Father's Little Deatheater

Undercroft

I stood closer to Atti than usual, our shoulders almost brushing as we walked to the front. Around us, students whispered, eyes flitting between each other, waiting for someone to be brave first. Atti looked at me, and I met his eyes with a small nod. Go.

He stepped forward, cleared his throat, and his voice echoed off the stone walls.

"I know we're scared," he said. "I know it feels like we're standing on the edge of something massive and terrible. But it looks like we're just gonna have to fight. And we are gonna fight so hard..." He paused, scanning the room with that kind of quiet intensity only he had. "...that we're gonna win."

It hit the room like a breath being held, then finally exhaled. There were no cheers—this wasn't that kind of moment. But they listened. Really listened. And for the first time in weeks, I saw something I hadn't seen since the funeral. Since the wedding. Since everything started falling apart.

Hope.

Neville stepped in beside him like they'd planned it. They hadn't. "Atticus is right. We've done this before. And we're going to do it again—smarter, stronger, and quieter."

From there, things started to click. Ginny took charge. Luna offered her usual strange wisdom. I offered nonverbal spellwork. I didn't expect many to take me up on it—most were barely keeping their wands from shaking. But a few stepped forward anyway. Brave, even in uncertainty. I admired that. "There's not a whole lot we have planned for today, just a debriefing. We'll meet again next week," Neville said. "Same time. Come ready." "Er," he added, a little awkwardly, "these are — well — copies of the old fake Galleons Hermione made for the original D.A. We thought... maybe it would help again."

He opened the bag, and the golden coins spilled into his hand. They caught the light, gleaming warm and bright — a beacon in the dimness. "I enchanted them myself," Neville added, a little proudly. "If there's an emergency or a meeting, they'll tell you the time and date. Just like before."

He began handing them out, and students stepped forward one by one, some with shaking hands, some with fierce, determined eyes.

***

I end up spending a lot of time in undercroft, mainly practicing spells and writing to George in the journal when I get a spell right. Our talks have been more frequent because we both miss each other. We have been talking a lot at nights wishing we were in bed together. 

This night particular I was practicing non verbal spells and the spell I created myself.  When I hear my book vibrate on the table next to me. I pick It up instantly knowing who it would be. "I miss you soo much. I wish I could see you." Written from George. I smile, suddenly getting an idea. I grab my pen and send a reply. "I know how you can see me." I end it there to play with him a little. "Do tell Darling." He replies. "Can you safely apparate to The Hogs head and let yourself in. If you see an old man that's Dumbledore's bother Aberforth. I will see you in half and hour." I smile, getting excited looking into a nearby mirror to check my appearance. I pull my hair out of its messy bun and use the spell I have been working on to freshen up. "Beautify" I say out loud as I hadn't learnt the non verbal spell yet. I don't change clothes but my whole body sparkles. Atti will be happy about that part. My hair falls gracefully into wavy locks and my sweaty clothes freshened up with my Vanilla, leather and rose scent. I grin happily knowing  that I look nice for George and that my spell worked out for the third time tonight. 

I glance at my journal to see a reply waiting for me. "Done. See you soon Love" I smile happily again feeling my cheeks burn. I rush over to the portrait and pull open the door. "Lumos" I speak, lighting my way with my wand. I start walking down the long tunnel. Butterflies swimming around my stomach the whole way.

Thirty minute's later I push open the portrait of Arianna, into the dimly lit pub. I see around the corner the back of Georges head sitting at a table talking to Aberforth. Drinking butterbeer's. "Here she is" Aberforth beams looking in my direction. George turns his head around with a big grinning smile. He stands up and I rush over to him, running into give him a big hug. "I'm so happy to see you." George whispers in my ear. "Me too" I reply grinning like an idiot. "Sit have a butter beer and catch up. I'm turning in." Aberforth speaks, as he walks off he turns to give me a wink. George pulls a chair out for to sit at. He skips over to the bar to make me a butter beer. Soon were both sitting at the table slightly feeling slightly tipsy and chatting about all the spells I've learnt. 

We decide to call it a night after a few hours of JUST making out. We say our reluctant goodbyes and George walks out the door and apparates back home. I let out a happy sigh and make my way back through the long tunnel.