Burning

Part One

A/N- This story is originally from 2022. I am just posting it here since I left Wattpad for a while. It is complete and I have no intention of expanding or editing it.

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To Burn (for Someone): To deeply want, desire, or long for someone.

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Something took spark in Lady Henrietta Potter’s heart the first time she set eyes on Lord Kingsley Shacklebolt. 

It was just a small ember at first. A crush, some might call it. 

Kingsley was unlike any wizard she had ever met. He was incredibly tall, with broad shoulders, and the voice of a god. His skin was a dark brown that made her want to reach out and touch. 

He wore a suit that was well tailored, with a set of expensive robes thrown over it. With a mere removal of his cloak he could have blended into the Muggle world seamlessly. 

He was one of a group of wizards and witches sent by The Order to take her to Grimmauld Place. 

No one noticed the way she looked at the older wizard, except for Sirius, who kept his goddaughter’s secret. He knew Kingsley was an honorable man, and only saw Henrietta as the child she was. 

She buried her crush deep down, but the spark persisted.

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He was there at the Department of Mysteries, fighting Death Eaters by her side. 

Her mind nearly splintered under the weight of losing Sirius. She tried to rush to the veil, to pull Sirius back, or go with him, but strong arms wrapped around her from behind. 

“He’s gone,” Kingsley whispered brokenly in her ear.

She thrashed, and fought against him. She screamed until her voice gave out. 

A flash of yellow light sped their way, and Kingsley released her to erect a shield. She dashed around the edge of it and chased after Bellatrix Lestrange.  

After that night, the Wizarding world believed her. Lord Voldemort had returned. She would have given it all up to have her godfather back. 

Despite her sorrow, the spark persisted. The memory of his arms around her, his deep voice in her ear, haunted her dreams. 

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The spark turned into a fire the night the Order helped her leave Privet Drive forever. 

"I want to go with Kingsley," she said, voice clear and strong. 

Kingsley looked shocked for a mere second before one side of his lips pulled up in a smile. 

"They'll expect you to be with either him or me. You need to go with Hagrid," Moody grumbled. 

Henrietta blinked at him, steely-eyed. She usually went along with the Order’s plans, but she was nearly of age. She was tired of being left out, of being looked over. 

Remus recognized that look in her eye. So much like James. He came to her side, and whispered in a voice that only she could hear. 

"He's the best for a reason, Etta. He'll be fine."