Flower Petals

-18-

Dumbledore was adamant to Harry through his whole life that Alli was to be kept as much in the dark as possible. Only a hand full of people knew why, but Harry, and Alstroemeria did not. Alstroemeria assumed it was because Harry thought she was weak. Harry was always a dutiful companion to Albus, so he listened intently, though he agreed, secretly, that he would rather she remain his sister, and not a savior. Alstroemeria was the last part of Harry that seemed grounded. As babies they had such bad separation anxiety that they slept in each others cribs, Harry cradling her even as a toddler, protecting his sister.

This is important to remember, Harry was so protective over Alli, he'd rather lose pieces of himself through isolation than to lose any part of her.

Alli burst through the door of the Gryffindor common room. Her hair was discheveled throwing itself over in opposite directions on her scalp. Her curls cascaded in staggering directions and her eyes were hungry and irrational. Harry was contemplating, staring at the ceiling and Hermione was laying on his lap, reading a book about dark magic and influences.

Harry was brushing her hair back with his hand, humming silently to her. Hermione sat up straight looking quizzically at her,

"Alli?" she asked "are you alright?"

"Something's happening Mione. Harry, oh Merlin, something's going on and it's happening right now and i need you to tell me i'm not going crazy because i can't be going crazy!" She seemed insane, even though she wasn't. She was rattled. The dreams she'd been having lately were so vivid and she was worried, whether she wanted to admit it or not for Draco.

"Alli," Harry said, he inched towards her like a lion tamer to a beast "what are you talking about?"

"Draco!" Hermione and Harry exchanged looks "Draco is in trouble, something is happening, i think, i think somebody's gonna die." Hermione grabbed Harry's hand to anchor her.

"Alli, i think you need to go to sleep,"

"Merlin Harry! Why can't you just admit what you know! I see things Harry! You see them too."

"Alli please.." he started. Harry's eyes begged for Alli to seize, he spent so long protecting her, he'd forgotten what she knew, what she didn't, and how deep he was in lies.

"Harry Potter! Are you going to help me save Draco Malfoy or are you going to be a feckless coward who keeps secrets yet again?" Harry was silent, Hermione squeezed his hand.

Harry debated whether to share with her that he'd had similar visions, dark scripture written in the skies, a parade of names of dead wizards, he'd seen Mione, lying on the floor, bleeding. He wanted so badly to hear what she had in her head, but nobody else he loved should be dragged into what seemed like a black hole of death that surrounded him. Alli was still oblivious to the inner working of the death eaters, of darkness. He wanted to keep it that way.

This was the wrong decision. Never, be silent in the face of curiosity. And never, ever when a Hufflepuff wants to save someone. This is the fatal flaw of the house of course, saving others before you save yourself. When a plane begins to fall you have to put on your air mask first, or else how will you be of use to anyone else?

But still, Harry valued protection of his sister, over honesty.

"Merlin!" Alli said, storming out.

She had to find Draco. Whatever these dreams were, they were not good. The Slytherin dorm room was devoid of life at all, it was empty, almost completely. She checked the lake outside, and the edge of the forest where Draco liked to walk when he couldn't sleep. On the way back to the castle she thought of one last try, the greenhouse.