𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝟎𝟏𝟏

𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝.

『••✎••』

"Is there no chance of fixing it?" Lupin asked, referring to Harry's broom, as he, Harry and Estrella walked through the vast trees to the edge of the Black Lake. Harry sighed, mumbling a dejected "No.". His broom was one of his most prized possessions and without it, without flying, Harry felt as though there were chains on his ankles, weighing him down. Every step was a challenge, Estrella felt it too the aftermath of yesterday's flare-up making her head pulse and swell. This bond wasn't kind and they didn't know how to appease it.

"Professor, why do the dementors affect me so?" Harry pulled on Lupin's cloak slightly to slow him down, "More than everyone else."

Hedwig flew over them, landing on Estrella's shoulder and giving her an affectionate peck. The young witch cooed at the sweet owl, digging in her pocket for some treats.

Not too many Harry's voices floated into her mind She raided her treat pouch two days ago.

"Naughty girl, Hedwig," Estrella giggled quietly, her eyes pools of adoration as she watched her nibble on the treats.

Lupin smiled softly watching the two, still in disbelief he was watching them communicate silently, before catching Harry's attention. "Listen, Harry, Dementors are amongst the foulest creatures to walk this earth, they feed on every good feeling, every happy memory," He started to hobble ahead, cursing his stupid walking stick with every step, "until a person is left with absolutely nothing but his worst experiences."

"It's not because you're weak Harry," Estrella caught up to his pace, lacing their fingers together as the three of them watched Hedwig take off, spiralling higher. "They affect you most because there are true horrors in your past. Horrors we can't begin to imagine."

"Thanks, El," Harry sighed, "But because they affect me, they're going to affect you too. I'm scared you might get hurt because of me. I'm scared I'm going to get hurt."

"Well, I'd consider you both a fool if you weren't." Lupin chuckled, as they made it to the river's edge. He sat down on the stone bench overlooking the vast lake, accompanied by Estrella while Harry stood behind them, petting Hedwig who had perched on a tree stump. He needed to learn how to fight them, Harry concluded. He refused to let the Dementors take everything good from him when he only just got them.

He couldn't lose those so close to his heart, selfishly Harry wanted to keep them forever. They were his most prized possessions.

Inaya, who never hesitates to give Harry a shoulder to cry on. Comforted him when he came to terms with the fact that he was unlucky with the Dursleys but showed him what it means to have a sister.

Kiana, who never fails to show him support and drives him to go after what he truly wants. He would have never made youngest seeker of the century if she hadn't told him to go after Malfoy during the first Quidditch lesson, despite Hermione's protests.

Isabella, who defended him against students and teachers alike last year when Harry was revealed as a parseltongue, even if it meant being alienated from her own house. He would have never found the chamber without her, he would have never saved her from Tom Riddle's clutches either.

Ron, his best friend, who is always there when he needs him. Ron who always listens and executes Harry's messy plans perfectly. Ron who welcomed him into his family without hesitation. His brother.

Hermione, who tirelessly and selflessly works to find Harry the answers he needs. They were both in the same boat, entering this crazy world without any prior knowledge, and while it seemed Hermione was or is grasping it very quickly she never failed to make sure Harry was grasping it with her. Never leaving him behind.

Hagrid, who saved him from a life that would have driven him insane and for the first time since he could remember, appreciated his existence without Harry having to work for it.

And finally, Estrella. Estrella who has quickly become the owner of his heart, the keeper of his innermost thoughts. Who has now seen and heard every side of Harry and still chosen to be by his side? Who handles his outbursts and anger by matching his. Day by day, showing him what it's like to learn to love someone unconditionally. How could he let anyone, let alone the Dementors take these blessings from him?

His train of thought was broken by Estrella bulldozing into him, arms tight around his neck as she dug her face into his shoulder. I am so grateful fate chose me for you, I will always be by your side Harry She cried, I'll be here till you're sick of me.

Harry smiled, patting her back in reassurance, I could never be sick of you! How? You mean the world to me, you all do and I have to protect that.

"I need you to teach us how to fight them, Professor," Harry tore his gaze away from Estrella but kept her close. "You made the Dementor on the train go away,"

"There was only one that night," Lupin's sight set on the birds playfully chasing each other far up the mountains,

"But you made it go away." Harry pressed.

"I don't pretend to be an expert Harry, but," Lupin caved. "As the Dementors seem to have developed a particular interest in you, perhaps I should teach you." Harry and Estrella donned twin triumphant smiles, Estrella still sniffling as she gave him a small high five.

"...After the holidays, for now, I need to rest." The professor sighed, doing his best to relax his aching muscles.

So do we, Estrella sighed, leaning her head on Harry's chest, her back to his front. Poor Professor Lupin he looks so worn down

Did he say what has him so buggered up? Harry cocked his head to the side in confusion, only just taking in how frail Professor Lupin appeared.

Buggered?

Like beaten up sorry, did Professor Lupin say what did...that to him?

No Estrella frowned, Maybe he just battling an illness or something? That or he's secretly a champion underground fighter.

Harry snorted, looking down, noting the swell of Estrella's cheeks indicating her smile, Yes of course! Our DADA Professor is secretly an underground champion, why didn't I think of that?

『••✎••』

Hogwarts school was blanketed white, snow dusting the bland courtyard making it appear frosted. Harry stood at the bell tower, looking through the distorted glass, watching his friends and the rest of the Hogwarts cohort leave for their trip to Hogsmead.

Although Harry made a conscious effort to bundle up, he could still feel the chill nipping at his nose, stiffening his fingers and toes uncomfortably. He bounced on the balls of his feet, the invisibility cloak in the fold of his arm as he blew hot air on his hands in an attempt to keep warm. Estrella, where are you? Harry grumbled, looking around for any sign of her. What was the point, he knew she wasn't near. His heart was beating slower than usual, indicating their distance.

They had agreed quarter to 10 to make sure they'd be close enough to follow without their footsteps being noticed. Stupid stupid snow, why did it have to carpet the land the night before their great excursion? When they woke this morning, it was the first thing Estrella pointed out which made Harry hold back tears. And yes, when they woke.

For the past two nights, Harry and Estrella had given up trying to fall asleep apart, it was excruciating. No matter how much reading they did, their friends included ( minus Ron who was in attendance purely to stare at and distract Kiana ), there was not a fraction of information regarding how to ease this pain, so much so they had to take matters into their own hands.

The matter in question is how to transfigure a carpet into a mattress.

It took the better part of their Saturday but Estrella refused to let up, camped out in Harry and Ron's dorm room, and finally by the evening her shouts of celebration carried through the Gryffindor tower. Estrella couldn't believe she had done it, her head ached and her hands tingled but alas, she had done it!

"With or without your wand?" Isabella asked her, smiling back at Estrella's infectious glee.

"I tried to do it with but the thing wouldn't co-operate! How do you guys do it? Magic with a wand is dreadful." She complained, running her fingers through her hair and tugging and the knots. Her complaints granted exasperated sighs and rolling of eyes as they trudged single-file back down to the common room, dragging the witch with them to head to dinner.

There really was no one like Estrella, Harry mused, managing advanced magic like that in a day. He couldn't fathom trying that himself, it would end with Gryffindor Tower burned to singes. Well, that is, if Seamus didn't manage to do that first.

"What on earth are you wearing?"

Harry jumped, spinning around to see Estrella glaring at him with her hands on her hips.

"Where have you been?" He retorted, walking closer and mimicking her stance.

Estrella ignored him, stretching her arms out to him with a beanie and scarf in one hand and gloves in the other. "This," She gestured to Harry's jumper and jacket with no hood, "is what you call bundled up? I knew you were shitting me!"

"I am! Either way, I'm not wearing those, they're Slytherin stuff."

"Well it's either these or we're not moving, you choose."

They held each other's gaze for a while before Harry gave in, begrudgingly putting it all on, "I'm only doing this for the sake of the mission."

"Thank you, Harry," She smiled, admiring how adorable he looked. "Now let's get going we're so behind." Estrella clapped her hands giddily, pointing a look at the invisibility cloak.

"No thanks to you!" Harry grumbled, unfolding it and swinging it over both their heads. "Where were you anyway?"

"I...I was talking with Alejandro," Estrella squeezed her eyes shut as she confessed. "I asked him if he knew anything of my Grandfather, to which he replied 'I don't know I never met him!' the arse. He said he could pay a visit to his other portraits and see if any of my family members know but I asked him to hold off because I wanted to talk to you. Are you...upset?"

Harry was quiet for a moment. "No, no Butterfly I'm not. I'm glad you talked to me first but I am just worried you're going to get hurt."

"I understand that Harry but I need to know what happened to my Grandmother, the more I know about her the more it can help us. I won't go looking for answers that'll get me hurt but if I find them...well that means they were meant for us. It'll give us time to prepare or come to terms with it. Plus what's the worst they could be, one of us is going to die? We know that already."

Harry hummed in agreement, it was true. The pair had already come to terms with the danger impending them and although it did seem closer than usual, with Sirius Black on the run, they had decided to not let that dictate how they would act today. Harry was safe. His friends were safe. It's like Hermione said two years ago, as long as Dumbledore is around, he can't be touched.

"You're right El, there's always going to be something and the more we know about the bond, it'll help us in the long run. Just don't go chasing Voldemort without me."

Never The word lingered in Harry's mind as they made their way out of the castle and towards the school grounds. What the two failed to notice was the Weasley twins' beady eyes watching their footprint through the snow. They devised a plan, grab Harry and Estrella from the back and change, their, lives.

The twins ran up, Fred hooking his arm around Harry's while George grabbed Estrella's waist.

"Clever you two," Fred chuckled as Harry struggled against him.

"But not clever enough." George squeezed Estrella's waist slightly emitting giggles. "Ah, so you're ticklish."

"No George don't!" She squealed, pulling herself from his grasp.

"Besides we've got a better way." Fred caught his balance as the snow slid underneath his feet nearly taking Harry down with him. The young wizard could feel the mirroring pressure of George's fingers on his waist providing an uncomfortable feeling.

"Let her go, George!" He protested as Fred dragged him back up the castle. "We're trying to get to Hogsmeade."

"We know," The twins chorused.

"Don't you worry Harry we'll get you there?" The quartet entered the castle, turning left and ducking under an archway, placing the two on a wooden staircase.

"We know a much better way."

George, ensuring Estrella had caught her balance, pulled the Invisibility Cloak off of the two and was met with their murderous glares. "Nice to see you've come to join the big boys."

"Ew," Estrella recthed, "are you two crazy! What are you doing?" Her self-consciousness raged as she saw the state of her hair in a reflection and immediately went to smoothen it down.

Fred looked side to side before digging out a piece of parchment from his pocket and handing it to Harry. The bespeckled boy looked down with a curled lip, "What's this rubbish?" He spat.

" 'What's this rubbish?' he says," George rolled his eyes, "That there is the secret to our success."

This piqued Estrella's interest, taking the parchment out of Harry's hands and examining it for herself, "Blank parchment?" She raised an eyebrow, as she unfolded it. "I can see why you two were threatened to be held back last year."

"Very funny," George made a face, "It's a wrench giving it to you!"

"But," Fred placed a hand on his brother's shoulder gravely, "We, out of the kindness of our hearts have decided your needs are far greater than ours."

Harry and Estrella shared a look, silently questioning the twins' sanity. They stood expectantly, waiting for the twins' big reveal.

"George if you will," Fred gave his brother the green light to do the honours. George raised his want, puffing his chest out a tapped the parchment in Estrella's hands.

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

Slowly burgundy ink seeped through the rusty parchment paper, intricate lines forming Hogwarts castle and an emblem decorated with the words;

"Messers Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs are proud to present the Marauder's Map." Harry read over Estrella's shoulder. The two looked back up at the twins, whose gazes were far away with reminisce.

"We owe them so much." George sighed.

Harry took the 'map' from Estrella unfolding it and pausing in shock, "Hang on...This is Hogwarts! And that, no is that-"

"Oh, what! What!" Estrella eagerly pressed Harry who pointed at these pacing footsteps.

"Dumbledore," Fred nodded. "In his study."

"Pacing," George continued.

"He does that a lot." Fred finished, peering over the edge while George studied the pair's facial expressions.

"So this map shows," Estrella started,

"Everyone," George affirmed.

"Everyone!" She parroted, mouth dropped open in shock.

"Where they are,"

"What they do,"

"Every minute,"

"Of every day."

"You two are so good at finishing each other's sentences, are you sure you're not..."

"Reading off of a script?" Harry finished for her, nudging her with a cheeky smile.

"We do it better and without cheating." Fred crossed his arms. "We nicked that from Filches office, first year, with our brilliant twin minds." Fred leaned on the wall behind him, his lazy smirk made Harry roll his eyes.

Yeah well, I saved the school so I won.

Harry, Estrella snorted, It's not a competition

I know but if it was I would win right?

Right-

"You two!" George clicked his fingers to grab their attention, "Focus. There are seven secret passageways out of the castle, we'd recommend this one," They chorused, both pointing to the statue of the One-Eyed Witch.

"It'll lead you straight to Honeyduke's cellar. Ah, you better hurry, Filch is heading this way." Fred stood back up, fixing his beanie and smiling at them. Estrella beamed back, while Harry nodded in gratitude, gently pushing his soulmate forward to quicken their steps.

"Oh and don't forget," The two paused on the heels. "When you're done, give it a tap and say: Mischief Managed, otherwise anyone can read it."

"Thank you!" Estrella called out as she and Harry followed the map to the third corridor where the One-Eyed Witch was waiting. Once they found her, Estrella placed a hand on the shoulder of the statue and whispered Dissendum, stepping back as it moved to reveal a dark passageway.

"You first," Estrella looked back at Harry.

"Fine." He sighed, grabbing her hand and pulling her through. The statue slammed shut behind them leaving the passageway pitch black. They could hear the scattering and squeaking of the rats, the howls of the harsh snowy winds.

"Lumos," Harry whispered turning to face Estrella, the tip of his wand brightening the hallway. Estrella yelped, squinting as she pushed him away from her. "Hi, Butterfly." Harry laughed, pulling her back in.

"Hi, Harry." She smiled.

The two carried on down walking for what felt like eternity and ended up at a dead end. It was quiet, abnormally so, as if the vermin on this side of the passage had disappeared. Faint footsteps sounded above them and looking up Estrella could see a glimpse of light. "We have to push this up." She whispered.

Harry nodded, handing her his wand and cloak. He stood on his tiptoes, pushing the stone tile up enough so he could see. Immediately Harry ducked, cursing as he saw a face looking back at him.

"Should we run?"

Harry shook his head, standing on his tiptoes once more and lifting the stone tile. The coast was clear. He slid the stone back, pulling himself up before turning and taking the cloak from Estrella.

"Need help?" Harry panted and Estrella shook her head, pulling herself up and enchanting the tile to return to its rightful place. "I still can't believe you do magic without a wand." Harry shook his head in disbelief.

Once again unfolding the invisibility cloak, the two made their way up the wooden staircase on their right and onto the shop floor. "Careful!" Estrella hissed as Harry knocked over a box stacked with sweet bags.

Honeydukes was packed with students, the small sweetshop being the most cramped space to manoeuvre. The soulmates stuck to one corner for a moment, admiring shelves upon shelves of sweets, Estrella gulping as she felt herself salivate.

I want a heart-shaped lollipop She pouted as they dodged and ducked, making it to the exit. They breezed past Seamus, Dean and Neville who coincidentally had a wrapped heart-shaped lollipop. As Estrella pulled the door open, Harry snatched the lollipop from Neville's grasp, quickening the pace as he heard Neville shuffle after them.

"Here," Harry panted, stopping them near the outskirts of the village. He pulled the Invisibility Cloak off of the two of them, leaning against the tree to catch his breath. "I picked up this lollipop for you."

"Harry!" Estrella exclaimed, "Did you steal this?"

"Well, not technically but yes? It's Neville's...was Neville's." He mumbled, leaning his head down and using both his hands to brush the frost off of his beanie. Estrella beamed, her heart racing as she stared between the lollipop and Harry, her Harry.

"Thank you, Harry." She smiled, walking up to him and placing a kiss on his cheek. The young wizard blushed deeply, stuttering as he got up to follow her as she raced away in a frenzy.

"I think everyone's at the Shrieking Shack again, I can see it through the trees so it must be this way." She called out to him.

"Yeah.." Harry replied, still dazed. "You're probably right."

『••✎••』

"It's meant to be the most haunted building in Britain." Inaya paraphrased, as Hermione, Ron and Kiana stood behind her. Isabella was off to the side, building a snowman, naturally. The girl couldn't handle anything remotely spooky and felt safest far, far away.

"Oo, I heard even ghosts avoid it, that's how haunted it is." Hermione mimicked the spider's crawling up Ron and Kiana's spines making them jump.

"Bugger off Hermione!" Ron shrieked, turning back and kicking snow at her. He huffed, cheeks red with embarrassment and went to join Isabella. Once the Slytherin girl noticed he was getting closer she jumped in front of her snowman, arms stretched wide as she told him to sit on the slab of rock nearest to them. Ron protested but Isabella refused, putting him on pebble duty instead.

"Do you guys want to get closer?" Kiana sucked in a breath, cocking her head at Inaya's question.

"To the Shrieking Shack?" The Ravenclaw girl gestured, as though it was as simple as taking a trip to the dungeons.

"I think I'm fine here," Kiana smiled appreciatively, her voice shaking as she stared at the abandoned house waiting for something to happen. "Actually, I might join Ron and Isabella, pebble duty sounds fun." Kiana rushed over, plopping down next to Ron who threw an arm over her shoulder.

"Well well well," A snarky voice carried over the snowy winds. "You rats shopping for your dream home?" Draco Malfoy accompanied by his two goons, Crabbe and Goyle, bumbled their way down the slope towards the group.

"Bit grand for you, isn't it, Granger, don't your family sleep uh...underground?" Draco guffawed at his remark, surprisingly pleased with himself.

"Shut up Malfoy," Inaya hissed. "Can you for once just fuck off?"

Draco laughed in surprise, Hermione gasping at Inaya's crudeness. She couldn't help it, lately, Draco had been gaining on her very last nerve.

He put his hands to his shoulders mocking and teased, "Calm down beauty, it's only a little banter?"

"Don't call me that!" Inaya took a step forward, wand in hand and pointed at the centre of Draco's forehead.

"Or what? You'll hex me?"

"I'll do worse than a little hex Draco." Inaya drawled, taunting him with her wand.

The Slytherin boy rolled his eyes, beckoning Crabbe and Goyle forward, "I'm getting tired of your impertinence and I think it's time I taught you how to respect your superiors."

Hermione laughed, standing in front of Inaya and pushing her arm down. "I hope you don't mean yourself."

"How dare you talk to me!" Draco hissed, flushing an angry red. "You filthy little mudblood!"

The snowman trio had been watching carefully, starting to walk over the second they saw Inaya's wand however something dragged Kiana and Ron back until they fell into the snow. "What in Merlin's name-" Kiana yelped as she crashed into the bed of frost.

Isabella looked back, racing over to see if they were okay when a branch fell from the snowman's left. "Hey!" She shouted before asking herself, what was she actually shouting at? Then a chunk of snow was ripped from the snowman's stomach, moulded into a ball and propelled towards her. Isabella ducked and turned watching as the snowball collided with Draco's chin.

He turned his head, eyes landing on the trio on the floor and came marching over in anger. "Think you're funny do you?" He towered over them, missing the snowball flying at him. It crashed into his face making Draco stumble back and just like that they kept pelting him.

"Don't just stand there!" Draco pushed Crabbe, yelling in frustration. "Do something!"

"Like what?" Crabbe cried, his voice rising in octaves as his trousers were pulled down. Isabella pointed in shock, screaming with laughter and falling back into Kiana's chest.

Goyle's beanie was tugged down over his face, his scarf pulled off of his neck and tied around his ankles. Crabbe bent down to pull his trousers back up and received a hefty kick to his backside, toppling forward into Goyle who crashed down with him.

Draco stumbled over the two falling down. He tried to get back up but felt his legs being pulled up and forward, sliding down towards the Shrieking Shack. Draco cried, kicking at whatever ghostly menace that would do such a thing. Once he struggled free, he scrambled to stand up, racing away back up the snowy slope.

"I'll get you for this you rats! This isn't the end!"

"Malfoy, wait! Wait!" Crabbe raced after Draco, begging him to slow down but this was every man for himself. Goyle tried and failed to stand up, toppling over until he pulled his ankles free, racing away after his two friends.

Inaya and Hermione were toppled over, hands on their knees as they screamed with laughter. Hermione felt the tassels on her beanie be pulled side to side, to which she slapped them away, pulling at what she knew was the invisibility cloak and revealing Estrella's tear-stricken face.

"I can't believe you El!" Hermione threw her arms over her best friend. "You're so lucky Malfoy didn't catch you."

"Oh well, he would've just cried to Daddy that's all." She giggled, relaxing into Hermione's embrace.

The rest of the friends joined them, congratulating Estrella, "It wasn't just me, Harry's aim was amazing, where is he anyway?"

She looked over their heads to see her soulmate patching up Isabella's snowman and re-attaching his arm. "Good as new Issy!" He called over, smiling brightly and clapping his hands to get the extra snow off. He waved at the group to join him.

"Awh Harry!" She smiled, racing ahead of the others and giving him a hug as she stared at her creation. Isabella perked up, looking back at the bespeckled boy and giving him a once over. "Why are you wearing Slytherin merchandise?" She raised her brow.

Harry looked down at his chest and looked back up, "Suits me, no?" He smiled cheekily.

"Harry doesn't know the meaning of bundling up and that's all I could find." Estrella sighed. "And yes, it suits you very much."

Harry winked over at her, the rest of them groaning and pushing the two towards each other, "Get a bloody room!" Kiana teased.

"Only if you and Ron get next door!" Harry bit back making them blush. The targets blushed as the group made their way back to Hogsmead, their thoughts clouded with each other and the hanging question, what if?

『••✎••』

"Those weasels! They never told me about any Marauders map." Ron complained as they made their way back into the hustle and bustle of Diagon Alley. Harry took the lead, passing around the Marauder's map as he took the scenery in. Hogsmeade wasn't exhilarating but the atmosphere still took his breath away. I love magic He sighed, Estrella heard this, her eyes melting in adoration.

"Well, Harry's going to hand it back to Professor McGonagall. Aren't you?"

The group groaned, "Yeah along with his Invisibility Cloak!" Isabella rolled her eyes. "That thing is our key to...everything!"

Harry coughed, "Fine whatever, it's yours and I'll ask to borrow it." Isabella huffed.

Hermione turned her head towards the Three Broomsticks, a smirk filling her features. "Oh! Look who it is, Madam Rosmerta."

Estrella looked over to see a pretty middle-aged woman standing outside the pub, nailing a sign on the doorway. "Ron's got a crush on her."

"Do not!" The boy protested.

A carriage pulled up alongside the entrance, the Minster of Magic's voice carrying over the falling snow, he stood, waving to a shivering Professor McGonagall.

"I'll get that for ye," Hagrid bent down to open the carriage door however managed to take the door with him. "Sorry bout that." He apologised passively, discarding the door on a mound of snow.

"Rosmerta my dear! I hope business is good." Cornelius Fudge stepped down from the carriage, stepping over a pile of horse dung. Rosmerta turned her head, glaring at the minister who became acutely aware of the hammer in her left hand.

"It'd be a lot better if the Ministry wasn't sending Dementors into my pub every other night." She walked towards him, angrily shaking her hammer making Fudge step back into the pile of dung.

"We have," he started, wiping his shoe in the snow with a grimace. "We have a killer on the loose!"

"Oh," Rosmerta exclaimed sarcastically. "Sirius Black in Hogsmeade! And what would bring him here?" She took the sign, angling it better before delivering the last couple of hits.

Fudge got close, pulling Rosmerta's shoulder back and whispered "Harry Potter."

She jumped back in shock, "Harry Potter?!" Rosmerta exclaimed but McGonagall and Fudge quickly shushed her looking around to see if anyone heard and shooed her back into The Three Broomsticks.

The group gasped all turning to look at Harry but he was already five steps ahead, grabbing Estrella and throwing the cloak over the two of them. Kiana noted their steps, racing after them but by the time they reached the door it had slammed shut. They pushed it open but were haggled by three shrunken heads in the doorway. "No underage wizards allowed in today!" The ginger one shouted.

"What, why?" Kiana protested.

"Whippersnappers!" The second complaint.

"Shut the damn door!" The third and largest head yelled in frustration.

"How rude!" Kiana complained.

"Bunch of thick heads," Ron whispered as he pulled the door shut, smirking as they complained.

"Oh, what do you think they're gonna say!" Hermione paced back and forth.

"It'll be okay Hermione," Inaya pulled her to sit down, "It'll won't be anything we don't know."

Racing up the spiral stairs, Estrella hissed at Harry to slow down as their footsteps started to pound. His heart was racing, the urge to know why Sirius Black was after him blinding him with foreboding rage. They stood outside the door, Rosmerta's complaints filtering through.

Ready when you are Estrella put a hand on Harry's back to show she was there. The boy pushed open the door, quickly pulling his soulmate through and moved to the corner of the room.

"Now tell me what's this all about," Rosmerta huffed, closing the strange door and turning back to McGonagall and Fudge. She sat down in front of them, decanting fire whiskey into small glasses for them to share.

"Years ago," McGonagall started, taking off her hat and cloak, "When Harry Potter's parents realised they were marked for death, do you remember?" Rosmerta nodded as Fudge stood up to stand by the fire. "They went into hiding, few knew where they were. And the one who did was Sirius Black! And he made no hesitation to tell You-Know-Who!"

Estrella gasped, slapping a hand over her mouth as dread pooled into her stomach. Harry's grip on her hand grew tighter as she could hear his breathing quicken, what on earth was going on?!

"Not only did Black lead You-Know-Who to the Potters that night, but he also killed Peter Pettigrew!" Fudge interjected before pacing behind the furniture.

"Pettigrew?" Rosmerta question.

"Yes, the little lump of the boy," McGonagall brought her hand to the side of her thigh to indicate Peter's height, "always trailing after Black ."

"I remember him! Never left James, Sirius and Remus out of his sight." Rosmerta clicked her fingers. Fudge made his way around the sofas towards Harry and Estrella's corner, the two holding their breath and backing away as he stared at them for a moment, waiting for unusual movement.

"Well? What happened?" Rosmerta urged.

"He tried to warn them, Peter, and he might've managed to if he hadn't run into good old Sirius Black." McGonagall continued.

There was a pause, the soulmates near their wit's end, hanging off of every last word. Harry was numb, he could hear ringing in his ears as his thoughts stormed his brain, pressing against his skull and causing a headache. He wanted to shout, to punch something to....to....he wanted to kill Sirius Black for leaving him an orphan.

He could've had a family. Harry could've had a home.

"Black was vicious," Fudge drawled as he poured some rum into a glass, "He didn't kill Pettigrew, he destroyed him!"

He turned to face the two women and raised his pinky finger. "A finger. That's all that was left." He shook it to emphasise. "A blasted finger, nothing else."

Estrella's mouth dropped open. A finger? Harry, how could someone be so cruel?

I-I don't know El, Harry couldn't think, couldn't feel, his heart aching with what could have been.

"Black may not have put his hands to the Potter's but he is the reason they're dead." McGonagall placed her head in her hands.

"Yes, and now he wants to finish what he's started."

"No," Rosmerta shook her head, refusing the thought. They were best friends. Brothers. Black couldn't have done this, he wouldn't when James meant the world to him. Anyone with or without eyes could see it.

"That's not the worst Rosie..." Fudge said gravely but he couldn't finish his sentence. He glanced over to McGonagall who drew her lips into a thin line.

"What could possibly be worse," She laughed in disbelief.

"This," McGonagall took Rosmerta's hand and pulled her to sit down. "Sirius Black was and remains to this day....Harry Potter's Godfather."

Estrella gasped audibly, her stomach dropping as Harry's eyes fluttered as though his head had been knocked with a bludger.

Surely not Estrella went to turn her head but Harry's pushing her to the door made no time to think. They bounded down the stairs, tripping over each other's feet and bursting out of the entrance to the pub.

He wanted to scream, Harry wanted to destroy Black like he had destroyed him.

"I need to leave," Harry said hoarsely, "I need to be alone."

"Harry no-" It was too late, he dragged the invisibility cloak off of Estrella's head, the cold air smacking into her and making her gasp. Kiana rushed forward, catching the young witch as she stumbled back.

"What happened? Estrella, what's wrong?" She couldn't speak, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her eyes caught onto his footsteps in the snow, racing after him and pleading for Harry to slow down.

Their friends followed, shouting after Estrella to 'slow down' or 'talk to them' but they wouldn't get it, they wouldn't understand how they felt. Estrella didn't understand how to feel. The betrayal was immense, Harry's anger flushing into her as she pushed passed carol singers without so much as an apology and beating on after the Potter boy.

"Merry Christmas!" Ron called as he pushed through the carol singers after Isabella and Hermione, both his hands occupied with Inaya and Kiana whose shoes were not built for the snow.

"Where are we going?" Inaya shouted, her heart breaking as she watched Estrella chase nothing.

They ended up at the opening of the woods, two slabs of rocks facing each other emitting sobs from Harry. Estrella was next to him, the invisibility cloak on their laps, pulling him into her chest as she cried with him. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." She repeated, squeezing her eyes shut. Hermione and Kiana walked close as Isabella stood behind her best friends, placing a hand on both Harry and Estrella's shoulders.

"Harry?" Inaya asked weakly, sitting down on the rock in front of them with Ron's hand in her lap. The boy raised his eyes, red teary eyes meeting her gaze and her heart broke all over again.

"He was their friend and he betrayed them," Harry uttered in disbelief. "HE WAS THEIR FRIEND!"

The group flinched simultaneously, "He took everything from me and that wasn't enough? He agreed to be my godfather to sell my parents out and now he thinks he's a hero and can finish me too." Harry stood up, grabbed his wand and yelled Confringo, blasting a faraway tree. He watched it stumble and fall, crashing into the snow below and easing off some of his anger.

His friends were silent, as he turned back around, some processing, some fearful, all angry. "I hope he finds me because when he does, I'm going to be ready."

"When he does, I promise I will kill him." 

hi hi hi my lovelies! i hope you enjoyed this chapter! just to say 12 might take a little longer than a week as i did sacrifice a lot of uni work to pump this out (totally my fault) but it'll be here! near 6k words is insane i know but i hope it makes up for chapter 12's tardiness

i just wanted to say thank you to everyone for 3.5k reads, 205 votes and being #9 in #harryjamespotter (17/02) i absolutely cannot believe it and i am immensely grateful! 

have an amazing week ahead!

all the love, t x