A Sliver of Change | S. Black

Part 4: Chapter 4

Part 4:

Chapter 4 –

September 19th, 1997

Lia laid the book that was in her hand down beside her, not being able to focus on the words as the events of the past few weeks, past few months, hell past few years was starting to weigh down her shoulders heavily.

Sirius was starting to heal, his shoulder looking better day by day, but she knew that he was still in a good amount of pain each night as he withered beneath her hold, trying to find a spot that made him feel comfortable. They had all come to terms that he couldn't leave until he was in better shape, apparating was complete out of question and that would leave them travelling the muggle way.

Tensions were starting to fly high in the tent and Lia would be the first to admit that the crackle of Ron's radio each day was starting to get on her high nerves, wanting nothing more than to smash it against the ground and stomp it to bits.

Hermione was her normal self, coming up with new things each day and trying to figure out a way to destroy the horcrux despite their endless amounts of attempts. It seemed as if the thing was indestructible, and it was only making their hope diminish night by night.

And Harry, well Harry was the replica of his father, taking the weight of it all on himself and holding it in.

She glanced up to see her nephew wincing on the log by the fire, his hand subconsciously rubbing against the scar on his forehead and Lia took that as her cue to finally disturb his peace. Sirius was busy sleeping, along with Ron and Hermione was too engrossed in her book to notice Lia's presence as she exited the warmth of the tent, wrapping a blanket around her shoulders and reaching over to do the same to Harry as she took a seat beside him.

"It's still happening?" She quietly asked, not wanting to alert the others to the nature of her conversation or wake the two boys up.

Harry nodded his head solemnly.

"You can't keep letting him in Harry," Lia pleaded, "you were taught occlumency for a reason. We all were."

Harry turned his head her way slightly, "It's not a candle I can blow out, Lia. It always burns, even if it's just a flicker. Can you understand that?"

Lia felt slightly bristled by his tone but understood the frustration and pressure he was under. She couldn't imagine having someone hanging around in her head all the time, waiting patiently for her to mess up so he could dive right in.

"I understand Harry, I just want you safe," her tone was smooth as she shifted her hand to grab a hold of his, squeezing it while giving him one of her softer smiles.

The two sat in silence for only moments, Lia patiently waiting for him to explain what he saw and not pushing Harry any further than he was pushing himself before his voice cut through the slight tension that had formed.

"He found him... Volde-," he looked towards the tent to ensure Ron was still sleeping, "You-know-who found Gregovitch."

Lia frowned, remembering the name but not the face, "the wandmaker?" She asked, confusion clear on her features.

Harry nodded, "You-Know-Who wants something Gregorovitch once had -- dunno what. But he's desperate to have it. It's as if his life depends on it."

Lia was cut off by the squeak of the radio, the static sound filling the air and she was grateful for the protective chants they had set out before. Harry's hand squeezed hers tightly and she looked to see his chin set in a grimace.

"Those noises set my teeth on edge," he gritted out, "what does he expect? Good news?"

Lia shrugged her shoulders, "I think he's listening for news of his family Harry," she patiently explained, "you have yourself surrounded by your family, but Ron worries for his every day."