momentarily distracting him from his worries. "So where are we going today?" he asked, trying to focus on the day's adventure.

"We still need to discuss it." Mr. Weasley replied. "I vote for Muggle activities today."

Fred and George exchanged excited looks. "We too vote for Muggle activities," George said with a wink.

Ginny chimed in, "That sounds fun! What kind of Muggle activities are we thinking?"

Mr. Weasley's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "We could explore the local markets, maybe visit a museum or try out some Muggle sports."

"I vote for beach or amusement park" Harry replied, appreciating the distraction from his troubling thoughts.

Petunia smiled. "It would be a nice change of pace. And it's always interesting to see how Muggles do things."

Just then, the door opened, and Vernon and Sirius walked in, carrying bags filled with breakfast items. "Morning, everyone!" Sirius called cheerfully.

"Good morning!" the group echoed.

"We've got croissants, fruit, and a few surprises," Vernon said, setting the bags down on the table.

"Great, let's eat then", Mrs. Weasley said as she and Petunia hurried forward to serve breakfast to everyone. 

As everyone sat around the table, Harry found himself next to Petunia and Abigail. The aroma of fresh croissants and fruit filled the room, adding to the cozy atmosphere.

"So, Harry suggested the beach or an amusement park," Ginny said, breaking the silence as she spread some butter on her croissant. "Both sound like a lot of fun."

"I'd love to visit the beach," Mr. Weasley said, looking excited. "I've always been fascinated by the sea."

"The amusement park would be amazing," Fred added, exchanging a glance with George. "Think of all the rides and games!"

"Yeah, the amusement park sounds brilliant," George agreed with a grin.

"Personally, I'd prefer the amusement park as well," Percy chimed in. "There's more variety of activities."

Ron looked torn. "The beach sounds relaxing, but the amusement park would be thrilling."

"Abigail, what do you think?" Petunia asked, turning to her daughter.

"I can't decide, Mum! Both sound so fun," Abigail replied, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Maybe we could do both?" suggested Sirius, looking around the table. "Is there a place that has both a beach and an amusement park?"

"That would be ideal," Vernon agreed, nodding thoughtfully.

As everyone finished their breakfast, they continued discussing the pros and cons of each option, but they still hadn't reached a decision. Just then, the cars arrived to take them on their adventure. The drivers stood by, waiting for instructions.

"Alright, where to?" one of the drivers asked.

Half the group eagerly shouted, "To the beach!"

The other half, just as enthusiastically, called out, "To the amusement park!"

The chief driver chuckled at the confusion and offered a suggestion. "Why not visit a beach with an amusement park? There's a place not too far from here that has both."

Everyone was taken aback by the suggestion, realizing they hadn't considered this possibility.

"That sounds perfect!" Ginny exclaimed.

"Brilliant idea!" Fred and George said in unison.

"Let's do it," Harry agreed, feeling a wave of relief and excitement.

"Agreed," Percy said, nodding with approval.

"Then it's settled," Sirius said, clapping his hands together. "A beach with an amusement park it is!"

With a renewed sense of excitement, everyone piled into the cars. The journey took about 30 minutes, filled with cheerful chatter and laughter. When they arrived, Harry's eyes widened at the sight before him. The amusement park was vibrant with activity, colorful rides, and joyful screams filling the air. Beyond the park, the beach stretched out, the golden sand meeting the sparkling blue waves of the sea.

They quickly got out and made their way to the ticket counters, where they purchased passes for both the beach and the amusement park. Before heading in, everyone changed into swimsuits and trunks, eager to enjoy both the water and the rides.

The little cove at the end of the beach provided a safe and secluded spot for playing in the water. The amusement park buzzed with energy, filled with tourists and locals enjoying the sunny day. All the kids, except Harry, excitedly ran towards the rides. Fred, George, Percy, Ron, Ginny, and Abigail tried to convince Harry to join them, but he assured them he would catch up later.

Instead, Harry walked towards the beach, letting the gentle waves lap at his feet. He stood there, taking in the serene beauty of the sea, the sound of the waves soothing his mind. 

Petunia noticed him standing alone and walked over. "What are you thinking about, Harry?" she asked, standing beside him.

Harry turned to her with a small smile. "Nothing much, just enjoying the scenery."

She nodded, ruffling his hair affectionately. "You deserve to relax and enjoy yourself. Don't worry too much."

"Thanks, Mum," Harry replied, feeling a bit lighter.

Petunia gave him one last smile before heading back to join Vernon, Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley, and Sirius, who were busy setting up the beach canopies and blankets. Harry watched them for a moment. He took a deep breath, letting the fresh sea air fill his lungs, and felt a sense of peace wash over him. 

As Harry stood there, letting the peace of the beach wash over him, he was startled by a voice from behind.

"Potter, what are you doing here?"

Harry turned around to see Daphne Greeng-something standing there, her sleek blonde hair catching the sunlight, and her cool, composed expression directed at him. He felt a slight jolt of surprise but quickly recovered.

"Oh, hi, Daphne," he greeted, then hesitated, "Greenshrub?"

She rolled her eyes, her demeanor instantly shifting to one of annoyance. "It's Greengrass, not Greenshrub or Greentea," she snapped.

Harry laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry about that, Daphne Greengrass. My mistake."

Daphne sighed, her expression softening just a fraction. "What are you doing here, Potter?"

"Vacation with the family," Harry replied, gesturing to the group behind him. "What about you?"

"My family decided to take a trip as well," Daphne explained, her tone still slightly irritated. "I didn't expect to see anyone from Hogwarts here."

"Neither did I," Harry said with a grin. "Would you like to join us? We're about to have some fun at the beach and then head to the amusement park."

Daphne hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Sure, why not."

As they walked back to the group, Harry couldn't shake a peculiar feeling that had settled over him since Daphne's arrival. His magical energy seemed to be reacting to her presence, almost as if it was irritated. It was a sensation he couldn't quite pinpoint, but it made him uneasy.

"Everyone, this is Daphne Greengrass," Harry introduced her to those who hadn't met her before. "She's a friend from Hogwarts."

"Nice to meet you, Daphne," Vernon said warmly. "We're just setting up for a beach day and then planning to visit the amusement park. You're welcome to join us."

"Thank you, Mr. Dursley," Daphne said, her tone polite but still reserved.

"Oh, you know me?" Vernon asked, amused.

Daphne nodded, her expression composed. "Only a fool wouldn't know about the Dursleys. My father told me your family is one of the top five richest pureblood families in our country."

Vernon chuckled, clearly flattered. "Well, it's nice to be known. Make yourself at home."

Harry found himself trying to recall everything he knew about Daphne Greengrass. She was a Slytherin, known for being quite composed and aloof. They had only interacted a few times in passing. There was something about about a curse that he seemed to be remembering but not the exact details.

"So, how's your vacation been so far?" Harry asked, attempting small talk.

"It's been pleasant," Daphne replied, glancing around the beach. "And yours?"

"Pretty good. It's nice to have a break from everything at Hogwarts," Harry said, trying to ignore the odd sensation that continued to nag at him.

As they walked towards the amusement park, Harry attempted to keep the conversation going, hoping to dispel the uneasy feeling that lingered in the air.

"So, what brings you to Romania?" Harry asked, trying to sound casual.

"As I said, my family decided to take a vacation here," Daphne replied, her tone still reserved.

"Ah, nice. It's a beautiful country," Harry said, glancing around at the other people. "Have you visited before?"

Daphne shook her head. "No, this is our first time here. My father thought it would be a good change of scenery."

Harry nodded, trying to appear interested while his mind raced with other thoughts. He couldn't shake the feeling that something about Daphne was off, something that his magical energy seemed to be reacting to.

As they approached the entrance to the amusement park, Harry subtly leaked out a small part of his magical energy and guided it towards Daphne, hoping to pinpoint what exactly was bothering him.

As his magical energy brushed against hers, Harry felt a jolt of recognition. There was something distinctly different about Daphne's magical aura, something he couldn't quite place. And he couldn't remember about her details if he had read in his past life. All he knew was something related to a curse. 

But before he could dwell on it further, Daphne turned to him, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Is everything alright, Potter?"

Harry quickly reined in his magical energy, plastering a smile on his face. "Yeah, everything's fine. Just excited to have some fun at the park."

Daphne nodded, though her gaze remained skeptical. "Alright then, let's enjoy ourselves."

As they entered the amusement park, Harry was still trying to think what he might have learned about her in his past life. 

"Pureblood... Slytherin... In the future she was absent..." Harry murmured to himself, mentally reviewing what he knew about Daphne Greengrass. Daphne who was walking a bit ahead of Harry thankfully didn't hear him as she was busy looking at the muggle children. She didn't seem like she was biased towards muggles, at least now.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, Harry caught a glimpse of someone wearing red, and a flash of recognition surged through him. Suddenly, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place with startling clarity.

"Blood curse. It was a blood curse", Harry muttered to himself. He looked at her and now he knew why his magical energy felt irritated. It was because of the blood curse. 

"Hey Daphne, where are your parents?", Harry asked looking around. 

Daphne turned to Harry, her expression guarded as she registered his question about her parents. She couldn't help but feel suspicious about his sudden interest, but she kept her composure as she replied, "They're at the beach with my sister."

Harry nodded, trying to appear casual despite the turmoil of thoughts swirling in his mind. "Ah, got it. Thanks."

But as they continued walking, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to speak with Daphne's father about the blood curse that seemed to be affecting their family. He knew he could treat them since he had gotten knowledge about blood curses but he needed to know everything first.

"Daphne, I need to talk to your father about something important," Harry said, his tone serious.

Daphne's eyes narrowed, her suspicion growing. "What is it that you need to talk to him about?"

Harry hesitated for a moment, debating how much to reveal. Finally, he gave her a reassuring smile. "It's something I'll explain later. For now, can you just take me to your parents?"

Daphne's suspicion only deepened at Harry's evasive response. "No, Potter, I won't take you to my parents until you tell me what this is about. You're acting suspiciously, and I want to know why."

Harry sighed, realizing he wasn't going to get anywhere without being more forthcoming. "Alright, Daphne, I'll tell you. But let's find somewhere more private to talk."

With a reluctant nod, Daphne agreed, and together they veered off towards a quieter area of the amusement park, where Harry knew he would have to confront the truth about the blood curse that seemed to be haunting Greengrass family.

As they reached the secluded area, Harry took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation ahead. Daphne turned to him, her expression expectant, and asked, "So, what is it that you wanted to talk about?"

Harry hesitated, unsure of how to broach the topic of the blood curse without alarming her. Instead, he decided to start with something more general. "Well, Daphne, I've noticed something strange ever since you came near me."

Daphne raised an eyebrow, her demeanor guarded. "Oh? If this is a proposal than you better not Potter."

Harry chuckled nervously, trying to lighten the mood. "No, it's not a proposal."

Daphne's expression remained stoic as she replied, "I highly doubt that, Potter."

Harry shook his head, realizing he was getting off track. "No, seriously, it's not that. It's just that my magic is sensitive to my surroundings, and ever since you arrived, it's been...reacting strangely."

At this, Daphne's discomfort was palpable. "I see," she said calmly, taking a step back as if to distance herself.

Harry quickly reached out to stop her. "No, Daphne, that's not what I meant. I'm not trying to push you away. It's just that there's something...off about your magic. And I think I might know how to cure it."

Daphne looked absolutely shaken by Harry's revelation. Her composure faltered, and she stared at him with wide eyes, unsure of how to respond. The mention of a cure for her blood curse was both unexpected and bewildering.

"What do you mean, Potter?" she snapped, her voice tinged with a mixture of disbelief and anger.

Harry met her gaze calmly, his expression determined. "I mean exactly what I said, Daphne. I can help you get rid of your blood curse."

Daphne's anger seemed to flare up even more, her disbelief giving way to raw emotion. Harry's words struck a nerve, dredging up years of frustration and pain. How many healers had her family consulted? How many wizards had tried and failed to find a cure? How much pain had she endured each time the curse flared up, the countless nights spent in agony—all of it seemed to well up inside her as she stared at Harry, his words still ringing in his ears.

"You think you can help me?" she spat, her voice raw with emotion. "You, a mere child, claiming to possess the power to undo what generations of healers could not?"

"You have no idea what you're talking about!" Daphne cried, her voice trembling with emotion. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she unleashed a torrent of pent-up frustration and despair.

Harry felt a pang of guilt as he watched her anguish unfold. He had never intended to cause her more pain. Desperate to calm her down, he reached out to her, but she pushed him away, her sobs growing louder and more desperate with each passing moment.

Around them, Harry noticed that other beachgoers had stopped to stare, their curiosity piqued by the unfolding scene. Harry felt a wave of panic wash over him. He didn't know how to handle the situation, but he knew he couldn't just stand by and watch Daphne suffer.

Without a second thought, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a gentle embrace. Daphne resisted at first, but then she collapsed against him, her body trembling with sobs. Harry held her close, offering what comfort he could as she cried.

As the moments passed, Daphne's sobs gradually subsided, and she pulled away from Harry, her tear-streaked face flushed with embarrassment. Harry met her gaze with empathy, silently offering his support.

"I'm sorry, Daphne," he said softly. "I didn't mean to upset you. I just... I wanted to help."

Daphne wiped away her tears, her anger giving way to a sense of resignation. "I know," she whispered hoarsely. "But you don't understand. No one can help me."

Harry reached out to her again, his expression earnest. "I can," he said gently. "I can promise you that I can cure your blood curse completely"

Daphne's eyes widened in disbelief, her expression a mix of hope and skepticism. "You really think you can?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry nodded. "Yes, I can."

Reluctantly, Daphne agreed to take him to her father, though her doubts still lingered. Together, they made their way back along the beach. As they made crossed Vernon and the others again, Harry quickly hurried over to him, "Dad, can you come with me?", he said urgently.

Vernon glanced at Daphne whose eyes were red from crying, his brow furrowing in concern. "What wrong, Harry?"

"It's...It's complicated, dad", Harry struggling to downright tell him the situation he was in. "I just need you with me because I have to talk to Daphne's dad about something."

Vernon nodded, concern still etched on his face. "Alright, Harry. I'll come with you, but first, I need to ask—why does Daphne look like she was crying?"

Harry shifted uncomfortably, glancing at Daphne before replying sheepishly, "Well, that's because she was crying, Dad."

Vernon's eyes narrowed slightly. "Did you do something to her, Harry?"

Harry sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's complicated, Dad. I did, but also, I didn't. It's hard to explain right now."

Vernon looked thoroughly confused but decided to let it rest for the moment. "Alright, but we'll talk about this later. Let me just explain to your mum and the others that I'm going with you to meet the Greengrass family."

After a brief explanation to Petunia and the rest of the group, Vernon returned, ready to accompany Harry and Daphne. Together, they walked towards the far end of the beach, which was largely deserted save for three figures sitting under umbrellas.

As they approached, Harry could make out two adults and a young girl, presumably Daphne's sister. The adults looked up, their expressions turning wary as they saw Daphne accompanied by Harry and Vernon. Daphne's father, a tall man with a stern demeanor, stood up, his eyes narrowing.

"Daphne, what's going on?" he asked, his voice a mixture of concern and authority.

Daphne hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Father, this is Harry Potter. He says he can help with... with our condition."

Mr. Greengrass's eyes widened slightly in surprise, and he looked at Harry with a mixture of skepticism and hope. "Harry Potter, you say?" Then his gaze shifted to Vernon, and recognition flickered in his eyes. "And this must be Vernon Dursley," he said with a respectful nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dursley."

Vernon inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Mr. Greengrass. The pleasure is mine and call me Vernon please."

"Ah please call me Edmund then", Mr. Greengrass replied. 

Mr. Greengrass gestured to the chairs under the umbrella. "Please, sit down. Let's discuss this properly."

They all settled under the umbrella, the tension palpable. As they took their seats, Mr. Greengrass turned to Harry, his expression serious. Before he could speak, a woman with an air of grace and worry approached them, a young girl by her side.

"Daphne, who is this?" the woman asked, her voice soft but filled with concern.

"This is my mother, Adorabella Greengrass, and my sister, Astoria," Daphne introduced. "Mother, Astoria, this is Harry Potter and his father, Mr. Vernon Dursley."

Adorabella gave a polite nod, her eyes lingering on Harry with a mix of hope and skepticism. "Mr. Dursley, Mr. Potter, it's a pleasure. Though I must admit, we are curious about why you wish to speak with us."

Astoria, who looked curiously at Harry, stayed close to her mother, her eyes wide with interest. Daphne quickly filled in about Harry's proposal.

Mr. Greengrass cleared his throat, bringing the focus back to him. "Boy, do you know what you are claiming to be able to do?" he asked Harry, his tone serious and probing.

Harry met his gaze steadily. "Yes, sir. I believe I can help your family with the blood curse."

Mr. Greengrass's eyes narrowed. "First, I would like to know how exactly you know of this," he said skeptically. "It is a closely guarded secret that no one knows outside of the family and the healers."

Harry took a deep breath, ready to explain. "When Daphne came near me, my magic reacted. It felt... irritated. Let's just say that my magic is different from others. It's more sensitive."

Adorabella looked at Harry with a mixture of shock and hope. "A cure for the blood curse?" she repeated, her voice trembling. "We've been told it's incurable."

Harry nodded, "It's not incurable, it's just highly difficult for a normal wizard."

"Then what makes you say that you can cure it?", Adorabella asked skeptically.

Harry looked at her and replied, "Because I am far from normal."

Astoria looked up at Harry with wide, curious eyes. "Are you really going to help my sister?" she asked quietly.

Harry smiled at the girl who was just like Abigail, "Not just your sister. I'll help everyone of you."

Edmund looked at Harry, narrowing his eyes. He was thinking of any reason for which Harry might want to help them, but so far apart from Harry having feelings for Daphne, nothing else made sense. And from what he could see in Harry's eyes that was not the case. 

"Why do you want to help us?", Edmund asked.

Harry looks at him and replies, "No particular reason apart from wanting to see the blood curse for myself. I know about them but I want to see it."

Edmund's expression shifted, a mixture of surprise and suspicion crossing his features. He hadn't expected such a candid response from Harry. The notion that Harry's primary motivation was driven by curiosity rather than kindness was unexpected, to say the least.

"And you're willing to involve yourself in our family's affairs just for the sake of your curiosity?" Edmund asked, his tone tinged with skepticism.

Harry nodded, his gaze unwavering, "It really doesn't matter to me. But I do have a few conditions that I would like you to agree to before I help you."

Vernon who was rather lost in the entire conversation and was just staying there because Harry asked him to accompany him, suddenly perked up his ears. What conditions would Harry impose on them? Is it the Weasley business all over again? 

Harry waved his hand to cast multiple wards around them to keep people from hearing or noticing them. As the wards shimmered into place, creating a cocoon of privacy around them, Edmund and Adorabella exchanged incredulous glances. They had always regarded Daphne's tales of Harry's magical abilities as mere childhood fantasies, but witnessing his display of power firsthand left them utterly astounded.

Edmund's mouth hung open in disbelief, his usually composed demeanor shattered by the revelation. Beside him, Adorabella's eyes widened with astonishment, her hand flying to her mouth in a gesture of shock.

Harry, oblivious to their reactions, continued with his conditions, his expression serious and determined. "Firstly," he began, "you must agree to keep the details of our conversation strictly confidential. This includes not divulging any information about me or my abilities to anyone outside of your family."

Adorabella nodded, her eyes still wide with wonder. "Of course, Harry. We understand."

"Secondly", Harry started but then stopped. "Ah, yes, you will each will owe me a favor which I will call upon if I need."

Adorabella's brow furrowed in confusion at Harry's unexpected request. "A favor?" she echoed, exchanging a puzzled glance with her husband.

Harry nodded solemnly. "Yes, a favor. Something small, perhaps, but something that you must agree to fulfill when the time comes."

Edmund regarded Harry with a thoughtful expression, considering the implications of such a demand. "And what kind of favor would you ask of us?" he inquired, his tone cautious.

"I don't know. I can't think of anything for now that's why I added this condition. I may call the favour later or may not. If it is something I need your help with then I'll call on the favor otherwise nothing really", Harry shrugged. 

Edmund furrowed his brow, clearly not entirely satisfied with Harry's vague response. Adorabella exchanged a concerned glance with him, silently conveying her uncertainty.

"That seems rather... ambiguous," Edmund remarked, his tone skeptical.

Vernon, who had been silently observing the conversation, raised an eyebrow at Harry's words. He couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at the idea of such a prominent family owing favour to Harry.

Harry noticed the apprehension in their expressions and quickly added, "But don't worry, it won't be anything too drastic. Just a little assurance on my part."

Adorabella nodded hesitantly, though her eyes still held a hint of wariness.

As the tension in the air seemed to thicken, Harry spoke up again, his voice firm. "Instead of any other demands, I ask for one thing. I want each of you to make an unbreakable vow that you will never mention anything about my abilities or involvement in curing your blood curse to anyone."