After leaving Harry and Nym, Bathsheda found Aurora and Septima sitting up in their beds, looking considerably better than they had earlier. The color had returned to their cheeks, and though fatigue still lingered in their eyes, they seemed alert and focused. Septima was leafing through a book she’d found on the nightstand while Aurora stared pensively out the window.
“How are you both feeling?” Bathsheda asked as she entered, closing the door softly behind her.
“Physically? Much better,” Aurora replied, turning from the window. “Emotionally? Still processing.”
Septima set her book aside. “We’ve been talking about everything. The bond, the situation, what we should do.”
Bathsheda pulled a chair closer to sit between their beds, just as she had earlier. “And what have you decided?”
“That’s the problem,” Aurora said with a frustrated sigh. “We can’t decide because we can’t trust our own thoughts. Every time I think about leaving, about getting as far from here as possible, I feel this awful pulling sensation. And every time I think about staying, I feel relieved but then immediately question if that relief is actually mine or the bond’s influence.”
“It’s maddening,” Septima added, her analytical nature clearly troubled by the uncertainty. “I’ve spent my entire career studying patterns, probabilities, and predictable outcomes. This is none of those things. How am I supposed to make a rational decision when the very foundation of my reasoning might be compromised?”
Bathsheda leaned back in her chair, studying her two closest friends. “Can I be completely honest with you both?”
“When aren’t you?” Aurora asked with a small smile.
“Fair point,” Bathsheda acknowledged. “Alright then. I think you’re both approaching this entirely wrong.”
Both women stared at her in surprise.
“Wrong how?” Septima asked carefully.
“You’re treating this like it’s some kind of curse that needs to be overcome or resisted,” Bathsheda explained. “But what if it’s not? What if fighting it is what’s making everything so difficult?”
Aurora’s expression hardened. “So we should just give in? Accept magical compulsion without question?”
“I’m not saying that,” Bathsheda said patiently. “I’m saying maybe you should consider approaching this with an open mind instead of immediately assuming the worst. Look at the women here. Do any of them seem unhappy or coerced to you?”
“They’re all under the same influence we are,” Septima pointed out.
“Are they though?” Bathsheda countered. “I’ve spent time observing them. I’ve listened to how they talk about Harry, about each other, about their lives here. These are intelligent, capable witches who had lives and careers before this. Amelia Bones was the head of the DMLE. Narcissa Malfoy came from one of the most powerful families in Britain. Andromeda Tonks raised a daughter on her own after being disowned. These aren’t weak women who need magical bonds to make decisions.”
“Then why are they all here?” Aurora asked, though her tone was more curious than challenging now.
“Because they chose to be,” Bathsheda said simply. “The bond might have created the initial connection, but they stay because they want to. Because what they have here matters to them.”
Septima frowned thoughtfully. “You’ve changed your tune rather quickly, Bath. A few days ago, you were planning to flee Britain with us.”
“A few days ago, I was a coward,” Bathsheda said bluntly. “Today I’ve seen what’s possible when people actually fight back instead of just running and hiding. I’ve seen the difference these people are making.”
“And where did this sudden change of heart come from?” Aurora asked pointedly.
Bathsheda was quiet for a moment, considering how to answer. “Honestly? I don’t know. Maybe I’ve had the time to think about things. Maybe the fact that he saved your lives affected my thoughts. But does that make my decision wrong? I want to help. I want to fight. Whether that desire comes purely from me or is amplified by my gratitude towards him, the end result is the same. I’m making a choice I can live with.”
“I can relate to that. He saved my life too.”
“And mine.”
The room fell silent as Aurora and Septima processed everything calmly, with as open a mind as they could manage. Finally, Aurora spoke. “What are you suggesting we do then?”
Bathsheda took a deep breath, knowing what she was about to say would shock them. “I think you should give Harry a chance.”
Both women stared at her as if she’d grown a second head.
“A chance to what exactly?” Septima asked slowly.
“To... to be in your lives,” Bathsheda said carefully. “To let the bond develop naturally instead of fighting it at every turn.”
Aurora’s eyes widened. “Bath, think about what you’re saying. You’re basically telling us we should sleep with our student.”
“Former student,” Bathsheda corrected. “He dropped out of Hogwarts long ago and is of age. Besides, I saw the way you both looked at him during the previous year. Don’t tell me the thought never crossed your minds.”
Septima’s face flushed bright red. “That’s completely inappropriate and irrelevant.”
“Is it?” Bathsheda asked with a knowing smile. “Come on, I know you both. We’ve been friends for years. Don’t think I didn’t notice the way you’d check him out during the tournament when you thought no one would notice, and especially after he came back from summer looking like he’d been carved from marble by the gods themselves. Not my words.”
Aurora looked mortified. “I never...”
“Oh please,” Bathsheda interrupted. “I remember that conversation we had in the staff room after the First Task. You said, and I quote, ‘If Potter gets any more attractive, I’m going to need to take a cold shower after every class. That the only way I can manage to fall asleep.’”
“I was drunk and joking!” Aurora protested, her face now matching Septima’s in color.
“Were you though?” Bathsheda teased. “And Septima, you weren’t much better. You spent the entire time pretending not to stare at him during that joint Astronomy and Arithmancy project that students of both lessons had to attend.”
“I was supervising!” Septima defended herself.
“You were this close to drooling,” Bathsheda countered with a grin. “Come on, admit it. The idea excites you both at least a little. We’ve had these talks so many times. Don’t play innocent now.”
“That’s all they were. Talks!” Septima exclaimed. “There was nothing serious about it all!”
“Maybe, but it’s the thought that counts,” Bathsheda grinned.
The tension in the room broke slightly as Aurora let out an unexpected laugh. “Merlin, Bath. When did you become so crude?”
“When I realized life’s too short to pretend we don’t have these thoughts,” Bathsheda replied. “So come on. Honestly. The idea of being with Harry doesn’t appeal to you at all?”
Septima bit her lip, clearly struggling between propriety and honesty. “I mean... objectively speaking, he’s an attractive young man. Very attractive. And from what I understand, he’s also intelligent, brave, and apparently quite skilled in various areas.”
“Various areas,” Aurora repeated with a snort. “That’s one way to put it.”
“Oh for Merlin’s sake, just say it,” Bathsheda said with exasperation. “You both find him attractive. You’re both curious about what it would be like. That’s normal, and there’s nothing wrong with acknowledging it. You’re acting like we haven’t talked about stuff like this before!”
“Of course we have! What else can three young witches in their twenties even do when surrounded by either students or wizards old enough to be our parents?” Septima asked in exasperation. “But that’s all it was. Random dirty talk. We never thought about acting on those thoughts.”
“Even if we did find him attractive, which I’m not confirming,” Aurora said quickly before Bathsheda could interject, “it’s still not practical or moral. He’s our former student, Bath. And he has a harem of women. An actual harem. Merlin, he really does have a harem, doesn’t he?”
“Who decides what’s moral?” Bathsheda asked seriously now, her teasing tone dropping away. It took them by surprise, and they gave her their undivided attention. Bathsheda continued seriously, “Tell me. You two? Society? Some random set of rules written centuries ago by people who lived in completely different circumstances? Harry is an adult. You’re both adults. And this bond is real, whether you acknowledge it or not. Fighting it is just going to make you both miserable.”
“So we should just accept being magically compelled into a relationship?” Septima challenged.
“Stop thinking of it as compulsion, for fuck’s sake!” Bathsheda said with some force in her voice. The swear took them aback. “Think of it as opportunity. Think of it as something you might actually want if you gave yourself permission to want it.”
Aurora and Septima exchanged uncertain glances.
“Look,” Bathsheda continued with a sigh, leaning forward in her chair. “I’ve been here for a few days now. I’ve seen things, heard things, that have completely changed my perspective on this whole situation.”
“What kinds of things?” Septima asked warily.
Bathsheda smiled slightly. “The women here are remarkably open about their relationships with Harry and with each other. They don’t hide it or feel ashamed. They talk about it freely when it’s just us, about how much they love what they have, how cherished they feel, how exciting their lives have become.”
“Exciting how?” Aurora asked despite herself.
“In every way,” Bathsheda said, her voice taking on a more intimate tone. “Emotionally, intellectually, and yes, physically. They’ve told me about how Harry makes them feel valued and desired in ways they never even dreamt of. How he takes time to understand each of them individually, to learn what they need, what they want. How generous he is as a lover.”
Both women were listening intently now, their faces flushed but their eyes focused on Bathsheda with an intensity that screamed how the bond was working beneath their consciousness, nudging them subtly in the right direction.
“Fleur told me that being with Harry is like magic itself,” Bathsheda continued, her voice dropping lower. “She said he has this way of making you feel like you’re the only person in the world that matters when you’re together. That he’s attentive and passionate and absolutely tireless.”
“Bath,” Aurora let out a strangled squeak, but she didn’t ask her to stop.
“Daphne said she’s never felt so alive as she does when she’s with him,” Bathsheda went on, warming to her topic now. “She said the sex is incredible, that he knows exactly how to touch her, how to make her come apart with pleasure until she can barely remember her own name. And it’s not just about his technique or stamina, though apparently both are impressive. It’s about how much he cares about their pleasure, how focused he is on making sure they feel good.”
Septima’s breathing had quickened noticeably. “This is one highly inappropriate conversation.”
“Is it?” Bathsheda challenged. “We’re all adults here. Why shouldn’t we talk about sex honestly? About desire and pleasure and what we want from our intimate lives?”
“Because we’re talking about our former student,” Aurora pointed out, though her voice lacked conviction.
“We’re talking about a powerful, attractive wizard who happens to have several women absolutely devoted to him and satisfied in ways that most witches only dream about,” Bathsheda corrected. “And who, if you give him a chance, might make you both feel the same way.”
The room was very quiet now, both Aurora and Septima processing Bathsheda’s words. The bond hummed in the background of their consciousness, responding to thoughts they were only beginning to acknowledge.
“Are you suggesting,” Septima said slowly, “that we should sleep with Harry purely for the physical pleasure?”
“I’m suggesting,” Bathsheda said carefully, “that maybe when you see him next, you might find yourself wanting him in your beds. And that maybe that’s not such a terrible thing to want.”
“You’ve lost your mind,” Aurora said, but there was no heat in her words.
Bathsheda laughed. “I wonder that myself sometimes. But think about it practically. You both want someone worthy in your lives, don’t you? Someone intelligent, powerful, who can match you intellectually and emotionally. Someone who can make you feel desired and valued. Someone who can satisfy you in bed in ways that actually matter. Do you want someone like that or not?”
“Well… y-yeah, b-but—”
“And if the sex with that someone is guaranteed to be tremendous,” she continued with a slight smile, “well, that’s just a bonus you can’t really run away from, is it?”
Aurora and Septima were both staring at her now with a mixture of shock and fascination.
“I never knew you had this side to you, Bath,” Septima finally said, her voice slightly breathless.
“Neither did I until recently,” Bathsheda admitted with a laugh.
Aurora’s eyes widened at that. “Wait. Bath, is there something you’re not telling us?”
“What do you mean?” Bathsheda asked innocently.
“You’re awfully enthusiastic about this topic,” Aurora remarked. “More than interested. What happened?”
“Nothing happened,” Bathsheda said, but her cheeks colored slightly.
“Bath,” Septima pressed, her mind putting pieces together. “You’ve been here not even a week. The way you’re talking about Harry, about the women here, about the whole situation. There’s something more going on.”
Bathsheda sighed, knowing she’d been caught. “Alright, fine. Maybe the mood around this house has affected me as well.”
Both women leaned forward with sudden interest.
“Affected you how?” Aurora asked in an urgent whisper.
“I may have been having some thoughts about Harry myself,” Bathsheda admitted quietly, her face now quite red.
“What kind of thoughts?” Septima asked, though the gleam in her eye suggested she already knew.
“The kind that involve significantly less clothing than is currently present,” Bathsheda said bluntly, deciding there was no point in being coy now.
Aurora and Septima stared at her in genuine shock.
“But how?” Septima asked. “There’s no bond between you and Harry. How could you develop those kinds of feelings?”
Bathsheda shrugged. “You don’t need a bond to find someone attractive. And yes, Harry is a few years younger than us, but you’d have to be blind not to see what a catch he is. Powerful, intelligent, brave, kind, and apparently very skilled in bed. Sure, he has several women in his life, but honestly, that just makes him more of a prize.”
A long moment of silence set in as both the women stared at Bathsheda in shock. Finally, Aurora let out a low whistle. “I really, really, really had no idea this side of you existed.”
“Neither did I until it was staring me in the face,” Bathsheda admitted. “But I’ll tell you what triggered it. Earlier today, after I talked to Harry in the library, there was a moment. Just a brief moment where our hands touched, where I squeezed his hand to comfort him. It was perfectly innocent, nothing inappropriate at all.”
“But?” Septima prompted.
“But I felt this rush of... something,” Bathsheda said softly. “Attraction, curiosity, desire. I found myself wondering what it would be like to touch him in other ways. What those hands would feel like on my skin. What his lips would taste like. How his body would feel against mine.”
Both women were hanging on every word now, their own bodies responding to the imagery Bathsheda was painting despite their best efforts to remain detached.
“It was intoxicating,” Bathsheda continued, her voice husky and her breathing quick. “Just that one innocent moment, and suddenly I understood what the other women here have been experiencing. That magnetic pull toward him. That desire to be closer, to know him more intimately.”
“But you don’t have a bond,” Septima repeated, as if trying to hold onto logic in the face of mounting evidence to the contrary.
“No, I don’t,” Bathsheda agreed. “Which means these feelings are entirely my own. Uninfluenced by magic, just pure human attraction to someone I find captivating. And that’s my point. You two are so busy fighting the bond, worrying about whether your feelings are real, that you’re not allowing yourselves to consider that maybe you’d feel attracted to Harry anyway. Maybe the bond is just making it impossible to ignore what was already there.”
Septima was quiet for a long moment, clearly thinking hard. “So you’re saying we should stop thinking of this as something we’re being forced into and approach it with an open mind?”
“Exactly,” Bathsheda said with relief that her point was finally getting through. “Consider it as something you might actually want if you gave yourself permission to want it. And honestly,” she added with a slightly wicked smile, “it could help you both check off that particular item on your bucket list.”
Both Aurora and Septima’s eyes widened, and there was no mistaking the sudden spark of interest that flashed across their faces.
“You remember that conversation,” Aurora said faintly.
“Of course I remember,” Bathsheda said with a grin. “Three years ago, after that particularly awful Ministry gala where we all got a bit too drunk on champagne. You both confessed to having this fantasy that you’d never acted on.”
Septima buried her face in her hands. “I can’t believe we told you that.”
“What was it you said, Aurora?” Bathsheda continued teasingly. “Something about wanting to experience being with someone powerful enough to handle both of you at once? Someone who could keep up with your combined energy and intelligence?”
“We were drunk,” Aurora protested weakly.
“And Septima,” Bathsheda went on, warming to her topic, “you said you’d always been curious about what it would be like to share a lover with someone you trusted completely. To explore that kind of intimacy together.”
“This is mortifying,” Septima muttered, though she was smiling slightly despite herself.
“Why?” Bathsheda challenged. “It’s a perfectly valid fantasy. And from what I’ve observed here, it’s one that Harry could absolutely fulfill. The women here share him without jealousy or resentment. They’ve found a way to make it work that leaves everyone satisfied and happy.”
Aurora and Septima exchanged a glance.
“Are you seriously suggesting,” Aurora said slowly, “that Septima and I should approach Harry together?”
“I’m suggesting that you have options you haven’t considered,” Bathsheda replied. “And that some of those options might actually fulfill desires you’ve had for years but never thought you’d have the opportunity to explore.”
“This is insane,” Septima said, but she was smiling now, a genuine smile that meant she was actually entertaining the possibility.
“Maybe,” Bathsheda agreed. “But it’s also exciting, isn’t it? The possibility of having something you’ve fantasized about but never thought possible?”
Both women were quiet for a moment, their faces flushed but their eyes bright with an interest they were no longer trying to hide completely.
“I can’t believe we’re actually considering this,” Aurora finally said with a breathless laugh.
“Life’s too short to deny ourselves things that might make us happy,” Bathsheda said seriously now. “And from everything I’ve seen and heard, Harry could make you both very happy indeed. In every way that matters.”
“You’ve given this a lot of thought,” Septima observed.
“I’ve been listening to very satisfied women talk about their very satisfying relationship,” Bathsheda pointed out. “It’s hard not to think about it when you’re surrounded by it all day long.”
“And you?” Aurora asked pointedly. “Are you planning on pursuing Harry yourself?”
Bathsheda’s face flushed deeper. “I don’t know. Maybe. Probably. The thought certainly has appeal.”
“So you’d be competing with us?” Septima asked, but there was humor in her voice now rather than challenge.
“Or joining you,” Bathsheda suggested with a grin. “From what I understand, there’s plenty of Harry to go around.”
All three women dissolved into giggles at that, the tension finally breaking completely as they laughed together like they hadn’t in years.
“I cannot believe we’re having this conversation,” Aurora said when she could breathe again. “We sound like teenagers gossiping about boys.”
“Maybe that’s what we need,” Septima said wistfully. “To remember what it’s like to want something just because we want it, not because it’s practical or proper or fits into some sort of plan.”
“Exactly,” Bathsheda said with satisfaction. “You’re both brilliant, accomplished women who have spent your entire lives being proper and measured and controlled. Maybe it’s time to be a little improper. To take a risk on something that might be absolutely incredible.”
“Or might be a complete disaster,” Aurora pointed out, but she was still smiling.
“Even disasters can be fun if you’re with the right people,” Bathsheda countered.
Septima leaned back against her pillows, her expression thoughtful. “You’ve really changed, Bath. A few days ago you were ready to flee the country, and now you’re encouraging us to embrace a magical bond and joining us in seducing our former student.”
“I know,” Bathsheda said with a laugh. “I’m as surprised as you are. But being here, seeing what’s possible when you stop running and start fighting, when you stop denying yourself things out of fear or propriety... it’s been eye opening.”
“And the fact that Harry is exceptionally attractive has nothing to do with it?” Aurora teased.
“Oh, that definitely helps,” Bathsheda admitted with a grin. “But it’s more than just physical attraction. There’s something about him, something that draws people in. The way he cares about the people around him, the way he’s fighting this war not for glory or power but because he genuinely wants to protect people. That’s incredibly attractive in itself.”
“You’re smitten,” Septima observed.
“Maybe I am,” Bathsheda said, not bothering to deny it. “And maybe you both are too, even if you’re not ready to admit it yet.”
Aurora and Septima exchanged another long look, and this time there was definite consideration in their expressions rather than just shock or protest.
“So what do we do?” Aurora asked finally. “Assuming we were even remotely considering this absolutely insane suggestion.”
“You take time to actually think about what you want,” Bathsheda said seriously. “Not what you think you should want, not what’s proper or expected, but what you genuinely desire for yourselves. And you stop fighting the bond long enough to see where it might lead if you gave it a chance.”
“And if we decide we want to explore this?” Septima asked carefully.
“Then you explore it together,” Bathsheda said simply. “You approach Harry. You see where things go. And you allow yourself to feel what you’re feeling without judgment or guilt.”
Aurora took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “This is either going to be the best decision we ever made or the worst.”
“Most of the best decisions feel that way at first,” Bathsheda pointed out. “But at least you’ll know you took a chance instead of spending the rest of your lives wondering what might have been.”
“When did you become so wise?” Septima asked with a smile.
“About three hours ago,” Bathsheda replied with a grin. “I’m making this up as I go along, to be honest.”
All three women laughed again, and the atmosphere in the room had completely transformed from the tense uncertainty of earlier. There was still nervousness, still questions, but now there was also possibility and excitement and the sense that something interesting was about to happen.
“So,” Aurora said finally, “assuming we were to pursue this completely insane idea, how exactly would we go about it?”
“Well, first you’d need to stop looking at him like he’s a student and start seeing him as a man,” Bathsheda suggested. “Then maybe actually talk to him. Get to know him better. See if the attraction goes both ways.”
“Oh, the attraction goes both ways,” Septima said with surprising confidence. “Did you see the way he looked at us earlier? Before all the awkwardness with the bond discussion, I mean. There was definite interest there.”
“Really?” Bathsheda asked with interest. “I didn’t notice.”
“You weren’t looking,” Aurora said. “But yes, there was something. Recognition maybe, or appreciation. He definitely sees us as women, not just former professors.”
“Well then,” Bathsheda said with satisfaction. “That’s a good start. And the bond will help draw you together naturally if you stop fighting it. From there, it’s just a matter of seeing where things lead.”
“You make it sound so simple,” Septima observed.
“Because it is simple,” Bathsheda suggested. “Because you’re the ones making it complicated by overthinking everything.”
“Overthinking is what we do,” Aurora said with a laugh. “I’m an astronomer and she’s an arithmancer. Thinking is literally our job.”
“Then maybe it’s time to stop thinking and start feeling,” Bathsheda said. “Just for a little while. See what happens when you follow your instincts instead of your logic.”
Both women considered her words, and Bathsheda could see the moment when something shifted in their expressions. When possibility became intention, when consideration became decision.
“Alright,” Aurora said finally.
“Good. And don’t overthink. You’re both young and sexy. You know how to make a man want you. Use those charms.”
“I said we’ll think about it. Really think about it without automatically rejecting the idea as inappropriate or impossible.”
“That’s all I’m asking,” Bathsheda said with a smile. “Well, that and maybe for you to tell me all the details afterward if anything does happen.”
“Bath!” Septima protested, but she was laughing.
“What? I’ve done my job as a wingwoman here,” Bathsheda said with mock indignation. “The least you could do is share the gossip.”
“You’re terrible,” Aurora said fondly.
“I’m helpful,” Bathsheda corrected. “And Harry better appreciate what I’ve done here. He owes me something nice for this.”
“Oh, does he now?” Septima asked with a raised eyebrow. “And what exactly do you think he owes you?”
“I don’t know yet,” Bathsheda said with a grin. “But I’ll think of something. Maybe dinner at a nice restaurant. Or jewelry. Or orgasms. I’m flexible.”
All three women dissolved into giggles again, and as their laughter filled the room, Bathsheda felt a sense of satisfaction. She’d planted the seeds. Now it was up to Aurora and Septima to decide whether to let them grow. But based on the looks in their eyes and the way they kept glancing at each other, she had a feeling she knew which way this was going to go.
And honestly, she couldn’t wait to see what happened next.
XXXXX
They were still in transit, the portkey carrying them back home when the alarm charm burned against his wrist. The sharp, insistent pulse made him freeze mid-air.
"What is it?" Nym asked immediately, her voice faint and her hand going to her wand.
Harry pulled up his sleeve, revealing the runic sequence glowing an angry red. "The Lovegoods. Greyback's there."
"Shit." Nym was already moving, reaching out to grab on to him, her body tensing for action. "How long do we have?"
"Not long. The wards are still holding but they won't last." Harry took her hand and twisted on the spot.
The familiar squeeze of apparition compressed them both, tearing through the magic of portkey travel, and they grunted as they were thrown just outside the peculiar tower that served as the Lovegood home. They winced as they pushed themselves to their feet, dusting off the grass and dirt from their clothes.
Three more cracks of apparition sounded behind them. Fleur, Daphne, and Amelia appeared in quick succession, their wands already drawn.
"Status?" Amelia demanded.
"Wards are strained but holding," Harry said, his eyes scanning the perimeter. "They'll break anytime now."
"How many?" Daphne asked.
"Unknown. But if Greyback's leading them personally, he would’ve brought backup." Harry started toward the house at a run. "Come on."
They burst through the front door to find Xenophilius and his daughter Luna in the living room. The older man was clutching his wand with white knuckles while Luna stood beside him, her usual dreamy expression replaced by a much sharper and more focused look.
"Mr. Potter," Xenophilius said, his voice admirably steady despite the fear in his eyes. "I suppose our article made an impression."
"You could say that." Harry moved to the window, peering out into the darkness. "How long have they been circling?"
"Five minutes, maybe? The wards warned us when they first approached."
"The Wrackspurts have been very agitated," Luna added, tilting her head as if listening to something only she could hear. "They say there's a lot of violence in the air. Hungry violence."
A massive impact shook the house. The wards flared visible for a moment, a shimmering dome of protective magic struggling against whatever was hitting them.
"That won't hold much longer," Fleur said grimly. She'd taken up position by another window, her wand tracking movements in the darkness outside. “I can reinforce them.”
“No need. We end this tonight. Mr. Lovegood, Luna, take this portkey. It will take you to a safehouse. Stay there until we come and get you.”
Xenophilius Lovegood stared at the portkey and then at Harry with an expression that said he didn’t agree with what was being asked of him.
“With all due respect, Mr. Potter, this is my family home. I cannot flee while those monsters try to destroy it. If I am to fall, I shall fall defending it.”
Harry cursed inwardly. He knew there was nothing he could say to convince the man to leave. He turned to Luna and saw the same conviction in her eyes.
Before he could say anything, another layer of wards went over the first one. Harry cursed under his breath.
“We can’t get anyone out now. You two better stay put and do what you’re instructed to do. Understood?”
The father-daughter duo nodded.
"Xeno, Luna, you need to get behind us," Daphne instructed. "When they break through, stay low and stay back."
Another impact shook the ward. This time, hairline cracks appeared in the magical barrier, spreading like frost across glass.
"They held long enough," Harry muttered, raising his wand. Around him, the others did the same, forming a defensive line between the windows and the Lovegoods.
The third impact shattered the wards completely. The protective dome exploded outward in a shower of golden sparks that dissipated into the night air.
And then the howls began.
To be continued…