We Are Not Alone|We Stand Together

[BeautifullyxMad]

Reserved for Ice.
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Harry///

The summer had felt like it had gone on for ages. Since the end of his sixth year at Hogwarts, Harry knew that things would change. Dumbledore was gone, his friends were likely awaiting his arrival at the Burrow this night, and in the house at Number 4 Privet Drive, the Dursleys were scurrying to pack up everything they had and get to safety. They were the only family he had left now, and he would make sure they were protected, though he could hear the constant bickering between his Uncle Vernon and the wizards that would be escorting them to safety. It wasn't as heartbreaking as he thought it would be, but it still stung slightly. He may never see them again and yet all he could think about was how this was the right thing to do. To uproot them and make sure they were safe. The family that never seemed to care, that tried to keep him from who he was.

After packing up his things in his rucksack and descending the stairs, the house felt as empty as it looked, and he adjusted his glasses on his nose before he saw his Aunt Petunia, Dudley, and his Uncle Vernon grab their respective bags, still grumbling about how this was ridiculous. Complaining about why they had to leave for him. After some choice words and final goodbyes, Harry found himself affirmed in his decision. Not because of what his Aunt or Uncle had said, but what his cousin Dudley had said. "I don't think you're a waste of space."

It was the first time Dudley had ever even hinted that he cared about him, but still, Harry had other things to worry about. The time was coming for him to part from this place and to move to an Order safehouse. From there, he would have to worry about hunting Horcruxes with his three friends. Ron Weasley, Aria Frost, and Darcy Andrews. This summer had been so hard with limited communication to the people he loved the most, but he would be seeing them soon. He just hoped that he was making the right decision to have them hunt with him. Darcy and Aria were brilliant witches, he had known that all along, and Ron had really gotten great since Dumbledore's Army had been formed. His eyes cast downward. He missed the elder wizard more than anything. There was so much he needed to know, so many questions, and yet all he could do was sit and wonder how they were going to do this. He knew almost nothing about Horcruxes, and he knew almost nothing on how or where to find them and when they did find them, destroy them.

He stood, in the middle of his empty home, and waited. Mad-Eye would be arriving soon if he recalled correctly.

Aria///

Aria's life had taken an interesting turn of events, the 17 year old muggle-born witch had done so much that summer that she couldn't bear the weight of it all. Upon turning 17, the raven haired girl had left her family in Italy, after using a memory charm to erase their memories and she set off to the Burrow. She was still having trouble with it all, having erased the memories of her father and older brothers had been one of the hardest things she had ever done, but she had to protect them. She left them in Italy and when she arrived at the Burrow, Mrs. Weasley had enveloped the teary eyed girl in a large hug and soon came Darcy and even Ron. She couldn't deny how nice it felt to have so much support, but since then she had accepted what she was going to do tonight, and she was glad that the foursome would be whole again in just a few short hours.

"Darcy," Aria said to the witch she thought or as a sister, "How do you think Harry will take the change in plans?" she asked. She had been quite worried about the youngest member of their groups reaction to the new plan. 8 Harrys, 7 doppelgangers and then the actual thing. She knew that was the plan, but the rest of it would be gone into more detail upon arrival at Number 4 Privet Drive. Aria's wand was secure in her jacket's inner pocket and she tossed a few things into her small bag. Undetectable Extension Charms were a wonderful invention in her eyes. She already had so much packed away in there, for when they were to start this Horcrux hunt, but there was still so much to be added into it, she was sure.

"Darcy! Aria!" Arthur Weasley's voice drifted up to them. "Hurry along, we're going to be late if we don't hurry!" he called up.

"Coming!" Aria quickly replied, and after she was satisfied with her new packing arrangement in her bag, she waited for Darcy and headed down towards the main floor where many faces were. Molly's was covered in worry, as was Ginny's, but Aria knew why. This was one of the most dangerous things any of them would do, and she knew she was worried. Her eyes met Ron's after a moment and she grabbed Darcy's hand and gave it a squeeze, even if only to reassure herself.

Spoiler

Here is Aria. Same actress, different hair color.

[Ice]

DARCY

Spoiler

The entire summer had been restless for Darcy, she hadn't been able to settle or stop. The whole world was in chaos and there was just no way out of it, or so it seemed. Whilst Mrs Weasley fretted about the Wedding of her eldest son, the rest of the order worked on the collection of Harry. Darcy felt sick without him, she just couldn't get him out of her mind. He had to return to his Muggle life, it was for his own safety, and Darcy couldn't go visit. She had exchanged letters with him all the time, as often as she could every day. As her Brother was members of the Order, he had moved Darcy straight to the Burrow as soon as school was done. They were always gone, but she got to spend time with her best friend, Ron. And then Aria turned up, and Darcy felt even happier. The girls were inseparable and Darcy adored the brunette. She could also see that ever growing love between the pair forming, which really made her smile. Times seemed happier for a moment, but Harry's absence was notable.

But still, Darcy spent her time helping Aria, who had erased herself from her families memory and Darcy did all she could to help her friend. She also helped Fleur with her wedding preparations and with the order, and tried her hardest to keep busy. And the date of Harry's birthday loomed, where the guard would fly to Privet Road and they would rescue Harry. Harry was to fly with Hagrid, Aria with Kingsley. Ron with Tonks and George with Lupin. Fred would fly with Arthur, Fleur with her fiance Bill and old Dung was to fly with Mad-Eye. Darcy was to fly with her brother Keith. Keith was an aggressive auror and endlessly dedicated, but he wasn't to keen on Darcy being in the throw. Their parents died and it was just the two of them, but Darcy wouldn't take no for an answer. Did she ever?

So lost in thought she nearly didn't hear Aria talk. "He wont like it at all" She informed, pulling on her jacket and buttoning up "He hates people putting themselves in harms way for him" She added, pulling her hair free from the collar. Picking up her wand, she tucked it inside her jacket and heard Arthur call. Darcy exchanged looks with Aria and they made their way downstairs, and formed in the kitchen ready for their orders. Darcy was itching to get on the go, to get to Harry and bring him back to where he should be. As Aria gripped her hand she squeezed back also, as Ron stepped behind them and placed his hands on their shoulders. Mad-Eye talked them through it all, twenty minutes of drilling them for the thousandth time. Darcy was almost twitching in anticipation, and eventually, her brother got her on the back of the broom and they were on their way.

An hour later and they arrived, and they had hardly landed when Darcy jumped from the broom. But her brother grabbed her back, as Mad-Eye walked forwards. "Keith!" Hissed Darcy through her teeth.
"Ssh... Don't be stupid Darcy" He demanded, holding her. She watched as Mad-Eye checked the place and ensured they were all safe and the coast was clear. She then watched as the door opened and Harry was in the door way. Darcy's heart lifted and she looked to Aria and Ron, the pair look releaved also. When Keith finally let up, she followed the throng to the front door, and she couldn't help but rush to him. "Harry!" She stated, before chucking her arms around him and hugging him tight, kissing his cheek.

RON

He too was not having a good summer. He could not believe that Dumbledore really was gone. The world felt unsafe, more so than normal without him around. He seemed to keep it all calm, made everything OK. But no, he was gone. And at the hands of that bastard Snape. Ron growled as he thought on it, stabbing at his breakfast. He had lost his appetite, and this never happened. Today was his best friends birthday, and they were all to head off and get Harry, and what a dangerous mission this was to be. They were to take Polyjuice potion and take form of Harry, to disguise him and put off any potential followers. The trace was on him, so magic for him was out of the question. Ron swallowed away his worries with some juice, but his stomach didn't settle. He looked to everyone else and then to that clock, where all family hands pointed to MORTAL PERIL.

Mad-Eye walked in followed by Dung, and Arthur called down the girls. Oh, the girls. What would he have done without them? Just her prescence perked everything up, but that always was Darcy's way. The protector and highlight of the group, always making it her point to pick everyone up. And then there was Aria. She was the smartest Witch he ever knew. She was effortlessly clever, always had the right answer, and always the right solution. Aria always knew what to do, and they would be lost without her. Ron would be lost without her, as it seemed to have taken serious loss for him to realise he really was in love with the brunette. And as she came downstairs with Darcy, he flushed a little and looked away, but not before Fred caught sight and he chuckled, but Ron flicked him a V sign before anything could be said to bring attention to his red cheeks.

As Mad-Eye talked them through, Ron stood behind the girls and placed his hands on their shoulders, slightly firmer on Aria. He listened hard, and to his partner. He would be flying with Tonks. At first that didn't seem right. Two accident prone people together? But Tonks nodded to him and smiled, and Ron could only smile back. "Right, if we're all ready then" Mad-Eye commanded and they followed out the back door. His mum grabbed him though and pulled him into a giant hug, kissing him.
"Be careful!" she said with worry in her voice. "All of you" She added, as she hugged the rest and waved them off with tears in her eyes. Ron held back his emotion, gripping Aria's hand quickly as they passed, and he followed Tonks onto a broom. Well, there was no way out now. He watched as Aria and Kingsley kicked off into the air, and he hoped dearly for her safety.

An hour later and with a numb backside, they touched ground and Ron rubbed at his buttocks. "What?" He said to Fred, who laughed at him. Ron scowled and followed the rest, and walked up to the Muggle house where Harry lived. It was so odd, how these Muggles lived. When the door opened, Ron embraced his friend and he grinned "Alright Mate? Happy birthday!" He said, but he was pushed out of the way by Aria then smacked to the wall as Darcy charged in and jumped onto Harry. Ron chuckled, and for a moment it was like it was at school, just the four of them smiling. He took Aria by the hand and looked on at the other two, before he blushed and dropped her hand. He placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her into the lounge where everyone else had gathered, and he sighed. "Here comes the fun part" He whispered to Aria, as eventually Darcy and Harry walked into the lounge too.

[BeautifullyxMad]

Harry

The silence was unnerving to him. Everything felt wrong as he sat there waiting for Mad-Eye, and not but an hour later there he was. He was grumbling something, and soon he was greeted by three familiar faces, and suddenly his heart soared. Ron was the first, and then Aria, and then Darcy whom he couldn't find the nerve to let go of. He was smiling, happy to see his friends, but then the rest of the lot began entering and Harry became confused. Wasn't he just to be side-by apparating with Mad-Eye? That had been the plan he had been told of, but nothing could compare to the relief he got being around his friends. "I'm so glad to see you." he breathed into Darcy's hair as he hugged onto her tight, managing to catch a quick look at Ron and Aria as they headed into the lounge.

"What's going on?" Harry asked, and Mad-Eye looked about. "Why is everyone here, I thought I would be apparating with you?" he inquired and soon Mad-Eye's gruff voice came from his throat.

"Plans changed Harry. Word has come that the MInistry has a few rats and with the trace still on you until, we can't risk the apparation." he explained. "So, the new plan is..." Moody went on to explain Harry's portion of the plan. How they would be flying to Tonks' parents house and how there would be a port key there for them to get to the Burrow. It seemed odd, 16 of them heading off to one area and if they were followed it could end badly.

"So we're all going to Tonks' parents house?" he inquired and Mad-Eye shook his head and waved about a familiar flask.

"Not all of us, Potter. There will be eight Potters, flying in pairs, to throw off any followers we might have." Mad-Eye explained and Harry shook his head furiously, moving away from Darcy.

"No, I won't let you." he said, and Mad-Eye shook his head. "Not like this. What if one of you get hurt because of this?"

"We just need a few hairs Harry." he said, but when Harry continued to refuse, Mad-Eye sighed. "Miss Frost, if you would please."

With a moment's notice Harry felt the stinging in the back of his head as his brunette friend walked up with a few strands of his hair and put them in the flask. "Aria, that hurt."

"Sorry, Harry," she apologized, "But it's the only way. We're all of age, we know the risks, we've all decided to take them. Just got to keep you safe." she told him, soon taking a step back as the flask bubbled.

"Alright then, fake Potters line up!" Moody barked and Aria stood between Darcy and Ron, looking to her friends as Harry's look changed quickly to one of worry and uncertainty.

Aria

Small touches. It was what Ron had been giving her since she arrived at the Burrow. She loved her friends, and she always felt something more for him, but she had to hide it. Especially at the Yule Ball when she accompanied Viktor Krum, when he was dating Lavender Brown, and even now she couldn't admit it. She just couldn't. She had told Darcy a few times, and Harry more than a few that she wondered how he could be so dense, but it seemed lately he had caught on. Or he was just realizing things himself. She just wasn't sure.

She rode on the back of a thestral with Kingsley. Thank goodness. She had gotten better with a broom, but riding thesetral back made her feel so much better. The hour passed on quickly and when they arrived at Privet Drive, her nerves got the best of her and when they were allowed in, she smacked Ron out of the way and hugged Harry. He was like her brother, despite the fact that she had three already, but he understood her more. She wouldn't trade her friends for the world, that much was certain, and the moment she released Darcy was there, and soon Ron was leading her into the lounge. More small touches. More zinging through her nerves. She couldn't help that though, he had that effect on her.

His comment caused her to nod. "I just hope it doesn't come down to pulling his hair out forcefully." she whispered back, and as it was explained, she let out a long sigh, and closed her eyes. Harry wasn't going to do this willingly was he? He was so stubborn, and she could hear Remus' comment about him being like his father. Much like he had made those comments times before when they had been discussing this matter. That was why Mad-Eye told her that if he didn't do it willingly she was to rip a few hairs from the back of his head. And it came to it.

Aria walked up and grabbed a few hairs and when he hissed at her she gave an apologetic look, but explained that they were all going to take the risk, and as they fell in line the nerves came up again. She was good with charms, she knew that, as Ron and Harry had said she was good at everything aside from Divination. She would have been top of the class this year and she still read a book a day and referred back to others and even still studied for NEWTs. Probably to keep her mind off of things more than anything. Soon the Polyjuice Potion came around and she peered into it before she took a sip of the nasty liquid. It was stronger than the one she had brewed their second year, that much was certain.

As the transformations came, she got slightly taller and soon took on his attributes, but her eye sight had dramatically changed and when they were told to get into matching clothes, she sighed. "Harry, your eyesight is truly awful." she commented.

[Ice]

DARCY

Standing in the lounge, they all grouped around and looked to Mad-Eye, Darcy still standing close to Harry, Aria and Ron. She swallowed and exchanged looks with her friends, knowing that the reaction was not going to be good. And she was right, Harry was defiant and refused to allow it to happen. But Mad-Eye wasn't having any of it, and on cue Aria pulled some of Harry's hairs loose and added them to the flask. Darcy pushed a hand through her hair and swallowed away her worries as she always did. She watched the potion bubble and watched the glasses being lined up. "I hate that stuff" She muttered, remembering in their second year when she took the appearance of a Slytherin student.
"What?" Keith asked as he looked to her, with a stern look in his eyes.
"What?" She repeated, trying to play innocent, although her brother could see right through her and he was about to tell her off, but she slipped away and took a glass of the potion. He was shaking his head at her as she lifted the glass to her mouth and swallowed it down. It tasted better than the Slytherin one, but not by much and the effects were still awful.

Her skin bubbled and moved, and her bones were moving. "Oh heck" She whispered as her shoulders started stretching and her curves were gone, the lean muscled torso of Harry replaced her own. Her blonde hair was vanishing and replaced by a scruffy top of black hair. She groaned at the discomfort and after a few horrid moments, there were eight Harry's in the lounge, all mismatched and two in girls clothing. Darcy blinked, then blinked again, was she blind? When Aria's voice announced about Harry's eyesight, Darcy remembered his poor vision. She was handed a pile of clothes and glasses, and she pushed them on and could now see. "Right all of you, change!" Barked Mad-Eye, and Darcy removed her clothes, and a whistle from the twins sounded in her direction.
"What?" Darcy asked and looking down, she realised she was in just a pink thong, and it wasn't doing well in covering Harry dignity. "Oh haha" She quipped and pulled on the clothes. Of course it had only been Harry's backside on open view to everyone else, she kept the front facing the wall.

Once they were dressed, and more orders were given, Keith called for Darcy and they all walked out. But Darcy quickly rounded Aria, Ron and Harry. The real Harry seemed to look at the house, and for just a moment it was the four of them again. "See you at the Burrow" Said Darcy, and she embraced them all tightly. She really did hope for a safe journey, she didn't know what would happen if someone got hurt. However, it should go all right, so the elders kept saying. Looking to the spitting images of the guy she loved, Darcy turned and walked over to Keith and mounted the back of the broom, taking out her wand. She took a deep breath and zipped up the jacket, looking to the dark nights sky. "Something's not right" She said to Keith.
"What do you mean?" He asked, as he kicked off and headed to the sky.
"I don't know... but something just doesn't feel right" She said to him, as she watched the Harry's and their protectors scatter off into the night, and the roar of the motorbike.

And in just a few moments time she was right. What looked like lightning pierced the sky. But as they were swallowed by the cloud, Darcy had only a moment to react. "PROTEGO MAXIMA!" She screamed, throwing her wand arm over her brothers shoulder, and a giant shield deflected the seven spells that shot at them. Her speciality was the shields, she had always been brilliant at protection spells and her shield charms were indestructible.

RON

He smirked at her comment, he knew it was coming to that. There was no way Harry was going to agree to this plan. And as if written, Harry protested, claiming he wasn't going to allow anyone to put themselves in harms way for him. "Not like we haven't done that before" Ron stated, looking straight at his friend. Harry still protested, right up until Aria pulled the hairs free from his head. She entered them into the flask and Ron watched it, his lip curling. He also did not like the taste of the stuff, but Crabbe tasted like crap. As he took his cup he side looked to Harry then to Aria, he offered her a look of revulsion before closing his eyes and drinking it. He gagged and coughed, and wiped his mouth on the back of his sleeve. "Pleasant" he muttered, and then the process begun, and his body was bubbling and twisting, shrinking and changing. Ron kept his eyes closed for the whole thing, he really thought if he watched the others change he might be sick.

And then it stopped, and opening his eyes he was startled to see seven other Potters standing about. "Right all of you change!" Ordered Mad-Eye, and Ron grabbed clothes. He changed quickly, although he did laugh at the sight of Harry's backside in a pink thong. As if it were still his body, sheepish Ron changed quickly and pulled on the jeans before anyone else. It felt odd to have glasses on his face, and his fingers fumbled to push them back up his nose. Once fully dressed, he pulled out his wand from his old clothes and listened to Mad-Eye babble on again. Ron kept looking about and then he caught the worried look on his Dad's face, and it pulled at his insides. Man he hoped it went all right.

As they stopped in the garden, Darcy grouped them together and he joined in a group hug. He clapped Harry on the back as they departed, squeezed Darcy's arm and then looked to Aria. "See you" He said to her. It was hard to get affectionate whilst looking at a carbon copy of Harry. Aria was so beautiful, but he knew her persona was still there. He locked eyes and then followed Tonks to the broom. He looked around, he cared for all the Potters, aside from Fleur and Dung, but he didn't want them hurt either. They were heading up and up into the cold air, and Ron gripped his wand tightly, ever on his guard. But everything soon went silent. "Ron... I..." Tonks began, but soon a spell shot past them and Ron only just missed the green jet. Ron turned round and his arm swung out, and he yelled "STUPEFY!" As he shot the hex at a Death Eater.

[BeautifullyxMad]

Harry

Watching everyone transform into a doppelganger of himself was a little unnerving, but seeing how little respect they had as they changed in front of each other put him a little bit on the angry side. Until he saw his own buttocks in a pink thong and his face immediately flushed and when he heard Darcy's voice it flushed more. Still, upon heading out to the motorbike that he would be riding in with Hagrid, his friends bid farewell, and he told them he would see them there. It was odd hugging himself, but he knew that they were just as stubborn as he was. The count down came and soon they were off, and they were attacked by Death Eaters, though Hagrid quickly took a turn off and Harry turned to him.

"We have to go back!" he shouted and Hagrid shook his head.

"Can't, we have to get to our port key, 'arry!" he shouted back, and of course they had Death Eaters on them as well, and another guest. Hedwig. Harry had released her before everyone had come, and now there she was, defending him as he helped defend the driving Hagrid. Things escalated quickly, but something caught his eye. A green stream had hit Hedwig. His eyes widened and he reached for her descending body, but he couldn't continue to do so. He could feel tears burning in his eyes, and soon things took a rough turn as more and more hexes came their way. Then they ceased and one dark cloud figure appeared. Voldemort and a curse was slew at him, but before he could react, Harry's wand did. It released it's own gold stream, and he watched only for a moment as things calmed slightly.

However, in the midst of it all, Hagrid had been knocked out and they crashed into a field and Harry could feel the wetness before things faded around him. The moment he came to, he saw a couple, and after a brief conversation, a stumbling Hagrid came and they arrived, via port key, at the Burrow. They were the first there, and Molly seemed frantic and worried, and once things started, they just flew by. Lupin's voice came from the outside as he half-carried, half-dragged an injured George into the Burrow and once he was situated on the couch, he pinned Harry against the wall.

"Are you mad?" he could hear Ginny's voice.

"When Harry Potter visited my office the first time at Hogwarts, what creature was there?" Lupin demanded and Harry looked at him, stunned.

"Are you mad?" he echoed Ginny's words.

"ANSWER!" Lupin again demanded.

"A-a grindylow." he answered, and Lupin released him.

"Sorry, we've been betrayed, I had to make sure you weren't a spy." he explained and soon more people appeared outside, and they rushed out. He searched for Ron, Aria, and Darcy first, and upon seeing Kingsley he looked past him and saw Aria there as well. One there, one relief.

Aria

Aria followed her friends out after they were finished changing. Her nerves weren't settled though, she had this feeling in the pit of her stomach that something was wrong, or was going to go terribly wrong. Still, Darcy's image of Harry came over and pulled the foursome together in a hug, and upon hearing that they would see each other at the Burrow she nodded. "Yeah." she spoke, and she looked to Rob briefly, before Kingsley escorted her to the thestral they were to ride. He helped her onto it, and the moment they took off, an ominous cloud came over head, and she quickly brought up her wand and when lightning struck near them, the thestral's natural instincts came in and reared them away from it. Aria had nearly fallen backwards, but Kingsley had grabbed hold of her arm and when the thestral calmed enough, he let go of it and she turned slightly to see a stream of Death Eaters on their trail.

Wordlessly, she sent jinxes their way, hitting a few, missing a few, but as they continued to move about, slewing their own spells, she became more aggressive. One was heading up dangerously close and she moved her wand. "Evanesco." she called, quietly and upon hitting the broom underneath the death eater, it evaporated, and she released her breath. She hadn't released she had been holding it, but soon she started slewing more spells, but finally they retracted and oddly enough, they landed. Kingsley helped her off the thestral and nodded.

"Fine work, Miss Frost." he complimented as they headed up to their port key. She could see her skin bubbling back to normal, and just when she and Kingsley got hold of the port key, she knew she was herself again, he hair whipping about when she let go of the port key. They landed before the burrow, and it didn't seem like too many others were back, but Lupin came out, and Kingsley walked up ahead of her, his wand out. They exchanged words and Aria looked past to see Harry, the real one she assumed, but another noise caught her ears, and the sight of Tonks and a transforming Harry came into her eyes.

"Ron." she whispered and she ran over and threw her arms around him, hugging him. Two of her friends were there, but where was Darcy? Still, Ron's arms gave her enough support to know she was okay, that they would be okay.

"Deserves it, that one. I wouldn't standing here if not for him." Tonks said, and Aria looked back to her and then at Ron.

"Really?" she breathed before removing the set of Harry's glasses from his face, and hugging him again.

[Ice]

DARCY

Darcy's arm burned, and her joints ached, but she kept slashing it through the air. Keith too shot spells and hexes, but he had to concentrate on the broom. They were insight of Mad-Eye and Dung, and she caught sight of something. She stopped for a moment and then her eyes rounded. "NO!" She screamed as she watched Dung vanish and a jet of green light hit Mad-Eye in the back. "NO!" She screamed again and swung her hand through the air, a violent purple jet knocking the death eater from his broom and sending him to his death also. "Keith... We need to find him!" She called over the wind, not noticing the cut she had on her head which was bleeding rather furiously.
"No..." Keith said, although he was gutted by the death of Mad-Eye. Mad-Eye had been his mentor, and he idolised the hero. Darcy slumped back shaking her head, refusing to allow tears to spill. It was then that she just caught sight of the oncoming attacker, and Darcy once again sprung into action. She swung her wand and her silent spell hit the man straight in the chest, sending him from his broom. She tried not to think of the fact that she had killed four death eaters, she hated the thought of being a murderer.

They made it to their destination, but according to Keith they were behind schedule and had missed the port key, the fizzy drinks can was no longer active. "We'll have to apperate and walk the rest" Keith informed, taking a firm hand of Darcy's arm and turning on the spot. She hardly had a chance to think before she was in that tube, it was such an odd sensation. And soon they landed in the back fields, a twenty minute walk to the Burrow. But the Burrow was so surrounded by security charms and spells, if you apparated within a mile of it you would suffer. Darcy was cold and her head burned, but she walked quickly with Keith, her wand in hand. They covered ground quickly, and soon walked through the charms as Keith was part of the secret keepers.

"Oh thank Merlin for that!" Darcy heard, and Tonks whipped back inside and Darcy guessed she informed everyone that they had arrived. They were really behind schedule but the death of Mad-Eye really set them back. As Darcy walked in, she was frozen, exhausted and the cut was still bleeding a little. Kingsley stuck his wand to Keith, and Darcy jumped to the defensive straight away. But it was a security measure, and when the pair separated she sighed. She then turned and looked to them all as Keith and Kingsley started talking. She swallowed hard and looked up, she couldn't seem to see Ron, Aria and Harry. "Mad-Eye's dead" Darcy informed, pushing a hand through her hair. "Dung... Dung apparated... left Mad-Eye open..." She said, and when she heard a noise behind her she saw Aria, Ron and Harry walk in. Darcy sighed and her shoulders dropped, and she rushed straight over to all three of them, and she hugged them all.

RON

The fight was hard, and without Aria, Darcy and Harry, he didn't feel so confident. However, he acted instinctively and it seemed to work in his favour, and that of Tonks too. Whilst her head was turned, a Death Eater sent a hex straight at her head. "PROTEGO!" Roared Ron, and the hex bounced off, an inch away from her head.
"Nice one, Ron!" She called out, as that sent the last of them away from them. "We're near our Port Key... ready to run!" She ordered him, and Ron nodded, still in awe that something actually worked. He had produced a shield charm, a real one that had worked! Now really wasn't the time for this. He swallowed and soon noticed how cold he was and his hand was like ice around his wand. When their feet touched the floor, he ran with Tonks and their hands clamped onto the Port Key, and began spinning away from the ground, just as a hex burst the broom into flames. They were flying painfully through the air, and landed in a heap in the ground of the Burrow, Ron now looking like Ron in clothes too short for him.

As he got to his feet, he was soon engulfed in arms and he smiled, and he wrapped his arms around Aria, breathing her in. She was safe, she was alive, he had really never been happier to see her. Tonks praised him, and when Aria asked really, Ron looked at her. "Always the tone of surprise" he said with a light smile. "Are we the last back?" He asked, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Mad-Eye, Dung, Keith and Darcy still haven't returned" Informed Ginny, before informing him of what had happened to George. Ron ran in and checked on his brother, but the twin was still the same, cracking jokes. As he looked around, it was true that they weren't here, and he looked to Aria and Harry.
"I'm sure she'll be fine, Darcy can handle anything" Ron said, although there was no way he could hide the doubt in his voice. The house seemed so crowded "Lets wait outside for her" he said, and the threesome walked back out into the cool air. Although it was summer, the temperature had dropped, as if the weather knew just what shit the world was in. He removed the jacket he wore and tied it around Aria's shoulders, and the three of them paced the garden in silence.

They walked about the garden, and Ron had his arm around Aria. He didn't mention it, but twenty minutes had passed since the Port Keys had lapsed. He was trying his hardest not to think the worst. He was not sure if they could take losing someone, and the very thought made him tighten his arm around Aria's shoulders as he looked back to the skies. They all seemed so intent on scanning the area, they seemed to have missed the arrival. It was only when he heard "HEY!" In Darcy's familiar tone that he looked to them all. Collectively they ran back to the kitchen, and stumbled through the door. When the blonde turned, relief washed over him and he embraced her return, although she looked exhausted and covered in blood.
"Where's Mad-Eye?" Ron asked, looking round for the grizzly man, expecting him to sound off for their late return or something.
"Dead" Darcy informed them. "Dung bailed, Mad-Eye got hit in the back" She informed them and Ron's shoulders dropped. No way. Mad-Eye was indestructible Just like... Dumbledore.

[BeautifullyxMad]

Harry

Harry watched as people continued to arrive at the Burrow, but before long he walked over and brought Ron and Aria into his arms. However, he could feel the worry about them when Darcy still hadn't returned. When Ronald went inside to check on George, leaving Aria with him, he brought his arms around her and walked in with her, slowly and shaking his head. "She'll be alright, Harry." her voice came and he looked to Aria. "Darcy's a tough witch, she'll come through it. Just got to believe." she assured him, rubbing his shoulder and he nodded to her as they headed inside. That still didn't bring the worry out of him, and soon he, Ron, and Aria were out in the cold, waiting for Darcy. He knew the port keys couldn't have been open that long, and looked over to them.

He looked down. There were four still missing, and Darcy being one of them scared the living daylights out of Harry. He didn't know what he would do without her, or any of his friends, but Darcy had been there for him. When Sirius died... When Dumbledore died... Whenever anything happened, and she had been there for him, holding herself up and together. He could recall all the good times with his friends now, and he hoped that the good memories would be enough to bring him solace. He saw the look on Aria's face, she was worried too, and so was Ron. He had to admit it was nice seeing the two so close after the last year. It wasn't normal to see them at each other's throats... Or at least not at each other's throats daily when he was with Lavender. He and Darcy had noticed the attraction long before hand, and now it was finally moving about.

Then a familiar voice filled his ears and he stood frozen a moment before he ran over and hugged Darcy, tightly. "Thank goodness you're here." he whispered, but upon hearing that Mad-Eye was dead he wanted to cry. First Hedwig and now Mad-Eye... Mad-Eye was about the toughest wizard he knew and he was dead. He didn't want to believe it, but he stood there, almost numb. It wasn't long after that he felt Aria move him away and he stood beside wrong. "Damn Mundungus." he mumbled.

Aria

Aria had felt herself try to chuckle when Ron spoke to her about her tone, but she was too engulfed in the security he was giving off, and not long after that, Harry had enveloped the pair and Ron went in to check on George. She stayed behind with Harry a moment and told him that Darcy would be okay before they headed in, and she looked over George as he gave a feeble joke. She smiled, sadly. At least he was just injured. Most of them were pretty cut up, and she felt a bit ill from the events of the night, but she came over it, and soon she was heading out with Harry and Ron to wait on Darcy.

When Ron wrapped his jacket around her, she looked up at him and gave a small smile. "Thanks." she whispered, an involuntary shiver coming over her as they walked about. Soon Ron's arm was over her and she looked over to Harry. "Harry, she'll be alright." she assured him, "It's Darcy." she repeated herself, but he didn't seem to be there at all, and when the blonde's voice came, her heart came back from her stomach and after Ron hugged her, she hugged her and soon Harry did. But the news she delivered caused Aria to clamp her hand over her mouth and bite back tears. "Oh Merlin..." she whispered, but she looked Darcy over again and saw the cut on her head. She had practiced a few minor healing charms, just in case, and this was one of the few things she could heal enough to keep it from bleeding all over her friend.

She gently moved Harry out of the way and brought he wand to Darcy's head. The wound closed a bit, but not fully and the blood seemed to have slowed. Unless it was just her eyes still readjusted. "There." she whispered to her friend before she saw Harry hug her again. His eyes were red and a small trail of tears came out of his eyes, and Aria backed away from the two and looked to Ron, still trying to fight back her own. "We... We need to be heading in." she said, her voice cracking slightly. Mad-Eye had been someone she looked up to because of his strength and knowledge. He was a bit off, sure, but wouldn't someone be if they went through what he had?

[Ice]

DARCY

Time passed and the house was far from settled. Whilst Mrs Weasley insisted upon everyone going for sleep, it didn't really work that way. Darcy and Aria had not stuck to the room which had been given to her and which they always shared (Percy's old bedroom). They had stayed there until they were sure Mrs Weasley was not outside listening. Darcy had washed her face, thanked Aria for cleaning her up once again. She had changed from the provided clothes into something a lot more simple and comfortable, before looking to Aria and the pair snuck up the winding staircase and into the room in which Ron and Harry always shared. Once inside, Darcy cast all sorts of charms over the door that allowed the girls and boys to have their secrecy. Darcy also cast a small floating fire in which she rubbed her hands and for a time, they talked and discussed, until they fell asleep, Darcy falling into a really deep slumber.

However, she awoke when she heard the creak of the stairs outside, and rolling onto her side she noticed that Harry had gone. Sitting up, she saw Ron and Aria, who had fallen asleep whilst holding hands and curled into each other. For a moment she smiled, but when she looked to see Harry had gone and his wand was also missing. Darcy quickly pulled on her slipper boots and she jumped up, grabbing her own wand. Where on earth was he going? Darcy exited the bedroom and rushed downstairs, trying to be quiet but the house was so old and creaky she could hardly help but make a little noise. She heard the back door open and close, and worry struck her as she ran from the stairs and through the house. Darcy kept a firm hold on her wand and she opened the back door. Dressed only in a grey, off the shoulder thick jumper, pink checked pyjama bottoms and her slipper boots, the cold air made its impact on her. But she paid it no mind, and she quickly saw Harry.

"Hey!" Called out Darcy, rushing after him and she flicked her wand up so that he walked straight into one of her shield walls. "Harry" Darcy said as she walked over, shivering a little in the cold but ignoring it. She kind of saw this coming, him running off intending to do this alone, it was his idea of protecting people. "What are you doing?" she asked as she stopped before him, tilting her face up to him. As he opened his mouth to answer she held up her hand "And don't even think about saying you are doing this alone" She almost snapped. "Harry, this isn't just your fight... We're all too involved now... I am too involved..." She added, her icy hand gripping a hold of his own and pulling him back from the invisible barrier. "This... everything that is going on is a lot bigger than you, and you've still got the trace on you" She added, trying to get him to see that to leave on his own would be insane.

RON

When the girls came in they discussed, and talked, and Ron they all came to the truth that they had been betrayed by someone. "Bet it was Snape" Was Ron's constant answer. He wanted, needed someone to blame it on and Snape was the obvious choice. Ron had never liked him, and now that the bastard was responsible for the death of Dumbledore, he would be to blame for everything. When everyone started sleeping, Ron lay on his side and offered the majority of his blanket to Aria. He was the first to sleep, as was often the case. In his sleep his arm had moved over her and his hand had taken hers, and that was how they rested. It was instinctive, he wasn't aware that he had done so, but his inner concious acted so. Ron loved Aria, and he wanted to keep her safe. Ever since the end of their first year, he knew he loved her.

He woke up when he heard the door go, and looking up he saw that Harry's bed was empty. Panic flooded him, as he noticed Darcy was gone too. He looked to see Aria was really curled into him and he smiled for a moment, before he pushed himself up and looked out of his small window. He could not hear nor see what was going on down there, but he saw Darcy pull Harry back into the garden. Was Harry trying to leave? Why? "Aria!" Whispered Ron, gently shaking her awake. As he looked out the window he saw that Harry also had his back pack with him, and it was very clear to see now that Harry seemed intent on leaving. And guessing by her attire, Darcy was trying to stop him. He felt annoyance at Harry, he wouldn't last five minutes without them, without Aria's brilliance and Darcy's protection.

The wedding was happening the day after tomorrow, and they planned to leave the day after the Wedding. All of them. Together. Over their six years at school, the four of them had been to hell and back and through more than anyone could bare. They had been broken apart, almost killed, but they always ended up coming out together. Ron sighed and he no longer watched, feeling a little betrayed. He looked back to Aria but looked away as she caught his gaze. He blushed, but the pale light could not really show this, for which he was grateful. As Darcy and Harry made their way back inside, Ron looked to Aria. "Maybe it's best if he doesn't know we saw that" He suggested, the last thing they needed was an argument or any form of friction amongst the group. So Ron climbed back onto his squishy bed and as Aria lay down, he wrapped his arm around her, much more awkwardly now he was aware of it, and he pretended to be asleep when Darcy and Harry returned to the room.

[BeautifullyxMad]

Harry

The night had been far too unnerving for him, and memories came rushing back to him, and no matter how unwillingly so, they still did. Dumbledore's body falling from the Astronomy tower, Sirius falling behind the veil, Hedwig being shot out of the sky, and he couldn't bear to think on what happened to Mad-Eye. He sat there, discussing things with his friends as Aria scribbled things down on a piece of paper. No doubt things that they would need for their journey. Harry had already decided one thing though. He was going to leave without them because he couldn't bear for one of them to get hurt or worse. They had already been hurt, Darcy having a cut on her forehead that Aria had partially healed and George was now missing an ear. Things were getting too dangerous. He couldn't risk them anymore, and once he was sure they were asleep, he quietly packed his things into his rucksack and headed down the stairs, quietly.

He had made it outside and was about to continue on his way when he smacked into an invisible barrier and Darcy's voice came. What was he doing? She had asked and he looked at her. "I can't keep letting you guys put yourselves in danger for me. I'm going to do this alone." But yet again, he was defeated as Darcy had made validated points. The trace wouldn't be off of him until after the bloody wedding. It was ridiculous to have on given the circumstances, but he looked at her, carefully. He didn't understand why they were so willing to put themselves into danger for him, but as Darcy had said it was much bigger than just him. He nodded to her and as they headed back inside he thought.

Ron and Aria were like his brother and sister, and often times he and Ron fought as such. However, Ron was an essential part to the group and Harry wasn't sure if he could do this without him there. Aria had always been so sisterly to him, even when they first met, that he wondered what he would do without her. She was so smart and clever that he wondered what any of them would do without her. Except Darcy. She was a protective lioness and when Harry had met her, there had been something there. It felt like it was instant, but over time he had made his mistakes and he had come to terms with them, but he knew that Darcy was the only person that he cared for in such a manner. She wasn't like a sister to him, she meant more to him than a lot of people. She was more than just his best friend, and he would give his life to keep her safe. He already had a feeling it would be the end of him trying to help save the Wizarding world, but for her he would have done anything.

Before they got inside, Harry sat his rucksack down and took off his jacket and placed it over her. "There, you're shivering." he patted her shoulder, gently.

Aria

Aria's mind was a mess the rest of the night. Trying to sleep had failed, and after washing up a little and changing into her pajamas, Aria and Darcy waited. And the moment Mrs. Weasley wasn't listening they were off upstairs. Discussing things, trying to figure out who the rat was. Ron had been suggesting Snape, but there was no way he could have possibly known that they were moving Harry that night. She didn't argue though, she knew it was almost pointless to do so, so she sat with a piece of parchment and as things came to mind, she wrote them down. She had some essentials packed in her bag already, but there were things, other things anyway, that would have to wait. Like Harry's rucksack, some more of Darcy's things, more of Ron's things, and the remainder of her own. Not to mention that she would need other things to help keep them going. The tent would be one, she just had to find time throughout the busy day tomorrow to shove it in the small bag.

Then, surely enough, she was fast asleep, curled into Ron. It was almost like the their last night at Hogwarts, but calmer. Slightly anyway. She had no idea what was going on, but when Ron's hand presented itself near hers, she had grabbed hold of it in her sleep. She could feel someone gently shaking her not long after, and she looked around the room and noticed it had been Ron. She saw where his line of sight was and when she saw Harry and his rucksack heading away, she was glad Darcy was down there to stop him. Tears came into her eyes soon though. Harry really hadn't realized what all of them were giving up to do this, did he? She had no one left to go to but her friends now, and her family didn't know who she was. It still pained her to think about it, but she nodded to Ron and quickly fell back into his side.

The tears, however, didn't leave her. They burned in her eyes and she quickly turned and buried her head into Ron's chest. Trying to get them to go away. "Maybe that is best... But..." she whispered, her voice cracking slightly. "How can he not take into consideration what all of us are doing for this too?" her lips curled back and tried, desperately to get the tears to just go away, but they weren't and she swallowed hard. She could hear the door open and tried to be quiet, but somehow she knew that she couldn't stay quiet for long. In all their years together was Harry really so dense as to what their bond was. What it meant? They had all gone through so much together and they weren't going to leave each other, especially not now.

[Ice]

DARCY

When Harry tried to justify, she really didn't have the patience to listen. But snapping at him would only add fuel to the fire so she tried to keep herself calm. But he admitted defeat and walked back to the home, and Darcy relaxed a little. He was right in a way. Darcy would die defending him, as she would for Aria, Ron and Keith. She had always been the protective one, and she cared deeply for her friends. How would Ron and Aria react if they knew he had tried to flee? Would they see it as him trying to keep them safe? Ron had an infamously explosive temper and would probably make it worse. But this would probably break Aria's heart. She had erased herself from her family, she was alone apart from who was in the house. Would this add to her heartache? Darcy wouldn't tell her, this could all remain quiet, as if it hadn't happened. Sighed and with Harry's hand in her own they walked back into the house, back to the Burrow. But the cold had really settled in, and she hadn't realised just how much she was shivering until he placed his jacket on her shoulders. "Thanks" She added, placing his bag under arm with the intention to give it to Aria.

They went back to the room and Darcy could see Aria's tears in the pale light. She hid the view from sight and directed Harry back to bed, and kicking off her boots she climbed into bed. Sighing, she pushed Harry's arm up and she turned into him. There was nothing else to be said, so she kept quiet, and it took her forever to sleep. But she spent the night beneath his arm with her head against his chest, her own arm over his side and his hand upon his back, as if to make sure he would not vanish again.

They spent the next day busy as hell, rushing about for the Wedding. Mrs Weasley was on the edge, and everyone did as they were told to avoid a scalding. Darcy and Aria helped with the food preparations, and then napkin folding. Looking out of the window, Darcy saw the boys setting up the marque and she looked to Harry, and sighing she looked down to see she hadn't been paying attention and that the napkins were now being folded into monkey's as opposed to swans. She really couldn't concentrate, and when Mrs Weasley left, Darcy looked to Aria. As they hadn't really had a chance to be alone, she hadn't been able to talk with her. "You okay?" Asked Darcy, flattening out the monkey shapes then placing a hand on top of her friends.

RON

He tried to soothe her and calm her, and he felt a little angry at Harry once more. Ron's hand rubbed her back, and he held her a little tighter and closed his eyes. He heard the sag of the mattress, and then the night was still once more. No words where said, and no more attempts to leave made. Eventually Aria calmed but Ron kept a hold of her. He closed his eyes and leaned his cheek against her head, and once again sleep took him. His dreams were restless though and he turned a lot, and in truth he was glad when morning came. Although his happiness was short lived, as his mum seemed to have planned an endless list of duties for them all.

"You know... if I ever get married... It will be the most basic... Wedding..." Ron said, as he and the rest of the men set about preparing the garden for the wedding. It was starting to look grotesque and girly, just the sort of thing that Ron didn't like. Lights, a marque, tables, fairies, candles, silver and crystal... eugh. It was like that bloody Yule Bule all over again. He hadn't liked that affair, mostly cause Aria went with Krum. He looked to the kitchen and saw the brunette, and that gentle expression spread across his face, one he only got when he looked at her. She would no doubt look lovely, he was glad he had a new suit to wear. Those dress robes were awful, they smelt about a thousand years old too. He sighed and moved to clear the bushes of Gnomes, a chance to talk to Harry alone. He was still annoyed about last night, and knew Aria was still a little upset.

"So" Ron said, unsure of what else to say. How could he approach the subject or get him to admit about last night, because he wanted to know. "You and Darcy eh?" He asked. Yeah, that may work. "I woke up and saw your bed was empty" He added. How would Harry react to that one? Ron picked up a Gnome and he swung it round and round his head before releasing it, and sending it flying through the air, where it landed all confused in the field. Ron smirked, oh Gnomes really were quite funny little blighters.