always the one (drarry oneshots)

Bad Days

Hey guys, this chapter may be a little sad and triggering to some people, but I hope you all like it.

Harry was walking through the ministry, his vision set dead ahead and back ram rod straight. His shoulders set and jaw tight, every muscle in his body was tense and every sense was on edge. He couldn't help it, he had just gotten back from a particularly horrible case and was still processing what he had seen, heard and felt as thoughts rushed through his head.

Earlier that day

Harry was enjoying his tea when a folder popped into his incoming basket. It was in an orange folder which meant it was increadably sensitive. Ron, who was Harry's partner, walked over to investigate. Harry opened the folder and read through the details. The assignment was to go and clear out an old death eater safe house. Both Ron and Harry had done this before, so they weren't overly concerned with its outcomes.

"We could probably get this done before lunch if we left now" Ron said as he read the case file

"Well then, lets go" Harry replied putting on his robes

Five minutes later the pair left their office for an apparition point. They walked down the hall, and opened the door to the room on their floor that was designated for apparition. Taking one last glance at the picture they were supplied they felt the familiar feeling take over them. When the feeling stopped they had arrived in an overgrown garden, with vines snaking the beaten pathway and up the stone walls that surrounded the beaten and dilapidated house. Instantly they began to cast diagnostic magic, checking for any traps or tricks. Luckily the front pathway was clear and so were the front steps.

Harry cautiously walked the steps to the front door, and made sure the door was safe, once he was sure he turned the handle and let the door swing open. At first nothing happened, until a wild spell was shot through the door, almost hitting Ron, then a shadow disappeared into the house. Harry immediately checked the house for a human presence with more and more advanced spells, but found nothing. Confused and on edge Harry and Ron alerted the ministry and made there way slowly and carefully into the house. They cast spells constantly, checking for anything that could harm them, but still found nothing.

They cleared every part of the house until they reached the basement, there was a small creak and instantly they were alert. Lighting the ends of their wands they quietly crept down the stairs, eager to not make a sound. There was a small landing at the bottom protected by wall on one side, meaning the basement was built to the left of the stairs. Harry looked around the corner and saw light coming from a door on the opposite side on the room, casting a few more charms and spells, the pair made their way to the door. Whispers could be heard from behind it, indistinguishable words were being quickly said. Harry nodded to Ron, who nodded back and they opened the door. Again a spell shot out, this time just nearly missing Harry. Both men were on edge as they peered into the room. What they saw, neither were prepared for. A small boy, hardly older than of age to attend hogwarts was cowering in the corner of the room, crying and shaking.

Harry and Ron slowly walked into the room and towards the boy, who had yet to notice their presence in the room or near him. Harry and Ron crouched down to be near eye level with the young boy.

"Are you alright?" Harry asked quietly, knowing better than to startle the child

The young boy just shook his head no and continued to cry.

"Can you tell me your name?" Harry asked gently

"N-nigel" the boy finally stuttered out

"Hello Nigel, I'm Harry, and this is Ron" Harry said, reaching his hand out for the boy to shake it