𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍, george weasley

030

THIRTY

Victoria followed Dumbledore down the dimly lit corridor, her footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor. Her heart still raced from the events of the night, and questions swirled in her mind. Why does he want me? she wondered. Is it because of Sirius Black? Is it because of my father?

Dumbledore's expression was calm, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of concern. They walked in silence until they reached a small, cozy room tucked away near the Gryffindor Tower. The walls were lined with old bookshelves, and a fire crackled warmly in the fireplace, casting a soft glow over the space. A large, plush sofa sat in the center of the room, along with a simple bed tucked against the wall.

As they entered, Victoria noticed Harry sitting on the sofa, his green eyes wide with curiosity and a touch of worry. He looked up as they approached. 

"Miss Windsor," Dumbledore said kindly, "for tonight, you will remain here with Mr. Potter. It is for your safety." 

Victoria's eyes widened. "But—"

"Professor Lupin will be nearby if either of you need anything," Dumbledore continued, his voice gentle but firm. "The castle is secure, but given tonight's events, I believe it is best for you both to stay together. Now, rest. You are safe here." 

With a reassuring nod, Dumbledore left the room, closing the door softly behind him. 

Victoria stood for a moment, taking in the room. It felt warm, safe. But the tension in her chest remained. She glanced at Harry, who was watching her carefully.

"You okay?" he asked quietly, patting the space next to him on the sofa.

She nodded and crossed the room to sit beside him, pulling her knees up to her chest. "I think so," she said softly. "It's just... a lot."

Harry gave a small, understanding smile. "Tell me about it. Sirius Black... standing over Ron like that..." His voice trailed off, and he shook his head. "It's terrifying."

Victoria reached out and placed a hand on his arm. "I won't let anything happen to you, Harry. I promise."

He blinked at her, surprised by the intensity in her voice. "Tori... you don't have to protect me."

"Yes, I do," she said firmly. "You're my brother." 

Harry's eyes softened. "You really think of me as your brother?"

"Of course I do," she replied without hesitation. "You are my brother in every way that matters. Blood doesn't change that."

Harry looked down at his hands, a small smile playing at his lips. "I've never really had anyone say that before."

"Well, now you do," she said, squeezing his arm gently. "And I mean it. I'll always look out for you."

They sat in silence for a moment, the crackling of the fire filling the room. Victoria leaned her head against the back of the sofa, letting out a long sigh.

"I hate this," she admitted. "I hate feeling like we're all in danger. Like we're just waiting for something worse to happen."

Harry nodded. "Me too. It's like... every year, something new. Something dangerous. Sometimes I wonder if we'll ever just have a normal year."

Victoria let out a small laugh. "At Hogwarts? Doubtful."

Harry smiled, but it quickly faded. "Do you ever... worry about what's going to happen? After school, I mean?"

She hesitated. "All the time." She glanced at the fire, her eyes reflecting the flickering light. "I think about it every night. What happens when I'm... when I'm Queen. Will I be good enough? Will I make the right decisions? My dad doesn't think I will. He doesn't think I'm ready."

Harry frowned. "Your dad's wrong."

Victoria turned to him, surprised by the certainty in his voice.

"You're already a better leader than he'll ever be," Harry continued. "You care about people. You don't just think about rules or appearances. You think about what's right."

Her eyes softened. "Thank you, Harry. That means more than you know."

He shrugged. "It's just the truth. And besides, you have something he doesn't."

"What's that?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Harry grinned. "A whole bunch of friends who'd follow you anywhere. Fred, George, Angelina, Alicia, Lee... me. We'd all be right there with you."

Victoria's heart warmed at his words. She reached over and hugged him tightly, resting her chin on his shoulder. "You really are my brother, Harry."

He hugged her back. "And you're my sister. Always."

They pulled apart after a moment, and Victoria leaned back against the sofa, feeling a little lighter. "You know," she said with a small smirk, "if Sirius Black ever tries to get near you again, he's going to have to deal with me first."

Harry laughed. "I'd feel sorry for him."

"You should." She grinned. "I may not have a wand on me tonight, but I've got a mean right hook."

Harry chuckled, the tension in the room easing for the first time since the night began. "Remind me not to get on your bad side."

"Smart boy," she teased.

As the fire crackled and the room grew quieter, Harry yawned and stretched. "We should probably try to get some sleep."

Victoria nodded, though the thought of sleeping still felt distant. "Yeah. You're probably right."

They stood, and Harry moved to the bed while Victoria settled back on the sofa with a soft blanket. 

"Goodnight, Harry," she said softly.

"Goodnight, Tori."

As she closed her eyes, the warmth of their conversation lingered, pushing away the fear and uncertainty of the night. For the first time in a while, she felt safe—not because of the room or the guards, but because of the bond she shared with the boy she now fully embraced as her brother.