Aurora Borealis

Chapter 17

"Charlie," Bella demanded loudly, her eyes wide. "What the—? How did you—? You're supposed to be with Billy."

Charlie Swan blinked several times before slowly sliding the wand he had into his pocket. He didn't say anything as he continued to look around.

"He just Apparated in," Harry finally broke the silence. "He just Apparated in . . . right," he then asked, throwing the question at his pack.

"Yes, he most certainly did," Draco drawled slowly, eyeing Charlie through narrowed eyes.

"But . . . but that's magic right," Bella demanded, whirling on the blonde. "But . . . but that not right! My dad can't do magic."

Draco arched a brow at Bella's tone before saying, drolly, "He just did."

"I can explain," Charlie finally said, holding his hands up.

"This should be good," Harry murmured. Charlie glanced down at where he was crouched, the slight glare on his face.

But whatever explanation he was going to give was pushed to the back of Harry's mind when Ron let out a low pitiful groan. He was still clutching at his chest and his face was really pale and twisted up in pain. He looked very much like he had the day he had gotten badly splinched.

"Never mind that now," Harry said, getting unsteadily to his feet while trying to support Ron's weight. Edward moved forward to help him, actually pulling Ron up like he was a rag doll.

"We're not actually going to help him, are we," Draco demanded, a slight whine in his tone.

Harry gave his a rather steely look and the blonde subsided for the moment.

"I can do a full diagnostic back at the Manor," Luna offered candidly, twirling her wand around her fingers.

"Oh come on," Draco exploded again. "I can see you wanting to help but we can't let him past the wards. We put them up because of him!"

"I'm with Malfoy on this one," Blaise added in.

"We're not having a discussion about this," Harry said evenly. He then turned to look Charlie over before saying, "You're coming to."

"Of course. I have some information for you anyways," Charlie agreed easily.

"Wait," Bella interrupted. "I'm going too then."

"This isn't a soiree," Draco grumbled lowly, his expression dully sullen. Harry eyed him for a moment before rolling his eyes.

"Go call up Jacob then if it'll make you feel better."

This appeared to be the right call because the sharp angles of Draco's face lessened and he calmly pulled out his cell phone. This was the equivalent of the Malfoy smiling outright.

Harry rolled his eyes again before shaking his head and turning to face the motley group of vampires who were still looking for some kind of explanation as to what was going on.

"Can I borrow someone's shirt or something of that sort," Harry asked without preamble. They blinked at him cluelessly. Harry wondered if he had started speaking parsaltongue, but no because in the next moment Bella was shaking off her heavy coat and handing it to him.

Harry took it with a muttered thank you before pulling out his wand and muttering a soft "Portgas." The jacket gave off a soft blue light for a moment and seemed to shake before settling back into place.

"I'm going to pretend I didn't see that," Charlie muttered softly and Harry gave him a curious glance before saying, "Agreed. I'm sure the President will understand anyways." To which Charlie inclined his head.