Shadows of the Manor

Days later, the three of them sat in the Burrow, drinking tea and trying to make sense of it.

“So,” Draco said, swirling his cup, “your house tried to eat us, Potter.”

Harry smirked. “You’re welcome to stay over again anytime.”

Hermione looked out the window. “It’s over. Alaric’s gone. But…”

“But what?” Harry asked.

She hesitated.

“…magic like that doesn’t just end,” she said softly. “It echoes.”

Far beneath the earth, a small black thorn twitched. Waiting….